Garden

The Magic of Bringing the Bush Home: Kath Gadd’s Native Garden Wisdom Oh, how I love this time of year! The air is just starting to hum with life, the garden is bursting with new growth, and I’m already dreaming of the buzzing bees and flitting birds that will grace my little patch. It’s moments like these that I’m reminded of why I fell in love with gardening in the first place. And speaking of falling in love with gardens, I recently stumbled upon some absolute gold from landscape designer Kath Gadd. She was showing Charlie Albone around one of her creations, and honestly, it made my heart sing. ...

Hello fellow garden enthusiasts! Emma Chen here. You know, it’s funny how sometimes the most exotic-looking plants turn out to be surprisingly down-to-earth. That’s exactly how I feel about dragon fruit, or pitaya, as some of you might know it. For ages, I’d only seen these vibrant, alien-like fruits in fancy fruit salads or imported from far-flung places. But then, a few years back, I decided to give growing them a go in my own patch. And let me tell you, it’s been a journey filled with sunshine, a little bit of guesswork, and a whole lot of rewarding deliciousness! ...

Oh, Agapanthus! You beautiful, blue-flowered menace. If you’re in Australia, chances are you’ve encountered them. They look so innocent, don’t they? That gorgeous cascade of purple or white blooms, like little starry fireworks. And for a long time, I thought they were just another lovely addition to the Aussie garden. Easy to grow? Check. Low maintenance? Double-check. But then, the “spreads like wildfire” part kicks in, and suddenly, you’re in a battle. Some councils are even calling them a noxious weed! And let me tell you, getting rid of them is a whole other ballgame. ...

Oh, My Tomatoes! Why Are Those Leaves Turning Yellow? (And What to Do About It!) You know that feeling? You’ve nurtured your tomato seedlings, celebrated their first blossoms, and are eagerly anticipating those juicy, sun-ripened fruits. Then, you spot it – a telltale splash of yellow on your once-vibrant green leaves. My heart sinks a little every time it happens, too. It’s like a little alarm bell going off, signaling that something isn’t quite right in your tomato patch. ...

The Agapanthus Enigma: How to Bid Farewell, Permanently Ah, agapanthus. Those glorious bursts of purple and white, gracing gardens across Australia with their cheerful presence. I remember the first time I saw them in full bloom, a sea of colour cascading down a hillside. It was pure magic, and like many, I was instantly smitten. Easy to grow, drought-resistant, and utterly beautiful – what’s not to love? Well, as many seasoned gardeners will tell you, that “easy to grow” bit can become a double-edged sword. In my own garden, I learned this the hard way. What started as a few strategically placed plants to add a splash of colour to a tricky corner has, over the years, become a gentle but persistent invasion. They’re beautiful, yes, but they’re also tenacious. Some councils even classify them as a noxious weed, and frankly, after battling them at the edges of my flowerbeds, I understand why. Getting rid of them, though, is a whole different ball game. It’s not just about pulling a few weeds; it’s about a strategic, determined campaign. ...

Tired of the Mow-Dough? How Robot Lawn Mowers Can Reclaim Your Weekend Oh, the sheer joy of a perfectly manicured lawn. It’s something I’ve always strived for in my own little corner of the world. There’s a certain peace that comes from the rhythmic hum of the mower, the smell of freshly cut grass… and then there’s the reality of it. As much as I love my garden, finding the time to keep the lawn looking its best can feel like an Olympic sport. Between coaxing my heirloom tomatoes to ripen, battling aphids on the roses, and just trying to keep up with life’s general whirlwind, the lawn often gets relegated to the “maybe next weekend” pile. ...

Hey fellow green-thumbers! Emma Chen here. I’m not going to lie, I’ve absolutely been that person who slows down when driving past a particularly lush, emerald green lawn, a little pang of “wow, how do they do that?” hitting me. Lawn envy is a real, potent force in the gardening world! For years, I told myself my analytical brain was too busy with industry reports to fuss over grass. But then, I caught the bug. And let me tell you, transforming a patchy, struggling lawn into something truly beautiful is incredibly rewarding. ...

As a gardener, you learn to pay attention to everything happening in your patch. The soil, the light, the way the tomatoes are ripening, and, yes, the chatter and flutter of the local birdlife. You quickly realize that your garden isn’t just a collection of plants; it’s a living, breathing ecosystem. And sometimes, that ecosystem presents you with a puzzle. A Feathered Fiasco in My Backyard: Navigating the Birdy Business Last season, I was out tending to my grevilleas – you know, those stunning native beauties that just scream “bird magnet” – when I noticed a bit of a ruckus. Two very similar-looking birds were going at it, chasing each other from one bottlebrush to the next. For years, I’d casually called them all “mynas,” but something about this interaction made me pause. Were they really the same? And why did one seem so much more… aggressive? ...

My Garden’s Quiet Achiever: Why This Understated Aussie Deserves Its Moment in the Sun There’s a particular kind of plant in every garden, isn’t there? The one that’s not flashy, doesn’t demand attention with vibrant blooms or exotic foliage, but quietly, consistently, does its job. It’s resilient, beautiful in its own unique way, and utterly dependable. In my own little patch, I’ve got a couple of native grevilleas that fit this description – they just are. And after years of nurturing various flora, I’ve come to believe these quiet achievers deserve our deepest appreciation. ...

Buzzing with Life: My Journey to Helping Australian Native Bees Thrive Hello fellow gardeners! Emma Chen here, and while my weekdays are often spent dissecting market trends and forecasting industry shifts, my weekends—and frankly, many a sunrise—find me with dirt under my nails, communing with my green companions. There’s something deeply grounding about nurturing life, isn’t there? Lately, my focus has shifted beyond just growing beautiful plants to creating a sanctuary for some of Australia’s most vital, yet often overlooked, residents: our native bees. ...