Plants

The Secret to Luscious, Sustainable Tomatoes: My Garden’s Journey You know, sometimes I think my garden is a lot like the business world – full of trends, challenges, and the occasional unexpected boom. Right now, in my little patch, it’s all about the tomatoes. Every season, I marvel at how these vibrant beauties keep me coming back, learning new tricks, and celebrating every success. It’s a bit like watching a brilliant product capture everyone’s attention, only these “products” are juicy, sun-ripened heirlooms. ...

Blooming Brilliance: My Journey with Australian Native Flowers (Hey there, fellow garden enthusiasts! Emma Chen here.) You know, sometimes I just stand in my garden, cup of tea in hand, and marvel at it all. It’s not just the colours or the scents, it’s the sheer resilience and uniqueness of these plants. Especially the Australian natives. I mean, we live in a country with such incredibly diverse landscapes, from the rugged outback to lush rainforests, and our flora is a huge part of that magic. ...

Gardens of the Year 2026: Celebrating a Decade of Green Inspiration! Ah, spring! That magical time when the earth finally stirs after its winter slumber, and my garden begins to whisper promises of new life. It’s a feeling I chase every year, that flutter of anticipation as the first tiny green shoots push through the soil. This year, though, there’s an extra buzz in the air, and it’s got me thinking about inspiration. Our beloved “Gardens of the Year” competition is hitting a big milestone – ten years! And to celebrate, we’re not just looking back, we’re inviting you to help pick the absolute “Best of the Best” from all the past winners. How exciting is that? ...

My Shed is Overflowing: What to Sell, What to Donate, and What’s Just Not Worth the Digging Oh, the joy of a good declutter! It’s like spring cleaning for your soul, isn’t it? You finally tackle that corner of the garage that’s been whispering threats for years, or that attic space that’s become a time capsule of forgotten dreams. I’ve been there, staring at boxes overflowing with… well, stuff. And just like tending to a garden that’s gotten a bit overgrown, the biggest challenge isn’t always the initial pruning; it’s deciding what to do with all those removed bits and pieces. ...

Goodbye, Nosy Neighbours: My Secret to a Private Garden (That’s Actually a Garden!) You know that feeling, right? When you’re out enjoying your garden, maybe sipping a cuppa or wrestling with a particularly stubborn weed, and you just… feel eyes on you. Yep, the dreaded nosy neighbour stare. I’ve been there! For years, my go-to solution was a hedge. It seemed like the obvious answer, the classic privacy barrier. But let me tell you, after 8+ years of digging, pruning, and occasionally wrestling with prickly bits, I’ve learned a thing or two about what really works. ...

My Garden is Buzzing with Ants – And That’s a Good Thing! Oh, the ants! If you’re anything like me, seeing those tiny, determined trails marching across your garden beds right now might send a shiver of dread down your spine. Especially after a toasty summer, it feels like they’ve decided my little patch of green is the hottest real estate in town. I’ve seen them everywhere – forming little highways on the patio, building miniature mountains in my petunia pots, and generally swarming around my precious plants. My first, almost primal, instinct? Grab the bug spray! ...

Beyond the Boring Box: My Top 3 Native Screening Plants That Outshine Any Hedge You know that feeling? You’re sitting in your garden, enjoying a quiet morning coffee, and then… your neighbor decides to have a lively BBQ, or a delivery truck parks right in your line of sight. Privacy, it seems, is a precious commodity these days. For years, the go-to solution has been the humble hedge. And yes, a well-maintained hedge can be lovely. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels a bit… expected. A bit like wearing the same outfit to every party. ...

Hello fellow green thumbs! Emma Chen here, dusting off the potting soil and ready to chat about something that’s been on my mind lately, especially as the seasons start to shift. You know how it is – you’ve got your go-to spots for inspiration, those trusty resources you rely on for everything from coaxing a stubborn seedling to sprout to tackling a tricky landscaping design. For me, Better Homes & Gardens has always been one of those anchors. Whether I’m dreaming up new recipes for the harvest or trying to figure out why my tomatoes are looking a bit lackluster (a tale for another day!), they’ve always had something helpful. ...

The Sneaky Green Menace: Why You Need to Stop Bindweed in Its Tracks, Now! Ah, spring. That glorious time when the world shakes off its winter slumber, and our gardens burst back to life. The birds are singing, the days are longer, and – gulp – the bindweed is emerging from its subterranean slumber, ready to wage war on our carefully cultivated beds. As Emma Chen, an industry analyst who also happens to be a hopelessly devoted gardener, I’m here to tell you: don’t let it win! ...

The Secret to Effortless Harvests: My Favorite Air Fryers for Taking the Hassle Out of Mealtime You know, sometimes I feel like my kitchen is a lot like my garden. It thrives on intention, a bit of planning, and the right tools. Just like I wouldn’t try to tackle a stubborn weed with a flimsy trowel, I’ve learned that equipping yourself with the right kitchen gadgets can make all the difference between a joyful cooking experience and a chore. And lately, I’ve been finding that the humble air fryer is becoming my secret weapon, much like a well-placed trellis can support a climbing bean. ...