A balcony can become far more than a place for a chair and a clothes airer. With the right arrangement, even a narrow apartment deck can hold herbs, flowering…
A rain barrel is one of the simplest ways to make better use of rainfall around an Australian home. Positioned beneath a roof downpipe, it collects water that…
Replacing part of a lawn with a wildflower meadow can bring colour, texture and useful habitat into an ordinary Australian garden. A small patch beside a path,…
Leaf mould is a simple soil conditioner made from fallen leaves that have decomposed slowly in damp, airy conditions. Unlike hot compost, it does not require…
A narrow side yard can be one of the hardest parts of a home garden to plant. It may receive only a few hours of sun, collect heat beside a masonry wall, or…
Ornamental grasses bring movement, texture and year-round structure to Australian gardens. Their fine leaves soften paving, screen outdoor areas and add…
Climbing beans are among the most rewarding plants for an Australian backyard. They grow quickly, produce heavily in warm weather, and make good use of…
A backyard canopy can become a comfortable outdoor room with the right lighting. Whether it is a shade sail over a patio, a timber pergola, a gazebo near the…
A butterfly puddling station is a small, shallow area where butterflies can drink damp mineral-rich water. It is easy to build in a garden, courtyard or…
A bare-root hedge is one of the most economical ways to create privacy, shelter and structure in an Australian garden. The plants arrive dormant, with soil…