Australian Plants

With Olympic fever in the air, it’s hard not to get a little wrapped up in the patriotism of a nation winning gold. It makes me proud to be an Aussie when I see the winners up on the podium receiving their medals. Now, I’m not a swimmer or runner and I can’t throw a...

How to Green Clean Your Oven

I had to replace the electronic ignition on my gas oven today and when the repairman came out and saw that my oven was 12 years old, he was astounded that I hadn’t had someone out before now. “People with ovens this old have usually replaced the ignition maybe 2 or 3...

Garden competitions: Help or Hindrance?

I cringed recently as I drove by a sign near my house announcing that it was time again for this year’s garden competition. Perhaps it’s due to the visits I’ve had to some extravagant gardens that seem beyond the reach of the normal gardener … or maybe I just...

The Passion and The Professor

“Those who think they have no time for healthy eating, will sooner or later have to find time for illness.” – Edward Stanley The quote is coming from the self-confessed “half man-half hedge”, Costa Geordiadis, presenter of ABC’s Gardening Australia program. I’m...

Compost, Mulches & Soil Conditioners: What are you really getting?

How many times have you gone to the nursery wanting to buy something to improve your soil (because that’s what they tell you to do before planting anything) and only come away more confused than before you went in? There seems to be dozens of bags to choose from:...