gardening

Good tools make for good work, especially when it comes to pruning or cutting plants. Having a selection of sharp tools at your disposal means you can tackle a range of branch sizes and heights, and takes a lot of the stress out of this regular and essential maintenance task. When you select cutting tools such as secateurs and pruning...

In the past, there was a firm belief that if you wanted to grow Australian native plants, you had to have a completely native garden. This was partly due environmental beliefs, partly aesthetic and partly because native plants were considered to have special growing requirements which didn’t mix well with other garden plants. Well, times have changed. Australian native plants...

Hedges are often taken for granted  - but with a little bit of care and attention, they add a lush and lovely element to the garden. Hedges create shelter and privacy while also acting as a backdrop for other plantings - but proper hedge maintenance is essential for their ongoing survival. The best plant choices are dense, evergreen shrubs with...

Autumn, while soils are still warm but conditions are becoming milder after the heat and humidity of summer, is an important time to look after the lawn. After a hot, dry summer, lawns may be brown with areas of bare soil. If the summer has been wet and humid, lawns may remain lush and green but can have problematic weed...

Any experienced gardener will tell you that it’s all about the soil. But what does that mean? Soil provides air, moisture, nutrients and anchorage for our plants, all of which are needed to make them flourish. The better the soil is adapted to plant roots, the better the growth. Not many soils are ideal for growing productive plants without a...

The October long weekend is ideal for getting things done around the house and garden - that extra day seems to do us a world of good. But when you've got a lot to do, where do you start? We've broken it down into easy chunks - so whether you have five minutes or a whole three-day weekend to spare...

Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) is one of the most bulletproof shrubs around. Need a plant in a pot? Indian hawthorn. Need a low, compact hedge? Indian hawthorn. Want pretty spring flowers? Indian hawthorn. Need a shrub with small, glossy, dark green leaves? You guessed it, Indian hawthorn. Evergreen? Indian hawthorn. Suits an exposed balcony or garden with heat, wind, coastal...

The world of gardening is riddled with jargon. If you’re not sure what deadheading means, are wondering if your plant is “established” or thought humus was a delicious chickpea dip, read on. Our simple gardening glossary lists all the common gardening terms you need to know.   A ACID SOIL: soil that has a pH below 7. ALKALINE SOIL: soil that...

Mix it up this Valentine's Day with a gift oozing fun and personality. Potted plants make wonderful gifts and with a few special touches your Valentine won't be able to resist planting one on you! 1. Hello petal Phalaenopsis orchids are sure to impress with their grace and stunning flowers. We have a range of ready-made phalaenopsis orchids available instore in layered, terrarium style vessels...

It’s easy and fun to grow a pineapple - so next time you enjoy a delicious, sweet tasting one, keep the leafy top to grow your own. They also make attractive indoor plants for a sunny windowsill – hello, tropical style! Things you will need: The top of a delicious pineapple (as unmarked and fresh as possible) A sharp knife...