Backyard and Outdoor Living

There’s never been a more crucial time to drought-proof your garden and to consider Australian native plants as a key component in your outdoor space. This award-winning practical volume, from two of the country’s foremost horticultural experts, offe

Editor April Ossington Deputy Editor Louise Smithers Contributors Angie Thomas, Matt Leacy, Carrol Baker, Karen Booth, Kylie Baracz Sub-Editor Michelle Segal Designer Michaela Primiano Publisher Martin White Cover Design by Ian Barker Gardens P

Get some pointers from the latest outdoor projects ■

With the Australian landscape and native flora as inspiration, Utopia Goods has expanded its textile offerings to further its mission of storytelling through ethical and sustainable production. The introduction of Native Threads — the launch collecti

Most annual weeds in garden beds can be controlled by hand weeding or hoeing. Pull or hoe them when they are small and before they set seed. Only hoe weeds in dry weather when the weeds will shrivel and die. In wet conditions you may simply shift or

An irrigation system is the greatest time-saver a garden owner can use and it saves water, too. They are not expensive and are relatively easy to install and maintain. The easiest time to install a system is while beds are empty, so gardeners startin

Inspirational backyards by talented Australian landscape professionals ■

Clever ideas and expert advice to help you create the ideal outdoor space ■

“Don’t limit yourself to only using small shrubs, groundcovers and annuals in your pots,” says Glenice Buck. “There’s a variety of tall shrubs and small trees that will work in a potted garden or small space. Consider the clearance height you have in

Keep an eye out for dwarf varieties of regular fruit and veggies. Many types of dwarf fruit trees can be grown in a large pot or a sunny corner of a courtyard. Best of all, they produce full-size fruit. Some of the common dwarf fruit trees available

Number of plants: The planting needs to feel lush, natural and warm but not forced or overdone. It’s a fine line but you need to know when to stop. Plant composition: Select plants of different heights that will add depth and group plants with diffe

Pots and urns: “The addition of a single pot or urn will provide interest and a focal point in a small garden,” says Justine Carlile. “Depending on space, the pots and urns can vary in size and may or may not contain plants. Topiary Buxus always work

Ideas and inspiration for your next garden project ■

I made jars of plum spread for our wedding guests to take home using plums from our own plum tree. And this is the recipe card I gave everyone. It has become something of a hit with many people. I hope you enjoy it too. Toast a thick slice of sourdou

Common name: Capsicum, pepper, sweet chilli, paprika Botanical name: Capsicum annuum Grossum Group Family: Solanaceae (nightshade) Aspect & soil: Sun to light afternoon shade (warm climates only); well-drained soil Best climate: All Habit: Annu