Acer rubrum ‘PNI 0268’ October Glory® Lipstick® Maple Tree

Fill your garden with colour.

As the days become shorter, cosy up with the warm tones of an autumn garden with Fleming’s
Top10 ‘Autumn Colour’ Trees. Featuring astonishingly vibrant oranges and reds,
choose the right tree for your place with a Fleming’s Top10 Tree!

Flemings
NURSERIES
flemings.com.au
Backyard
SPECIAL
INDOOR
PLANTS
CREATIVE AUSTRALIAN LIVING
ISSUE

HOW TO WHICH PLANT, WHERE?

CARE FOR YOUR LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION
HOUSEPLANTS
BACK OFF, BUGS!
KEEP THE CREEPY CRAWLIES
OUT OF YOUR HOME

Beginner’s guide
TO CU
CULTIVATING
ULTTIVATING AN INDOOR
INDOOOR GARDEN

ISSUE 18.1 AUS $9.95*

NZ $10.99 (INCL. GST)
completehome.com.au

PLUS Celebrating seaweed | Pots & pieces | Hydroponics

Grill, then chill.

Take your flame grilling and party hosting to the next level with
Escea’s Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen.

The wood fire comes equipped with everything you need to create
a smoky meat lovers feast, giving you the ultimate outdoor dining
experience. Once the flame cooking is done, it transforms into a
roaring fire where you can chill right into the small hours.

www.escea.com/ek-series
 2020 INTERNATIONAL
YEAR OF PLANT HEALTH

Head to www.earthlife.com.au to see the full

range of products and find your nearest stockist.
FREE CALL 1800 819 003
 HEALTHIER SOIL, HEALTHIER PLANTS
... IT IS THAT SIMPLE!

LESS WATER
LESS SMELL
LESS EFFORT
The results speak
for themselves

Earthlife provide a stand-alone

range of easy-to-use cost-
effective products for strong
healthy gardens and lawns.
 contents
REGULARS
10 Space for living
News and innovative ideas
12 The makers
Bring the outside in with indoor foliage
21 Book club
A leaf through the latest tomes
22 Snapshot
Be inspired by these stunning backyards
88 This weekend
Tips, ideas and great products
116 Backyard stuff

BACKYARD REVOLUTION
26 The plant sage behind The Plant Society
We chat to plant guru Jason Chongue
32 A powerful passion for plants
Rachel Smiles shows us her green home

DESIGNER GARDENS
50 Eat, play, love
A unique haven that continues to evolve
56 Funky wooden features
A holiday experience just beyond the back door
62 Twice as nice
Dual entertaining spaces working in harmony
68 Planter perfection
Big-thinking design for a small, inner-city space

26
6 | BACKYARD
 112 GROW
Mint

“Self-watering pots are a great idea, particularly

y if
your watering regime is less than ideal” 82

BACKYARD ESSENTIALS
40 Beginner’s guide to houseplants
How to cultivate your indoor garden
74 Which plants, where?
So much choice, but where to put them?
82 How to care for indoor foliage
Help and advice for serial plant killers

YARD SHOP
96 Pots & pieces
Add the finishing touches
98 Grow your own salad, inside!
Hydroponics is just the beginning
100 See what seaweed can do
The ocean-sourced plant food that’s
sustainable and ethical

WEEKEND PROJECT
104 Terrariums
Delightful miniature gardens
108 Beat the bugs
How to avoid an insect invasion
110 What once was old is new again
Upcycling for indoor gardening

GROW 12
112 Freshly minted THE MAKERS
Our guide to the refreshing Stunning
herb that no kitchen interior design
should be without variations

BACKYARD |7
 Backyard
CREATIVE AUSTRALIAN LIVING

Editor Angela Young

Email: [email protected]
Deputy Editor Cassie Haywood
Writers Cat Woods, Cassandra Elliott, Karen Booth,
Carrol Baker, Angie Thomas
Sub-Editor Michelle Segal
Designer Michaela Primiano

Sales Manager
Miriam Keen
Mobile: 0414 969 693
Email: [email protected]

Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz

Advertising Production Bethany Shea, Alex Dalland
Subscriptions & Mail Orders
Phone: 1300 303 414

Cover photo
Garden by Garden Life
Photography by Nic Watt

editor’s note Chairman/CEO Prema Perera

Publisher Janice Williams
Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva
Associate Publisher Emma Perera
he incredibly unusual circumstances we’ve all Circulation Business Development Manager

T been experiencing have seen many of us spending

far more time in our own homes and gardens
than we ever have before. No doubt our backyards
have felt the benefit of all this undivided attention, and
it’s great to know people have been strengthening their
Mark McTaggart
Creative Director Kate Podger
Marketing & Acquisitions Manager Chelsea Peters

Backyard is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield

connections with the natural way of things and embracing Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02)
9805 0714. Melbourne office: Suite 4, Level 1, 150 Albert Road,
a new passion for gardening as a hobby. South Melbourne Vic 3025. Phone: (03) 9694 6444, Fax: (03) 9699
7890. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, Singapore. Distributed
Coinciding with a huge growth in the popularity of by Gordon and Gotch, Australia. Singapore & Malaysia Distributor:
indoor plants, being stuck inside has also led many Carkit (F.E.) Pte Ltd, 1 Charlton Lane, #01-02, Singapore 539631,
Phone: +65 6282 1960, Fax: +65 6382 3021, Website: www.carkitfe.
of us to examine our interiors and yearn for more com. This magazine may have some content that is advertorial
nature and greenery indoors. What better time, then, or promotional in nature. This book is copyright. Apart from any
fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism
to examine this growing trend of bringing the outside or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be
in? This issue, we’re focusing on this green interiors reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries
should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all
explosion with two inspirational Aussies — Rachel the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of
printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee
Smiles and Jason Chongue — giving us a peek into to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information
their foliage-filled enclaves and letting us in on their proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were,
after investigation and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up
tried and tested methods for keeping their leaves from to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may
wilting, from page 26. change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers
to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication
We’ve also got the experts involved, with tips on everything from which plants to position comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and
where (page 74), to how to avoid a bug plague in your home (page 108), as well as a close-up the Australian Consumer Law. The responsibility must therefore
be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting
look at those gorgeous mini worlds, terrariums (page 104). And if you’re crying out for ideas on the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has
been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot
plant accessories, we’ve got those covered on page 96. be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Environmental
Of course, we’re not neglecting the great outdoors. We’ve got another fine selection of statement: This magazine is printed on paper produced in a
mill which meets Certified Environmental Management System
inspirational designer gardens for your perusal, plus all the latest products and news from the ISO4001 since 1995 and EMAS since 1996.
world of outdoor living to improve your garden spaces. Please pass on or recycle this magazine.
At these difficult times, it’s probably more important than ever for us to reconnect with umco.com.au
* Recommended retail price
Mother Nature, as well as doing what we can for our communities and neighbours who may be ISSN 1448-5001
struggling. So, where possible, support your local nurseries and businesses and fill your homes Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXX
ACN 003 026 944
with as much greenery and life as you’re able. Happy reading, and happy planting.
We are a member of

Angela
Editor

8 | BACKYARD
 The Australian Barbeque

AUSTRALIAN MADE | BBQS & OUTDOOR KITCHENS | FACTORY DIRECT | 25 YEAR WARRANTY

Clontarf

The Lifestyle Modular Outdoor kitchen range Unit 6/9 Fitzpatrick Street, Revesby NSW 2212
Visit our website, www.lifestylebbqs.com to see videos of our BBQs SYDNEY PLEASE CALL: (02) 9773 6245
in action and get detailed information on how to specify your ideal
Outdoor Kitchen. We manufacture in Australia and you buy direct www.lifestylebbqs.com
from the factory. Lifestyle BBQs can be shipped Australia wide. Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2.30pm
Built-in and mobile BBQs also available.

Avalon Greenhills Beach

 FOLLOW US

facebook.com/backyardmag don't miss a beat

completehome.com.au/outdoors Keep in touch and up to date

FORM MEETS FUNCTION,

FLAWLESSLY
In the brutal Australian climate, some provision of shade is
imperative, particularly during the summer months. But positioning
a parasol in your garden, while a nice, flexible option, often leaves a
cumbersome obstacle right in the way. Fear not, Kettal has been onto
it, and come up with these genius design alternatives, incorporating
a sunshade into such handy pieces as tables, planters or daybeds.
Function and form have been given equal recognition in this update
of the Meteo collection, a previous collaboration between Kettal
and Berlin-based designer Konstantin Grcic. That such a gorgeous
addition to your backyard could have such multi-tasking qualities
will make anyone with a penchant for the practical
smile, and the huge range of colour and
material options available ensure you can
select a combination to suit your space’s
aesthetic to a tee. kettal.com

10 | BACKYARD
 SPACE
FOR LIVING

RENT OUT YOUR BACKYARD!

We’ve already got Airbnb for making money from a spare room, plus
Airtasker for making money from helping out with DIY and other tasks,
but what about making some cash out of your garden? It’s now perfectly
possible, with the launch of Socialawn. This online initiative connects
homeowners with people looking to rent lawns or backyards by the hour
for social gatherings and birthday parties. The platform’s founder came up
with the idea when he needed space for his own social gathering and his
neighbours let him use their garden. Sensing an opportunity for neighbours
to help each other out, Socialawn was born, offering homeowners a chance
COFFEE TABLE LOOKS to share the spaces they so lovingly tend and maintain, while making some
money through an hourly rental fee. To list your lawn or backyard on the
How’s this for a highly funky — and highly practical — way to up platform, you need to upload some photographs of the space, select the
your indoor plant count? From the clever design professionals at days you’re happy to rent it out, and choose the number of guests and types
Brisbane’s Palm Urban, the Green Glass Table is a beautiful way of of events allowed. Happy sharing. socialawn.com
incorporating houseplants into your living space without taking up
valuable room needed for furnishings. The cute table’s compact
design means it functions perfectly as a side or coffee table, while
at the same time enabling you to satisfy your green thumb with its
fully functional planter, providing a gorgeous and ever-changing
design aesthetic. Whether you opt for succulents, trailing plants
or perhaps a mix of both, your choices will make the table unique
to you. palmurban.com.au

WI-LI (WIRELESS LIGHTING), ANYONE?

Blurring the line between outdoors and in has led to much of our
interior décor migrating outside, from sofas to rugs to
SITTING ON THE FENSTER floor lamps. The latter can really boost the atmosphere
Suckers for a steel frame, we absolutely love the new Fenster
of a backyard relaxation space, but cables are a real pain
Collection, an acrylic seating range designed by GibsonKarlo (Sarah
as well as a potential safety risk. Harbour 1976 saw this
Gibson and Nicholas Karlovasitis). Taking more than a few cues from
problem and set about overcoming it. After significant
European windows, the designers were “inspired by the beauty of
research, the company released its fully cordless,
black steel-frame windows and wanted to capture this in a piece
waterproof, USB rechargeable LED light bulb, which can
of furniture”, focusing particularly on the “elegance and lightness
be showcased in any of its gorgeous range of floor lamps,
achieved in the acrylic when set against a darker frame”. Acrylic is
offering perfect manoeuvrability and versatility. There are
a thermoplastic that doesn’t heat up in the sun, is impact-resistant,
three settings on this fabulous lightsource, the lowest of
UV stable and completely waterproof — the ideal material choice for
which provides 12 hours of lighting after just five hours of
your outdoor furniture choices. Plus it looks very funky. Photography
full charge. Time to get lit. harbouroutdoor.com.au
by Pete Daly. designbythem.com

BACKYARD | 11
 the Makers
We all want to feel connected to nature and one of the best ways
to bring the outside in is through indoor plants

UP THE WALL
Indoor vertical garden systems are in plentiful supply and range from a three-pocket planter (Wally Three) and a five-pocket version (Wally
kit-form frames to which you attach individual pots to geotextile pockets Five). Soft-sided and breathable, each pocket has a built-in reservoir
that you fix directly to a wall. Wally Gro’s modular, felt-like wall planters and is attached (using the supplied fasteners and anchors) to the solid,
are a great example of the latter. Ticking the sustainable box (they’re stable, sun-bathed wall of your choice. To keep the wall dry, each pocket
made from recycled plastic water bottles), Woolly Pocket planters can has a “military grade” water barrier. Of course not all plants will be
be used indoors or out and are available as a single pocket (Wally One), suitable so seek expert advice. wallygro.com

12 | BACKYARD
 THE
MAKERS

CREATIVE CULTIVATION
From Shrek green and sunshine yellow
through to cool blue-grey and deep
ruby-red, foliage colours cover a broad
spectrum. Then there’s the patterns
(stripes, speckles, splotches), leaf forms
(sword-like, heart-shaped, feathery)
and don’t forget the different textures.
You can create something stunning by
combining multiple plants in a large
pot or using wall planters or modular
systems to create a unique work of
indoor art. The pod-based living wall
system from Horticus is for those who
think cultivation is cool and have a
creative itch that needs scratching. The
frames are powdercoated steel, the pots
are terracotta. You can place a pot in
each hexagonal opening or leave some
empty for artistic effect. Pots can be
easily lifted out of the frame if a plant
needs re-potting or if you want to change
things up a little. horticusliving.com

BACKYARD | 13
 FROM THE TOP DOWN
Hanging planters are nothing new but remain a great way to introduce is leading the charge. All planters have a Slo-Fo irrigation system that
some greenery if you’re short on floor, shelf or table space — and they releases water as needed and in some cases, you can go two weeks
allow trailing plants to strut their stuff. They can dry out quite quickly, between reservoir refills. And in case you’re wondering, the kit comes
though, so you need to keep on top of the watering. What is new (or with mesh you cut to fit the plant stem. This is then locked in place to
at least, new-ish) is the advent of the “upside down” hanging planter keep the soil from spilling out. In this kitchen, the planters have been
and the Boskke Sky Planter, available in ceramic or recycled plastic, used for a Spathiphyllum (peace lily) and various herbs. boskke.com

14 | BACKYARD
 THE
MAKERS
UNDER GLASS
Greenhouses aren’t just for the backyard. This indoor model from Design House Stockholm
(aptly named Greenhouse, although it’s more an architectural terrarium) allows you to grow
plants that need a bit more care and attention or don’t like arid indoor air. Or you can use it to
create a miniature garden or showcase a series of potted plants. It’s also available in a mini
version which is ideal for growing herbs, so you might like to place one in a sunny spot in the
kitchen. Available in Dark Grey (almost black) and Ash Wood, you can just buy the Greenhouse
and place it on top of a table or buy the stand too. If a more conventional tabletop terrarium
appeals, buy a large glass vessel (open for plants like succulents, closed for those that like it
humid) and plant it up yourself — there are plenty of online guides. designhousestockholm.com

BACKYARD | 15
 NATURE CALLING
It’s said the pull we feel towards nature
is innate. That we are all hardwired to
seek and find solace in the natural world.
It’s called biophilia and goes some way
towards explaining why so many of us
have such a strong desire to populate our
homes with fabulous foliage. Research
shows that plants can relax you, and
help you de-stress, but they need be
healthy. Not all plants do well indoors
so go to your local nursery and ask for
recommendations. Find out how much
watering will be needed, how much
sunlight and when you’ll need to fertilise.
Be prepared for a bit of ongoing care
because while some plants may be billed
as low-maintenance, that doesn’t mean
no maintenance. Some easy-care plants
include Sanseviera trifasciata (mother-in-
law’s tongue), Dracaena marginata (dragon
tree) and Epipremnum pinnatum (devil’s
ivy). floradania.dk

16 | BACKYARD
 THE
MAKERS

GO A LITTLE POTTY
Every indoor plant needs a pot — a pot that is the right size for the the option to coordinate the look of, say, potted plants at your home’s
plant and matches the room décor. Most pots provide an accent colour entry with those in your interior spaces. This grouping showcases
in a room, perhaps picking up on the colour of a rug or cushions. Those plants that can be used indoors or out. The Spindel pot is planted with
chosen to house larger plants may also be called upon to act as focal a Cordyline, the Kyoto pot houses a Ficus elastica (rubber plant) and the
points, adding interesting patterns, textures or shapes. Some pots are pot at the front, actually an upturned Porto side table, features Senecio
for indoor use only but others can be used inside or out, which gives you serpens (blue chalk sticks, a hardy succulent). robertplumb.com.au

BACKYARD | 17
 STAYING ON-TREND
Big is in, according to the Trend Report released earlier this year by also popular and can be used to anchor a grouping of potted plants.
Plant Life Balance. Large statement plants are in favour and this Plant clusters are being employed to make style statements and using
includes indoor trees — in particular, the dragon tree, rubber tree and colour-coordinated pots, such as these stunners from Freedom, is key.
olive tree. If tempted by the latter, look for a dwarf olive tree and a spot Low-maintenance plants are another trend, says the report. A large,
that is bathed in sunlight for most of the day. Once established, it will sculptural cactus is one suggestion — it’s easy-care and can function as
impress with its hardiness. Large-leafed plants like philodendron are a bold focal point in a room. myplantlifebalance.com.au, freedom.com.au

18 | BACKYARD
 THE
MAKERS
NATURE’S AIR FRESHENER
Plants don’t just make us feel better
because they’re beautiful, they play a
critical role in cleaning the air. Add just
one medium-sized plant to a medium-
sized room and the air quality will
improve by as much as 25 per cent.
For maximum effect, add one plant per
10sqm of room space and place the
plants near where you’ll be sitting, not
just where they can be best viewed. The
natural air purifying qualities of indoor
plants has been well documented in the
workplace so why not apply the lessons
learned in your home? Among the plants
shown here we have Schefflera arboricola
(that’s a dwarf umbrella tree to you and
me), Hedera helix (also known as English
ivy), Ficus macrocarpa (a sometimes
finicky ficus) and in the hanging pots
Asparagus densiflorous (foxtail fern which
needs dappled light and daily misting to
flourish). floradania.dk

BACKYARD | 19
80%
of Indigenous
children
in remote
communities
struggle
to read.

The Indigenous Learning App

provides children with e-books
and educational content in English
and their mother tongue to
facilitate the learning of
a new language.
Today we need your support
to reach more children, This is an initiative of the World Literacy Foundation
World Literacy Foundation Australia ABN: 33 940 354 008

DONATE NOW
Incorporated Association No: A0055790R DGR
www.wordliteracyfoundation.org

www.indigenous.app
 Book Club Expand your horizons
EDITED BY: Cassie Haywood & Angela Young

HOUSE PLANTS: HOW TO LOOK

AFTER YOUR INDOOR PLANTS
ISABELLE PALMER
CICO BOOKS | $39.99
British “Balcony Gardener” Isabelle Palmer has kindly offered her services
— usually reserved for garden design and small, urban outdoor spaces — to
those keen to green-up the interiors of their homes. Inside, more than 60 ideas
for displays and designs are offered, as well as tips on tools and techniques.
Sadly, the resources section at the back covers the UK and US only, but within
the main bulk of the book, everything on the subject of indoor foliage — from
drying and pressing flowers to making your own hanging bottle planters, plus
the notoriously difficult orchid — is covered in well laid-out segments with
beautiful imagery. We particularly enjoyed the section on moss framing — the
perfect indoor greenery for those who like things neat and compact.

COMPLETE GUIDE TO
AUSTRALIAN BIRDS YATES TOP 50
GEORGE ADAMS INDOOR PLANTS
PENGUIN BOOKS | $45 AND HOW NOT TO
While Australia is known for its dangerous animals, we know there’s more KILL THEM!
harmless and incredible fauna in our country; birds being one example.
The Complete Guide to Australian Birds takes you through the many species ANGIE THOMAS
occurring in the wilds of Australia, from Macaroni penguins to grey-headed HARPERCOLLINS | $35
albatrosses. Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words and this You’ll forgive us for assuming you’ve
photographic guide lets the images do the talking. Descriptions are kept brief, left behind a green body or two on
with clear markers on identifying a species, their habitat, behaviour and voice. your gardening journey. Like people,
A squiz through this book will inform your nature walks and backyard sightings, some plants are fussier than others
so you can enjoy a greater appreciation of the creatures that fill our skies. and require a certain level of care to
flourish. If you’ve been craving a bit
of plant TLC knowledge, then Angie
PLANTS FOR THE PEOPLE Thomas’s book is the one to fill you in.
ERIN LOVELL VERINDER Full of glorious illustrations, helpful
THAMES & HUDSON | $39.99 data and top tips on keeping your
Modern technology has taken medicine forward in leaps and bounds, but the plant-friends alive, you (and your
old herbal remedies passed along throughout the ages still ring true. Plants foliage!) will be enriched after this
for the People is a modern presentation of the ancient craft of herbalism. easy read. From sweet succulents
Delve into the plant world with golden tips and tonics for common ailments to voraciously growing jungle plants,
such as bloating, bad skin, low energy and jangling nerves, to name a few. this round-up of the top 50 indoor
Each page is cleanly designed with beautiful pictures that reflect the book’s plants will give you the run through on
heart of finding joy and wellness. This book will satiate your curiosity and creating your plant nirvana.
inspire you to do more with plants. Not just medicinal, the concoctions
explained in this book include everything from teas to jellies to bath
additions. This one is worth a read for any avid plant lover!

ROGUE: ART OF A GARDEN

RICK ECKERSLEY
URO PUBLICATIONS | $89
You could say that seeing a landscaper’s private garden is like peering into their heart. If so, this book is a glimpse into
their mind. Rick Eckersley’s Musk Cottage garden can only be referred to as a labour of love. The culmination of decades of
experimentation, each carefully chosen plant or curved path gives us insight into Eckersley’s maverick mind. Will Salter’s
photography guides our trail through the garden’s plantings, textures, spaces and cycles. Stepping away from traditional
explanatory essays, Rogue: Art of a Garden showcases Australian artworks that had been created in response to the garden
and its evocative style. Short reflections from Eckersley capture the spirit of the garden and his perspective from a lifetime of
working in landscapes.

BACKYARD | 21
 Snapshot
A look at some inspiring backyards around Australia and the world
Edited by Cassie Haywood

Photography: Jessie Ann

HOME AMONG THE GUM TREES

A garden only full of natives with a waterwise focus was important and ground the whole garden so plants can spill over. Decomposed
to this relaxed property in Woolooware, which didn’t have irrigation. gravel pathways wind through soft plantings of native grasses and
Many existing materials found onsite after an extensive home groundcovers, leading up to a hidden firepit area. The neighbour’s
renovation were repurposed into the garden to reduce waste and large gum tree finishes off the picture and provides much welcome
costs. Large sandstone boulders create a functional retaining wall afternoon shade. figlandscapes.com.au

22 | BACKYARD
 Snapshot

RISING ROOFTOPS
Terrace houses in the city don’t always have much space for
gardens. This inner-Melbourne home was a labour of love and
the reward was incredible views to the city, nature visible from
every floor and a home that balances Victorian-era details and
modern style. The roof deck is made for gatherings, a long seat
wrapping around a triangular garden cutout — subtly creating
zones for two groups to form — and a chic barbecue. Few plants
are included on the terrace, but its advantageous height means
the family can enjoy vistas of its urban setting, where trees jostle
for space in the skyline. Standing at the fence also offers a view
down to the below terrace housing additional greenery. As the
tree on the rooftop deck grows, it will provide shade for those
sitting nearby. taylorknights.com.au

Photography: Peter Clarke

BACKYARD | 23
 LUSH, LEAFY AND LAYERED
This jungle-like garden in Queensland’s
Kenmore Hills appears almost Balinese
with its large, leafy plantings and water
feature. The backyard was opened up to
offer sublime glimpses of the creek line and
blends colourful subtropical plantings with
the soothing sounds of the cascading water
feature. The deep green tones of the massed

Photography: Andrew Munro

entry plantings against the bold stone walls
have reinvigorated its street appeal, while
the numerous planting themes, the fruit tree
grove and the herb and veggie patches are
eclectically woven under the holistic feel of
“lush, leafy and layered”. definela.com.au

INNER-CITY OASIS
OUTHOUSE Design had a few challenges to face in the creation of this
inner-city oasis, not least of which was that the surrounding buildings
overshadowing the courtyard created different microclimates as well
as privacy issues. An overhead structure allows light to flood the space,
while still creating a sense of privacy. The curved shape rolls down into
a daybed or seat, which is the perfect place to enjoy a lazy afternoon. All
of the planting was selected with easy care in mind. A low-maintenance
ficus climber softens the fencing and takes up little space in this tight
floorplan. Shrubs create year-round interest while groundcovers retain
moisture within the pots on hot days. Deciduous feature tree planting
allows the right balance of natural light in winter and shade in summer,
which also cools the house. outhousedesign.com.au

Photography: Katrine Mardini

24 | BACKYARD
 Snapshot
SMALL WONDER
A small garden can have just about everything a larger outdoor
space can have — you just have to be creative. With a brief for a
low-maintenance garden that seamlessly extended their home
and was a practical entertaining space, landscaping company
Rich Earth had a challenging task on their hands. Raised planters
maximised space and kept the plants from being trampled by the
family’s large dogs. Plantings are hardy and require little attention.
Designer Matthew Sears describes the garden as “relaxed, unfussy
and contemporary”, which is well-suited to visitors enjoying time
with the family outdoors. Blackbutt screening enhances the privacy
of the space and complements the blackbutt L-shaped bench and
barbecue cabinet. richearth.com.au
Photography: Peter Brennan

BEACH, BUSH AND BEAUTY

With the beach just a stone’s throw away and
tranquil views of established gum trees all
around, the owners of this Victorian property
wanted a new swimming pool and garden to
reflect the natural beauty that surrounded
them. The homeowners wanted a sustainable
and eco-friendly garden, one that would have
a rustic, beach-bush getaway feel, not unlike
what you’d find in a Queensland retreat.
Landscape architect Inge Jabara designed
this garden to be enjoyed, so outdoor
entertaining was a priority. The existing
pizza oven was relocated and a prep bench
was added to make alfresco cooking easy.
Planting was, of course, incredibly important
to the new space. “We used mostly a palette
of native plants that were local to the area,
such as Themeda triandra, Dianella tasmanica
and Rhagodia spinescens to encourage native
Photography: Tim Turner

animals,” Inge says. “In addition, there’s

a full working veggie garden.” Heavenly.
ingejabaralandscapes.com.au

BACKYARD | 25
 THE PLANT SAGE BEHIND
The Plant Society
Jason Chongue is a veritable celebrity in the plant world
— and taking a walk through his foliage-filled home, you can see why!

WORDS: Cat Woods his passion, and took us on a tour of his own about cultivating food and herb plants in his
IMAGES: Armelle Habib garden and foliage-filled home indoor and outdoor gardens.
elbourne-based plant guru, interior Jason’s well-documented indoor oasis is “I’m growing mint, thyme and sage, as well

M designer and architect Jason

Chongue is the co-founder of
The Plant Society. His passion for
gardening, which began in childhood, resulted
in a collection of rare, unusual plants from
populated with more than 400 plants. “It’s a
sprawling garden outside as well,” he says of
his Abbotsford, NSW, home. “I spend an hour a
day out in the garden, including tending to the
indoor plants.”
as oranges, lemons, limes and some Japanese
citrus: yuzu and sudachi.” Sourcing his exotic
fruits and vegetables from Daleys Fruit Tree
Nursery, Jason admits he has just one single
fruit on one of the trees. “My theory is that it’s
international and local growers. His expertise While he admits he doesn’t have to spend always worth a try!”
in all things indoor and outdoor plants has so much time nurturing his indoor and The enthusiastic green thumb selects his
resulted in the growth of his business (currently outdoor plants, Jason finds the experience outdoor plants for their sustainable value.
four stores in Australia), book deals and media therapeutic. In addition to the many tropical “I select drought-tolerant plants like native
commentary. He spoke to Backyard about species he grows indoors, he’s enthusiastic grasses, Mediterranean and arid plants. So, I

26 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
REVOLUTION

LEFT Maintenance and upkeep of so many plants,

indoor and out, can be a little time consuming, but
luckily Jason thoroughly enjoys it.

JASON’S TOP TIPS

Edible plants that work well in any garden
• Oregano • Mint
• Cascading rosemary • Onions
• Olive tree • Italian flat-leaf parsley
• Bay tree • Citrus
• Strawberries

BACKYARD | 27
 JASON’S
TOP TIPS
Mediterranean plants
Cascading rosemary “I spend an hour a day out in the garden,
Geraniums
Lavender
including tending to the indoor plants”
Poppy
Olive tree
Bay tree

28 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
REVOLUTION

LEFT Jason’s garden is also a thriving space full of foliage.

OPPOSITE Jason and his partner Nathan with their gorgeous
rescue dog Ingrid.

might use rosemary ornamentally but I would

also opt for cussonia trees. I’ve got salvias
and perennials, which are quite hardy. There’s
wisteria, ficus varieties. I also love roses.”
Indoors, Jason admits every single room
has plants. “I grew up in a gardening family, so
I’ve been gardening since I was young. When
I moved to the city, I took to growing plants
indoors due to the limited space outdoors. Then,
when I finally bought my place in Abbotsford,
there was awesome outdoor space so I could
cultivate both an indoor and outdoor garden.”
Currently, his indoor plant collection
includes Monstera deliciosa (fruit salad
plant), Epipremnum aureum (devil’s ivy),
Schefflera amate (umbrella tree), Dracaena
(dragon tree), Rhipsalis (mistletoe cactus)
and both Microsorum (green flame ferns) and
Spathiphyllum (peace lilies).
Jason and his partner are planning
renovations at present, with plans to introduce
more “integrated greenery”. This would
include shelves that enable plants to be part
of the shelves and storage areas. They’re also
introducing skylights to enhance the amount
of natural light into the home. “By including
skylights, we’re able to grow more trees
indoors. So many plant choices come down
to the availability and quality of natural light
available in any space,” he says.
Inspiration is derived from a range of
sources, both classical artists and international

BACKYARD | 29
30 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
REVOLUTION

“I’m growing
mint, thyme and
sage, as well as
oranges, lemons,
limes and
some Japanese
citrus: yuzu and
sudachi”

designers. “Not just horticulture,” Jason

admits. “Piet Oudolf creates amazing urban
landscaping. BDDW in New York really
reinterpret the concept of what a planter is,
they bring a hand-made, heritage quality and
apply modern touches. I also look to artists like
Monet and how they’ve used plants and palette Jason also believes that a thriving indoor and motivating people to be experimental
in their artwork.” plant garden is easily achievable with attention to and adventurous in selecting and combining
Believing gardening should not be seen as a some basic factors. Plants need access to light various plants indoors and out. His passion and
chore, Jason thinks the value of the gardening that mimics the natural light that plants would enthusiasm is enough to turn my thumbs green
industry deserves greater respect from the receive in their native habitat, for example. They — I’ll be adding some ferns to my Golden Jade
general public. “How long do you spend watching also need good quality potting mix and regular in the study.
TV? That time could be spent in the garden,” he fertiliser or plant food in the growing season. He sagely recommends that, instead of
points out. “I think people sometimes consider “Avoid placing your plants in front of heating or selecting only plants we like, “Choose plants
that plants come from conveyor belts and that cooling vents, and try to ensure your home has that are an expression of your personality”.
plants have to look a particular way, without any open windows and doors to enable proper air “So, curate your space with an awareness of
blemishes or imperfections. I also think people circulation, which prevents mould and pests the design language of the place. This means
don’t value a plant that people have spent six from sabotaging your plants,” he suggests. selecting pots, planters that appeal to you
months or two years cultivating and growing. We Through The Plant Society and his books, and fit with the tones, textures and conditions
need to celebrate gardeners more.” Jason is dedicated to inspiring, educating already present.”

BACKYARD | 31
 A POWERFUL
passion for plants
Surrounding herself with calming houseplants ensures
this green-thumbed apartment-dweller is all smiles

WORDS: Angela Young provides the incentive. “I also feel like they
ith a collection at last count of so easily transform a place from a bare and

W more than 150 plants, plus plenty

of “babies” currently propagating
in water, Rachel Smiles’ Sydney
apartment is jungle-esque in its aesthetic,
appropriately so for someone who goes by the
boring space to a unique, beautiful home,” she
explains. “I remember when we moved house
recently-ish, and as soon as our plants were
placed in the apartment, it instantly looked like
home even with all the packing boxes. I also love
Instagram handle @LushLittleJungle. that there’s something new to discover each
For Rachel, it’s the “instant calming” effect day, be it a bloom, new growth, or a fresh leaf.”
of being surrounded by plants in the home that Having no garden is no problem for Rachel

32 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
REVOLUTION
RACHEL’S TOP TIPS
1 Propagating plants to maximise greenery
in any space. You can fit little vases
and test tubes in the
smallest places, plus
they’re well suited
to lower light spots.
This way you can add
little touches of green
to brighten up a space,
like a bedside table,
an office desk, or your
kitchen bench.

2 Overwatering is one of
the top mistakes of new
houseplant owners, so
make a moisture meter
your best friend. You can
pick these up from Bunnings
for less than $15 and instantly
remove the guesswork from
watering.

3 try
If you want to keep some big leafy plants,
putting a bench or two behind your
couch to display them. This creates an
instant green wall effect, plus it has the
added benefit of keeping them out of reach
of kids and pets. As an added benefit,
clustered plants create humidity through
shared transpiration, which will help them
thrive. I’ve used two hall tables and an IKEA
plant bench to set mine up.

4 keep
Established plants are so much easier to
alive than small plants. While it can
“My absolute favourite is the Philodendron gloriosum,
be tempting to try a small plant if you’re
worried about keeping one alive, they’re
which has amazing velvety heart-shaped leaves”
actually much easier to overwater. A large,
more mature plant will be a lot more
resilient and rewarding.

5 for
Think about choosing a colour scheme
your pots so you can create a cohesive
look as your collection grows. I’ve opted
for white, wood and metallic tones in my
collection. Other options include terracotta,
black, grey or pastel tones.

6 their
Pruning is important. Many plants drop
lower leaves as they grow (especially
monsteras and alocasias), which turn
yellow, indicating that they’re dying and
can be chopped off so the plant can focus
on new growth instead. You won’t keep all
the leaves that your plants come with, and
that doesn’t mean it’s not healthy — it’s just
part of their life cycle. Most plants need a
prune every month or so. Cutting back vine
plants also stimulates growth and promotes
a bushier look. Plus you can place the
cuttings in water and make a new plant.

OPPOSITE TOP Rachel used hall tables to display a

range of big-leafed plants behind the couch — a great
use of space and an instant green wall!
OPPOSITE BOTTOM The delicate string of turtles
(Peperomia prostratax)
RIGHT Rachel’s very healthy Monstera deliciosa

BACKYARD | 33
 “I strongly believe there’s
no such thing as a bad plant
parent … it breaks my heart
to see people’s hobbies turn
into a dreaded chore”

34 | BACKYARD
Filling shelving with foliage is
how Rachel’s obsession began
BACKYARD
REVOLUTION

and her partner, who not only fill their rooms beauties — heart-leaf philodendron, devil’s ivy, classic heart-leaf philodendron, which I have
with flora, but whatever outside space is Peperomia scandens, Indian rope hoya, lipstick multiples of, a few that are several metres long!
available, too. plants, rhipsalis, chain of hearts and satin It grows so easily, so it’s one of my favourite
“My current apartment has an amazing pothos. They’re spilling off every shelf I own, recommendations for newbies looking for an
enclosed loggia-style balcony with a westerly and grow like little champs. Aroids comprise easy-care option.”
outlook,” she says. “It maintains humidity really the majority of my collection, with numerous Inspiration for “newbies” is something
nicely, too, so it’s ideal for my tropical collection. monsteras, alocasias (I have more than 10 of Rachel provides in spades (primarily through
Plus, the beautiful (mostly indirect) bright light those) and philodendrons.” her blog and shop site lushlittlejungle.com)
keeps the sun-lovers like my Colocasia, herbs, and she’s also always on the hunt for it, too.
cacti and succulents happy. The only downside FABULOUS PHILODENDRONS “Instagram is my go-to destination for interior
of this space is that the afternoon sun can be The Philodendron genus is a firm favourite design and plant styling ideas,” she reveals. “It’s
a little harsh, so I’m careful to place my plants for the green-fingered 33-year-old, whose also where I’ve discovered a lot of must-have
in such a way to avoid sun burn. I have about passionate, giggly enthusiasm is infectious. plants, some of which I spent a few months
40 or so out there, plus a mini growing wall “My absolute favourite is Philodendron hunting down, some of which I’ve bought
that I constructed for some of my climbing and gloriosum, which has amazing velvety heart- directly from sellers on Instagram. Pinterest
shingling aroids.” shaped leaves. In a close second place is the is also a fabulous source of inspiration, and a
Rachel’s a fervent advocate of vining plants Homalomena ‘Maggie’, which I personally great planning tool.
for smaller spaces such as hers. “I have some think is a very underrated plant, and then the “The community on Instagram is so amazing

BACKYARD | 35
 ABOVE Raindrop peperomia (Peperomia polybotrya)
BELOW New Guinea tassel fern (Huperzia squarrosa)
BOTTOM Curly lipstick plant (Aeschynanthus radicans)

— the most generous bunch of people you’ll form, is selling here for $500+ for a cutting
ever encounter, who love to trade cuttings currently, whereas the more readily available
and share tips. I’ve connected with hundreds Thai Constellation has now made its way into
of plant lovers from all over the world, and Bunnings at $280 for a small plant.”
it’s really interesting seeing what plants Plant auctions, too, have become a big deal,
are available and popular in each country. and with Facebook groups making it easy to buy
Australia’s biodiversity laws mean there’s a lot and sell online, everyday plant owners are now
of plants that are very scarce here (and some entering the bidding wars to get their hands on
that don’t exist at all), driving demand and a “unicorn” plant. “Generally speaking, the ‘it’
prices up particularly in the quarantine states plants are popular across the world, but will of
of WA, NT and Tasmania, where plants can’t course be more plentiful by country depending
easily be taken across the border.” on their availability,” Rachel says. “In Australia,
we’re lucky to have great conditions for growing
THE BUSINESS OF PLANTS alocasias (as one example), so they’re much
An example of these price changes, Rachel says, more commonly seen in homes than they are
is the popularity of the variegated monstera, in the harsher climates of Europe. And some
which is expensive in Australia but cheaper plants, such as snake plants and devil’s ivy,
(relatively) in the US and across Europe, where which grow in a huge range of conditions, are
quarantine laws are much more relaxed. common worldwide!”
“Albo borsigiana, which is the rarer white It’s not just Rachel’s thumbs that are green

36 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
REVOLUTION

Rachel’s creative tower of

succulents makes a great
table centrepiece

BACKYARD | 37
 “Clustered plants create
humidity through shared
transpiration, which will help
them thrive”

38 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
REVOLUTION

— she’s also always got one eye on the

environment. “I reuse all the nursery pots my
plants come in, to repot or plant freshly
propagated plants, and I’m careful with my
choice of pest products to ensure I’m not putting
any flora or fauna at risk (especially bees).”
Neem oil is a favourite against pests, an “organic
and safe choice”, and Rachel also likes to use
old containers, such as yoghurt cups or tomato
containers, to grow seedlings or new cuttings.
The obsession with all things plant began
when she decided it was time to replace a
faux one with the real McCoy. “I thought I was
probably grown up enough to try my hand
at keeping a real plant at the age of 32,” she
laughs. “One plant became 10, then we bought
our first set of plant shelves, and it took off!”

ABOVE Despite having a very healthy collection already, Rachel frequently finds
FOLIAGE IN THE FUTURE
herself plant shopping for even more specimens Happy with the size of the collection as it
BELOW Being fully enclosed, the loggia style balcony is perfect for keeping indoor/ currently stands, Rachel still can’t resist buying
tropical plants, including Rachel’s favourite plant, her Homolamena ‘Maggie’ a new plant every few weeks. “I’d love to buy
an apartment or house in the coming years,
as renting can be limiting, and it would be
amazing to be able to choose a space where
our plants can reign. A skylight would be an
absolute win, too!”
While she would love to include more plant
features inside the apartment in the future, she
can’t see it happening any time soon. “I would
absolutely love a green wall. Or a skylight with
plants spilling out from the sides. Or a shower
with a glass box full of tropical plants. I see
so many beautiful ideas on Instagram and
Pinterest and want them all!”
Light is something Rachel is fastidious about.
“Be realistic about the light you have in your
space,” she advises, “because most indoor
plants will struggle if they’re not within a few
metres of a window.” Using a light meter app,
such as Plant Light Meter, is a great way to help
you understand light.
Sharing plant-care duties with her other half,
Rachel spends about one or two hours a week
watering, pruning and spraying for pests. “It’s
not as time-consuming as it may seem,” she
says. “It’s quite a relaxing activity for the two of
us to do either together or separately.”
Not sweating the small stuff and prioritising
kindness are two of Rachel’s mantras in
life, both of which spill over into her plant
philosophy. “I strongly believe there’s no such
thing as a bad plant parent,” she says. “I chat
to so many people who feel like they’ve failed
as a plant parent, and it breaks my heart to see
people’s hobbies turn into a dreaded chore.
My mission is to give simple, realistic and
approachable advice to help make house plant
care easier and hopefully more fulfilling.”
Long-term dreams? “I would love to write a
book. I spend many hours each week chatting to
new plant owners to help coach them on their
plant issues, and I adore sharing my knowledge.
So it would be a dream to turn that into a
beautifully designed coffee table book that’s
both educational and inspirational.”

BACKYARD | 39
 A BEGINNER’S GUIDE
How to grow happy indoor and house plants

WORDS: Angie Thomas CHECK YOUR LIGHT LEVELS

ndoor plants continue their exponential rise Most indoor plants prefer a brightly lit spot that’s

I in popularity, as more people bring home

boxes and boot-loads of plants to fill their
interior spaces. Plants grown indoors have
multiple benefits, including improving air
quality, softening the hard lines of furniture
protected from direct sunlight. There are some
plants that will tolerate lower levels of light, but a
general rule is bright, indirect sunlight. For more
dimly lit positions, choose plants like mother-in-
law’s tongue, Zanzibar gem, devil’s ivy and cast
and becoming design features in their own iron plant. Take note of the light levels that your
right, as well as bringing emotional and indoor spaces receive over the course of a day
mental health benefits to their owners. and match the plant’s light needs to those spots.
Beginner gardeners may find the thought of
caring for their first indoor plant quite daunting, ASSESS YOUR AVAILABLE SPACE
or perhaps previous indoor plants have come Indoor plants come in a dizzying range of sizes,
and, heartbreakingly, gone. With a few simple from pint sized zebra cactus and African violets
tricks, however, beginners can find real success that are perfect for a small shelf to impressively
with growing plants inside and, before they tall fiddle leaf figs that can fill the corner of a
know it, create their very own leafy oasis. Here’s room. Before a plant shopping spree, look to
how to get started. see what spaces you’d like to fill with greenery.

40 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
ESSENTIALS

Over- and under-watering

are two of the most
common ways people kill
their indoor plants.

BACKYARD | 41
 “Plants grown indoors have multiple benefits,
including improving air quality, softening the hard
lines of furniture and becoming design features in
their own right, as well as bringing emotional and
mental healt h benefits to their owners”
PROXIMITY TO HEAT & COLD and quality potting mix, so you can pot up your
Heaters during the depths of winter and breezy new leafy family member into its brand new
summer air conditioning can all affect the home. Choose a pot with good drainage holes
health of indoor plants. The air can become that’s slightly larger than the existing pot. For
dry, which many tropical plants don’t enjoy, pots without drainage holes, it’s okay to sit
resulting in yellow or damaged leaves and poor a plain plastic pot within the decorative pot.
plant growth. You may need to move sensitive When doing this, it’s important to make sure
indoor plants into a room away from heaters that water doesn’t collect at the base of the
or air conditioners, check potting mix moisture decorative pot, as this can rot the plant’s roots.
levels regularly and consider misting the foliage
of humidity-loving plants like anthuriums, ferns, CHOOSE A QUALITY POTTING MIX
syngoniums and calatheas. You’ve spent your hard-earned money on a
beautiful indoor plant and an Insta-worthy
WHERE TO BUY INDOOR PLANTS pot. Don’t skimp on the potting mix! A
Garden centres and nurseries are a great good-quality potting mix provides the best
place to buy indoor plants, particularly where growing environment for your new plant. If
helpful staff are available to provide guidance you’ve purchased an orchid, African violet or
on the best indoor plants to choose. At the succulent, look out for specialty potting mixes
same time, you can purchase a decorative pot that have been formulated to suit those plants.

42 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
ESSENTIALS
DO YOU HAVE
INQUISITIVE PETS
OR CHILDREN?
Some indoor plants can be poisonous if
ingested (such as Dieffenbachia spp.) or
they may have sap that can cause skin or
eye irritation, such as the rubber plant. As
a general rule, keep indoor plants out of
the reach of pets and children, particularly
if they’re prone to touching or eating
foliage. High shelves and hanging baskets
can be a great way to keep indoor plants
out of harm’s way and reach.

BACKYARD | 43
BACKYARD
ESSENTIALS

RIGHT Most indoor plants prefer a brightly lit spot

protected from direct sunlight. Clustering plants to get
the most from the sun can be a temporary solution.

WATERING
Over- and under-watering are two of the biggest
killers of indoor plants. They’re either watered
to death or allowed to dry to a crisp. It’s simple
to check the moisture levels of your potted
plant by gently digging around in the top few
centimetres of the potting mix with your finger.
You’ll quickly feel whether it’s dry and dusty or
still moist. It’s important to know the moisture
level your chosen plant needs. For example,
maidenhair ferns need to be kept consistently
moist whereas Mother-in-law’s tongue likes to
dry out in between waterings. If you think your
watering regime may be a little less than ideal,
choose plants that don’t mind drying out, or
use self-watering pots, which contain a water
reservoir in their base which plants can draw on
over several days.

YOU NEED TO FEED

People often forget that indoor plants need
feeding. The nutrients in potting mix will only
feed the plant for a limited time and after that,
will need a good dose of fertiliser to supply all
the nutrition needed for healthy leaf growth
and lots of flowers, for flowering indoor plants
like peace lilies, moth orchids, African violets,

44 | BACKYARD
 CONSIDER
THE BENEFITS
Q
The alfres ™ sealed concrete table and stools,
Q
and alfres ™ infra e™ infrared grill are waterproof,
easy to clean and extremely durable for regular
indoor/outdoor use.

Q
The alfres ™ infra e™ infrared grill system
provides many benefits to the consumer, including
outstanding flavour, ease of use and cleaning,
environmentally-friendly design and enhanced
lifestyle for apartment dwellers and families at
home alike, to name but a few.

YOU’LL LOVE YOUR

alfresQ™ infra e™
INFRARED GRILL
This all-inclusive, fun and incredibly delicious way
of cooking and dining with family and friends is no
longer limited to the occasional visit to a restaurant.

Q
The alfres ™ infra e™ 4 seater system is perfect
for apartment balconies where space can be limited
and body corporate regulations often prohibit the use
of gas or charcoal barbeques. For family homes, the
Q
alfres ™ infra e™ 6 seater system will change the
way you enjoy cooking and dining with your family
and friends whether it be for breakfast, lunch or
dinner in privacy, safety and peace!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

[email protected]
alfresq.com

ENHANCES LIFESTYLE • SUPERIOR RESULTS • ENERGY EFFICIENT • 100% AUSTRALIAN OWNED & DESIGNED
 POTS OF DIFFERENCE
Designer Tim Haley spotted a serious gap
in the indoor planter market — cylindrical
planters either lacked a drainage hole or
had a drainage hole but required a drip tray,
ruining the minimal aesthetic of the
planter and drawing attention away from
the plant itself. Winning the Object Design
Award at the Design Tasmania Awards
2019, Tim’s Subliminal Planter conceals a
generous drip tray within its base, enabling
best-practice plant care with no detraction
from the aesthetic. “It’s thrown by hand on
the potter’s wheel with the recess in the
base representing a continuation of the
traditionally turned foot,” he explains. “In
its current form and method of production,
Subliminal Planter sits at the higher end
of the market as a unique piece of quality,
hand-crafted ceramics.” Future iterations
of the design will include slip cast options
derivative of the same concept as well as a
broader range of sizes and finishes to make
the design more accessible and competitive
in general retail. The Design Tasmania
Awards jury described the winning planter
as “a simple and

Photography: Peter Whyte Photography

elegant concept
that uses a floating
impression”,
adding “the high
fired porcelain used
provides quality
and functionality,
demonstrating a
skilled execution by
the maker”.

46 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
ESSENTIALS

The mother-in-law’s tongue plant anthuriums and hoyas. Choose a plant food
is particularly hardy and, therefore, that’s suitable for the type of indoor plant you’re
perfect for serial plant killers. growing, whether it be a lushy and leafy plant or
a flowering beauty.

THE BEST PLANTS FOR BEGINNERS

There are several indoor plants that are
particularly hardy and very forgiving, making
them perfect for people just starting out on
their indoor gardening journey or who may have
been serial plant killers in the past. Look for
spider plants, Chinese evergreen, jade plant,
mother-in-law’s tongue, Zanzibar gem, devil’s
ivy and peace lilies. They’re all tough but still
look fabulous.
If you’d like more detailed information on
how to successfully grow indoor plants, the
book Yates Top 50 Indoor Plants and How Not to
Kill Them is a handy guide covering 50 of the
most popular indoor plants and how to care
for them, plus helpful information on the best
plants to grow where.

You can purchase

Yates Top 50 Indoor Plants and
How Not to Kill Them at booktopia.com.au.

BACKYARD | 47
 Love
doesn’t
pay the
vet bills

Pets in the Park is a professional veterinary organisation run by volunteer Veterinarians, Veterinary
Nurses and a support team, dedicated to caring for animals owned by people who are homeless.
These much loved pets offer unconditional love, companionship, emotional support and security.
Although pet ownership enriches their lives, it comes at a significant financial cost. PITP have developed
strategic partnerships with human service providers, including soup kitchens, outreach cafes and a referral
system working with social workers and case workers to make a difference to both animals and people in
Australia experiencing homelessness.
Volunteer today or donate a monthly sum of $10 which will help provide basic veterinary care for
one pet per month.

www.petsinthepark.org.au | Follow us on Facebook

 Designer gardens
Take a stroll through truly inspirational backyards, sculpted by some of
Australia’s most talented landscape professionals

BACKYARD | 49
 EAT, PLAY, LOVE
This urban oasis is filled with a diverse
blend of productive plants and natives,
a unique haven that continues to evolve

50 | BACKYARD
DESIGNER GARDENS

BACKYARD | 51
 The Corten steel planters introduce contemporary
garden art — both practical and beautiful. They’re a
timeless feature that will improve with age.

WORDS: Carrol Baker In broad strokes the productive edible

PHOTOS: Nicholas Watt elements are spread along the left-hand side of
tep inside this warm and welcoming the garden, while the native plantings lie to the

S garden space, close to the hustle and

bustle of the city, and stress and worry
just seem to melt away. The owners
recently renovated their home and wanted to
create a calming outdoor haven with a mix of
right. To create privacy and soften the boundary
fences, lilly pillies and grevilleas were planted,
in addition to passionfruit (Hibbertia scandens).
In the front garden, a generous mix of ferns,
leucadendrons, and some of the owner’s
edible plants, native trees and grasses. bromeliad collection were planted. “This
Designer Katy Svalbe, from Svalbe & Co, creates a textural welcome mat that speaks
says the rear yard was a sea of grass when she to the delightful tones and colours of the worn
first laid eyes on this Sydney garden. “There path leading to the residence,” Katy explains.
was a landing strip of sandstone slabs down its In the rear garden, generous curved Corten
centre and a majestic lemon-scented gum,” she steel planters seem to rise up from the ground.
recalls. “At its boundaries, new timber fences Katy says the planters help to structure the flow
screamed ‘green me’.” through the garden. “They define ‘the garden
And so she did. The garden is filled with walk’, hold some of the site’s level change and
textural plants that invite you to reach out and introduce warmth, structure and volume,” she
brush your fingers along them. Soft and inviting, reveals. The Corten steel will acquire a beautiful
the garden is the perfect backdrop for its patina as it ages and the plants within spill over
owners to entertain at home, potter about, and the sides to meet the native violet and creeping
indulge their love of gardening. mint-covered stepping blocks below.

52 | BACKYARD
 DESIGNER GARDENS

The front garden was given some

love, too, providing a “textural
welcome mat” to the home.

BACKYARD | 53
 “It’s meandering,
free-spirited and eclectic,
much like its owners”

54 | BACKYARD
 DESIGNER GARDENS

LEFT Repurposed heritage sandstone blocks pave the

way around the garden, which is filled with flowing
ferns, Australian natives and bountiful fresh produce.
RIGHT The majestic lemon-scented gum has a striking
presence in the garden. The recent home alterations
included a glass box to allow uninterrupted views up to
its canopy.

When the garden was designed, the existing

statuesque trees weighed heavily into the plan,
particularly the lemon-scented gum with its
beautiful aroma and smooth white and pink-
etched bark features; in summer and autumn,
feathery white flowers grace its branches.
Recycled sandstone blocks form the
pathway to the rear garden and the deck was
constructed from recycled milled railway
sleepers. “Both materials were chosen for their
raw and robust beauty and for their ability to
age gracefully,” Katy adds.
This eco-friendly, biodiverse garden invites
in pollinators and local wildlife, and there’s an
integrated subsurface drip irrigation system
connected to a rainwater tank for watering.
Katy says the garden complements the
couple who live there to a tee. “It’s meandering,
free-spirited and eclectic, much like its
owners,” she says. As the homeowners travel
frequently, the garden was also designed to be
low maintenance.
The result is a productive landscape that
continues to delight. “The owners adore
spending time in their garden and continue to
add their own personal touches — both in the
form of new plants as well as found objects,”
Katy concludes. svalbe.co

BACKYARD | 55
 FUNKY WOODEN FEATURES
BRING THIS SPACE TO LIFE
This Coogee property was given a new life with creative
wooden solutions and an injection of tropical-inspired greenery,
creating that holiday experience right in the backyard

56 | BACKYARD
DESIGNER GARDENS

BACKYARD | 57
 WORDS: Cassandra Elliott
IMAGES: Peter Brennan
Photography
he clients of this Coogee home

T needed a repair, rebuild and an

addition to their yard. They wanted
better access to the garden terraces
and the rear studio, which sits at the very top
of the steep garden. They needed to repair and
rebuild retaining walls to provide better safety,
and they wanted to increase their privacy from
neighbouring properties.
Andrew Lane from CALDESIGN teamed up
with The Other Side Landscapes to design and
build a space that met the clients’ needs in a
very innovative way.
They began by ridding the property of
invasive weeds and overhauled the plants. By
selecting plantings in a subtropical style that
focused on density, lushness and were also low
maintenance, the space was instantly refreshed.
The design of the garden set out the proposed
locations of the main feature and structural
plants. This layout was underpinned by the
grouping and location of the understorey layer,
which is two to three tiers of groundcovers and
cascading plants, low and medium shrubs,

58 | BACKYARD
 DESIGNER GARDENS

TOP MIDDLE The simple, custom built-in bench seat at

the end of a meandering path is located under a young own backyard. The design played to the relaxed additional privacy, dress the boring paling fence
Sydney red gum and overlooks the house and garden lifestyle and lush vegetation in the layered and complement the house and the feel of the new
through Kentia palms. terrace plantings, the plant-fringed path and garden. It was no easy task.
ABOVE The horizontal screen battens were created stairs, the hidden reading nooks and the creative, They say teamwork makes the dream work,
with mixed hardwood colours to provide additional tonal
custom timber elements. and in this case that couldn’t be truer. The
interest. This contrasts nicely with the matt black vertical
paling fence. This property is unique, which meant that there clients’ dream entryway required teamwork
were also some unique challenges along the way. and great communication between all parties.
climbers and accent plantings. Micro-factors Building access was an overriding issue regarding CALDESIGN collaborated closely with the
such as views, shade and soil condition also the type, weight and bulkiness of materials that owners, offering a succession of concept
helped inform this process. could be incorporated into the design. However, drawings, discussions and design detailing and
The homeowners love to travel, and the team the greatest challenge was the design of a refinement. Once they were pleased with the
drew inspiration from some of their favourite unique and interesting entry feature that would design, there was also close collaboration and
locations. Their love of tropical and subtropical work on multiple levels, being functional as well co-ordination with the carpenter to ensure it
environments is now recreated in their very as aesthetically pleasing. It also had to provide was a success.

BACKYARD | 59
 “The design played to the relaxed
lifestyle and lush vegetation in the layered
terrace plantings”

60 | BACKYARD
 DESIGNER GARDENS
LEFT Lightweight, treated pine was used for decking, step-
treads and garden path steppers, which is a great budget-
friendly option.
OPPOSITE BOTTOM A unique design feature that also offers
functionality, rough-sawn Western red cedar slats were used
to clad the curved ‘storage shed’ frame, which was designed
and fabricated specifically for this project.

The new garden is very low maintenance, were used to repair and build new garden lengths, a seemingly random horizontal pattern
requiring minimal care and water. It includes terrace retaining walls around the space. As was added to the design. The mixed hardwood
masses of carbon-absorbing vegetation and part of the design, it was noted that the walls colours provide additional tonal interest, all set
provides much higher levels of afternoon shade were going to be covered by dense foliage, against the vertical paling fence, which was
to the main living areas of the house in summer. therefore structural integrity and functionality painted matt black for added contrast.
Andrew describes this space as a subtropical overrode any aesthetic concerns. When it comes to restoring and rejuvenating
garden. “It’s a lush east-coast style with touches However, the fencing and screening a tired, old space, there’s always some room
of Bali and Sri Lanka and has Mediterranean requirements presented an opportunity to add for creativity. In this instance, a cedar storage
influences around the sunnier courtyard area.” artistic expression and a creative touch to the enclosure was required to hide some garden
The use of treated, dressed and rough-sawn entry part of the garden. The custom horizontal tools and the end product is a beautifully crafted
hardwood timber was chosen in lieu of heavier slat sculpture is mounted proudly along the focal point in the space. The curved cedar
materials due to the site’s access constraints. painted boundary fence and was a creative storage enclosure evokes the form of the trunks
Andrew explains: “The site is extremely steep solution to the privacy issue. of the large gum trees in the area and really
with lengthy, winding steps to reach the entry To keep with the informal, rustic nature of stands out as a key design element at the entry
and rear garden from the street.” the garden and to stay within the budget, rough area. It incorporates functionality and visual
The walling materials selected were purely sawn, mixed hardwood timber was used for interest, setting the tone for this relaxing and
functional. H4 treated pine sleepers and logs screen battens. By using three different batten truly unique property. caldesign.com.au

BACKYARD | 61
 TWICE AS NICE
This home boasts dual entertaining
spaces that work in accord with
the interior living rooms

62 | BACKYARD
DESIGNER GARDENS

BACKYARD | 63
Do it once,
do it right!
“TLA members
are committed
to excellence.
Don’t trust your
landscape project
to anyone else.”
Matt Leacy,
Director Landart
Landscapes

Find your ideal TLA Member

www.landscapeassociation.com.au
 DESIGNER GARDENS

ABOVE Lush plants screen the boundary walls around the

The curved timber deck and the pool, making the space feel inviting and fresh as well as
wall that wraps around it lend a perfectly private. The planting is a beautifully contrasting
sculptural element to the area. mix of bamboo and clipped weeping fig.

Words: Carrol Baker

Photos: John Wheatley
inimalist in design, this modern

M garden in the Melbourne suburb of

Malvern takes designing outdoor
spaces, especially ones for
entertaining, to an exciting new level. Designer
Nathan Burkett of Nathan Burkett Design says
the garden and surrounding hard landscaping
features represent the ultimate in contemporary
indoor-outdoor living.
“When designing the project we set out to
create a series of interesting layers that could be
experienced visually from inside the house while
maintaining a high level of functionality,” he says.
The homeowners were also looking for a garden
and entertaining space that was family-friendly,
practical to use and sculptural in nature.
To create a uniform look and feel within the
spaces, Nathan opted for a combination of
materials including sand-and-cement render,
powdercoated steel and timber. The final
outdoor design incorporates varying contours
that harmonise with the home’s interior.
“It demonstrates that curves and straight
lines can work together to create a clean,
sophisticated look that is completely
understated yet creative,” he says.

BACKYARD | 65
 The clean-lined fitted furniture
pieces help create a modern look.

“It demonstrates that curves and

straight lines can work together to create
a clean, sophisticated look”

66 | BACKYARD
A contemporary, custom-designed
cantilevered pergola defines the
spacious outdoor dining zone.
DESIGNER GARDENS

If it’s linear aspects and shapes that define in-built areas for potted plants that sit flush talking point, it’s reflected in the shape of
the design, then it’s the varying textures and with the tabletop. Beyond this, three large the rocking chairs and table that sit upon it,
tactile elements that complete the picture. The streamlined pots in shimmering silver feature, creating an intimate alternative seating area.
smoothness of the pots, the coarse feel and with planter boxes behind them. Nearby there’s a custom-designed, built-in
rustic warmth of the timber, the grainy texture The pergola has been cantilevered to barbecue that’s perfect for whipping up a
of the rendered walls and the cool feel of tiles, maximise the usable space; it also adds dinner for two or, alternatively, catering for a
create an inviting space the homeowners enjoy another angular dimension to the design. hungry crowd.
spending time in. The painted steel, aluminium and timber According to Nathan, the plant selection was
This distinctive outdoor entertaining space battens incorporated into the construction of kept to a limited number of species, including a
is both easy to use and beautiful, and the the pergola work in perfect harmony with the few succulents. “The planting scheme has been
journey begins when you open the large glass materials used elsewhere in the garden. kept minimal and the goal was to create privacy
doors that lead outdoors from the cosy interior At the other end of the space, there is a and visually striking zones in each space,”
living areas of the home. leaf-shaped timber deck. Nathan explains that he says. Along the fence line and behind
Several distinct areas cater for intimate this was one of the most challenging aspects the curved timber deck you’ll find Japanese
gatherings or outdoor parties. The covered of the construction process: “The curved deck maples. Around the pool area, bamboo was
area boasts a custom-designed dining table was difficult and involved manipulating the planted against one wall, and along the
in durable timber with a steel frame. This timbers so that they could be bent into the adjacent wall, fig. The plants have a softening
complements the timber planters, seating shape we required.” effect and add to the sense of tranquillity.”
and decking. It has a quirky addition of three The curved form of the deck isn’t just a nathanburkett.com.au

BACKYARD | 67
68 | BACKYARD
 DESIGNER GARDENS

PLANTER PERFECTION
Designed by Garden Life and built by Good Wood, this inner-city
courtyard required big thinking-design to fit into a small space

BACKYARD | 69
 RIGHT The built-in garden bed/bench seat provides a
balance between nature and nurture. It’s dual-purpose and
can accommodate the growing family’s needs.

WORDS: Cassandra Elliott

IMAGES: Nic Watt
he homeowners of this home in

T Alexandria, New South Wales, wanted

a space that brought the outside in
and vice versa. They were keen to
include native plant species, and wherever
possible to minimise upkeep and bring wildlife
to the space. Garden Life director Richard
Unsworth and landscape designer Sargon
Joseph were tasked with creating a vibrant
and functional space for a growing family in
this small, inner-city space.
“Contemporary family living” is how the
team at Garden Life describe the style of the
space. By incorporating key elements into the
courtyard, the team created a visual connection
between the inside and outside spaces. A focal
point of the space is the unique bench seat
that also doubles as a built-in garden bed. The
creation of this piece introduced an opportunity
to bring more lush, green foliage into an
originally stark space.
The team wanted to meet the clients’
requirements of bringing more greenery into
the space, but they didn’t want to introduce a
menagerie of pots to dominate. The solution

70 | BACKYARD
 DESIGNER GARDENS

“Materials and plantings were also

chosen for their ability to create depth
and illusion as to the garden’s size”

BACKYARD | 71
 recede into the background and provide a clean
canvas for the new plant palette. A Garden Life
laser-cut screen was introduced to provide an
element of interest on the wall. Over time, the
Boston ivy will grow to completely cover the
masonry wall and the screen.
As this is a fairly small space, materials and
plantings were also chosen for their ability to
ABOVE These decorative bowls form a feature wall The clients have a young family and create depth and illusion as to the garden’s
in the outdoor dining area. The neutral colour palette so the plants had not only to thrive in the size. Primed pine slates were used for the
of the space naturally draws the eye to the creative
environment, requiring minimal maintenance bench seat and BBQ cabinets to replicate
patterns on the bowls.
TOP RIGHT After the wall was painted a charcoal from these busy folk, but also withstand the lineal elements. Neutral cushions and
colour to recede into the background, a Garden Life children’s boisterous playtime. The feature wall-hung woven Vintage Makenge baskets
laser-cut screen was introduced to provide an element tree, therefore, was the perfect choice. (available at Garden Life) were used to add an
of interest on the wall. A mix of underplanting was used in the earthy element to the final styling.
courtyard, including Alpinia nutans, Neomarica The team at Garden Life say their favourite
was a custom aluminium planter sleeve, which caerulea, Plectranthus ciliatus, Asparagus part of the design is its overall versatility. “The
was inserted into a purpose-built cavity in the meyersii, Rhipsalis sp. and Sanseveria ‘Silver space can easily change between lounging,
back of a bench seat. Swords’. The climber on the feature wall, which dining and play, and grow with the family,”
Introducing deep soil gave the team the will one day engulf it in its beauty, is deciduous Sargon says.
ability to include a small, native feature tree, Boston ivy (Parthenocissus trifasciata). “Our design team are inspired on a daily
Banksia integrifolia. The banksia also adds a The garden had existing synthetic turf that basis by our surrounding architecture,
habitat and food source for birds, while the the client wanted to maintain. It helps to soften environment and landscape. We endeavour
flowering plant species encourage bees into the space aesthetically and, of course, provides to create spaces that people want to spend
the garden, something the clients were keen a soft fall area for the kids. their time in. Our primary concern is with
for. As well as being a beautiful focal point, this Central to the courtyard is the rendered our clients’ hopes and needs, and we think
tree will also provide critical shade and natural masonry wall. It was painted a charcoal colour we definitely met the brief with this one.”
cooling to the courtyard in the warmer months. (Dulux Monument), which encouraged it to gardenlife.com.au

72 | BACKYARD
 Australia’s waste challenges can’t be solved
in just one day. So, if you can’t pull together a
Clean Up crew, you can Step Up with a small
donation to help us continue to Clean Up
Australia, every day.
 WHICH PLANTS, WHERE?
Australians are fortunate to be able to buy some of the best indoor plants in the world,
with enthusiastic and clever plant breeders and nurseries making a fantastic and
interesting variety of plants available to excited indoor plant lovers
WORDS: Angie Thomas heating or cooling dries out the air, these cascading plant, where leafy stems or foliage
ith such a huge range of plants plants will enjoy having their foliage regularly can spill out over the edges. This helps to

W to choose from, here are some

leafy ideas for filling your
various indoor spaces with
options that fit like a glove.
misted with water.

LOW-LIGHT ROOMS
Most indoor plants will do best in a room that
is brightly lit but away from direct sunlight.
soften interior designs and create a lovely
relaxed feel. Hanging baskets are another
way to make the most of plants with a trailing
habit, both increasing the available space
for growing plants and creating a wonderful
HUMID BATHROOMS AND KITCHENS However, some plants can still thrive in lower feature. Fabulous cascading plants include the
Many plants that we love growing indoors have levels of light, whether that be in a bedroom, succulent string of pearls, flowering hoyas,
come from tropical and subtropical forests, hallway or corner of a lounge room. Plants such ivy, leafy devil’s ivy and interesting rhipsalis
so they’re ideally suited for growing in the as the ZZ plant (often sold as Zanzibar Gem), (mistletoe cactus).
most humid areas around our homes, which devil’s ivy, mother-in-law’s tongue, Chinese
are usually in the kitchen and bathroom. evergreen and cast iron plant will all do well in BRIGHT SPACES
Plants that love these steamy rooms include a position that you may have thought too dim to If you have very brightly lit spots around your
calatheas, moth orchids, anthuriums, kentia grow any greenery. house, there’s a range of indoor plants that
and parlour palms, syngoniums, maidenhair will enjoy these higher levels of light. Choose
and hare’s foot ferns, peace lilies and spider CASCADING PLANTS the succulents jade plant, aloe vera and zebra
plants. During dry weather or when indoor Sometimes a shelf is just crying out for a cactus, bromeliads, chain of hearts, croton,

74 | BACKYARD
Bathrooms are great for tropical and
subtropical plants that thrive on moist
BACKYARD
atmospheres, such as ferns. ESSENTIALS

BACKYARD | 75
 ABOVE Devil’s ivy is one of those plants that doesn’t matched with indoor décor and pots or provide
mind low-light conditions. a lovely contrast to lush greenery. Look for
RIGHT It’s possible to grow a variety of flowers
bromeliads, calatheas, rex begonias, polka
indoors, for a pop of colour and added interest.
dot plants, nerve plants, crotons, Chinese
rubber plant and weeping fig. Frequently check evergreens and prayer plants to add a rainbow
your plants for any signs of leaf burning and of colour into your indoor spaces.
also remember that plants grown in brightly lit
spots can dry out quickly, so monitor moisture FABULOUS FLOWERS
levels in the potting mix regularly. There are a surprising number of indoor
plants that will produce flowers. You can add
COLOURFUL FOLIAGE some floral pizzazz into your indoor collection
Indoor plants don’t need to be limited to a sea with plants such as the flamingo flower
of green, with a fabulous range of colourful (Anthurium), very popular moth orchids,
foliage plants available to add vibrant pops of peace lilies, African violets and hoya. To
colour to indoor spaces. There are leaves with promote lots of flowers, it’s important to feed
interesting spots and splotches, vivid colours, flowering plants regularly with a fertiliser
dual tones and variegations, which can be that’s rich in flower-promoting potassium.

76 | BACKYARD
Large potted plants dotted around
a living space can introduce a
BACKYARD
lovely lazy vibe. ESSENTIALS

BACKYARD | 77
 Placing plants around your workspace
is said to increase productivity.

Cascading plants can look

great in a bedroom as they
provide a relaxing feel.

78 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
ESSENTIALS

TOP Hanging baskets are a great way to introduce even

more foliage without taking up precious countertop or
shelving space.

PLANTS FOR YOUR OFFICE DESK

It’s nice to arrive at the office and be greeted by
photos of your family and pets, as well as a leafy
companion to put a smile on your face. Plants in
office spaces have also been shown to improve
productivity, so it’s a great idea to find room on
your desk for a plant. Plants that don’t take up
too much room, and will also tolerate the indoor
lighting, include moth orchids, peace lilies,
zebra cactus, baby rubber plant (Peperomia)
and jade plants.

MAKE A STATEMENT
Sometimes you need a big and bold plant to
fill the corner of an interior space, create a
room divider or a fabulous “look at me” focal
point. Look for indoor plants that can grow
impressively large such as fiddle leaf figs,
happy plants, rubber plants, umbrella trees and
weeping figs. Trailing and climbing plants, such
as monstera and philodendrons, can also grow
into sizable specimens and will need a support
to grow up, for example a coconut fibre pole or
metal pyramid.

BACKYARD | 79
 Inspiration for your backyard
Hundreds of images, ideas and information to get your backyard project done

completehome.com.au/goodorganicgardening
 SOIL & PLANTS

WATER
MANAGEMENT

GARDEN
EQUIPMENT

GARDEN DECOR

FOOD
PREPARATION
 HOW TO CARE FOR
YOUR INDOOR PLANTS
Many an enthusiastic plant lover has brought home a new leafy friend, only to
have it swiftly meet an unfortunate end. It doesn’t have to be this way!
WORDS: Angie Thomas lightweight fibreglass. To ensure good drainage, that will suit all indoor plants. Some plants,
the pot should have adequate holes. Many such as maidenhair ferns, need to be kept
SUNLIGHT decorative pots don’t have drainage holes and consistently moist and others, like mother-in-
Most indoor plants love growing in a brightly lit drilling into them can lead to the pots cracking law’s tongue, like it on the dry side. The easiest
room, away from direct sunlight. Plants growing and breaking. Instead, you can sit a plain plastic way to check moisture levels in potted plants is
in a position with less than their ideal level of pot (which has drainage holes) inside the pretty by gently digging your finger around in the top
light tend to develop yellow leaves and weak pot. Just make sure that water doesn’t pool at few centimetres of potting mix.
spindly growth. Direct sunlight can, however, the base of the decorative pot, as this can lead There are a few tricks to correctly watering
burn some tender indoor plants. Adjust the to unhealthy growth and root rot. your interior foliage. A small watering can with
position of your plants around the house and Self-watering pots are a great idea for indoor a narrow spout allows you to direct water down
within rooms to give them their preferred plants, particularly if your watering regime is to the base of the plant, rather than over the
amount of sunlight. less than ideal. leaves, which can then splash out onto furniture
and carpets.
TYPES OF POTS MOISTURE AND WATERING Another option is using the “dunk” method,
There’s such a fabulous range of attractive pots It’s important to become familiar with the which works with pots that have drainage holes.
to choose from, including earthy terracotta, amount of moisture your indoor plants need. Half fill a bucket or the kitchen sink with water,
colourful ceramic, cost-effective plastic and Unlike sunlight, there is no one level of watering sit your potted plant in the water, making sure

82 | BACKYARD
When repotting, carefully tease out
the outer layer of roots so they’re
BACKYARD
not tight and compacted ESSENTIALS

Direct sunlight can burn

tender indoor plants

BACKYARD | 83
 “There is no one level of watering
that will suit all indoor plants.
Some plants need to be kept
consistently moist and others like
it on the dry side”

84 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
ESSENTIALS

LEFT Succulents can be some of the easiest plants to

maintain inside the home — and you can grow them in
virtually anything!

that the level of water is not higher than the top to grow healthy leaves and colourful flowers.
of the pot. Leave the pot sitting in the water for Look for plant foods that have been specially
around 15 minutes; water will soak up through designed for indoor plants (such as Yates Thrive
the drainage holes and help to thoroughly wet Plant Food Spikes) which make fertilising super
the potting mix and root zone. Then remove the simple. Just insert a spike into the potting mix
pot from the water and allow the excess water near the edge of the pot and it will feed the
to drain away. The plant can then be popped plant for two months.
back on its saucer or decorative pot.
LEAF CARE
FEEDING The leaves of inside plants, particularly the
Potted plants can quickly run out of nutrients larger-leafed varieties such as fiddle leaf figs
and leaf growth and flowering will slow as plant and monsteras, can accumulate dust. This
health suffers. Thankfully, it’s easy to provide isn’t just unsightly — dust can adversely affect
indoor plants with the balanced diet they need the way leaves function as well as making the

BACKYARD | 85
 LEFT Large-leafed varieties can accumulate dust, which dulls
their lustre and is bad for the plant’s health

plant look unattractive, so it’s important to regularly

remove dust with a duster or soft cloth. At the same
time, remove yellow or dead leaves and also any spent
flower stems.

POTTING MIX TIPS

Over time, the organic matter in potting mix can
naturally break down and the level of mix around the
plant’s roots shrinks. If the plant is not yet ready to be
moved into a bigger pot, a thin fresh layer of quality
potting mix can be added over the top of the pot (no
higher than the original level of mix) and also gently
poked down the inner sides of the pot.
Potting mix can also become water repellent,
which leads to moisture not penetrating evenly
down into the plant’s root zone. Applying a liquid
or granular wetting agent over the potting mix can
help break down the waxy, water repellent layer and
allow moisture to move more effectively down into
the mix.

REPOTTING
When it’s time to upsize to a slightly bigger pot
(don’t be tempted to go too big too soon — a gradual
increase in size is best), remove the plant from its
existing container and carefully tease out the outer
layer of roots so they’re not tight and compacted.
However, don’t do this with palms, which don’t like
having their roots disturbed. Place the plant into the
new pot and gently backfill around the roots with fresh
quality potting mix. Water well afterwards to settle the
potting mix around the roots.
Alternatively, once your plant has outgrown its

86 | BACKYARD
 A small watering can with a
narrow spout allows you to direct
BACKYARD
water down to the base of the ESSENTIALS
plant, rather than over the leaves

“Self-watering pots are a great idea, particularly if

your watering regime is less than ideal”
pot, if you don’t want to or can’t progress to a early intervention will help reduce the damage
larger pot, remove the plant from its existing and potential spread to other plants.
container and then trim back about 20 per Common insect pests on indoor plants
cent of the rootball. Plant back into the same include aphids, mealy bug, scale and fungus
container, filling around the rootball with new gnats and diseases like mildews and leaf
potting mix. This provides the roots with fresh spots can also appear. Sprays such as Yates
mix to grow into, helping to rejuvenate the plant Nature’s Way Citrus & Ornamental Spray will
and promote new growth. control many common insect pests on indoor
plants. Water the plant well beforehand, take it
PEST & DISEASE CONTROL outside into a sheltered spot, spray the leaves
Protected indoor spaces can unfortunately and stems and wait for the foliage to dry before
create the ideal environment for pests and bringing the plant back inside. Remove any
diseases to flourish. Monitor your plants diseased leaves as soon as you notice them
regularly for the first sign of any trouble, as and spray with a fungicide if required.

BACKYARD | 87
 Photography: Peta North
This sustainable garden offers unique, shaped lawns and an abundance of edible plants

C
reating an eco-friendly garden is As well as recycling the river stones, the like the quarter-acre blocks of old. Our hope
important for each project designed by team also reused the ’80s pavers and managed was that Andrew would create a garden space
Andrew Beck, principal of Sustainable to preserve the majority of the existing trees, that would draw our four children outdoors
Garden Design Perth. His recent working them into the design. to play in the same way we were able to do
brainchild, a garden in Nedlands, Perth, Edible plants, suitable for kids to harvest and so happily as kids growing up around here near
reaches new heights of playful design. graze on, were great to include. In this garden, the river.
Spanning a generous 1800sqm close to the 40 different fruit trees were planted across the “The garden has turned out exactly as we’d
Swan River, this property is the family home of property, from espaliered lemons and limes on envisaged, with the kids spending hours outside
two doctors and their four children. The outdoor the balcony to avocado, figs, mango, papaya, playing, foraging, climbing and exploring.”
area, in keeping with the mid-century-inspired white mulberry and bananas.
home, also incorporates circular islands of A small raised FormBoss weathering steel
lawn delineated with FormBoss steel edging to vegetable garden was created for the children
create interesting geometric shapes, as well as to tend and they were then able to harvest a
a play space close to a non-pooling stream. hand of bananas, which they took to school for GET THE LOOK
The project was particularly challenging as show and tell. FORMBOSS
a large majority of the stone existed on-site The homeowners were very happy with the Phone 13 11 37
and needed to be carefully removed by hand result: “We were very clear that we wanted a Website formboss.com.au
and then reassembled like a jigsaw in its new beautiful outdoor space that had that sense of
organic form. rambling spaciousness with a touch of wildness

88 | BACKYARD
THIS WEEKEND
K
 SCULPTED SPACES

BACKYARD | 89
 Crepe myrtle — your garden just isn’t complete without it

O
ne of the best all-rounder trees that Wes is particularly fond of: the Indian full flower. Many council gardens throughout
available in Australia is the stunning Summer collection and the recently released Australia have embraced the crepe myrtle
crepe myrtle. This gorgeous variety Magic Series. after seeing how well they respond to the
offers something for just about The Magic Series collection is typically a environment. I adore driving through streets
everyone. Crepe myrtle comes in all shapes smaller selection of tree that is ideal for the lined with these trees because it’s very rare that
and sizes, from bushes to small, medium and urban garden. Some feature deep-purple they don’t look amazing. They aren’t too large,
large trees. It also produces huge panicles of foliage and vibrant flowers including hot pinks, they have seasonal appeal and they look after
summer flowers in almost all colours. deep corals and white, and the collection even themselves — what more can you ask!”
The crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia) is one of has two unique, true red flower types: Ruffled Go to Fleming’s website and search
the most versatile and hardy plant varieties Red Magic and Red Magic. Lagerstroemia to find out more about the
around. It has been long loved across Australia Crepe myrtles aren’t just about their striking collections of crepe myrtle available.
and does extremely well in cooler temperate flowers — they also feature a silky bark that
zones as well as hotter and humid regions. exfoliates to reveal darker or lighter bark
A premier production nursery, Fleming’s beneath, giving the tree a very beautiful feature, GET THE LOOK
Nurseries, is considered Australia’s number- particularly when dormant in winter. FLEMING’S NURSERIES
one tree expert and has been a fan of the “I have them throughout my own garden 1 Fleming Lane, Monbulk Vic 3793
crepe myrtle for decades. “They are so hardy, where they are feature trees, garden bed Phone (03) 9756 6105
so beautiful and so versatile — they really shrub plants, and some act as garden fillers Email [email protected]
cannot be ignored,” says Fleming’s director and ground covers,” Wes says. “They provide Website flemings.com.au
Wes Fleming. Fleming’s has two particular great variation throughout the seasons and I
crepe myrtle collections, among others, love seeing them move from autumn tones to

90 | BACKYARD
THIS WEEKEND
K
 PLANT SOME CREPE MYRTLE

BACKYARD | 91
THIS WEEKEND
CHANGING SEASONS


Winter is the perfect time to prepare your garden for spring

W
ith cooler weather comes less Queensland, Earthlife understands these pool of nutrients for plants to access once the
gardening. That’s the age-old issues and deals with deciduous leaf drop every days start to warm again.
adage and it’s true to a point as winter. The company has been able to develop It’s time to restore and fortify your
many plants slow down, die back a simple-to-use product made from the natural garden for the coming spring. With only a
and drop leaves. The soil begins to go cold, enzymes and acids of soil bacteria to break few applications of Earthlife products, your
too, which affects the growth of plants and down fallen leaves. To keep it even simpler, it’s backyard and lawn will begin to look after
surface conditions. called Earthlife Break Down, describing exactly themselves, leaving more time for you to focus
Of course, there’s also the constant raking of what it does for your gardens. on enjoying your garden and continuing the
leaves. In nature, deciduous leaves are broken Combined with applications of Earthlife cycles that nature intended.
down by soil organisms. The enzymes produced Garden Delight — a range of minerals, humates
from this process create a layer of mulch that and a plethora of soil biology to keep the
keeps the soil surface warm and open around processes going — your garden doesn’t need to
the roots. Without these vital organisms, be adversely affected by the wonderful change
GET THE LOOK
EARTHLIFE
leaves won’t break down and often become from autumn to winter.
Phone 1800 819 003
hydrophobic, resulting in the soil becoming While little else is happening throughout
Email [email protected]
compacted, water repellent and unable to the garden, Earthlife is ensuring that the
Website earthlife.com.au
accept the spring rains. water-repellent crust doesn’t form as well as
Based in the Garden City of Toowoomba, conditioning the soil and leaf litter, creating a

92 | BACKYARD
 THIS WEEKEND
K
 BARBECUE BLITZ

A new frontier in grilling and dining — in the privacy, safety and peace of your own home

H
ave you ever enjoyed cooking and perfect for apartment balconies where space just a few of the perks of this unique system.
dining with family and friends at a is limited and the use of gas and charcoal When you’re not preparing and enjoying
Korean BBQ restaurant, a Japanese BBQs is often restricted. delicious meals together, you can simply
Hibachi restaurant or relished a For slightly larger groups, the six-seater place the lid over the cooker and use the
Swiss fondue? system is ideal for families and friends who table in a typical fashion.
Tradtionally, most of us have had no choice love enjoying meal time together, whether The alfresQ infra e revolutionises home
but to head out to restaurants to enjoy this it be for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Start cooking and is 100 per cent Australian-
unique and hugely enjoyable experience. cooking in the peace and privacy of your own owned and -designed. Create unique
There’s no doubt about the appeal of chatting, backyard or, with the smokeless nature of the memories every time you experience this
cooking, having a drink and dining in a group. system, even your dining room! groundbreaking grill system. Neat, right?
Well, guess what? This fun and delicious Get the kids out of their bedrooms and
way of cooking and dining is now no longer chatting about their days, having a laugh and
limited to the occasional restaurant visit. The really developing a family bond.
alfresQ infra e is the original, modern-day The industrial yet timeless style of the
GET THE LOOK
grilling and dining experience you can enjoy alfresQ infra e sealed concrete tables is sleek
alfresQ
Website alfresq.com
in the comfort of your own home. and efficient. Waterproof, easy to clean and
The alfresQ infra e four-seater system is very solid in design and construction are

BACKYARD | 93
 EK Fireplace Kitchen

Extend your hours outside by providing comfort, warmth and even delicious food

N
othing brings people together like food we know it, but alfresco cooking is always on the need for a flue. With a zero-clearance
and flames. Now, Escea has found the menu. The epic outdoor cooking fire, the rating, it can be installed straight into any
the perfect way to combine them both Escea EK Fireplace Kitchen, is now available in timber-framed or masonry cavity.
with the EP1350 Outdoor Fire Table. three sizes of 950mm, 1250mm and 1550mm Cooler weather can mean a change in how we
Inspired by the classic campfire, the Fire Table wide. All models come equipped with everything interact with the outdoors. Enjoying the outdoors
is made for gathering, sharing, cooking and you need to achieve a smoky meat lover’s is always a treat, and outdoor fireplaces open up
marshmallow toasting. feast, including an ember generator, 13-point opportunities for families and friends to gather in
Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding the adjustable cooking plates, grills and meat the comfort of their own backyard.
whole family, or hosting a tribe, the Fire Table hooks. Best of all, once the flame cooking
offers a 360-degree social cooking experience is done, it can be tucked away beneath a
that gets everyone involved. It’s a new twist on stainless-steel draw, leaving you with a roaring
an old classic, only better, because Escea’s outdoor fire to relax beside.
Vortex Firecore technology provides you with the Enjoy the comfort of the indoors, outdoors.
GET THE LOOK
ESCEA
warmth, ambience and flames of a campfire, Escea’s outdoor gas fireplace is perfect for
Website escea.com
without all the smoke. entertaining with its quick and convenient heat.
Barbecue season will be on us again before The EF5000 offers simple installation, without

94 | BACKYARD
 THIS WEEKEND
K
 FIRE AWAY

EF5000 Outdoor Gas Fireplace

EP1350 Outdoor Fire Table

BACKYARD | 95
 POTS AND PIECES
While the foliage may be the star of the show, your o r
plants’ accessories and containers are a crucial pie of he
puzzle. There are just so many options of all shapees
sizes, from elegant cylinders to novelty planters an tyy i h 1.
options hanging down from above. And don’t forget u
watering vessels …

2.

Lightweight Ruby pots in

blush, mint and black, $39.95,
tuscanpath.com.au

6.
3.

5.
7. 4.

96 | BACKYARD
 YARD
SHOP

8.

9.

10.

12.

11.
13.

14.

1. Black sheet metal plant stand, $220, bendo.com.au.

2. Behr & Co Century blush pots, $99.95, norsu.com.au.
3. Lucas large teak planter, $170, satara.com.au.
4. Triceratops ceramic dinosaur planter pot, $53.99,
yellowoctopus.com.au. 5. Karson planter in ceramic
15. white, $129.95, ozdesignfurniture.com.au. 6. Giftbox
planter, $660, entanglements.com.au. 7. Diamond watering can
in eucalyptus, $90, gardenglory.com. 8. Macrame pot hanger,
$59, thetoucanshop.com. 9. DANIEL steel wire pendant light
designed by Daniel Kula, $POA, editioncompagnie.fr. 10. Water
Tower planter pot, $59.99, yellowoctopus.com.au. 11. Foldable
Pop Up pot, ‘Mountain’ design, made of 100 per cent recycled
16. and carbon-neutral polypropylene, $15, sownsow.com. 12. Plant
stand in luxe white, $55, bendo.com.au. 13. Cloison végétale ETC
plant suspension, designed by Vincent Vandenbrouck, collection
Mobilier cultivé, $195, editioncompagnie.fr. 14. Green vintage
colander planter with stand, $35, schots.com.au. 15. Haws
plant mister, $65, terraceoutdoorliving.com.au. 16. Bronzed
mirror glass and Tasmanian blackwood Raven planter, $290,
17. retroprintrevival.com. 17. Grey daschund planter in magnesium
oxide, $158, ellajames.co.uk.

BACKYARD | 97
 HYDROPONICS —
GROW YOUR SALAD INDOORS
Indoor plants don’t have to be all about the aesthetic.
Why not produce some of your food indoors, too?
WORDS: Angela Young simple two-step system that involves starter and effective growing, the award-winning design
s more and more of us look to bring plugs for seedlings in a nursery and sprout box, requires absolutely no soil and 95 per cent

A the outside in, by way of houseplants

and indoor greenery, another very
similar trend has been gaining
momentum in the background — indoor food
growing, whether through hydroponics or
moving to a larger cultivation unit complete
with LED light to promote growth. They might
not be the best looking furniture pieces on the
block, but their simple assembly and diminutive
size mean they’re a great starting block for
less watering than other methods. Vegetables,
herbs and microgreens can be grown up to
twice as fast as usual, using less space, water
and energy. You simply plant pre-seeded pods
into plant slots, pour water and nutrients into
alternative means. It’s not surprising — a beginner home-growers. the watering slot, and then just monitor and
process that combines the satisfaction of indoor The fabulously innovative hydroponic control the whole process with the app. All that,
plant success and eating what you grow is Rotofarm, on the other hand (launched recently and only five minutes’ care a week. It sounds
bound to prove popular. on Indiegogo) is a particularly funky — and amazing. Will it be that easy? Who knows, but
If you fancy having a go at producing your apparently highly effective — way of growing the futuristic-looking design — set to look even
own salad indoors, there are quite a number salad or herbs indoors. Said to combine the better once the greenery starts sprouting, of
of options on the market and, much like those power of NASA-inspired zero-gravity technology course — means you might not mind so much if
potential leaves, it’s growing all the time. Ikea, with energy-efficient sunlight spectrum lighting your growing abilities are lacking!
for example, offers Krydda/Växer grow kits, a and smart app automation for easy, efficient While it’s not yet available in Australia (it was

98 | BACKYARD
 YARD
SHOP

ABOVE & OPPOSITE Ikea’s Krydda/Växer grow kit.

TOP The incredibly cute Rotofarm.
LEFT LG’s Indoor Garden Solution vegetable cultivator
is a substantial bit of kit.

first revealed at CES 2020), LG’s Indoor Garden

Solution, a built-in indoor vegetable cultivator,
could be a game-changer, not least because
of its large size and consequent increased
capacity. Using flexible modules, it replicates
optimal outdoor conditions by matching the
temperature inside the insulated cabinet with
the time of day. A combination of LED lights,
forced air circulation and wick-based water
management mean seeds can transform
quickly into edibles.
Key to the Indoor Garden Solution’s inner
workings is its non-circulating water supply
technology, which evenly distributes the exact
amount of water required. This reportedly helps
prevent algae growth and inhibits unpleasant
smells — crucial for indoor cultivating. An app
offers help and all-in-one packages containing
seeds (lettuce, rocket, chicory and basil), peat
moss and fertiliser designed for immediate
planting are being offered. Let’s hope success
with early models will see an Australian
release in the not too distant future.

BACKYARD | 99
 SEE WHAT SEAWEED CAN DO
It’s the ocean-sourced plant food that’s sustainable,
ethical and scientifically proven
WORDS: Cat Woods pests and diseases. Liquid seaweed is organic “Seaweed has a range of beneficial actions,
IMAGES: Provided by Chloe and sustainably sourced — an ideal food for including helping to reduce transplant shock,
Thomson, Bean There Dug That plants and for organic gardening in particular. improving the health and vigour of plants,
ince my own results with growing Melbourne landscape gardener Steve reducing the incidence of disease and improving

S indoor and outdoor plants have been

varied, I’m the first in line to take
advice from experienced gardeners
and professionals in landscaping and plants.
A common nugget of advice I’ve been provided
Woods, of Woods Landscapes & Gardens
Maintenance, says he uses Seasol on most of
his clients’ gardens every couple of weeks. “I’ve
noticed that when I apply it during growing
season their plants thrive,” he explains. “It’s
drought tolerance,” she says.
“It’s not a true fertiliser,” she clarifies. “I
think of seaweed as an essential vitamin, or a
tonic that makes my plants thrive.”
Chloe applies a dilution of seaweed over the
is to use liquid seaweed to both nourish and organic, natural and it’s easy to use. It’s foliage of her plants and the soil around them
support my plants and also to rejuvenate limp, also important to my clients that I don’t use since the solution is absorbed by both leaves
struggling ones. products that may prove harmful to their pets. and roots. “It also stimulates microbial activity
I’ve been using liquid seaweed on my indoor Plus, it’s affordable and easily available. I in the soil, which leads to healthier soil and
plants and balcony garden for the past two prefer to buy it in concentrate since using the plants,” she adds.
months and the results have definitely been product sparingly and properly means a little “Use a diluted solution every two to four
fruitful. As a fertiliser, it has a lot of research goes a long way.” weeks on all your plants, including natives.
to back up claims that it enhances vegetable Chloe Thomson, horticulturalist and co-owner Seaweed’s especially good to use when
crop yields, improves the flavour and quality of The Gardenettes, has shared her expertise on transplanting larger plants or planting
of particular fruits and vegetables (peppers, organic gardening via online videos and her Bean seedlings, because it aids in reducing the
corn and grapes), and also protects plants from There Dug That Instagram (@beantheredugthat). shock of root disturbance.”

100 | BACKYARD
 YARD
“I think of seaweed as an essential vitamin, or a tonic SHOP
that makes my plants thrive” — Chloe Thomson

SEAWEED BREAKDOWN
Bunnings national garden care buyer David Woodford offers the following advice on the benefits of using liquid seaweed.

Guidance Benefits
Liquid seaweed can be applied to either the soil or the foliage • Helps improve overall plant health and growth
of the plant in the soil or pot. A general application is 30mL • Stimulates root development
of concentrate per 9 litres of water (standard watering can • Can enhance flowering and fruiting
or bucket) applied to the soil, or a foliage application of • Helps plants to cope with stresses such as heat, drought,
20mL concentrate per 9 litres of water. It can be applied frost, pests and disease
every 1–2 weeks throughout the year and is safe on all plants
including natives, veggies, seedlings and larger trees.

BACKYARD | 101
 THE AUSSIE HOME
INSIGHTS SURVEY

Are you a home decorator, renovator,

home flipper or even a home influencer?
Be a part of Australia’s Home Insights Survey
– we want to know what Aussies are doing with their homes.

500
to be
WON
No project is too
small - we want
to hear what you
are doing in 2020,
and there are great
prizes to be won

ENTER TODAY TO WIN

1 OF 500
copies of Grand Designs Australia Kitchens & Bathrooms
3rd edition

www.completehome.com. au/home -insights-sur vey

 TERRARIUMS
Delightful miniature gardens that are grown in open or closed glass containers,
even the smallest apartments have room for a terrarium!
WORDS: Angie Thomas First things first, position your terrarium in a fabulous mini forest effect. Plants that
uite easy to maintain, terrariums a brightly lit position that isn’t in direct light, as love growing in moist, rainforest or tropical

Q are calming to look at and you can

spend time “gardening” in your
terrarium whatever the weather
and at any time of the day or night.
Old fish tanks, vintage vases and recycled
direct sun could burn the plants inside or make
the terrarium too hot.
Plants that are perfect for terrariums
include spider plants, dwarf parlour palms,
leafy hare’s foot and maidenhair ferns, English
climates are great for growing in the protected,
humid environment created by terrariums.
Garden centres will often stock of range of
small terrarium-friendly plants, as well as the
pebbles, sphagnum moss and potting mix you’ll
coffee jars can all create fantastic terrariums ivy, soft green mosses and colourful nerve need to fill your terrarium. Secondhand stores
and there are also special bowls, pyramids, plants (Fittonia spp). Choose the type and can be a great place to find interesting glass
spheres, cloches and bell jars available for number of terrarium plants based on the size containers that make perfect terrariums.
purchase that can be used as very Instagram- of your container. A range of taller, medium Terrariums can also be enjoyable and
worthy terrariums. sized and low-growing plants can help create engaging for kids to help create and then

104 | BACKYARD
 WEEKEND
PROJECT

decorate with their favourite miniature plastic

toys and figurines. Tiny fairies and mini magical
creatures are right at home in a terrarium,
as is pint sized fairy garden furniture. Small
dinosaurs hidden in amongst a Jurassic style
themed terrarium are also a fun idea.
Here are the simple steps to creating your
own terrarium:
• Place a 2cm layer of pebbles or stones in the
base of the container. With terrariums not
having drainage holes, the pebbles help to
improve the drainage.
• Next, spread a 2cm layer of sphagnum moss
over the pebbles. Sphagnum moss (available
in bags in garden centres) creates a moisture
absorbent layer over the pebbles.
• Mix some horticultural charcoal (also
available in garden centres) into premium
potting mix (add one handful of charcoal to
nine handfuls of potting mix) and then gently
scoop this mix into the terrarium, on top of
the sphagnum moss. Charcoal helps to purify
the mix and reduce odours. The depth of the
potting mix should be matched to the size of
the root systems of your terrarium plants, so
it’s just deep enough to cover all the roots.

BACKYARD | 105
 TOP TIP
To keep your terrarium healthy and
looking great, regularly remove
any dead or yellow leaves, trim
back plants that are becoming too
large or overgrowing other plants,
and feed a few times a year with a
quarter-strength liquid fertiliser.

106 | BACKYARD
 WEEKEND
PROJECT

“Plants that are perfect for

terrariums include spider plants,
dwarf parlour palms, leafy hare’s
foot and maidenhair ferns, English
ivy, soft green mosses and colourful
nerve plants (Fittonia spp.)”

• Make small holes in the potting mix, remove ABOVE Air plants are the easist plants in the world to
the terrarium plants from their containers look after, perfect for the clumsiest of indoor gardeners
and place your plants into the holes, giving
each plant enough room to grow. Backfill most of the moisture within the container.
with potting mix so all the roots are covered. Small and narrow tools for digging and plant
• Gently apply a small amount of water over placement are handy when it comes to creating a
the terrarium to settle the potting mix around terrarium, as is a funnel for spreading tiny
the plants’ roots. pebbles or sand and a pair of tongs for placing
• At this stage you may want to add decorative decorations. Narrow-mouthed containers can be
items such as shells, pebbles, sand or rocks tricky to manoeuvre in, so when you’re starting
around the plants, or place sections of moss out, choose a terrarium with a wide opening.
over the mix. Cacti and succulents can also be grown in
• Clean down the insides of the glass container terrariums, however special care is required.
with paper towel. A clean terrarium looks so To create a drier, more airy environment
much nicer! the terrarium should be open (not sealed),
To keep your terrarium moist, it can be positioned in a very brightly lit spot and a
misted with water. Misting’s preferable to specialty cacti and succulent potting mix used
watering, as it reduces the chances of (which is gritty and free draining). Choose
overwatering. Don’t let water accumulate in the succulents that will tolerate growing indoors,
bottom layer of pebbles, as this can lead to root such as jade plants and zebra cactus (Haworthia
rot. You’ll be able to see any pooled moisture sp.). It’s very important not to overwater
through the glass. Closed terrariums will only terrariums with cacti and succulents, as they
require an occasional misting, as they’ll retain detest wet feet and can be prone to root rot.

BACKYARD | 107
 TOP TIPS
1 Make sure to repot your house
plants every 12–18 months.

2 Mulch the top of the pots with

a bark chip or similar.
3 Don’t overwater.
4 Oil,
Use products such as Eco
PestOil and neem oil as
directed.

5 cloth
Clean plants with a damp
to remove foliage pests.

BEAT THE BUGS

Bringing the outside in with indoor plants is all well and good,
but how do you avoid an insect invasion in your home?
WORDS: Angela Young into premium quality potting mix will start its the same light requirements,” she says, adding,
oliage around the house can be life healthy,” she says, recommending you join “Using a premium quality potting mix and

F calming, detoxifying and aesthetically

pleasing, but an outbreak of insects
indoors could make it all more effort
than it’s worth. Taking certain precautions,
however, can ensure you won’t need to worry
a plant society that can help troubleshoot any
problems when they arise.
“Pests usually attack plants that are
suffering from poor health. If a plant is
struggling for nutrients and lacking in
making sure to mulch the top of the pots will
prevent gnats from laying their eggs in the soil.”
Another thing that can break their lifecycle,
she says, is allowing your plants to dry out in
between watering.
about that problem arising. adequate water, it’s more prone to pest attack. While healthy plants tend to attract few
Landscape and permaculture designer and Plants in the wrong situation in the home can bugs, if you wanted to go for the hardiest
educator Narelle Happ teaches workshops on also be come susceptible, and plants that are
all aspects of gardening, from growing your own under- or over-watered.”
food, to native bush foods and indoor gardening. Narelle recommends grouping together
She says that the key way to avoid a battle of plants that have similar needs. “Plants that
the bugs is to make sure you’re buying healthy need the same amount of water are best kept
plants in the first place. “A healthy plant potted together as are plants that have

108 | BACKYARD
Spiraling whitefly on
Cordyline fructiosa.
WEEKEND
PROJECT

ABOVE & OPPOSITE The dreaded aphid can wreak

havoc on plants, particularly new growth
BELOW Narelle Happ

WHICH BUGS
— AND WHERE?
• Foliar mealy bugs — on stems and leaves
• Soil mealy bugs — on roots of plants
• Spider mites — foliage and stems
“If a plant is struggling for nutrients and lacking in • Aphids — on new growth of plants
• Scale insects — on stems and leaves
adequate water, it’s more prone to pest attack” • Thrips — often on flowers and sometimes
in leaf axils
• Whiteflies — on leaves
— Narelle Happ • Fungus gnats — in the soil
• Ants — potting mix when very dry and on
plants when scale present

varieties, sticking to Sanseveria (mother-in-

law’s tongue), Aspidistra (cast iron plant), Cissus
antarctica (kangaroo vine) and Spathiphyllum
(peace lily) should see you right.
Thankfuly, Narelle says, pests will
generally tend to stay on the plant itself
rather than breaking out and invading your
home, though fungus gnats can sometimes
be seen flying around. She advises
researching your houseplants carefully to
make sure they’re receiving the care they
require, and make sure you correctly identify
the pest before using a treatment.
Most of all, she points out, try to remember
that killing a plant isn’t a crime! “It’s often
inevitable as we learn about their needs,” she
says. “Caring for plants in your home can be
very therapeutic and take you away from other
stresses in life as you care, water and feed them.
“Next time you take your plants outside to be
watered, note how bare your home looks without
them. And beware that, once you start, growing
and keeping indoor plants can be very addictive!”

BACKYARD | 109
 WHAT ONCE WAS
OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Found materials contribute to the comfortable yet
stylish feel of this indoor garden space
WORDS: Alistair Kirkpatrick & occupies. Given the style and setting, we didn’t
Anthony Sharples want this design to feel over-polished.
IMAGES: AKAS Landscape Aside from any health benefits they provide,
Architecture indoor plants are stunning and provide
ndoor plants both filter and clean the air, contact with the outside when you’re stuck

I removing toxins and pollutants, which

is important both at home and at work,
especially in new buildings. The World
Health Organization has identified indoor air
pollution as one of the biggest health risks to
inside! Here are some key tips, as well as
some of the plants and techniques we used to
style this space.
1. Keep it simple — when it comes to your
choice of materials and colour. Stick with
people in developed nations, and the average natural colours such as blacks, whites, browns
air quality in an Australian home is equivalent and greys for your pots, tables, furniture or
to standing next to a freeway in peak hour. planters. If you’re going for an industrial and
For this project, focusing on an indoor garden minimal finish, we recommend sticking with
— Round 3 Creative — at Juddy Roller Gallery natural materials such as woods, metals,
Fitzroy, the AKAS Landscape Architecture ceramics and hessian for all aspects of the
team used a variety of plants, pots and found design. Ethically sourced tree stumps are also
objects to give the space an indoor/outdoor a beautiful addition to an indoor garden!
jungle vibe. We went for an industrial look, 2. Think vertically. Hanging pots are great
taking inspiration from the warehouse the office for leading your eye upwards, framing a window

110 | BACKYARD
 WEEKEND
PROJECT

or even acting as artwork. Devil’s ivy and ivy

are fantastic indoor plants, and will cascade
down creating a lovely green screen. A great
tip for hanging plants is to covert the base
of the pot into a reservoir, the same way you
would when making a terrarium. Your pot
needs to be waterproof. Fill one third of your
pot with lightweight gravel, such as pumice
stones. Always ensure you put a few pieces of
horticultural charcoal in, to keep the water sweet,
then place a piece of geotextile to stop the potting
mix from falling into the reservoir. This will
ensure you don’t have any drips on your furniture.
3. Use found materials. Found materials
are a worthwhile addition to an indoor planting
design, bringing a rustic look into the space.
You could use so many different materials or
objects to hang, suspend or pot up plants. It’s
the time to get creative! For this project we
were lucky enough to find this old piece of an
electricity pole, and we couldn’t wait to make
something beautiful out of it. The problem,
however, was the small amount of soil we could
get into the top of the pole. Succulents are
the perfect plant when you only have a small
amount of soil to play with — just make sure
they get plenty of sun.
4. Select the right plants for the space.
Choose plants that are not only beautiful, glossy
and green, but that will also thrive in the
conditions of your indoor space. If you have
minimal light your choices are restricted to the
three indestructibles:
• Cast iron plant Aspidistra elatior
• Swiss cheese plant Monstera deliciosa
• Spider plant Chlorophytum comosum.
5. Water, sun, water — but not too much
water! Once the garden is in, it’s time to sit
back and enjoy it. There’s a lot of conflicting
information about caring for your indoor plants,
but our advice is “leaves wet, soil dry”. Indoor
environments have extremely low humidity in
the air and little air circulation, which results
in the stoma becoming damaged by dust and
desiccation. Daily misting with soft water will
mitigate this situation. The major issue for indoor
plant growing is the lack of light. Overwatering is
also a major killer of indoor plants due to fungal
attack of the roots, so we recommend you let the
plants dry out between watering. Fungus gnats
are a perennial issue, but the only remedy we’ve
ever found to be effective is to mix 30 per cent
diatomaceous earth with your potting mix and
mulch with pebbles.
6. Keep it natural. Artificial house plants
have become very popular in the last five years
and some of the more expensive brands look
very realistic, but don’t be tempted! By buying
faux, all you’re doing is putting more plastic into
your environment, which is the leading cause of
indoor pollution. When artificial plants inevitably
fade and get thrown out, they’ll sit in landfill
for thousands of years. If watering something
occasionally is too challenging, perhaps just
stick to inanimate objects, such as shells or
driftwood. akas.com.au

BACKYARD | 111
 Freshly minted MINT
Common names: Spearmint, common mint
Botanical name: Mentha spicata
Family: Lamiaceae (mint family)
Aspect & soil: Full sun to part shade; moist
No kitchen is complete without it. but well-drained soil
Best climate: Cool, temperate, subtropical,
Here’s our complete guide to this refreshing herb tropical
Habit: Perennial
Words: Jennifer Stackhouse In summer and autumn it may have long Propagation: Seed, division, runners
int is a versatile herb to grow and it leafy stems with spires of pale lavender flowers Difficulty: Easy

M comes in myriad flavours, colours,

sizes, shapes and textures. Many
mints are edible but also have
medicinal or health benefits and some yield
essential oils.
that are highly attractive to insects.
The mint or spearmint fragrance of
spearmint leaves is due to menthol but other
mints contain other volatile oils that alter
their fragrance and give rise to a huge range
They’ll also advise container growing to stop it
invading the rest of the garden with its vigorous
runners. For the best containment use a
The best known is spearmint, used to of differently scented mint plants available to bottomless pot sunk into the ground.
make mint sauce or jelly as a traditional grow in gardens (such as the varieties shown Keep mint thriving with regular doses
accompaniment to roast lamb. Though on these pages). Many mints grown in gardens of liquid organic plant food and watering,
spearmint (Mentha spicata) is just the tip of are hybrids of spearmint and other mints. especially in hot or dry areas. Encourage new,
the iceberg when it comes to mint, it’s a great tender growth with regular trimming and prune
introduction to growing the herb. MINT CONDITIONS away unwanted growth.
Spearmint grows as a groundcover and Spearmint grows best with moist soil and a Mints have small white, lavender or pink
spreads via runners or stolons (underground little shade and the same rules apply for most flowers, mainly in summer and autumn. The
stems). It produces short square stems of tasty types of mint. flowers are highly attractive to beneficial
green leaves, which grow through the warmest Experienced older gardeners often insects but can reduce leafy growth.
parts of the year but can die back completely in recommend growing mint next to the garden While the aromatic nature of the leaves
cold winter areas. tap as it enjoys any excess water it can get. and their volatile oils keep most pests at

112 | BACKYARD
 GROW
“Pick stems in late summer or autumn, strip off MINT
the leaves and freeze them in water in ice-cube
trays to use later in the year”

ABOVE Mint teas, especially peppermint and spearmint, are

good for digestive upsets
LEFT Mint becomes dormant during winter in colder regions,
so it’s a good idea to freeze some in ice cube trays

CHOCOLATE MINT CORSICAN MINT WATER MINT

Botanical name: M. × piperita ‘Chocolate’ Botanical name: M. requienii Botanical name: M. aquatica
Description: Mound forming with chocolate- Description: Groundcover that forms a low, Description: Long purple stems, green,
toned leaves that have a chocolate scent, tight mat with mauve flowers. Tolerates sun serrated fragrant leaves, purple flowers
edible leaves Size: 2 × 70cm Size: 200 × 90cm
Size: 90 × 90cm Comments: Can be grown between stepping Comments: Grows in or beside water so needs
Comments: This is a variety of peppermint stones or to edge a path very moist conditions in gardens

bay, mint can be chewed down to stalks by from the main clump to grow new plants. Pot
looper caterpillars. Chewed leaves and lots them on to share with friends or to keep up a
of small black droppings are clear signs that supply over winter.
caterpillars are feeding on mint plants.
These tiny but hungry caterpillars are often EATING MINT
seen in summer and can be quickly controlled Mint is picked as needed and can be eaten
by squashing. An organic pesticide such as fresh, dried or used to make sauces or jellies.
Dipel may be needed to get rid of them. Give Fresh mint is often used as a garnish and is the
the mint plant a helping hand to regrow with a most popular herb to combine with peas. It’s
dose of liquid fertiliser and extra watering. used liberally in Middle Eastern cuisines as well
Mint can also be attacked by rust, a fungal as those of South-East Asia.
disease that spoils the look of the leaves and Leaves of many of the highly flavoured mints
makes them less appealing to eat. Look for can be steeped in hot water as tea. Peppermint in
small brown spots on the leaves, leaf drop and particular makes an enjoyable calming tea. Mint
stunted plants. is an important ingredient of the mojito, a rum- APPLE MINT
To control rust, prune off affected leaves based cocktail, and mint leaves are also added to Botanical name: M. suaveolens
Description: Soft shrubby herb with green
and place them in a bag in the rubbish bin. both alcoholic and non-alcoholic punches.
slightly hairy leaves with apple fragrance and
Provide more water to encourage new rust- Where mint becomes dormant over winter,
whitish flowers in summer
free regrowth. Rust-free mint (M.× rubra var. pick stems in late summer or autumn, strip off Size: 90 × 90cm
raripila) is said to have rust-resistant leaves. the leaves and freeze them in water in ice-cube Comments: ‘Variegata’ has green and white
While mint is in peak growth in summer, lift trays to use later in the year. Alternatively of leaves and pineapple scent
some of the rooted runners and detach them course, grow it indoors!

BACKYARD | 113
GROW
MINT

LEMON MINT GINGER MINT SPEARMINT

Botanical name: M. × piperita var. citrata Botanical name: M. × gracilis Botanical name: M. spicata
Description: Shrubby mint, reddish stems, Description: Mounding groundcover with Description: Mounded groundcover, small
shiny green leaves often tinged red, strong stems of gold variegated leaves with bright-green serrated edible leaves, lilac
scent (originally used to make the perfume spearmint and ginger scent, edible leaves, flowers in summer
Eau de Cologne). The leaves are edible but small mauve flowers along the stems Size: 90 × 90cm
highly flavoured. Has spires of lavender Size: 40 x 60cm Comments: ‘Crispa’ has curled leaves and
flowers in summer and autumn that are highly Comments: This variety is a hybrid good cold tolerance. ‘Moroccan’ is used to
attractive to insects of spearmint make Moroccan mint tea
Size: 50 × 100cm
Comments: This variety is a hybrid between
water mint and spearmint

VIETNAMESE MINT CATMINT

PEPPERMINT Botanical name: Persicaria odorata Botanical name: Nepeta cataria
Botanical name: M. × piperita Description: Shrubby herb with rigid reddish Description: Mound forming, soft growth,
Description: Groundcover with peppermint- stems and narrow, pointed green leaves with silver-leaved, aromatic, long stems of
scented leaves, edible darker markings. Edible and highly flavoured; mauve flowers
Size: 90 × 90cm widely used in Asian cooking Size: 90 × 90cm
Comments: Peppermint is a hybrid between Size: 30 × 30cm Comments: Not a true mint. The scent of the
water mint and spearmint Comments: Not a true mint leaves is highly appealing to cats

PENNYROYAL RUST-FREE MINT RIVER MINT

Botanical name: M. pulegium Botanical name: M. × rubra var. raripila syn. Botanical name: M. australis
Description: Low, carpeting groundcover, flat M. smithiana Description: Groundcover for sun or shade,
stems, small mauve flowers Description: Mounded groundcover, red- ideal for moist soils, edible leaves
Size: 20 × 50cm tinged leaves, mint fragrance, lilac flowers Size: 30 × 100cm
Comments: Pennyroyal is used to repel ants Size: 40–60 × 150cm Comments: One of several species
Comments: Resistant to fungal problems of native mints

114 | BACKYARD
Give an
animal
a second
chance
More than 135,000 animals
come through our doors
each year.
Can you open your doors to
just one and give an animal
a second chance at love?

Visit adoptapet.com.au
 PLASTIC WITH PURPOSE
With one million plastic bottles purchased every minute, we all know about synthetic
waste and its impact on the planet. So soft you wouldn’t dream they’re made from
plastic bottles, Weaver Green has made use of this difficult-to-break-down but
easy-to-recycle material to create a range of furnishings for inside or outside the
home. Taking the durability and weatherproof features of plastic and combining
with modern styles, you can fill your home with rugs, cushions and throws that feel
good, look good and help the planet. The Medina Tangier rug is one of our favourites,
perfect for an outdoor picnic or playing with the kids on the lawn. This tough rug
draws inspiration from the traditional towns of northern Morocco with a beautiful
monochrome pattern. weavergreen.com.au

backyard
Stuff SWAY MY WAY
A designer light taking the world by storm, the Sway
light by Nick Rennie has won its fair share of awards
internationally. The bulbous design is unusual in itself,
but combined with its swaying motion when knocked, this
light is a standout. Chargeable, cordless and mobile, this
dynamic floor lamp can be positioned wherever you’d like.
The light is activated with a simple touch, with multiple
light temperatures. Put the designer into your garden with
this future-facing lamp. madebypen.com

COOK YOUR WAY

While many barbecue companies can provide a quality barbecue, not all of them can
offer you choice in the configuration. Made right here in Australia, Lifestyle BBQs’ LET WATER REIGN
products feature electro-polished stainless steel plates and grills that are great to The Zakkia watering can would make an appealing addition
cook on and easy to clean. Customised barbecue configurations are an invaluable to a backyard even if careful water usage wasn’t on our
feature in setting up an alfresco cooking space suited to your specific needs. Maybe radar. Black powder-coated metal offers a schmick finish,
you prefer a larger solid hotplate and less grill? Or perhaps you’re seeking to while its 1.2L capacity is the ideal weight to carry without
master the art of flame grilling, so you’d rather more grill? If you’re somewhere in making numerous trips. The stylish silhouette means this
the middle, the trusty half/half combination is always available. Whatever you prefer, watering can won’t need to be relegated to a dark corner,
Lifestyle has you covered. lifestylebbqs.com but exhibited proudly on a shelf. Wat-er you waiting for?
thedesignedit.com.au

116 | BACKYARD
 BACKYARD
STUFF
THERE’S GNOME
PLACE LIKE HOME
If you’ve wondered why gnomes
aren’t as common as they used to
be… it’s because they’ve all been
eaten! The T-Rex Garden Gnome
Massacre lawn ornament is a
humorous take on the classic
figure. This cheeky ornament is
bound to turn heads and bring a
bit of fun to a garden. Perhaps
a little too small for larger turf
areas, this T-Rex measures
15cm x 14.7cm x 22.5cm — SOFA, SO GOOD
perfect for a garden nook, Your options are endless when it comes to outdoor furniture.
perhaps? yellowoctopus.com.au The Rain sofa features attention-grabbing nautical rope and on-trend
curves that embrace you as you sit. This collection is the latest from
mary& and Italian designer Gian Paolo Venier, and includes all types of
seats, a bar stool and sun lounge. The sofa is subtle, the gentle curves
of its armrest ensuring the corner will come to be seen as the best seat
in the house. Timber feet garnish the handwoven rope body, invoking
warmth while also camouflaging into grass — a clever way to create a
floating sofa look. Black, chocolate and natural coloured rope offer a
range of different aesthetics. satara.com.au

DEEP AND MEANINGFUL

Avid veggie gardeners, this one’s for you. A dibber makes hobby
gardening easy by helping you plant your seeds and bulbs at just the
right depth for optimum germination. From shallow carrots, beets
and lettuce to medium-depth beans and cucumbers, or deeper
peas, potatoes and pumpkin, this dibber can show you how low you
need to go. The hand-turned, smooth Tasmanian specialty timber
is comfortable to grip and shows clear depth markings for efficient
planting. The dibber isn’t a one-trick pony, it’s useability extending
equally to flowers and annuals. australianwoodwork.com.au

FREE AS A BIRD
The Multiholk designer birdhouse and feeder is no ordinary
design. With the appearance and similar function of a miniature
Swedish home, this adorable bird box was created in collaboration
with ornithological experts for an “architectural” style structure.
HIT THE FLOOR
An image doesn’t do justice to the size of the Komodo floor cushion.
The house’s features ensure bird feed is protected from rain and
Measuring 1.3m x 1.3m, this pillow is perfect for languorous lounging inside
avoids dropping contaminations, while perches at the bottom of
or out. Outdoor furniture is always of a tougher breed, and this cushion is no
the house encourage further hygiene. The narrow perches are
exception, made with soft but sturdy Sunbrella fabrics, waterproof inner liners
another thoughtful feature, their smaller size ensuring larger
(imagine this by a pool!) and compression-resilient balls of Comfyfill polyester
birds such as crows are unable to land. Attach to a tree, wall or
fibre. Sun, mould and mildew won’t harm the pillow, either, and it can handle
post and let the birds come to you! thedesignedit.com.au
sea spray, too. Colours range from sultry Dark Plum to the golden Blend
Honey, so you can mix, match and suit your style to a tee. lujo.com.au

BACKYARD | 117
BACKYARD
STUFF

TAKE ROOT
Looking for furniture with
a difference? Made from
the cross section of a part
of the teak root normally
discarded, with teak skin on
the sides, the Natural Timber coffee table by Uniqwa
Furniture makes a pretty strong statement. This organic centrepiece
lends itself to a variety of styles and has a beautiful, earthy look that we love.
Enjoy the beauty of one-of-a-kind furniture, where natural variations in the shape,
grains and tones ensure a piece like no other. cranmorehome.com.au

ENTERTAINING MADE EASY

As a nation of entertainers, Australians are constantly
HAPPY IN THE HAMPTONS looking for new ways to take their outdoor space to
The fabulous Adirondack chair from Hampton Chair Co. is a striking nod to the the next level. A firepit can add a point of interest to a
traditional chairs of the Cape Cod region. It’s surprisingly comfortable, with a relaxed, landscape project or provide a heat source and place for
deep seat, a rounded front edge and contoured back. It has large armrests — perfect social gatherings. The Picchu firepit from Glow offers an
for relaxing with a book or glass of wine — and a distinctive back leg for extra bracing. architectural design and focal point to a backyard. With
Each piece is individually handcrafted by Hampton Chair Co. furniture artisans on its stylish concrete and black palette, geometric style
Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, using only high-quality sustainable timber to ensure and minimalist look, Picchu works perfectly with bench
longevity in the harsh Australian climate. hamptonchaircompany.com.au seating for a backyard statement everyone can enjoy.
northcotepottery.com

BIRDSCAPING
Create space for animals to
also enjoy your garden with
a bird bath. Mallee Design’s
bird bath is made from spun
copper to bring you the
beneficial properties of this
metal, which include killing
algae or mosquito larvae to
maximise comfort and minimise
maintenance. Specifically
designed for birds, this bath
encourages them to land on the
edge of the dish and walk into
the water to cool off on a hot
day. The elegant design doubles
as a sculpture and will grow
more beautiful as the metal
ages and a patina develops.
malleedesign.com.au

118 | BACKYARD
 DIRECTORY
NATURE’S OWN ANSWER TO SCARABS & MANY OTHER PESTS

Outdoor Artwork i˜iwVˆ> i“>̜`ià U -“>ÀÌiÀ ˆœVœ˜ÌÀœ

Stylish and Practical U NATURAL CONTROL

U NON TOXIC - CHEMICAL FREE
U
-9 /" 1-

**9
U -
 ", / 6,"  /
U -
 ", / 
9
/…i Ã>vi >˜` ˜>ÌÕÀ> Ü>Þ
̜ iˆ“ˆ˜>Ìi }>À`i˜ «iÃÌÃ

Weathervanes • Windsocks • Sun Dials • Model Windmills • Water Pumps • Gate & Fence Panels ÜÜÜ°iVœ}ÀœÜ°Vœ“°>Õ

ÕÃÌÀ>ˆ>˜ œÜ˜i` >˜` œ«iÀ>Ìi`

For Advertising
opportunities
Please contact
Miriam Keen
View Glenview’s range of Sundials online at
p. 02 9887 0604
www.glenviewproducts.com.au e. [email protected]
For more information call Bob on 0411 732 950

Evolution ... right before your eyes!

BACKYARD | 119
DIRECTORY

DIY KILL TERMITES

THE EASY WAY!
Superway Termite Baiting Stations and White Ant Termite Bait are
DIY TERMITE BAITING STATIONS the DIY solution for a complete detection and eradication system.
AND WHITE ANT TERMITE BAIT The majority of termite baiting stations on the market are detection-
only devices that mean you still need to hire a pest controller to
undertake treatment. With Superway Termite Baiting Stations, you can
detect termites and successfully treat them yourself using Superway
White Ant Termite Bait – saving you time and money. Superway also
has an extensive variety of products to help you with weeds and pests.

Check out the whole range on the website.

Superway White
Ant Termite Bait is
fully registered with the
Australian Pesticides
& Veterinary Medicines
Authority trialled
and proven

21 Radius Drive, Larapinta Qld 4110 Phone. 1300 302 938

Easy to Install • Do it ALL Yourself • Targets the Nest • Environmentally Friendly www.superway.com.au

120 | BACKYARD
index
OF ADVERTISERS
AlfresQ .........................................................45, 93
Earthlife ........................................................4, 92
Ecogrow ...........................................................119
Escea..............................................................2, 94
FormBoss ..................................................88, 122
Fleming’s ....................................... 90, Back page
Glenview ...........................................................119
Lifestyle BBQs .....................................................9
LNA ....................................................................64
Rolaway Hose ..................................................119
Superway .........................................................120

BACKYARD | 121
 Your Complete Garden Edging Solution
13 11 37
࠮9(5.,!  ,KNPUNJHUILZ\WWSPLKMVYTVZ[HWWSPJH[PVUZZLSLJ[MYVTV\Y
    [OYLLNH\NLZ[OYLLÄUPZOLZHUKLPNO[WYVÄSLOLPNO[Z
࠮=(3<,!  -VYT)VZZ®ZH]LZ[PTLHUKTVUL`VUPUZ[HSSH[PVU*YLH[LH 
    NHYKLU[OH[»ZLHZ`[VTHPU[HPUHKKPUNSHZ[PUNWYVWLY[`]HS\L
࠮+0@!   ,HZ`[VPUZ[HSSHU`VULJHUKVP[7LYMLJ[MVY\WKH[PUNL_PZ[PUN
    NHYKLUZVYSH`PUNV\[[OLMYHTL^VYRMVYHUL^NHYKLU
࠮(=(03()3,!  +PZ[YPI\[LK(\Z[YHSPH^PKLMVYTVYLKL[HPSZHUKHM\SSSPZ[ 
    VMZ[VJRPZ[ZWSLHZL]PZP[V\Y^LIZP[L
࠮*<:;644(+,! ;HSR[V\Z^LJHUTHRLP[-VYT)VZZ®Z\WWSPLZLKNPUNYPUNZ
    HUKMLH[\YLZMVYKVTLZ[PJHUKJVTTLYJPHSWYVQLJ[ZVMHU`ZPaL

)PVÄS[H -VVKJ\ILZ HYL THKL PU (\Z[YHSPH MYVT YLJ`JSLK WSHZ[PJ

;OL` HYL KLZPNULK [V IL H TVK\SHY Z`Z[LT [OH[ \ZLZ Z[H[L VM [OL
HY[¸^PJRPUNILK¹WYPUJPWSLZ[VTH_PTPZLNYV^[OHUKTPUPTPZL^H[LY
\ZL^PJRPUNILKZJHUWYVK\JLRPSVZVMWYVK\JLWLYZX\HYLTL[YL

:LLV\YM\SSWYVK\J[YHUNLPUZ[Y\J[PVUHSPUZ[HSSH[PVU]PKLVZ\ZLYNHSSLYPLZHUKWSLU[`
VMTH[LYPHS[VRLLW`V\PUMVYTLKHUKPUZWPYLK
^ ^ ^ M V Y T I V Z Z  J V T  H \
 ࠮:;965.!  -VYT)VZZ®PZT\JOZ[YVUNLY[OHUHS\TPUP\THUK[YHKP[PVUHS
    LKNPUNTH[LYPHSZHUKPZN\HYHU[LLK[VOVSKP[»ZZOHWLMVY`LHYZ
࠮:(-,!   ;OLYVSSLK[VWSPWPZL_JS\ZP]L[VHSS-VYT)VZZ® edging,
    THRPUNP[JVTWSL[LS`ZHMLMVYJOPSKYLUHUKWL[Z
࠮:/(7,()3,!  :[YHPNO[SPULZÅH^SLZZJ\Y]LZHUKPU[YPJH[LZOHWLZ^P[OSH`LYLK
    [LYYHJPUNJHUILJYLH[LK^P[OLHZL
࠮+<9()3,!  -VYT)VZZ®^PSSUV[I\YUJYHJRZWSP[YV[KPU[VYPU]P[L[LYTP[LZ
    HUKPZZ[Y\J[\YHSS`N\HYHU[LLKMVYHTPUPT\TVM`LHYZ
࠮,3,.(5;!  (^HYK^PUUPUN-VYT)VZZ®PZWYLJPZPVUTHKLHUKLUNPULLYLK
[VJYLH[L ]PY[\HSS`ZLHTSLZZSPULZHUKQVPUZ

-VYT)VZZPZWYV\K[VWHY[ULY^P[O)PVÄS[H[VWYV]PKLJ\Z[VTTHKL
THPU[LUHUJLMYLL¸^LH[OLYPUNZ[LLS¹WHULSPUN[VÄ[WLYMLJ[S`HYV\UK
HU`JVUÄN\YH[PVUVM-VVKJ\ILZ+LZPNULKHUKTHKLPU(\Z[YHSPH[V
PU[LNYH[LILH\[PM\SS`^P[O[OL-VYT)VZZZ[LLSNHYKLULKNPUNZ`Z[LT

*LU[YL>H`*YV`KVU:V\[O
=PJ[VYPH