Succulents are tough little plants that are often labelled as easy to care for - just set them and forget them, right? Well, not quite! If you’ve ever wondered why your succulents aren’t living their best life, here are some common mistakes to avoid.
Aphids are tiny, sap-sucking critters that love to make a meal out of your beloved plants. But don’t worry, there’s no need to panic or reach for harsh chemicals. Instead, let nature lend a hand!
Is your lawn looking less than lush at the moment? It could be compacted. A compacted lawn can cause various issues for your grass, leading to poor health. Here are some signs that it might need a bit of TLC.
Looking forward to spring? So are aphids who are eyeing up your plants for a slap-up meal. Here's what to do before these tiny invaders get their suckers into all your hard work.
If there was a popular vote for the most annoying lawn weed, bindii would win hands down! This prickly menace is infamous for turning your lush lawn into a barefoot nightmare. Here’s how to avoid a painful summer!
If you were at the back of the queue when the green thumbs were given out – don’t worry. You can still have a lovely garden.
One of the most common winter weeds is clover and now the rain has started, It's just lurking under the soil and waiting to take over your lawn and garden. Here are some great tips for getting rid of it and keeping your garden clover-free.
Creating a beautiful small garden is all about choosing the right plants that fit your space and style. With dwarf varieties and compact growers, you can enjoy a lush, vibrant garden without overwhelming the space.
Companion planting (putting together plants that help each other grow) can work wonders, but what about the flip side? Here are some plants that don’t make the best neighbours.
Winter in Perth might seem like a slow time for your garden, but there are still plenty of things to keep you busy and set the stage for a spectacular spring!
Planting bulbs in autumn sets the stage for a colourful surprise in spring. Plus, the care and attention you give them now means they will be more likely to bloom again the year after!
When winter rolls around, there's a secret hero ready to sprinkle some colourful magic around your garden: Hellebores, often affectionately dubbed 'winter roses'. Here's how to grow them.
Imagine a teeny-tiny insect with the power to destroy your beloved citrus tree. Meet the Citrus Gall Wasp.
Lots of us embraced the decluttering trend for our homes, but it doesn’t have to be an indoor thing! If your garden feels a bit too jungle-like, a bit of decluttering can transform it from a wild, overgrown space into a place where you can relax.
A hardy plant with showy flowers, proteas are right at home amongst Australian wildflowers. Known for their striking appearance and resilience, proteas can thrive in Perth's climate.
Relax, it isn’t some weird, tropical, human disease! They are tiny insects that can suck the life out of your roses (literally!). If your roses are looking a little sad, with deformed growth, silvering, or discoloured patches on leaves the culprit could be these miniscule marauders.
Having a bee-friendly garden is easier than you might think! It's not just about flowers; it's about creating a haven for our buzzing buddies. Here are a few tips to get you started.
Citrus trees, with their vibrant green leaves and juicy fruits, are a delight for any garden. But, if you notice the leaves curling, something might be amiss in your citrus world!
Chillies come in all sorts of colours including bright red, yellow and purple. They add a burst of colour to your garden and a burst of flavour to your cooking. Choose a variety to suit your taste buds and enjoy a steady supply whenever you need them.
Weeds are annoying and unwelcome visitors - and they are programmed to adapt to poor soils and fill any empty spaces they can find, sucking the nutrition from the plants you do want in your garden.
If you're on the hunt for last-minute gifts, why not go green in more ways than one? Plants make fantastic gifts that not only brighten up spaces but also contribute to a healthier planet. Here are some ideas to get you started.
Did you know that slugs and snails can eat several times their own body weight in one day? And they’re filling up on your beautiful garden! Here are a few ways to send them packing without using nasty chemicals.
For a relaxing pool area it's important to choose the right trees, shrubs, and plants. You don't want to be constantly scooping leaves out of your pool or watch your precious plants wither and die because they don’t like chlorine or salt!
There’s nothing better than enjoying the crunch of super fresh salad in your favourite salad or sandwich. Here’s a selection of leafy greens that are ideal for your summer vegetable garden.
There’s nothing like a freshly picked, home grown tomato tossed into that salad or added to a lunchtime sandwich. But how do you make sure you are getting the best from your plants?
Just because you have a small garden, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy colourful trees. Here are some stunning trees that add a pop of garden colour, without taking up too much space. Enjoy!
This impressive crop does take up a bit of room but it's well worth it; the sweetness of fresh picked home-grown sweet corn is hard to beat. Plant from September through to January.
Cucumbers love full sun and need a bit of room to spread out, so growing them on a trellis saves space while keeping the fruit clean and ventilated. Cucumbers can be grown in large pots (40cm or larger) which makes them a great choice for smaller spaces.
If you haven’t got a big garden but would still love to grow your own produce, here are some tips and tricks to make it happen.
They might look pretty, but there are some plants you may want to keep out of your garden. Here's why.
Are you killing your plants with kindness? Of course, they need water to survive but giving them too much can be as bad as not giving them any water at all. Here’s how to save a drowning plant!
Indoor plants are a lovely way to bring the outdoors into your home – but if you have little ones or furry friends in your home, make sure that you steer clear of these toxic troublemakers!
Growing a frangipani tree from a cutting can be a truly rewarding and enjoyable experience for gardening enthusiasts. If you're keen to give it a go, here's a simple guide to help you along the way.
When was the last time you cleaned your house plants? If the answer is ‘never’ you should give it a go, to help keep them healthy and looking fabulous.
If you have a few bare spots in your garden and you love roses – try taking some cuttings from those you already have or share cuttings with friends and neighbours so you can all enjoy something different!
How many times have you started a recipe that needs fresh garlic, only to find yours has sprouted and gone mouldy in the fridge? Have a go at growing your own in pots, so you’ll always have some to use!
Did you know that blueberries belong to the same family as the azalea? If that’s a ‘no’, join the club! With the right conditions they will give you lots of fruit that’s well-known for being packed with antioxidants – but the best part is, they’re delicious!
Turn your garden into a private, shady oasis or divide your space into different zones with plants that are naturally suited to screening.
Growing your own herbs and veggies can be very rewarding, but sometimes it can be a bit tricky knowing where to start. Here are some tips that will have you enjoying your home-grown produce in no time.
They may be small, but microgreens are easy to grow and pack a real punch when it comes to taste and valuable nutrients.
Garden pests can be a frustrating problem for any gardener. But instead of relying on harsh chemicals, there are lots of natural ways to keep your garden and plants healthy.
Hanging baskets full of flowers can brighten up any outdoor area and make a welcoming feature for your front door. They do require a bit of maintenance though, so here are a few tips to help keep your plants healthy.
Frangipanis, (also known as plumeria), are a popular and beautiful addition to any outdoor space and are known for their fragrant and colourful flowers. They lose their leaves in winter, but don’t be sad! What’s left looks like a funky, living sculpture in your garden, until the leaves reappear in spring!
Indoor plants can reduce stress, improve air quality, and make a room look warm and welcoming. Unfortunately, they can attract pests that are not so welcome! Here are some of the most common, what to look out for, and what you can do to evict them!
Gardenias are popular flowering shrubs renowned for their fragrant white blooms. With many varieties available, there is a gardenia for every type of garden; but there are a few things you should do to make sure your gardenia thrives, as it does have some specific growing requirements.
Using mulch in your garden can reduce the need for water by up to 60%, maintain nutrients in the soil and reduce weeds, so it’s a bit of a no brainer. Here are things to avoid when using marvellous mulch.
If you fancy planting a vegetable garden, but don’t want to wait too long to see the fruits (or, rather, veggies!) of your labour, we have some great suggestions which will have you eating your own produce fast.
They come in fabulous colours and shapes, and have awesome names including Jellybean, Fairy Wings and our favourite, Stonecrop Purple Blob! Some succulents will even produce colourful flowers in the right conditions. Here’s how to make sure they don’t just stay alive but thrive!
West Australian native wildflowers come in all colours and sizes, with something in flower at any time of year. There are hundreds of species suitable for home gardens and they look fabulous. Here’s how to get started.
Potatoes have more potassium than bananas, more vitamin C than oranges and contain essential B vitamins. They are also easy to grow and the perfect gardening project for kids.
A no-dig garden consists of layers of organic material that are stacked up to form a rich, raised garden area.
Fresh figs are crammed full of deliciousness along with beneficial vitamins and minerals. They can also be a bit pricey to buy – so why not have a go at growing your own?
We’re still getting some rain, but the sun will be here before we know it. Now is the time to check your retic system to make sure it’s in good working order.
Passionfruit vines are perfect for hiding an ugly fence or creating a screen in your garden (and the results are delicious as well!).
The tough-as-nails agapanthus (Lily of the Nile or African Lily) will tolerate drought and neglect and still put on a spectacular show over summer with flowering stems up to two metres tall.
Not all garden insects are harmful to plants; in fact, some can be extremely helpful by getting rid of the bad guys of the garden pest world, which can ruin your plants and home-grown produce.
If your lawn struggles in summer or doesn’t do well in the shade, it may not be the right lawn variety for your garden’s conditions. There are many lawn varieties to choose from so here’s a quick guide to which should go where.
Winter is upon us and the temperature is dropping, but there are still plenty of things to be done in the garden.
Winter is on the doorstep but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy home-grown, fresh herbs. Here are some fabulous winter herbs that will thrive in your garden.
If your lawn is looking a bit sad after the record summer temperatures, or is the victim of a faulty sprinkler, here’s what you can do to bring it back to life.
Growing your own citrus means you’ll never be short of a lemon, lime, or orange, and you can share any excess with friends and neighbours.
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St Patrick’s Day (March 17) is considered the traditional date for sowing sweet peas; if you’re keen to get going, you can plant your seeds or seedlings, but with the warmer weather we’ve been experiencing, you can also leave it until April.
Growing hydrangeas is a bit like having slow-motion fireworks in your garden as the flowers burst into life. And you can change flower colour, depending on the soil they’re planted in!
Orchids are often seen as the high maintenance divas of the plant world, but in fact, they are easy to care for. Here are a few tips to help and maximise flowering.
Mulch is a bit like sunblock for your garden and whilst it’s not the most glamourous part of gardening, mulch plays an important role in soil and plant health. In Perth, it’s especially important to keep soil cool in our intense summer heat.
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Now is not the time to do any actual gardening, such as planting, transplanting or pruning. This is best left until autumn. Pruning will stimulate new growth and those new shoots are not going to be as resilient to the hot weather.
If you’ve noticed a few bare spots in your garden, but don’t want to wait forever for something to grow, try some of these fast-growing plants to fill in the gaps.
Some plants wilt at the first sign of less than perfect soil conditions. Others just shrug and get on with the job of growing. We’ve got a list of flowers that will adapt as they grow.
Sadly, we’re not all blessed with a green thumb, and you may even have a special ability that causes your plants to shrivel up and die! If you fall into this category, we’ve got a few helpful tips on how to rescue an ailing houseplant and hopefully keep it alive!
Nothing says ‘Australia’ like Anigozanthos! Okay, most people know them as kangaroo paws, and they are one of Australia’s most iconic plants. They are relatively hardy and easy to care for but do need certain conditions to perform at their best.
Most people love an indoor plant. They make a space brighter and greener. Indoor plants can also purify our air and promote wellbeing. But what if your home doesn’t get much natural light? Read on!
You don’t have to spend a fortune on specialised fertilisers and items for your garden. You’ve probably got things at home that will do a great job.
Our hot summers can really take their toll on traditional cottage plants from the northern hemisphere, yet there are plenty of Australian native plants you can use instead. They will achieve the same cottage garden effect and won’t guzzle as much water.
Birds add life, colour and sound to a garden and are fascinating to watch. They also help to control both native and introduced pests and many native plants are bird pollinated. Here’s how to attract some to your garden.
Tomatoes are one of the most popular (and tastiest!) crops for home gardeners to grow. They are also one of the easiest, but there are some common mistakes you can avoid, ensuring a bumper crop over summer.
Spring is coming so it’s time to dust off your gardening gloves and get back into the garden. If you want a fabulous spring and summer garden, there are some jobs you need to do in preparation.
Ground cover plants are suitable for all types of outdoor spaces. You can transform a tired looking garden and they practically look after themselves!
You don’t have to have outdoor space to grow your own food – there are plenty edible plants you can grow indoors. To get started keep reading!
If you’ve got an ugly fence or wall in your garden, turn it green by covering it with beautiful, evergreen climbing plants – then you’ll have something lovely to look at all year round.
Brighten up your winter garden with a variety of plants that bloom throughout the coolest months. Make them visible from indoors to improve the view on even the dreariest day.
Container gardens are extremely popular - for good reason: They work with a huge range of plants and in many locations, from front verandahs to backyards. So how do you get started?
The weather may be a bit cold and wet, but it’s a great time to get your strawberry plants in. And the best part is, you don’t need a big garden to grow them.
Just because you don’t have a sunny garden doesn’t mean you can’t have lovely plants and flowers. Here 9 examples of plants that love the shade.
Peas and beans are a great beginner’s crop as they’re so easy to grow (and delicious to eat!). Plant peas and broad beans in autumn as they do best over the cooler months. Wait until spring to plant climbing, dwarf or runner beans.
Nothing signals the end of winter like a colourful display of tulips. Tulip bulbs should be planted at the start of the cool season - in late autumn or early winter, so it's time to start planting.
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Filling a garden can be expensive, but you can reduce costs by growing your flowers from seeds. With a little patience in the early stages, you’ll have beautiful blooms and a healthier bank balance.
Shrubs are an instrumental part of every garden's ecosystem and design. They provide shade, improve soil stability and enhance air quality. Here are 7 low-maintenance shrubs that anyone can grow.
You only get one chance to make a great first impression – that‘s how the saying goes, and it’s never more true than when you’re selling your home.
Poinsettias are often bought to add a touch of red to the decor during the festive season, but rather than throwing them away after Christmas, transplant them into your garden (or into bigger pots).
Succulents have had a bit of a resurgence in recent years and for good reason. They look fantastic in pots, are ideal for landscaping and do well indoors as a succulent bowl.
Looking for a Christmas gift that's a bit different and environmentally friendly? Take some cuttings from your garden and plant them up in a pretty pot ready for gifting. It's a great way to save money, share your garden and give something that will last (hopefully!).
If you're not having much success in the garden, here are 6 common mistakes you could be making.
Just like us, plants need nutritious food to grow and stay healthy. The range of commercial fertilisers available is huge but there are a few guidelines you can follow to help you make the right choice for your garden.
Easy-to-grow marigolds will light up your garden with a blaze of fiery orange hues from spring right through to early autumn. They are low maintenance and hardy, suiting traditional as well as contemporary garden designs.
Hanging baskets make a great container for growing cherry tomatoes. They provide a blast of colour and they have advantages over growing them in the ground or in pots.
Add tropical colour to your garden with a selection of hibuscus plants. Their beautiful flowers come in a huge array of colours and sizes, some as big as dinner plates!
Striking colours and long-lasting blooms – what more can you ask from a flower! Grow your own gerberas and enjoy blooms of every colour all the year round.
Beautiful and vibrant fuchsias originate from the cool, coastal region of Central and South America. They come in a variety of shapes, forms and colours, so there’s always something perfect for your garden, pots or baskets.
Not everyone has the luxury of a large garden, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on beautiful trees. These deciduous, small trees have a great shape, excellent autumn colour and will grow in most soils with added compost, mulch and a little fertiliser.
The best plant-friends are the ones that keep pesky garden pests at bay. Putting these pest-repellent plants in your garden along with your favourites is known as companion planting.
