Father’s Day tasks on Airtasker

Looking for some Father's Day inspo?

Father’s Day tasks on Airtasker

In case you missed it, Father’s Day is just around the corner! 

Instead of the usual socks and ties, why not shine the spotlight on dad with acts of love to show him how much you care?

Say “Thank you, Dad! You’re the best!” with these task ideas you can book on Airtasker:


Hire extra pairs of helping hands

Give dad a day off from all the handiwork he does around the house. 

Hire a handyperson to work on some pending house fixes. Take note if there a lightbulbs that need replacing or if any kitchen cupboards require repair. 

You can prepare a list of repairs ahead of time and have an expert get it done instead of dad. This way, dad will have more time to celebrate Father’s Day weekend with the rest of the fam!

Organise his man cave

organised home office

Does dad have his very own man cave at home? Tick a chore off his list by having a professional organise his space!

Whether it’s the garage, a garden shed, or dad’s home office, he can feel energised and excited to hang in his squeaky clean man cave without lifting a finger. 

Get the car washed

You don’t need a big, fancy gift to make dad feel special on this day. Make his everyday drives to work more comfortable and dust-free by taking care of his car for him. 

He’ll feel appreciated and relieved to have someone wash, vacuum, and polish his car. It’s the little things that make a difference!

Surprise him with a special gift

Father’s Day isn’t complete without something special for dad. It’s the thought that counts, so do some extra thinking about what your dad will appreciate this weekend. 

If dad loves hitting the gym, surprise him with new workout gear or accessories to help him reach his #fitnessgoals.

little girl surprising her dad with a father's day gift

Meanwhile, music enthusiast dads might want a new set of earbuds or a new vinyl record of their favourite band or artist.

Whatever gift you think of for your father this weekend, you can make things extra special by having your present delivered to his doorstep as a surprise!

Have dad’s favourite food delivered

Food is always a good idea no matter the occasion! Why not have all dad’s favourites delivered this Father’s Day and enjoy a fun night in? 

Spoil him and allow him to indulge in cravings, whether it be his favourite steak or his usual from his go-to fast food chain!

Take care of the garden

You might have seen your pops out in the garden every other weekend, either mowing the lawn or trimming hedges here and there. 

This Father’s Day, consider hiring a gardener instead so he can relish the outdoors without doing all the work.

professional gardener mowing the lawn

Check out this gardening maintenance checklist if you’re unsure of what usually needs tending. For starters, here are some things a professional gardener can help you with:

Clean the swimming pool

Here’s another chore to take off dad’s shoulders! 

With Spring coming soon, you’ll want to get the swimming pool ready for everyone to enjoy. Hire a professional to clean your pool instead of dad doing all the work. This way, he can just jump right in and have a blast with the kiddos!

Hire a dog walker

woman walking two dogs

Give dad a break from his early morning dog walks and pet duties this Father’s Day. Here are a few items you can tick off from his fur parent checklist: 

Take lessons as a family

Make Father’s Day a family affair by taking lessons together! Here are some ideas: 

Whatever the case, let dad choose an activity you can all do together and make it a bonding moment to remember. 

Plan a Father’s Day event

There’s no better way to celebrate dad than by surrounding him with his friends and family. Put on your party planning hat, or hire an event planner to help you set up an intimate gathering.

family celebrating father's day

From catering to entertainment, fill the room with things your dad loves. He’ll love the extra personal touches you make for this celebration.

Immortalise the day with a portrait

It’s not every day that the family is complete to celebrate dad. Book a photographer to take special portraits to make this year’s Father’s Day more memorable. 

You can even make your photo shoot extra special for dad by turning it into a themed shoot based on his favourite movie, comics, or TV show.

 

Nothing beats quality time spent with the people we love, especially on days like Father’s Day.

So whether you’re hiring extra help at home, personalising a gift, or organising a party, let a Tasker help you get things done so dad won’t have to worry about a thing.

Good luck, and Happy Father’s Day!

Put up a Father’s Day task on Airtasker today

47 Driveway ideas

Our favourite driveway ideas for the most durable and stylish driveways

47 Driveway ideas

Driveways are such a noticeable hardscaping feature of your home. They are the first thing people encounter, so curb appeal is always going to be a big factor. Aesthetically, your driveway needs to fit your home’s architectural style. It also needs to create a sense of unity between your home and the landscape surrounding it. There’s such a wide variety of different materials to choose from including gravel, concrete, pavers, brick and grass. It can be hard to know which materials to choose to achieve a certain look and that’s why we’ve put together this blog about driveway ideas.

Beyond the look, what else needs to get factored into your choice of driveway material? You’ll be considering durability, depending on how much traffic your driveway will handle. The material needs to be strong, give traction, be non-slip when wet, and be kind to stains and marks caused by everyday use.

Each material has its own maintenance needs and costs. Some need more frequent and complicated maintenance than others. When calculating the cost of your materials, factor in the labour needed to install it. But also remember to add in ongoing maintenance costs over the driveway’s anticipated lifetime. Don’t forget, a gorgeous driveway usually increases your home’s resale value, as well as allowing you to enjoy it in the meantime.

driveway-ideas-paving
Source: Photo by Julia Kuzenkov from Pexels

Now, let’s take a look at what’s been trending in driveway ideas and designs.

Pavers, bricks and stone driveway ideas

Pavers are a common driveway material. They come in a range of styles including concrete blocks, clay bricks, cobblestones or permeable pavers. Here are a few styles you might consider. For those keen on DIY, make sure you check out our guide to laying pavers. When you’re ready to hire a professional, find one here.

1. Chevron and herringbone

Block pavers laid in a chevron or herringbone pattern have a classic charm about them. That’s the great thing about paving your driveway, you have so many options in terms of colours, patterns and designs. However, note that having patterns laid will add to your costs of installation. Other than that, block paving is both durable and easy to maintain.

2. Plain pavers

Traditional clay brick pavers have been around for centuries. Brick pavers are set in a sand or mortar base and can come in a variety of colours and shapes. Pavers can be an eco-friendly choice, when they enable good drainage. They’re also low maintenance and can be easily repaired. And visually, a simple paved driveway displays rich texture and pattern.

3. Light coloured pavers

When you’re going for clean, pared down and light filled, it makes sense to choose a light-coloured paving stone.

driveway-ideas-large-paversdriveway-ideas-large-pavers
Source: Photo by Thiago Calamita from Pexels

4. Warm coloured pavers

A warm, pale-coloured paving stone is a lovely soft look against the façade of a modern home. Choosing a paving stone in a sandy tone gives a nice beachy flavour, perfect for a coastal aesthetic.

5. Grey pavers

When the focus is on the home’s façade, the driveway can take a bit of a back seat. A contemporary home clad in weathered timber has the perfect complement in tonally varied grey driveway pavers.

6. Brick herringbone

For a more traditional style home, classic brick pavers are a good option. Brick pavers are made of fired clay, which weathers over time and creates a patina like in the driveway below. Brick paved driveways will need to be regularly sealed and you can also pressure clean them yourself to vastly improve the look.

7. Crazy pavers

Crazy pavers or flagstones are increasingly popular. They offer the benefits of traditional hard driveway materials. Yet they are eco-friendly and provide a unique, visually dynamic aesthetic.

‘Raw yet alive’ is an apt description of the effect you get with flagstones, aka crazy paving. Organic shapes, earthy tones, colour and texture, all contribute to this natural-looking aesthetic.

8. Rustic pavers

Natural stone crazy pavers for the driveway are perfect to enhance the connection to the great outdoors. Stone pavers are ideal for blending seamlessly with the landscape. The result is a naturalistic, grounded effect. And the freeform shapes can provide a lively contrast to linear-heavy modern house designs.

9. Antique reclaimed cobblestone pavers

For a traditional drive with oodles of charm, you really can’t beat historic stone pavers. Reclaimed antique pavers from European and American cities can be used to enhance the look of your driveway, though the cost can be quite high. They’re highly durable (basically indestructible), low maintenance pavers. And they have a gorgeous visual effect, so they’re something to consider.

10. Contemporary cobblestone

Even though cobblestone usually has an olde-worlde flavour to it, it also works really well with contemporary homes. It’s a lovely way to add pattern and texture, and looks great contrasted with a plain façade.

driveway-ideas-dark-stones
Source: Photo by Frans Strous on Unsplash

11. Quarried granite blocks

Who doesn’t love the textures and tones of stone? As a paving material, it blends into the surrounding landscape and looks timeless.

Green driveway ideas

Love the look of natural grass but don’t love the idea of driving into a muddy mucky mess? Then permeable grass pavers might be the solution. These are eco-friendly surface materials that allow water to drain well while enabling grass to also grow in between. Permeable pavers can be laid in any number of patterns. The ability to make personalised patterns is something that appeals to many when it comes to paver tiles. If you don’t want an overly linear look, consider circular pavers for a bit of whimsy.

driveway-ideas-permeable-pavers
Source: Photo by toinane on Unsplash

12. Grass grid

Like the look of grass growing on your driveway? An alternative option to permeable pavers is to simply allow grass to grow up in a grid between paver tiles. Gridded grass driveways are a popular contemporary look.

13. Median strips

Ribbon driveways are a classic look. But more importantly if you want to reduce storm water runoff then having a median nature strip will greatly improve drainage. A mix of hardscaping and green grass is ideal for the eco-friendly home owner.

14. Integrated garden beds

Integrated garden beds are another way to add zest to a driveway. The median strip of your ribbon driveway is ideal for planting a long, narrow garden bed of low-growing plants. Succulents are a fantastic choice as they are low maintenance and won’t require watering.

15. Bush timber driveway

Less common is the choice of timber as an eco-friendly option. But some people just love the aesthetic, the texture and colour. They are also cost-effective, strong, offer good drainage and have zero maintenance needs. Simply embed new or recycled sleepers in soil, mulch or concrete, adding some gravel for a casual look.

Concrete driveway ideas

This is another versatile, low cost, durable and low maintenance driveway material. It costs less than stone pavers so is often an attractive option. Poured concrete driveways can look highly contemporary. And the material is suitable for sloping sites, which some materials aren’t. You can also get decorative effects through staining and stamping, or by forming custom pavers. (Find an expert in driveway concreting here.)

driveway-ideas-white-paved
Source: Photo by Hugo Sousa on Unsplash

16. Concrete and timber

Timber and concrete are a match made in heaven, so if you have a timber-heavy home then the sleekness of concrete may appeal. A soft-looking timber façade can use concrete as a cool base to offset the wood’s warmth.

17. Smooth concrete

The smoothness of concrete is a major drawcard, especially if you also have children. A simple, broad expanse of poured concrete is always practical for playing sport or riding bikes.

18. Perfect for farmhouse

Concrete is so versatile and goes with so many different architectural styles. A simple, pared back concrete driveway doesn’t compete with the busyness of a farmhouse façade. Think shiplap, carriage doors and industrial pendant lights. (If you love the look of these farmhouse garage doors, make sure you also check out our blog on garage door ideas.)

19. Large format concrete paving

A poured concrete tile effect looks stunning for a contemporary home. Particularly with a little crushed gravel trim between the pavers. Garden beds either side of the driveway are always appealing and a chance to up your curb appeal even more.

driveway-ideas-light-contemporary-pavers
Source: Photo by Curtis Adams from Pexels

20. Concrete and tints

Concrete can be tinted with chemical stains and concrete dyes so you have plenty of options for finding a colour to complement your home’s exterior and aesthetic. To create a dark grey concrete effect, for example, you can add black oxide to the concrete mix. Concrete aggregate (see below) in darker tones really suits a monochromatic home exterior.

21. Painted faux slate

A clever DIY is to paint a concrete driveway to look like slate. The trick is to use outdoor concrete paints. I’m not sure how long the effect would last though. But it’s worth speaking to a concreter who can tell you what kind of effects are possible.

22. Stamped concrete

A quick way to ‘pave’ your driveway is to go with stamped concrete instead of pavers. This is a cost-effective and easy way to get the appearance of pavers if you like a traditional, textured driveway look.

23. Asphalt driveway

Asphalt is kind of the poor cousin of concrete, because it’s cheaper and less durable. This means it’s considered less of a premium material. But it’s still a great choice for contemporary driveways and offers the ability to DIY repair worn areas. And it looks neat and orderly.

Concrete aggregate

If you love the rugged stone look but don’t like the idea of loose gravel, consider a concrete aggregate. Aggregate gets its finish by having the top layer of concrete removed. This slightly reveals the stones or other conglomerate materials. Exposed concrete aggregate driveways are increasingly popular. They offer a lot of design flexibility due to the varying range of colours and textures than can be obtained to suit your property.

driveway-ideas-monochrome-gravel
Source: Photo by Kyle Mackie on Unsplash

24. Exposed aggregate concrete

Exposed aggregate goes with so many different styles of home. It particularly suits contemporary homes though. It provides that added bit of texture to generate visual interest while looking sleek and streamlined.

25. Family-friendly

Exposed aggregate is a great choice for a family home. It’s skid resistant as well as being a durable finish for heavy traffic areas so it’s perfect for driveways that double as outdoor living areas.

26. Mixed materials

When you can’t decide on a single driveway material…why not use a variety? Consider incorporating several materials. For example, a mix of grass, squares of poured concrete, strips of basalt stone, and geometric permeable pavers. The result is a dynamic space that’s a breeze to drive in and out of.

Gravel driveway ideas

It’s loved for its low price, its eco-friendliness due to its permeability, and its appeal to all the senses. Gravel is an ever popular choice of driveway hardscaping material. Often it is combined with a cellular grid to keep the stones in place. And adding driveway edging is always a good idea to contain a gravel driveway. Little maintenance is required, but the gravel needs to be topped up from time to time.

27. White gravel

White gravel makes for a classic gravel driveway look. It’s a low cost material that creates a luxe, vintage-style look.

28. Colours and textures

One of the things people love about gravel is that you can choose from a range of colours and grades of the stones. Finding one which complements your home is easy! Choosing a warmer-toned gravel with plenty of red in it will give lots of summery, Mediterranean feels.

29. Stabilised gravel

While you may love the look of loose gravel, it can undoubtedly become a pain when it spreads and scatters. An alternative is to go for crushed granite that has had a stabiliser added so it’s more solid. The surface remains charmingly rustic, though.

30. Traditional ribbon gravel drive

It’s when you have a loooong driveway to surface that gravel makes a lot of sense due to its low cost. It can therefore be more popular in rural areas ,like a lengthy gravelled ribbon driveway.

driveway-ideas-long-gravel-drive
Source: Photo by karl muscat on Unsplash

31. Tar and chip

Multicoloured gravel chips laid in tar, the so called “tar and chip” method, is another durable and relatively low cost option. It’s maintenance free, compared to gravel driveways, and has great traction. Plus, it can look truly stunning.

32. Resin bound gravel

A popular alternative to loose gravel is resin-bound gravel. This mimics the appearance of gravel but the stones are bound to a film of resin, leaving a rough dry aggregate surface. Different colours and textures are available and it can be permeable to assist drainage.

33. Gravel with asphalt

If you have a resin-bound gravel driveway, you might add a section of asphalt to define your parking area. An alternative to resin-bound gravel is self-binding gravel. This doesn’t have the same cohesive properties as resin. But it’s an affordable low maintenance option for residential driveways too.

34. Coastal crushed shell

A material that mimics gravel well is crushed shell. Shell driveways can be eco-friendly if obtained from a sustainable harvesting company. They give great drainage and act as mulch when they decompose. They—obviously–particularly suit a coastal vibe. (Love gravel as a landscape material? Make sure to check out our gravel garden ideas.)

Driveway edging ideas

Having a well-thought out border is a great way to give your driveway definition and character, softening the driveway’s hard edges. Not only does it make your driveway stand out but things like curbs, setts and stones along the edge will provide drainage opportunities too. (Find loads more garden edging ideas here.)

35. Gravel edged with pavers

Blocks and pavers are a traditional edging material. They give neatness and structure to driveways, especially those with loose stones or chips.

36. Stacked stone edging

Another option is stacked stone edging. This particularly suits a rustic or native garden. Stacked stone is great if your drive is on a slope as it will act as a little retaining wall.

37. Corten steel edging

For a subtle metal edge, try Corten steel edging. The popular industrial-look garden hardscaping material keeps your borders exceptionally tidy.

38. Rock borders

For an edging material that looks completely naturalistic, rocks make great borders. They fit perfectly into their landscape setting and look lovely.

Driveway gate ideas

When it comes to driveway gate ideas, there’s a massive amount of choice on the market in terms of colours, styles and materials. While they have the job of providing additional security and privacy to your home, they also offer you the chance to set the tone for your home’s style. Your choice of gate can add a really finishing touch to your overall aesthetic and add loads of curb appeal. Here are just a couple of examples for inspo. It might also be helpful to view our blog on front fence ideas.

39. Consider functionality

What kind of driveway gate function do you need? A mechanical or motorised gate? If opting for automatic gates, make sure you consider solar power to save running costs. Would you prefer a swing gate or a sliding one? Swing gates need a wider than usual driveway gate, made of materials that won’t sag.

40. Contemporary timber gates

Timber is so versatile—you can create a traditional look or something highly modern. Always go for a quality exterior-grade timber that is appropriately treated. (Need a hand with timber gate installation?)

41. Metal gates

Choosing a gate made from metal usually means a choice between durable aluminium, classic wrought iron or strong, contemporary steel. An older home might well suit wrought iron while aluminium and steel tend to look more modern. Powder coating means you can also choose from a huge range of colours to suit your home’s look.

Driveway lighting ideas

Think about your lighting choices early on, when selecting your other materials. Do you prefer subtle uplighters, or modern drive-over lights? Either way, lights with motion sensors that spring to life when you drive past are typically more energy-efficient. Here are just a couple of ideas. For more, see also our blog on landscape lighting.

42. Stripe lights

Simple, solid edging uplighters provide stripes of light along a driveway. The tiny little bollards act like an edging material to define the driveway as well as light the way.

43. Small round lights

If you love a minimal look, then tiny, unobtrusive edging lights are the way to go. They provide just enough light to lead the way, but remain subtle and understated. These kinds of lights are a popular contemporary choice. Especially if you prefer not to have bollard style lighting sticking out into the visual plane.

44. Double-ended lights

Adding the safety of lighting to your driveway also greatly enhances its curb appeal. There are so many different types of driveway lights out there and it really boils down to a matter of personal taste. Double-ended lights set into the middle of the driveway provide plenty of illumination for the entire width of your drive.

45. Embedded edging lights

Embedded edging lights are another option for guiding the way. These are aluminium LED lights featuring anti-glare and waterproof design, operated by light sensors to come on when the sun sets.

46. Illuminated pavers

You can also get illuminated pavers that are completely embedded into the driveway. Powered by LEDs and solar chargeable, they are a low cost method of lighting your driveway. And because they’re flush to the driveway surface, they don’t intrude visually when not in use.

47. Heated driveway ideas

Finally, if winters where you live mean shovelling snow from the drive, then a heated driveway would be the ultimate in convenience. Driveway heating systems comprise either heated driveway mats or cables embedded into hardscaping—concrete, asphalt or the mortar under pavers. Prices can be surprisingly affordable.

And that’s a wrap of my pick of driveway ideas to consider whether you’re upgrading your driveway or building new. Which ideas appeal to you the most? Let me know in the comments! Want more outdoor inspo? Make sure you also check out our blog on backyard ideas.

driveway-ideas-multicoloured
Source: Photo by Ferran Fusalba Roselló on Unsplash

Get some help with your driveway ideas

Driveway building and maintenance are jobs best left to the professionals and you can find them all right here. You can find experts to build your new driveway, including any necessary levelling, land clearing or soil/sand delivery. Perhaps you need help sealing or resealing your driveway, or other specialised driveway repairs. Or maybe you just want your old driveway to look sparkling new again?

 

How to prune tomato plants to ensure a healthy, delicious crop

You'll never need to buy tomatoes again if you learn these handy pruning tips!

How to prune tomato plants to ensure a healthy, delicious crop

When it comes to how to prune tomato plants, a level of discussion exists over whether you actually should or not? In reality, failing to prune your tomato plants will cause problems. Yes, you can still grow good tomatoes without pruning, but pruning is key if you want to improve the quality of your fruit.

Tomatoes do not require pruning or deadheading, but there are benefits to it. Let’s discuss these, along with how to prune tomato plants below.

Why you should learn how to prune tomato plants

The main reason why it is recommended that you prune tomato plants is energy usage. As with many other fruit and vegetable plants, pruning allows your tomato to direct its energy toward producing fruit instead of foliage.

Unpruned foliage becomes new branches, and these will form fruit, but we generally prefer quality over quantity when it comes to tomatoes. Pruned tomato plants produce larger fruit earlier in the season and are better protected against pest and disease problems.

Finally, a properly pruned tomato plant means that all foliage receives adequate sunlight and photosynthesises are more efficient, leading to improved growth and fruit production.

Knowing which tomatoes to prune

One exception to the rules of pruning is if you are growing determinate tomatoes. These plants develop all of their fruit at once, which means pruning could become the unnecessary sacrifice of tomatoes.

On the other hand, indeterminate tomatoes produce fruit regularly throughout the season, so knowing how to prune indeterminate tomato plants is very important. In addition, pruning this variety of plants encourages several large tomatoes instead of extra foliage, as explained above.

In conclusion, tomato pruning isn’t essential, but it does help. So, if you are entering a tomato-growing competition, prune; if you aren’t that fussed, save some time!

How to prune indeterminate tomato plants
Source: Markus Spiske via Unsplash

How to prune tomato plants

If you would like to prune your tomato plants, luckily, it’s very simple. You’ll want to start by looking for the small tomato “suckers” that can be found in the “V” space that sits between the main stem and the branches.

These suckers will grow into full branches on an unpruned plant, creating more foliage and then fruit. So if you want to make sure that your tomato plant does not overtake its space, this is where pruning comes in.

To prune, remove these suckers, which, if small enough, can be pinched off with your fingers. Larger suckers will require a pair of clean pruners. Always ensure your pruners are clean and disinfect them as you move from plant to plant to avoid spreading diseases. If you are diligent and remove the suckers when they are small, you’ll avoid putting too much stress on the plant.

If you have low-hanging branches, give them some height with a stake or remove them entirely. The goal is to avoid having your plant’s leaves touching the ground, as this makes them more susceptible to bacteria and viral infections. These issues will quickly spread through the rest of the plant, which you’ll want to avoid.

That’s how easy it is to prune! So keep an eye out for the suckers while watering or weeding, and give your plant a quick prune to enjoy bigger fruits.

How to prune cherry tomato plants

Cherry tomato plants are classed as indeterminate and are actually best grown in a cage instead of something like a trellis. The cherry tomato plant benefits greatly from regular pruning as it improves the quality of the fruit.

To prune a cherry tomato plant, follow these steps:

  1. Prune all of the leaves in the lower portion of the plant’s stem
  2. If a stake supports the plant, pinch back shoots selectively to leave two or three main stems. If in a cage, leave up to four or five
  3. Pinch back suckers in the leaf axils where the leaf stem meets the main stem
  4. Monitor for symptoms of disease or pests often evident due to squiggly lines on leaves, spots or fuzzy growth. You may also see pests visibly feeding on the plant
  5. Dispose of the diseased parts of the plant

Other tomato pruning methods

The method listed above in which you carefully remove the sucker is known as the simple pruning method. Some other methods may be used as well:

Missouri pruning

The Missouri pruning method reduces the shock to the plant and is done by pinching only the tip of the sucker. This allows the last two leaves on the stem to remain to let the plant produce more energy for tomatoes while lowering the stress and increasing shade to the fruit. The only downside to this method is that new suckers will grow quickly as more plant remains.

Root pruning

Pruning the roots will speed up the maturing process of the plant. This purposely creates stress on the plant, interrupting its natural growth cycle and forcing it to mature faster. If you want to try root pruning, the best time is when the first tomato clusters ripen.

For this method, use a pitchfork or a spade placed a few inches from the base of the plant, roughly 8-10 inches into the soil. From here, simply cut halfway around the plant, and you are done.

Top pruning

The final method is top pruning which should be done roughly one month before the end of the season. This involves removing the growing tip of each main stem above the last blossom. This method directs all of the sugars and nutrients towards the fruits, increasing the chance of red tomatoes rather than green for your harvest. Just make sure you do this four weeks before the end of the season.

How to prune cherry tomato plants
Source: Dan-Cristian Pădureț via Unsplash

Frequently asked questions

When should I trim my tomato plants?

The best time to start pruning tomato plants is when they grow to be roughly two feet off the ground (30-60 cm. tall). If you begin pruning when they are smaller than this, the plant may be in too much shock to recover from the pruning. You’ll notice branches coming off the main stem of your plant that are perfect for pruning when it reaches this size.

Should I trim lower branches on my tomato plant?

It is a good idea to keep the bottom 6 to 12 inches of your tomato plant trimmed. You can cut the lower leaves and stems away while they’re small to conserve the plant’s resources and protect it from a disease that can be picked up off the floor and onto lower branches.

How do you prune tomato plants for maximum yield?

If you are pruning your tomato plant for better structure and health, start by getting the plants off the ground and giving them plenty of room. Never prune or tie the plants that have wet leaves. If you have determinate tomato plants, you won’t really have to worry about pruning at all other than removing the suckers below the first flower cluster.

Need a little help to ensure your garden can flourish?

When it comes to tomato plants, you’ll see by the instructions above that pruning is a pretty straightforward task. For other sections of your garden and specific plants, however, that may not be the case.

If you do not have the greenest of thumbs, there are plenty of Taskers who can help you with your pruning! Hand the job over to a professional and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your garden is positioned for health and quality growth while also saving yourself some time!

If you would like to work on your own pruning skills, we have a range of articles that can help. For example, learn how to prune rosesthe best ways to prune lavender, and how to tackle that apple or lemon tree for some improved fruit harvesting.

For many people, garden tinkering with tasks like pruning can be both relaxing and therapeutic! Take a little time to reconnect with nature and enjoy the benefits of a healthy garden that you have created with your own hands. Plus, fruit and vegetables taste way better when you have grown them yourself!

How to actually build a sturdy shed foundation for your beautiful garden

Every good shed starts with an even better foundation.

How to actually build a sturdy shed foundation for your beautiful garden

Everyone (with a garden) needs a good garden shed. This very useful space is great for extra storage or a place to craft other various projects, but every good shed starts with a solid foundation. You want to ensure that your garden shed offers stability and safety, and learning how to build a shed foundation is the path to achieving that.

It should also be noted that whether you are building your shed from scratch, or buying a pre-fabricated option, both methods require you to form the foundation. This makes learning how to build a shed foundation an unavoidable step for anyone who wants a new shed.

Read on for all of the essential steps to ensure the correct surface, along with the steps for how to build a shed foundation.

Start by levelling the surface

You have a few options for your foundation, be it concrete, a raised wooden deck or concrete slabs, but all will require that you start with a level surface. Your shed will probably warp over time, and the adverse effects of this will be lessened if you level the ground first. Remove the debris and place a weed-proof membrane down to prevent things from growing through the floor.

Grass and weeds growing under your shed can be a problem as the floor will not dry out properly after the rain. This can cause premature rot, mould and mildew.

Laying the base

There are many base options for your shed, but the most popular are cast concrete or concrete paving slabs. Both options provide a longer-lasting garden shed foundation, and will require these steps:

  1. Use mason’s string and batter boards as a border around the area
  2. Dig about 15 cm deep 
  3. Place a wooden framework for the concrete 
  4. Place a level layer of 7 cm deep gravel, then pour the mixture of cement and concrete
  5. Spread out with a hand screed
  6. Let it dry completely starting the shed

Make sure you have all the tools and materials before you start to make for a more efficient process. While this is a task that is made easier with two people, it most certainly can be done with just one.

Common mistakes to avoid

The first thing to avoid is laying paving slabs on irregularly spread gravel as this will create an unstable base that will warp and crack over the years. Your base will likely sink once the underlying material disintegrates.

If opting for a raised wooden deck, ensure you clear the ground first and use a weed-proof membrane. While ideally, you’ll find a spot that is already level, you can still learn how to build a shed foundation on uneven ground. This will require grading the soil and making sure you are not in a spot that will collect water.

If you want to ensure that your base area stays dry, remove all grass from the site and use a dirt tamper with 5-6 cm of gravel to help drain the water underneath. Knowing how to build a gravel foundation for a shed will help secure the longevity of your base when it is up against the elements.

building a shed foundation
Source: Shutterstock

How to build a shed foundation with deck blocks

Deck blocks are another option for your shed foundation. These pre-formed masses of concrete feature formations in the top to hold vertical posts or beams. Many people prefer this feature as a form of extra structure security.

While they are generally a more temporary foundation for freestanding or floating structures, many people use them as they have a more straightforward installation process. You should not consider the option, however, if you are in a high wind area. Your local building code office will usually have the final say on whether or not you can use them.

Deck blocks are quicker and cheaper to install and require minimal surface prep or digging. The number of blocks you need will depend on the weight, layout, and size of your shed. The bigger the shed, the bigger your blocks. You will likely need help moving larger ones into place as they can be weighty.

The steps for building a shed foundation with deck blocks

First, you’ll want to level your blocks and ensure you have the following tools on-hand:

  • Tape Measure
  • Mason Line
  • Level
  • Safety Glasses
  • Knee Pads
  • Laser Level

1: Calculate where your blocks will be located and prepare the area with level string lines

2: Place your blocks in position and continually check to ensure your structure is level 

3: Measure diagonals to make sure all blocks are in the correct position. 

While deck blocks can be a very stable base, they can be challenging to level if the ground settles once the shed is built. Try to avoid disturbing the environment too much while levelling the deck blocks.

What happens if I have no or inadequate foundation?

Apart from being unsafe, a shed that is not level won’t look very good or feel great to be inside of. Doors and windows may not close properly as your shed will settle over time, causing things to come out of alignment. Avoid this right from the start with a solid foundation.

You may also find that the centre of the floor may not be well supported, primarily if you use concrete blocks on an uneven base. If the centre of the floor is inadequately supported, it will result in a bouncy floor that sags over time. This is especially the case in a larger shed or garage that will be storing heavy vehicles or equipment.

open garden shed with gardening tools
Source: Shutterstock

Frequently asked questions

What is the best foundation for a shed?

You have a few options for your foundation, most commonly concrete, a raised wooden deck or concrete slabs. The most popular options can be cast concrete or concrete paving slabs. They will provide a longer-lasting garden shed foundation. Wooden decking is a popular option as it looks neater and easier to level. If you do opt for this, however, ensure that you lay a weed membrane beneath it to prevent various growth through your deck.

Ultimately, the decision will be based on whichever aesthetics you prefer, or the foundation that is within your budget.

Do you need a foundation for a shed?

Absolutely! Whether you are building your shed from scratch or buying a pre-fabricated option, both methods require you to form a foundation. This makes learning how to build a shed foundation an unavoidable step for anyone who wants to build a new shed. The foundation will help ensure your shed’s longevity as it battles the outdoor elements.

The quality of your foundation will also help you avoid other issues. Besides poor aesthetics, shed doors may not close properly on an unstable base. You may also have drainage issues, or problems with wet areas underneath your shed if the flooring has not been treated properly.

How do you prepare a foundation for a shed?

Once you have decided what your shed foundation will be (most commonly concrete, a raised wooden deck or concrete slabs), you’ll need to level a surface. This is a crucial step to ensuring the longevity of your base, so remove the debris and place a weed-proof membrane down. This will prevent things from growing through the floor.

If you have opted for a cast concrete or concrete paving slab base, use mason’s string and batter boards to form a border around the area. Dig about 15 cm down placing a wooden framework on the edge for the concrete to then be poured into. Add a level layer of 7 cm deep gravel, then pour the mixture of cement and concrete in, spreading it out with a hand screed. Allow it to dry completely before you start work on building the shed on top.

Enjoy the peace of mind in knowing your shed will stay up!

Now that you’ve learned how to build a shed foundation, you can push on with the rest of the shed knowing that it won’t collapse! We’re sure you’ll undoubtedly appreciate that peace of mind when standing inside of it. Safety first, always!

If you’ve mastered the foundation but are having a little trouble with the shed installation, there are plenty of Taskers on hand to help! You’ll find people who are specific experts in Bunnings shed installation, or the building of various other garden shed designs to ensure you have a quality space that will perform its function for many years to come. If you already have a shed, but it is in some drastic need of repair, we have the people to help with that as well.

If, on the other hand, the successful laying of your shed foundation was understandably satisfying, have a read of our backyard ideas blog and proceed with building the shed yourself. These blogs will give you some other great DIY projects! It will not only increase the value of your home, but also the function and enjoyment of your outdoor areas. Grab the tools and get to work and make your backyard something you are proud of today!

29 Cactus garden ideas for your home

Bold, striking and iconic, cacti are living sculptures and a great addition to any garden

29 Cactus garden ideas for your home

Why so much cactus love? Some say that Millennials have been behind the huge recent popularity of cacti. This is due to the minimal effort involved in their care and because Millennials are regarded as wanting to “do less but get more”.

Another reason cacti have become so popular is because they have evolved to become extremely drought-tolerant and virtually indestructible. This especially appeals to those conscious of reducing their water usage.

And then there’s the trend towards adding living plants throughout the home as well as in the garden. “Bringing the outside in” helps with air purification as well as establishing a connection with nature – and cacti make fantastic indoor plants as they are so hard to kill, only requiring decent light and rare watering.

cactus-garden-cactus-with-flowers
Source: Photo by David Sola on Unsplash

From the somewhat cliched two-armed saguaro cacti that appear to stand guard, to towering torch cacti and golden barrel or even hybrid golden rat tail, there’s a cactus to suit everyone. Are you ready to rock the desert interiors and exteriors trend? Then let’s take a look at 29 cactus garden ideas that feature this starkly romantic, if hostile looking, plant.

1. Vivid colours

The cactus is such a strong sculptural plant that it works especially well when contrasted with vivid, bold hues and that’s why you’ll often see homes featuring cacti set amongst really strong colours—whether a full coloured wall or simply a whitewashed wall with a brightly painted door. A brightly saturated door looks absolutely stunning against cacti and succulent plantings out front.

cactus-garden-cactus-pink-background
Source: Photo by Bruno Cervera from Pexels

2. Soft desert colours

Aside from rich, bold brights, another strong aesthetic that’s ideal for a cactus garden is to channel the sandy desert landscape with a muted, soft palette of soothing, natural colours. Think calming greys, dusty neutrals, warm terracotta hues and pops of blush, and contrasted with cooler, contemporary tones in blues and greens.

cactus-garden-soft-colours
Source: Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

3. Grouped cactus

Go for an oversized container so that you can group an interesting mix of contrasting cacti together in the one pot. This keeps everything neat and creates a single focal point. Complement the plant’s natural textures with similarly strongly textured soft furnishings.

4. Contrast with terracotta

Take one bare, plain wall, add a little curation of cacti in terracotta pots and you have one stylish and dramatic vignette. Many cactus lovers actually claim that cacti thrive better in terracotta pots than plastic ones. And traditional terracotta definitely suits the desert vibes aesthetic.

cactus-garden-terracotta
Source: Photo by Pelayo Arbués on Unsplash

5. Cactus with rattan

The trend towards woven naturals doesn’t show any sign of losing momentum any time soon. Which is great because natural materials work so well with traditional desert-landscape cacti! You can mix materials of similar textures as they will complement each other, so add plenty of wicker, rattan, jute and sisal. Then pair your woven materials with a tried-and-true colour palette of creams and whites.

6. The Palm Springs look

Cacti really suit the desert-Modernism aesthetic so you’ll often find authentic homes in this style, featuring whitewashed walls, bright painted doors and a selection of wildly varying cacti and succulents at the front door. Columnar and barrel cacti are a classic pairing.

cactus-garden-palm-springs
Source: Photo by Taylor Simpson on Unsplash

7. Cacti and soft red walls

You may have seen the iconic Spanish apartment complex called “La Murella Roja” (meaning “the red wall”) as a thousand photographers have admired it from all angles. The labyrinthine, fortress-like residence features strong geometric shapes and a striking, bold colour palette that really stand out against the landscape. The boldness of the apartment complex design requires a similarly bold planting and cacti do the job perfectly.

cactus-garden-la-murella-roja
Source: Photo by beasty . on Unsplash

8. Painted doors

A whitewashed home with a vividly painted door evokes a classic Palm Springs aesthetic and naturally, desert-proof cacti and succulents are the perfect match. White gravel completes the look and makes for a very low maintenance front garden. And consider giving your garden a tidy up if you want to rock this minimalist look.

cactus-garden-painted-doors-and-agaves
Source: Photo by G from Pexels

9. Blue cactus

Yes, cacti come in bright blue tones too! Check out the otherworldly variety of columnar cacti called Pilosocereus which features vivid blue with contrasting pale orange spines. One of these curious plants would make a stunning conversation piece, whether planted indoor or outdoors.

10. Yellow cactus

Prefer yellow? You can actually find lime-yellow toned columnar cacti out there. These are perfect for a bold, vivid colour scheme. The architectural forms of these classic cacti meld are so striking. For help with planting up your garden, why not consult an experienced gardener?

11. Cactus with pink spines

Or perhaps you love pink? Consider the Rainbow Hedgehog Cactus which features sweet pink spines that create that fuzzy warm halo around the plant when viewed from a distance. Or, consider Mexican Fire Barrel cacti, which are similar but with red spines.

12. Solo cactus garden

An all-white colour palette creates a wonderful backdrop for sculptural plants like cacti, and enables even a single one to make a huge statement. Go for a whitewashed piece of serenity with a few pops of black in the window and doorframes to create contrast and definition.

12. Sculptural seaside

For a showstopping coastal front garden that can handle tough environmental conditions, massive sculptural cacti are perfect. Hardy cacti and succulents provide the perfect dramatic look plain walls. Suggested varieties include wheel cactus, blue torch cactus and red aloes. For the perfect garden planting scheme, you might like to consult an expert in garden planting.

cactus-garden-sculptural
Source: Photo by VJ Von Art on Unsplash

13. Privacy screen

A row of stately columnar cacti grown as garden edging makes a fantastic natural privacy fence and the varying heights of the plants create interesting filtered sunlight and shadow play. You might also like to read our article on garden edging for loads more edging ideas.

14. Cacti courtyard

Courtyards full of cacti ooze with Boho character, which you can amplify with comfy outdoor cushions, lanterns and layers of textiles. Despite being out in the open, it will feel intimate and cosy. For more courtyard garden ideas, see also our recent article.

15. Agaves

Have you ever come across the hashtag #thatpinkdoor on Instagram? In keeping with the Palm Springs aesthetic featuring brightly coloured doors, this famous bubblegum pink door looks stunning against its whitewashed façade and two massive agaves standing sentry at the entrance. Agaves are the perfect choice of succulent to pair on the front porch, as they are so pleasantly symmetrical.

Need some advice on how to plant up your front garden? Why not speak with an expert in garden design.

16. Formal entranceway

Cacti are awesome for front gardens as they are such low maintenance plants – you can practically set and forget them – and yet provide such a rich decorative touch.

17. Layer your cacti

Planting differing heights and varieties of cacti (trees, groundcovers and shrubs) is a great idea as it allows them to create their own depth, darkness and shadows amongst themselves, even in the scorching sun.

Need help planting up your garden path? Find someone who can help with that.

18. Snakeplants and breeze blocks

For a backyard cabana that’s the epitome of cool – both temperature and style-wise–breezeblocks are currently a thing. And snakeplants are a wonderful low maintenance succulent that provides contrast and texture to a plain outdoor setting. To tidy up your pool area, you could also get some help with your garden maintenance.

19. Poolside cacti

Deserts have oases–and so do desert-style homes! So if you have a little (or a large) oasis of your own, make a real statement poolside with a massive cactus positioned to generate a striking reflection in the water. Or, why not get the designer’s touch with the help of an expert in pool landscaping?

cactus-garden-poolside
Source: Photo by Марина Хорошилова from Pexels

20. Cactus garden with hot pink walls

Bold colours definitely suit the boldness of this architectural plant. I love a sponged magenta wall alongside the textural contrast of a gravel floor.

21. Graphic planters

Containers that feature stylised patterns bring all the South American vibes to your cacti grouping. Seek out pots with patterns in an array of natural tones and materials (terracotta, ceramic, concrete and handmade glazed vases) for an authentic look.

22. Cactus and concrete

Concrete and cacti make a great visual match. Industrial-looking concrete is still very popular in interiors, whether rough or smooth, and its toughness can be amplified with the addition of a sculptural statement cactus. Glass is another material that looks chic with cacti.

cactus-garden-indoor-cactus
Source: Photo by DESIGNECOLOGIST on Unsplash

23. Go for Mexican vibes

Be inspired by the natural colours of Mexico, with sunset-hued walls balanced by numerous shades of rich greens. When choosing your planters, consider opting for containers featuring ethnic patterns and designs, as these will reinforce the South American flavours of the plant.

cactus-garden-pots
Source: Photo by Scott Webb from Pexels

25. Mini cactus garden

Thanks to this plant’s endless variety of unusual sculptural forms, a group of different-shaped cacti always makes for a cool grouped display. If you’re keen on a black and white aesthetic, choose a range of dark, rugged cacti and just pop them in a selection of bright white pots.

26. Prickly pick

People often want to go for the prickly pear cactus, one of the most recognisable in the world. However, it’s actually been declared a weed in three Australian states. So you need to be really careful with prickly pear. There are, however, plenty of other stunning cacti choices, so don’t be disheartened if you had your heart set on the prickly pear.

cactus-garden-pricklypear
Source: Photo by Anna Guerrero from Pexels

27. White moonstone succulent

Apart from cacti, there are plenty of other amazing succulents out there that look spectacular when grouped together. One of the most popular and highly prized varieties is Pachyphytum Oviferum, aka Moonstones or Sugar Almond Plant. This Mexican succulent comes in a variety of colours including a gorgeous ghostly grey-white, which looks so beautiful nestled into a series of white containers and cups.

cactus-garden-moonstone
Source: Photo by Laura Link from Pexels

28. Pink succulent garden

Moonstone succulents also come pretty in pink, with cute chubby leaves that are covered in white powder. This is a very sought after variety due to the plant’s striking colour and form, like a mini pink palm tree. Add white rocks to create a lovely contrast and look lovely and clean.

For more succulent garden ideas, see also our recent article on succulent garden ideas.

29. Micro minis

And finally–think you don’t have room for a cactus garden? Well, think again because one burgeoning trend is to collect miniature cacti. Adorable incy wincy plants in their tiny cute pots, they’re just as easy-care as their bigger siblings.

cactus-garden-mini
Source: Photo by Rovelyn Camato from Pexels

And that’s my pick of 29 gorgeous cactus garden ideas on how to display these showstoppers around your home. Don’t forget to check on the legality of any cactus species you intend to buy! And if you have any hints or tips for growing cacti, why not share them in the comments below?

How to lay pavers on any surface

You don’t need to be an expert to know how to lay pavers - here's how you do it!

How to lay pavers on any surface

Whether you want to add a pathway to your property or create a whole entertainment area, learning how to lay pavers will enhance your home while also adding value at the same time. 

You can easily customise the look, size, and shape of your paved areas getting a little bit creative with the aesthetic while also creating a functional space in an area that was otherwise unusable.

The best part is, you don’t need to be an expert to know how to lay pavers. It just takes a little elbow grease and some patience. Follow this easy guide that features ten simple steps, and you’ll be paving all over the place in no time at all!

A little planning to start

Before you pick your pavers, spend a little time planning to save creating more stress than necessary. Choosing the right paver is one of the most important steps as some pavers may work better in specific applications.

Once you have found the right paver, follow these easy steps.

How to lay pavers in 10 steps

Step 1: Mark out and excavate

Mark out the area you want to pave as this will give you the total square metre size which determines how many pavers you need (always buy some extra to allow for breakage). Stake the ground at the corners with string lines between at the desired surface level.

If the area is covered with grass, you’ll need to kill it off and dig it out, so you are working with a clean, flat base.

Step 2: Creating the road base

Your paved area will need a solid base foundation known as the road base, which involves the compacting of any soft spots. Keep in mind that you don’t want the surface to be completely flat as you’ll need rainwater to flow off the finished pavement (preferably away from the house). Aim to create 15mm per metre and make sure your pavers sit below the damp proof section of your house. It is vital that you do not cover damp proof courses or air vents.

Step 3: Compacting 

If creating a walkway you want to aim to have your road base around a 75-80mm thick layer; or 100-150mm thick layer for driveways. Allow around 10mm extra for compacting. Run over the area with a plate compactor two or three times in different directions.

Extend the compaction to the outer perimeter of your area to reduce the chances of outer perimeter paving subsidence.

More-grey-pavers
Carl Raw

Step 4: Screeding Sand

Next, you’ll lay and screed the paving sand it to a depth of 30mm. Take your time with this step as a rushed job could result in an uneven level. When it comes to screeding sand here are the three main things to keep in mind:

  1. Use two screeding straps placed approximately 1m to 3m apart
  2. Use a screed rail to level off between the straps. Remove the straps then smooth off the sand before laying the pavers
  3. Keep the thickness consistent to ensure the pavers will settle evenly

Step 5: Set up a string line

Set up a string line to use as a guide when laying the pavers. This will help you measure the exact height. Once the line is up, start in a corner or along an edge and place the pavers on the screeded sand in your pattern of choice. 

Step 6: Check your first row

After laying your first row of pavers, check them thoroughly as they will be the guide for the next row. When you have laid the second row of pavers, make sure there is a 90-degree angle with a square set. If you need to adjust the laid pavers, do so with a trowel.

Lay the remaining pavers and ensure there is a gap in between them of about 2-3mm. Make sure to work from the top of laid pavers to avoid disturbing the bedding sand that has already been set-up.

Step 7: Create an edge restraint

An edge restraint ensures the paving does not spread or open up after a time. To do this, finish the unsupported edges with a concealed concrete edge strip around 10mm below the finished level. You can also use exposed concrete strips, or set the paving on a concrete base.

Step 8: Setting

If you’re paving a surface that will have a lot of foot traffic, Pave Set is required to fill the gaps between the pavers. This will secure their positioning and prevent movement or shifting. Pave set is a blend of sand, binder and gelling agents, and it is important to keep the following in mind when using it:

  • Do not use it if rain or high winds are forecasted in the next few days
  • Do not use it if you don’t have a well-drained base
  • Ensure it is not used in gaps wider than 4mm
  • Do not use it around swimming pools 
  • Do not use on steep inclines

When applying the Pave Set, make sure the area is dry and clean and spread it evenly over pavers, sweeping it into the gaps. Compact the Pave Set with a rubber mallet until the joints are filled. Allow the Pave Set to dry for around two days.

Step 9: Compact

When ready, you compact your pavers. If you have some old carpet handy, place it under the compacting plate to avoid any chipping or cracking of the pavers. It is best to use a mechanical vibrating plate compactor with a rubber base which you can hire from most hardware stores.

Place a layer of sweep sand over the surface to protect the pavers from damage when you are doing the final plate compaction.

Step 10: Cleaning

As the final step, hose down your pavers to remove any excess sand. This will also help the sand between the gaps to settle. Let the area dry and if possible, avoid walking on it for 24-48 hours. From there you’ll have a brand new outdoor space to enjoy!

Dog on pavers
Wade Austin Ellis

Frequently asked questions

How do I prepare the ground for pavers?

To begin it is important to mark out the area, you want to pave as this will give you the total square metre size, determining how many pavers you need. Stake the ground at the corners with string lines between at the desired surface level.

If the area is covered with grass, you’ll need to kill it off and dig it out, so you are working with a clean, flat base. Your paved area will need a solid base foundation known as the road base, which involves the compacting of any soft spots. The surface will need to be completely flat as you’ll need rainwater to flow off the finished pavement. Run over the area with a plate compactor two or three times in different directions and your ground should be ready to pave.

What do you put under pavers?

It is a good idea to place sand which you will lay screed to a depth of 30mm under your pavers. Ensure your ground underneath has been compacted and is level, then use two screeding straps placed approximately 1m to 3m apart and a screed rail to level off between the straps. Keep the thickness consistent to ensure the pavers will settle evenly.

Can I lay pavers myself?

Absolutely. Before you begin, spend a little time planning to save creating more stress than necessary. Choose the right pavers and prepare your area to ensure a clean and mostly flat space, with the exception of a slight angle to allow for water runoff. Past this, the most you will need is some hire equipment, like a ground compacter, and the rest of the task can be very DIY friendly.

The hardest part is essentially the preparation, laying the actual pavers can be time-consuming but it is one of the main tasks home-improvers can tackle due to its simplicity.

Paving your way to a more enjoyable home

Following the steps above means, you’ll have the ability to pave areas of your home not only to improve its aesthetic and value but also your enjoyment of it! If you need a little bit of help or want to ensure the job is done correctly, there are plenty of taskers who can help with a range of paving projects. From brick paving to outdoor and driveway paving, you’ll be able to find the right person for the job with ease. You can even find taskers to help you with paving repairs and bricklaying!

To help those who are interested in the DIY tasks to improve their homes, however, we have a range of blogs that will provide you with some handy extra knowledge. From paving ideas to other tips on pool and deck setupbackyard ponds and side of house ideas, the knowledge base is plentiful! We can help you create a garden pathbuild a pergoladesign your patio or create a terraced garden. Get reading and really make the outdoor areas of your home something to be proud of today.

How to get rid of fruit flies from your house

Growing fruit trees can be hard enough without added insect trouble.

How to get rid of fruit flies from your house

We all love fruit. It’s healthy and delicious, and it looks great in a bowl on the kitchen bench. We can’t really blame fruit flies for loving it as well for all the same reasons (except maybe the display one). As these little guys breed quickly, it’s important to learn how to get rid of fruit flies in the house if you notice them starting to appear.

Another thing to keep in mind when dealing with an indoor fruit fly infestation is that you are likely finding them in the kitchen (unless you strangely keep fruit in the bathroom?). Assuming it is the kitchen, you do not want to be spraying toxic chemicals.

To help, we’ve found some natural fruit fly remedies which do take a little bit more effort to put into action but remove the health risks of using chemical bug sprays or the expense of calling a pest control expert.

These cost-effective solutions keep harmful chemicals out of your home by using natural pest control techniques. They also are no-kill solutions because lets be honest, it doesn’t seem fair to kill a little creature just because it loves fruit as much as we do! 

Getting rid of fruit fly breeding grounds

Prevention is always the first step as it gives you the option of avoiding the problem altogether! If you are doing your bit by having an outdoor compost bin, make sure you avoid also having an indoor spot for collecting food scraps. It takes a touch more effort to take everything outside straight away, but indoor compost is like Disneyland for the humble fruit fly.

If you enjoy the convenience of indoor compost too much to get rid of it, ensure you empty it every day. Another thing to keep in mind is how clean and dry your compost bin is. Fruit flies love moisture and food gets mushier if there is moisture present in the bin.

Keeping your kitchen clean

This is essentially a rule for any spot in the home where you might serve food, but keeping the areas really clean is very important. Tiny scraps of food can create a fruit fly problem. Performing a regular deep house clean of your home, especially the food areas, means less desirable places for fruit flies. 

Be thorough and clear off the counters, giving everything a good wipe down, and making sure you do not forget about the floor and baseboards. The fruit bowl is another place that requires a good audit. If you have items in there that are overripe, it is time for them to move on.

A bowl of fruit
Iwona Łach

How to get rid of fruit flies with white vinegar

Preventative methods aside, if you are well past that and deep into an actual fruit fly problem, it’s a good idea to learn how to get rid of fruit flies with white vinegar. 

The goal is to make a trap for the flies which can be done by performing the following steps:

  • Pour a very small amount of apple cider vinegar into a tall glass jar with a couple of drops of dish soap in the mix as well.
  • Cover the top with cling wrap that has holes poked in it and secure it with a rubber band.
  • Fruit flies are attracted to the vinegar so they will crawl through the holes in the cling wrap, but will have a tough time getting back out.
  • This allows you plenty of time to release the little guys back into the wild.

The primary benefit of this method is you can avoid any harmful chemicals and you likely already have everything you need in the house! Just make sure you change the mixture regularly to prevent from creating an even grosser situation.

The humane fruit method

For an even more humane solution that doesn’t have you rushing to stop the flies from drowning, another catch-and-release method involves fruit (of course!). 

Simply pop a few pieces of cut-up fruit into a container. This will attract the flies, who are very slow, allowing you to trap them with the lid and release them into the wild.

How to get rid of fruit flies on fruit trees

Sometimes the fruit fly issue is outside, especially if you grow fruit trees. The fruit fly is especially fond of nectarines, peaches, apricots, mangos, and papayas, to name a few, so if you grow these, you may encounter a fruit fly issue.

The fly population is particularly prevalent through spring to late summer. Female fruit flies will lay their eggs under the skin of the fruit with the babies hatching to feed on the fruit. This will cause the fruit to rot or a very nasty surprise if you go to eat it before it does.

If you do have an outdoor fruit fly issue, one option is a targeted insecticide placed around the trunk of the tree. This avoids having to spray the actual fruit so that it remains edible. While most are, make sure there is nothing too harmful in your mixture of choice because despite your best efforts some may end up on the fruit that you then plan to eat.

Other actions to consider

Garden hygiene is the best way to prevent a fruit fly infestation. Get rid of any rotting fruit to reduce the risk of the maggots and when selecting your trees, aim for early-fruiting trees. Options that can be harvested in late spring and early summer let you get in before fruit fly numbers hit their peak.

How to make outdoor fruit fly traps

If you want to avoid the spray idea, you can fashion some fruit fly traps for the outdoors much like the steps above for indoor options. Simply do the following:

  1. Grab an old, clean soft-drink bottle that has a lid
  2. Cut holes the size of a 10-cent piece roughly 10cm from the top
  3. Create a mixture of fresh fruit juice with pulp and one tablespoon of cloudy ammonia
  4. Tie a string around the neck of the bottle to hang from the tree in a shady spot
  5. Allow it to hang roughly 1.5 metres above the ground
  6. Replace the mixture in the bottle weekly for best results
Fruit tree
Kaylie Humphrey

Frequently asked questions

What causes fruit flies in the house?

It may come as no surprise, but fruit flys love fruit! They are especially attracted to ripened fruits and vegetables but can also breed in drains, garbage disposals, bins, mops, indoor composting and cleaning rags. Essentially anything that creates a moist film of fermenting material is a haven for fruit flys.

Prevention is a great way to avoid the problem altogether. Keep your home and food areas clean and consider dry your bin areas are. Fruit flies love moisture which when mixed with food scraps in the bin makes for their ideal home.

How long does it take to get rid of fruit flies?

This is somewhat dependent on your removal method. Chemical removals can solve your issue quite quickly, whereas more humane home remedies can take a bit longer. A fruit fly’s lifespan is dependent on environmental conditions and can land anywhere between two to four weeks. The removal of the adult flies will not always solve your issue if they have left eggs around the place, which is why deep cleaning your food areas is very important.

Is it hard to get rid of fruit flies?

This will depend on which removal method you choose and how much time you are willing to commit to it. Chemical removals are much faster and easier than home remedies, but many people avoid them as they do not wish to mix chemicals and their food areas.

The difficulty in fruit fly removal can also depend on how early you get to the problem. Cleaning the areas of your home regularly and capturing the flys for removal as soon as you notice an issue will be much simpler to deal with than letting the issue grow to a larger infestation. Luckily, fruit flies are very slow, so capturing them is much simpler than a standard fly.

Keeping your home clean and insect free

Fruit flies can be an issue, as can a range of other little critters depending on your location. While cleaning is always a necessity and your best chance at avoiding an issue, hopefully, the info above will help you deal with any problems beyond that.

If your pest situation is a little more complicated, there are plenty of taskers who can provide pest control services, including specific services to target a particular type of insect. You can also find a range of people to give your home a really good deep clean to ensure things are safe and healthy.

If you feel confident enough to tackle the problems on your own, have a read of our other helpful articles that delve into how to get rid of cockroaches and dealing with home and garden pests in Autumn. Study up and make sure your home is a hygienic place to hang out all year round!

How to prune a lemon tree in your garden

Follow these steps and you'll be palming off bags of lemons to friends and family forever!

How to prune a lemon tree in your garden

A successful lemon tree requires a pruning process to stimulate growth and ensure your tree has a sturdy structure from which to provide you with a bounty of lemons. Learning how to prune a lemon tree is easy, and it will provide you with a range of benefits from plenty of fruit to a beautiful looking addition to your garden!

Lemon trees are a very popular addition to gardens of all sizes in Australia. You can find versions of the trees suitable for larger garden areas, as well as smaller courtyards or even indoors! Above all, Australians love adding a slice of lemon to their drinks, so having your own private access to as many lemons as you need can come in handy, especially in the summer months.

Read on to learn why and how to prune a lemon tree, along with some tips to make the process as straightforward as possible.

Why do you need to learn how to prune a lemon tree?

Lemon trees benefit from regular pruning, and it is especially important in the first two years. Pruning is essentially controlled stress which tells the tree where to focus its energy. This helps it become bigger and better as it grows.

Before pruning, there will be a lot of volume and foliage, after pruning, the fruits to leaf ratio will be more balanced, and your tree will receive more air and sunlight. Pruning is more pertinent in younger trees to keep the size of the tree manageable while minimising the effort required from you as time goes on.

When is the best time to prune?

While it depends slightly on where you live and the climate, the best time to prune a lemon tree is during spring or autumn. Baby lemon trees will not bear any fruit until they are older but need to be pruned regularly to shape their structural framework. 

When it comes to more mature lemon trees, you only have to prune them once or twice a year, preferably after a harvest. The better formed your lemon tree is in its infancy, the less work you’ll need put in as it ages.

Considering the different types of lemon trees

The most popular types of lemon trees found in Australia are the Eureka, Lisbon and Meyer (dwarf lemon tree) varieties. The Meyer is actually a hybrid with a mandarin orange tree which keeps it small and great for indoors or small courtyards. The following instructions will be suitable for the pruning of the larger trees as well as how to prune a Meyer lemon tree!

A solitary lemon
Daniel Hooper

Preparing your tools 

You’ll want to have the following gear on hand before you begin the task of pruning:

  • A trusty pair of pruning shears 
  • A small hand-held saw 
  • Disinfectant for your tools 
  • Protective gloves 
  • Organic herbicide to apply after pruning 

Citrus trees are notorious for weevils, snails and gall wasp infestations so the herbicide will help protect your crop.

How to prune a lemon tree

Apart from the time of year, a good way to tell if your lemon tree requires some pruning is if you notice weak branches and small growths at the base of the trunk. To make maintenance a lot easier, remove any deadwood you see ASAP throughout the year and avoid pruning during summer or winter as sunburn or frost can damage your tree.

Follow these steps to prune your lemon trees correctly:

Step 1: Preparation

Before you begin, scan your lemon tree to identify the unhealthy parts and stray branches. Get all of your gear ready and disinfect your tools, so you don’t spread any diseases to your soon-to-be freshly cut tree.

Step 2: Pruning

Remove the deadwood from the branches and cut off the thin branches. This will help the tree to focus its energy on growing the bigger ones. Ensure that all cuts are made at a 45-degree angle, and avoid any damage the main stalk. 

You’ll also want to remove any ‘suckers’, water sprouts and basal shoots which will look like small leafy growths sprouting from the base near the roots. If these are appearing regularly, it means that the soil bed is too shallow. Get rid of them, so they don’t suck the nutrients from your tree!

Step 3: Skirting

The act of skirting refers to the clearing of the bottom growth so you can prioritise fruiting at the top. It may seem like a waste, but it is important that you remove any underdeveloped fruit to ensure that the top of the tree and its fruit stays healthy.

Skirting also helps to avoid any contamination to the leaves from fertilisers or herbicides. It is also a good idea to keep your tree a few feet away from the ground if you have pets as they can easily spread diseases to it.

Step 4: Topping

The actual pruning and cutting of the rest of the tree is really more about aesthetics. Shape your tree as you like, but ensure the ratio of branches to the density of roots is even. Aim for a rounded, symmetrical shape to the top of the tree.

Step 5: Knowing when to stop pruning

This is more of a non-step as it is important to never over-prune. A good pruning process includes knowing when to stop. A good rule of thumb is never to chop off more than one-third of the tree. If you prune too much, you could put unnecessary stress on the plant.

The effort of the above steps is the best way to ensure the health and success of your tree. Regular pruning will bring you a fruitful harvest, and your drinks will never be without a lemon slice again!

Bunched up lemons
Harshal S. Hirve

Frequently asked questions

When should lemon trees be pruned?

There are few factors that will determine the frequency of your pruning for lemon trees. It depends slightly on where you live and the climate, as well as how mature your tree is. The best time to prune a lemon tree in Australia is during spring or autumn. Baby lemon trees will not bear any fruit until they are older but need to be pruned regularly to shape their structural framework. 

When it comes to more mature lemon trees, they require a lot less attention. You only have to prune them once or twice a year, preferably after a harvest!

How do you shape a lemon tree?

Shaping a lemon tree is as simple as cutting the branches into your desired look. It is best to aim for a rounded, symmetrical shape to the top of the tree and always keep in mind that a good pruning process includes knowing when to stop. A good rule of thumb is never to chop off more than one-third of the tree. If you prune too much, you could put unnecessary stress on the plant. Never substitute the health of your tree for aesthetics, as you’ll be creating more work for yourself down the track.

Can I prune my lemon tree in summer?

This is not recommended as new roots and growth of the tree can be susceptible to sunburn. The best time to prune a lemon tree in Australia is during spring or autumn. Save yourself some hard work on a hot summer’s day and wait until the cooler parts of the year to tackle the task!

The same can apply to climates that are too cold. An overly cold or frosty situation can be just as harmful as the intense sun. A newly cut section of the tree is at a higher level of risk when dealing with extreme elements. This is why the recommended parts of the year to prune are in-between seasonal changes when things are a little calmer weather-wise.

Enjoy a healthy and happy lemon tree with plenty of fruit!

Follow the information above closely, and you’ll know exactly how to prune a lemon tree to keep it healthy. The benefit, of course, being a good looking tree and plenty of fruit! If you are a little less confident in your pruning abilities, or simply time-poor, engage a range of taskers who can handle tree pruning, other garden pruning or just a general garden tidy up. You’ll find plenty of experienced green thumbs who can help you with planting and other garden care tasks to save you time and ensure the job is done correctly.

If you read this article to build up your gardening skills, why stop here? We have plenty of other helpful information to help you DIY your garden to new heights. From the best flower options to how to create that cozy cottage garden look, we can help with a range of things like how to get started with a vegetable garden as well as the best design options for it. We also recommend to check out our article about the best vegetable options to grow in winter. Those along with your newly pruned lemon tree mean you’ll never have to take a trip to the local fruit and veg shop again! Happy planting.

How to prune an apple tree correctly

Make sure your apple supply never fails with these perfect how to tips

How to prune an apple tree correctly

Learning how to prune an apple tree correctly is important if you want to have access to delicious fruit in your very own backyard (or front yard). These trees require some basic maintenance and an annual pruning to remain in good shape. You need to know when to cut and how to cut specifically.

As apple trees produce fruit on long-lived branched fruiting spurs, they do not require as much work as some other fruit trees. You can even wait a couple of years before needing to touch them at all! We have all of the tips to make sure your fruit growing endeavour is a success. Read on to learn how to prune an apple tree and keep them healthy and happy for many years to come.

Understanding how your apple tree produces fruit

The pruning process has a lot to do with how your apple tree produces fruit. Apple trees will undergo extensive new growth every year inclusive of new shoots and growth of existing branches. A ring or band of tissue will form around the shoots, and it is important to be able to spot this when it comes to pruning. The tree will spout new flower buds each summer that will open up next spring as well! 

The importance of pruning your tree

The correct pruning of an apple tree leads to better fruit production. If there is too much shade through the interior of the tree, you will see a decrease in flowering and weakened branches. The sunlight gives your tree strength, so pruning helps it reach all of the areas of the tree while also improving air circulation, which lessens the risk of disease.

Pruning also removes dead and dying branches while keeping your tree within a reasonable size and shape. There’s no point growing fruit on a huge tree that it’s too hard to pick from after all! The more open your canopy, the larger and healthier the fruit. An interesting rule of thumb is the less fruit you have on your tree, the bigger apples that are on there will be. Your tree has a limit on its energy resources, so pruning helps it to give that energy more directly to what is left, as opposed to spreading small amounts out over more space. 

When to prune your apple tree

The best time of the year to prune an apple tree is late winter or early spring as this is when your tree is still dormant. The goal is to prune before active growth begins, and it will be easier to see and avoid the buds at this time. If you want to do some summer pruning, aim for late winter, but do not over prune at this point as it will weaken your tree when mixed with the heat. This will also decrease your fruit size and quality.

A green apple tree
Elisabeth Wales

How to prune an apple tree

There are primary ways to shape and prune your apple tree:

  1. A natural shape that lets your tree grow into a large tree that leads to smaller apples overall
  2. Cultivated into a specific shape with one main trunk and several side limbs or two or more primary branches to fit a small space 
  3. A shape that will grow along a wall creating a vine-like look

You can choose between a thinning cut or a heading cut, the primary difference being how much shoot or branch is removed. Thinning cuts reduce the number of branches and heading cuts increase them by encouraging shoot growth.

To perform these two cuts, do the following

  1. Thinning: Remove a shoot or branch completely at its base 
  2. Heading: Remove the shoot or branch so that part of it stays on the tree, basically like shortening branches

Pruning in 5 Steps

  1. Assess the size and shape of the tree, noting dead branches, and limbs that are longer than you want to decide what needs to be pruned. 
  2. Remove dead or damaged wood as well as any new growth coming from the base of the trunk. Use a thinning cut if a branch is dead or a heading cut to remove sections of dead wood
  3. Remove branches at the top of the tree, or sides where necessary to craft the overall size and shape
  4. Open up the canopy by removing branches that are too close to one another or ones that are growing back into the centre of the tree
  5. Trim roughly 20% to 30% of the active growth (this is where it is handy to know where the new growth starts)

Tips to improve your apple tree pruning

The following are some handy tips to keep in mind when pruning our apple tree:

  • Avoid over-pruning, especially if you have left your tree for a couple of years without pruning. Pruning puts stress on your tree, so you want to limit the stress by pruning less-vigorously to help the tree rebound quicker when you do
  • If you have two live branches close together always prune the one with fewer buds as it is less unproductive
  • Remove any large branches in smaller sections 
  • You can determine which branches to prune by the angle they grow. Remove ones that grow straight upward or down or any that are too vigorous, casting shade on lower branches
  • Avoid pruning newly planted trees until they begin fruiting, as this encourages leafy shoots instead of fruit-bearing ones
  • Make sure that you always clean up the downed branches as this is where possible diseases can thrive which will infect the rest of your tree
Apples on the ground

Liana Mikah

Frequently asked questions

When should apple trees be pruned?

The best time of the year to prune an apple tree is late winter or early spring as this is when your tree is still dormant. You can do some light pruning in summer but make sure this is nowhere near as in-depth as your winter prune.

The goal is to prune before active growth begins, and it will be easier to see and avoid the buds at this time. If you want to do some summer pruning, aim for late winter, but too much at this time of year will weaken your tree when mixed with the heat, decreasing your fruit size and quality.

How much can you cut back an apple tree?

When pruning an apple tree, aim to trim roughly 20% to 30% of the active growth. It is important to be able to tell where the new growth starts, which is identifiable by a ring or band of tissue that will form around the shoots.

How do you prune an overgrown apple tree?

To correctly prune an overgrown apple tree, remove the dead or damaged wood as well as any new growth that is coming from the base of the trunk. Then you will need to fully remove any dead branches or partially remove any sections of deadwood.

Remove the branches at the top of the tree, or sides where necessary to craft a more manageable size and shape and be sure to open up the canopy to allow light and air in by removing branches that are too close to one another or ones that might be growing back into the centre of the tree.

Can you prune an apple tree in blossom?

As this falls within the spring, you can certainly prune your apple tree in blossom. In fact, it will be easier to identify and remove any of the branches that did not make it through the winter by seeing where there is new growth at this time of year.

Enjoy getting the best out of your apple tree!

With the right amount of pruning and correct process, you’ll have a healthy and happy apple tree that will look great in the garden and give you fruit for many years to come. If you are working at having a larger tree, it’ll also provide shade making a great place to sit, eat an apple and enjoy your time outdoors.

If all of this sounds great, but you aren’t quite comfortable with the pruning process yourself yet, engage a tasker that can do the tree pruning for you! You’ll be able to find plenty of experienced green thumbs who can help with all kinds of pruning, an overall garden tidy up, setup and garden planting, and even shrub bush trimming to ensure your garden looks its best without the time requirement from your busy schedule.

If gardening is your happy place, however, and you love to tackle the tasks yourself, have a read of our other helpful articles to set up the finest outdoor area you can! We have tips on garden flowershow to set up that cute cottage garden look, and the best vegetable garden design options. If growing your own food is your goal, check out our ultimate guide on how to start a full vegetable garden and which vegetables are best to grow in winter. With our help, your garden will become your personal supermarket in no time at all!

How to prune roses the right way

A healthy rose bush is a well-pruned rose bush.

How to prune roses the right way

Nothing adds beauty to a garden like a healthy rose bush, and if you learn how to prune roses the right way, your flowers will see a long lifespan. The best time to prune roses is when things are a little colder with a touch of frost about. If possible, delay your pruning until the end of winter. We do this because we do not want tender new rose shoots being burnt by the frost. 

Another trap for young players is avoiding pruning just because the roses are still holding on to leaves and flowers. Time of year is more important than the state of your rose bush so remove the flowers and leaves as you prune. Read on to learn how to prune roses the right way and ensure your roses re in tip-top shape all year round.

Why do you need to know how to prune roses?

The beauty of a rose bush comes at a cost – pruning. It is very important that you spend time on this task to encourage new growth. If you do, your rose bush will repay you with an abundance of flowers in the springtime. Alternatively, unpruned rose bushes will still bloom, but it will not look nearly as nice.

The only exception to consider when it comes to winter pruning is any rose varieties that decide to flower only in the late of winter or early spring. This is most commonly the banksia rose for which you should delay pruning until it has finished flowering. This is usually in late spring or early summer, just before Christmas.

Keeping your rose bushes healthy

Pruning ensures the health of your rose bushes. By pruning in winter, you are cleaning up areas of your bush where diseases can form an infect your roses in spring. For this same reason, it is also important to clean up the areas around your roses, clearing fallen leaves and spraying a fungicide which can help reduce the severity of any disease that may form.

If you live in a particularly frosty region, wait until after the frosts have finished before you undergo pruning.

Pruning rules to keep in mind

Your roses should be pretty well dormant in the winter ready for pruning. Some, like the Iceberg variety, will keep flowering but these flowers can be cut off. As mentioned above the exception for waiting to prune is any roses that only flower in late winter or spring. 

The worst thing that can happen by pruning a rose bush too early will be a reduction in the amount of flowering. Take, for example, banksia roses, these old-fashioned roses will not respond well to early pruning but will certainly still flower regardless.

How to prune roses

For pruning, you’ll need the following tools:

  • Clean and sharp secateurs
  • A pruning saw
  • A drop sheet to hold the prunings
  • Thick glove
  • Disinfectant to sterilise the pruning tools (important if pruning different bushes)

When it comes to how far back you should cut, this will depend on the size and intensity of the bush along with where it is growing. A standard rule is to cut back to around one-third of the pre-pruned size. If you are dealing with a particularly tall and fast-growing bush, you can cut it back much harder. Follow these steps to prune roses correctly:

Step 1: Removing the top growth

Cut back everything over the rose bush by about one-third and get rid of any lingering flowers or leaves. You also need to get rid of any growth from the root system that sits below the graft as this will make any necessary follow-up pruning much easier.

Step 2: Cutting the old growth at the base of the bush

Remove any spindly growth, dead branches and old wood at the bottom of the plant. This is where you will likely need the pruning saw to cut off any thick stems. It is very important that you clear away any of the dead or old cuttings to prevent the festering of any disease. Rose bushes are prone to sickness!

pruning red roses
Ricardo Resende

Step 3: Cutting the framework

Choose three to five green, healthy branches that will form the framework for next season’s growth. Get rid of the remaining unwanted stems and old framework branches. Find an outward-facing bud which will be the main area to encourage growth away from the centre of the plant.

Step 4: Keeping the plant disease-free

Make sure you get rid of all the pruning debris, fallen leaves and flowers then spray your roses after pruning with lime sulphur. This will stave off any diseases like the common black spot. It is vital that you do this immediately after pruning as waiting can burn the new shoots.

Step 5: Adding mulch then watering

The final step is to renew the mulch around the plant. Add a 5cm layer of organic matter. Some of the better options to consider are lucerne, sugar cane, compost or manure. After you have done this, give the plant a good watering and continue to do this as the new growth begins. 

Important things to remember when pruning

If you have rose bushes, pruning is an essential task. It is the best way to encourage new growth, which for the rose bush means more flowers. Aim to do all of your pruning in July until early August and avoiding pruning during frost.

Have all of your tools ready to go before you start and keep the cutting of your roses to a minimum of one-third their pre-pruned size.

How to prune climbing roses

Climbing roses are a little different as these plants are not self-clinging. They will require support from a trellis or horizontal wire so you can tie the shoots for support.

For set up, set the lowest wire roughly 45cm off the ground with subsequent wires spaced about 30cm apart. If you are training the roses to climb up pillars, arches or pergolas, you should twist the main shoots gently around the uprights. Attempt to keep them as horizontal as possible so that flowering shoots form lower down.

For the main stems, tip-prune them to encourage side shoots, then remove any dead, damaged, diseased or spindly growth, much like you would with a standard rose bush. It is also a good idea to deadhead these plants during the flowering season to encourage further flowering the rest of the year.

white roses pruning
Puck Milder

Frequently asked questions

What month do you prune roses in?

The best time to prune roses is winter. If possible, delay your pruning until the end of winter, so new rose shoots are not burnt by the frost. Time of year is more important than the state of your rose bush so prune at this time of year regardless of the bush’s current state, and you’ll be rewarded with an abundance of flowers in the springtime. 

One exception to consider is any rose varieties that flower only in the late winter or early spring. The banksia rose, in particular, should not be pruned until it has finished flowering in late spring or early summer.

How do you properly prune a rose bush?

To properly prune a rose bush, cut back everything by about one-third and get rid of any lingering flowers or leaves. Clear any growth from the root system, dead branches and old wood at the bottom of the plant. Choose three to five green, healthy branches for next season’s growth and get rid of the remaining unwanted stems and old branches. 

How hard can I cut back roses?

This will depend somewhat on the size of your rose bush along with where it is growing. A standard rule is to cut back to around one-third of the pre-pruned size. If you are dealing with a particularly tall and fast-growing bush, you can cut it back much harder.

Prune your way to a beautiful garden

Rose bushes can make a garden look stunningly beautiful, and if you follow the steps above to keep them healthy, you’ll enjoy a range of flowers. If, on the other hand, your thumbs are not so green, or you simply do not have the time to tend to your garden, there are plenty of taskers who can do it for you! Put the word out for some help with pruning, a garden tidy uphelp with planting or a cleanup and trim for your shrub bushes.

If you do have the time and find a spot of gardening to be quite therapeutic, have a read of our other helpful articles to get the most out of your green areas! We have information on other garden flowershow to best create that cottage garden look and how to build a garden path so you can peruse your flowers with ease. Time in the garden is well spent making your home a much nicer space to spend time in while building its aesthetic appeal. Get gardening today and have some fun!

How to prune lavender to keep it growing

Get ready for the best sleep you've every had thanks to an abundance of lavender!

How to prune lavender to keep it growing

If you have a garden, it more than likely contains lavender! This must-have plant not only looks great when it flowers but lavender also offers a calming scent that is said to help you get a good night’s sleep. Learning how to prune lavender correctly keeps the plant healthy and ensures its continued growth for many years to come.

When pruning, you can also use the cut lavender flowers for fragrant wardrobe sachets, a cocktail garnish, and more when it is dried! Luckily, this is one of the lower maintenance plants on offer. Read on to learn how to prune lavender to keep your garden looking great.

Why prune lavender?

While growing lavender is pretty easy, it does still require a small amount of maintenance twice a year to ensure long-lasting results with minimal effort. Pruning lavender is much more necessary for older plants, and the variety you own will have an effect on its lifespan.

Pruning trains the plant to handle a little more stress while directing the nutrients to new stems instead of trying to repair old ones. This will keep your plant neat and tidy! Shaping your plant correctly will also allow it to grow evenly and maintain its look for longer.

How to prune the different types of lavender

Before pruning, it’s important to understand which type of lavender you have. There are many species, but the two most popular varieties are English and French lavender. They have different blooming times, but the pruning techniques are pretty much the same.

Lavender Close Up
Jess Bailey

How to prune English lavender

English lavender is the most common and also the most versatile with a lifespan of 25 years or more if taken care of properly. This plant will thrive in the outdoors offering long, slender blooms in the late spring to early summer. It only requires a small amount of pruning after the first harvest, then a slightly more in-depth prune during summer.

The best part about this variety is how forgiving it is if you happen to miss a pruning session. It also makes for great hedges, essential oils, tea, or potpourri.

How to prune French lavender

French (or sometimes Spanish) lavender will bloom in the middle of spring with the lifespan of around three to five years. It produces shorter flowers with very delicate petals. This variety of lavender will bloom in summer and regenerate much faster than the English variety. This means it only requires a light prune but performed more frequently.

This type of lavender does not like cold temperatures but is an excellent decorative indoor plant during winter.

The best time to prune your lavender plants

As a general rule across all lavender varieties, you should do the bulk of your pruning during spring, summer, or after harvest. The key is to prune a few months before winter, so the plant is not damaged by frost. Aim for regular pruning twice a year so the lavender can regenerate fresh flowers for the next season.

If you have a young plant, you should always allow it time to establish its roots before pruning. After this, you can clear away the new growth to increase its volume at the end of the first year. Pruning is always much easier as the plant gets older.

When the plant reaches middle-age, heavy pruning is necessary, and it is a good idea to clear about one-third of the length. At this point, you can shape the plant to allow for a decent amount of airflow and spacing between the blossoms.

When it comes to a fully-matured plant, it is time for some heavy pruning. This will wake up the dormant older stems so the plant will flower again.

The tools you need to prune lavender

Always have your tools prepared before getting started. Sharpen your shears and trimmers to create a clean-cut and ensure they are clean and sanitised to avoid contamination and disease.

To prune lavender, it is best if you have:

  • Gardening gloves 
  • Pruning shears for small plants
  • A hedge trimmer for outdoor hedges

Steps and tips for how to prune lavender

These five simple steps and tips will help you make sure your pruning skills are honed to create a healthy and beautiful looking lavender plant. Maintenance for lavender is easy, but also very necessary.

1. Deadheading lavender

Always remove any dead or damaged sections from the shrub of your lavender plant. Aim to do this during the summer, or as needed throughout the year to keep your plant looking its best and healthy.

2. Pruning

To prune, grab a bunch of shoots and cut back at least two-thirds of the length. Cut a few nodes above the base of the bush, just ensure that you do not cut too close to the bottom.

3. Shaping

Create a more appealing shape for your lavender and try to keep it symmetrical all around. This will allow the plant to grow evenly, and it will increase the amount of time before you need to reshape it again.

4. Positioning

Keep your lavender plants in the sun as they really love the warmth! Positioning them in the sunshine as much as possible during the warmer months prepares them for the colder ones. If dealing with English or Spanish lavender, protect them from the colder climates by moving them to a greenhouse or indoors when it starts to cool down.

5. Cloning

You can actually clone lavender with cuttings from your prunings to propagate more. Just place them in a small pot, then move to a soil bed as they grow.

Lavender will add some colour to your garden or home, as well as provide a beautiful and calming scent to the air. Keeping them in good shape not only ensures they look visually appealing, but it will extend their lifespan and provide you with lush blooms for many years to come.

English lavender plant
Daiga Ellaby

Frequently asked questions

What happens if you don’t prune lavender?

Lavender is one plant that is easy to grow, but it does still require a small amount of maintenance twice a year to ensure long-lasting results with minimal effort.

If you do not prune, you will not be able to train the plant to handle stress, and it will direct its nutrients to the fruitless activity of repairing old stems as opposed to growing new ones. Essentially, pruning will keep your plant neat and tidy, making your garden look a lot nicer and less overgrown. 

How do you cut back lavender for winter?

It is important to keep your lavender plants inside during the colder climates. To prune them in preparation for winter, grab a bunch of shoots and cut back at least two-thirds of the length. Cut a few nodes above the base of the bush, just ensure that you do not cut too close to the bottom. 

Make sure you use sharpened shears to create a clean cut. It is also important to sanitise them before pruning to make sure you are not spreading any disease to what will be a vulnerable freshly-pruned plant.

Are you supposed to cut back lavender?

Yes, cutting back or pruning lavender twice a year will ensure long-lasting result plant that is neat and tidy. If you have a young plant, you should always allow it time to establish its roots before pruning. Pruning is always much easier as the plant gets older, and when the plant reaches middle-age, heavy pruning is necessary. Clear about one-third of the length and shape the plant to allow for a decent amount of airflow and spacing between the blossoms. 

Good looking lavender means a good looking garden

The time and effort your spend pruning your lavender, or any other plant for that matter, is well spent as it keeps your garden looking its best and ensures good health for your plants. It’s always better to undergo smaller bits of work in a garden with longevity than avoiding the maintenance tasks and having to due huge gardening overhauls to bring your plants back up to scratch.

If your schedule is a little too tightly-packed or your thumbs simply aren’t as green as you would like, there are many taskers who can help! Find someone to take care of your tree pruningregular garden pruning or just a general tidy-up to save you some time. You can also find a range of taskers to help with planting and shrub bush trimming to ensure the job is done correctly.

For those of you who love to garden, however, we have plenty more helpful articles to ensure you get the most out of your outdoor tasks. Have a read about our tips for garden flowers, the best way to create a cottage garden look and feel and how to create a garden path so you can enjoy your work with ease! There is no end to the many ways you can increase the aesthetic and your enjoyment of the garden. Grab the gloves, pick a nice day and get to it!

50+ Gorgeous garden flowers for your garden

From Alliums to Zinnias, here's our pick of the prettiest bunch of garden flowers you will just love to plant in your garden!

50+ Gorgeous garden flowers for your garden
Perhaps you just want pretty flowers to gaze out onto in your garden. Or maybe you’d like to establish a genuine cutting garden, where flowers are grown in rows for the specific purpose of cutting them for bouquets and vases. Either way, Mother Nature has ensured you have a wealth of choice when it comes to garden flowers. What you really want is maximum flower production with minimal maintenance. And there are definitely particular types of garden flowers that do that job the best.
 
If you’re planning garden design you’ll need to think about things like bloom times (so that you have plenty of colour through the seasons) and colour schemes (stick with a theme or have a random wild-looking planting?). You’ll want to include different flowerhead sizes and shapes, including fillers (like baby’s breath) and appealing foliage plants. With all the options out there, you might like to enlist the help of an expert in garden planting.
 
Meanwhile, here are some simple tips for growing garden flowers:
 
  • Grow in the sunniest part of your garden,
  • Define garden paths and beds so you don’t have to walk on a growing area,
  • Create at least 40cm of workable topsoil (raised garden beds are a brilliant way to do this) and add soil amendments like mulch,
  • Add composting worms to the mix,
  • Grow annuals closer together than the packet says (there’ll be less room for weeds and you’ll get more flowers in),
  • Have an irrigation routine planned (automatic timers and drip lines are excellent), and
  • Spend a bit of time on garden maintenance, but mainly deadheading spent flowers to encourage new production.
Below I’ve put together a selection of gorgeous blooms that you can plant in your garden and enjoy cutting for DIY floral arrangements as well. There’s such a daunting variety of flowers in the world, and they frequently come in so many different colours and varieties. It would truly be impossible to post a comprehensive list here. But here are 50+ garden flowers that are a joy to grow.
Many of them are easy to grow for beginners, and many are perennials so they’ll keep on giving you joy, year after year. There are functional flowers—medicinal and edible ones for your vegetable garden —in the mix too. And I’ve got some very classic flowers on the list that are in really unexpected colours.
 

Purple garden flowers

1. Alliums

These are actually a kind of ornamental onion so while they look pretty, the scent of their bulbs and foliage is quite strong! They’re prized for the massive, starry-shaped flower heads and their long, grassy, blue-green stems. Dramatic and graphic, they come in a range of bright colours (whites, pinks, reds, blues, violets and yellow). Some species of this flower have been thought to offer protection against demons, so that’s handy too!
2. Grevillea
These are one of my favourite plants, however, they do come in up to 500 species. So there’s a very diverse range of shape and colour in the flowers and the foliage out there. One gorgeous cultivar is the Grevillea ‘Dorothy Gordon’, a stunning compact grevillea (up to 3m high) with two-toned flowers in lilac and burgundy.
 
Grevilleas are wonderful in your garden as they attract so many birds and other fauna. And they’re great for new gardens as they give lots of flower colour very soon after planting.
3. Bergamot
You may know this as a type of tea, or as an ingredient in organic cosmetics and balms. Bergamot offers plenty of healing uses thanks to its anti-microbial properties. It’s a mound-forming plant that will spread somewhat but is not invasive.
4. Geraniums
These simple traditional flowers in pinks and purplish-blues are also known as Cranesbill. They’re hardy and self-sowing which makes them great as a groundcover, and they do well in full sun. The geranium plant has long been used in traditional medicines. And scented geraniums are a subgroup featuring fragrances that mimic other perfumed plants. The leaves and flowers are edible as well and can be used to flavour cooking.
5. Campanula (bellflower)
This plant is known for its delicate, bell-shaped, mauve blue flowers. But it comes in many forms, usually as a hardy groundcover and for borders but can also be planted with tall flower spires in cottage gardens. It flowers for several months, creating a stunning sea of blue. Easy to maintain, only needing deadheading to promote flowering, and drought tolerant.
6. Cyclamen
Cyclamen are enjoyed for their long flowering, continuing when few other plants are in flower. They’ll provide a vibrant tapestry of colour (whites, pinks, reds, purples) and look wonderful planted around the base of trees and shrubs. The hardy plant comes in a large range of varieties but the most popular are the smaller flowered, fragrant, true miniatures. Collect the unusual seed pods to pot up and create new tubers.
7. Hardenbergia
This is another gorgeous native and it’s known as the “happy wanderer” due to its habit of twining and climbing so is perfect to train up fences. It loves well-drained soil and part shade and will flower in winter as it can handle cooler temperatures. Bloom colours range from intense fuchsias to dark purples to bright whites.
 

Red & orange garden flowers

 

8. Azaleas

These are a classic, gorgeous ornamental plant whose meaning is the sweet “Take care of you for me”. With over 1000 cultivars, azaleas come in all colours. I love the gorgeous burnt orange variety, Mandarin Lights. Azalea flowers will last a long time (two to four weeks) with one bloom per stem. They’re slow growers that don’t need much pruning other than deadheading, and they’ll do best out of the direct sun.
9. Calendula
This is a plant with a long history of medicinal and kitchen use. The petals are edible and add wonderful colour to salads, while the whole plant is used in tonics, healing agents and skin lotions. Flowering almost all year round, the aromatic calendula produces many bright orange, yellow or cream-coloured daisy flowers. A useful, undemanding border plant that loves the sun.
10. Geum
These pretty orangey-yellow flowers have delicate double petals and wrinkled, green leaves on tall stems rising up to 60cm. The long stems make them an excellent cut flower. But they also work really well in cottage gardens, mass plantings, beds and borders if there is full sun to part shade. You might also find them labelled “Geum Gold Ball”, “Chilean Avens” or “Grecian Rose”.
 

Native garden flowers

11. Banksia prionotes

These are a wonderful statement-making plant to grow as a shrub or small tree in your garden. And when this plant flowers (late summer-winter) it will reward you with spectacular, acorn-shaped orange flowers (aka Acorn Banksia). These are easy to propagate as well, which if you want to learn more about–read our guide on how to propagate plants.
12. Callistemon (bottlebrush)
There’s no mistaking the famous native bottlebrush with its distinctive soft feathery flower spikes. These native shrubs or small trees have a long blooming time over the summer. They generate intense pops of pink, red and crimson colour in your garden, especially the front garden.
13. Eucalyptus flower
How lucky we are in Australia to have so many gorgeous natives, including our flowering gum trees. These are fast-growing and vigorous. They love a sunny, sheltered position and require little maintenance. Boasting beautiful aromatic shimmering leaves, they feature stunning blooms in an array of oranges, reds and pinks.
14. Hakeas
Also known as needle bush or pincushion hakeas, there are 140 species of this evergreen shrub. They’re part of the same family as grevilleas and banksias, as you may be able to tell from their apperaance. Just like their native compatriots, hakeas are low maintenance and drought-tolerant natural beauties. They have unique, prickly flower clusters, quirky seed pods and a honey scent loved by birds.
 

15. Kangaroo paws

You might automatically think of kangaroo paws as being a red flower. But these natives also come in other gorgeous intense shades, such as bright yellows  or pink (eg. Anigozanthos Kanga Pinks or Dwarf Pink Kangaroo Paw). These are compact and great for smaller gardens where they love full sun to part shade and will attract birds and butterflies.
16. Melaleuca
This native is a close cousin of the Callistemon. And in fact, the botanical classification is currently changing so that the two genuses will merge together under the name “Melaleuca”. Meantime, Melaleucas are still commonly known as honey myrtles or paperbarks. You’ll know the oil of this plant as it’s used medicinally, marketed as tea tree oil. Blooms come in many colours (pinks, purples, oranges and yellows). And they produce nectar that attracts birdlife—perfect for hedges and screens.
 
If you’re looking for drought-resistance and water-saving plants, here are lots more native garden ideas.
 

Traditional garden flowers

17. Camellia

Wildly popular camellias will never go out of fashion. Camellia blooms are so classically stunning, with colours ranging from pinks to deep purples. And it’s a strong foliage plant too, with its glossy dark green leaves. Camellias grow well anywhere in Australia but do need shade from the scorching midday sun. Some varieties drop their petals daily, creating those gorgeous carpets of petals on the ground.
 
If you want your garden to flourish, keeping on top of pruning at the right time of year is the key.
18. Chamomile
As one of the most ancient medicinal herbs there is, chamomile is well known in folklore for its many healing properties. And these are actually now being confirmed in modern scientific studies. This amazing antioxidant plant (which is typically found in Roman or German varieties) will establish well in your garden. It will only require low maintenance to bring you pretty summery blooms.
19. Chrysanthemum
These large, dramatic flowerheads on sturdy stems with aromatic leaves have been popular for more than 2500 years. Aside from their beauty, they’re valued for their medicinal and flavouring purposes. The flowers themselves come in all colours from luminous white to pink to bronze and even lime green. So they’re an easy way to get bright splashes of colour throughout your garden. And they’ll last up to three weeks in a vase.
20. Cornflowers
Who doesn’t love gorgeous blue cornflowers? Such a simple but beautiful traditional flower. There’s actually 450 species of cornflower. But they are easily identifiable by their similar thistle-like flowerheads. And most have pretty feathery silvery-green foliage. Plant them somewhere sunny in well-drained soil and deadhead regularly.
21. Dahlias
Ah, an absolute favourite, the flamboyant, dramatic dahlia! These gorgeous flowers deliver continuously for up to three months and provide masses of blooms for years. They come in a huge array of shapes, sizes and colours. There’s dwarfs and giants, including the impressive 30cm diameter flowerhead Kotara variety. They’re sun-loving but need protection from wind, and you’ll want to stake the taller growers.
22. Echinacea
Here’s another respected medicinal flower, whose root has proven antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties. Tonics and tinctures using echinacea are used to help everything from immunity to inflammation infections. And they look stunning in cottage gardens or in a vase, with their pretty dusty pinkish-purple flower colour.
23. Echinops
The soft violet-blue flowerheads on the Echinops (aka Globe Thistle) are so beautiful. This bold ornamental is undemanding and generous, providing masses of gorgeous flowers for more than one season. Thanks to their shape, they add wonderful texture and structure to your garden, and they also look amazing in a vase.
24. Evening primrose
These showy flowers are very popular all over the world, with their stunning scented, satin-like crumpled petals of rose to deep pink. The blooms open every evening and close every morning, giving them their name. Loving the full sun, they are perfect for beds and garden edging and as a groundcover. But you need to ensure you stop it from overspreading as it can become invasive.
25. Forget-me-nots
If you love blue garden flowers you must be a fan of the quaint forget-me-nots! Such a stunning sky blue, with soft, pale foliage, it’s no wonder they are so popular to plant in garden borders. Easy care and preferring milder climates, forget-me-nots will flower about 12 weeks from sowing.
26. Gardenias
Another absolute classic garden flower is the Gardenia. Its creamy white blooms have a giddy perfume and contrast beautifully with the glossy, dark green leaves. They come in a variety of species in sizes from dwarf to giant, but the most commonly grown variety in Australia is Gardenia augusta. Gardenias are warm-climate plants that flower through spring, summer and autumn. They’re perfect for mass plantings, groundcovers and informal hedges.
27. Gerberas
These playful, exuberant and bold flowers are also known as Transvaal daisies. They’re much loved for their happy, vivid colours (pinks, oranges, yellows) and their symmetrical perfection. With their large flowerheads perched on tall, slim stalks with deep green leaves, they make perfect vase flowers. They need lots of sun but not extreme heat. When cutting gerberas for vases, keep them upright immediately, to avoid the flowerheads drooping.
28. Hydrangeas
These are a very well known and much-loved garden flower prized for their stunning bunches of blooms. Flowering in spring and summer, they come in an array of pretty pastel colours. Their flower colour actually depends on the soil. Acidic soils produce bluer flowers while alkaline soils produce pinks and reds. A resilient plant, hydrangeas can adapt to a wide range of conditions.
29. Iris
Looking for a black accent plant for your garden? Well, look no further as the Iris Chrysographes “Black Night” and “Black Beauty” cultivars. These are magical dark stunners with eye-catching, extravagant flowers. The blooms are a deep violet, almost black with a velvet texture and bloom in summer. Growing well in sun or part shade, the black iris is perfect for flower beds and borders. And it also makes a great cut flower thanks to its gorgeous strong scent.
30. Lavender
Such a gorgeous and versatile garden flower plant. Lavender includes 28 species of this evergreen aromatic shrub belonging to the mint family. Loving exposed, sunny conditions, lavender works well planted as a hedge or mass planted as a feature. Its flower spikes range from pinks to purples to even white. And its oils are antiseptic and often used in aromatherapy applications.
31. Lilac
These are another one of those classic, romantic, pastel purple flowers widely used in single-bloom wedding bouquets. Their subtle dappled shading adds plenty of interest. In the garden they’re easy to grow and hardy, provided you give a well-drained, sandy or gravelly soil and a position of sun or part shade.
32. Lobelia (Great Blue)
Lobelias are such pretty little dwarf garden flowers that look amazing planted in rows in front of garden beds and as borders. They also work well as a groundcover and are especially good on slopes where they’ll prevent soil erosion. The bell-shaped blooms range from blues to whites to pinks, but the most commonly grown is blue so if you’re a fan of blue garden flowers, this is for you.
33. Magnolia
If you’re in search of a garden flower with class and sophistication you can’t go wrong with the magnolia plant. They feature gorgeous lemon-scented flowers. Sophisticated and with truly magnificent blooms, there’s definitely a reason why they became so popular. These so-called ‘garden aristocrats’ prefer wet, cool winters and warm, humid summers. A well-draining spot is essential.
34. Marigolds
You probably think of marigolds as being yellow or orange but they also come in shades of creamy white. A very easy to grow flower, it affords year-round cultivation and will add bold colour swathes to your garden. They’re also popular companion plants for veggie gardens because their pungent foliage deters pests. (Not to be confused with “pot marigold”, which is Calendula and not actually Marigold.)
 

35. Nasturtium

Another flowering plant for your kitchen garden. Nasturtiums are prized for their pretty, edible, peachy-yellow blooms that look so stunning in salads. Nasturtiums also attract aphids and cabbage white butterflies. So if you plant them near your more vulnerable veggies the pests will eat the flowers instead of your crop!
36. Orchids (Australian native)
There are many stunning kinds of orchids in the world, but native Australian orchids are a real conversation starter to have in your garden. Consider the spectacular so-called “flying duck orchids” aka Caleana major. Their tiny red, purple and green blooms have been designed by nature to look exactly like flying ducks. And they are shaped that way to entrap pollinators (sawflies, who see the ‘ducks’ more as female sawfly sirens). These beautiful and unique orchids are currently on Australia’s vulnerable plant list.
 

37. Paper daisy

These Western Australian natives are also known as the everlasting daisy thanks to how long the blooms last. A low maintenance, drought-resistant flower that provides bursts of colour (whites, pinks, reds, oranges and yellows). You can use them to create informal drifts of colour for your garden every spring. Tip: view the largest paper daisy display on the east at the Australian Botanic Garden Mount Annan, where the mass rainbow planting will inspire you.
38. Pansy
This group of flowers includes the viola or violet and the plant is much prized by gardeners due to its adaptability. It will thrive in many conditions and blooms for a long period of time, festooning the garden with bold splashes of white, purple or yellow. Some varieties are also fragrant. A small, low growing clump former, it works very well as a groundcover.
39. Petunias
Distinctive, trumpet-shaped blooms make petunia a showy flower. But its prettiness belies its strength. This is a tough customer, very weather resistant. And in a mild climate, it will flower all year round with abundant blooms in white, pink, red, blue and purple and a range of multicoloured varieties as well.
40. Peonies
Fragrant peonies are such a classic, traditional flower to grow in gardens and gather for vases. And the wonderful thing is that once the plant is established, your peony flowers will only become more beautiful over time. The available colour palette ranges through all the warm tones, but I think the pinks and whites are the prettiest.
41. Poppies
Poppies are a much-loved flower, not only for their beauty but also their special significance in honouring the fallen at war. The classic little red Flanders poppy is actually a great poppy to plant in your garden. It’s a simple, single flower that is easy for bees and other insects to access. But nature doesn’t hold back in the colour department with poppies so you’ve got a big array of options!
 
The ravishing Meconopsis betonicifolia, aka the Himalayan Blue Poppy, has one of the most beautiful shades of cerulean blue blooms that I’ve ever seen. They’re a bit fussy about where they’ll live though (liking only well-drained, slightly acid, composted soil, in part shade that’s sheltered from wind).
42. Ranunculus
These spring bulbs are extremely rewarding to grow and represent great value for money as you can get up to 20 flowers from one bulb. They’re absolute stunners that come in gorgeous shades of yellows, oranges, pinks, reds and whites. And there’s even a black variety (Black Pearl) for the monochrome minded. In the garden, you can plant them as a cluster or adrift, cover a whole garden bed, or use dwarf forms for borders.
43. Roses
Well, you can’t have a list of garden flowers without including the rose! But of course, there’s such a bewildering range of roses available out there. Choosing a variety is really just down to a matter of personal taste (and what will grow in your area). I love the apricot-coloured rose called the Honey Perfume, which has a scent evoking cloves, cinnamon, allspice and nutmeg.
44. Snapdragons
These gorgeous double-petalled annuals have the habit of gaping open when a bee lands on the curved lip, probably giving rise to the name! A plant that bears spikes of long-lasting blooms, snapdragons are prized for their beautiful scent. They’re much loved for vases where they’ll last up to 10 days. Typically flowers in bubblegum pinks, whites and lemon yellows.
45. Sunflowers
As Boho a flower as you can get! Sunflowers are synonymous with radiant joy and happy days and their massive yellow blooms will always bring a smile to the face. The tall-growing varieties reach over 2m tall so they need to be planted in the ground. There they’ll create a gorgeous cacophony of summery colour in your garden, often all year around.
46. Sweetpea
Sweetpeas make a very appealing cut flower and are very popular thanks to their distinctive scent, colour and shape. These hardy annuals come in a huge variety of types, from small, highly scented wild varieties to bigger, showier, frillier versions.
47. Tulips
These flowers need little introduction as they are so easily recognisable. However, with over 6000 cultivars now available, there’s a wide variety of shapes and colours out there to choose from. Shapes range from the typical goblet or wine glass shape to fringed and feathery edged blooms, and colours across the spectrum. One of my faves is the black/deep purple “Queen of the Night”. It’s such a statement-making variety that it can be found in the home gardens of monochrome loving designers, Oscar de la Renta and Tom Ford. Tres chic!
48. Verbena
This plant (aka vervain) has a long flowering season and makes a wonderfully colourful addition to your garden. You’ll be rewarded with vivid pops of fragrant blooms in colours ranging from purposes to pinks to reds to whites. Its speedy growth habit means it’s also perfect for quickly filling in bare spots in the garden. Historically it has medicinal uses, including as an aphrodisiac.
49. Wallflowers
A long-flowering, generous flowering plant from the cabbage family, that will add stunning colour to your garden. Delicately perfumed, the plant should be cut back regularly to stimulate new growth. Colours range from purples to reds to yellows and everything in between. I love this vivid apricot and purple variety with its contrasting dark buds.
 

50. Zinnias

So easy to grow and so rewarding in terms of flower production, the zinnia is a fast grower that creates a brilliant mass of colour in your garden. They are annuals and will only grow for one season before producing seeds. But you can plant multiple rounds at two-week intervals to generate non-stop blooming for your season. Zinnias are for everyone as they come in so many shapes, colours and heights. Taller plants best for backgrounding garden beds and shorter varieties better for borders.
 And there’s my pick of some of nature’s prettiest and most distinctive blooms, which will add romance and charm to any garden, not to mention any vase. Which are your favourites? Let me know in the comments!

Vertical garden ideas for your home

The sky’s the limit when your garden is upwardly mobile - vertical garden ideas that reach new heights

Vertical garden ideas for your home

Many people in dense urban settings seek to maximise their spaces and to re-establish a lost connection with nature. As such, the idea of a vertical garden or living green walls has become increasingly popular.  The green wall craze was started by French botanist Patrick Blanc. He’s famous for creating dozens of so-called “living painting” or “vegetal wall” installations around the world.

Blanc’s idea was simple: intentionally cover a vertical built structure with greenery. But it has since blossomed to encompass any system of bags, pots or panels that has an integrated water supply. Following his lead, many companies now offer modular living green wall systems. These make vertical gardens completely idiot-proof and really open up the concept to gardeners of all abilities.

vertical-garden-wall
Source: Photo by Daniel Funes Fuentes on Unsplash

But the definition of vertical gardening can be loosened up even more. It can include any method of growing plants on the vertical plane rather than the horizontal, whether with an irrigation system or not.

There are so many ways you can make a vertical garden and that’s why I’ve curated a broad selection of ideas just to show you what’s possible.  Ready to take your gardening up another level?

1. Le Original “green wall”

One of Patrick Blanc’s classic installations is in the interior of an apartment in France. The interior garden wall measures 6×7 metres, resulting in a massive wall feature in the apartment’s living room. Blanc uses mainly metal structures lined with felt, which the plants grow into. A stunning mix of leaf colours, shapes and textures, vertical gardens Blanc’s famed ones can be hung on walls or freestanding.

2. Vertical pallet garden

Choosing your mount or support structure will really come down to your personal taste and the aesthetics of the rest of your home. It’s a good idea to go with complementary materials, such as a simple, raw pallet vertical garden against wooden floorboards.

Remember to anchor your vertical garden structure in place in some way before planting, for safety. The heavier the plants, the more solid the structure should be, and this means some will become quite heavy. It’s a good idea to have a carpenter assess that your designated wall is able to handle the weight.

3. Painting with plants

An abundance of plants brings a plain wall to life and changes the mood of a room to create a healing, peaceful space. Better for the planet—a lush planting but a small footprint—and better for you thanks to the air purification abilities of plants. Create a gorgeous green tapestry to connect your indoor space to the outdoors. For a shady indoor area, plants that will do best include ferns, bromeliads, begonias and violets. A painted green wall also adds dramatic impact, and the vertical garden wall gives it texture. If you want to add a focal point to a room, check out these feature wall ideas or skip ahead and find a painter near you.

4. Parts of a whole

The beauty of going with a system of discrete, interchangeable elements? The sheer ease of removing any individual plant for maintenance. Check out the gorgeous colour gradient installation outside the store Pigment in San Diego. It’s made up of 88 self-watering wall planters (made from 100% recycled plastic), and stuffed with bromeliads and succulents.

5. Fill in pergolas

Pergolas and other exterior structures are ideal for covering in vines, moss and other climbing plants. Some plants will need to be physically attached to your structure. Others have a twining habit and naturally loop themselves around the material—ask a garden designer for tips on a planting palette.

One advantage of creating an outdoor vertical garden is that there’s plenty of natural direct light to help them thrive. So you’ll be able to choose sun-loving plants.

vertical-garden-arbors
Source: Photo by Tim Cooper on Unsplash

6. Indoor vines

Training plants to climb up the inside of your house and across the roof is a great conversation starter. You can grow a range of vining plants in containers, and they’ll start to ramble wildly. Vertical gardens give you the chance to extend your greenery far beyond the confines of their pot. And you won’t need more floor space, soil or water to do it!

7. Easy vertical garden

The space-saving advantages of vertical gardens are undeniable. Stacking containers means you maximise your space and you can still garden a whole range of plants even if you don’t have a big yard. A humble arrangement of brightly-painted wooden crates would be a great way to inspire the kids to get involved in gardening.

8. Hanging gardens

When you have no lawns, you can always look upwards for ways to bring greenery into your outdoor space. Creating whimsical green curtains out of hanging vines is a moody way to enliven any area. In some cities around the world, walkways of apartment complexes are draped with ‘hanging gardens’. These also create a verdant view for the apartment dwellers.

9. Succulent outdoor green wall

For a façade that faces the brutal sun all day, select tough, sun-loving succulents including Rhipsalis, sedum and crassula. Succulents are a great choice for an outdoor green façade. They’re low maintenance, water-efficient and even fire-resistant. They also come in wonderful, unusual colours.

10. Saturation

The density of a full green wall means it acts as a great privacy barrier. And it will also help reduce noise as the thick plant walls become natural acoustic barriers. Green wall also helps filter the sun’s rays and channel winds. The trick is to design for density with certain plants that will form substantial foliage quickly. Ensure they’re also easy-care (suggested species include star jasmine, wisteria and honeysuckle).

vertical-garden-hedge
Source: Photo by Govind Krishnan on Unsplash

For a neat contrast to a lush green wall, make sure the rest of your yard is minimal and orderly. Also, it makes for a very pretty privacy fence too!

11. Indoor green arch

Vertical gardens are a great way to attract attention to a particular feature or space or to disguise unattractive elements. If you can train a plant to grow across your living room support beam, it will create a lovely organic archway and draw attention to the room division. It’s a great way to combine the indoors and outdoors in a seamless transition.

12. Home fernishings

Growing vertically allows you to create a curious feeling of the outdoors being, well, indoors. Hanging planters with cascading greenery are perfect for dressing up windows and balconies. But when dangled from the ceiling at varying heights, the effect is three dimensional and immersive.

If you do decide to go for a wilder, jungle look then choose plants and hangers that are subtle, in contrast to the bushy greenery.

13. Flow on effect

Certain plants are better suited to vertical gardens than others. For example trailing, cascading plants with their romantic waterfall aesthetic is ideal for hanging vertically. Looking for indoor plants that cascade beautifully? Try Boston ferns, string of pearls and string of hearts, heartleaf philodendron and spiderplants.

vertical-garden-gazebos
Source: Photo by Anis Azhar on Unsplash

14. Vertical veggie garden

A modular, stacked vertical garden is perfect for growing herbs or vegies rather than houseplants. Vertical edible gardens are ideal for small spaces, and it’s considered a “greener” way of gardening with its smaller footprint. You can repurpose pallets or if you’re handy, whack together a quick DIY wooden stack.

Think about planting fruit vines like kiwi or passionfruit and vertical growing veg like peas and tomatoes. Then add in some edible flowers like vining nasturtium. You might also like to check out our ultimate guide on how to start your own veggie garden for pointers.

15. Cascading vines

Historically, vines have been used to decorate garden arches and pergolas. Classic favourites include climbing roses, wisteria, clematis and honeysuckle. Some annual and perennial vines prefer sun and some prefer shade, so placement of your vertical structures is important.

Try to choose vines which don’t get too heavy as they climb, such as cypress vine and scarlet runner bean. Vines like clematis and ivy are easy growers in full sun, while some vines like climbing hydrangea or chocolate vine prefer more shade.

16. Trailing over balconies

Using plants to fill a vertical plane is becoming more popular in urban environments. This is because there’s less space and less natural connection to nature. Bringing nature in, or just making it more salient, creates a sense of peace and a feeling of connection between humans and nature. Apartments with balconies are ideal to engender this sense of harmony with nature. But they also bring that idea of community, through sharing the greenery.

vertical-garden-green-balconies
Source: Photo by Fajar Putra on Unsplash

17. Tropical

A green wall with oversized, mammoth foliage will create instant tropical feels. Perfect as a privacy screen for your pool area. (Interested in pool design? You might also like to read our articles on pool ideas, paving ideas or decking ideas.)

18. Di-vines

For a pretty, swirling floral display ambling up your walls, choose vining plants like climbing roses or other blooms. For example, petunias, sweet peas and nasturtiums). Remember to choose forgiving, lower maintenance species of plants. And ideally position them near plenty of natural light.

What’s so good about vertical gardens?

  • There’s plenty to love about vertical gardens, whether indoor or outdoor. They create such a gorgeous tapestry of texture and colours. So the aesthetics of green walls clearly plays a major role in their surging popularity.
  • They simply look impressive with their added dimensionality and their striking incongruity on the vertical plane.
  • Plants help us tap into nature’s calming power and will also actively filter out air pollutants and contribute to good air circulation.
  • They add extra insulation to your home, reduce heat, bring down cooling costs, lower your energy bill and save on harmful emissions output. How cool is that?
  • Vertical gardens are also less work to set up than traditional garden beds with less soil preparation and digging.
  • Less maintenance, a smaller watering area and gravity make irrigation very efficient.

19. Living shower wall

Having a living wall in your shower certainly provides ease of watering. Shower green walls are becoming quite popular. They look their most stunning in a minimal, spa-styled space where their bushiness will be best set off. Ease of watering is a bonus. But you’ll also need to carefully consider the growth habit of the plants you want to install, and where their roots will be allowed to grow.

20. Thriving vertical edibles

Vertical gardens are perfect for creating a kitchen garden whether in some shelving, planters, pots or hangers. Grow some leafy veggies like lettuces and spinach, and some trailing herbs like oregano, thyme and marjoram. Add some pretty edible nasturtium flowers! You might also like to read our tips on how to grow potted herbs on a balcony.

vertical-garden-full-wall
Source: Photo by Pawel Czerwinski on Unsplash

21. Succulent artworks

Succulents are becoming very popular in vertical displays. They come in a wonderful range of textures, colours and shapes making them ideal to liven up a dull wall. What’s more, they’re low maintenance, have low water needs and are hardy enough to grow under a lot of harsh conditions. Make a unique statement piece with DIY vertical garden artworks!

22. Living green curtains

For a green space that has privacy but doesn’t create a sense of isolation, create a ‘green veil’ of creeper plants grown on mesh. The plant veil will be a softening layer to the hard spaces and creates a green view where there previouslywasn’t one. The usual benefits of green walls apply; filtered sunlight, purified city air, and bringing Mother Nature in closer.

23. Simple vertical planter

A raised bed or “no dig” gardening is another kind of vertical gardening. And it’s perfect for when you don’t have much room for soil and really want to maximise your vertical space. However, raised beds can take up a fair bit of horizontal space as well. But you can still squeeze a raised garden bed into a tiny space, such as a balcony. Look for streamlined planters with a trellis already attached to guide the plants upwards. We’ve also got a stack of raised garden bed ideas for you too.

24. Green facades

Sometimes a theoretical distinction is made between green walls and green facades. Facades usually preference climbing plants with roots in the ground, growing up a trellis. But the line is getting blurry. Green facades are now often also genuine green walls. In other words, growing sideways out of vertical structures, often using permeable pavers. And it’s not just about aesthetics. Exterior vertical gardens provide buildings with protection and insulation.

(Like permeable pavers? Read more about your options for paving including ones that can grow greenery.)

vertical-garden-facade
Source: Photo by Robson Denian Mateus on Unsplash

25. Wall boxes

Having upward-facing planters means you have more plant choices than with a forward-facing green wall structure. So you can think about creating displays with plants with deeper roots as well. Succulents are a great choice for wall boxes and planters because they’re lower maintenance than many other plants. They also have plenty of trailing plant options, which look gorgeous flowing over the edges of containers.

26. Build a wall

California’s famous “largest green wall in the state” is an oversized living wall that was once a mere construction trailer. It’s made up of local natives that attract pollinators, thereby earning its keep in the local ecological system. And it also incorporates edibles in containers. For more ideas for front garden impact, you might like to also read our article on front garden designs.

27. Tiered garden

A terraced or tiered garden is another form of age-old vertical gardening, developed to handle very steep or sloping sites. Levels are artificially created with retaining walls, steps and ramps. So it’s possible to garden on a site that would normally just wash downhill.

vertical-garden-tiered
Source: Photo by Danist Soh on Unsplash

28. Metal grid

Pegboards and metal grids are an easy way to create a support for hanging wall planters. They allow you to design your own customisable modular living wall system. For a gorgeous modern look with pleasing minimalism, suspend timber plant holders from pale leather straps on a grid.

29. Courtyard vertical garden

A vertical garden gives you maximum visual impact when you only have a minimal space. But a vertical garden also offers added benefits for homeowners. For instance, providing a home with insulation against temperature changes, and protection from UV radiation, heavy rain and winds. They also give dwellers more privacy and can block out high-frequency noise. If you have a smaller outdoor area in your home, also check out these courtyard ideas to reallymaximise your space.

30. Living wall with planters

Make your life easy by choosing from the various kinds of self-watering wall planters that are on the market now. Designed to be water efficient and low maintenance, they also come in so many chic styles. I love metallic planters, but ones made of natural materials also look stylish.

vertical-garden-solo
Source: Photo by Federica Galli on Unsplash

31.  Insta-worthy

Not only do living green walls purify the air and bring nature in, but they also just provide plenty of “wow factor”. And where else would you expect an insta-worthy space than at the headquarters of Instagram itself?  The company features a minimalist white setting contrasting beautifully with a living wall. The wall spans two floors and is supplemented by a champagne, fresh juice and gelato bar. A step up from the average office water cooler space!

32. Extreme green architecture

Green architecture, which makes major use of vertical gardening, is having its day. So-called “green building design” has the aim of minimising human impacts on the environment. This is achieved by creating fully-sustainable urban living models. And these bring all the health benefits that go along with greening up our lives. High-rise structures are being reinvented as environmentally friendly dwellings. Meaning they have sustainable initiatives built into their fundamental design. Rising Canes Pavilion in Beijing is one such development which uses nature as a primary design element. It’s an ecological modular system can expand into every direction, as population density demands. It uses wholly recyclable materials (bamboo and ropes, no nails or screws). And incorporates green facades, vertical gardens and roofs, Terraces are vegetated with communal edible gardens. The ultimate vertical garden?

Where to start?

The kind of vertical garden you can install in your home will depend on your environmental conditions. The temperature, available light, whether it’s near airconditioning or heaters and so on. This will determine the type of plants that will thrive in the space. It’s a good idea to mix plants that have similar care needs to make maintenance simpler.

A huge variety of plants can be added to vertical gardens. The best ones are low-growing plants with shallow root systems. And obviously all the creeping vines and trailing seasonal bloomers, especially those with thick, lush foliage that will fill a space. For example, wisteria, geraniums or petunias. Succulents, ferns and other drought-tolerant species will also do well. And they’ll require less maintenance.

vertical-garden-indoor
Source: Photo by Altifarm Enverde on Unsplash

To mount them, you can buy ready-made vertical garden structures, modular systems and kits, but it’s also very easy to DIY your own simplified version. Wooden pallets are a popular choice. But lattices and trellises could be made from anything—garden netting, even old pocket-style shoe organisers.  Existing garden structures like fences, pergolas, arches, arbors and garage shed walls are also popular spots. And, of course, wall boxes and planters can create an instant vertical garden – there’s ample choice here.

Now it’s over to you—which vertical garden is your favourite? I’m inclining towards a vertical potted herb garden for my kitchen—seems like an easy way to test the waters!

Whether you decide to grow a green wall from scratch or install a modular system that you can instantly fill with gorgeous plants, it’s a great idea to get some help from a professional landscape designer, especially someone who really understands vertical gardening. You’ll get the lowdown on the best plants to use for your project, and they’ll also be able to help you with any questions you have regarding automatic watering systems. Happy planting!

32 Native garden ideas to achieve a sustainable landscape

Explore the beauty of native gardens with our collection of 32 inspiring ideas. Discover native garden ideas such as using local plants, adding dynamic plantings, and embracing a naturalistic approach.

32 Native garden ideas to achieve a sustainable landscape

There’s a renewed interest in Australian native gardens , thanks to landscape designers who are renowned for their beautiful and naturalistic garden designs. Designers such as Fiona Brockhoff, Sam Cox, Grant Doyle, Nathan Burkett, Philip Withers and Kathleen Murphy have been repopularising the use of local plant species to create a sense of deep connection to a unique landscape.

In this article, we will explore a variety of native garden ideas that can help you create a stunning Australian landscape with native plants. But first, let’s define what are Australian native plants.

Australian native plants for landscaping

Striking with unusual foliage, blooms and seedpods, native plants come in a bewitching array of colours and forms. And best of all, most natives are hardy, low maintenance and drought-tolerant. We have such a gorgeous and diverse range of stunning plants from which to choose when it comes to planting up a native garden.

Native garden ideas - Australian native plants

With the current global focus on sustainability, many gardeners are choosing Australian natives specifically for their environmental benefits. Natives not only allow you to use less water but also create more balance in your local ecosystem. Encouraging biodiversity, native gardens can become true habitat gardens. This means they’ll attract birds and other wildlife while naturally reducing pests.

32 Native garden ideas to explore today

There’s so much to love about native gardens, so let’s take a look at some design ideas for a beautiful Australian native garden.

1. Aim to create a sense of place

The chief idea behind the modern native garden design is to use local plant species and materials to create a strong sense of Australian identity. The focus is on creating a “stylised wilderness”. It’s about establishing an interplay of natural and constructed elements for a garden that feels raw yet refined.

classic bush landscape
Photo © Sam Cox Landscape. Reproduced with kind permission.

To heighten the sense of living within the native plant yard, native gardens connect a home to its wider landscape through the artful use of colour, texture and shape.

2. Consider “indigenous” vs. “native”

Be aware that “native” and “indigenous” don’t mean the same thing. Indigenous plants are native to a particular part of the country, while native simply means a plant is native to a country generally.

Native species can become weeds and alter ecosystems if used in the wrong area. Plants that are indigenous to your area, on the other hand, will help the local ecosystem. That’s because they create more of exactly the right habitat for the local flora and fauna.

Native garden ideas - Lemon myrtle

You can find out more about plants indigenous to your area by having a chat with your local council or a nursery near you. More and more councils around Australia are actually making it a requirement to plant with indigenous natives.

Not only do local plants achieve that all-important “sense of Australian place”, but they are typically hardy and water-wise. So they are just a smart choice for gardens.

3. Have dynamic plantings

It’s more than simply taking a conventional garden design and replace exotic plants with local ones. The modern native garden actively seeks to emulate the Australian bush landscape.

Such a modern native garden can done through a dynamic, layered planting with a variety of natives that will thrive in the circumstances. It means having a mix of tough, enduring plants and more short-lived ones. And an asymmetrical mix of contrasting shapes, colours and foliage texture. But also focus on creating balance and harmony through the repetition of elements.

native-garden-forms
Source: Image by sandid from Pixabay

4. Go for a muted palette

Landscape designer Kathleen Murphy’s personal studio garden is an impressive demonstration of how to effectively use natives. She uses native grasses as key plants. For example, low-maintenance Lomandra chosen because of its beautiful appearance through all the seasons, interspersed with shrubs and succulents including super hardy native Westringia (coastal rosemary), and non-native prostrate rosemary (creeping rosemary).

Murphy is also admired for how she works with colour. She often uses a subtle palette of muted hues, including base colours of soft grey, green and purple. Check out her work for inspo!

5. Or a bold palette

Aside from a soft, muted palette of neutrals, you can add magnificent sprays of colour to native gardens. The diversity of natives means there’s many choices for adding year-round colour. For example, emu bush (Eremophila nivea) is one such dramatic bold plant, featuring stunning, luminous silvery purple tones.

6. Feature bold natives for drama

There are so many gorgeous Australian natives that feature either foliage or blooms (or both) that is striking and intriguing. They’re a great choice to plant up in containers as feature plants or place as accent plants in the garden.

native-garden-yellow
Source: Image by Delia Strange from Pixabay

I can’t get enough of classic Australian flora like grevilleas, banksias and callistemons. They come in so many variations of stunning pastels and intense shades of pink, red, purple and orange.

7. Embrace naturalism

There’s a growing interest in very understated naturalistic gardens. The ideal is to evoke a sense of our local environs rather than an imported, formal garden style.

One of the proponents of this thinking is landscaper Sam Cox and an example is his classic bush landscape, the Curlewis project. It’s a perfect example of the modern take on native gardens.

Cox takes traditional natives like grevilleas, correas and callistemons to plant close to a home. And further away, there’s lower maintenance indigenous plants. Cox’s dwellings are really designed to settle into the local habitat. One of his techniques is to blur the boundaries of the garden and its environment by not planting up boundaries with too much definition.

munro court native garden
Photo © Sam Cox Landscape. Reproduced with kind permission.

8. Add pretty blooms

Native gardens have sometimes been thought of as drab or dull, but nothing is further from the truth. There are always gorgeous colour bursts to be found in the wild which can be incorporated into the suburban native garden.

For example, Billy Buttons (Ammobium alatum) are native to eastern parts of NSW and live in forests, grasslands and alpine areas. These plants with their adorable, intensely yellow spherical blooms are also known as “woollyheads”. You can use them as a groundcover or rockery plant and enjoy picking them for vases too.

9. Choose succulents

Along with the general renewed interest in creating native gardens, there’s been a resurgence of appreciation of the beauty and complexity of succulents.

Many succulents have long been a food, water and medicinal plant source for our indigenous people. They’re ideal to grow in native gardens as they are so drought-tolerant and low maintenance. And there is a huge variety of beautiful shapes and colours to choose from.

A respected name to check out is Nathan Burkett, who works with Australian coastal natives and succulents.

10. Have meandering pathways

Create a formal pathway or place some simple stepping stones. Either way it’s always a great idea to create a winding pathway somewhere within your landscape. It doesn’t have to be massive, even a tiny one will evoke a sense of adventure and help direct people to particular parts of the garden. Add native groundcovers to rustle along the pathway.

When you have a native garden, old, battered and recycled materials work especially well to create a feeling of being lived in. For example, steppers and pathways can be made from recycled building materials.

11. Add golden tones

Another way to bring saturated colour in is to include drought-tolerant native Kniphofia ‘James Nottle’. Its blooms are a gorgeous egg yolk yellow and it features pale foliage in slim, grassy clumps. I like its use in a rusty old planter with the suitably weather-beaten look that works so well in native gardens. But for other planter ideas, you might like to chat with a local expert in planter boxes.

native-garden-colours
Source: Image by Rae Wallis from Pixabay

12. Plant for your seasons

Many Australian natives are not only able to withstand our hot and dry conditions but can tolerate the colder climates as well. For example, Banksia spinulosa thrives in Alpine regions.

Choosing the perfect natives for your location is easier these days. There has been such an increase in cultivars and hybridised species suited to certain conditions.

13. Layer it up

Make your native garden an experimental space of wild contrasts. Mix local and indigenous grasses, rushes, wildflowers, climbers, shrubs, flowering gums, aquatic natives and edibles. Your planting mix might also include ones specifically chosen for their mound-stabilising properties, like myoporum.

14. Mix gravel and flowers

Photographer Ingrid Weir’s garden in an old Gold Rush town has been modelled on the famed pebble and shingle garden of filmmaker Derek Jarman, who juxtaposed the stones with local natives and traditional cottage garden plants. It looks like Violet Globe Thistle is planted, however, which isn’t a native. If you wanted some beautiful blue native bloomers with low water needs, try the similar-looking Blue pincushions (Brunonia australis).

15. Prioritise natives

A dynamic, asymmetrical planting of natives creates a garden that takes advantage of Mother Nature’s own sculptural abilities to appear effortlessly natural.

You want to avoid plants looking “parachuted” into the setting, by making them appear as if they’ve randomly arisen in their positions. But you still want enough structure and order so that your actual garden can be differentiated from untamed bushland. It’s an ideal the experts call “cultivated wilderness”.

16. Embrace the furry textures

The texture and structure of our native vegetation can be extremely varied. And you can take advantage of those different forms and foliage to create pleasing contrast in your garden. Keep the planting asymmetrical and apparently random but make sure you repeat elements so there’s an overall sense of cohesion and unity. I love the fuzzy, fluffy, furry texture of so many Australian natives, like dwarf grevilleas.

native-garden-soft-pastels
Source: Image by Beverly Buckley from Pixabay

17. Add in native nooks

I love a garden that nestles in nooks—the whole garden seems to have more character when it contains enticing little social spaces. And you can add so much atmosphere and charm with your choice of garden furniture and décor.

18. Choose iconic native forms

Want to really drive home the Australian nature of your native garden? Think about incorporating a symbolic, iconic piece of local flora like a grass tree (Xanthorrhoea). Epitomising the Aussie landscape, there are 66 species of this ancient plant and all are only found in Australia.

They’ll grow in poor soil and are very hardy, and some species have the ability to survive a bushfire. Long-living but extremely slow-growing, if you want a decent sized grass tree in your garden it’s best to get one that’s well established. (Note that it’s illegal to simply remove them from the bush.) Below, grass trees are a striking feature of this Sydney native garden.

19. Aim for cultivated wilderness

One of the big names in Australian landscaping, Fiona Brockhoff, is known for her ability to blur the lines of cultivation and the wild. She is known for creating gorgeous “native wonderlands”. Her garden designs are very naturalistic. But she ensures the actual garden stands out from its wider landscape through structural interventions (like very tight pruning or adding gravel terraces).

Brockhoff’s tip on sustainable gardening? Look to your neighbourhood for indicators as to plants that thrive. Particularly those abundant around deserted properties, which will reveal which species are true survivors!

native-garden-grevillea
Source: Image by Beverly Buckley from Pixabay

20. Soften the hard lines

Contemporary homes often feature a lot of hard lines, structure and definition. So to balance that, it’s a great idea to design a relaxed and natural-looking garden. Instead of having a large privacy wall, you might instead go for a dense planting of natives and trees to block views.

Low maintenance native front gardens are a great idea as they reduce the amount of time you’ll be out the front tending to your gardens.

21. Create a picturesque poolscape

Make sure to check out the award-winning gardens of landscaper Sam Cox. For example, one has a freshwater pool area surrounded by naturalistic Castlemaine slate paving, with timber steps leading to the house. There’s a canopy of eucalyptus trees and an understory of indigenous plants.

The hard landscape of the pool area has been edged with plantings of natives grevillea, correa and poa. These serve as a transition to the bush background, but thanks to their dense planting, they also hide the pool fence!

fairfield poolscape surrounded by native garden
Photo © Sam Cox Landscape. Reproduced with kind permission.

22. Choose coast-loving plants

Much of Australia’s population distributed along the coast. So a contemporary aesthetic that emphasises a beach/garden connection just makes sense. This means choosing native coastal plants or ones from similar coastal climate. Plant species which come in ocean blues and sea greens look especially effective.

It’s also about choosing landscaping materials that are suitably organic and naturalistic. For example, bluestone pavers, slab steps, sand-toned gravel pathways, rock features and natural timber.

23. Construct natural-looking waterholes

Adding water to the garden in some shape or form is always a great idea. To further enhance a pool or pond design with naturalistic contours, choose locally-sourced rocks and boulders which won’t look out of place. And think about sticking to natural materials for the surrounding décor—timber, gravel, brush fencing all look the goods.

24. Blend into your surroundings

It’s good to use a landscaping material colour palette that complements the native plant palette. And, use local organic material for construction where possible. For example, a native garden layered with tough, coast-loving natives, contained with stone retaining walls in keeping with the naturalistic aesthetic.

Aside from sourcing local rocks and stone, native gardens also suit rustic hardscaping materials like timber, gravel, recycled bricks, brush fencing and Corten steel garden edging.

25. Be bold

Kangaroo paws are a really popular Australian native, used here and around the world. They’re an easy way to bring in gorgeous swathes of colour to your garden, coming in a range of colours, not just the well-known reds.

Native garden ideas - Kangaroo paws

26. Rock a natural look

Steal the style of Kathleen Murphy’s native gardens with their gorgeous naturalistic look. Their aesthetic aligns perfectly with their natural surroundings. And they really showcase the beauty of the Australian bush.

To achieve a naturalistic aesthetic, plant where plants would be likely to go naturally. And use materials that both complement and contrast with the natural flora and fauna. For example, incorporate large boulders, as rocks play a big role in replicating a natural look.

27. Mix natives and exotics

You can still have a strong Australian flavoured garden and use a mix of plants from all over the world, together with natives. The key is that they need to have similar abilities to thrive in your conditions.

Native garden ideas - Mixed plants

Your planting palette should be guided by what works—but bear in mind it’s not true that natives will always survive when others won’t. Some natives actually won’t tolerate rain, whereas exotics might be able to cope with changing environmental conditions. So try to choose plants for their adaptability to a broader range of conditions. As opposed to those that need very niche conditions to survive.

28. Go coastal

Emphasise a sense of the sunburnt, beachside land we live in by incorporating natives in gorgeous warm tones. Take inspo from landscaper Fiona Brockhoff’s Sorrento coastal native garden, nestled into its sand-dune setting. She’s chosen coastal-flavoured hardscaping materials, like limestone walls, gravel terraces and shell-grit pathways.

And plants that feature in the nearby dunes were used, including moonahs (Melaleuca lanceolate), sea box (Alyxia buxifolia), cushion bush (Leucophyta brownie) and drooping she oaks (Allocasuarina verticillate).

29. Go monochrome

You can go with a minimalist, modern look with natives too. They not only come in bright colours or soft muted natural colours but also in black, grey and silvery tones. One such monochromatic species is Banksia integrifolia. This is a native tree that is hardy, thrives in a coastal climate and attracts plenty of birds.

30. Add a beaten up firepit

A rustic, weathered look for garden furniture works really well in native gardens. For instance, just set up a rusty Corten steel firepit and surround with tree stump seating. In keeping with the worn and weathered vibe, you might consider something like recycled railway sleepers to form a low retaining wall.

For more retaining wall designs, you might like to also see our article on retaining wall ideas.

31. Take inspo from the experts

A stunning Philip Withers landscape was constructed for the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show some years ago and is worth Googling for inspo too. The aim was celebrating and cultivating wildness in the garden and allowing visitors to really immerse themselves in nature.

Local natives were used as well as succulents, exotics, herbs, fruits and vegetables, for a “vibrant celebration of biodiversity”. Demonstrating principles of sustainability was also a major priority so the landscapers designed a no-waste build and utilised plenty of recycled materials. They also engaged the local indigenous community to design the engraved bluestone pavers and contribute to the storytelling of this place.

32. Swoon over wildflowers

A massive tourism drawcard is West Australia’s magical, magnificent wildflower fields. There are more than 12,500 flowering species in WA, with 60% of them being endemic to the state.

In season, they’re inspo for gardeners everywhere. And they’re a great example of how Australian landscapes can vary wildly from classic muted, natural bush palettes to something extravagantly rainbow-hued. The contrast between the red earth and the pastel flowers is absolutely stunning.

So there you have my favourite selection of Australian native garden ideas. I’m really drawn to naturalistic bush settings. Do native garden landscapes speak to you too?

native-garden-classic-colours
Source: Photo by Slawek K on Unsplash

Tips for how to design a native garden

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to native landscape design, but there are certain techniques that you can borrow from the best landscape designers.

  • Not all natives suit all regions. Some are more perfect for some areas than others, so make sure you source plants from similar growing conditions.
  • Create layers with a dynamic, asymmetrical planting that looks random and natural.
  • Link it all up with repetition.
  • Try to plant plants with similar longevity.
  • Follow the natural patterns of mass (mounds, plantings, boulders etc) and void (pathways, ponds, grassy and paved areas).

Native garden ideas - Tips for how to design a native garden

  • Keep the boundaries blurred so that the garden appears to sink into its setting. But define them enough to differentiate your garden from its surrounds.
  • Use organic material for hardscaping. Think recycled brick, rusted steel, bluestone pavers, salvaged timber, rock, gravel, brush fencing, etc.
  • Add a water feature. The presence of water is traditional near natives in the wild and will also encourage birdlife in your garden. You can also plant native aquatic plants that will act as a natural filtering system.
  • Include social spaces to enable you to immerse yourself fully in your garden. It’s always a great idea to create comforting, enclosed spots to relax, entertain or simply shelter from sun or wind.

Ready to design you native garden?

You can find a local garden designer or expert in garden planting. They’ll help you select the best pick of natives (and ideally indigenous ones) for your location. To set your site up for your new planting, you can also enlist the help of someone to do a full garden tidy-up, including any wood-chipping that you might need done.

And although native gardens are usually lower maintenance than other kinds, they shouldn’t be thought of as “set and forget”. Because they will still really thrive through care (that is, regular watering, fertilising and pruning). So once your new garden is up and running, you can always outsource the maintenance to someone who truly loves that task!

Terraced garden ideas for your home

Tackle a steep, hilly or sloped yard by transforming it into a cascading series of mini gardens—terraced garden ideas you’ll love

Terraced garden ideas for your home

Have you got a steep and unleveled garden? Maybe your home is on a plot with an incline? Create a unique outdoor living space by organising and levelling that steep slope into terraces. A terraced garden is simply a series of small gardens on different levels that not only make it look pretty but also help to prevent erosion.

By turning a slope into a terraced garden you basically multiply the available space. It allows you to play with levels in a dynamic and dimensional way. Designing a series of interconnected, multi-level garden beds adds a lot of character to the space. And the result can be a wonderfully dramatic garden with a stage-like, amphitheatre feeling.

This means you can create separate zones with individual purposes, such as decks or patios, bench seating, a firepit area, ponds and pools. So let’s jump in and look at tips for creating a gorgeous multi-level terraced garden full of visual drama.

terraced-garden-modern
Source: Photo by Meritt Thomas on Unsplash

1. Plant for the conditions

So many of our homes are concentrated along Australia’s coastline. It makes sense to fill your terraced garden with plants chosen specifically for their structural strength to withstand the elements. Even if you don’t have a coastal garden, it’s a good idea to plant the levels of your terraced garden with plants that offer good natural structural support. Consider: Westringia, Miscanthus and Lavender.

2. Go for pleasing organic, rounded forms

Adding timber decking to levels of your terraced garden? Stay true to the natural contours of land and space with curved decking. This will keep your terraced garden looking well-defined but still appearing to sit naturally in its context.

3. Maximise the space

Having several levels really maximises the available planting space. Aim for orderly layers of solid plantings in a harmonious colour scheme so that everything looks neat. Have a three-layer terraced garden? Try chalk stick succulents at the top, have a waterfall of Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ in the middle, and a tall cardboard palm at the base for dimension.

4. Match inside and out

Build your terraced garden retaining walls in the same materials as your home itself keeps the indoors connected to the outdoors.

5. Terrace with grasses

Ornamental grasses look beautiful in a terraced garden as they stir and sway in the breeze, and the more layers, the better. Overlapping terraces full of low-maintenance grasses and shrubs soften up the hard lines of structures. And they provide pleasing hypnotic movement.

6. Play with water

Water features always create visual interest in a garden but they are especially well suited to terraced gardens. Little waterfalls or fountains complement the idea of a slope. Gravity making water trickle downhill just seems natural. You might even want to incorporate your water feature into your irrigation and drainage system.

7. Decide if you need steps

Authentic, formal terraced gardens traditionally include numerous sets of stairs at varying angles. This is intended to allow for journeying through different spaces. Consider your needs: do you wish to wander through your garden or just view it from afar? Do you need access for maintenance? This will help you decide if you need to add steps.

terraced-garden-stone-walls
Source: Photo by Frédéric Barriol on Unsplash

8. Go for parallel lines

If you love a neat, linear look, have parallel tiers. Tiers created by stone retaining walls or rows of trees and hedges in a terraced garden result in a series of horizontal parallel lines. These are very visually pleasing.

9. Have multiple zones

Gardens are not the only option for your terraced space—you can also include little social spaces on different levels. One of the advantages of working with terraces is that you can create all those individual zones that make the space dynamic and functional. For example, you might feature banquette seating along textured stone walls to complete a dining setting. Or, have a spot to warm up outside for cooler nights or winter entertaining. Here are my favourite fire pit ideas that you can use in your garden.

See more outdoor dining ideas with these patio ideas and alfresco ideas.

terraced-garden-social-spaces
Source: Photo by Randy Fath on Unsplash

10. Add turning points

Consider adding little steps that change direction as you traverse the levels. It makes for a dynamic and interesting composition in a small terraced garden. Rather than have a steep straight up and down set of steps, ones that make the odd turn are both pleasing to the eye and safer.

11. Light it up

Highlight your gorgeous terraced garden with clever landscape lighting. It might be solar or wall lights, garden lanterns or a string of festoon lights. Either way, adding illumination will give depth to your levels and put the focus on your feature plants.

Lighting such as recessed LED strips can also help make obvious where changes in levels occur, improving the safety of steps. Speak to an expert landscape lighting designer to work out a plan for your garden needs.

12. Have a terraced veggie garden

Classic terraced gardens often take the form of a semi-circular, amphitheatre shape, with terraces on either side of a set of steps. Why not plant up a terraced garden veggie patch with mint, chives, chard and tomatoes? Locate it right outside the back door for easy access for the cook.

Terraced gardens are ideal for growing herbs and veggies as they enable you to section off different kinds of plants very easily. But the beds stay close enough so that you can take advantage of things like gravity irrigation systems or companion planting. If you’ve always wanted an edible garden, a tiered set-up might be just right for you. Check out our tips on how to grow herbs on your balcony.

13. Add planter boxes

Plants in containers or boxes will soften up the hard lines of a structured terraced garden.

If you need some help from an expert in planter boxes, you can always find a local to give you hand.

Women gardener watering plants. Container vegetables gardening. Vegetable garden on a terrace
Source: Shutterstock

14. Use visual tricks

Not only do the levels of a terraced garden themselves create more space. But you can also take advantage of optical illusions that make the total space appear even larger. Clever landscaping of a terraced garden means it can seem to have a lot more space and depth than it actually has. Dimension can be achieved through a mix of textured plantings and a wandering pathway.

Modern backyard with oriental inspired background
Source: Shutterstock

15.Have steps as a design feature

Smaller or less steep terraces have less of a need for retaining walls and structural support. They might be able to get away with just a few steps with gentle, low rises. Extra-wide steps emphasise the horizontal surfaces, contributing to a luxurious sense of spaciousness.

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Source: Photo by Risto Kokkonen on Unsplash

16. Plant low maintenance succulents

Accessibility to all your levels is a factor with terraced garden design. Steps and platforms can help you reach those tricky spots. However, you can make your life even easier by planting up a variety of drought-tolerant succulents and grasses. It’s a great idea as this will reduce your maintenance and therefore access needs. And succulents can look absolutely stunning when arranged in mass plantings and mixed with rocks.

17. Make it classic

Having symmetrical garden beds either side of a set of steps is a classic terraced garden look and provides easy access to all levels of the garden. If you’d like some inspo on other kinds of raised garden beds, see also our article full of amazing raised garden bed ideas.

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Source: Photo by Elvira Visser on Unsplash

18. Define the steps

It’s a good idea to draw attention to the edges of your steps or pathway for safety purposes. And what better way to do it than to let little flowering groundcovers take hold between them?

19. Consider your watering needs

It may be that some upper levels of your terraced garden are just for aesthetic purposes. In that case, it can sometimes be tricky to reach the highest parts for hand-watering purposes and installing an irrigation system will be the go. Luckily drip irrigation systems can be made easier in terraced gardens thanks to natural gravity.

20. Go for continuity

In planning a terraced garden, think about continuity so that you are keeping a similar visual style both indoors and outdoors. This helps extend the living space out beyond the house itself for a cohesive aesthetic. You can unify the two spaces through colours, materials and even the kind of furniture you add.

Elegant garden furniture on terrace of suburban home
Source: Shutterstock

21. Embrace a natural look

You can create terraces with many different kinds of materials, including rocks and boulders. Mini retaining walls made from limestone rocks can be used like dams. They’ll trap rain preventing soil erosion, which is one of the main advantages of terracing.

22. Keep it simple

A simple two-layer retaining wall set up is an easy way to help stop erosion in a sloped front yard. By turning the slope into several gentler steps, the rain gets trapped instead of running off. Choose an attractive textured stone that complements your home exterior. Plant hardy, low maintenance plants that will dominate over weeds so you don’t need to spend as much time out the front weeding. Or, hire someone else to handle your garden maintenance!

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Source: Photo by Jakob Rubner on Unsplash

23. Go for structure and order

Terracing helps turn a ramshackle hillside into a sleek contemporary design, with retaining walls providing structure and order. Retaining walls can come in such a wide variety of looks and materials. And your site conditions and needs, as well as personal taste, will guide your choice. Common materials include timber, stone, brick or concrete.

24. Make it functional and aesthetic

Natural stone retaining walls in steeply terraced gardens have the added benefit of acting as a neutral background to feature plants. The contrasting colour really breaks up a planting to highlight focal plants. For example, a limestone retaining wall looks striking paired with a coastal planting. And this will also helps protect a seaside home from powerful winds.

25. Play with colour

You might like to go for a sea of blues and greens with a succulent planting. Or, perhaps a harmonious soft-hued palette of pink and lavender flowers. If you have a particular colour scheme in mind, why not speak with an expert in garden planting who can help you bring your vision to life.

Fresh flowers in clay pots on wooden summer terrace
Source: Shutterstock

26. Reshape a site

Rather than have retaining walls installed, you can create a gentle gradient by mounding soil to reshape a site’s contours. Adding other elements like chunky granite steps or bluestone stepping stones can also rework an existing site’s form.

27. Terrace around a tree

When planning your terraced garden and assessing existing features, consider whether ripping out mature trees is a good idea. It may have an effect on your site’s integrity by causing ground movement. A garden terraced around a tree can also look very charming.

28. Terrace around a pool

Repetition of materials ensures all the elements and levels of a modern terraced backyard stay tied together. For example, have a pool as part of your terraced garden? Make the decking the same shade of timber as your stairs, timber bench seating or even Adirondack chairs.

For more decking inspo, you might also like to see our article on decking ideas.

29. Mix blooms and boulders

Finally–forget order and neatness, how about a chaotic cascade of colour bursting out around your steps or rocks? It’s a gorgeous and romantic aesthetic.

Challenges and considerations

Of course, there are some constraints when it comes to creating a garden on a slope. You won’t just be able to start slicing into the hillside or removing existing trees and shrubs with abandon. Careful planning is needed to avoid damaging the integrity and stability of the site—who wants mudslides? You’ll need to think about the placement of retaining walls and a planting scheme that’s sympathetic to the hilly location.

Towards the bottom of a slope, you’ll add plants that can tolerate damper soil where the moisture tends to pool after rain. At the top, you’ll plant more dry-tolerant plants. Always look for deep-rooting plants to help with stability. Adding rocks and groundcovers helps anchor soil. And planting trees that create a network of roots helps bind and strengthen the levels. For help with your garden design, you might like to speak to a local expert.

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Source: Photo by Juan Burgos on Unsplash

Retaining walls are common for terraced gardens as they turn an incline into smaller increments with less soil pressure. This means less erosion when it rains. A structural engineer is essential to design a retaining wall that has the right stability and strength. If you have a very steep site, it will usually benefit from site grading as well. Drainage is also crucial to get right to avoid damaging retaining walls. You might also wish to include an irrigation system that will help water slowly flow to the lower levels. This will let you avoid a labour-intensive watering regime.

Accessibility is important to address as well. If you plant up a slope you’ll need to be able to access all areas for maintenance or for the enjoyment of social spaces. This may mean adding steps, paths or ramps.

But as you can see from all the wonderful terraced garden ideas above, there are so many ways you could design a gorgeous terraced garden. Do you prefer the symmetry and order of a sequenced arrangement of parallel terraces? Or perhaps you like a more asymmetrical, organic look? Let me know in the comments below!

Side of house ideas for your home

It’s time to transform this limited and underused outdoor area. Check out our side of house ideas for ways to perk up your property’s most forgotten space.

Side of house ideas for your home

Are you making the most of your side yard? It’s typically small, narrow and often a challenge to turn into a usable space. But there’s no reason you can’t turn it into something attractive and generate more usable (and valuable) outdoor space for your property with some clever side of house ideas.

Whether you just improve the overall look of it so that you’ll be proud for guests to use it as a walkway, or you turn it into a private, mini sanctuary that you’ll want to actually spend time in. There’s absolutely no need to waste this space.

There are lots of easy ways you can beautify your side of house area – so let’s take a look at 33 side of house ideas that will inspire you to give it a total makeover.

1. Show the way

One of the most obvious things to do is create a well-landscaped path that really emphasises the main function of the side yard space, which is to enable travel between the front and back parts of your garden without needing to go through the house. Define your path with pavers, rocks or steppers that will visually lead the way, but feel free to make it an asymmetrical, meandering pathway for more visual interest. For example, adding a mixed planting around flagstone pavers.

2. Make it orderly but interesting

Maybe you prefer a neat, ordered pathway? Even so, the space doesn’t have to be a plain, boring rectangle. Make a straight path more interesting by adding asymmetry. A row of beautiful hedges on one side and a bare house wall on the other, for example.

For help with the right kind of hedge for your side yard, why not speak to an expert in hedge planting!

3. Blur the boundaries

When you’re deciding what to plant in your side yard area, use some of the same plants you’ve used in your front and back yard for continuity of style and to link it all up nicely. This is especially important if you can see the backyard from your side of house area. Have a coastal home? Use indigenous and native plants, leaving garden borders undefined and obscured by the planting. This gives the illusion of having a much larger backyard.

4. Create a destination

Rather than have your side of house area be just a means of getting from point A to B, why not use the space to create a relaxing destination in itself? Just the addition of some comfy outdoor furniture or a few beanbags can totally transform the area so that it becomes a little nook for you to escape to.

Of course, it depends on how much space you have to play with. But it doesn’t have to be the biggest space in the world—just try to keep other decorative elements minimal so it doesn’t feel too cluttered.

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Source: Photo by Sonnie Hiles on Unsplash

5. Add dramatic pavers

The type of pavers you choose are an opportunity to create visual interest and drama, just as much as your choice of plants will. A popular choice is “crazy pavers”, aka flagstone pavers, which typically come in bluestone, sandstone or quartz. These wildly-shaped stones really liven up an area and especially complement a contemporary home with lots of linear structure.

If you’re thinking that paving is the way to go, see here for some more paving ideas for your garden.

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Source: Photo by Jonas Ferlin from Pexels

6. Be creative with your side of house ideas

I know what I said above about continuity through your various garden spaces. But you don’t actually have to be all matchy-matchy with the style of your side yard and your front or back garden—it’s fine to break that rule! Please yourself with a themed side of house garden of your choice. Love tropical gardens? Why not style up your side of house area with tropical plants and timber decking, even if your backyard isn’t resort-style? If you do this though, it’s a good idea to create a visual barrier between the two garden areas, with a fence or shrubs, for example.

7. Palm Springs perfection

If you love the Palm Springs desert-style aesthetic, a neat and low maintenance planting of the barrel and columnar cacti set amongst white rocks will look the goods. Place along the side of a whitewashed wall to deliver iconic minimalist, laidback elegance. It’s a simple look to recreate at home.

8. Draw from Japanese style

Let Marie Kondo at your yard and spark some side return joy. Borrow from the distinct hallmarks of Japanese decorating style. Such as, a focus on airiness and lightness, a sense of visual balance, a love of sophisticated simplicity and the keen use of white and illumination.

Want to use narrow trees along the side of your house but don’t want a “runway” effect?  Planting skinny, columnar varieties of the tree draw the eye upwards, adding height to the elongated space and making it seem much larger.

9. Embrace natives

It’s a great idea to use native plants as they are typically far lower maintenance than other kinds of flora. They also easily deliver a laid-back coastal aesthetic, with a gorgeous colour palette of silvery greys, blues, greens and browns. A pathway of crushed decomposed granite can amplify the coastal flavour.

10. Grow a privacy screen

A popular material that works well as a privacy screen along the side of your house is a non-invasive clumping bamboo, which is tall, fast-growing and easy to maintain. As well as creating privacy along your boundary line it will also act as a sound barrier and a windbreak. For your side of the house area, choose a narrow, upright bamboo, like Goldstripe. It works really well as a solid contrast to a home’s walls. Combined with a faded timber walkway and leafy plants in concrete containers, it will give off serious tropical vibes.

Add even more privacy for your backyard with these privacy fence ideas.

11. Dreamy glass bricks

Something a little different that could work as an alternative to conventional screening materials is chic modern ‘frosted lozenge’ glass bricks. A wall of these opaque glass blocks creates both privacy and delightfully ethereal filtered light as well as beautiful shadow patterns that will change as the sun moves across the sky. I’m in love with the look of this material.

12. Play with texture and light

Another example of an experimental side of house design is playfully using timber screens to manipulate the light. A walkway can feel claustrophobically tunnel-like so add visual excitement and airiness caused by the dappled light and shadow through the perforated wood.

If you decide to forego vegetation in your side of house, you can keep things really intriguing by using different surfaces, materials, colours and textures like this.

13. Layer it up

Enliven plain walls with a dynamic planting of flowers, shrubs and trees. The variety of textures, forms and colours are so pleasing to the eye. Try the Lagerstroemia indica, a tree of the Nachez variety, which landscape designers say will grow to a maximum of 6×4 feet in its lifetime and is easily pruned.

14. Cascade plants down a fence

A beautifully textured side of house design might feature crazy pavers in a meandering pathway, and a range of plants chosen specifically to change colour throughout the seasons. White plaster walls look amazing adorned with delicate climbing vines while lush foliage also spills over the top of the walls, creating privacy from neighbouring homes. Cascading plants will create a green waterfall down the side of a fence, but your side garden will probably need a little garden maintenance.

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Source: Photo by Sigmund on Unsplash

15. Add timber for warmth

Create a timber side of house walkway which seamlessly connects to the flooring used throughout your house. Or, complement oak window frames with oak sliding door frames.

16. Go vertical

If your space is so narrow that you don’t even have room for a row of narrow shrubs let alone trees, plant climbing vines that will creep up your walls to provide much-needed greenery against plain house walls. A popular choice is star jasmine but there are many other choices—why not hire an expert in garden planting to design the perfect planting palette for your home.

17. Soak up the ambience

Turn your side of house area into a relaxing and private haven where you can escape the world by setting up a little table and chairs and adding a touch of magic with a string of lights. It’s the perfect place to read the weekend papers, do some journaling or enjoy a cup of coffee.

18. Decorate with planters

If you only have a narrow strip along the side of your house, garden with plants in containers or raised garden beds rather than ground level beds as they will take up less room as well as be much easier to maintain and keep neat. Side yards are also perfect for space-saving vertical gardening structures, including trellises and arches.

To have someone help you with your side path garden design, why not speak to a local who specialises in planter boxes or if you’re not quite ready, check out this guide to planter boxes.

19. Grow a side yard veggie garden

You can have fun growing edibles along the side of your house where they will be out of the way but still handy to reach for maintenance and harvesting. Just make sure your space gets at least eight hours of sunshine a day and you’ll be able to grow your choice of herbs, fruits and veggies with no trouble. Mini-greenhouses look neat and are functional. Or, growing vines like cucumbers, passionfruit or beans up your fence or on a trellis is another solution for the narrow side of house space.

Make sure you check out this handy guide on winter vegetable gardens, and also look at these vegetable garden, raised garden beds, and herb garden ideas for your home

20. Create a canopy

It’s a landscaping trick, apparently: walking through a compressed space into more open space is known to create drama and mystery. So growing tall, leafy plants that will droop over a walkway and create a tunnel effect is a great way to generate that sense of interest. Not only that, but canopies create shade, which is great if the side of your house receives a lot of sunshine. Gently canopy a side path, building in a water feature, for the ultimate tranquillity.

21. Use contrast

This monochromatic look is high contrast, which is visually very appealing, as are the many parallel lines. The solid white and black walls also provide an excellent backdrop to the plants which edge the neat pathway. The fencing is shou sugi ban (Japanese charred wood), a technique which is becoming quite popular here, thanks to its many benefits and distinctive look.

It’s environmentally friendly, low maintenance, durable, flame-retardant, naturally insect-resistant, and resistant to moisture damage. And of course, it is a unique, bold visual style.

Love shou sugi ban cladding? Bear in mind darker coloured walls and fences will absorb sunlight and increase the radiant heat of the space—so may be best suited if you live in a cooler region.

22. Add drama up above

Overhead architecture, like arbours and pergolas connected to the side of a house, helps draw the eye upward and make a small and narrow space appear larger. They also help create that sense of moving through a compressed space that I spoke about earlier, which creates drama. And of course, you can plant up an arbour or a pergola with vines and other climbing plants to envelop you in greenery and create mesmerising light play and dynamic movement in the breeze.

Speaking of adding some cover, here are our favourite pergola designs.

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Source: Photo by Tandya Rachmat on Unsplash

23. Create a dry stream bed

Landscaping with river rocks is a popular way to achieve a naturalistic side of house design and one of the benefits of creating a path out of rocks or pebbles is that it can force rainwater out from along the side of your house and prevent pooling. Stones in a dry stream bed can give you a lovely monochrome aesthetic, broken up by little shrubs serving as pops of colour.

You could even turn part of a dry stream bed into a Zen rock garden with the addition of sand and enjoy some meditative raking, creating attractive ripples or overlapping circles and feeling blissfully at one with your Buddha-nature.

24. Add atmosphere with uplights

There are so many options for gorgeous landscaping lighting and one is to install uplights at ground level to illuminate certain features of your side of house garden. Uplights can be placed into a side path as well as at the bottom of trees to highlight their beauty as well as guide people along the path at night. Solar or low-voltage lights are best but speak with a landscape lighting expert to get the ideal lighting solution for your side of house design.

25. Make it pet-friendly

If you have pets, you’ll want to create a side of house area that is safe for them as well as able to withstand heavy paw traffic without ending up with ugly, patchy worn grass and trampled flowers. There are various tips and tricks you can look into, for example:

  • Use hardscaping to make winding paths that dogs enjoy following, with layers and dimension that will stimulate your furbaby;
  • Add brick pavers or gravel in high traffic areas
  • Plant hardy, pet-friendly plants that are non-toxic and can withstand urination (there are plenty of flowering woody shrubs which do this well);
  • Use soft mulch that won’t hurt paws.

26. Pet-proof it

Unless you decide to make your side of house area pet-friendly and able to withstand their activities, you probably don’t want it being overtaken by your pets, dug up and generally turned into a muddy mess. In that case, simply corral the animals behind a gorgeous gate, like a gappy timber one that allows a filtered view of the backyard.

27. Open up a side servery

Indoor/outdoor living spaces are a popular way to create a transition between the interior and exterior of your home and opening up a side servery increases your alfresco dining options. Changing a standard side window into one that fully opens up can totally transform your side of house into an additional entertaining space, provided there is enough space for seating and it gets enough sunlight to be inviting. Add some bar stools and you have a perfect spot to enjoy on a balmy summer night.

28. Turn it into a play area

A fab idea if you have enough room at the side of your house and if you’d like to avoid your front and back gardens from being visually assaulted by kids’ playground clutter! Add a cubby and grips from a local hardware store to a concrete boundary wall to create a nifty little playground that’s safely enclosed and tucked out of sight from the streetscape.

29. Make a spot for garden storage

If you don’t have a shed, the narrow side of house area is the perfect place to unobtrusively stash a slim little gardener’s storage cupboard. Add a long, narrow bench for potting up and you’ll have a nicely private nursery area that doesn’t detract from your backyard garden design.

30. Add unique seating

If the side of your house is a little boring but gets a pleasant amount of sun then simply add a variety of quirky stools and chairs to create a place for some calm contemplation, away from the hustle and bustle of the street or the busyness of backyard occupants.

31. Choose bench and planter combos

When you only have a long narrow side of house area to work with, kill two birds with one stone and install combined planter/bench designs. They keep everything neatly flush to the wall or fence and provide pleasing symmetry while being eminently functional both for humans and plants!

32. Add a lap pool – or a moat

Maybe you can swim, or maybe you can just to dangle your legs in refreshing water. Either way, adding a water feature to the side of your house is a gorgeous way to amp up the tranquillity and summer vibes, and it’s much less costly than putting in a backyard pool.

If you have the space though, go ahead and add a lap pool to increase the functionality of the space (and the value of your home). Add boulders and a low maintenance planting along a side—succulents like agaves and aloes give it, even more desert-oasis feels.

For inspo you can’t beat architect Olle Lundberg’s Californian redwood cabin and outside plunge pool. The entire house is made of salvaged and reclaimed materials, including the pool that’s actually a former livestock watering tank made of 80-year-old virgin-growth redwood.

33. Add an outdoor shower

The side of your house is also ideal for installing an outdoor shower as they take up very little room and yet provide a practical way to wash off after swimming or getting dirty playing sports or enable you to just enjoy a shower out in nature. They’re an easy DIY and can be very aesthetically pleasing, especially if you source gorgeous vintage-style fixtures. A vintage silver rainfall outdoor shower looks gorgeous against a black fence, crushed granite and organic décor elements.

And that’s a wrap on my selection of side of house ideas which show you how you can make the most of this under-utilised, and often neglected space. In the comments, why not let me know which of these side yard ideas is up your alley, or if you’ve done something interesting with your side of house area – I’d love to hear your input!

When you’re ready to get started on your side of house ideas, it’s a good idea to start with a general tidy-up of the area, and then if possible, enlist the expertise of an expert to ensure you get the garden design right before you go ahead and DIY.

50 Great garden edging ideas for your backyard

Make your garden stand out with defined edging!

50 Great garden edging ideas for your backyard

Garden edging is one of the most overlooked aspects of garden design – but it can make a huge difference to the overall appeal of your outdoor space. Whether you use it to define flower beds, create raised sections, pronounce garden paths or act as a border between pavers and grass, lawn edging is sure to add character to even the most simple of gardens. But it’s something that you might not realise that you can be a bit creative with, so let’s take a look 50 gorgeous garden edging ideas.

Having a garden border is more than just making your garden look pretty, it makes the surrounding grass easier to look after. This way you don’t need to worry about trimming around any awkward edges.

1. Bamboo edging

This is an eco-friendly option that not only looks beautiful but also protects your plants. Bamboo edging is a great option for a DIY garden project because it is flexible and easy to cut to size. This kind of edging is designed to be placed above the ground, so it prevents rotting and lasts longer!

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Source: Photo by Maksim Shutov on Unsplash

2. Rusty pipes

This may not be the first option you think of when you consider edging for your garden. But it’s a great way to upcycle unwanted pipes that wouldn’t be used otherwise. You can also add a little more detail by filling the pipes with stones or even planting succulents and cacti inside them. It’s great for a rustic garden.

3. Terracotta tile

If traditional is more your style, then you might want to go with classic terracotta tiling. This is a design that is always on trend because it perfectly highlights your gorgeous garden. Add some terracotta pots to your front porch or back deck, and you’ll have a consistent style throughout your outdoor space.

4. Pallets

Pallets are a great DIY building material, and with good reason – you can usually find them for free! Check Gumtree or ask local businesses for their leftover wood pallets. Cut them yourself, or get someone to do it for you, and then paint them white or any colour you desire. For a ‘vintage’ look, leave the wood slightly unfinished.

5. Stone garden edging

This is an elegant choice that will last the test of time. Choose large pieces of stone to pull this look off, and fill in the gaps with sand to hold it all together!

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Source: Photo by Iván Tejero on Unsplash

6. Horizontal logs

This is an effective garden solution that can also serve as a planter box for your herbs, flowers and vegetables. Use a single log or stack multiple logs to create height.

7. Wrought iron fencing

This is a simple yet beautiful way to define your garden bed, border or path. Wrought iron edging not only adds a bit of pretty detail to your garden, but it’s also a practical addition to protect your garden and flower beds.

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Source: Photo by Joshua Olsen on Unsplash

8. Garden beds

Garden beds elevate your plants and protect them from getting damaged. They also separate your fertile soil from what is natively grown in the ground, giving you more control over the nutrients your plants receive. If you set your garden beds to drain over the rocks, you protect the roots from drowning, which is the number one cause of plant rot.

9. Plates

If you’re looking for a quirky option, then why not use decorative plates? You can find secondhand plates at op shops or vintage stores. Choose different shapes and sizes or even different colours to line your garden.

10. Woven wattle

You simply can’t deny the charm of woven wattle – and the great thing is that it’s actually really easy to make! Not only does it look great, but wattle can actually insulate young seedlings by blocking the wind. It can also elevate an otherwise average raised bed into a charming focal point of your garden.

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Source: Photo by Alexander Schimmeck on Unsplash

11. Curved brick edging

Add a touch of detail to your garden by swapping out the usual straight bricks for curved bricks. Even the most simple of styles will look good! And the great thing is that you don’t have to move your garden beds. Simply pave your bricks around your existing gardens, and voila – you’ve got charming garden edging.

12. Terracotta pots

Layer small terracotta pots around your garden bed and include larger pots with herbs, flowers or other plants in the centre of your bed.

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Source: Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

13. Glass bottles

You probably have plenty of these lying around or use them regularly enough to collect them. Simply clean out glass bottles of any kind – wine bottles, soft-drink bottles or even pasta sauce bottles – and push them head down into the soil on the outside of your garden bed.

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Source: Photo by Nicolas Horn on Unsplash

14. Pebbles and rocks

Use large rocks to complement the pebbles on your garden path. This is a really simple approach that looks good, especially if you’re going for a more natural look. And the great thing is that you can find pebbles and rocks anywhere – by the beach or in the hinterland. Alternatively, you can find them at your local plant shop or Bunnings store.

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Source: Photo by John Mark Arnold on Unsplash

15. Hedge

This is a classic garden edging idea that is inspired by European gardens. Hedges will add a formal look to your backyard and keep everything green.

However, you need to keep in mind that hedges will require a lot more maintenance than your simple plants or flowers, and will be much less forgiving if there are any problems. You’ll need to make sure that your hedge always looks well-kept with regular hedge trimming.
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Source: Photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash

16. Broken concrete

If you have pieces of concrete lying around from a recent home renovation, put them to good use by lining your garden bed with them. The jagged edges are good for a more wild, unstructured garden with a mix of plants and flowers.

17. Poured concrete

This is a simple yet effective garden edging solution that will last the test of time! It isn’t prone to rotting, warping or separating, even in extreme weather conditions.

18. Scrap wood

This is a great option if you have some lying around! But be careful – unless it’s been treated, very few timbers will last more than a few years on the ground. It won’t be long until rot and termites find them. However, there are some timbers that are resistant to both. Use Australian turpentine, cypress and cedar to stay on the safe side. If you aren’t sure what type of timber you’re using, be careful not to bring the edging up to any building as termites are likely to migrate from the edging to the timber in your house.

19. Woodblocks

Timber blocks look great as edging but you should take the same caution as with scrap wood. Select your timber with care or make sure it has been treated before using it to line your garden.

20. Wood logs

This is another great timber solution for your garden. You can have a bit of fun with wood logs. You can make them the same height, place them in height order or change things up a bit by making different levels throughout.

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Source: Photo by Zuzana Kacerová on Unsplash

21. Cinder blocks

Cinder blocks or concrete blocks are a cheap and easy option for lining your garden. You can also paint cinder blocks any colour you like, and add extra plants like succulents and cacti in the middle!

22. Gabion edging

Gabion walls are not only a great retaining solution but the combination of natural river rocks, timber and mesh looks great in every outdoor setting.

23. Use light to highlight your edging

Light edging is a great idea for a modern garden. Simply use rope lighting, which you can find at Bunnings or on Ebay, and line it around the edges of your garden. Be sure to turn them on in the evening so you can enjoy the gorgeous glow–better still go solar!

garden-edging-ideas-lighting
Source: Photo by Rendy Novantino on Unsplash

24. Rock and brick pattern

Shake up your style by using a mixture of patterns in your garden edging. Combine rock, pebbles and brick together for a great look.

25. Mosaic art

If you’re after something a little bit different and colourful, consider lining your garden with mosaic tiles. You can connect this edging to your outdoor tile setting to make it seamlessly flow to the garden bed. Choose a base colour, like white or black, and add in a couple other colours and styles to bring it all together.

garden-edging-ideas-mosaic
Source: Photo by Peyman Farmani on Unsplash

26. Steel fencing

This is a handy option to hold your raised garden bed together. Use steel on its own for a more industrial look or combine it with wood to soften it and match your wooden fence or outdoor furniture.

Fences need to be well planned and organised, especially when it comes to getting the right approvals. Finding the right fencing contractor for you is a great place to start.

27. Raised edging

Use timber planter boxes (or build your own) to raise your garden bed. This helps your flowers and plants stay contained to one spot and makes them easier to maintain.

garden-edging-ideas-garden-beds
Source: Photo by Jade Seok on Unsplash

28. Formal edging

Use curved and straight concrete edging for a more formal look. To keep your garden consistent, stick to just a few plant options and keep them in a similar colour scheme.

29. Detailed with refined borders

If you like the clean-cut look, choose edging that has defined corners that will be sure to make your garden stand out. This works really well next to hedging, as the straight lines of garden edging complement the box-shaped hedges.

30. Plastic stone-look

If you’re after something that’s low maintenance and affordable, then plastic stones might be the best option. You can find these on Ebay, from Bunnings, and even from garden centres. They are usually interlocking, which makes putting them together really easy!

31. Drainage edging

This is a smart landscaping hack that is often overlooked. But if you have issues with drainage or simply get a lot of rain in your area, you might want to consider drainage edging. Stones or gravel will allow water to easily pass, and you can even plant some cute succulents for extra appeal.

garden-edging-ideas-drainage-edging
Source: Photo by Aknazar Arysbek on Unsplash

32. Patio bricks

Stack patio bricks on top of each other to create garden edging for a raised flower bed. This is a great way to tie your colours into your existing patio design.

33. Shells

Line your garden bed with large seashells to create a coastal vibe. Gather shells in different shapes, colours and sizes from the beach or purchase some online to create this coastal vibe.

34. Natural sandstone garden edging

If you’re looking to reproduce the rustic-looking garden of times gone by, then you simply can’t go past natural sandstone. It’s a classic design that will last the test of time and look great in years to come.

35. Rope terracotta

Terracotta rope-top garden edging provides a touch of Victorian elegance and is an attractive border solution for flower beds. The terracotta colour, combined with the rope top finish, will give your outdoor space a more traditional look.

36. Scalloped

If you’re looking for edging with a contemporary twist, look no further than a scalloped design. The flowing curves and clean lines add a touch of sophistication to any garden, whether it’s traditional or modern!

37. Add a few layers

If you can’t decide on one style, then why not line your garden with multiple types of edging material. Use rough pieces of concrete to create a raised garden bed, then add stones or pebbles around it, and add a final layer of brick pavers.

garden-edging-ideas-mixed-materials
Source: Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

38. Coastal rope

A coastal rope design is perfect for bringing beach house vibes! It uses simple white rope through wooden holes in the garden bed. You can add shells to the gap between the garden bed and the grass to create a unique, beach-inspired look for your coastal home.

garden-edging-ideas-coastal-rope
Photo by Glen Carrie on Unsplash

39. Glow-in-the-dark log edging

If you want to light up your garden with something different, why not crack some logs open and add warm LEDs. Of course, this is going to take a little bit of work but the finished result is pretty impressive!

These light-filled logs can be used as a border for your garden or serve as a stool or small table for a garden BBQ. Because each log will be different, this will be sure to add a beautiful ambience to your outdoor area. These would also look great at Halloween.

40. Raised bed in stone finish

Stone is another classic solution for garden edging. Use stone as a foundation and border for your raised garden, and use similar colour tiles and pavers throughout your outdoor area to maintain a consistent look.

41. Pine raised bed

Treated pine is designed for long-term outdoor use, so it will be protected against nasty termites or fungal decay. So it’s not only an attractive option, but it’s a practical choice for your garden.

42. Steel planters

Steel planters make a clean, simple look for your garden beds – and they look great against white or light grey stone pavers. Use small rocks or white pebbles to fill in the gaps between your planter boxes.

43. Simple pavers

You can’t go past pavers, especially when they’re simply lined up against one another. This is an easy garden edging solution to maintain, and it’s something that you could install yourself (if you’re into DIY) or get someone else to complete over a weekend.

44. Tiered

If you’re wanting to create levels in your garden, then you must use edging to hold it all together. There are so many different options, but simple curved steel edging will work a treat and will ensure your plants are the main feature. Fill each level with gravel or stones and add in your favourite plants like succulents, cacti, spider plants, or herbs.

Looking to build a retaining wall like this but still not sure of the final look? I’ve put together my favourite retaining wall ideas here to help you get inspired.

45. Aluminium edging

When it comes to garden edging, it’s really important to not only choose what looks great but also what’s going to last. While steel is strong, perfectly holds any shape and is not affected by erosion, it isn’t resistant to corrosion. However, the process is slow and it may take decades before your steel garden edging needs to be replaced.

On the other hand, aluminum garden edging is softer than steel edging and a perfect choice for any curvaceous installations. Aluminium garden edging doesn’t rust but, because of its softness, it can bend and lose shape over time. So when it comes to your edging, make sure you think about your exact garden situation before you make a choice!

46. Terracotta lookalike edging

If you’re after terracotta rope borders to create a classic look but don’t want to break the bank to afford this option, then consider lookalike edging. This design is made in moulds to replicate traditional terracotta garden edging – and it’s a great solution to the traditionally expensive edging.

47. Marble

This will look good in any backyard, but especially in a contemporary home. But beware, marble can get expensive! So before you go ahead with this option, make sure you know the exact measurements and how much marble edging you will need so you can make an informed decision.

48. Graphite

This is an extremely strong and weather-resistant option that is also super soft and smooth. You can find graphite in different shades of grey from light through to dark, almost black options.

50. Granite

Granite is another tough option for your garden edging. It also comes in a range of colours from yellow to grey to dark grey and everything in between. It’s a natural stone, which means it will work in seamlessly with your green garden, plants, grass and stones.

I hope that by reading through all of these garden edging ideas, you’re inspired and ready to take on your next garden project! I know it might seem like a lot of work, but you’ll be so glad once you’ve completed it because your garden is going to be looking fantastic.

Remember to always check and double check the specifications and measurements of your garden so you can source the right amount of edging for the job. And why not have fun with your garden edging by choosing something a little bit out of the box. After all, you can always change it in the years to come.

Comment and let me know which option you’re going to choose!

30 tips and tricks for bathroom plants

Bask in nature by bringing greenery indoors with lush bathroom plants

30 tips and tricks for bathroom plants

Live your greenest life by filling your bathroom with plants! They beautify this often sterile-looking space, adding life and personality. But they also have a whole host of health benefits to offer. For example, adding fresh oxygen, removing toxins in the air, boosting your mood and reducing stress. Gee, what’s not to love?

bathroom-plants-contemporary-bathroom
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

Bathroom plants are such a simple and affordable way to update your bathroom. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a single trailing plant on the windowsill or a full green plant wall.

In thinking about the best plants for bathrooms, consider species that thrive in a humid, warm environment. And there are many to choose from. You will need plants that enjoy indirect light, can handle varying temperatures, are virtually impossible to kill and are low maintenance (I mean, who needs another bathroom chore?).

And of course, go for those plants that look lush and create a sense of serenity for those all-important spa vibes.

bathroom-plants-single-fiddle
Source: Photo by Lauren Mancke on Unsplash

The most suitable plants for bathrooms

Let’s start with a quick list of the best plants for bathrooms. My top picks are:

  • Sansevieria
  • Pothos
  • Peace Lily
  • Spider plants
  • Heart-leaf Philodendron
  • Monstera
  • Staghorn ferns
  • Boston ferns
  • Aloe Vera
  • Bamboo
  • Calathea
  • Orchids
  • Azaleas
  • Succulents and cacti
  • Airplants
bathroom-plants-airplants
Source: Photo by Lukas Schroeder on Unsplash

But there are plenty of options for plants that are perfect for bathrooms, and these are just a starting point. Your best bet is to speak to the experts at your local nursery or gardening centre. They’ll know exactly what to recommend and they’ll have the healthiest specimens for you to buy.

Now let’s dive into our top tips for a gorgeous green bathroom!

1. Embrace trailing plants

Trailing plants are so popular in bathrooms thanks to how they combine function and aesthetic impact. They look beautiful cascading gently over the edges of hanging baskets. And their form provides texture and softens up any hard edges of your bathroom.

bathroom-plants-on-shelf
Source: Photo by Jessica Arends on Unsplash

2. Have a feature plant

Enhance your bathroom by using materials inspired by nature (like timber stools) and adding a feature plant. Pick a strongly architectural plant such as the Rubber Leaf Plant. Its glossy, dark green foliage is perfect for contrasting with bathroom whites.

3. Choose dramatic single plants

We all love the Fiddle Leaf Fig but consider it as an alternative to the Monstera plant. It makes just as much impact but is a little less common than the good old Fiddle Leaf Fig. Look out for the rarer Variegated Monstera too. Its white and green foliage provides even more interest.

4. Add a touch of life

Every bathroom should really have something organic in it—even just a tiny little burst. Here, a gorgeous modern bathroom with some serious tiling going on gets an injection of greenery in the form of a tiny cascading plant.

bathroom-plants-ledge
Source: Photo by R ARCHITECTURE on Unsplash

Love tiles? Check out more bathroom tiling ideas and hire an expert tiler when you’re ready.

5. Liven up a plain colour scheme

Although I love an all-white bathroom, it can lapse into looking clinical if you’re not careful. But plants automatically bring colour in and avoid that overly hospital-white feeling.

6. Use plants as visual tricks

Diverting attention from the ‘uglier’ aspects of your bathroom is a job that bathroom plants do exceptionally well. The eye is immediately drawn to the plants hanging above a toilet and away from the cistern itself.

7. Create some bathtime zen

Add hanging plants from the ceiling to resemble organic chandeliers. Bushy plants like Spider plants and ferns always make a striking contrast to white bathroom tile.

8. Enjoy air purification from succulents

Add some succulents and cacti to your green bathroom mix and take advantage of their superior air-purifying abilities. They’re typically easy to care for and love bright light, so place them on your windowsill.

bathroom-plants-succulents
Source: Photo by AM FL on Unsplash

9. Fill up a neglected space

Do you have any “dead space” or unused floor space that doesn’t seem to fit anything? Fill it with an oversized floor plant such as a rampant fern, and now you have an instant focal point.

bathroom-plants-lots
Source: Photo by Prudence Earl on Unsplash

10. Hang baskets from the ceiling

Rather than use up valuable floor space, use the ceiling to hang baskets of plants, whether upright kinds or trailing plants.

bathroom-plants-hang-from-ceiling
Source: Photo by Angèle Kamp on Unsplash

11. Use your corners

The corners of your bathtub are ideal for placing little potted plants. Make sure you choose a plant that doesn’t mind low light if your tub corner isn’t in a well-lit position. Your tub plant should also love humidity and water as it will get the odd spray. Plants like Pothos or Sansevieria (snakeplants) work especially well. And, bonus, they’re great beginner indoor plants.

12. Take advantage of sunny windows

Most plants prefer bright indirect to direct light, so your choices are greater when your space has access to sunlight. If you have a windowsill that’s flooded with sunlight, line up a bunch of sun-loving indoor plants on it. Sansevieria (snakeplants) and Chinese Money trees will reward you by thriving here.

bathroom-plants-windowsill
Source: Photo by Luther.M.E. Bottrill on Unsplash

13. Make use of mirrors

When placing your bathroom plants, take advantage of how a bathroom mirror’s reflection can double up the amount of greenery you see. Here, a tall, slim Variegated Schefflera (umbrella) plant is the perfect shape for a narrow bathroom.

14. Gather them in baskets

Planters in natural, organic materials, such as cane baskets, look gorgeous with bathroom plants. Place a plastic tray under your plant’s container in the bottom of your basket, so you won’t have to remove the plant to water it.

15. Invite plants into your shower

The stark lines of this modern bathroom are tempered by the soft, rounded shapes created by these in-shower plants. The result is a more serene space for you to shower. Having plants in the shower area improves the air quality, helps get rid of bacteria and absorbs excess moisture in the air.

bathroom-plants-shower
Source: Photo by Curology on Unsplash

16. Go with a botanical theme

If you love the look of plants in the bathroom, you might like to continue the fresh theme with a botanical or floral print shower curtain.

17. Have a plant wall shelf

You can also create a simple plant wall by filling open shelving, which is great if you lack floor space. This white shelving looks stunning thanks to the use of white planter pots. They create unity despite the wide variety of plants incorporated.

bathroom-plants-wall-shelf
Source: Photo by Brina Blum on Unsplash

18. Use plants as accents

Even just one or two plants can dramatically upgrade a bathroom, providing a pop of green to act as an accent to a plain bathroom.

19. Juxtapose contrasting plants

Mix different kinds of indoor plants to create contrast and balance. For example, some plants are spikier looking, while others have softly rounded forms. Here, a variety of spiky cacti sit beside some Elephant ears with sweet rounded leaves.

bathroom-plants-juxtapose-different-plants
Source: Photo by Alyssa Strohmann on Unsplash

20. Go overboard

Love the jungle look? Then, by all means, make your bathroom a little extra by grouping a lot of large, leafy plants together. It’s bold, it makes a strong statement – and if you squint your eyes while you’re in the tub, you’ll be transported to a rainforest watering hole.

bathroom-plants-ferns-tub
Source: Photo by Lisa Moyneur on Unsplash

21. Or exercise subtlety and restraint

But you don’t need a huge number of plants to get the benefit of bathroom greenery. Even just a single trailing plant creating a waterfall effect over the tub will have an impact. (With a minimalist bathroom, there’s a lot of visual focus on the tub. So make sure it’s in perfect condition – you may need to think about bath resurfacing.)

22. Create a green view

Blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors by bringing in large plants and positioning them near the window.

bathroom-plants-green-view
Source: Photo by Scott Webb on Unsplash

23. Use bathroom plants for Boho vibes

An eclectic assortment of pretty potted plants easily evokes Boho style. Apart from the aesthetic effect, having plants in your bathroom will make your bath time even more relaxing.

24. Have plants at a variety of heights

Incorporating several plants? Create more visual interest by placing them at different heights rather than all at the same level. Place plants on the vanity or the floor or add a plant on a little wooden stool.

bathroom-plants-different-levels
Source: Photo by Phil Hearing on Unsplash

25.  The more the merrier

Surround your bathtub with greenery. Hang or place in planters along with the tub or windowsill. For example, you might have a Pothos (Devil’s Ivy) plant hanging above the bathtub while a Parlor palm adorns your window. These two plants love medium light and need minimal watering.

bathroom-plants-and-tub
Source: Photo by Beazy on Unsplash

26. But one plant makes all the difference

Don’t underestimate the impact that a single plant can make in your bathroom. It completely changes the vibe and provides that all-important connection to nature.

bathroom-plants-single-plant
Source: Photo by Chastity Cortijo on Unsplash

27. Create a living plant wall

You can create wall art from plants by constructing a plant wall. These can be a bit high maintenance but are worth it for the effect. Just make sure to choose plants that stay green all year long!

28. Keep function in mind

Your bathroom serves many practical purposes, and you should keep this in mind when planning your plants. You need to be able to carry out self-care tasks without a plant interfering, no matter how good it looks. This means you may prefer to limit your greenery to something unobtrusive.

29. Think outside the box

If you are keen on a lush plant feature but don’t have a lot of room, consider alternatives to shelving or corners of the bathtub. Instead display your plants in a fun, unusual way, such as a DIY hanging shelf constructed from a ladder hung by ropes. Not only does it make a great plant display, but it will give you something pleasing to look at while you’re soaking.

30. Arrange plant cuttings in vases

Last but not least, an alternative to keeping potted plants in the bathroom is to pop oversized leaf cuttings into vases where they’ll create drama and texture.

bathroom-plants-single-branch
Source: Photo by Alex Loup on Unsplash

A tip from interior gardening designers is to snip a little eucalyptus and place it in a vase. Its soothing aroma and antimicrobial properties are released by the humidity of the shower.

Of course, you could also choose plants and foliage that appeal to you visually, such as a stem from your favourite garden bush arranged on the counter, like this.

bathroom-plants-foliage
Source: Kaboompics

Well, I hope you’ve enjoyed our green bathroom tips. Which plants are your favourites? Let us know in a comment below! Also, I haven’t forgotten about the other rooms in the house. Here’s our beautiful guide to the best indoor plants.

Step by step instructions on how to build a retaining wall

From rock walls to timber - what's the right material for your retaining wall.

Step by step instructions on how to build a retaining wall

Retaining walls are an excellent design addition to your garden and a problem solver. You can build a retaining wall if your garden has a slope to stop the uphill becoming a downhill. You can also make retaining walls to add to the architectural interest like building raised garden beds, terraces, and paths. The good news is, learning how to create a retaining wall is easy; follow our retaining wall ideas.

You can build a retaining wall using different materials and style to suit any garden, and since they are all DIY, you can make your dream wall for less.

Make a Plan

Before you start building a retaining wall, you’ll need to come up with a design. If you anticipate your wall to be over a metre high, you need to get authorisation from the local council and hire an engineer to design and certify the wall. Once you get the design, gather the materials that you need.

Timber

If timber is your preferred material for building a retaining wall, get treated pine sleepers or hardwood sleepers. These two types of timber offer excellent value for money.

1. Dig a Trench

Use set-out paint or any other marker that you have to mark the area that you’re going to work on, then add a string line to guide you.

Start by digging at the bottom of the slope – this is the level base for the retaining wall.

Dig holes and insert vertical supports using the thicker sleepers. The vertical slopes should be at least 75mm thick. Once you dig the trench, clear an area, at least 500mm wide for the wall and drainage. Remember to break up any rock that you encounter when digging the channel to get a levelled base.

2. Lay the Foundation Row

After levelling the trench, lay the foundation row of timber.

When laying the timber, start at one end of the trench and put a 6X6 on the ground. Adjust the timber to keep it straight. You can use a hammer or a sledgehammer to make any adjustments and confirm that the timber is inline using a level.

Once the timber is in line, secure it in place using a piece of rebar driven straight into the soil.

Continue with the next piece of timber and install a row of foundation timbers. Check to ensure that the timber is level across the length.

timber-retaining-wall

3. Installing the Remaining Rows

Space the supports every 1.5m for 3m long sleepers, and 1.2m for 2.4m long sleepers. Ideally, the horizontal sleepers should be 50mm thick. Lay the flat sleepers against the horizontal supports, check the level and secure them using a bolt. You can screw the sleepers from the front or back, but if you’re doing it from behind, be careful not to drive the screw out through the front.

Using a hand saw, cut off any excess timber to make the ends even.

Paint the walls to match your outdoor area or garden.

Concrete Blocks

Interlocking blocks are great for a DIY retaining wall project because they don’t need mortar. The interlocking bricks come prefinished, and this means that once you lay them, you don’t have to do anything else to make them look good, saving you time and money.

1. Preparing the Foundation

After marking the area, start digging the trench. The first row of concrete blocks should be buried halfway, so you should take this into account when digging the trench.

If the trench slopes, you’ll have to create the steps using a torpedo level. Creating the steps is the best way to keep the wall level.

Compact the base of the trench using a ground tamper or a vibrating plate compactor. Many people make the mistake of downplaying this part but if the soil is loose, the wall will settle, and this will affect its stability.

2. Lay Crushed Stone Base

Always use crushed stone instead of gravel as the base of your concrete retaining wall.

Why crushed stone?

Crushed stone is expensive, but it’s the best material for your base. Crushed stone has sharp angles that interlock, this makes it easy to compact and when compacted, it stays that way. The crushed stone base also offers better drainage than gravel.

When laying the gravel, leave the stone not more than 0.01 metres over the final height. The stone levels up to the final height after compacting.

3. Laying the First Course

After laying the first course of the concrete blocks, use a torpedo level to keep the course lined up. This is an important step, so take your time until you get it right. The first course should be at the centre of the trench.

4. Clean Up

Make sure that there are no small pebbles or any other debris on the surface of the blocks to maintain the alignment. Any block that is not in line affects the block above it, and so on, causing an ugly bump at the top of the course.

5. Retain Drainage

Retaining wall drainage is key to building a strong and long-lasting retaining wall. After laying a few rows, backfill the wall with the crushed stone until it matches the height of the wall then put a perforated drain tile on the rock.

Install a drain gate and drain tee fittings every 6m to 15 m depending on the amount of rainwater expected down the wall.

You need to cut one block down to find space for the drain gate and screw the parts together to keep the unit intact when you add more rock.

Go Natural

If you want a natural-looking retaining wall, use granite or sandstone instead of timber and blocks.

You need to prepare a base similar to a concrete block foundation and then move on to laying the bits of rocks together.

When building a sandstone or granite retaining wall, you need to find rocks that lock together. Once you lay the foundation, add mortar to hold the stones in place. Lay another bed of mortar between the rocks as you level up. Complete the walls by filling the joints at the front with more mortar. Wipe with a sponge or a soft cloth for a smooth finish.

You can also build a natural-looking retaining wall using dry stack stone using the following steps:

  • Set cornerstones at both sides of the granite steps and either end of the granite steps.
  • Set the flat stones between the cornerstones and lay a tie-back stone every 1.5m for extra stability.
  • Keep laying the flat stones up the wall until you get to your desired height.
  • Confirm stability of the wall every few levels.
  • Lay capstones as the final course to get a flat and smooth top.

Remember to toss the unwanted or leftover stones behind the wall and once you’re done building the wall, fill it up with gravel up to the top level. Add some mulch or lay some coloured stones on the top level to add to the beauty.

Call the Experts

Learning how to build a retaining wall takes time and dedication. Building the actual wall also takes time, commitment, and energy, a lot of energy. You have to dig up a trench, pile up the stones, concrete blocks or timber, mix the mortar and fill up the back of the wall with rock and gravel. If you don’t call your mates to help you out, building a small retaining wall can last days or even weeks.

Whether you want to build a new retaining wall or repair an old one, you will find plenty of retaining wall experts near you. A retaining wall builder has the tools, skills, and expertise to build or repair a retaining wall and have your garden look amazing. You can get free quotes now from highly rated and trusted retaining wall experts.

FAQs on How to Build a Retaining Wall

How much does it cost to build a retaining wall?

The cost of building a retaining wall depends on many factors such as the type of material used, the size of the retaining wall, the qualifications of the builder and the rates in your area. A DIY project is cheaper because you get to build the wall yourself, but the wall might not be up to standards.

What is the cheapest material for building a retaining wall?

Natural stone is the cheapest material especially if you have it on-site and it doesn’t need cutting, but it’s also the most expensive if it has to be cut.

How high can I build a retaining wall?

Retaining walls that exceed a certain height must be designed by an engineer and approved by the local council. For example, in Queensland and Victoria, any wall over one metre must be approved. In NSW, you need authorisation if the wall is over 600mm, other places 800mm.

Your ultimate guide on how to start your vegetable garden

From seedling to picking your veggies, how do you put your vegetable garden together

Your ultimate guide on how to start your vegetable garden

Growing vegetables at home is rewarding on so many levels. You’ll get to savour the taste of garden-fresh veggies all season — and everyone knows the flavour of home-grown tomatoes, carrots, broccoli and other vegetables is so much better than store-bought produce! On top of being able to serve up the tastiest green salads, roasted veggie soups, and pasta primavera on the planet, when you know how to start a vegetable garden, you’ll also save money on your grocery bills. With a home garden, you’ll have an abundance of fresh vegetables and herbs for your kitchen. In fact, you’ll likely have extra veggies for pickling or to share with friends and neighbours.

There are a few things you should know about starting a vegetable garden and helping it thrive. And if you need assistance getting started or want someone to take care of the garden work for you, you can always get help from an experienced gardener from Airtasker. Don’t worry, you can still tell your friends you grew everything yourself!

From planning what to plant to knowing how to prep the soil, with a little garden knowledge you can get started growing your perfect vegetable garden.

How to Set Up Your Vegetable Garden Space

Before deciding which veggies to plant and shopping for a fun pair of gardening gloves, you’ll want to decide the location and planter type for your garden. Here’s what you need to consider:

  • Sunlight: Make sure your garden will get at least six hours of sun a day. This way you won’t be limited to partial sunlight plants. Also, plenty of sun can help to protect your plants from disease.
  • Wind: Pick a location that’s protected from both heavy winds and frosts.
  • Water: If you can start your vegetable garden near your water source, it will be a lot easier to take care of your plants as they grow.
  • Planter Type: If you have limited space for your garden, you can use pots and vertical gardening techniques. This is a great option for apartment dwellers. Have a big yard space? You can set up a garden bed or build raised beds.
vegetable-garden-greens
Source: peng wang

What Is a Practical Size for a Starter Veggie Garden?

Even if you have a lot of space to plant your vegetable garden, you don’t necessarily want to create more work for yourself than you can handle. As your plants grow, you’ll have to do some weeding, watering, pruning and other basic maintenance.

A good rule of thumb is to start small — 3 or 4 square metres is a reasonable size for a starter garden. Then, you can expand next season once you decide how much garden work is enough for you and how many vegetables you want. You can always add more raised beds, expand your ground soil garden bed, or add more pots or planters later on.

How to Prep the Soil for a Vegetable Garden

The right soil is essential for helping your plants to grow. Plenty of nutrients in the soil and adequate drainage is a must for healthy growth and disease resistance:

  • If you have sandy soil, dig about 30 centimetres deep and work in 10 centimetres of organic matter such as compost or aged manure. Mulching can improve soil quality even further. Seaweed, straw and nutshells work well as a mulch for sandy soil.
  • For clay soil, you can use the same 10/30-centimetre process, working in rough organic compost to improve the soil’s structure like manure, garden compost, and chopped leaves. Adding some sand or fine pea gravel into the soil mix will also boost the aeration quality. Mulch with soft sawdust, which will absorb extra water and prevent the soil from packing.
  • For all soil types, you can work in aged compost every planting season to improve the health of your vegetable garden.
  • For raised beds or pots and planters, you can purchase your soil mix. To get the best results, ask your landscape supplier or garden centre about a special vegetable garden growing mix. For pots, use a high-quality organic vegetable potting mix.

What Plants Are Good for Starting a Vegetable Garden?

When you are learning how to successfully start a vegetable garden, go for plants that are relatively low maintenance like lettuces, beans, radishes, peppers and tomatoes.

You also will want to try and plant companion vegetables near each other. As funny as it sounds, just like people, some plants get along well together and can even support one another’s growth, whilst other vegetables will stunt the growth of certain plants.

Here are some vegetable garden growing ideas, keeping companion planting in mind:

  • Kale, broccoli and other plants from the cabbage family will thrive near beets and herbs from the mint family.
  • Plant a salsa garden with tomatoes, carrots, spicy and sweet peppers, onions, garlic, and cilantro.
  • If you love fresh garden beans, you can plant them next to your cucumbers, radishes, and celery, but keep them away from your onions and garlic.
  • Squashes, peas, beans, cucumber and corn make a lovely summer garden, although you’ll want to separate your tomatoes from this combination.

What about different seasons and what will work in your climate. Here’s our guide to what to plant for your winter vegetable garden.

Should You Start with Seeds or Seedlings?

If you are starting early enough in the growing season, you can start your vegetables with seeds. Plant your seeds indoors — you can use egg cartons with potting soil — about 4 to 6 weeks before transplanting to your garden bed or outdoor pots.

vegetable-garden-seedling
Source: Markus Spiske

If you want to make starting your vegetable garden a little easier, or if it’s later in the season, you can purchase seedlings from your local garden centre and put those directly into the ground.

For any help setting up your vegetable garden or with routine care, find a gardener near you. From building your raised beds and prepping the soil to getting everything in the ground, you can get all the help you want.

Once your vegetables are planted, you’ll want to follow the care instructions for each plant and regularly check for pests and remove any weeds. Before you know it, you’ll have plump red tomatoes, fresh spring peas, sweet, crunchy carrots, and more ready to harvest.

Which are the best vegetables to grow in winter

Gardening is a year-round activity and here's how to get the best of out your winter garden

Which are the best vegetables to grow in winter

Wondering which vegetables to grow in winter? The fact is, growing winter vegetables is not as difficult as you think. But to get it right, you’ll want to know the right plants that do well in the cold weather and which ones can thrive in your climate.

Basically, there are vegetables that do well in certain climates and fail in others. For example, vegetables that grow in tropical areas may not do well in a cool climate.

This article has all the information you need to successfully grow vegetables in winter. But if you want to get back to basics, take a look at this beginner’s guide to gardening.

Winter Vegetables That Do Well in Cool Climates

In areas such as Tasmania and Victoria which have a cool winter climate, you can grow these winter vegetables:

  • Cabbage
  • Onions
  • Turnip
  • Beetroot
  • Potatoes
  • English spinach
  • Broad beans
  • Carrots
  • Silverbeet
  • Leeks
  • Chinese cabbage and broccoli
  • Cauliflower

For the best results, plant these vegetables in a place where they will get full sunlight.

Temperate Region Winter Vegetables

Some winter vegetables that you can grow in places such as the coastal part of New South Wales and some parts of Victoria include:

  • Peas
  • English spinach
  • Green beans
  • Broad beans

Dry Area Winter Vegetables

The temperatures in the dry inland parts of Australia can dip, but you can still grow a number of vegetables. Some of the vegetables that do well in the dryer areas include:

  • Turnips
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Peas
  • Brussel sprouts
  • Lettuce
  • Cauliflower

For better maintenance of the plants and to preserve water, grow the vegetables in pots and cover the soil with mulch to retain as much moisture as possible.

Winter Vegetables for Subtropical Areas

There are vegetables that do well in subtropical areas such as southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales. The vegetables that flourish in these areas are:

  • Peas
  • Shallots
  • Turnips
  • Radishes
  • Spinach
  • Broccoli
  • Broad beans
  • Lettuce
  • Onions
  • Spring onions

Tropical Area Winter Vegetables

beetroot-vegetable-garden
Source: Markus Spiske

The tropical weather, wet or dry, is possibly the best for growing winter veggies. Some of the places with this type of climate include parts of Western Australia, the Northern Territories, and Northern Queensland. The vegetables that you can grow include:

  • Zucchini
  • Broccoli
  • Lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Cauliflower
  • Pumpkin
  • Sweet corn
  • Cabbage
  • Tomatoes
  • Sweet potato
  • Beetroot

This is a favourable climate and you can grow these and many more vegetables.

Tips to Successfully Grow Winter Vegetables

Vegetables need as much sun as they can get regardless of the season. The sun is low during winter months, so your garden should be in an area that gets full winter sunlight. Take a look at your property and pick the area that gets the most sun.

The best way to plant a vegetable garden is to plant your veggies in rows with each variety in its own row. You can also opt for a winter vegetable container garden.

To prevent pest infestation, you can plant herbs that are known to repel garden pests. Some of the herbs that emit a pungent smell and repel pests include sage, basil, lavender, and oregano. The smell is so strong that many pests cannot stand them. Other herbs taste terrible and pests avoid them at all costs.

The process of planting different plants to obtain specific benefits such as pest repelling is called companion planting. This is an age-old practice that also improves the health of plants. For example, if you live in a cool area, plant peas and broad beans together. If you live in Western Australia or other tropical areas, plant tomatoes mixed with carrots and beans.

Avoid using chemicals and herbicides to grow healthy and organic vegetables. Growing an eco-friendly garden is easy and features the following steps:

  • Create fertiliser from compost
  • Use mulch or a drip irrigation system to control water usage
  • Learn how you can attract friendly insects and birds to control garden pests
  • Apply companion planning

Regardless of the size of your garden, you can grow winter vegetables that do well in your climate. Plant the vegetables close together for a big harvest.

Those with small yards or the only space that is available is on the balcony can also grow winter vegetables.

How? By planting the vegetables in pots and crates. Peas and beans are a perfect example of vegetables that use up less space in your balcony.

The Best Time to Plant Your Winter Vegetables

Instead of planting all your vegetables at the same time, stagger them throughout the cold winter months and you will have a constant supply of fresh vegetables straight from your garden.

Want to Hire a Professional Gardener?

If you want the help of a gardening expert to grow winter veggies, head to Airtasker. You will find hundreds of skilled and experienced gardeners to help you create the perfect garden to grow winter vegetables. A professional gardener will also recommend the vegetables that grow in your climate and the best time to plant them.

40 Magical fairy garden ideas – inspiration for your own DIY fairy garden

Whether you’re a big kid or a little one, you’ll love the whimsy of a fairy garden!

40 Magical fairy garden ideas – inspiration for your own DIY fairy garden

It’s a niche hobby increasingly beloved around the world. Miniature gardening involves creating tiny gardens with plants and other elements all in scale with each other. Its gardeners construct elaborate vignettes with bonsai trees, dwarf plants and accessories. But what exactly is a fairy garden? They’re sometimes also known as dish gardens, teacup gardens, gnome gardens and windowsill gardens. But whatever you call it, a fairy garden is simply an extremely enchanting type of miniature garden. And that’s why I’ve put the best fairy garden ideas in the one spot for you.

So what sets a fairy garden apart from a standard miniature garden? Well, all miniature garden arrangements are inevitably cute. But fairy gardens have that whimsical and magical element to them. They suggest little woodland creatures are living beside you in your landscape. And what’s not to love about that?

fairy-garden-toadstool
Source: Photo by Fiona Smallwood on Unsplash

You might like to build yourself a magical space for your own amusement, or as a conversation piece. Or you might like to create a fairy garden to bewitch your children. Either way, it doesn’t actually have to resemble a traditional backyard garden. Some fairy gardeners create worlds with mountains and deserts, undersea or farm scenes. Some enthusiasts even create entire villages.

miniature fairy garden idea
Source: Molly Triplett via Unsplash 

One thing I’ve noticed is that a fairy garden isn’t necessarily always feminine in style. There are plenty of examples of fairy gardens that have a masculine appeal. What about creating a tiny man-cave for your elves? Perhaps a surfer-elf BBQ scene (this would look perfect contained in an old Weber)? Need a gift for your wine-loving friend? How about a Dionysian vignette, complete with cheeky little creatures having drunken shenanigans? The choice is yours, so let your imagination run free! There are so many potential fairy garden ideas. You’re certainly not limited to making a cute home for Tinkerbell.

Here, I’ve compiled 40 fairy garden ideas for creating an adorable, realistic fairy garden. Of course, you could always buy a mass-produced plastic ‘fairy door’ and nail it to a tree in your garden. But where’s the fun in that?! Stand by for a bunch of ideas that are so much more rewarding.

1. Planning your fairy garden

Wondering where to start? It’s easy. Simply pick the container you want to use. Decide on the perfect location. Sketch the layout of your garden on paper, noting where you will be planting your trees and shrubs. Choose a focal point for your garden. Add your low-growing plants (creeping groundcovers, easy to care for succulents or potted colour). Then add your characters and accessories.

When creating your fairy garden, you can start small and gradually build it up over time, so don’t be afraid to just dive in!

2. Design around the ‘bones’

Life-size gardeners begin with what they call the anchor points or bones of a garden. These are the trees and shrubs that remain in place all year when your perennials are dormant and annuals have finished their run. And gardening in miniature still follows the rules of regular-sized gardening. In other words, design the whole garden around the bones—the trees and shrubs.

3. Develop a realistic miniature

To really give your garden a fairy atmosphere, it’s best if you develop as realistic a miniature as possible. This means incorporating true miniature or dwarf trees when you are planning the bones of your garden.

fairy-garden-house
Source: Photo by David Gonzales from Pexels

4. Choose the perfect location

You can make a fairy garden anywhere. On a windowsill, in an office corner. in a flower bed, under a tree, potted on the patio. Consider a position near the base of a blossoming tree –and you’ll enjoy your fairy garden getting covered in pink ‘snow’ when in season. An elevated container is a great idea too, to ensure that your fairy garden can be seen amongst the other garden plants.

You might already have an idea about the ideal spot in your garden, but if you’re unsure, think about creating your fairy garden in a portable container.

5. Decide on your container

You can create your fairy garden in any kind of container. There are tailor-made fairy garden structures that can be as elaborate as fancy dolls houses. Or there are terrariums and vivariums you can buy. Lots of fairy gardeners love to repurpose items such as an old wheelbarrow, wooden crate or even a BBQ. The more unusual the container, the more character your fairy garden will have. Some fairy garden container ideas include:

  • Repurpose an old BBQ
  • A portable fairy garden
  • A vintage suitcase
  • Traditional ‘teacup’ gardening
  • A spot in your garden
  • In a planter
  • A stack of flowerpots
  • In a gourd or pinecone
fairy-garden-rustic
Source: Image by Lisa Redfern from Pixabay

6. Choose a focal point

Fairy landscapes need a focal point, whether it’s a tiny tree, a fairy house or a little vintage caravan. If you decide to have a tree as a focal point, choose an authentic mini or dwarf tree to plant which really looks the part. Something that creates a canopy is perfect to give a forest look; for example, the Verdoni Dwarf Hinoki Cypress. Flowering topiaries also make perfect fairy-like trees.

7. Choose your plants and flowers wisely

When adding living plants, make sure you consider their care requirements. If indoors in low light, choose plants that thrive in those conditions, and the same goes for positions of bright light and sun. Ensure containers have good drainage.

You’ll want to incorporate plants whose growth can be restricted. This may be because they have a natural dwarf growth habit (such as Irish or Scotch Moss). Or, you might have kept a mini plant in its pot and sunk it in the surrounding ground, thereby limiting its growth. Succulents and alpine plants are popular for fairy gardens as they are compact and can be very cute.

Plants such as Sempervivum, Stonecrop or Miniature African Violet, or herbs like Corsican Mint, are ideal. When choosing flowering plants, pick those which have flowers to match your chosen colour scheme. It also helps to pick ones that are easy maintenance (for example, Kalanchoe or Miniature Cyclamen). Trailing plants and flowering vines are also a great choice too. They can be trained over a trellis and create magical arbours for your woodland creatures to wander underneath. You can also create a tiny lawn with a slow-growing perennial groundcover featuring dainty flowers.

8. But…don’t overwhelm with plants

Make sure to include open, negative space which enables the imagination to ‘fill in’ the gaps. If you use too much colour in such a small space, it can appear too busy and cluttered. So instead choose a few complementary colours (for example, purple flowers with chartreuse foliage).

9. Decide on your scale

You’ll want to keep the same scale throughout your fairy garden or things will just look odd. You can decide on the scale you like for yourself, but you’ll be more limited if purchasing pre-made fairy garden items and accessories. Because the fairy garden trend started in America, the imperial measure 1:12 (one inch to one foot) has become somewhat standardised. But you’ll have much more freedom if handmaking items yourself.

10. Add your characters

To look genuinely inhabited by small folk, you obviously need characters and their belongings as well as a cute landscape. Elves, gnomes, nymphs, faeries—choose your favourite style of woodland creature. You might buy little characters you love, or if you are crafty, make your small folk out of polymer clay or putty.

11. A fairy house, or simply fairy doors and windows

You may have a full fairy house in your setting, or you may just wish to add a few elements like gorgeous handmade fairy doors and windows.

miniature fairy house garden
Source: Justine Meyer via Unsplash

12. A mailbox to receive fairy mail

This is an especially cute feature if children will be playing with the fairy garden, so they can leave letters for the fairies.

13. Water feature fairy garden ideas

A regular-sized water feature adds to the charm of your normal-sized garden landscape. And the same goes for a fairy-sized water feature such as a wee little pond. If you use real water, you can add a drop of bleach to freshen it and help keep mosquitoes and algae away. If you aren’t keen on a real water feature you can simulate the appearance of real water with a small mirror or even a piece of blue-glazed ceramic or iridescent marbles.

Shells make perfect paddling pools for fairies when turned upside down and filled with water and some little blooms.

Two fairys sitting in front of their fairy house
Source: Shutterstock

14. Create a miniature bridge

You can also create a bridge over any water feature you install. A bridge couldn’t be easier to construct from twigs and flowers, such as this gorgeous creation.

Fairy garden in a flower pot with walking path, wooden bridges and a fairy house.
Source: Shutterstock

15. Create a cascading water feature

All you need is a few shells, water and food colouring, and a bit of cling-wrap.

16. Give them a wishing well

Fairies believe in magic, too, so let them have a place to make their own wishes.

17. Create a path or stepping stones

Use pebbles or marbles to create a path, but note that you don’t want to overdo the “tinyness” by making absolutely everything miniature. It’s good to have some contrast between regular-size and fairy-size elements. Juxtapose tiny fairy items with real-life size items, such as a huge path of normal-sized flagstones leading to a tiny fairy garden gate. This reinforces the cuteness of the tiny landscape within the larger one.

18. A picket fence

Picket fences and gates are easy to create with coffee stir-sticks or icy pole sticks. You can also use icy pole sticks to make furniture for your creatures.

enchanted fairy garden fence
Source: Molly Tripplet via Unsplash

19. Add their little things

With fairy gardens, it’s all in the details. Your fairy garden inhabitants need belongings and furniture to create a realistic scene. And of course to allow humans to be completely mesmerised by all the intricate details. You could buy fairy garden accessories in major garden centres or online these days.

But there are also endless DIY projects you can find which can be rustled up in an afternoon. These will give your fairy garden so much more authenticity. Look for recycled and reclaimed materials to repurpose. Or you can get crafty with modelling clay, matchsticks or icy pole sticks, wire or other bits and bobs.

Some fairy gardeners take the level of precision up a notch by creating realistic “smoke” to come out of a chimney. Or they might create tiny serviettes for the table, or run up some minuscule curtains in a few minutes on the sewing machine.

Miniature Fairies in a Rock Garden
Source: Shutterstock

20. Add mini gazing balls

These hark back to Medieval times when they were an actual thing for humans. Now, they can make a wonderful feature for your fairy garden. Use little Christmas baubles for outdoors or glass balls for indoor gardens.

fairy-garden-gazing-ball
Source: Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

21. Add some toadstools

Magic toadstools in brilliant colours will set the scene.

22. Create a fairy tent

A miniature playspace for your woodland creatures.

23. Make a flower parasol for your little beings

Make a flower parasol with a single flower and a matchstick. They may not last long but they look adorable and are so easy to make.

24. Set up their kitchen and places to eat

Set up an alfresco dining area for your little beings, or create a typical kitchen/dining space on a tiny scale. Make somewhere for the fairies to sit and have a goblet of mead. It’s easy and fun to create bespoke furniture out of twigs and bits of bark, and using gumnuts for crockery.

25. Add miniature fairy food

Make your own with polymer clay, or find a clever maker online. Mini fairy bread must surely be the staple diet of fairies!

26. Miniature fire with roasted marshmallows

You could also add realistic “fire” made from cellophane.

27. Fairy garden sinks

Help your creatures with their self-care routine by providing bathroom amenities. Add in a twig-framed mirror, sink made of nutshell and twig faucet!

28. Have somewhere for fairies to sleep

A dreamy sleep space for your little creatures to rest.

fairy-garden-butterflies
Source: Pexels

29. Help them keep clean

You can create mini brooms in a jiffy, or a little fairy clothesline complete with tulle skirts fluttering in the breeze.

30. Give them benches to help them rest

A little bench for your fairies can be easily constructed and decorated with useful small items.

Fairy garden with deer, gazing balls and mushrooms in a flower pot
Source: Shutterstock

31. Fairy bicycles

Get them active in the great outdoors with a brand new bicycle.

32. Swings and roundabouts

Add a bit of playground fun for your creatures.

33. When your fairies are little gardeners themselves

Make them a tiny wheelbarrow. Construct some mini garden tools like spades and trowels made from recycled aluminium foil containers. Thimbles can become pot plants, and little acorn flowerpots can contain plasticine plants. For all these and more, you’ll find plenty of DIY instructions online.

34. A tiny koi pond

Your fairies will love to pet their own koi fish.

Fruit fairy house in a fantastic forest with koi pond
Source: Shutterstock

35. A mini harp

For your musical fairies.

36. Mini easels

For your artist fairies.

37. Add gorgeous tiny woodland fauna

You might also like to include things like mini birdbaths or mini birds’ houses or birds’ nests with tiny baby birds in your setting—these can be easily made with little branches or straw, and filled with polymer clay or putty ‘eggs’.

mini bird house fairy garden
Source: Lachlan Gowen via Unsplash

38. Use fairy lighting

If ever there was an appropriate use for fairy lighting, this is it. Adding solar-powered fairy lights will add that little touch of magic to your fairy garden.

Love fairy lights? Don’t we all, so that’s why we’ve put together this post about all the different fairy light ideas around the home.

39. Fairy garden ideas: Play with themes

If you’ve been bitten by the fairy garden bug, a simple (or even elaborate) fairy garden that stays the same all year long will probably no longer be enough. You’ll likely start wanting to decorate your mini garden throughout seasonal festivities. That might mean redecorating for Christmas or creating a mini pumpkin patch in October. Or how about a Mad Hatter’s tea party for Easter?

 

You might decide to create a classically Aussie outdoors vignette to celebrate summer. Or add romance to your mini garden for Valentine’s Day.

40. Consider a starter kit

The best fairy gardens are personalised to reflect something about their gardener, not generic. In fact, fairy garden arrangements also make the perfect gift. You can design a bespoke fairy garden to suit your loved one that has nods to their interests or elements of their lives. Some companies sell mini garden kits, which you could use as a foundation. Then embellish to create a really special and unique fairy garden kit as a gift.

fairy-garden-clay
Source: MrsKirk72 from Pixabay

And that’s a wrap on my 40 fabulous fairy garden ideas. Have you already created a fairy garden yourself? Or have any of these fairy garden ideas inspired you to start one? Share your experience in the comments!

5 surprisingly cheap ways to add value when selling your house

Maximise return with these tips.

5 surprisingly cheap ways to add value when selling your house

If you’re selling your home you’re aiming for one thing: maximising the return on your investment. This means being smart about presenting the property to future buyers, and carefully considering how much time and money you put in to preparing the property for sale.

As a property stylist, I understand how properties are sold, and that there are many factors that will determine the value of your home. You can’t change the location and land size, but you can change the aesthetics.

Don’t be fooled. Preparing property for sale doesn’t require months and $10,000’s spent on renovations. Whilst renovations add value, they can also be very costly. Overcapitalisation when renovating is a common mistake, but there are some surprisingly easy ways to add value to your home.

Here’s 5 surprisingly cheap ways or steps to add value when selling your house

Follow these easy steps, which can be completed within a day and cost less than $1,000, to instantly add value when selling a property:

De-clutter
Clean walls, windows and doors
Create flow and space
De-personalise
Tidy up the garden

1. De-clutter

The quickest way to add value when selling a property is also the simplest; tidy and remove clutter. Over time, residents accumulate more and more “stuff”. This “stuff” occupies space making a property appear smaller than it really is.

What is this “stuff”? Anything that isn’t essential for presentation.

Consider packing away these items to make rooms appear cleaner and larger:

  • Kettle & toaster
  • Bins
  • Sports equipment
  • Toys
  • Excessive books & magazines
  • Cleaning & bathroom products
  • Iron & ironing board
  • Laundry baskets

Anything that can be placed in a cupboard, wardrobe or drawer should go. But watch out – don’t stuff these storage areas until they burst! Potential buyers will open storage spaces to imagine the room required for their belongings. If you overload these spaces it could give the impression of limited storage space.

If necessary, pack away items and store them off the property.
5 property styling tips to add value | Airtasker
Clean windows make a property feel fresh. Image: The Urbane Property Stylist

2. Clean walls, doors and windows

Basic cleaning is obvious. Everyone will vacuum carpets, sweep and mop the floor, tidy and clean the bathroom when preparing a home for sale. Yet many sellers overlook the main structure of the house: the walls, doors and windows. These might go unnoticed by sellers, but not by buyers.

Marks accumulate on walls, doors and windows through everyday wear and tear, and over time you become accustomed to their state. A gradual build up of scuffing on a wall or marks around a door handle can be difficult to distinguish when you see the space every day.

Even if potential buyers can’t quite pinpoint what it is they will leave feeling that the property is tired and old.

Make sure you check and clean these often-overlooked areas:

  • Door frames and doors, especially around handles
  • Light switches
  • Kitchen cupboards, especially around handles
  • The cupboard under the sink
  • On top/underneath whitegoods and appliances
  • Power outlets
  • Light fixtures

Window cleaning is an insignificant cost, but an effective investment when selling your home. Professional window cleaners are incredibly quick and will complete the average home, inside and out, within three hours. In the meantime, you can start on the walls with magic erasers.

5 property styling tips to add value | Airtasker
Place furniture to allow clear flow through a room. Image: The Urbane Property Stylist

3. Create flow and space in every room

Whether or not you believe in Feng Shui there’s no denying that the layout of a room has a big impact on buyer perception. A cramped or unintuitive layout makes a room feel small and unwelcoming.

The aim is to create an appealing, and accessible, vision of life in the property, so rearrange furniture or remove any items that make a room feel busy or heavy.

Place large furniture against walls and away from entranceways to maximise space and flow through each room. Buyers should enter a room without seeing the back of a couch or the side of a bed. There should be a clear path from the entranceway to the key space within the room.

If your existing furniture is crowding a room then consider downsizing. This may require removing an armchair or side table. Don’t let yourself be constrained to functionality. For example, if the lounge room layout could be improved with it the TV located against a different wall, then do it. Don’t hesitate to move the TV away from the antenna point.

4. De-personalise the house

Potential buyers don’t want to feel like they are moving into another family’s home – they want to picture how their own life might play out in the space. A key factor in adding value when selling is to allow people viewing the property the opportunity to imagine themselves in the home without being distracted by the current residents’ personal items.

Buyers should walk away from an inspection with no knowledge of the current residents – who they are, what they do or what they like – as this can unconsciously create bias.

While it might sound cold, you should remove any clue that the property is currently occupied. Follow this checklist:

  • Take down all family photos
  • Tidy away kids’ toys
  • Ensure the fridge is clean of bills, invitations and even magnets
  • Pack away any pet items
  • Place clothing, shoes and bags out of sight
  • Remove personal toiletries from the bathroom
  • Remove used towels – but make sure there are fresh ones hanging on towel rails
  • Hide letters that have arrived at the property
5 property styling tips to add value | Airtasker
Tidy the garden for an instant value add. Image: The Urbane Property Stylist

5. Clean up the garden and outdoor spaces

Getting the garden and outdoor spaces in shape can make a big difference to the way people perceive the value of a property. Potential buyers can be turned off by the thought of a high-maintenance garden, so make sure you’ve taken care of those once-a-year jobs like pruning and oiling the deck before you sell.

A month out from the first home open:

  • Prune any overgrown shrubs, hedges or edging
  • Weed garden beds and remove any dead plants
  • Pressure wash the driveway, deck or paving to remove any dirt or mould
  • Oil or restain decking

Before every inspection:

  • Mow the lawn and whipper snipper edges
  • Sweep up fallen leaves from the lawn, deck or paving
  • Clear spider webs from corners, gutters and around downpipes

If garden beds are looking a little bare invest in neutral ground coverage:

  • Use pebbles as an alternative to grass or to cover unattractive dirt patches
  • Throw down mulch to instantly bulk out garden beds that are too large to completely fill with foliage
  • Don’t spend big planting exotic foliage that may not be to a new buyer’s taste – try classic greenery like a Japanese box bush or Little Gem magnolia.

Whilst a lot of value can be added within a single day, it pays to start the garden work early if you want to present a garden that looks lush, healthy and tidy. The efforts of a professional gardener will be realised fully after several months of growth, so call in landscaping help early if you intend to plant anything.

All of these steps can be achieved at low cost by yourself or with a little assistance and will instantly add value when preparing property for sale. If you’re willing to take these steps it’s worth considering property styling to really transform the space and maximise the sale price.

Need a hand with repairs, cleaning or gardening before you sell? Find anything you need on Airtasker.

The best indoor plants for Australian homes, and where to get them

Here's where to find the best houseplants all around Australia!

The best indoor plants for Australian homes, and where to get them

If you want to liven up your living space, purify the air or bring a bit of the outside in, houseplants can make an unbe-leaf-able difference to your abode.

We’ve found the best places to buy indoor plants all over Australia, so skip to the end to find a nursery, plant store or market near you!

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Need help with your home project?

Get more done with Airtasker.

Keen to green your house but not sure where to start?

Here are 10 of the best indoor plants for Australian homes:

Fiddle leaf fig indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

1) Fiddle Leaf Fig

If you don’t own a Fiddle Leaf Fig do you even #houseplant? The most popular houseplant in the world (according to the gospels of Instagram and Pinterest), Fiddles are prized for their large, luscious leaves.

Much like a toddler that loses its cool when it’s not getting enough attention, Fiddles are temperamental and will sulk if conditions aren’t exactly to their liking. The key to keeping your Fiddle in a good mood is to position it in a well-lit spot (but not immediately next to a window where it’s likely to cop the brunt of the Australian sun) and only water occasionally.

Before watering, stick your finger into the soil and if it feels wet, don’t water again until it has dried out (this is a good rule of thumb for all houseplants).

Monstera deliciosa indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

2) Monstera Deliciosa

Monstera Deliciosa, Swiss Cheese, Split Leaf Philodendron, Mexican Breadfruit or Fruit Salad plant… whatever you call it, there’s no denying the popularity of this suburban favourite. Not convinced? Check out #MonsteraMonday on Instagram for bulk inspo.

While some houseplants are content to grow in a small pot, Monsteras need room to move, so think big when deciding on a pot and where to position it in your home as they can be hard to move once established (unless you hire a helper on Airtasker, of course!).

Hailing from the tropics, Monsteras love humidity, so will flourish when placed in your bathroom (so long as there is plenty of natural light available) where they can soak up your post-shower mist. If you want some more bathroom greenery, check out these bathroom ideas which look at both hanging and potted varieties.

Find a Tasker for your next home project!

String of pearls indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

3) String of Pearls

No shelfie is complete without the cascading tendrils of a String of Pearls but before you race out to the shops, think twice because this highly photogenic plant is a tricky beast to keep alive.

As with many indoor plants, this beauty prefers indirect sunlight and well-drained soil, so you’ll need to pop it in a pot with numerous drainage holes and resist the urge to water regularly. Alternatively, find a vessel you love (anything from an old kettle to a beautiful bowl) and get someone with a drill to drill some drainage holes.

When purchasing String of Pearls you will likely only find small, immature versions available at major nurseries; for more established plants check out Gumtree or plant auction Facebook groups in your area, or one of the plant stores listed at the end of this article.

Tried everything but still can’t seem to keep your beloved String of Pearls happy? Why not get a gardening lesson?

Devil's ivy indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

4) Devil’s Ivy

Don’t be fooled by the name, Devil’s Ivy is a heavenly addition to any home/plant collection. Second only to a succulent in terms of its ability to survive living with somebody who isn’t blessed with the gardening gene, Devil’s Ivy is made of tough stuff.

Plant in a pot or vessel of your choosing (size doesn’t matter) and position wherever you like. Dark corner? No worries. Bright window sill? On the balcony? Not a problem. You can place Devil’s Ivy just about anywhere and it will continue to survive against the odds so long as you water it regularly.

As your Devil’s Ivy grows fuller, propagate new plants by cutting off established leaves and leaving the stems in water until they grow new roots. Voila – free plants!

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Mother in law's tongue indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

5) Mother In Law’s Tongue

A popular decor choice in trendy cafes across the country, the eye-catching Mother-In-Law’s Tongue is a distant relative of asparagus (which explains the tall, shoot-like leaves) but please, try to resist the urge to serve it up with hollandaise on toast.

Tough in appearance and durability, this breed is harder to kill than a bad guy in a horror film so don’t worry too much about over or under-watering.

Sold at most commercial garden centres, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue is so common and easy to grow that websites like Gumtree are packed with them, where they’re generally a lot cheaper than your neighbourhood nursery. Shop around to find the best plant at the best price and if you locate a particularly large one that won’t fit in your car (they can grow up to 3-4 feet tall!), hit up Airtasker for help with transport.

Calathea indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

6) Calathea

A rising star on the houseplant scene due to its striking leaves, the elegant Calathea is quickly gaining traction with plant collectors and amateur green thumbs.

To flourish, Calathea requires some serious TLC including being kept hydrated with distilled water (as poor quality tap water can cause leaf burn), plus regular fertilisation.

Prune off dead leaves to support new growth and expect to experiment with different spots in your home until you find one with the perfect blend of light and humidity – your bathroom is a good starting point. You’ll know you’ve found its dream destination when new leaves start to grow.

If you’re trying your best and still struggling to keep your Calathea alive, click here for additional tips.
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Tillandsia indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

7) Tillandsia

Are you a self-confessed black thumb capable of killing a houseplant with nothing more than a sideward glance? Fear not because Tillandsia thrives in the unforgiving deserts of Mexico, so chances are it will flourish in your one-bed apartment or family residence.

So long as you protect this spiky stunner from frosty weather and cold draughts, Tillandsia will reward you by surviving longer than any family pet you’ve owned to date.

While most houseplants require a dedicated pot filled with potting mix or soil, Tillandsia plants get all of the nutrients they need from the air, so they’ll grow just about anywhere. Forget about them in winter but give them a quick spritz of water every couple of weeks in summer.

Rubber plant indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

8) Rubber Plant

Any indoor gardener worth their watering can own a Rubber Plant or two. Poised to overtake Fiddle Leaf Figs as the most popular houseplant of 2018, Rubber Plants will grow huge, or stay small, depending on the pot they’re in.

For a Rubber Plant that towers over your couch, opt for a gigantic pot. For a pint-sized plant that won’t overshadow the prized midcentury pottery collection on your vintage sideboard, go for a compact pot.

Water regularly, position in a sunny nook and wipe the leaves clean of dust from time to time to encourage growth.

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Haworthiopsis fasciata indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

9) Haworthiopsis Fasciata

The gateway species of the gardening world, succulents appreciate minimal watering and maximum sunlight, so they’re a cinch to keep alive.

For newcomers to houseplants, we suggest earning your stripes with Haworthiopsis Fasciata, also known as the Zebra Plant. Guaranteed to thrive on neglect, Haworthiopsis Fasciata is at its happiest when positioned on a well-lit windowsill with minimal intervention (ie: it doesn’t require regular watering).

This spiky fella will only grow up to 10cm-13cm at best, so pick a small pot and let Mother Nature do the rest.

String of hearts indoor plant | Airtasker Life Skills

10) String of Hearts

Unlike that person you met on Tinder who seemed so promising but is now ghosting you, this succulent vine won’t go breaking your heart.

Also known as Ceropegia woodii or Chain of Hearts this delicate trailing vine is the perfect match for that gluten-free, free-range, fair-trade artisan hanging planter you’ve been eyeing on Etsy. A happy String of Hearts will grow tendrils up to four metres long when not overwatered and planted in well-draining soil in a bright, sunny location. Like a succulent String of Hearts appreciates dry air, so best to avoid the bathroom/laundry.

Top 10 indoor house plants Airtasker


Now you know which plants to look out for, here’s where to get them!

Most large Bunnings and IKEA stores around Australia carry the most trendy indoor plant varieties (we’re looking at you, Monstera), but for more unusual houseplants and variations in colour and style check out these independent nurseries and plant shops.

Where to buy indoor plants in Sydney / NSW:

Butterfly Blooms Garden Centre – 162-166 Unwins Bridge Rd, St Peters NSW 2044

A secret oasis in the Inner West, this independent garden centre has both indoor and outdoor plants plus a huge range of pots, from traditional terracotta to colourful contemporary styles.

Garden Life – 158 Princes Highway, St Peters NSW 2044

When the space you need to fill is more airy atrium than a dark corner you need to visit Garden Life. A calm-inducing warehouse space filled with trailing greenery, carefully sculpted trees, huge pots and rustic-but-ever-so-stylish planters.

Newtown Garden Market – 538 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042

Describing themselves as “the only jungle in Newtown” you can bet you’ll find all your green dreams here.

Domus Botanica – online

With the ethos that “green spaces are better places” Domus Botanic is sharing the love of indoor plants with a perfectly curated selection of plants, plant stands and botanical accessories online.

Where to buy indoor plants in Melbourne / VIC:

Vasili’s Garden – 21-25 Munro Street, Coburg VIC 3058

Go for the plants, stay for the TV show…we’ll leave that one for you to discover!

Ceres – Cnr Roberts and Stewart Streets, Brunswick East VIC 3057

Way more than plants, CERES (the Centre for Education and Research in Environmental Strategies) Community Environment Park is an urban farm and education centre. Learn all about the secret life of plants while you’re picking up some leafy gems from their nursery.

Roraima Nursery – 20 Swan Street, Lara VIC 3212

If you like your houseplants sculptural and spiky get along with Roraima who have one of the largest collections of succulents we’ve ever seen! A perfect indoor plant choice for people who forget to water or go travelling a lot.

Bulleen Art & Garden – 6 Manningham Road West, Bulleen VIC 3105

Whether it’s a Snake Plant, String of Pearls, Cyclamen or Calathea you’re after BAAG has plenty of options and plenty of advice to go with it. Check out their detailed fact sheet for growing indoor plants successfully.

Where to buy indoor plants in Brisbane / QLD:

Oasis Plant Nursery – 65 Herston Road, Kelvin Grove QLD 4059

Only open on Fridays and Saturdays, Oasis really is a little oasis filled with plants grown especially for the Brisbane climate.

Mappins – 240 Montague Road, West End QLD 4101

A converted warehouse filled with everything you need to convert your empty space into green space, Mappins has indoor plants, succulents, bonsai, terrariums and even aquariums! Want to build a vertical garden on your balcony or install a miniature forest in your living room? Mappins will make it happen.

Where to buy indoor plants in Canberra / ACT:

Greengold Nursery – 12 O’Hanlon Place, Federation Square, Nicholls ACT 2913

Run by an enthusiastic team of experienced horticulturalists, Greengold is the place to go for expert advice. They’ll happily help you decide on which plants to choose for a particular space, no matter the size or restrictions.

Heritage Nursery – Weston Park Road, Yarralumla ACT 2600

Palms, ferns, succulents, orchids…whatever type of indoor plant has sparked your obsession you’ll find one or three to add to your apartment or office here.

Willow Park Nursery – 6 Beltana Road, Pialligo ACT 2609

Get your plant fix wandering through extensive greenhouses at Canberra’s oldest nursery, then pop next door to:

Bliss Garden & Giftware – 8 Beltana Road, Pialligo ACT 2609

for an epic range of pots and planters (plus more plants to put in them, of course). You’ll find everything from big glazed pots to woven planters and quirky patterned styles – and a resident peacock!

And hot tips for Canberra – apparently there’s an old man who sells great succulents at the Old Bus Depot Markets on Sundays and the Trash & Treasure Markets in Jamieson have cheap and cheerful ex-office plants looking for new homes!

Where to buy indoor plants in Adelaide / SA:

Charlie & Jack – Rear 2 Sturt Street, Victor Harbor SA 5211

Packed with popular houseplants aplenty, from the Swiss Cheese Monstera to stunning succulents, a chic range of pottery planters and a resident doggo called Juno.

Semaphore Garden & Pets – 119 Semaphore Road, Semaphore SA 5019

Plants, pots AND pets? What more could you want? (Also, Adelaide, we’re loving how much you like animals).

Foliage Plant Studio – 9 Cross Street, West Hindmarsh SA 5007

For all the favourites plus rare and hard-to-find indoor plants, delicate clippings and lovely planters.

Karkoo Nursery – 207 Main Road, Blackwood SA 5051

Fancy a rum cocktail and a bit of jazz while browsing for a miniature pineapple plant? Get down to Karkoo Nursery for plants, punch and pizzazz.

See also: 5 Garden step ideas to beautify your outdoor space

Where to buy indoor plants in Perth / WA:

Little Leaf Co. – 4/496 Marmion Street, Myaree 6154

A creative atelier and indoor garden studio, Little Leaf Co. is a botanical oasis for budding plant parents. Find a huge range of pots, planters and plant stands from the likes of Pop & Scott and Jones & Co among the greenery.

Tony and Sons Nursery – 713 Gnangara Road, Lexia (Landsdale) WA 6065

A must-visit for large scale indoor plants including the popular Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus Lyrata) and dramatic Bird of Paradise (Strelizia Nicolai). Tony, Maria and family have been supplying ornamental plants across WA since 1980 so you know you’re in good hands!

Creation Landscape Supplies – 139 Stirling Highway, North Fremantle WA 6159

From on-trend favourites to rare varieties you’ll find indoor plants for every surface in this lush oasis. Top stock includes Chain of Hearts, Hoya, Philodendron, Devil’s Ivy, Alociasia and Pony Tail Palms.

Green Room Decor – 34 Eighth Avenue, Maylands WA 6051

Find lush plants and heaps of planters in stylish tones and natural textures in this zen space in Maylands.

Salty Gold – 244 South Terrace, South Fremantle WA 6162

Want to give the gift of plant? Start here! Ready-to-go greenery plus gorgeous pots and planters of all varieties, from painted concrete to woven hanging baskets.

Green Assembly – online

If don’t want to physically wander through aisles of greenery to find your perfect new plant friend browse the digital windowsill here instead! Plants, pots and delivery in one, easy.

Where to buy indoor plants in Hobart / TAS:

Howrah Nursery – 469 Rokeby Road, Howrah TAS 7018

A true garden centre with everything you need to cultivate your indoor garden, from plants to pots to potting mix. Dare you not to walk away with some seedings and a citrus tree too.

Redbreast Plants – Flowerdale and Margate locations

Not technically indoor plants, but an incredible selection of Australian native plants. We’re sure you could find a way to get some of these beauties inside! Check out their listings of plants suitable for container planting to get inspired.

Know somewhere else to get amazing indoor plants near you? Let us know in the comments!

Plant illustrations by Jin Ju Hong.

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