Australia’s number one monthly gardening resource, ABC Gardening Australia magazine is packed with step-by-step advice and stunning design ideas from its popular team of experts. Whether you are a novice gardener or have a green thumb and years of experience, you’ll find the advice you need.
welcome
STAY IN TOUCH
ON THE SHELF PLANTS • This month’s pick of the bunch for garden lovers nationwide
ON THE SHELF BOOKS
Gardening Australia
ON THE SHELF PRODUCTS
WHAT’S ON IN OCTOBER • Your guide to garden shows and events around the country this month
tell us about your event
star performer • Clematis are beautiful flowering climbers that need a cool climate to thrive… so JENNIFER STACKHOUSE moved interstate to grow them
where to BUY
understanding clematis pruning
portrait of a LADY • Chains of richly coloured blooms cascading from a pergola make lady slipper vine a spectacular sight year-round, writes ARNO KING
spikes of interest • Mix drought-tolerant, bird-attracting agastache into flower borders or pots for colour, texture and fragrant foliage, says DERYN THORPE
where to BUY
5 top picks
rise & shine • An old village bakery is given new life and pretty new surrounds, proving that even amateur gardeners can create a low-maintenance but show-worthy garden that survives the elements
INSTORE • Information from some of our advertisers about their products
THE Seasonal pot • Create spring in a container with this sumptuous display of flowers. It’s an easy way to add high-voltage impact to your garden
CENTRE of attention • Established 40 years ago, Kevin Heinze’s garden centre remains one of the most influential horticultural therapy projects in Australia. JANE EDMANSON takes a look back at the work of its late founder, a kind and visionary man who became one of her great mentors
smarty PLANTS • Can your garden’s inhabitants think and learn? TIM ENTWISLE ponders plant ‘intelligence’
wake up to WICKING BEDS • Save on the early morning watering routine with a simple wicking bed set-up. PHIL DUDMAN explains how this style of growing frees up your time and reduces water use
HOW TO MAKE A SELF-WATERING POT • Like wicking beds, self-watering pots are far more water efficient than regular ones. They work on the same principle, with a water reservoir at the base and some type of wicking unit to transfer the moisture to the growing medium. There are many ways you can make them, including re-using containers and other bits and pieces you have at home. Self-watering convert LES BYRNE demonstrates a simple design option.
WHAT YOU NEED
perfectly imperfect • The most luscious fruit varieties are often the ugly or easily bruised ones, which means they’re best eaten straight off a backyard tree, says JACKIE FRENCH
the gardener’s bucket list • Walking along this brilliantly landscaped derelict railway track above the streets of Manhattan is like wandering through a narrow meadow, writes MICHAEL McCOY
WHILE YOU ARE THERE • These must-see places in New York are all accessible by subway.
OCTOBER a month in the GARDEN • More than 50 jobs to do in your action planner
IN THE PATCH • It’s a time of abundance, with the start of lush watermelon, figs in pots and the celery harvest. Pick up pointers for passionfruit, and take a leaf from Sophie’s Patch with her vertical vegies
HIGH TIMES in the vegie patch • If you want to grow vegies but have limited space, look up! SOPHIE THOMSON profiles seven favourite crops that she grows vertically
try these, too
THE PASSION... & the FURY! • Australian gardeners love...