Gardening Australia

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

PLANTS • This month’s pick of the bunch for garden lovers nationwide

ON THE SHELF BOOKS

Gardening Australia

WHAT’S ON IT DECEMBER • Your guide to garden shows and events around the country this month

tell us about your event

not SIMPLY RED • Poinsettias make a splash at Christmas, but there’s more to them than their decorative colours, writes JENNIFER STACKHOUSE

white Christmas • Gardenias scent many a festive table, and they make gorgeous pot plants, but there’s a knack to growing them in containers. STEVE FALCIONI shares his five top tips for success

good enough to EAT • Why not go the extra mile with your festive preparations this year and include some flowers? They add colour, flavour, fragrance and that special ‘wow factor’ to meals and drinks. Here are a few ideas from LINDA BRENNAN using flowers you may already have growing in your garden

which flowers are edible?

FLOWERFETTI

growing edible flowers

FLORAL ICE CUBES

COLOURFUL SPRING ROLLS

fabulous florals • What’s in your favourite perfume? Many fragrances are based on flowers, and if you know what they are, you can create some of that scented magic in your own garden, writes ARNO KING

striking the RIGHT NOTES

strong of subtle

COASTAL collectables • Natives, succulents, palms, aloes and cool indoor plants are all given a place to shine in this seaside hideaway

FROM THE GROUND UP

Greg’s TIPS FOR POTTED PLANTS

steady as she FLOWS • To use water wisely and efficiently, you need the right fixtures for your irrigation system or hose. DERYN THORPE explores products that deliver water to garden beds and lawns, as well as containers on the balcony

WATER RESTRICTIONS

DRIPPER SYSTEMS for pots & vertical gardens • There is a range of clever irrigation products to meet the demand for watering containers and vertical gardens on balconies.

HOT & bothered • Summer brings challenges: heat, sunburn, too little water, sudden storms... Here are answers to six reader queries about managing the season’s stresses

Christmas Gift Guide • Great ideas for the gardener in your life

small wonder • This garden packs a lot into a tiny space: on-trend plants in sexy planters, groovy pots, macrame hangers, a barbecue, and a clothesline!

5 top features • Michael McCoy shares what he loves about this garden

easy mowing

the gardener's bucket list VILLA EPHRUSSI DE ROTHSCHILD at Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France • On a rocky promontory overlooking the Mediterranean, these breathtaking gardens reflect the opulence of the French Riviera’s golden days, writes DERYN THORPE

WHILE YOU ARE THERE

DECEMBER a month in the GARDEN • More than 50 jobs to do in your action planner

Top tip

It s time to...

Do it now

Care for a living Christmas tree

Edible garden

net fruit trees

REJOICE IN LEAFCUTTER BEES

In The tropics

IN THE PATCH • Horticultural editor and devoted food grower PHIL DUDMAN shows you what to plant, pick and tend in the edible garden this month

CROPS IN POTS

MAINTAIN ESTABLISHED TOMATO VINES • Vine tomatoes (indeterminate types) need regular maintenance – at least once a week – to stay healthy and give you a...