Cut and Fill
Don visited a classic Australian housing estate to look at some very serious drainage problems caused by the cut and fill method of construction, which is commonly used these days to build houses on sloping land. Cut and fill is when builders cut ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Brian the Genius
Don came across a thriving row of grevilleas (Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon'). When the gardener, Brian, planted the grevilleas, he followed two important gardening principles: Raised garden beds provide good drainage, which is essential for most ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Gypsum Clay Breaker
Growing citrus in containers is easy and there are a couple of really good advantages. For one, the drainage is perfect and because of the compact size, it allows you to grow your favourite citrus just about anywhere. Courtyard, balcony and if ... [... more]
Garden Gurus |
Styes - Better Health Channel.
A stye is an infection of the eyelash follicle, usually caused by the staphylococcus bacterium. Most styes get better within a few days. Treatment options include hot compresses and antibiotic creams. Professional lancing and drainage may be ... [... more]
Better Health |
Herb Baskets
Don showed some innovative ways to grow herbs without a backyard! All you need is a sunny balcony or deck, or even a windowsill. Don turned an ordinary, plastic kitchen container into a fabulous little pot. He simply drilled some drainage holes ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Lawn Feeding Hint
A small amount of fertilizer is actually required and overdoing it creates problems for drainage system with excess nutrients getting into waterways. When using a product like Yates Lush Lawn Master, then 20 grams per square metre is all you ... [... more]
Garden Gurus |
Real Estate Tips
With the main traditional buying season approaching, here are some tips for those of you on the house hunting trail. Don't be put off by bad weather. It's a good time to check the potential property for leaks and poor drainage. Visit the area to ... [... more]
NineMSN OurHouse |
Wombat Pot Feet
Support your plant pots with these popular garden accessories. The pot feet also protect the roots and soil from unwanted insects, such as ants, which can otherwise crawl up through the plant's drainage hole. The feet are handmade, using a ... [... more]
NineMSN OurHouse |
Native Ferns for Cool Climates
A selection of native Australian ferns for the Canberra region, with horticultural notes. There are a number of Australian native fern species which are relatively easy to grow outdoors in cool climate areas. Ferns require good drainage and it is ... [... more]
Australian National Botanic Gardens |
Watering Can Pot
Don showed how to turn an el cheapo, zinc-plated galvanised watering can into garden art. The first step is to drill some holes in the bottom of the watering can for drainage. Add some potting mix to the watering can, put your plant in, and then ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Thingummies: The French Alternative
Find a clean, squat flower pot. Block the drainage hole with a piece of Blu.Tack to prevent the wax from leaking out before it sets. If using ready-made candles, melt them and remove the wicks (reserve a wick to use in your 'Thingummy'). Cut the ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
Dust Bowl to Daintree
Don visited a suburban back garden which was looking like a dust bowl disaster and was in need of a complete renovation. The main existing problems were: retaining wall without drainage and weep holes which allowed the area behind to become ... [... more]
Burke's Backyard |
