106

come inside
ON THE COVER

14 One-tray wonders!

Flavour-packed pasta, lamb
and chicken bakes + desserts
28 Cooking clever Easiest-ever
meatballs, plus cheesy roast cauli
56 Winter surprise Put on
a show with bromeliads

64 Pot up your greenery
88 Dazzle with succulents
106 Revamp for less Lush-looking
spaces without the splurge!
132 Functional furniture Make
a chic foldable coffee table

FOOD

14 Tray bake triumphs Serve

satisfying one-dish wonders
for easy weeknight meals
that won’t break the bank
24 Clarissa’s cuisine Cosy up
with savoury and sweet baked
treats as the temperature drops
28 Colin’s kitchen Try your hand
at hearty recipes that are sure
to be your fam’s new faves, from
cheesy cauli to glazed pork
34 Handmade dumplings Master
the art of these tasty parcels
4 BHG AUGUST 2024

44 Pillow magic Whip up a batch
of cloud-like gnocchi in your
Thermomix, then dress it up
for a next-level dinner
46 Eat well Indulge in gooey
fudgy brownies that are kind
to those with diabetes, too!

48 Better cooking

GARDENING

50 Being tree-mendous! Find the

ideal tree to plant in your yard
56 Brom bombs Bromeliads bring
vibrant colour to winter gardens
64 Lift your mood Bring colour
and magic in from the cold
with container plants
70 One extreme to the other When
time in your garden is fleeting, you
need plants that survive on their own
76 Magic moss Winter works of art
84 Black pearls All about olives
88 Cute and curious Succulents
are a great addition to any garden
92 Fancy foliage Don’t just settle for
green! Glam up your pot plant game
96 Welcome to frog hollow A mini
hotel for amphibian friends
100 Fern gallery Frame green goodness

Cover photography Alan Jensen; styling Michele Cranston

56

AUGUST CONTENTS

14 50
102 In your garden
104 Better gardening
105 Moon guide

164 Make it resin-ate!

DIY & BUILDING

124 Leaning tower of timber If you’re
angling for an easy project, build
quirky shelves that slot together
128 Play it cool DIY Scandi style
132 Settle petal Turn your hand
to a functional coffee table

BETTER YOU

172 Embracing sobriety The

benefits of not drinking alcohol

176 Better health

136 Better decorating
138 Be funky up front Tackle a fab

front-yard deck and picket fence
150 Sitting pretty Build a bench

DECORATING & CRAFT
106 Luxe for less Get your spaces

Create resin accessories
with designer cred
170 Knit for a cause Turn a
pastime into a charitable act

looking and feeling lush without
the big spend using clever updates
114 Four on the floor Explore the
new world of floorboards and
find one that suits your lifestyle
118 Stroke of genius Easy
ways to transform your
bedroom with textured paint
and woodwork wizardry
154 Reaching new heights Make
fabulous hanging planters

SPECIAL FEATURE

168 The gift of connection Find

out how a tech-focused program
is helping regional families
overcome disability barriers

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178 When the dollars don’t
make sense Behind the
human face of our caring
community lies a tangible
financial penalty

SEE PAGE 8

REGULAR FEATURES
10 Editor’s letter
180 Better finance
182 Better books
191 Stockists
192 Privacy policy
194 Better pets

102

VISIT US ONLINE FOR ALL THE LATEST UPDATES, PROJECTS AND GREAT IDEAS

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TV CONTENTS

watch us on tv

Every issue we bring you projects and recipes from the show for you to make and cook
FOOD

24 Clarissa Feildel Mum’s curry
puffs and ghee cookies (sugee)
28 Colin FassnidgeCauliflower
cheese; Pork and sage meatball
bake; Butterflied chicken with
charred leek and sweet potato;
Spiced mandarin glazed pork

GARDENING

50 Your guide to deciduous trees,

150

28

the year-round garden stars
70 The Stones garden in Victoria
is full of hardy plants that can
survive in all weather conditions
84 How to care for olive trees
and preserve the fruit in
delicious marinades
88 All about succulents, from
caring for them to using them
to create your own sculptures
96 Make frogs feel at home
in your garden by building
a habitat they’ll love
100 Create frames for staghorn
ferns and turn them into
fabulous living works of art!

DIY & BUILDING

124 Quirky shelving that’s surprisingly

24
SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

84
5 JULY TO
26 JULY 2024

NOTE: Television content subject to schedule changes.
Check your local program guides for viewing times.
Television enquiries (02) 9877 7652 Email tvenquiries@seven.com.au

6 BHG AUGUST 2024

easy to put together - no
glue or screws required!
132 Create a folding coffee table
with tiered petals like a flower
138 Transform your front garden
with this step-by-step guide
150 Build a spotted gum
planter bench

DECORATING & CRAFT

118 Textured paint and DIY carpentry

make a dream bedroom
128 Make your own Scandistyle storage bench
160 Macramé carriers and keychains
164 Create colourful resin homewares

Find the carpet to suit your lifestyle during our
‘Designed for Living’ sale. Visit us in-store or
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EDITOR’S LETTER

Hello!

Home updos and
delicious family meals
shouldn’t mean shelling
out the big bucks

U

nless you’ve been living
under an incredibly huge
rock, it’s undeniable that
the price of pretty much everything
has been going up, up, up. It can
make meal planning somewhat
stressful. In this issue, we’ve dished
up recipes that use ingredients
wisely and can be stretched across
multiple nights, from sweet and
savoury tray bakes that suit all
tastes (page 14) and dumplings
everyone loves (page 34) to crowdpleasing meatballs (page 32).
Time for a home upgrade but
worried you’ll have to settle for
‘cheap chic’? Instead, find out
how to make the most of your
decorating dollar with hacks for
every room (page 106), tricks with
textured paint and clever carpentry
for your bedroom (page 118), and
funky DIY furniture pieces that
multi-task (pages 128 and 132). Have
I mentioned affordable ways to
replace your old lino or carpet with
timber flooring options that look a
million (page 114)?
After all that, you’ll still be well
within budget, so you can explore
our ideas for brightening up your
winter garden without a total
redesign (from page 56).
So there you have it – real
ways to live in your dream home.
Because decorating and feeding
your family on a budget isn’t about
being ‘mingy’, it’s about being smart!
Raffaela Pugliese
Deputy editor

10 BHG AUGUST 2024

Advanced anti-ageing solutions,
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Active ingredients Mountain Pepper Berry,
Hyaluronate and Vitamin C work synergistically
to reduce the early signs of ageing.
natio.com.au

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Minimum effort, maximum
payoff – that’s a tray bake for you!
See page 14.

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Photography Alan Jensen; styling Michele Cranston

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GET IT ON

HONEY MUSTARD
LAMB TRAY BAKE

Be clever with your prep by making
a herby mustard mix – use half for
your marinade and the other half
as a simple salad dressing.
Recipe on page 20

TRAY BAKE
Bake your way to clever weeknight dinners and fab desserts all on one tray!

ONE-DISH WONDERS

SAUSAGE AND SUNDRIED
TOMATO PESTO GNOCCHI

Turn store-bought snags into a snazzy,
hearty dinner with cupboard staples like
tinned tomatoes. To save $$$, swap the
mozzarella topping for leftover grated
tasty cheese and parmesan!
Recipe on page 20
AUGUST 2024 BHG 15

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN TRAY BAKE

Add a cheesy pastry crunch to your flavour-packed
chicken bake with delicate filo filled with feta. Got puff
pastry on hand instead of filo? Use 2 sheets, cut into
quarters and arrange slightly overlapping on top.
Recipe on page 20

16 BHG AUGUST 2024

ONE-DISH WONDERS

ONE TRAY CAULIFLOWER
KORMA CURRY

Use up that leftover half jar of
curry paste in the fridge to create
an all-in-one bake. Got frozen peas
in the freezer? Add 1/2 cup in the
final 10 minutes for extra vegies.
Recipe on page 22

SALMON AND LEEK TRAY BAKE
Slow-roast garlicky creamy potatoes until
tender, then add salmon to the tray for
a dinner that’s easy enough to cook
midweek, but fancy enough for guests!
Recipe on page 22

ONE-DISH WONDERS

BANANA AND MIXED BERRY
PANCAKE TRAY BAKE
Bake your way to pancake brilliance
with ease! Switching these frying-pan
faves to a tray bake makes whipping
up brekkie for your fam a breeze.
Recipe on page 23

AUGUST 2024 BHG 19

ONE-DISH WONDERS

HONEY MUSTARD
LAMB TRAY BAKE

Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time 30 mins
Serves 4

2 Tbsp seeded mustard
1/4 cup honey
2 Tbsp finely chopped rosemary
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
12 lamb cutlets
4 white potatoes, unpeeled, quartered
1 bunch baby carrots, scrubbed,
trimmed and halved
200g Brussels sprouts, halved
2 Tbsp white wine vinegar
1 Tbsp chopped baby capers
1 cup baby rocket leaves
1 cup baby spinach leaves
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C
fan-forced. Combine mustard, honey,
rosemary, garlic and 1 tablespoon of
the oil in a small bowl. Season and mix
well to combine.
STEP 2 Put lamb in a bowl. Pour
over half of the marinade and set
aside, reserving remaining marinade.
Set aside for 20 minutes to come
to room temperature (this ensures
it cooks evenly).
STEP 3 Meanwhile, combine
potato, carrot, Brussels sprouts and
2 tablespoons of the oil in a roasting
tray and toss to coat, then season.
Roast for 15 minutes, or until potatoes
are just starting to colour.
STEP 4 Add lamb in a single layer,
return to oven and roast for 10
minutes, or until lamb is just golden.
STEP 5 Turn oven onto grill setting
on high. Turn lamb. Return to oven
and grill for 5 minutes, or until golden
and caramelised.
STEP 6 Meanwhile, in a small jug,
whisk vinegar, remaining oil and
capers with reserved marinade.
20 BHG AUGUST 2024

Put rocket and spinach in a large bowl.
Drizzle with half of the dressing and
toss to coat.
STEP 7 Serve lamb with vegetables
and salad, drizzled with remaining
dressing.

SAUSAGE AND
SUNDRIED
TOMATO PESTO
GNOCCHI

Preparation time 10 mins
Cooking time 40 mins
Serves 4

500g Italian-style pork fennel
sausages
1 brown onion, halved and
thinly sliced
1 tsp fennel seeds
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
500g potato gnocchi
2 cloves garlic, crushed
400g tinned cherry tomatoes
1/3 cup sundried tomato pesto
1 Tbsp honey
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
1 tsp chilli flakes
3/4 cup water
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
200g fresh mozzarella, torn and
patted dry
Baby rocket and basil leaves, to serve
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C
fan-forced.
STEP 2 Put sausages, onion and fennel
seeds in a large 3cm-deep roasting tray.
Drizzle with oil and roast for 15 minutes,
or until sausages are just cooked.
STEP 3 Remove sausages and cut in
half on the diagonal.
STEP 4 Add gnocchi, garlic, tomatoes,
pesto, honey, balsamic, chilli and water
to tray and gently stir to combine.
Season. Top with sausages and
mozzarella. Bake for 20-25 minutes,
or until gnocchi is tender and
mozzarella is golden and bubbling.
STEP 5 Serve topped with rocket
and basil.

MEDITERRANEAN
CHICKEN TRAY
BAKE

Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time 50 mins
Serves 4–6

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

6 chicken thighs, trimmed and cut into
3cm pieces
2 chorizo, thinly sliced
1 red onion, roughly chopped
8 chat potatoes, unpeeled, chopped
1/4 cup tomato paste
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
150g feta, crumbled
1/4 cup oregano leaves, finely chopped,
plus extra leaves, to serve
6 sheets filo pastry
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1/2 cup mixed marinated pitted olives
285g jar piquillo peppers, drained
and halved
Green salad, lemon wedges, to serve
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 240°C/220°C
fan-forced. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of
the oil in a large, deep-sided roasting
tray and put in oven for 5 minutes to
preheat. Combine chicken, chorizo,
onion, potato and paste in a large
bowl. Season. Toss well to combine.
STEP 2 Carefully remove tray from
oven. Add chicken mixture and spread
into a single layer. Bake for 25 minutes.
STEP 3 Meanwhile, combine feta and
oregano in a small bowl. Working one
sheet of filo at a time, lightly brush with
remaining oil. Sprinkle each sheet with
1 tablespoon of feta mixture and fold
in half. Gently scrunch. Repeat with
remaining filo, oil and feta. Set aside.
STEP 4 Remove tray from oven, add
paprika, olives, peppers and stir to
combine. Top with filo. Return to
oven and bake for 20 minutes, or
until bubbling and chicken is
golden and cooked.
STEP 5 Stand for 5 minutes. Serve with
extra oregano, salad and lemon wedges.

TOFFEE APPLE AND GINGER
CRUMBLE TRAY BAKE

Make in-season apples shine with a
delish combo of two winter faves –
apple pie and crumble! Then load it up
with ice-cream and caramel sauce.
Recipe on page 23

ONE-DISH WONDERS

ONE TRAY
CAULIFLOWER
KORMA CURRY

Preparation time 10 mins
Cooking time 40 mins
Serves 4

11/2 cups basmati rice, rinsed
11/2 cups vegetable stock
400ml coconut milk
1/2 cup korma curry paste
1 Tbsp brown sugar
Finely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
400g can chickpeas, rinsed and
drained
1 red onion, cut into wedges
1 large sweet potato, peeled, cut
into 2cm chunks
1 zucchini, sliced diagonally
1 yellow capsicum, seeded, thickly
sliced
1/2 cauliflower, broken into small florets
150g vine-ripened cherry tomatoes,
broken into small clumps
3/4 cup Greek-style yoghurt
1 Lebanese cucumber, coarsely grated
2 Tbsp chopped coriander, plus extra
sprigs, to serve
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C
fan-forced. Combine rice, stock, milk,

22 BHG AUGUST 2024

paste, sugar and half of the juice in a
30 x 26 x 3cm roasting tray. Scatter
over chickpeas, onion, sweet potato,
zucchini, capsicum and top with
cauliflower. Cover tightly with
foil. Bake for 30 minutes.
STEP 2 Increase oven to 220°C/200°C
fan-forced. Uncover tray, top with
tomatoes. Roast for 10 minutes until
tomatoes are soft and rice is tender.
STEP 3 Meanwhile, combine yoghurt,
cucumber, zest and remaining juice.
Add coriander, season and refrigerate
until ready to serve.
STEP 4 Serve curry topped with extra
coriander sprigs and accompanied with
yoghurt mixture.

SALMON AND
LEEK TRAY BAKE

Preparation time 10 mins
Cooking time 55 mins
Serves 6

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

4 large desiree potatoes, scrubbed,
sliced 1cm thick
1 leek, thinly sliced
4 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
1 Tbsp Dijon mustard
11/2 cups thickened cream
1/2 cup white wine

Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
Finely grated zest of 1 lemon
6 x 200g skinless salmon fillets
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
1 Tbsp baby capers
1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely
chopped
Mixed salad leaves and lemon
wedges, to serve
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C
fan-forced. Combine 2 tablespoons
of the oil, potato, leek, garlic,
mustard, cream and wine in
heavy-based roasting tray. Season.
Cover with foil or lid, put in oven and
cook for 40-45 minutes, or until
potatoes are just tender and cream
has reduced.
STEP 2 Meanwhile, combine remaining
oil and lemon zest in a shallow bowl.
Season with pepper, add salmon and
toss to coat. Set aside to marinate.
STEP 3 Remove potatoes from oven
and uncover. Add peas, capers and
half of the flat-leaf parsley and gently
toss to combine.
STEP 4 Put salmon on top of potatoes.
Turn oven to grill. Put under grill and
cook for 6-8 minutes, or until salmon
is golden and just cooked through and
potatoes are bubbling.
STEP 5 Set aside for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle with remaining flat-leaf
parsley and serve with mixed salad
leaves and lemon wedges.

BANANA AND
MIXED BERRY
PANCAKE TRAY
BAKE

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Michele Cranston; food preparation Ismat Awan; recipes Jessica Brook

Preparation time 10 mins
Cooking time 25 mins
Serves 6

11/2 cups buttermilk
2 free-range eggs, at room
temperature
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 ripe bananas, mashed, plus extra
sliced, to serve
2 cups plain flour, sifted
1/4 cup caster sugar
2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp bicarbonate soda
100g unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1/2 cup frozen raspberries
Mascarpone, mixed berries, maple
syrup and icing sugar, to serve
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 220°C/200°C
fan-forced. Grease and line base of
a 3cm-deep, 24.5 x 37.5cm (base
measurement) oven tray with
baking paper.
STEP 2 Put buttermilk, eggs, vanilla
extract and banana in a large bowl and
whisk until combined.
STEP 3 Put flour, sugar, baking powder
and bicarbonate soda in a large bowl
and whisk to combine. Add buttermilk

mixture and half of the melted butter
and fold until just combined.
STEP 4 Scatter with frozen berries and
bake for 20 minutes, or until pancake is
lightly golden and springs back when
touched. Brush with remaining butter
and return to oven for 5 minutes.
STEP 5 Serve sliced with mascarpone,
berries, extra banana, maple syrup and
dusted with icing sugar.

TOFFEE APPLE
AND GINGER
CRUMBLE TRAY
BAKE

Preparation time 30 mins plus
30 mins chilling
Cooking time 1 hour
Serves 8

21/2 cups plain flour, plus extra, to dust
2 Tbsp caster sugar
2 tsp ground ginger
220g unsalted butter, chilled, chopped
2 free-range eggs
2 Tbsp iced water
2 tsp white vinegar
Ice-cream, to serve
FILLING
5 large (1kg) Granny Smith apples,
peeled and cored, 1cm thick slices
2 tsp ground ginger
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp cornflour

395g can Top ’n’ Fill Caramel
250g gingernut biscuits
150g pecans
1/4 cup plain flour
100g unsalted butter, melted
STEP 1 Combine flour, sugar and
ginger in a food processor and pulse
to combine. Add butter and pulse
until sandy in texture.
STEP 2 Add eggs, water and vinegar
and pulse until just combined. Turn
onto a lightly floured surface and form
into flat rectangle. Wrap in cling film
and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
STEP 3 Preheat oven to 180°C/160°C
fan-forced. Roll dough out to 5mmthick rectangle. Lightly grease and line
base of a 30 x 20cm baking tray. Line
base and sides with dough. Trim edges
and refrigerate while making filling.
STEP 4 For Filling, combine apple,
ginger, cinnamon, cornflour and half of
the Caramel in a bowl. Mix to combine.
Spoon onto dough in a single layer.
STEP 5 Put a large oven tray (which can
fit the baking tray on it) in the oven. In a
food processor, process biscuits until
crushed. Add pecans and pulse until
finely chopped. Add flour and pulse.
Add butter and pulse.
STEP 6 Scatter biscuit mixture over
apple. Carefully put onto preheated
oven tray. Bake 50 minutes – 1 hour, or
until apples are bubbling. Set aside for
5 minutes before slicing. Serve with
ice-cream and extra caramel sauce.

FABULOUS FOOD

MUM’S CURRY PUFFS
Fill pastry with a fragrant
spiced chicken and vegie
mixture for fabulously tasty
handheld snacks to impress!
Recipe on page 26

CLARISSA’S

CUISINE

Bite into flaky spiced
pastries, then fill your cookie
jar with ghee-whiz treats!

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

GHEE COOKIES (SUGEE)

Top bickies made with ghee and
semolina with glacé cherries or almonds
for melt-in-your-mouth treats to serve
with a cuppa. Plus the ‘melt and mix’
method means they’re simple to make!
Recipe on page 26

CLARISSA FEILDEL
Join me as I show you how to
make delicious dishes on BHG TV,
Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

For more recipes, go to
bhg.com.au.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 25

FABULOUS FOOD

Preparation time 35 mins
Cooking time 40 mins
Makes 12

300g red potatoes, peeled, diced
into 1cm cubes
Sea-salt flakes, to season
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 cinnamon stick
4 cloves
2 star anise
2 stalks curry leaves, plus extra
fried, to serve
1 brown onion, roughly chopped
300g chicken breast, diced into
1cm cubes
1 Tbsp chilli powder (optional)
2 Tbsp soy sauce (optional)
1 Tbsp sugar, plus extra (optional)
1/4 cup water, plus extra 1 Tbsp
1-2 Tbsp lime juice
1 free-range egg
3 x 375g sheets of frozen puff
pastry, thawed (see Cook’s Tips)
3 hard-boiled free-range eggs, cut
into quarters
1 Tbsp chopped coriander
1 Tbsp black sesame seeds
CURRY PASTE
3 Tbsp Clive of India Curry Powder
2 tsp turmeric powder
1 tsp coriander powder
2 tsp cumin powder
1 tsp fennel powder
2 tsp ground black pepper
2 tsp chilli powder (optional)
1/2 tsp cardamom powder
1/2 tsp ground white pepper
1/2 tsp nutmeg powder
2 Tbsp water, approx.
STEP 1 To make Curry paste,
combine all ingredients in a small
bowl. Combine with enough water
to make a thick paste (or see the
Cook’s Tips if you don’t want to
make your own).
26 BHG AUGUST 2024

C O O K’ S TI P S

• Save money and use 4 x squares puff
pastry instead of large sheets. Cut each
sheet into quarters and reduce filling
quantity to 11/2 Tbsp per piece. Recipe
will make 16 puffs instead of 12.
• Instead of making your own paste, use
1/4 cup Baba’s Meat Curry Powder (from
Asian supermarkets) and combine with
enough water to form a paste.

GHEE COOKIES
(SUGEE)

Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time 20 mins
Makes 32

125g good quality ghee, melted and
cooled
1/2 tsp vanilla essence
250g plain flour
1 tsp bicarbonate soda
85g pure icing sugar
Pinch of salt
40g semolina
2-3 Tbsp milk or water
Finely chopped glacé cherries
or natural almonds, halved,
to decorate
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 170°C/150°C
fan-forced. Line 2 oven trays with
baking paper. Combine ghee and
vanilla essence in a small bowl.
STEP 2 Sift flour, bicarbonate of
soda, icing sugar and salt in a large
bowl. Stir in semolina.
STEP 3 Add melted ghee mixture
to dry ingredients a little at a time,
kneading well until a soft and
non-sticky dough forms. If dough
is crumbly, add 1 tablespoon of milk
or water at a time, kneading after
each addition.
STEP 4 Using 1 tablespoon of dough
at a time, roll into bite-size balls and
put onto prepared trays, allowing
room for spreading. Press glacé
cherries or almonds onto cookies.
STEP 5 Bake for 15-20 minutes,
or until cooked (cookies won’t
brown). They should be pale and
crumbly with a melt-in-your-mouth
texture. Transfer to a wire rack to
cool completely.

C O O K’ S TI P

Cooled biscuits can be stored for up
to a week in an airtight container.

Photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation Clare Maguire

MUM’S CURRY
PUFFS

STEP 2 Put potato in a large
saucepan and cover with water.
Season with salt. Bring to boil.
Cover and remove from heat. Sit
for 8-10 minutes, or until tender
when pierced with a fork. Drain
and set aside to cool.
STEP 3 Heat oil in a large frying
pan or wok on medium heat. Add
cinnamon, cloves and star anise.
Cook for 30 seconds before adding
curry leaves. When leaves begin to
pop, add onion. Cook, stirring until
tender. Add curry paste and cook
stirring for 1 minute.
STEP 4 Add chicken to pan and
cook, stirring for a further 2-3
minutes. Stir in chilli powder,
soy, sugar and water. Cook for 3-5
minutes, or until chicken is cooked
and sauce has thickened. Stir in
potato and lime juice. Season with
salt and extra sugar if needed. Cool.
STEP 5 Preheat oven to 220°C/
200°C fan-forced. Line 2 oven trays
with baking paper. Put pastry on a
clean, flat surface. In a small bowl,
whisk egg and extra water.
STEP 6 Cut each sheet of pastry into
4 equal squares. Put 2 tablespoons of
filling into centre of each square and
a piece of hard-boiled egg. Brush
edges with egg wash. Fold pastry
over filling to make a triangle. Press
edges to seal. Use a fork to crimp
edges and brush pastry with egg
wash and top with coriander and
black sesame seeds.
STEP 7 Transfer to prepared trays.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until puffed
and golden brown. Serve with fried
curry leaves.

Caring
shouldn’t
cost you
your future
When a family member or close friend falls ill, who steps
in to help? Primary carers. But there’s a massive problem.
70 per cent of these primary carers are women*, and they
are not paid super. Over time, this deficit adds up – big
time. Enough to make or break their later life. Putting others
first shouldn’t put you out of home. Providing for others
shouldn’t take the food from your retirement table.
We don’t make the rules, but we sure as hell can change them.

Let’s guarantee super for carers.
For more information visit costofcaring.com.au
*Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2018

Scan to sign
the petition

EVERYDAY CHEF

COLIN’S

KITCHEN
Warm up with cheese-loaded roast cauli, easy
meatballs and moreish roasts with the most!

CAULIFLOWER
CHEESE

Twist a classic creamy
side into a stunning
centerpiece. Roast the
cauli whole while basting
with a rich cheese sauce,
then serve it up with the
green leaves for a dish
that’s the talk of the table!
Recipe on page 32

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

colin fassnidge
Join me as I show you how to
make delicious dishes on BHG TV,
Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

For more recipes, go to
bhg.com.au.

PORK AND SAGE
MEATBALL BAKE

Roll your way to a warming main of
roasted herb-packed meatballs in a
bubbling tomato sauce, then load it
with cheese for a fam dinner winner!
Recipe on page 32
AUGUST 2024 BHG 29

BUTTERFLIED CHICKEN
WITH CHARRED LEEK
AND SWEET POTATO

Raid the spice rack and mix up a punchy
marinade to elevate your chook to next-level
delish. Chargrilling gives it extra depth of flavour,
then serve it up with a zingy herb-spiked vinegar!
Recipe on page 32
30 BHG AUGUST 2024

EVERYDAY CHEF

SPICED MANDARIN
GLAZED PORK

Make in-season mandarins shine in
speedy roast pork topped with sticky
glossy glaze. Pork fillet is a breeze to
cook – you’ll have a succulent roast
feast on the table in under an hour!
Recipe on page 33

EVERYDAY CHEF

Preparation time 20 mins plus 30
mins standing
Cooking time 1 hr 5 mins
Serves 4-6
1 whole cauliflower, leaves intact
CHEESE SAUCE
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup plain flour
500ml milk
2 bay leaves
1/2 bunch thyme, leaves picked
Pinch nutmeg
50g parmesan, grated
50g cheddar cheese, grated
Ground white pepper, to season

STEP 1 Using a small sharp knife,
remove green leaves from around
head of cauliflower and reserve.
Bring a large saucepan of salted
water to the boil.
STEP 2 Add green leaves. Cook for
1 minute. Remove to a bowl of iced
water. Add the cauliflower. Cook for
41/2 minutes, or until nearly tender.
Remove to a plate.
STEP 3 To make Cheese sauce, whisk
the oil and flour in a small bowl to form
a smooth slurry. Put milk, bay leaves,
thyme and nutmeg in a saucepan on
a medium heat. Bring to the boil. Add
the slurry to the milk mixture, whisking
continuously, until thick and smooth.
Reduce heat and stir in the cheeses.
Simmer gently, stirring regularly for
15 minutes. Season with pepper. Set
aside for 30 minutes.
STEP 4 Preheat oven to
200°C/180°C fan-forced. Put
cauliflower in an ovenproof frying
pan or round baking dish (just large
enough to fit cauliflower and dripping
cheese sauce). Spoon over half of the
cheese sauce. Bake for 45 minutes,
spooning over remaining cheese
sauce in two batches in the first 25
32 BHG AUGUST 2024

PORK AND SAGE
MEATBALL BAKE

Preparation time 20 mins
Cooking time 45 mins
Serves 4

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 brown onions, chopped
6 cloves garlic, chopped
300g pork mince
300g beef mince
1 free-range egg, lightly beaten
1/2 bunch sage, chopped
1/2 bunch rosemary, torn from stem
1 cup dried breadcrumbs
200g parmesan, grated
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
700g passata
Basil leaves, to garnish
STEP 1 Preheat oven to
220°C/200°C fan-forced.
STEP 2 Heat oil in a frying pan on
medium heat. Add onion and garlic.
Cook, stirring for about 3 minutes,
or until tender. Transfer to a large
bowl to cool.
STEP 3 Add mince and egg to onion
mixture. Mix well to combine.
STEP 4 In a blender, blend sage,
rosemary, breadcrumbs and 50g of
the parmesan until green in colour.
Add to mince mixture and mix well.
Season.
STEP 5 With wet hands, roll the
mixture into golf ball-sized balls. Put
in a 2.5-litre ovenproof baking dish.
Pour over passata to cover. Sprinkle

remaining parmesan over top. Bake
for 35-40 minutes, or until meatballs
are cooked and sauce is bubbling.
STEP 6 Serve your meatballs with
basil leaves.
C O O K’ S TI P S

• Uncooked meatballs can be
frozen for up to three months.
Thaw in fridge before cooking.
• To check meatball seasoning, fry
a small piece of mixture in an oiled
frying pan. Adjust seasoning to taste.

BUTTERFLIED
CHICKEN WITH
CHARRED LEEK
AND SWEET
POTATO

Preparation time 20 mins
Cooking time 35 mins
Serves 6-8

4 medium sweet potatoes,
unpeeled
2 x 1.2kg butterflied chickens
Juice of 1 lemon
2 leeks
1 radicchio, torn
MARINADE
1 Tbsp smoked paprika
1 Tbsp fennel seeds
1 Tbsp ground turmeric
1 Tbsp onion powder
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp cumin powder
1 Tbsp coriander powder
Finely grated zest and juice
of 2 lemons
1/3 cup finely grated parmesan
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus
extra, to drizzle
Sea-salt flakes and freshly
ground black pepper,
to season
HERB VINEGAR
4 stems rosemary
500ml white vinegar
2 Tbsp caster sugar

Photography Con Poulos; styling Jaimee Curdie; food preparation Clare Maguire

CAULIFLOWER
CHEESE

minutes of baking until it forms a thick
coating. Cauliflower should be golden
and tender when tested with a knife.
Microwave reserved green leaves
until warm.
STEP 5 To serve, arrange warm
green leaves in base of a serving
dish. With a sharp knife, skewer
cauliflower and put it on leaves,
making it look whole again.

STEP 1 Boil, steam or microwave
sweet potatoes until just tender.
STEP 2 For Marinade, combine
all ingredients in a large bowl.
Season. Slice sweet potatoes in
half lengthways. Add to marinade,
toss to coat. Remove to a plate.
Add chicken to marinade.
Massage until coated.
STEP 3 Preheat barbecue or chargrill
pan to a medium-high heat.
STEP 4 For the Herb vinegar, blend
ingredients until smooth and vibrant
green. Season.
STEP 5 Remove chicken from
marinade. Cook on preheated
barbecue or chargrill pan, skin-side
down, for 10-15 minutes or until they
have a nice crust on one side. Turn
chicken. Cook for a further 10-15
minutes or until cooked through.
Remove from heat. Squeeze over
lemon. Rest for 10 minutes before
cutting into portions.
STEP 6 Meanwhile, put sweet potato
and leeks on same barbecue grill plate
or chargrill pan. Cook for 10 minutes,
turning occasionally until golden and
lightly charred. Slice leeks.
STEP 7 Serve chicken portions with
charred vegetables and radicchio.
Drizzle with extra oil and serve with
herb vinegar.
C O O K’ S TI P

To microwave sweet potatoes,
wash and pierce all over with a fork.
Cook whole, in batches, on high for
5 minutes, or until just tender when
pierced with a knife. Cool. Can be
cooked ahead and refrigerated.

SPICED
MANDARIN
GLAZED PORK

Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time 35 mins
Serves 4-6

2 pork fillets (about 1kg total)
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 bunch Dutch carrots, scrubbed
(or 3 small carrots, peeled,
finely sliced)
1 red capsicum, cut into 3cm pieces
4 green onions, cut into 5cm lengths
4 cloves garlic, sliced
Steamed jasmine rice, to serve
GLAZE
15 small mandarins
1 cinnamon quill
2 star anise
1 Tbsp grated fresh ginger
1/4 cup orange marmalade
1 Tbsp seeded mustard
1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes (optional)
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 200°C/180°C
fan-forced.
STEP 2 For the Glaze, juice 10–12 of
the mandarins (you will need about 2
cups of strained juice). Heat cinnamon
and star anise in a medium saucepan
on medium heat for 30 seconds or
until fragrant. Cool slightly. Add juice,

ginger, marmalade, mustard and
chilli. Bring to boil. Simmer for 10-12
minutes, or until slightly thickened,
glossy and reduced by half. Remove
from heat.
STEP 3 Peel remaining mandarins
and remove pith. Slice into thick
rounds. Season pork. Heat oil in
a large ovenproof frying pan or
flameproof baking dish on high
heat. Add pork and sear, turning,
until browned on all sides. Remove
pork to a plate.
STEP 4 Add carrot, capsicum, green
onion and garlic to same pan. Toss to
coat in oil. Top with pork. Spoon over
glaze. Bake for 15-18 minutes, adding
mandarin slices in last 5 minutes, or
until cooked to your liking. Remove
pork to a plate. Cover with foil and
rest for 5 minutes.
STEP 5 With a slotted spoon, remove
vegetables and mandarin to a serving
plate. Return pan and cooking juices
to a medium-high heat. Simmer for
5 minutes until glaze has thickened.
Serve sliced pork with extra glaze,
vegetables and steamed rice.
C O O K’ S TI P

Add more mandarin juice to
baking dish as needed.

DUMPLINGS

Make easy dumpling wrappers from scratch, or grab
premade shortcuts, then roll and fold your way to
flavourful parcels that are kind to your wallet too!

BUDGET BITES

Choose your adventure!
For the ambitious, it takes
just flour, water and time to
make the wrappers from
scratch. If you’re a beginner,
consider starting with
storebought wrappers.

CHINESE

PORK AND SHIITAKE
STEAMED DUMPLINGS

Dim sum, the Chinese ritual of sharing small plates,
often features a form of these pleated, pinched
“purses”. Not only do they look beautiful, but
they’re filled with juicy pork, umami-rich
mushrooms and sesame oil. Dip in a simple
stir-together peanut sauce to serve!
Recipe on page 41
AUGUST 2024 BHG 35

BUDGET BITES

This gyoza filling counts
on mirin, a Japanese wine
made from glutinous rice,
to add a hint of sweetness
and on tamari, a thicker
version of soy sauce, for
salty richness.

JAPANESE

PAN-FRIED
CHICKEN GYOZA

Gyoza are the Japanese
version of the Chinese
jiaozi (aka pot stickers
in Western culture).
Traditionally filled with
mince and vegetables –
here, chicken and
cabbage – they’re seared
in a hot frying pan, then
steamed to achieve crispy
bases and soft insides.
Recipe on page 42

AUGUST 2024 BHG 37

Mandu dumplings may be
filled with meat, seafood,
vegetables or kimchi.
In this spicy version,
extra-firm tofu soaks up
the tangy, spicy and sour
flavours of kimchi.

KOREAN

TOFU AND KIMCHI
MANDU SOUP

In Korea, savoury dumplings known as
“mandu” are everyday fare. The cuisine’s focus
on fresh, healthful ingredients is evident in this
popular tofu-filled version. Mandu can be fried
or steamed and served solo, they can also be
simmered in a broth soup called mandu-guk.
Recipe on page 43

BUDGET BITES

Just before serving,
top each bowl of
mandu-guk with thin
ribbons of cooked
eggs and nori (dried
seaweed that comes
in paper-like sheets
and cuts easily with
kitchen scissors).

AUGUST 2024 BHG 39

BUDGET BITES

DUMPLING WRAPPERS
Preparation time 30 mins
Cooking time nil
Makes 24-28 wrappers

11/2 cups plain flour, plus extra,
to dust
1/2 cup warm water

If you have a pasta
machine at home, it will
save time (and muscle!)
rolling wrapper dough.
Feed dough through
machine in increments
until it’s a thinness you
like, then stamp away
with a 9-10cm round
cookie cutter.

STEP 1 Put flour in a medium
bowl. Slowly add warm water
and mix until a smooth dough
forms. If dough seems sticky, add
a bit more flour (start with 2
tablespoons and go up to 1/2 cup
total), mix until dough is smooth.
STEP 2 Turn dough out onto a
lightly floured surface and knead
until smooth for 3-4 minutes.
Cover dough and let rest for
2 minutes.
STEP 3 Lightly flour work surface
again. Uncover dough and divide
into 24 portions. Roll portions
into balls. With a lightly dusted
rolling pin, roll dough balls to
required thickness for recipe
(for thin wrappers 15mm,
medium 20mm and thick
30mm). Using a round cutter
or drinking glass, cut each into
a 9cm circle and trim excess
dough from edges (do not
stack cutouts). Reroll scraps if
you need more than 24 wrappers.
STEP 4 If you aren’t using
wrappers right away, cut 10cm
squares of baking paper and
stack wrappers between pieces
of paper. Put in an airtight
container, freeze until ready to
use. Thaw to room temperature
for 30-60 minutes before using.
C O O K’ S TI P

If you prefer to take
dumpling making one step at
a time, use premade dumpling
wrappers that are ready to
fill and shape. Look for
9-10cm gow gee wrappers in
refrigerated sections of the
supermarket or Asian grocer.

PORK AND SHIITAKE
STEAMED
DUMPLINGS

Preparation time 40 mins
Cooking time 1 hour
Makes 24
15g dried shiitake
mushrooms, sliced
200g pork mince
1/3 cup finely chopped
green onions
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp grated ginger
24 Dumpling wrappers,
rolled to medium
thickness (recipe p40)
SPICY PEANUT
DIPPING SAUCE
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp peanut butter
1 Tbsp chilli oil
2 tsp rice vinegar
11/2 tsp caster sugar
1 tsp chilli flakes

STEP 1 Put dried
mushrooms in a bowl and
cover with warm water. Let
soak for 15 to 20 minutes.
Drain and squeeze out
excess water. Discard any
stems and finely chop.
STEP 2 Stir mushroom,
pork, green onion, soy
sauce, sesame oil and
ginger in a bowl.
STEP 3 Cover Dumpling
wrappers with a slightly
damp towel to keep them
from drying out. Fill a small
bowl with water. Working
with 1 wrapper at a time, put
a wrapper on work surface.
Spoon 1 heaped teaspoon
of filling onto centre of
wrapper (see above right,
for how to shape). Transfer
to a tray lined with baking
paper and cover with a
slightly damp tea towel.
Repeat with remaining
wrappers and filling.

1

3

2

4

C H I N E S E D U M P LI N G S H A P I N G

1 Dip your finger in water and moisten edges all around.
2 Using thumb and index finger on both hands, make a
1cm pleat, folding it down to left if you are right-handed
(opposite direction if left-handed). Hold first pleat down
with your non-dominant hand and form a second pleat
with your dominant hand. Folding it down in same
direction, completely overlap first pleat.
3 Make another pleat that completely overlaps second one.
Continue making pleats, turning dumpling as you go until you
have at least 12 pleats and dumpling is in shape of a circle.
4 Twist dumpling at top and pinch to seal.

STEP 4 Line a large
steamer basket with
baking paper. Poke
holes in paper to allow
steam to flow through.
Arrange dumplings in a
single layer in basket
2-3cm apart. Pour water
into a wok or large frying
pan until one-quarter full.
Bring to the boil over high
heat. Put steamer over
wok or pan, ensuring base

doesn’t touch water. Steam
dumplings in batches for
15 to 20 minutes or until
dumplings are tender and
cooked through.
STEP 5 Meanwhile,
for Spicy peanut dipping
sauce, in a small bowl
whisk together all sauce
ingredients until smooth.
STEP 6 Serve your
dumplings with spicy
peanut dipping sauce.
AUGUST 2024 BHG 41

BUDGET BITES

PAN-FRIED CHICKEN
GYOZA
Preparation time 30 mins
Cooking time 25 mins
Makes 26

250g chicken mince
2 cups shredded Chinese
cabbage
2 Tbsp finely chopped
green onions
2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce
2 Tbsp mirin
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
26 Dumpling wrappers,
rolled thin (recipe p40)
3 Tbsp peanut oil or
vegetable oil
TAMARI GARLIC
DIPPING SAUCE
2 Tbsp tamari or soy sauce
2 Tbsp thinly sliced green
onions
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
42 BHG AUGUST 2024

2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tsp sesame seeds,
toasted
STEP 1 For filling, combine
chicken, cabbage, onion,
tamari, mirin and sesame
oil in a bowl and mix well.
STEP 2 Cover wrappers
with a slightly damp towel
so they don’t dry out. Fill a
small bowl with water. Put
a wrapper on work surface.
Spoon 1 heaped teaspoon
of filling onto centre of
wrapper (see above right,
for how to shape).
STEP 3 Set a shaped
dumpling on a baking
sheet, cover with a slightly
damp tea towel. Repeat
with remaining wrappers
and filling.
STEP 4 Heat a 30cm frypan
on medium-high heat until a

1

3

2

4

JA PA N E S E GYOZ A S H A P I N G

1 Dip your finger in water and moisten edges all around.
2 Using your thumb and index finger on one hand,
make a small pleat on one edge of wrapper.
3 Fold pleat over and press into side of wrapper. Continue
making a total of five to six pleats on one side of wrapper.
4 Bring unpleated side of wrapper up to pleated side and
pinch sides together to seal.

bead of water sizzles and
evaporates on contact. Add
1 tablespoon of the peanut
oil, swirl to coat base. Put
a third of the dumplings,
smooth-sides down, in pan.
Cook until dumplings start
to brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Reduce heat to medium.
STEP 5 Carefully add 1/4 cup
water to pan, immediately
cover with a lid to contain
any spitting oil. Steam
dumplings until most of

water has evaporated,
about 4-5 minutes. Uncover
and loosen dumplings with
a spatula. Base should be
golden brown. Carefully
wipe skillet dry. Repeat with
remaining oil and dumplings.
STEP 6 Meanwhile, for
Tamari garlic dipping sauce
combine all ingredients in a
small bowl.
STEP 7 Serve pan-fried
gyoza with tamari garlic
dipping sauce.

TOFU AND KIMCHI
MANDU SOUP

Preparation time 1 hour
Cooking time 30 mins
Serves 4
2 litres water
30g dried sliced shiitake
mushrooms
1 small brown onion, sliced
2 green onions, white parts
cut into 5cm lengths,
green parts thinly sliced
for garnish
3 cloves garlic, crushed
2 Tbsp soy sauce
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1 Tbsp fish sauce
1-2 Tbsp peanut oil or
vegetable oil
2 free-range eggs, lightly
beaten
1 sheet nori, cut into
2.5cm-thick strips
KOREAN TOFU AND
KIMCHI MANDU
200g extra-firm tofu,
drained well, 2.5cm cubes
1/3 cup kimchi, finely
chopped
2 Tbsp thinly sliced green
onions
Sea-salt flakes and white
pepper, to season
16 Dumpling wrappers,
rolled to medium
thickness (recipe p40)
STEP 1 In a large saucepan
bring water to boil. Add
mushroom, onion, white part
of green onion and garlic.
Reduce heat. Simmer,
uncovered for 30 minutes.

Stir in soy, sesame oil and fish
sauce. Keep on low heat.
STEP 2 Meanwhile, for
Mandu, pat tofu dry using
paper towel. In a large bowl
combine tofu, kimchi and
onion (tofu cubes will
crumble). Season.
STEP 3 Cover prepared
wrappers with slightly damp
tea towel to keep them from
drying out. Fill a small bowl
with water. Put a wrapper on
work surface. Spoon 1 heaped
teaspoon of filling onto centre
of wrapper (see below right,
for how to shape). Transfer to
a tray lined with baking paper,
cover with slightly damp tea
towel. Repeat with remaining
wrappers and filling.
STEP 4 Bring a large
saucepan of water to the boil.
Add dumplings and return to
the boil. Boil for 4 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to
remove dumplings from
water or drain in a colander.
STEP 5 Heat oil in a large
non-stick frypan on medium.
Add eggs to pan and spread
evenly. Cook until eggs have
begun to set, 1-2 minutes. Fold
eggs in half like an omelette,
press down with a spatula.
Flip and cook for 1-2 minutes,
until firm. Carefully slide egg
onto a chopping board, slice
into thin strips.
STEP 6 Add boiled mandu
to simmering broth, heat
through. Serve broth and
mandu in bowls topped with
sliced eggs, nori and sliced
green part of onion.

KO R E A N M A N D U S H A P I N G

1 Dip your finger in water and moisten edges all around.
2 Fold dumpling in half and press edges together to seal.
3 Stand dumpling, pleated side up.
4 Add a dab of water to one end, then pull ends around to
meet and overlap one end over other. Press together to seal.

1

3

2

4

THERMOMIX

MAGIC

THE BEST RICOTTA GNOCCHI

Preparation time 10 mins
Total time 10 mins plus 3 hours freezing
Serves 8 (makes 1.36 kg)
Thermomix models TM6 TM5
160g parmesan, cut into 3cm pieces
800g ricotta, drained
400g “00” pasta flour or gluten-free
flour
1/4 tsp sea salt
2 pinches ground nutmeg
KITCHEN EXTRAS
Thermomix Baking Mat
STEP 1 Place parmesan into mixing
bowl and grate 10 sec/speed 9.
STEP 2 Add ricotta and blend
20 sec/speed 7.
STEP 3 Add flour, salt and nutmeg,
then mix 5 sec/speed 4, then knead
Dough /1 min or until just combined.
STEP 4 Transfer onto a Thermomix
Baking Mat or lightly floured work
surface and gently work into a ball,
then divide into 4 portions. Roll each
portion into a narrow cylinder, then
using spatula, cut into 2cm pieces.
STEP 5 Layer gnocchi in batches in an
airtight container separated by sheets
of baking paper. Freeze to firm for at
least 3 hours before cooking. Store in
the freezer for up to 3 months.
C O O K’ S TI P

For TM31 users reduce the
ingredients by half and follow as per
the recipe, this will make 4 serves.

44 BHG AUGUST 2024

RICOTTA GNOCCHI
‘RIPASSATI’ WITH
LEMON-SAGE BUTTER
AND PUMPKIN PUREE

Preparation time 10 mins
Total time 30 mins
Serves 4
Thermomix models TM6 TM5 TM31
PUMPKIN PUREE
100g parmesan, cut into 3cm pieces
350g Kent pumpkin, peeled and cut
into 3cm pieces
1 clove garlic
1 sprig thyme, leaves only
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp chicken stock paste
20g pouring (whipping) cream
1–2 pinches ground black pepper
GNOCCHI
1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp sea-salt flakes
800g The best ricotta gnocchi
(see recipe, left)
SAGE AND LEMON BUTTER
150g salted butter, chopped
2 sprigs sage leaves
1/4 tsp dried chilli flakes
2 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
ASSEMBLY
2 Tbsp roasted skinless hazelnuts,
chopped
Fresh thyme leaves, to serve
KITCHEN EXTRAS
Thermomix Blade Cover and
Peeler (TM6, TM5), or large
saucepan (TM31)

STEP 1 For Pumpkin puree, place
parmesan into mixing bowl and grate
5 sec/speed 9. Transfer to a bowl, set
aside.
STEP 2 Place pumpkin, garlic, thyme
and oil into mixing bowl, then chop
5 sec/speed 7. Scrape down sides of
mixing bowl, then heat 3 min/120°C/
speed 1, without measuring cup.
STEP 3 Add stock paste and 50g water,
then cook 12 min/100°C/speed 2.
STEP 4 Add 50g of the grated
parmesan, the cream and pepper,
then blend 20 sec/speed 5. Transfer
pumpkin puree to a bowl and cover to
keep warm. Clean and dry mixing bowl.
STEP 5 For the Gnocchi, insert blade
cover and press down to secure. Place
1700g boiling water, the oil and salt into
mixing bowl, then heat 2 min/100°C/
/speed 1 or until boiling. Add gnocchi
and cook 6–8 min/100°C/ /speed 2
or until gnocchi starts to float. For TM31
users, cook gnocchi in a large saucepan
of boiling salted water for 3–5 minutes or
until they float to the surface.
STEP 6 Remove with a slotted spoon,
place on a lined tray and set aside.
STEP 7 For Sage and lemon butter, heat
butter in a large frying pan on
medium-high heat. Once foaming, add
sage and chilli flakes, cook for 2–3
minutes until butter is starting to brown.
Add gnocchi to pan and ripassare
(lightly fry) for 30 seconds to 1 minute
each side, until golden on both sides.
Add lemon juice. Stir gently to combine.
STEP 8 To serve, put pumpkin puree in
centre of each bowl, spoon over gnocchi
and sage butter. Scatter with hazelnuts,
thyme and remaining grated parmesan.

Photography John Paul Urizar; styling Olivia Blackmore; photo chef Clare Maguire. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

Make a batch of fluffy gnocchi with ease in your Thermomix, then dress it up for a delish dinner!

One secret of making
light, fluffy gnocchi is
blending the ricotta in the
Thermomix. The second is
the ‘ripassare’ – an Italian
trick of lightly frying
cooked gnocchi to become
crispy on the outside while
remaining light and fluffy in
the middle. Delicious!

THERMOMIX
EVERYDAY

This is an edited extract
from Thermomix Everyday,
$12.99, available at selected
supermarkets, newsagents
and themixshop.com.au.

DIABETIC FRIENDLY

eat well

Designed for foodies with diabetes, this
recipe is so good the whole fam will love it!
CHOCOLATE AND PRUNE
FUDGE BROWNIE

FUDGE FACTOR

200g pitted prunes, finely chopped
60g light margarine
80g (1/2 cup, lightly packed) brown
sugar or brown sugar substitute
35g (1/3 cup) cocoa powder, sifted
50g good-quality dark
chocolate, chopped
160ml (2/3 cup) freshly
brewed coffee
2 x 60g free-range eggs, whisked
55g (1/3 cup) wholemeal
self-raising flour
50g (1/3 cup) self-raising flour
Cocoa powder, to dust (optional)
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 160°C/140°C
fan-forced. Spray an 18 x 28cm slab tin
with cooking spray.
STEP 2 Put prunes, margarine, sugar,
cocoa, chocolate and coffee in a
medium saucepan. Stir on low heat
until chocolate and sugar melt. Set
aside for 10 minutes to cool.
STEP 3 Add eggs to prune mixture
and mix until well combined. Pour into
a large bowl. Sift flours over mixture.
Mix until well combined. Pour into
tin and smooth surface. Bake for 12
minutes or until just set. Set aside for
20 minutes in pan before turning onto
a wire rack to cool completely.
STEP 4 Slice and dust with cocoa.
For more deliciously
healthy recipes and
expert advice, pick
up a copy of the
July/August issue of
Diabetic Living, $9.20,
at your supermarket
or newsagent.

46 BHG AUGUST 2024

N U T R ITI O N A L I N F O

N U T R ITI O N A L I N F O

Per piece (with sugar) 611kJ
(146Cal), protein 4g, total fat 5g
(sat. fat 2g), carbs 20g, fibre 3g,
sodium 102mg • Carb exchanges 11/2
• GI estimate medium

Per piece (with sugar substitute)
515kJ (123Cal), protein 4g, total fat
5g (sat. fat 3g), carbs 14g, fibre 3g,
sodium 101mg • Carb exchanges 1
• GI estimate medium

Photography and recipe Immediate Media. Additional information Alison Roberts, Shannon Lavery (dietitian). Prices are approximate and a guide only.

Preparation time 10 mins plus 30
mins cooling
Cooking time 15 mins
Serves 12 (1 piece per serve)

Melt and mix your way to
gooey fudgy brownies that
are glam enough to share!

KITCHEN MATTERS

better cooking
[

T H E L AT E S T F O O D I E N E WS , P R O D U C T S A N D T R E N D S

]

STORE RIGHT
Upgrade your leftovers storage with
IKEA Havstobis food containers
with lids. The bases are made from
tempered glass, so no more stained
containers or lingering odours,
$15/set of 5, ikea.com/au.

FRYER FAVE!

Prep like a pro

Easily chop, grate and slice,
plus save precious space
on your kitchen benchtop
with the Kenwood MultiPro
Compact Food Processor. The
space-saving design means you
can store it with ease, $159,
kenwoodworld.com.

48 BHG AUGUST 2024

PRODUCE
PERFECTION
Give fruit and vegies an extra clean
wash with Banyar Jagun Produce
Wash. Housed in a reusable pump
bottle, you can refill the unscented,
plant-based wash once it’s finished,
$15.95/500ml, from Woolworths,
banyarjagun.com.au.

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

WHAT A DROP!
Add a fruity burst to fizzy water with Bubly
Drops. Each bottle makes 12L of sparkling
water, $7.95/40ml, sodastream.com.au.

Expand your air-fryer repertoire
with a Wiltshire Silicone Air
Fryer Round Collapsible Pan
19cm. It collapses flat when not
in use, plus the clever handles
mean you can easily move it in
and out of the air fryer to make
cooking a breeze, $13 each,
wiltshire.com.au.

WE
W
SHOU
YO
HOW

WE’RE ALWAYS
AT YOUR FINGERTIPS
NEVER MISS A BHG MOMENT!
facebook.com/bhgaus

@bhgaus

pinterest.com/bhgaus

SHOP

bhgshop.com.au

www. bhg.com.au

If you’re yearning for something to look up to in your yard, you literally can’t go past impressive, magnificent trees!

BEING TREE-MENDOUS!

GARDEN INSPIRATION

1 get a golden glow

If you fancy an oak tree
because of the glorious
autumn golds and reds of its
leaves, be sure you have the
room. They live a long time
– this one was planted 160
years ago – and grow large!

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

GRAHAM ROSS
Join me as I show you around
magnificent gardens on BHG TV,
Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

For more gardening tips, go to
bhg.com.au.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 51

D

eciduous trees can be
the year-round stars
of your garden. Big
or small, old or young, they
provide cool shade in the
summer, and a kaleidoscope
of colour in autumn. In winter,
their bare branches present
a lacy silhouette against the
sky to let the low sun in.
Then in spring, they display
a fabulous flurry of flowers.
You may have room for just
one tree, but the many at
Ceres Homestead in central
Victoria will help you make
your pick!
2 space-saver

When your garden space is
limited, plant an ornamental
pear tree. The lovely soft
green foliage turns golden
yellow, rich red or deep
burgundy in autumn and, of
course, the sparkling spring
blossoms are a showstopper!
3 slim and terrific

2

AGAVE

52 BHG AUGUST 2024

If you have no room for a
magnificent hoop pine, try
a row of slender pencil pines
or Mediterranean cypresses
(Cupressus sempervirens). They
maintain their elegant shape so
there’s no need for pruning.
3

GARDEN INSPIRATION

4 it’s a family spread

Fancy a summer picnic in the
garden under the shade of
a tree? The golden elm is
fast-growing and spreads
wider than its standard 15m
height – plenty of room for
the whole extended fam.
The soft green pleated leaves
turn butter yellow in autumn.

AGASTACHE ‘SWEET LILI’

RUGOSA ROSE ( R. RUGOSA )

HYDRANGEA

GARDEN INSPIRATION

5

54 BHG AUGUST 2024

5 box it in with box!

Maybe a bush has more appeal
than a tree, especially if space
is limited. And especially if you
love a bit of drama. The deep
red-burgundy leaves of
Japanese barberry (Berberis
thunbergii) will be a hit, but
watch out for thorns! You can
keep its enthusiastic growth
at bay with a box hedge.
6 the halo effect

Try layering for full exposure
and impact. A bust of Thomas
Bath, who established Ceres
in the late 19th century, is
embraced by Pride of Madeira
(Echium fastuosum) and
haloed by smoke bush
(Cotinus coggygria).

6

Photography Simon Griffiths

QUEEN
VICTORIA GAVE
A GRAPEVINE
AS THANKS
TO THE OWNERS
FOR LETTING HER
SON STAY AT THE
HOMESTEAD

7 The grape indoors

You can grow a grapevine indoors
by putting in a glass ceiling to turn
a hallway into a conservatory and
taking out a couple of tiles to make
a garden bed, as here.
8 ruffle it up

A smooth lawn next to your
driveway may be an option,
or you can create a flower bed
with a range of plants that give
seasonal delight – try ornamental
grasses, clivias and succulents!
9 yearn for an urn

Pop a sago palm (Cycas revoluta)
into an ornate urn to take the
edge off a clipped hedge.

VI S IT IT
What Ceres Homestead
Where 76 Coghlans Road,
Learmonth, central
Victoria.
When Available for
photoshoots, as a film
location, private garden
tours, talks or special
events such as weddings.
How much Check
the website.
More info cereshome
stead.com.au.
9

7

8

BUDGET
FRIENDLY

IDEAS

1 greening up!

A wall in a shady spot can
attract moss in winter, or you
can add an extra dimension by
hanging epiphytic bromeliads
that grow leaves in brilliant
colours. Birds’ nest ferns are
perfect companions.

56 BHG AUGUST 2024

FABULOUS FOLIAGE

2 colour your world

Bromeliads’ leaves, or bracts,
come in so many colours and
patterns: scarlet, pink, green,
yellow, silver, striped or
speckled — have fun choosing!

In winter, bromeliads bring explosions of vibrant colours
and it’s easy to keep generating new ones with our tips

FABULOUS FOLIAGE

T

reat yourself to
winter colour with
bromeliads. From air
plants and Spanish moss
to pineapples, they’re one
of the most diverse plant
families in the world and
many surprise in winter
by producing brilliantly
coloured modified leaves
or bracts, from which tiny
flowers appear. When
this happens, your plant
will soon die, but before it
does, tiny ‘pups’ emerge at
the base of the leaves to
become a new generation.
3 set your garden ablaze

Add a tropical touch to your
temperate garden with a flaming
sword (Vriesea carinata). Tiny
flowers emerge from
spectacular red, orange or gold
bracts that can be up to
20cm high.
4 faux flowers — naturally

3

Many bromeliads have
a ‘tank’ — keep it full of
fresh water.

Many bromeliads grow in a
rosette shape that resembles
petals. They can also grow quite
large —some as wide as 1m — so
give them plenty of room!

4

MORE BROMS
FOR FREE
• Many bromeliads
flower only once and,
while the colourful
bracts from which
the flowers emerge
can last for months,
it means the plant
will soon die.
• While the bracts
prevent new leaves
forming from the
plant centre, energy
is instead directed to
growing ‘pups’ at the
base of the leaves.
• When the pups
are one-third to
half the size of the
mum and have roots,
separate with a
clean, sharp knife
and plant elsewhere.

5 puppy love

If a brom is flowering and
creating pups, it means the
growing environment is ideal.
Instead of cutting away the
pups from the mum plant to put
elsewhere, you can also remove
the mum. The pups will then
form a spectacular cluster!

AUGUST 2024 BHG 59

FABULOUS FOLIAGE

6 long living

There’s no need to wait for the tiny
white flowers of the guzmania plant
to emerge. The brightly coloured
bracts give your garden a tropical
feel for up to six months. They
produce pups after flowering, then
die, but the babies will mean your
plant lives on and on!

BETTER TIP
AS EPIPHYTES,
BROMELIADS GROW BEST
ON LOGS OR TREES, OR IN
POTS WITH A 50%
PREMIUM ORCHID MIX
AND 50% PREMIUM
INDOOR PLANT MIX.

7 so supreme!

When a pineapple is ready to
bear fruit, it sends up a bract
from which tiny purple flowers
grow. When the flowers die, the
little bundle grows fat to give us
our favourite pizza topping!
8 Take one to your office!

You can grow your guzmania
indoors as they cope with low
or artificial light.
9 max out!

If you have the room, the giant
imperial bromeliad (Alcantarea
imperialis ‘Rubra’) grows 2m high
and 1.5m wide. Its flower spike
rivals the gymea lily.

7

8

9

TO BUILD A

FROG
HOTEL
FOR YOUR
GARDEN

TURN TO PAGE 96

AUGUST 2024 BHG 61

10 purple perfection

The leaves of Aechmea fendleri
are mostly green, but the bracts
and flowers are worth waiting
for — they’re stunning blue, red
and purple spikes. For similar
flowers that dangle below the
foliage, try Aechmea weilbachii.
11 mini marvel

Add a touch of colour indoors
with a little pink quill plant
(Tillandsia cyanea). The quill is
a gathering of bracts from
which blue or mauve flowers
emerge.
12 get a starter pack

An urn plant is an easy way to
begin a bromeliad collection.

A good indication a
tillandsia is about to bloom
is that the leaves take on a
pink or red blush!

11

12

Photography Adobe Stock

10

FABULOUS FOLIAGE

13 red hot

Put your urn plant (Aechmea
fasciata) where there’s plenty
of room — it grows to a metre
tall and wide — as well as bright
light to bring on the leaf
variegations and encourage
the stunning flower. But don’t
expose it to hot, direct sun.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 63

CONTAINER PLANTING

L I F T YO U R M O O D
When it’s dull outdoors, add drama to your indoors with collections of plants
in strong, contrasting colours that brighten up your space!

1 DOUBLE DOWN
Coleus is famously easy to work
with and its colours can be
electric! Try a couple of different
varieties, like gold-fringed
burgundy leaves against blotchy
green-orange-red leaves. Double
the tumble with the almost-black
flowers and lime-green foliage of
a Petunia sweetunia hybrid!
64 BHG AUGUST 2024

2 THROWING
SHADE
Elephant’s ears do best when
they’re in the shade reaching
for the sun. Use their huge
leaves to give cover to other
low-light-loving plants, such as
a moody, almost-black
Heuchera ‘Obsidian’. Then
dial up the intensity
with the wrinkled leaves
of a scarlet iresine.

ADD HEFT TO YOUR
DECO STYLING WITH
A COUPLE OF
CONCRETE SPHERES

3 MIXED COMPANY
Succulents look fresh when
their textures are set off against
other plants. For a tabletop
display that won’t get in the way
of conversation, opt for low
growers: line a bowl with a lovely
limey-green, purple-tinged
flat-growing bugleweed (Ajuga
reptans) to form a glossy carpet
beneath the pink rosette of
echeveria. Deep purple false
shamrock (Oxalis triangularis)
completes the mix with a thicket
of curly foliage.

IN SPRING, MOVE YOUR
BUGLEWEED INTO A SHADY
PART OF THE GARDEN
WHERE OTHER PLANTS
HAVE FAILED. IT WILL
SPREAD TO BECOME A
THICK GROUNDCOVER.

CONTAINER PLANTING

4 BOLD AND
BEAUTIFUL
Keep things interesting by
varying your leaf textures,
patterns and shapes. In this
lively combo, Begonia rex is
the focal point with its large,
waxy leaves etched in green,
deep red and silver, while
high-reaching pastel flower
(Pseuderanthemum variabile)
and cascading trad
(Tradescantia zebrina) add to
the mood with their deep
shades of eggplant.
BEGONIA REX LOVES
HUMIDITY. KEEP A
BOWL OF WATER
NEARBY. AS THE
WATER EVAPORATES,
IT MOISTENS THE AIR.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 67

CONTAINER PLANTING

P I C K YO U R FA B U LO U S FO LIAG E
Foliage is as varied as flowers and can bring striking shapes, textures and hues to containers. When
in doubt as to what to plant, remember the time-honoured formula: choose one tall plant (a thriller),
one mid-range plant (filler), and one that cascades off the edge of the pot (spiller).

THRILLERS

FOUNTAINGRASS

Creamy, foxtail-like
flower spikes more than
a metre tall make
a dynamic statement.

CANNA LILY

Luciously large leaves,
often striped, are
a year-round feature.
Flowers are a bonus!

CAST IRON PLANT

CORDYLINE

Almost indestructable,
especially indoors
where they thrive in
medium to low light.

Dark foliage tolerates
indirect light. Direct
light is best for lighter,
variegated leaves.

MONDO GRASS

ORNAMENTAL PEPPER

CALADIUM

The range of leaf
colours and patterns
makes choosing just
one difficult!

FILLERS

PURPLE BASIL

Ornamental and
edible, the leaves also
have a sweet, spicy
perfume.

DUSTY MILLER

The woolly texture of
its lacy leaves takes
the chill off winter
months.

Striking purple-black
foliage provides
a dramatic contrast to
other plants.

LICORICE PLANT

DICHONDRA
‘SILVER FALLS’

Red and black fruit set
against purplish-black
leaves of ‘Black Pearl’
make this a stunner!

PURPLE COLEUS

An easy grower with
soft, textured leaves
that thrives in sun
or shade.

PURPLE HEART

Fuzzy, purple leaves
on long, trailing purple
stems tumble softly
over the sides.
68 BHG AUGUST 2024

The small,
silvery-green leaves
on long stems have
a felt-like texture.

Tiny, oval-shaped
silver leaves create
a shimmering effect.

SPIDER PLANT

Little plantlets grow
from the mother
plant and hang down
like spiders.

WEEPING CHINESE
FRINGE FLOWER

The foliage changes
from bright lime green
to deep purple.

Photography Adobe Stock

SPILLERS

5 RISING STAR
For instant impact, start
with a tall, sword-like
cordyline. White sweet
alyssum softens the vertical
edges and adds brightness.
In a strong supporting role,
sweet potato vine fills out
the pot — and will spill to the
floor if you let it. This combo
prefers full to part sun.

SWEET POTATO VINE WILTS
ALMOST IMMEDIATELY
WHEN THIRSTY. REWATER
AND WATCH HOW QUICKLY
IT PERKS UP.

GARDEN WALKAROUND

EXTREME
TO THE
OTHER
When the time you have in your
garden is fleeting, you need plants that
survive on their own – this is when and
where only the fittest thrive!

1 A gentle weep is good for you

Plant an evergreen such as a
peppercorn tree – the narrow
leaves cast a lacy shadow, allowing
the winter sun to filter through and
warm up the understorey plants.
70 BHG AUGUST 2024

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

Y

ou want your plants to
perform, then give encore
after encore. But when your
temperatures range from a
bone-chilling -7 degrees in winter to
a searing 47 degrees in summer, this
can be troublesome. But, by trial and
error, a couple of treasure hunters
at The Stones in central Victoria
have created an environment where
plants thrive to make an informal
and charmingly eclectic welcome,
despite the tough conditions!
2 bounce back, babies!

Be prepared to see your agave
(A. americana ‘Variegata’) suffer a bit
if frosts are long and severe, but these
are tough old nuts and, with a trim of
the brown bits in spring, they’ll come
back bigger and stronger!

GARDEN WALKAROUND

OPUNTIA
BARREL CACTUS

3
4

5
3 great all-rounder

DEVIL’S ROPE CACTUS
(CYLINDROPUNTIA SPP.)

When you want shade in
summer and sun in winter,
mop top robinias give you
that – as well as being frost
and drought tolerant.
They aren’t big trees,
so you can plant several
to be close together
and the seasonal effect
is fabulous!
4 plume power

Miscanthus is frost
resistant once it’s
established, so plant it in
spring so its roots become
established over summer
and autumn, then trim
back almost to the ground
at the end of winter –
spring brings renewal!

BETTER TIP
BEFORE YOU PLANT
OUT YOUR OWN
GARDEN, TAKE A LOOK
AT WHAT’S SURVIVING
AND THRIVING OVER
THE FENCE IN YOUR
NEIGHBOURS’ YARDS.

5 top of the table

P L A NT S
FO R C H I LLY
W I NTE R S ,
S I Z Z LI N G
SUMMERS

Engage your imagination
for unique opportunities
– such as converting an
old iron bedstead into an
outdoor table by running
a few hardwood planks
through it. It’s rustic, a
bargain and eco-friendly
all-in-one!

Trees
Peppercorn tree
Paulownia
Ginkgo
Lombardy poplar
Monterey
cypress

6 bending its way

If you lack abundant time
to tend to your garden,
let it grow a little bit wild.
A naturalistic look is easily
achieved with stone walls,
wooden gates and curved
lines that follow the
natural landscape and
enhance the rugged
atmosphere, as here.

6

Shrubs
Mediterranean
spurge
Rose
Hosta

AUGUST 2024 BHG 73

GARDEN WALKAROUND

OPUNTIA
PAULOWNIA (IN AUTUMN/ WINTER)

7
8

9
7 ground control

8 feathered friends

Employ a flock of guinea
fowls to keep unwanted
garden bugs at bay.
Unlike chickens, they
don’t scratch around,
but do produce eggs
in spring and summer.

Photography Simon Griffiths

WISTERIA

Use the centuries-old
technique of creating a
micro-climate with stone
walls, steps, bollards or
pillars. The stones absorb
the sun’s heat and keep
temperatures higher
during the nights, which
enables plants, such as
pig’s ear (Cotyledon
orbiculata), to stay happy
when it’s chilly elsewhere.

VI S IT IT
What The Stones
Where 1530 Hepburn-

Newstead Road, Clydesdale,
a 130km drive from the
Melbourne CBD, Victoria.
When Saturday, April 26,
and Sunday 27, 2025.
How much Prices to be
determined.

More info

@thestonescentralvictoria.

9 get comfortable

If your aim is to sit and enjoy
your garden rather than
spending time forever
working on it, go for an
informal, rustic theme.
A gravel floor means no
mowing or weeding and
the curves are organic.

10

10 hale and hardy

Extremely hot and dry
summers can exhaust your
garden if you’re hoping for
traditional displays of
riotous colour. Instead, you
can opt for a garden bed
filled with structural
succulents and whimsical
grasses that thrive when
there’s limited water and
no shelter or shade.
AUGUST 2024 BHG 75

LIVING DECOR

Moss can be
troublesome
on your paths in
winter as it can be
a slip hazard. Turn
it around and make
moss marvellous by
gathering different
types to create
miniature mosaics
or making it part of
a fabulous hanging
fern feature!

76 BHG AUGUST 2024

1 BOTANICAL WALL
Moss panels, moss walls – even
moss ceilings – are becoming a
popular decorating feature in both
our homes and commercial
operations because they bring you
up close to nature. Or you can
create small pieces of moss art,
incorporating air plants and pieces
of bark to hang on your walls!
Instructions on page 83.

LIVING DECOR

WHEN HANGING
KOKEDAMAS, VARY THE
LENGTHS OF YOUR
TWINE TO CREATE THE
EFFECT OF A GREEN
CONSTELLATION!!

2 MOSS SPHERES
Kodedama is the ancient
Japanese art of growing
plants in balls of moss. You
can have just one, sitting in
a fancy saucer, or create a
mossy mobile by making a
collection that you can hang
from a herb drying rack.
Instructions on page 82.

78 BHG AUGUST 2024

GATHER YOUR MOSS
You can buy live mosses at
terrarium outlets but their
range can be limited. Most
mosses are exotic and there
are restrictions on bringing
live plants into Australia.
Instead, imported mosses
are preserved in a process

that maintains their natural
appearance and structure.
Preserved moss doesn’t
need the maintenance
of live plants, but they
can be damaged by the
oil in your skin when
frequently handled, by

watering or being exposed
to direct sunlight.
An overly dry or humid
environment can change its
appearance and texture,
so aim for humidity of
between 40% and 60%.
Avoid putting preserved

moss near AC units and
place a shallow bowl of
water nearby. The water
evaporates to lightly
moisten the air. To make the
dish pretty, fill with coloured
glass or pebbles. Replenish
the water when it has gone.

3 LANDSCAPE IN
MINIATURE
Have a go at an unusual bonsai
by planting a dwarf umbrella
tree (Schefflera aboricola) in a
shallow dish with premium
bonsai mix shaped into
mounds. Then cover with
preserved cushion, rock, sheet
and fern mosses – and some
colourful stones. Leave a small
hole for feeding and watering
your plant, and to avoid
damaging the preserved moss.
A dwarf umbrella tree grows to
about 60cm but you can keep
its height down by snipping off
its leader or main stem.

MOSS

VARIETIES
Moss comes in many
textures - deep and
fluffy or low and velvety
– giving you chance to
choose the one that
suits the look you want.

ROCK MOSS

SOFT AND CUSHIONY, IT
ADDS TEXTURE BY
LOOKING LIKE A
MINIATURE WIND-SWEPT
GRASSY PLAIN

CUSHION MOSS

A DENSE, PILLOWY
SHAPE ADDS AN EXTRA
DIMENSION TO YOUR
PROJECTS.

HAIRCAP MOSS

WITH A FEATHERY,
SOFT AND SPONGY
FEEL, IT SHINES AS A
DECORATIVE ELEMENT.

SHEET MOSS

LOW-GROWING WITH A
FRESH, SPONGY FEEL,
IT’S BIG ON TEXTURE AND
IS GREAT FOR CRAFT
BACKGROUNDS.

80 BHG AUGUST 2024

FERN MOSS

SOFT AND
VOLUMINOUS, IT’S
HIGHLY TEXTURED
WITH TINY FERN-LIKE
GROWTH.

LIVING DECOR

MOSS IS AN ANCIENT FORM
OF PLANT LIFE, SO IT ADDS A
SENSE OF PERMANENCE TO
YOUR SURROUNDINGS.

4 VERDANT
VIGNETTES
For a special occasion, fill
glass containers with two
tones of growing medium –
black horticultural charcoal
that absorbs excess water
and a pebbly brown bonsai
mix on top . Pop in a small
shade-lovng house plant, then
cover with green sheet moss,
leaving a hole for watering. As
there are no drainage holes in
the glass containers, you may
need to repot the plants into
containers with holes later.

LIVING DECOR

EASY STEPS TO MAKING HANGING MOSS SPHERES
Have a ball as you master
the ancient Japanese art
of kokedama!

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5
82 BHG AUGUST 2024

Gather your supplies
• Indoor fern growing
medium
• Small fern (90mm pot)
• Sphagnum moss
• Cotton string
• Live fern moss
You’ll also need
Large bowl; garden or
latex gloves; cotton
twine; plant snips

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

Here’s how
STEP 1 Fill bowl with fern
growing medium and add
water until it has a sticky but
not too wet consistency.
STEP 2 Take a handful of
medium and pack into a ball
shape, squeezing out excess
moisture and adding more
medium until it’s the size of
the pot your fern comes in.
STEP 3 Gently remove fern
from pot. Shake away excess
mix attached to roots.
STEP 4 Gently wrap pieces
of Sphagnum moss around
roots until covered. Mist with
water and gently squeeze to
remove excess water. Wrap
twine up, down and around
moss about 10 times.
STEP 5 Place fern moss on
work surface, right side
down, and put ball of
growing medium in centre.
STEP 6 Gently insert thumb
into middle ball to make a
small hole. Rotate ball with

thumb still in hole until hole
is large enough for plant
roots to fit. Place roots in
hole and squeeze ball
together to secure roots.
STEP 7 Gently wrap the
ball with fern moss, using
plant snips to trim away
excess. Leave a small
opening at the top for
watering and feeding fern.
STEP 8 Leaving tail for
tying, wrap twine around
ball, overlapping the twine
up and down, and around
sides, until the sphere is
secure. Cut twine, leaving
about 30cm for hanging.
Tie start and end tails
together with double knot
and trim excess twine.
STEP 9 Mist water around
kokedamas daily, then when
moss begins to shrink,
dunk balls into bucket or
sink filled with water.
Allow excess water to drain
before rehanging

STEP 4

STEP 5

EASY STEPS TO CREATING DRIED MOSS ART
Get the hang of making a
framed moss garden by
making a preserved and
fuss-free work of art!
Gather your supplies
• Shadow box frame
• Spaghnum moss
• Wire or plastic mesh
• Floral pins
• Preserved sheet moss
• Preserved rock moss
• Preserved cushion
moss
• Preserved reindeer
moss
• Bark
• Air plant
Picture hanging kit
You’ll also need
Latex gloves; snips; hot
glue gun, glue sticks

Here’s how
STEP 1 Remove glazing
and backing board from
box frame.
STEP 2 Pull apart and lay
1cm Sphagnum moss onto
backing board.
STEP 3 Use glazing as a
template, then cut mesh to
size with snips. Place mesh
on top of moss. Carefully
insert into the frame.
STEP 4 Starting from one
corner of frame, lay a piece
of preserved sheet moss in
an organic, abstract way.
Tear away any excess
moss to keep other three
corners exposed.
STEP 5 Secure sheet moss
to frame with floral pins in
a downward angle so pins
don’t fall out.
STEP 6 Fill one corner with
preserved rock moss and

pin to secure. Fill another
corner with preserved
cushion moss and secure.
STEP 7 Fill remaining gaps
with preserved reindeer
moss and push reindeer
moss into crevices created
by other mosses.
STEP 8 Tear or scrunch
pieces of sheet moss away
from areas where you’d like
bark to sit. Hot glue bark
onto these spots.
STEP 9 Place air plant
close to bark and secure
with floral pin.
STEP 10 Hang your
artwork to complete with
picture hanging kit as per
packet instructions!
for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 9

GROWING FRUIT

AGING GRACEFULLY

T

Prune olive trees in early winter
when fruiting has finished – keeping the
height manageable makes them easier
to harvest. Remove dead or damaged
limbs and those that cross over
each other.

he shimmery silver from
the underside of the
leaves makes an olive
tree a true treasure in the
garden. Historically, its branches
were a symbol of peace, while
leaves were woven into wreaths
for ancient Olympians. The
delicious fruit, however, is for
everyone. Use them as toppings
on pizza, add to sauces and salads
for a fresh flavour boost, or, if
you’re in a sophisticated mood,
stick a toothpick through the
middle and pop one in a martini.

...or brown, green or yellow ones. Whatever their colour,
olives are ancient, symbolic and highly nutritious

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

CAR I N G FO R
O LIVE TR E E S

Climate
Mediterranean: warm,
dry summers and
mild, wet winters.
Aspect
Full sun, out of
strong winds.
Soil
Well-drained, sandy soil.
Water
During flowering,
September to December,
and fruit set.
Drought tolerant.
Food
Fertilise in spring
and summer.
Harvest
April to June.
Pruning
Remove suckers and low
branches in early winter,
and tips of stems that
have grown too long.

MELISSA KING
Join me as I show you more
beautiful orchards, like this
one, on BHG TV, Fridays, at
7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

For more garden tips go to
bhg.com.au.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 85

GROWING FRUIT

MAKE YOU R OLIVE S TAST Y

1

To make a brine, add 80 grams
salt to 1 litre of water. Pour over
olives and cover.

4

For marinade, mix a pinch each of
chilli, rosemary, thyme, garlic,
bush pepper and lemon zest.

2

Change salt and water every
day for 7–10 days, then
change once a week.

3

The bitter taste will have gone
after about 2-3 months. The
olives keep indefinitely in brine.

5

Toss marinade over olives and
stir with a dash of cold-pressed
extra virgin olive oil.

6

Allow to marinate for 1 hour,
then serve with a bowl of
tapenade and crackers.

Photography Simon Griffiths, AdobeStock ; project Josh Culpan

Most raw olives are very bitter so are best eaten after being preserved in salt or brine and then marinated.
Greg and Sue O’Donoghue from Green Olive at Red Hill recommend these techniques.

FIVE TYPES
OF OLIVES
• ‘Frantoio’ grows well

in milder climates, but
not in extreme heat or
cold. Produces fruity and
aromatic oil. Mature fruit
is purple-black, but the
preferred picking time is
when it’s green or purple.

• ‘Manzanillo’ needs

two months of cold,
0–10˚C, to initiate fruit.
It tolerates light frosts
when mature and copes
well in coastal areas, but
not exposed to direct
sea breezes. Fruit can be
picked green or black.

• ‘Picual’ is a Spanish olive
suited to cold winters and
hot, dry summers. It can
be picked when fruit is
either green or black.

• ‘Leccino’ is originally from
Tuscany in central Italy. It’s
cold-, frost- and droughttolerant. The dark, purpleblack fruit have a distinctly
sweet taste because of
the lower acidity levels.

• ‘Kalamata’ produces

large, elongated,
almond-shaped fruit.
It’s generally harvested
when black or dark brown
and has a smooth, meaty
texture. Named after
the city of Kalamata
in the Peloponnese
peninsula in Greece.

VI S IT IT!

BITTER SWEET

Embrace the
Mediterranean theme
by planting a lemon
tree alongside an
olive tree. Both are
sun-lovers and thrive
in well-drained soil.

What Green Olive at Red Hill.
Where 1180 Mornington Flinders Road, Main Ridge,
Victoria, 90 minutes south of Melbourne CBD.
When Thursday to Monday, 9am-5pm,
paddock-to-plate restaurant, bookings
recommended.
How much Grazing plates from $36. Other food and
wine experiences, including picnic hampers from
$150. Also caters for weddings, corporate events
and special celebrations; check website for details.
More info greenolive.com.au.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 87

SUCCULENT ART

BUDGET
FRIENDLY

IDEAS

CUTE AND

CURIOUS
Succulents don’t cry out for regular
attention – put some in your garden, though,
and you’ll be giving them constant love!

88 BHG AUGUST 2024

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

2

1

3

P

icturesque succulents are works
of art in themselves, some with
perfect Fibonacci sequence leaf
arrangements, others taking on the weird
shapes of brains or warty rocks. But don’t
stop there – frame or sculpt these works of
art into more art. And when you run out of
plants, simply propagate more – for free!
1 turn rubbish into a resource

Head to junk shops or rummage through unloved
discards left on your nature strip for intriguing
objects you can fill with succulents.
2 make a fancy seat cover

When a beautiful, old chair has lost its seat,
snuggle a succulent-filled pot through the hole.
Terracotta pots are ideal because they’re porous
and excess water seeps through the clay.
3 too, too frou-frou!

Put a pretty frock on an old mannequin. Draw
inspiration from some of the more iconic gowns
paraded during New York’s annual Met Gala!
Then follow instructions on page 91.

SUCCULENT ART

TAKE YOUR PICK!

Choose from funky shapes, varied textures and colours
ranging from dusty mint to precious pink.

SOO COOL!

Echeveria ‘A Song of
Fire and Ice’ has fiery
red leaf margins.

FULL OF PASSION

E. laulensis has purple/
pink leaves all year
round.

CARE FOR YOUR SUCCULENTS
Soil If your soil is not sandy and
well drained, grow in pots with
a succulent potting mix.
Aspect Plenty of sunlight, but
not direct sunlight at the height
of summer. Ensure the area
around your succulents is
well-ventilated.
Water Only water when the soil
or mix has dried out. Don’t
bother in winter.
Food Give them a low
dose of slow-release fertiliser

that’s low in nitrogen in
spring and autumn.
BETTER TIP
Plant your succulents in
clusters – as they grow naturally
in the wild – to protect the soil
from too much sun. More is
more, whether in a garden bed
or a container. In repurposed
props or rescued bark, aim for a
dense arrangement that blends
textures, tones and forms.

reproduction TIPS
Create more succulent plants by leaf or stem propagation.

HEART-BREAKER

E. ‘Romeo Rubin’ has
red rosettes that get
redder when stressed.

WINGED WONDER

E. ‘Dragon Heart’ has
wart-like lumps on its
scalloped leaves.
Leaf propagation

Take a leaf from a mother plant, making sure the membrane
where it was attached is still in place and nothing is left on the
stem. Leave to dry in a tray for about two weeks with no water or
soil so the cut forms a callous. Place face down over bamboo
skewer in tray of succulent mix. Water when the leaf starts to put
down roots into the mix.
WILD WINDOWS

H. cooperi ‘Big
Window’ has leaves
like stained glass.

BABY BITES

PRETTY PEBBLES

Stem propagation

H. truncata leaf shapes
are behind its common
name horse teeth!

90 BHG AUGUST 2024

Lithops are known as
living stones and come
in many colours.

Cut the head off the top of the plant leaving a leaf or two, or
remove entirely if pups are at the base of the plant.
Leave the head to dry in a cool, shady spot for a month until roots
appear, then plant in succulent mix.

Photography Sue Ferris; project Viv Kappos, Josh Culpan

SPIKEY STRIPES

Haworthia attenuata has
zebra stripes across
green or pink leaves.

4 tree of new life

Create an eclectic small
succulent garden on pieces of
driftwood – it’s one you can
take anywhere! Clean the
driftwood, cover with moist
Sphagnum moss and succulent
potting mix, hold secure with
mesh – try gutter guard mesh
and cable ties – then poke
stems of succulents through
the holes into the mix where
they can develop roots.

VI S IT IT!
What Susan’s Succulents.
Where 435 Wards Hill Road, Empire
Bay, NSW, 90km from Sydney CBD.

When Monday to Friday, 9am-3pm,

Saturday 9am-2pm, Sunday by
appointment.
How much Saturday Succulent
Workshop, 11am-noon, $50 per person.
More info susanssucculents.com.au.

INDOOR PLANTS

P

lants may be an afterthought when
you’re decorating indoors, but they
can become statement pieces when
you go for quirky individuals that stand
out from the crowd. And if you love them
so much you want others, you can turn
one plant into more by simple division.

dappled under soft light

For marvellously mottled mixtures of dark
and palest green, try dieffenbachia, which is
also known as dumb cane. Add a variegated
dwarf umbrella tree and you’ll feel like you’re
in the tropics in the middle of winter!

92 BHG AUGUST 2024

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

BUDGET
FRIENDLY

IDEAS

FOLIAGE!
Don’t just settle for green indoor pot plants, glam it
up with pink, white or variegated leaves, which can
be striped, blotched, speckled or freckled!

here’s a dotty idea!

Instead of a silver lining, with a cane
or angle wing begonia, you get a
deep rust red ‘lining’ to balance out
the silver speckles on the leaves.
It thrives in humidity, so mist the
air around it regularly, or place a
decorative saucer nearby filled
with water and pretty pebbles.

INDOOR PLANTS

EASY STEPS TO PLANT DIVISION
When plants get too big for their pots, you can plant them
up in a bigger one, or divide them into smaller specimens,
as with this dieffenbachia, or dumb cane plant.

You’ll also need
Latex or garden gloves;
secateurs; scoop

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

STEP 6
94 BHG AUGUST 2024

Here’s how
STEP 1 Grab the plant
firmly at base of stems with

STEP 7

one hand and squeeze the
pot with your other hand.
STEP 2 Pull plant from pot.
STEP 3 Remove potting
mix from roots.
STEP 4 Gently but firmly
tease roots apart so you
have four new plants. You
may need to use secateurs.
STEP 5 Half fill new plastic
pots with potting mix and
gently settle roots into mix
until stems are 1cm from
top of pot.
STEP 6 Fill each pot up to
stem with mix with scoop,
or use another pot as here.
STEP 7 Gently press down
mix until plant feels secure.
STEP 8 Water potting mix,
avoiding getting water on
the foliage.

for PROJECT and
plant SUPPLIES, see
OUR stockists page

Photography Brent Wilson; project Vivien Kappos

STEP 1

Gather your supplies
• Indoor potting mix
• Small plastic pots
• Mature pot plant

SYNGONIUM

CALATHEA

PEPEROMIA

CTENANTHE

CARE FOR
INDOOR PLANTS
• Water well in summer. In winter, keep
potting mix dry between waterings.
• If the light is enough to read a book in the
daytime, then usually the light is good
enough for your plants.
• Keep plants away from draughts,
air-con units and heaters.
• Mist air around plants from rainforest
tropics to increase humidity.
• Plants also feel the cold, so move away
from glass doors or windows in winter.
• Wipe leaves with soft damp cloth to
keep shiny and remove dust.
• Take outside on mild days for fresh air,
bringing in before dusk when
temperatures fall.

ANTHURIUM ( A. CLARINERVIUM )

TRY COVE R P OTS

• Leaving your indoor plants in
their plastic pots and placing them
on old saucers to catch excess
water so your furniture won’t spoil
is great for the plants – they don’t
experience transplant shock.
• But if plastic pots make you
experience deco shock, style it up
by putting them into a ‘cover pot’
that matches your design theme.
• When it’s time to water your
plant, remove the plastic pot,
water the potting mix, let mix
drain in a sink, then pop plant
back into its cover pot.
• For great cover pot options, try
templeandwebster.com.au.

GARDEN HABITAT

W E LC O M E TO

F R O G
F

Bring frogs back into your garden with this wicked, ribbit residence!

rog populations are
declining because,
among other things,
their habitats are
being lost. Make them feel
at home in your garden with
plants, logs and rocks in cool,
shaded spots that protect
them as they feed and move
around. Then build a frog
pond or – as we show here –
a simple frog hotel!
STEP 2

EASY STEPS
TO BUILD A
FROG HOTEL
Gather your supplies
• Large glazed ceramic
container
• Epoxy putty
• 100mm, 65mm and
50mm PVC pipes 1m
• 65mm and 50mm PVC
elbows
• 100mm PVC tee
• PVC cement
• White duct tape
• River sand
• Gravel
• Mix of moisture- and
shade-loving pot plants
• Decorative pebbles
You’ll also need
Hacksaw; sandpaper;
scissors; gloves; bucket

96 BHG AUGUST 2024

STEP 3

Here’s how
STEP 1 Fill drainage hole in
container with epoxy putty
and let dry.
STEP 2 With hacksaw, cut
PVC pipes into three various
heights to suit your design.
STEP 3 Sand sawn edges
smooth with sandpaper.
STEP 4 Bunch pipes and
hold secure with duct tape.

STEP 1

STEP 4

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

TREE FROGS
WILL LOVE THIS
QUIRKY HOME
AS THEY CLIMB
UP SLIPPERY
SURFACES
WITH THEIR
SUCTION PADS!

BUDGET
FRIENDLY

IDEAS

frogs among the ferns

Plant moisture- and shade-loving
ferns close to your frog hotel to
provide another hiding place for
the frogs – and a landing pad for
insects that make up their dinner!

GARDEN HABITAT

KNOW OUR FROGS

Our native frogs can be found hopping to it from the
desert to the rainforests to the Snowy Mountains!

SUNSET FROG

STEP 7

Loves peat swamps in
south-west Western
Australia.

GREEN TREE FROG

STEP 6

• Avoid using fertilisers,
herbicides and pesticides
where frogs may live,
and keep your kitty
indoors at night!

CORROBOREE FROG

Likes cool, moist spots,
such as laundries.

Endangered, it’s found
in south-eastern NSW.

ORNATE BURROWING
FROG

GREEN AND GOLDEN
BELL FROG

GREAT BARRED FROG

DAINTY GREEN
TREE FROG

STEP 8
STEP 5 Half fill the
container with sand,
then push pipes firmly
into sand. Leave enough
room in container for pot
plants. Add gravel layer
around pipes for extra
support.
STEP 6 Add pot plants so
rims of pots are just below
edge of outer container.
STEP 7 Top up container
with more sand, then place
decorative pebbles on top.
STEP 8 Fill container with
bucket of water.
STEP 9 Wearing gloves,
fix PVC elbows and tee
to pipes with PVC cement.
for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

98 BHG AUGUST 2024

Found in forest pools
and streams after
spring-summer rains.

Lives in sandy soil
when dry, then heads
for puddles after rain.

Prefers living in
rainforest streams
and farm dams, or
enclosed waterways.

Prefers living in
marshes, dams and
calm streams.

From the deep north,
it travels south hidden
in banana foliage.

Photography Sue Ferris, Adobe Stock, Getty Images; project Josh Culpan

B E T T E R TI P

RED-EYED TREE FROG

PLANT ART

AS EPIPHYTES,
STAGHORNS DON’T
NEED SOIL TO
THRIVE. INSTEAD,
JUST FEED THEM
LOW-STRENGTH
LIQUID FERTILISER
IN SUMMER.

FERN GALLERY

Extend your garden and take it to the next level by hanging staghorns on a wall!

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING FABULOUS FERN FRAMES
A majestic staghorn needs more than a plank to hold it up!
Gather your supplies
• Galvanised roll top
wire mesh fence panel
• Metal spray paint
• Oxy-Shield flexible
garden edging
• Metal screws, wafer
head, 8g x 12mm
• Wire mesh panel
• Sphagnum moss
• Plastic cable ties
• Copper wire
• Staghorn fern,
mounted on board
You’ll also need
Tape measure; marker;
angle grinder; drop
sheet; face mask; safety
glasses; drill and 3mm
drill bit; scissors;
wire cutters

Photography Brent Wilson; project Grahame Rowe

Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask, and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear gloves
and protective clothing.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure 650mm
from top of panel and
450mm across. Mark.
STEP 2 Cut with angle
grinder. Cut 2 panels for
each frame.
STEP 3 Spray-paint panels.
STEP 4 Measure, mark
and cut garden edging to
300-320mm. Cut 4 for
each panel.
STEP 5 Form a square, with
base plates overlapping at
corners. Drill holes through
base plates at four corners.
STEP 6 Drill screws
through holes.

STEP 7 Flip square, then
cut the mesh to fit inside
square.
STEP 8 Soak sphagnum
moss, then lay over mesh
to top rim of square.
STEP 9 Lay square in
middle of first panel, then
lay second panel on top.
STEP 10 Secure with cable
ties at corners. Trim ends.
STEP 11 Turn over and
secure mesh base to
the bottom panel with
copper wire.
STEP 12 Cut wire tying
fern to board.
STEP 13 Ease fern off
board, keeping growing mix
intact and retaining wire.
STEP 14 Lay fern over top of
frame, using wire to secure
to frame.

STEP 11
STEP 6

STEP 12

STEP 7

STEP 13

STEP 8
STEP 14

STEP 1

STEP 9
STEP 2

CHARLIE ALBONE
Join me as I show you
how to transform your
greenery into living
décor on BHG TV,
Fridays, at 7pm on
Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be
subject to change.)

For more garden
tips, go to
bhg.com.au.

STEP 5

STEP 10

for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

AUGUST 2024 BHG 101

GARDEN TRENDS

In your
Jenny Dillon
Garden Editor

All seems still and quiet in winter, but there are always surprises!

SEASON
SPECIALS

KEY TO CLIMATE ZONES
ZONE 6
Mild warm summer
Cold winter

Try these winter
bright sparks!

ZONE 5
Warm summer
Cold winter
ZONE 4
Hot dry summer
Cold winter
ZONE 3
Hot dry summer
Mild winter
ZONE 2
Warm humid
summer
ZONE 1
Hot humid
summer

Pure gold!

Calendula, or pot
marigold, lights up your
days in mild winters.

PLANT NOW
Homegrown

Native correas do a
great imitation of exotic
summer fuchsias.

White wondeR

If you don’t get snow in
your area, candytuft is
the next best thing!

102 BHG AUGUST 2024

FLOWERS

VEGETABLES

ALL ZONES Aster,

ALL ZONES Beetroot,

honesty (top left),
tuberous begonia,
petunia, rudbeckia.
ZONES 1-3 Ageratum,
arctotis, bedding
begonia, Californian
poppy, celosia,
cosmos, dahlia,
gazania, gerbera,
African marigold,
phlox, portulaca
(bottom left), salvia,
sunflower and zinnia.
ZONES 4-6 Delphinium
and statice.

broccoli, cabbage,
lettuce, mustard,
onion (top left),
parsnip and peas.
ZONES 1-3 Beans,
capsicum, carrot,
cucumber, marrow,
melon, potato,
pumpkin, rhubarb
crowns, squash,
sweetcorn (bottom
left) and tomato.
ZONES 4-6 Artichoke
suckers, cress and
Chinese cabbage.

Photography Tony Fawcett, Adobe Stock

In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for
cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask
at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions.

CYCLAMEN

The flowers of late winter
and early spring occupy places
in our hearts well
out of proportion
to their size
GERTRUDE S. WISTER, U.S. HORTICULTURIST

Flutterby lure

GOOD
MAGNETS
Bees aren’t your
garden’s only
pollinators. Beautiful,
pollen-spreading
butterflies play a big
part too, and choosing
the right flowering
plants, such as this
heavenly scented
Murraya paniculata
playing host to an
Imperial Jezebel
butterfly, can make
all the difference.
Other top choices
include salvias, gauras,
echinacea, verbena
and buddleias – and
don’t forget Aussie
native everlasting
and paper daisies,
brachyscomes
and callistemons.

ADD COLOUR AND
CHARACTER TO YOUR
TOMATO AND LETTUCE
PATCH WITH VIOLAS.

GARDEN SECRETS

Grow a gourmet edible flower garden

1

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

3

2

FLORAL FAVES

Colour up salads with
Among flowers are
many easy-grow edibles nasturtium, violet, lilac
and rose petals; garnish
– chive blooms add
ice-cream and desserts
colour and flavour to
soups, carnation petals with lavender and rose
can be steeped in wine, petals; and fry cheeseor put violas atop cakes. stuffed zucchini flowers.

WARNING

Set aside a sunny
corner for growing,
but choose carefully.
Many flowers are
poisonous, so ensure
all choices are safe, and
wash well before using.

VIOLA

GARDENING ADVICE
CUT BACK passionfruit vines by a third to encourage
spring growth and plentiful fruit. PLANT a hedge.
PICK a dry, sunny day to spray gravel paths with
weedkiller. CHECK azaleas for petal blight (mushy brown

petals), spray with a fungicide if present. FINISH pruning
roses by end of first half of August. DIG and fertilise vegie
beds in preparation for spring planting. BUY camellias
while they are in bloom at your garden centre.

GARDEN MATTERS

better gardening
[

N E WS , P R O D U C T S A N D T R E N D S

]

IN THE BAG

SNIPPING LUXE

Snip in style with elegant, loophandled scissors. Inspired by
bonsai snips and made in
England with a polished brassfinish, Garden Trading Garden
Scissors in Bamboo bag, $68.50,
qualityproducts.com.au.

DAPHNE DELIGHT
Savour sensual daphne perfume from
mid-winter through to late spring with
the award-winning ‘Eternal Fragrance’
– billed as the earliest and longest
flowering daphne ever bred. Grow as an
informal hedge or as a topiary in a large
pot. Evergreen, compact (about 1m2) and
disease resistant, it yields a bewitching
citrus perfume. From Tesselaar Plants,
tesselaar.net.au, and leading nurseries.

TELL ALL

Fruit solution

If producing backyard fruit is a problem,
the Beginner’s Guide to Growing Fruit
Trees Fast and Easy by Sophie McKay
(Smartmind Publishing, $27.40) may offer
a solution. A no-nonsense how-to
paperback, it covers planting, pruning
and fertilising, plus watering, harvesting
and beating pests and diseases.

Nannup calling

The laid-back West Australian town of Nannup nestled by the
Blackwood River, 280km south of Perth, transforms into a mecca
for gardeners with its annual Nannup Flower and Garden Festival,
August 9 to 18. With spectacularly coloured tulip displays as the
centrepiece, the festival offers showcases, talks by celebrity
gardeners, music, local foods and open gardens of all types.
For more details, visit nannupgardens.org.au.

104 BHG AUGUST 2024

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

WHAT’S ON?

GARDEN CALENDAR

moon guide

Use the phases of the moon to your advantage by following Milton Black’s planting guide

How to use the calendar

AUGUST 2024
SUN

MON

TUES

WED

THUR

1

FRI

SAT

2

3

Moon enters
Cancer
1:19pm

4

5

New Moon
in Leo
9:13pm

11

12

19

13

First Quarter
Moon 1:18am
Moon enters
Sagittarius
8:00pm

20

26

27

Moon enters
Gemini 1:03pm
Last Quarter
Moon 7:25pm

8

9

10

16

17

Moon enters
Libra
7:31pm

14

15

Moon enters
Capricorn
3:51am

21

Full Moon
4:25am
Moon enters
Pisces 8:51am

Moon enters
Aquarius
7:44am

25

7

Moon enters
Virgo
7:16am

Moon enters
Scorpio
8:33am

18

6

Moon
enters Leo
9:09pm

22

23

24
Moon enters
Taurus
10:00am

Moon enters
Aries
9:01am

28

29

30

Moon enters
Cancer
6:47pm

31

Moon enters
Leo
3:09am

You must plant all ABOVE-ground crops during the moon’s WAXING cycle.
You must plant all BELOW-ground crops during the moon’s WANING cycle.
Times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time, AEST. This applies to NSW, the ACT, Qld, Vic and Tas.
For SA and NT, deduct half an hour. For WA, deduct two hours. During Daylight Saving Time, add 1 hour.

ZODIAC SIGNS

Aries

The 12 signs of the zodiac are divided into
four groups – fire, air, earth and water.

Taurus

Fire signs
Aries and Sagittarius
are in harmony with all
fruit. Leo is in harmony
with nuts and all
seed-producing crops.
Earth signs
Capricorn and Taurus are
in harmony with all root
vegetables that produce
crops below the ground,
including garlic. Virgo is in
harmony with all herbs.

Cancer

Air signs
Libra, Aquarius and
Gemini are in harmony
with plants that produce
flowers and perfumes.
Water signs
Cancer, Scorpio and
Pisces are in harmony
with above-ground
crops, including
trees, shrubs, lawns,
and leafy, juicy and
fleshy vegetables.

Gemini
Leo
Virgo
Libra
Scorpio
Sagittarius
Capricorn
Aquarius
Pisces

Best days

Second-best days

Best days

Second-best days

On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all
types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce
their crop above the ground. These include all
varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower,
broccoli, Brussels sprouts, eggplant, lettuce,
celery, silverbeet, spinach, endive, Chinese
cabbage, tomato, cucumber, asparagus crowns,
artichoke, marrow, pumpkin, capsicum, melon,
zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs
(except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such as
sunflower, grains, cereals, canola and cotton.
During these days, you can also plant flowering
shrubs, annuals, flowers (not bulbs), cactus, flax,
tree ferns, passionfruit vines and kiwifruit. Plant all
fruit trees and trees that produce edible nuts, such
as almond, pecan, macadamia and walnut. Grapes
and banana can also be planted during these
times. Take cuttings from established trees and
shrubs, and propagate. This is also a good time for
planting trees and climbers and sowing new lawns.
On these days, sow all seeds and plant seedlings
of root vegetables that grow their crop below the
ground, such as carrot, parsnip, radish, beetroot,
onion, leek, swede, turnip, sweet potato, seed
potato, yam, cassava, peanut, garlic and ginger.
This is a good time to plant flowering bulbs, or
bulbs for propagation and development rather than
flowers. Also, plant bare-rooted trees, to develop
root growth, and refurbish established lawns.
A favourable time for transplanting all types
of established trees, shrubs, ferns and bulbs.
Weed and lightly feed. Water with
seaweed-type products only.
Destroy or spray weeds, pests and noxious
growth. Burn off, cut lawns, do heavy pruning and
clear rubbish – don’t plant or transplant anything.
Prepare soil and fertilise garden beds for future
planting; spread and make compost; feed all
established plants, shrubs and lawns, then water in.
This is the best time for dethatching or coring lawns.
Do not plant or transplant anything, as the
moon is adversely aspected with the sun.

Any questions? Email milton@miltonblack.com.au.
AUGUST 2024 BHG 105

1 LOW-LIFT, BIG IMPACT
Refreshing your drab, dated kitchen
shouldn’t come at an eye-watering price.
Hold off on the gut reno and, instead, add
richness with gold accents, including brass
hardware, lighting and seating. You’ll make
huge savings with easy-to-install flatpack
cabinetry over a custom-built kitchen.
Kaboodle Kitchen has endless styles and
modular size options, kaboodle.com.au.

SAVVY DECORATING

Home makeovers
don’t need to
be grand affairs.
Try these small
updates to get
your spaces
feeling lusher
without the
big spend

FOR LESS

LUXE

BUDGET
FRIENDLY

IDEAS

AUGUST 2024 BHG 107

2 STEP INSIDE!

T

he idea that you can spend less for
more style might sound like an odd
paradox, but it makes sense once you
know all the tricks. Before you give up
on a room or home upgrade because you’re
watching your wallet, consider these styling
shortcuts. The first step is to choose a clever
colour scheme. How about a monochromatic
palette that will stand the test of time and let
you accessorise easily? You’ll then be ready
to start layering in accents and decos. This is
where you can explore less expensive options
that look just as chic. Feeling more confident
and inspired now? Then, let’s go...

Bring in a timeless look
so you don’t have to
shell out on regular
renos. In your entryway,
offset classic white
wall panelling with
chequered tiles laid in
a diamond pattern for
extra opulence. For
similar flooring, visit
bunnings.com.au.

SAVVY DECORATING

3 LIVE LARGE
You might dream of a larger
living area, but extensions
don’t come cheap. An easy
solution is to make more
room. Avoid over-furnishing
to create spacious walking
clearance between furniture
pieces. Pick a focal point,

such as this minimalistdesigned fireplace, then
arrange seating around it,
pulling away from the walls.
Anchor everything together
with a central area rug
and showstopping black
accented chandelier, try
templeandwebster.com.au.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 109

SAVVY DECORATING

4 DON’T REPLACE, RENEW

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

Is your dining tabletop looking worse for wear?
There’s no need to discard the whole table for a new
one. Instead, clad it with rough-sawn timber from any
hardware store. It’s a cost-efficient way to instantly
usher in warmth to an otherwise cold, overly-styled
space. Add flora for vibrancy – go for living plants
or the everlasting faux variety. You can shop
a low-cost range at spotlightstores.com.

110 BHG AUGUST 2024

5 LAMINATE IT!
If you’ve always wanted a luxe
marble benchtop, but not the
hassle or price of installing
one, opt for the next best
thing. Laminate benchtops
that mimic marble cost less
and are easier to install, so
you’ll save on labour as well.
And with a little care, they
can last for years. Ekbacken
Worktop, white marble
effect/laminate, 246 x 2.8cm,
$179, ikea.com/au.

6 TRY TEXTURE
Create visual depth in your
room of rest with a dark wall
– hold the paintbrush! Vinyl
peel-and-stick wallpaper is a
great decorating hack as it
makes next to no mess and is
less pricey than traditional
wallpaper. Find a variety
of self-adhesive wallpaper
at etsy.com.

SAVVY DECORATING

7 MAKE A SPLASH

LAYER IN POPS
OF PERSONALITY
WITH FRAMED
ARTWORK AND
OTHER LOVED
PIECES...

Just because you can’t
indulge in the claw-foot tub
of your dreams doesn’t
mean you can’t turn your
bathroom into a sanctuary.
A compact acrylic soaker
tub offers a luxurious,
enveloping feeling without
the hefty price tag.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 113

FOURON THEFLOOR

Nothing beats the look and feel of timber under your feet, and with endless options there’s one to suit every lifestyle

BETTER FLOORING

114 BHG AUGUST 2024

Y

our floor is one of the most used features in
your home, so it makes sense to invest in it.
The need for a solid-quality surface is just as
important as good styling. But navigating the
balancing act between practicality and aesthetics can
be a confusing journey. That’s why you need to select
a reliable flooring company to work with you. There’s
a level of trust that needs to be there for the job to go
smoothly. Remember, you’ll be living with your floors –
and their installation – for many years to come, so choose
a retailer, such as Choices Flooring, that can be with you
every step of the way. Now, it’s time to rip out the lino
and start laying the groundwork by learning everything
you need to know about floorboards…

GET ON BOARD

There’s lots to consider
when selecting your floor,
as the material used
throughout your home will
alter its appearance and
overall liveability. Which
surface can handle the
footfall of your family?
Is hybrid or vinyl better
suited for utility rooms,
such as the kitchen? And
what about style – wide
or narrow (one-, two- or

LARGE LIVING AREAS
Warm up your spacious lounge
room with the natural look of an
engineered timber floor, using
wide planks to open up the area.

TI
AN

E E R E D OA K

RE

GA

L
EN

AL

PL

GIN

–D

N

O

EN

I

three-strip)? Which
type of timber flooring
complements your
interior – smooth and
polished floors or the
natural, texturised type?
You’ll also want to make
sure your floorboards
pass the acoustics test
if your home has upper
floors or noisy residents!
Which ones require less
elbow grease to maintain,
and meet your budget?

TIMELESS TIMBER

Nothing showcases
the natural beauty of
timber than, well, timber.
When sealed properly,
timber floors require
little upkeep other than
the occasional brush,
mop and vacuum. They
rarely need replacing,
too, because they can
be sanded back and
refinished to a near-new
impeccable condition.

However, as wood, by
nature, can change
shape with moisture and
temperature variations,
it’s not as stable as more
contemporary timber
flooring options.

OLD MEETS NEW

Engineered timber
flooring offers a modern,
cost-effective alternative
to solid hardwood floors.
It comprises a decorative

surface layer of timber,
called a veneer or
lamella, bonded over a
timber substrate. Once
installed, it looks just
like the solid stuff, yet
offers better resistance
to temperature and
humidity fluctuations.
Engineered timber planks
come pre-finished with
a matt coat that reduces
visible dust, and you can
install them over heated

BETTER FLOORING

E R E D OA

KR

EG

A
–S

IE

RR
A

Love the look of real
timber but not in love
with its price tag, or the
extra care needed when
wet cleaning? The Rigid/
Hybrid timber flooring at
Choices Flooring hits the
sweet spot, offering you

O

GINE

L

HAPPY HYBRIDS

N
TI

EN

STUDY AND KID’S ROOM
Combining good timber looks
with the practicality of vinyl,
hybrid planks work well in your
home office or bedrooms.

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

If your floors often look
like Pro Hart’s been busy
creating his masterpieces
on them, your best pick is
a low-maintenance, stainresistant but super stylish
vinyl ‘timber’ floor. This
low-cost option can handle
high-traffic areas and
kitchen spills, as well as
your office swivel chair on
WFH days. It’s quiet under
foot, making it perfect for
upper floors, and totally
waterproof, so your mop
and bucket are more
than welcome. Available
at Choices Flooring in a
range of native flora looks,
including the Luxury Vinyl
Genero Longboard in a
rugged Sawn Blackbutt
plank, $72.05/sq metre.

AN

FUSS-FREE & FANCY

the beauty of engineered
timber and the durability
and affordability of vinyl
planks. Thanks to the hard
topcoat and extra density,
these floors are incredibly
stable, sound absorbent
and water resistant, so
they’re easy to clean
without the aid of special
products or equipment.
They’re also resistant
to scratches, scuffs and
stains – ideal for active
kids and Rover! The Abode
collection features myriad
designs – but for one that
blends into both modern
and classic interiors, try the
Abode Vibe in Timeless
Oak, $70.31/sq metre.

PL

subfloors. Though they’re
more water resistant than
solid floors, engineered
timber planks are not
waterproof, so you can’t
use a saturated mop when
cleaning. The good news is
if you damage your boards,
they can be replaced
individually. Choices
Flooring offers a variety
of wood species, styles
and finishes. The Plantino
Engineered Oak Regal in
Sierra or Denali, $115.94/sq
metre, features a brushed,
matt texture in a wide
one-strip plank that visually
enlarges your rooms.

VI B

E – TI M E LE S S

OA
K

NG

B OA R D – S AW N

BL

AC
T

GE

UT

NE

O

LO

KB

R

AB

E
OD

KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY
Versatile, durable vinyl floorboards are
a sensible choice for damp-prone utility
rooms and busy areas, and offer better
noise reduction than other floorboards.

A WISE CHOICE
ROOMS WITH A VIEW
Enhance the indoor/
outdoor flow of your
spaces with engineered
oak planks, which feature
a rustic-style open grain.

Dedicated to taking the pain out of your floorboard journey by delivering
top-quality floor coverings and service, Choices Flooring is a solid option.
They have more than 140 stores across Australia and New Zealand, offering
state-of-the-art flooring displays, while their website features a RoomView
tool that helps you visualise your dream space at the click of a button. They
also offer free measurements and quotes to streamline your projects.
For your nearest store or more info, visit choicesflooring.com.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 117

BEDROOM REDO

A fab before-and-after
result can be as easy as
using paint power and
woodwork wizardry!

118 BHG AUGUST 2024

OF

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

1 sleeping beauty

Creating the bedroom of your
dreams shouldn’t come with
a nightmare-inducing price
tag. Nor should you skimp
on style. After all, this is the
space where you start your
day and, at the end of it, it’s
where you escape from it all!

BUDGET
FRIENDLY

IDEAS

2 reflect on aesthetics!

Upcycle an old frameless
mirror and visually expand and
brighten even the tightest
quarters! To create, attach
mirror to a 7mm backing sheet
of oversized MDF with mirror
construction adhesive. Create
an arch (same width as MDF
backing) to seamlessly blend
with your wardrobe (page 122).
Attach over the top of the
mirror, then create your own
off-the-shelf timber moulding
to finish the surround. Try
Selleys Liquid Nails Mirror,
Metal & Glass adhesive,
bunnings.com.au.

2

E

ver walked into a
bedroom and felt
like it was missing a
certain something
– like ambience? If your
bedroom has just been
called out, you can change
its vibe without getting a
second mortgage on the
house. Texturised paint
and clever DIY carpentry
are the most affordable
ways to transform your
space. But the effort! Dive
in for priceless hacks that
will easily morph your
sanctuary from boring to
beautifully functional.

120 BHG AUGUST 2024

4

3

3 Luxe with layers

Double up your curtains with
sheer and block out fabrics to
match your snooze setting.
Install a painted MDF pelmet
to the ceiling with a double
track hidden behind. Hang
curtains so they kiss the floor
for a luxury hotel feel.
4 save floor space

No room, or budget, for new
bedside tables and lamps? No
worries. Use a strip of timber
measuring the length of your
bedhead and attach it to the
back by screwing in three
brackets. Now give the space
a glow-up with a self-adhesive
plug-in strip light, discreetly
placed behind the bedhead.

BEDROOM REDO

BEFORE

5 texturise your walls

Cover up wall imperfections,
while creating a one-of-a-kind
fine-grain finish with Dulux Design
Light Texture. This ultra-matt paint
comes in 16 neutral, earthy colours
that can add instant warmth and
dimension to any interior.

BEDROOM REDO

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A FITTED ARCH WARDROBE

Gather your supplies
• 2400 x1200 x 16mm
MDF (2)
• 66 x 30mm 5.4m
treated primed pine
• 66 x 18mm 5.4 primed
pine moulding
• Waterbased enamel
paint (to match walls)
• 25 x 2700 chrome rod
• 16mm stainless steel
centre pillar fitting rod
• Chrome round flanges
• 1800 x 405 x 18mm
timber panel (2)
• Sheer linen concealed
tab-top curtains in linen
140 x 250cm
You’ll also need
Tape measure;
combination square;
pencil; track saw; mitre
saw; scrap timber
strip; hammer; nail;
jigsaw; 80 grit
sandpaper; stud finder;
brad nailer and brads;
level; drill; quickdrying PVA glue;
75mm screws; wood
filler; scraper;
caulk; caulk gun;
nap roller; tray;
paintbrush;
16mm hole saw;
screwdriver
Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask, and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear gloves
and protective clothing.
122 BHG AUGUST 2024

Project notes
Choose a wall for your
wardrobe, then measure
and sketch a plan of your
wall and include the
placement of arches and
pillars. Adjust the
components box and
supplies to suit your

measurements.
Use the fitted wardrobe
diagram to help with
assembly as required.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure and mark
all components with tape
measure; combination

square and pencil. Cut all
primed pine and treated
pine components with a
mitre saw. Cut MDF with
a track saw.
STEP 2 To make a compass
and draw the arches,
measure, and mark 390mm
from one end of a scrap

FITTED WARDROBE ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Arch panel

Shelf

Rail support
Short stud

Long stud

Rail support

Rail

Base
Pillar

Pillar

Components for 3-arch wardrobe for wall 2800H x 2800W x 600D (all in mm)

Part
Ceiling rail
Short stud
Long stud
Base
Rail support
Shelf
Arch panel
Pillar

Size
2800 x 66 x 30
2200 x 66 x 30
2400 x 66 x 30
600 x 66 x 30
540 x 66 x 18
1400 x 405 x 18
2800 x 900 x 16
100 x 1900 x 16

Material
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Primed pine
Timber Panel
MDF
MDF

Qty
1
4
4
4
8
2
1
4

Photography Alan Jensen, Brent Wilson; diagram Steve Pollitt; styling Kate Walsh; project Karenza Jewell, Scott Marvell

Ditch your dodgy old closet
for a stylish fitted wardrobe
that’s both space savvy and
easy on the pocket!

timber strip. Lay the Arch
panel flat and mark
compass points; 500mm,
1400mm and 2300mm
from end of panel, and
10mm from one edge.
Hammer a nail through
the strip and into the MDF
at a compass point. With
a pencil, trace the arch
shape onto the MDF while
you rotate the strip.
Remove nail and repeat for
3 traced arch shapes. Cut
arches with jigsaw, then
sand sawn edges.
STEP 3 To install the
Ceiling rail, measure and
mark a parallel line along
the ceiling, 633mm from the
wall. Locate the ceiling
joists and use the nail gun to
install Ceiling rail to the
inside of the marked line.
STEP 4 To assemble a
ladder frame, attach Long
stud and Short stud to Rail
supports with nail gun and
brads. Repeat to attach the
Base to the Long and Short
studs. Repeat for all frames.
STEP 5 To install the
ladder frames, Use the Arch
panel as a guide to measure
and mark the positions of
the 2 middle ladder frames
on the wall. Stand Frame
upright, square and flush to
the wall, checking with a
level. To attach, predrill
4 equally spaced holes
through the Short stud and
into the wall, insert screws
and tighten. Then, predrill
2 holes through the Base
and onto the floor, insert
screws and tighten.
STEP 6 Repeat step 5 to
install all remaining ladder
frames with the corner
ladder frames flush and
screwed to the adjacent
side walls.
STEP 7 With a nap roller

and paintbrush, apply
2 coats paint to all ladder
frames and Ceiling
rail. Allow to dry after
each coat.
STEP 8 To attach the Arch
panel, apply quick drying
PVA glue to front of the
ladder frames and along
middle of the Ceiling rail.
With help, lift and place the
panel flush to the ceiling
and against the top of the
frames. Clamp while
supporting, then predrill 6
equally spaced holes
through the panel and into
the ladder frames. Insert
and loosely tighten screw to
hold in place while glue sets
STEP 9. Apply glue to the
lower section of the frames,
then line up a Pillar flush to
the Arch panel and against
bottom section of ladder
frame. Repeat step 8 to
clamp and screw until set.
STEP 10 Apply caulk along
joins and fill screw holes
with wood filler and
scraper. Apply 2 coats of
wall paint to all MDF
(including inside). Allow to
dry after each coat.
STEP 11 Mark up flange
position on centre on left
outer Rail supports, predrill
and attach with included
screws. Drill through the
centre Rail supports with
a drill and 16mm hole saw.
STEP 12 Measure and cut 2
fitting rods to fit between 2
outer flanges. Insert rods
through Rail support holes
and repeat step 11 to attach
flanges on opposite end.
STEP 13 Place shelves onto
top Rail supports. Install 6
curtain brackets to back of
Arch panel with 3 rails .
Check level. Thread 2
curtains onto rod and
tighten rod onto brackets.

STEP 2

STEP 8

STEP 4

STEP 9

STEP 5

STEP 11

STEP 6
FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

STEP 13

DIY SHELVES

1 lean into it

Eclectic home styling is
bang on trend and brings
charm and personality
to your space. Double
down and accessorise with
a mix of modern goodies!

124 BHG AUGUST 2024

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

LEANING TOWER

OF TIMBER
If you’re
angling for
an easy
DIY project,
create simple
and quirky
storage that
slots together
for a fuss-free
assembly.
Scrap the
glue and
screws for
a new slant
on shelving!

2 straight as a die

Embrace ‘wonky’ in
your world but keep
it sturdy and stable!
Built entirely with
timber, these solid
standing shelves are
totally skew-riffic!

DIY SHELVES

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING ‘INTENTIONALLY WONKY’ SHELVES
Create fully customisable shelving that’s quirky and fun, yet
highly practical and a breeze to build!

24

50

302

24

Gather your supplies
• 2400 x 1200 x 17mm
structural plywood (2)
• Dulux tester pot in
Timeless Grey

50

24

You’ll also need
Tape measure;
combination square;
pencil; drill; circular
saw; straight edge;
10mm drill bit; jigsaw;
80-grit sandpaper;
cloth; nap roller; tray;
water-based varnish;
wall bracket and fixings

All measurements in mm

END PANEL ASSEMBLY PLAN

Short end
panels

Short end
panels

Short end
panels

Components for a 6-shelf unit (in mm)
Part
Size
Shelf
1000 x 300 x 17
Short end panel
450 x 350 x 17
Long end panel
550 x 350 x 17

126 BHG AUGUST 2024

Long end
panels

Long end
panels

Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask, and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear gloves
and protective clothing.
Project notes
• To customise your
shelf width, adjust shelf
length to suit your space
requirements.
• To customise the shelf
height, adjust the number
of shelves.
• Adjust the components list
(see list below) accordingly
before you start.
• A plunge cut with a circular
saw will produce straighter
and more accurate cuts

Material
Plywood pine
Plywood pine
Plywood pine

Qty
6
6
4

than a jigsaw. To make a
plunge saw cut with a
circular saw, keep the plate
tightened at all times and
set 2-3mm below the depth
of your timber. Steady the
saw with the front edge of
the plate and line up the
blade with the inside of
your cut line. Switch on the
power, then pull back the
guard to plunge the back of
the saw down and forwards.
If you are not experienced
with a circular saw, drill a
hole in the corners and
use a jigsaw to cut it out.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure, mark
and cut all components
(below left) with tape
measure, combination
square, pencil, circular
saw and straight edge.
STEP 2 For end panel slots,
use a combination square
and pencil to measure and
draw ‘slot’-shaped cut lines
according to the End panel
cutting diagram (above left).
STEP 3 With a circular
saw, plunge cut along cut
lines, then cut out corners
with a jigsaw to prevent
overcutting. Repeat for
second slot, then repeat
to cut out slots for all
Short and Long end
panels.
STEP 4 Sand all faces,
edges and sawn edges
on all shelves and end
panels with 80-grit
sandpaper. Wipe away
dust with a damp cloth.
STEP 5 To make a grey
wood-wash, mix about a
cup of Timeless Grey paint

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Kate Walsh; project John Rae

24

END PANEL
CUTTING
DIAGRAM

3 awash with colour

3

Create a colourwash for
your timber shelves with a
50/50 ratio of water-based
paint and water. Choose
a soft grey or any colour to
blend with your décor.

with a cup of water. With a
nap roller, leaving the edges
bare, apply wood-wash to
one face of all components.
Allow to dry, then flip and
repeat for the opposite
face and allow to dry.
STEP 6 To protect shelves,
apply water-based varnish
to all components (including
the unpainted edges) and
allow to dry.
STEP 7 To assemble
bottom shelf, insert both
ends of a Shelf through
bottom slots on 2 Short end
panels. Space shelf so end
panels are even and stand
upright, and angle to the left.
STEP 8 To assemble the
second shelf, work left to
right to insert a shelf
through the slot on the left
Short end panel, then
through slot of a Long end
panel. Feed through the top
slot on the right Short end
panel, then through slot of
another Long end panel.
STEP 9 Repeat Step 8
working right to left to
assemble the third shelf,
then continue to assemble
the remaining shelves.
Alternate Short and Long
end panels on each shelf
to allow the unit to tilt in
opposite direction on
each level.
STEP 10 To prevent it
tipping over, attach back
of top shelf to wall with
bracket and appropriate
fixings for your wall. Secure
to timber joist or brick wall
with appropriate fixings.

STEP 8
STEP 2

STEP 4

STEP 10

STEP 3

STEP 5

for shopping
details and PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

FUN MEETS FUNCTION

BUDGETFRIENDLY

IDEAS

KEEP THE KIDS’
CLUTTER OFF THE
FLOOR WITH TONAL
BASKETS, STORED
UNDERNEATH THE
BENCH.

LET LITTLE BUT BIG
IMAGINATIONS
RUN WILD WITH
A ROLL HOLDER FOR
DRAWING PAPER
BUILT INTO THE
BENCHTOP.

1 art express

Turn your dining area into a playroom
combo and make the most of your space.
Let your kids show off their inner van Gogh
with a pinboard gallery placed above a simply
styled storage shelf/drawing table.

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FRIDAYS 7.00

P L AY I T C O O L
Make family time even better with space-efficient Scandi-style pieces you can DIY

BUILD A BEAUTIFULLY
PRACTICAL BENCH UP
AGAINST THE WALL TO
CREATE WALKING
SPACE, THEN COSY IT
UP WITH CUSHIONS.
AUGUST 2024 BHG 129

FUN MEETS FUNCTION

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A MODULAR STORAGE BENCH

Make a customised bench that’s fit for the fam to eat, play and create. Then, once you’re done, simply pack the mess away!
Gather your supplies
• 2200 x 600 x 26mm
pine panel
• 18 x 18mm 2.4m
dressed pine
• 16mm 3m dowel
• 16mm curtain rod
stirrup brackets (4)
• 50cm craft paper roll
You’ll also need
Tape measure; pencil;
combination square;
track saw; drill; 2mm
bit; 72mm hole saw;
orbital sander; 120-grit
sandpaper; PVA glue;
40mm and 50mm
screws; clamps;
water-based varnish;
nap roller

cut all components with a
tape measure, combination
square, pencil and track
saw. With a drill and hole
saw, cut a hole for your
penholder on the Top,
40mm in from corner.
STEP 2 Sand sawn edges
and all timber faces with an
orbital sander and
120-grit sandpaper.
STEP 3 Apply PVA glue
along both ends of the Base
and attach flush to back

MODULAR BENCH ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure, mark and
130 BHG AUGUST 2024

both ends and one long
edge of the Kickboard, then
attach to underside of Base,
25mm from the front edge.
Clamp parts together for
30 minutes.
STEP 6 To attach Cleats
for the Top, apply PVA glue
along length of 1 Cleat and
attach to inner Side, 26mm
from top edge, level and
flush to the back. Predrill
2 equally spaced holes
through Cleat and into the

Top

Cleat
Back

Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate,
wear gloves
and protective
clothing.
Project notes
• Decide the number of
benches you will need for
your space then refer to
the assembly diagram
(right) to select your
components. Adjust
supplies list and
components (above and
right) to suit your
requirements.
• Simplify the job and have
your panels cut to size by
your timber supplier.

edge and 80mm up from
bottom of 2 parallel Sides.
Check square then, with
drill and 2mm bit, drill
3 equally spaced holes
through 1 Side and into
Base. Insert 40mm screws
and tighten. Repeat for
opposite Side.
STEP 4 Apply PVA to both
ends of the Back piece and
attach flush to top and back
edges of both Sides.
STEP 5 Apply PVA along

Side

Dowels
Paper roll
Base

Cleat

Side

Kickboard

Shelf/seat

Components for 1 storage bench with paper roll and shelf (all in mm)

Part
Top
Side
Base
Back
Kickboard
Shelf
Cleat
Dowel

Size
660 x 425 x 26
450 x 400 x 26
665 x 350 x 26
665 x 150 x 26
665 x 54 x 26
665 x 450 x 26
450 x 18 x 18
665 x 16

Material
Pine panel
Pine panel
Pine panel
Pine panel
Pine panel
Pine panel
Dressed pine
Hardwood

Qty
1
2
1
1
1
1
4
2

Photography Alan Jensen; diagram Steve Pollitt; styling Kate Walsh; project John Rae; original artwork Taz Witkamp

Side, insert 50mm screws
and tighten. Repeat to attach
1 Cleat to opposite side.
STEP 7 To add a shelf,
repeat Step 6 to attach
Cleats 200mm from top
edge of Sides. Insert Shelf.
STEP 8 To make a Paper
roll holder, attach 2 stirrup
brackets (with included
screws) to underside of
both top cleats, at both
5mm and 100mm from the
back end. Insert 1 dowel to
rear brackets, then insert
other dowel through paper
roll and attach to front
brackets. Feed the paper
under the rear dowel and
up and over the Back. Place
Top panel on top Cleats,
then pull the paper over
the top.
STEP 9 To secure Top to
Bench (if you decide not to
have the paper roll), apply
PVA glue along top of both
Cleats, insert Top and
clamp for 30 minutes.
STEP 10 Apply 1 coat of
water-based varnish to
entire unit with nap roller.
Allow to dry. Repeat all
steps to build additional
modular benches as
required, with the shelf
and paper roll holder as
optional inclusions (shown
as green and purple
components on diagram).

STEP 2

STEP 3A

2 float your boat

STEP 3B

As long as there’s storage, a play room can be anywhere,
even in the dining room. These floating shelves do double
duty for kitchen wares and junior artworks. Select primed
30mm-depth timber planks, with different widths and
lengths for visual interest. Find and mark the centre of
the wall studs, then transfer and mark the positions on the
timber planks. To attach, drill a hole through the front face
of the plank and into the wall stud. Insert and tighten with
bugle screws (up to 200mm long). Hide the screws and
add some timber detailing with 30 x 12mm hardwood
strips. Simply cut them to size and attach to the front
edge of the timber planks with PVA glue.

STEP4

STEP 10

STEP 1

STEP 5

STEP 6

FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

SMART STYLE

BUDGETFRIENDLY

IDEAS

Build an
adorable
coffee table
for a floral
display like
no other
flower power

Get creative with hardware
components to craft a tiered
table with lazy susan bearing
plates that enable petal-like panels
to rotate and stow as needed.

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

S

pring is on the horizon, almost, but budding
chippies need not wait! Charge up your tools now
and cut some fresh plywood for a table that’ll
blossom in your living space in the blink of an iris.

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING
A FOLDING FLOWER TABLE

Nip your coffee table needs
in the bud with an easy
afternoon project that’s
like honey to the bee.
Gather your supplies
• 2400 x 1200 x 19mm
CD plywood
• 300mm lazy susan
bearing plates (2)
• Angle leg plates (4)
• 400mm pine legs (4)
• 15mm screws
You’ll also need
Tape measure; pencil;
scrap timber strip; nail;
hammer; protractor;
straight edge; circular
saw; jigsaw; 120-grit
sandpaper; orbital
sander; drill; 2mm drill
bit; 19mm spade bit;
nap roller; water-based
paint; varnish; PVA glue
Safety notes
• When operating power

tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear gloves
and protective clothing.

STEP 3

Project notes
• Refer to petal cutting

diagram to mark a perfect
petal shape (page 134).
Here’s how
STEP 1 For a workable
section of timber, measure,
mark and cut 700mm from
short end of plywood to
get a 700 x 1200mm panel.
Repeat for a second panel,
then cut this one in half for
700 x 600mm panels.
STEP 2 Lay bigger panel
flat with sawn edge at the
bottom. Measure 50mm up
and 50mm across from the
bottom left corner and
mark a cross.
STEP 3 Line up a lazy
susan bearing plate flush
against the bottom left
corner and trace around
it with a pencil.
STEP 4 On scrap timber
strip, measure and mark
a cross 550mm from the
end. Connect cross on
strip to cross on panel and
hammer a nail through the
crosses. Rotate strip while
resting pencil against the
outside end to draw a
curve on plywood panel.

STEP 4

Tiered petals create a layered
look that’s practical and pretty.

Tapered legs add stability
and contemporary appeal.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 133

SMART STYLE

PETAL CUTTING DIAGRAM

1200

400
700

400
550
radius

STEP 5A
300

STEP 5B

STEP 6C
STEP 11B

STEP 6A

STEP 7
STEP 12

STEP 6B
FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

134 BHG AUGUST 2024

STEP 11A

STEP 5 Using the diagram
(above) for positioning,
measure 10° in from bottom
petal edge with protractor.
Extend the line with pencil
and straight edge. Trace
around bearing plate to
mark 2 curved corners,
completing the petal shape.
STEP 6 Use circular saw to

trim largest plywood panel
to workable size, then cut
along straight lines on
petal. Cut curves with
jigsaw. Trace petal onto
two smaller panels, then
repeat process to cut.
With remaining piece of
plywood, trace around
bearing plate for a 300mm
‘stamen’ circle, then cut
out with jigsaw. Sand all
edges with sandpaper.
Sand all panels smooth
with orbital sander and
120-grit sandpaper.
STEP 7 To prepare for
assembly, place a bearing
plate flush and square
in corner of one petal.
Mark and drill access hole
with 19mm spade bit.
Repeat for a second petal.
STEP 8 Create 2 colour
washes with a 50/50 mix
of water and green and
yellow water-based paints.
Leaving edges unfinished
for contrast, use roller to
paint 1 coat of yellow on
both sides of petals and
1 coat of green on stamen.
Let dry. Apply a top coat
of varnish to all panels,
edges and legs. Let dry.
STEP 9 Position 4 angle
plates for legs on bottom

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Kate Walsh; project John Rae

10°

50

Pastels add a touch
of spring freshness
– any time of year.

Natural edges provide contrast
to the colourful petals.

petal (see diagram).
Predrill through all
assembly holes with
2mm bit, insert screws
(in packet) and tighten.
STEP 10 For the table top,
apply PVA glue to back of
stamen circle and attach
flush to corner edges of
petal; allow to dry.
STEP 11 To assemble table,
line up bearing plate in
corner of middle petal with
plate access hole face
down (aligned with drilled
access hole). Predrill and
attach with screws (they
come with packet). With
top petal face down, flip
middle petal and line up on
top petal. Use access hole
from underside of middle
petal to attach bearing
plate to top petal. Rotate
plate to locate assembly
holes, predrill, insert and
tighten screws. Repeat to
attach second bearing
plate to top face of bottom
petal and then to
underside of middle petal.
STEP 12 Attach legs to
angle plates to complete.

Spin and stack your tiers for
the perfect-sized side table.

Go full bloom with
your coffee table
arrangement!

DESIGN MATTERS

better decorating
[

T H E L AT E S T P R O D U C T S A N D H O M E I N T E R I O R T R E N D S

]

Your dream

SOFA BED

It’s stylish enough to pull off as your
main sofa, comfy enough to sit on
through an epic movie, and sure
to get compliments from guests,
Paris double sofa bed, $1999*,
harveynorman.com.au.

BURNING BRIGHTLY

Get the edge with these hand-blown
glass votives. Zeno candle holder set
of 2, $59.95, countryroad.com.au.

Time to bloom

Pretty as standalones – or as funky
functional vessels designed to elevate
your weekly flowers – these gorgeous
glazed vases are made of high-fire
terracotta clay and are cleverly shaped
to support bouquets in all directions.
Sthål Salon vases, small $87, large $114,
casaecucina.com.au.

136 BHG AUGUST 2024

Handwoven into a super-chic
striped geometric pattern from
100% eco-friendly jute fibres, this
earthy-toned lounge rug instantly
adds warmth and texture to your
space, and is better value than a
wool rug. Abbie rug, 180 x 120cm,
$249, missamara.com.au.

MAD ABOUT
MACRAME

If you’ve never tried your hand
at this fab fibre art, you can get
started with this all-inclusive kit.
It has six projects, instructions,
macramé cord, beads and dowel,
Modern Macramé at Home
by Justine Vasquez, $49.99,
murdochbooks.com.

Prices are approximate and a guide only. *Prices valid in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane
metro areas only and are higher in country areas due to additional freight charges.

RUG UP!

MAKING AUSTRALIAN HOMES BEAUTIFUL
Visit homebeautiful.com.au/shop
to shop our collection of Home Décor, Art,
Kitchen & Dining, Bed & Bath and more!

Shop with

KITCHEN

BED

DINING

We invite you to get $15 off, using the code HBLAUNCH15*
*$15 off your purchase when you spend a minimum of $150

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FRIDAYS 7.00

138 BHG AUGUST 2024

You can totally change the mood
of the front of your home with
small projects that work well with
each other – a soft gold, wooden
deck with an entertainment area
that cuts the lawn in half, matching
modern picket fence, and
foliage-focused plants!

Refining a few details in your garden will take it from bland to beaut – and enhance your lifestyle to boot!

1 GOLD ON GOLD

BE FUNKY UP FRONT

GARDEN MAKEOVER

2

Y

ou want simplicity,
elegance and
grace in a modern
Australian garden –
tough, hard-wearing
and rustic materials and
hardscapes, softened with
low-maintenance native
plants and a few exotics
that can cope with our
unique climate and soil
conditions. This way, you
can achieve sustainability
with style.
2 MAKE IT AIRY

A classic picket fence has
charm and keeps children and
puppies off the street. This
modern iteration does the
job plus gives your home –
whatever its era – a fresh
new look.
140 BHG AUGUST 2024

3

GARDEN MAKEOVER

3 GATHER ROUND

Make your garden feel more
inviting with a small entertainment
area that cuts into part of your
lawn. Spread crushed, gold-toned
deco granite over the desired
area, then add log stools and a
firepit for extra warmth.
4 WATCH THE WORLD GO BY

Capitalise on the steps that lead to
your front door by building an open
deck where you can sit and sip
coffee as you watch the sun rise, or
wine as it sets. And keep an eye on
what’s happenin’ in the hood.
5 DO THE SPLITS

Ditch paving monotony, breaking
up pavers with pebbles and
footstep-hardy, low-growing plants,
such as mondo grass or creeping
boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium).
6 SWING LOW

Opt for ground-hugging plants
kerbside, allowing the sun to shine
through the front fence to those
behind. Try tussock grass (Poa
labillardierei), native correa and
curry bush (Helychrysum italicum).
7 AGING IS BEAUTIFUL!

4

5

6

Blackbutt is hard and strong and,
as it ages, it turns from mellow
yellow, to silver grey, to brown.

7

GARDEN MAKEOVER

8 RAISE THE BAR

Many suburban plots are
flattened to make construction
easier and eliminate the need
for terracing and steps. You
can add a third dimesion to a
garden by installing large metal
planters that reflect the notion
that your garden can be fluid.
Silver banksia (B. marginata) and
blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus
reticulatus) add height rather
than breadth.
9 MAKE STONES SPECIAL

Pebble mulching aids in weed
supression, adds texture and
colour and helps you to
appreciate the architectural
nature of ornamental grasses

BETTER TIP
DO YOU KNOW YOUR SOIL
TYPE? TEST IT SO YOU CAN
SELECT PLANTS THAT COPE
WITH SUN OR SHADE AS WELL
AS THE SOIL. NUTRIENT-RICH
CLAY RETAINS WATER BUT CAN
CAUSE ROOT ROT, OR SANDY
SOIL DRAINS WATER ALONG
WITH VITAL NUTRIENTS.

AGAVE AMERICANA

8

CORREA ALBA

CASUARINA ‘GREEN WAVE’

10
9

10 COLOUR COURAGE

Border beds usually bring colour to
the garden via flowering plants.
Turn up the visual interest – year
round – with colourful foliage. Try
golden brown carex and
ornamental grasses supported by
coastal rosemary and Agonis
flexuosa ‘Burgundy’.

A MODERN
LOOK CAN
BLEND EASILY
WITH THE
TRADITIONAL!
AUGUST 2024 BHG 143

GARDEN MAKEOVER

EASY STEPS TO INSTALLING A TIERED FRONT DECK
Step up your garden with a contemporary blackbutt deck, made with a simple framework and several
wide, open levels that can double as casual seating to relax on with a cuppa in the sun.

TOP DECK PLANNING

Think about the function of the
deck before designing it. How
you want to use the area? If it’s a
hang-out space, ensure you have
enough room for relaxed seating.
Determine the main deck
area, considering fixed points
such as door openings and steps.
Use the top step of the front
entrance as the starting point to
plot out and measure the area.
Work out the height of the
deck. Use stakes to mark out the
corners of your planned deck
area, then connect with a string
line. Use a tape measure and
spirit level to determine the

BEFORE

Entrance joists
Front rail

overall rise, taking into account
the sloped areas of the site.
Plan the tiered levels.
Determine the levels to counter
and level the original steps and
sloped areas. Step risers between
tiers must be 130–225mm high.
With your overall deck height,
determine the riser height and
number of tiers. If the highest
point of the deck is 720mm, you
will need 4 x 180mm-high step
risers, creating 3 tiers leading up
to the main deck, as pictured.
Work out the dimensions and
position of the tiers to complete
your framing plan. Wide, open
tiers on a deck replace the
need for formal steps and
a balustrade, and can be used
as casual seating. Around 1m is
an ideal minimum width per tier.

TIERED DECKING
CONSTRUCTION DIAGRAM

Main deck
extension frame

Stump

Tiered frames

144 BHG AUGUST 2024

Gather your supplies
• 90 x 45mm 6m H3
framing pine (deck
frames and joists)
• 100 x 100mm 2.4m
H4 posts (stumps)
• 135 x 19mm blackbutt
decking (deck cladding)
• 10g x 80mm wall plugs
• 100mm external
screws
• 10g x 80mm masonry
screws
• 50mm decking screws
• 20kg quick-set
concrete
You’ll also need
Tape measure; chalk
spray; mattock; shovel;
circular saw; track saw;
packers; drill; countersink
drill bits; masonry drill
and 10mm masonry bit;
hammer; impact driver;
combination square;
mitre saw; level; post
hole digger; handsaw;
hose; wheelbarrow;
chalk line; 4mm spacers;
8g countersink drill bit
Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear gloves
and protective clothing.
Project notes
Check with your local
council for permit and
regulation requirements
before you commence
building works. Refer to
construction diagram and
planning notes (opposite)
before you begin.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure and mark

out your planned deck
area with tape measure
and chalk spray. Dig out
plants and lawn within
the marked space with
a mattock and shovel.
STEP 2 Measure existing
front entrance area to
determine the approximate
length and number of joists
you need. Cut joists using
a circular saw. To calculate
the depth of the joists,
measure the height of the
front doorstep, then
subtract 19mm (decking
thickness). Use a track saw
to rip-cut joists to the
required depth.
STEP 3 Starting flush to
the side wall, lay parallel
joists 400mm apart. Insert
packers under the joists
and adjust to achieve a level
deck (and allow drainage).
STEP 4 Predrill through
the joist every 400mm with
a 10mm countersink bit.
Then, using a masonry drill,
insert 10mm masonry bit
into pilot holes and drill
80mm into concrete step.
Insert 80mm concrete wall
plug, tap in with a hammer,
then insert 100mm screws

and tighten with impact
driver. Repeat to install
all entrance joists.
STEP 5 Using a
combination square and
track saw, square off and
cut end of entrance joists
to desired length. Then
using framing pine,
measure and mark a Front
rail to connect to the front
of the joists. Cut to size
with a mitre saw. To attach,
predrill through the front
rail and into joist ends (with
2 equally spaced holes per
joist), insert and tighten
100mm screws. Repeat to
attach to all joists.
STEP 6 To make an
extension frame for the
main deck, measure from
the edges of the entrance
frame to the ends of the

TURN YOUR FRONT
STEPS INTO A SPOT
TO STOP AND WATCH
THE WORLD GO BY

STEP 1

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 6

GARDEN MAKEOVER

STEP7A

planned deck, then mark
and cut 2 rails to size. To
assemble frame, predrill
through one rail and into
joist ends with 2 equally
spaced pilot holes per joist,
insert 100mm screws and
tighten. Repeat with second
rail to attach to joists at
opposite side.
Check square.
STEP 7 Support the
extension frame in position,
then attach the back rail
to the wall by predrilling
through the rail and into the

STEP 7B
STEP 12

STEP 8

STEP 13A

STEP 11

STEP 13B

wall studs. Check level then
insert 100mm screws and
tighten with impact driver.
Repeat to connect front rail
to the awning support post
(if your house has no post,
install stump under front
corner, see Steps 9–10). To
complete the main frame,
repeat to attach to the end
of the front entrance frame
with 3 equally spaced
screws.
STEP 8 Use the tier
measurements from your
planning to measure, mark
and cut rails and joists for
all tier frames. Assemble
a rectangle with 2 rails and
2 joists, then add a centre
joist along the centre of
the rectangle. Predrill 2
countersunk pilot holes
through the rail and into the
joist, insert 100mm screws
and tighten with impact
driver. Repeat to connect
all joints on both sides.
Check square. Repeat step
for all required tier frames.
STEP 9 Lay tiers in position
and mark stump hole
locations on the ground
beneath the corners with
chalk spray. Remove tiers
and use a post hole digger
to dig holes on the chalk
marks, 600mm deep and
300mm wide.
STEP 10 For the lowest
tier (and first step), measure
and cut 4 stumps to 600mm
using H4 timber posts. Use
a combination square to
measure and mark a rebate
on the end of all posts,
45mm deep and 90mm
high. Use a hand saw to cut
the rebate on all stumps.
To attach stumps, connect
the stump rebate to the
internal corner of the tier
frame. Predrill through the
stump and into the frame,

insert 100mm screw and
tighten. Repeat to attach
all stumps.
STEP 11 With framing pine,
cut 3 step risers to same
length as th tier width. With
a shovel, mix 4 bags
concrete in a wheelbarrow
with water and shovel. Pour
concrete mix into all holes
to depth of around 150mm.
Drop the frame stumps into
the holes with a step riser
placed beneath the end
of the first tier frame to
create the first step. Pour
a further 150mm concrete
around all stumps. Adjust
tier frame until level and
plumb. Allow to set.
STEP 12 To create the
second tier and step,
repeat method in Step 10 to
cut 2 stumps to 800mm and
attach to internal corners
on one end of the frame.
Place a step riser flush onto
end of the lowest tier then
predrill 2 equally spaced
angled holes through the
step riser and into the
frame, insert 75mm screws
and tighten. Pour concrete
into 2 holes, then lower the
frame so one end is flush on
the step riser and the other
end dropped into the holes.
Adjust tier frame until level
and plumb. Allow to set.
Repeatto attach remaining
tier frame and step to
ballustrade. If no post/
ballustrade is on your
house, install stump under
front corner as per Step 10,
cutting post to fit.
STEP 13 Starting at the
entrance of the
main deck, lay parallel
decking boards onto the
frame with 4mm spacers
from the walls and between
the boards. Using a chalk
line, mark the decking

11 Arrange plants so

they appear to be there
by accident – it looks so
much more natural!

boards along the centre
of the joists. With an
8g countersink drill bit,
predrill 20mm from both
edges of the decking board,
into joists, insert decking
screw and tighten. Trim final
board to extend main deck
by around 50mm over the
front edge. Repeat to attach
decking boards to all tiers.

STEP 14 Use a track saw to
cut a straight, sharp edge
along all edges of decking.
STEP 15 Starting from the
bottom, attach decking
planks to the vertical
sections of the decking
frames using the method
in Step 13, using 4mm
spacers between each
plank, use a circular saw to

rip-cut the top planks and
cut around steps to size (so
the planks are flush with
the deck above).
STEP 16 Allow your deck

to naturally ‘silver’ for a
few months, then apply
2 coats of decking oil yearly
to ensure your deck lasts
for years to come.

RATHER THAN BUILDING
STEPS, PUT IN ‘PLATFORMS’ THAT
DOUBLE AS SEATING
AUGUST 2024 BHG 147

GARDEN MAKEOVER

Post 90 x 90

EASY STEPS
TO BUILDING
A MODERN
PICKET FENCE

FENCE ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM
Rail 90 x 45

1105
Pickets 70 x 25

Amp up your front yard to
the max with a new twist
on picket fencing.

60

Project notes
• Check your boundaries
before installing a fence.
• Consult local council and

125
90

700
1140
35

2020

90
135

a licensed surveyor for your
local building regulations.
• Measure the width of the
boundary to determine
how many fence posts, rails
and pickets you will need,
with posts set about
1800–2400mm apart.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Cut and remove the
existing fence from the
existing posts with an angle
grinder. Remove old metal

Components
Add quantities to suit your fence
Part
Size
Post
90 x 90 x 2400mm
Rail
90 x 45mm x cut to size
Picket
70 x 35 x 1030mm*
*Cut 150 angle on one end

Material
Hardwood
Hardwood
Hardwood

posts with wrecking bar.
Hammer old edging and
remove then dig out
obstructing foliage.
STEP 2 Determine the
location for your end post,
then hammer a stake in the
ground to mark position.
Run a taut string line
between the stake and your
original gate. Measure and
mark all post positions
along the string with tape
measure and chalk spray.
Dig holes 600mm deep
and 300mm wide with post
hole digger.
STEP 3 Measure and mark
all components with tape
measure, combination
square and pencil, then cut
using a mitre saw.
STEP 4 Clamp a picket
offcut to a post and place
post into hole. Adjust post
position with scrap-wood

stakes and a level until the
picket is in line with your
string line, and is square,
plumb and level. Pour
a bag of concrete into the
post hole, add water, and
mix with scrap timber.
Remove picket offcut and
allow to set. Repeat to
install all remaining posts.
STEP 5 To ensure all posts
are the same height, use
a combination square to
mark the string line position
on the posts. Cut post tops
using a circular saw.
STEP 6 To prepare Posts
for Frame rails, cut rebates
in posts as follows. Use a
combination square to
mark 90mm from end of
post and 45mm depth. Use
a circular saw with blade
set to 45mm and make a
series of cuts across the
end of the post. Chisel and
discard timber with a
hammer and chisel.
STEP 7 Measure and mark
700mm from rebate, then
repeat Step 6 to mark and

Photography Brent Wilson; styling Kate Walsh; projects Grahame Rowe, Scott Marvell

Gather your supplies
• 90 x 90mm 2.4m
H4 posts
• 90 x 45mm
6m hardwood
outdoor framing
• 70 x 35mm x 3.9m
hardwood outdoor
framing
• 100mm external
screws
• 20kg quick-set
concrete
You’ll also need
Angle grinder;
wrecking bar;
hammer; stakes; shovel;
string line; tape
measure; chalk spray;
post hole digger;
combination square;
pencil; mitre saw;
clamps; hose; scrap
timber; level; circular
saw; chisel; drill;
countersink drill bits;
impact driver;
60mm spacers

cut out a rebate to house
the bottom rail.
STEP 8 To install rails
into post rebates, Cut rails
to length so rails span to
centre of 2 posts. Predrill 2
equally spaced holes
through rail and into post,
then insert and tighten
screws with impact driver .
STEP 9 Measure, mark and
cut pickets required for
your fence. Install end
picket with short edge
placed against rails with
125mm overhang from top
rail. Ensure pickets are level
using a plumbline, then
clamp picket to rails.
Predrill through back of rail
and into first picket, insert
screw and tighten. Install all
remaining pickets spaced
with 60mm spacers.
STEP 10 Attach original
gate hardware to new end
post with original fittings
and impact driver.

STEP 2

STEP 4

STEP 7A

STEP 9A

STEP5A

STEP 7B

STEP 9B
STEP 1A

STEP 8A
STEP 5B

STEP 10

STEP 1B

STEP 6

STEP 8B

FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

AUGUST 2024 BHG 149

PLANTER BENCH

Build a spotted gum planter bench
for a perfect spot to plant yourself!

Y

P R E T T Y

our garden furniture can take a beating in winter,
but spotted gum stands up to the elements. So,
make a planter bench clad in spotted gum, then
fill it with your favourite foliage, and enjoy the outdoors!

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A PLANTER SEAT
Gather your supplies
• 70 x 45mm 2.4m
H3 pine (3)
• 150 x 25mm 4.8m
H4 pine (4)
• 135 x 19mm spotted gum
decking planks (18m)
• 100mm exterior rib
head screws
• Black exterior paint
• 40mm decking screws
• 10mm spacers
• Spotted gum
decking stain 1L
• 25 x 20 x 1.6mm x 1m
aluminium angle strip
• 400 x 600mm paver (2)
• Geotextile fabric
• Potting mix
You’ll also need
Combination square;
pencil; track saw; tape
measure; mitre saw;
80-grit sandpaper; drill;
8g and 14g countersink
drill bit; impact driver;
nap roller; paintbrush;
trim edger and 3.2mm
roundover tool; PVA glue;
orbital sander and
sandpaper; Selleys Liquid
Nails; masonry disc;
clamps; plants

150 BHG AUGUST 2024

Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
a mask, and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear gloves
and protective clothing.
Project notes
Use Planter bench
assembly diagram
throughout project to help
with assembly (page 153).
Here’s how
STEP 1 With a combination
square and pencil, measure
and mark 44mm cut lines
along both edges of
all spotted gum decking
planks (for 3 strips per
plank). Measure and mark
120mm rip cut line from
edge of a 150 x 25mm pine
plank (for the planter box).
Use a track saw to cut along
all marked lines
of spotted gum and pine.
STEP 2 Measure, mark and
cut all components (see
list, page 153) with tape
measure, combination
square, pencil and mitre saw.
STEP 3 Assemble a Top
ladder frame with 2 Top

rails and 6 Top struts.
Note, strut on one end is
perpendicular to the other
struts and flush to the top of
the rails. With a drill and 14g
countersink drill bit, predrill
2 equally spaced holes
through a Top rail and into
the end of the strut, insert
100mm screws and tighten
with impact driver. Repeat
to attach rail to all struts,
then flip and attach the
second Top rail to the
other ends of the struts.
STEP 4 Assemble a Side
ladder frame with 2 Side
rails and 5 Side struts. To
attach, predrill 2 holes
through a Side rail and into
end of a Side strut, insert
screws and tighten. Repeat
to attach Side rail to all
struts, then flip and attach
the second Side rail to the
other ends of the Side
struts. Repeat for second
Side ladder.
STEP 5 Assemble the
Rectangle with 2 Long strips
and 2 Short strips. Predrill
2 equally spaced holes
through Long strip and into
Short strip, insert screws
and tighten. Repeat to

STEP 1

STEP 3A

STEP 3B

STEP 5

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

ADAM DOVILE
Join me as I show you how to
create DIY projects on BHG TV,
Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

For more DIY, go to
bhg.com.au.

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A PLANTER SEAT CONTINUED…

152 BHG AUGUST 2024

STEP 6A

STEP 11

STEP 6B
STEP 12A

STEP 8

box base, insert Base plank
to underside of planter
flush with planter sides.
Predrill through both outer
corners of Base plank and
into Cleats, insert 100mm
screws, tighten. For
opposite corners of Base
plank, predrill from Short
plank and into Base plank,

STEP 14

STEP 17

STEP 12B

STEP 9

STEP 13

insert screws, tighten.
Repeat to attach other
Base plank.
STEP 10 To attach Planter
box to bench, put Planter
box flush against Top
ladder and Side ladders.
From inside Planter box,
predrill 2 equally spaced
holes through the Planter
and into the Top ladder,
insert and tighten 100mm
screws.
STEP 11 Apply a coat of
paint to the entire planter
bench frame with a nap
roller. Allow to dry. To allow

water run off and drainage,
predrill and attach 8 equally
spaced 10mm spacers to
the base of the bench and
planter with 40mm screws.
STEP 12 To create a
rounded seat trim, use a
trim edger and a 3.2mm
roundover tool to round
2 corners (on short edges)
of all Seat trims. With
combination square,
measure and mark a cut line
25mm from rounded edge
of 2 trims. Rip along cut lines
with track saw. Apply PVA
glue along flat edge of Seat
trim B and attach to the
flat edge of Seat trim A in
a butt joint. Predrill small

Photography Alan Jensen, Sue Ferris; diagram Steve Pollitt; styling Kate Walsh; project Greg Sparke

attach remaining 3 corners.
STEP 6 To assemble bench
frame, lay the Top ladder
face down on a flat surface,
then assemble with both
Side ladders and Rectangle
(as shown in diagram,
opposite page). Clamp
parts together to hold
still and square. To attach,
predrill 2 equally spaced
holes through Rectangle
and into the Top ladder, and
through Side ladder and
into Top ladder, insert
100mm screws and tighten.
Predrill 2 equally spaced
holes through end of Side
ladder and into Rectangle,
insert screws and tighten,
then repeat to attach
second Side ladder.
STEP 7 For the Planter box,
assemble a frame with 2
Short planks and 2 Long
planks with equal height
and depth (150 x 25mm).
Predrill 2 equally spaced
holes through the Short
plank and into the Long
plank, insert screws and
tighten. Repeat to attach
the remaining 3 corners of
the frame, then repeat to
make a second frame.
Repeat to attach the ripped
Short and Long planter
planks (120 x 25mm) to
complete all frames.
STEP 8 To assemble the
Planter box, stack the 3
frames (short frame on
bottom). Centre a Cleat on
an internal corner, with the
long side against the Long
planks. Predrill 2 equally
spaced holes through the
Cleat and into all Long
planks. Insert 40mm screws
and tighten. Repeat to
attach remaining 3 Cleats.
STEP 9 To attach Planter

PLANTER BENCH

countersunk holes (every
200mm) through the ripped
strip and into the rounded
edge strip, insert 40mm
decking screws and tighten.
Repeat to attach the
second trim.
STEP 13 To attach the Seat
trims to the planter bench,
position onto front corner
of the bench with a 20mm
overhang on both ends.
Predrill and insert 40mm
screws (spaced every
350mm) and tighten.
Repeat for back of bench.
STEP 14 Lay 7 Top strips on
top of the planter bench
with 10mm spacers placed
between them. Check
square on both ends, then
predrill and insert 350mm
spaced screws and tighten.
STEP 15 Repeat Step 14 to
attach Face strips on front
and back of planter bench,
then End strip and Planter
strip to finish the planter.
Apply a coat of decking
stain to all cladding strips
with paintbrush. Allow to dry.
STEP 16 Measure, mark
and cut 2 aluminium strips
to 430mm. Attach flush to
bottom edge of planter
end with Liquid Nails and
clamp. Allow to dry, then
unclamp. Repeat for other
end of planter.
STEP 17 Measure and mark
a 430mm cut line on back of
pavers. Cut with a track saw
and masonry disc. Apply
Liquid Nails to back of
paver, then attach to end
of planter bench and flush
with aluminium strip.
Repeat step for the
opposite end of the bench.
STEP 18 Line Planter box
with geotextile fabric to
prevent weeds and assist
drainage. Fill with potting mix
and plants. Water plants in.

Components for planter bench 2145mm length (all in mm)
PART

Top ladder (pink)

SIZE

MATERIAL

Top rail
70 x 45 x 1800
H3 pine
Top strut
70 x 45 x 450
H3 pine
Side ladder (lime)
Side rail
70 x 45 x 1730
H3 pine
Side strut
70 x 45 x 235
H3 pine
Rectangle (blue)
Short strip
70 x 45 x 235
H3 pine
Long strip
70 x 45 x 430
H3 pine
Planter box (khaki) Short plank
150 x 25 x 265
H4 pine
Long plank
150 x 25 x 430
H4 pine
Base plank
150 x 25 x 380
H4 pine
Cleat*
75 x 25 x 370
H4 pine
Cladding (brown)
Seat trim A**
44 x 19 x 2145
Spotted gum
Seat trim B**
25 x 19 x 2145
Spotted gum
Top strip**
44 x 19 x 1840
Spotted gum
Face strip**
44 x 19 x 2145
Spotted gum
End strip**
44 x 19 x 430
Spotted gum
Planter strip**
44 x 19 x 380
Spotted gum
*Ripped from 150 x 25mm H4 pine **Ripped from 44 x 19mm spotted gum

QTY

2
6
4
10
2
2
6
6
2
4
2
2
7
14
1
1

PLANTER BENCH ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM

Top strip
Top rail

End strip
Seat
trim

Planter
strip

Long strip

Short strip

Top
strut

Paver
Side rail
Face strip
Cleat

Side strut
Face strip

Short plank
Long plank
Paver

Aluminium
strip

FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

HANGING PLANTS

W

hy have all your
pot plants sitting
around when you
can hang them up for a
totally different effect?
It looks fabulous and also
frees up your desk
or bench, so the space
seems instantly less
cluttered. From macramé
to chain hangers, and even
leather ones, there’s a
style for every room. It’s
time to get into the swing
of suspended greenery
for fresher surrounds!

REACHING

NEW
HEIGHTS
Breathe new life into your home, at next to no
cost, with these stunning DIY hangers that will
take your house plants to a whole new level!

154 BHG AUGUST 2024

1 BOHO CHIC

Reflecting a fun twist on 1970s macramé
plant hangers, this verdant collection
allows each plant to shine at varying
heights. Choose planters with built-in
saucers to ensure proper drainage –
and no messy drips – or place a pot
with a drainage hole inside an outer
decorative pot to catch excess water.
Instructions on page 158

CHOOSE A BRACKET
THAT ALLOWS EACH
PLANTER TO HANG
WITHOUT TOUCHING
THE WALL.

2 C U STO M LO O K

Hanging planters can be a
great way to dress up a wall
with a splash of greenery.
Create a unique look with
a pair of wooden curtain
brackets, a simple dowel
rod cut to fit your space,
and a couple of S-hooks.
Low-light growers are
content up to 30cm
away from a window.

HANGING PLANTS

3 TWICE AS NICE

Keep pots of herbs at the ready in the kitchen
with a clever vertical garden. Hang base containers
at least 15 centimetres from a sunny window
and set plants in 10cm pots inside them. Simply
water the plants and then dump any excess water
from the larger containers – herbs loathe wet feet.
Install a ceiling hook instructions on page 159

YOU COULD ALSO MAKE
TWO DIFFERENT-SIZED
MACRAME HANGERS AND
HOOK THEM TOGETHER
VERTICALLY, THE LARGER
ONE BELOW THE SMALLER.

AUGUST 2024 BHG 157

HANGING PLANTS

EASY STEPS TO MAKE YOUR OWN STYLISH MACRAME HANGER
Gather your supplies
• Cord, rope or twine
• Embroidery hoop
• Leather or vinyl strips
You’ll also need
O-rings; leather punch;
rivets; strong glue;
round cork or craftwood
mat; ruler; scissors

KNOTTED HANGER

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure the height
of your pot, then determine
the length needed from the
ceiling to the pot, as well as
the length of the tassel.
Using the total of the 3
measurements (plus a little
extra to allow for knotting),
cut 6 or 8 (depending on
the size of the pot) equal
pieces of cord. Group cord
ends together and make a
gathering knot (at the top
of the tassel) by folding
the end of one cord into a
loop and wrapping another
piece of cord (about 45cm)
around the gathered cords.
STEP 2 Insert the end of
the wrapping cord through
the loop to secure and
pull loop tightly. Trim
any excess cord.
STEP 3 Decide where you
want the knots to fall on the

4 C R E ATI V E P U R S U IT S

It’s easier than you think to create
snazzy supports for your prized
plants. Use your imagination to
form hangers from faux-leather
strips (right), artfully knotted cord
(top and left) or other materials,
such as an embroidery hoop
(above). Just remember that
hanging gardens are quite heavy,
so make sure each hook is rated to
accommodate the weight of the
potted plant it will hold.

STEP 1
158 BHG AUGUST 2024

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4

pot, then begin knotting.
Gather 2 adjacent cords
above the tassel and tie
them in an overhand knot,
then separate those
2 cords again and tie each
one in a knot with its other
adjacent cord.
STEP 4 Continue
alternating cords and knots
to make evenly spaced
knots in a diamond pattern
the length of the pot or a
bit beyond. Finish with a
gathering knot near the
top of the hanger or take
the ends through an O-ring
and wrap, as for the tassel.

Words Georgina Bitcon

LOOP DE HOOP

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure the
circumference of your pot
and choose an embroidery
hoop that cradles the pot
(we used a 20cm hoop).
Decide on the length of the
hanger; double that length
and cut 3 equal cord pieces.
STEP 2 Fold each cord in
half and attach it to the
hoop using a lark’s head
knot: pull the loose ends
through the folded loop
until tight, as shown above.
Knot the cord ends
together near the top,
or take the ends through
an O-ring and wrap, as for
the tassel on the Knotted
hanger, opposite.

INSTALL A CEILING HOOK (TWO WAYS)
Gather your supplies
• Toggle bolt (no joist)
• Drill and drill bits
• Plant hook
• Stud finder (with joist)

LEATHER LOOK

Here’s how
STEP 1 Cut two 135 x 2.5cm
faux-leather or vinyl strips.
Wrap the end of one strip
around a large O-ring.
Use a leather punch to
punch 2 holes through both
layers, then secure with a
dab of glue and rivets.
Repeat with other end
of the same strip to
create a loop that hangs
from the O-ring. Repeat
with the second strip on
opposite sides of the
O-ring, to create 2 loops
that perpendicularly
intersect.
STEP 2 Use glue and rivets
at bottom intersection to
secure the 2 loops together.
STEP 3 Cut four 75cm
lengths of cord. Fold each
piece in half and tie each
to the O-ring between the
leather strips using a lark’s
head knot (see photo
above). Bring all cords
together and knot.
STEP 4 Cut another
2cm-wide faux-leather
strip to fit around your pot.
Place pot into the hanger to
determine placement of
horizontal strip; remove pot
and secure strip to vertical
strips with glue and rivets.
STEP 5 Insert a cork
or craftwood mat into
hanger to support the pot.

Here’s how (no joist)
STEP 1A Using a drill bit
slightly larger than diameter
of toggle bolt with its wings
folded down, drill a hole at
desired location.

STEP 1 A

STEP 2A Attach the
plant hook to the screw
that came with the toggle
bolt. Fold the toggle bolt
wings down, squeezing
them closed as you
push the bolt through
the opening.
STEP 3A Let wings snap
open, then screw in the
hook all the way until it
is secure and flush with
the ceiling.
Here’s how (with joist)
STEP 1B Use a stud finder
to locate a joist. Using a
drill bit slightly smaller than
the diameter of the plant
hook, drill a small pilot
hole into the joist at the
desired location.
STEP 2B Screw the plant
hook into the pilot hole,
firmly anchoring the hook
into the joist.

STEP 2A

STEP 1B

STEP 3A

STEP 2B

WEEKEND MACRAME

T

hrow-away plastic water
bottles are so yesterday!
But do you find yourself
constantly misplacing your
reusable bottle or wishing
your hands were free? What
if you could just sling it over
your shoulder, stylishly, and
forget about it? Well, now you
can. We’ve got the solution all
tied up in knots – macramé.
And while you’re at it, make
a matching keyring, too.

lost keys no more

Lark’s head, good luck
knot, cross knot, flat knot,
wrapping knot – once you’ve
started, it’s hard to stop.
Work your macramé magic
on a keyring. Loop a couple
of pieces of macramé cord
or paracord over a split
ring with lark’s heads, then
practise your knots in any
arrangement you like. The
beauty of macramé is that
it’s very easy to pull
mistakes undone.

Make a retro chic macramé carrier for your reusable water bottle
160 BHG AUGUST 2024

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

CARRY ON

A water bottle is only
one of the things you
could carry in this nifty
woven hands-free holder
– think apples, oranges, or
a snack container. Using
the most inexpensive of
materials and employing
a few simple knots, you’ll
have basic macramé
mastered in no time.
And before you know
it, your friends will be
putting in orders
for theirs!
Instructions on page 162

EXPERIMENT WITH
DIFFERENT CORDS FOR
INTERESTING EFFECTS
AND ADD WOODEN
BEADS FOR EXTRA
PIZZAZZ – SO FUN!

EASY STEPS TO MAKE A MACRAME WATER BOTTLE HOLDER

Measurements
This method works to fit
most drink bottles, as the
weave expands.
Note Paracord is easier
to use than macramé cord.
Available from hardware
stores, it comes in a great
range of colours and it
is easy to weave with
because it’s smooth and
doesn’t unravel like cotton
macramé cord. It also lasts
forever and can be washed.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Cut 4 pieces of
cord/paracord, each 3.6m
long, and seal ends with a
flame from a lighter or
candle. (Wear a mask while
doing this so you don’t
breathe in any fumes.)
STEP 2 To make the base
of the carrier, fold each of
the 4 strands in half, then
arrange each one into a
90-degree angle on a large
flat surface, bringing inner
folds together in a cross
shape. Clip a peg onto each
adjacent pair of strands so
you can keep track of them.

STEP 3 Starting from the
top, overlap strands in a
circular clockwise direction,
threading last strands
through the loop created
by the first strands.
STEP 4 Remove the pegs
and pull all strands evenly
and gently until they form
a neat, flat knot. This is
a simple version of a
Chinese good luck knot.
STEP 5 Now, with each pair
of strands, make a cross
knot. This is tricky at first,
but once you learn it, you’ll
be able to do it quickly.
Make sure you have a flat
surface and plenty of room
to keep strands flat. Keeping
left strand straight, loop the
right strand over the left.

STEP 6 Now take it back
under the left strand, from
left to right, pull out
another loop and take the
end back under the left
strand, from right to left.
You should now have 2
loops, one under the other,
approximately 4–5cm
below the good luck knot.
Next, take the left strand
up behind the 2 loops, out
through the top loop and
then down through the
bottom loop.
STEP 7 Pull all threads
evenly to create your first
cross knot.
STEP 8 Repeat the same
process on all pairs of cord.
STEP 9 Then, it’s as simple
as repeating the cross knot,

STEP 1

STEP 2

STEP 3
joining alternate
cords from each pair
together to create the
diamond-pattern weave.
STEP 10 Continue this
process of cross knots
around and around,
putting your drink bottle
in occasionally to test
the height that you need
for your particular bottle.
STEP 11 To begin the strap,
use the good luck knot
again to join 2 pairs of
strands together. Make
as many good luck knots
as you’d like – we used
4 on each side.

EXPAND YOUR KNOTTY REPERTOIRE – CHECK OUT THE NET
FOR GREAT TUTORIALS ON TYING MORE COMPLEX KNOTS

Photography Sue Ferris, Alan Jensen; project Erin Brikich; words Georgina Bitcon

Gather your supplies
• A drink bottle
• Approximately 17m
macramé cord
or paracord
(see Note below)
• Scissors
• A lighter or candle,
to seal the end of
the paracord
• Clothes pegs
• Hot glue gun

WEEKEND MACRAME

STEP 4

STEP 16
STEP 12
STEP7

STEP 5

STEP 13

STEP 17

STEP 8

STEP 6
(Note, if you want to use
lots of good luck knots
at this point, you will
need to start with longer
pieces of cord.)
STEP 12 Now it’s time to
create the handle. Start
the handle right above the
good luck knots or, if you
want to carry the holder
over your shoulder, leave
about 25cm of cord before
making another good luck
knot on each side.
STEP 13 Then, right next
to the final good luck knot,
weave 4 square knots on
each side.
STEP 14 Trim the
ends of the paracord to
approximately 6cm long
and seal them again.
Overlap the ends and
hot glue them together so
that they don’t move

STEP 14
STEP 18

STEP 9

STEP 15
STEP 10
around or come apart when
you wrap the handle.
STEP 15 Cut a piece of
cord approximately 2m long
for a wrapping cord and
seal the ends off. Holding
the glued cords in your
hand, lay the end of the
wrapping cord along the

glued cords, with its sealed
end extending.
STEP 16 Make a loop in the
wrapping cord at the other
end of the glued cords, hold
it in place with your hand.
Keeping loop and cord end
extending, tightly wrap the
rest of the wrapping cord
piece to the glued ends.
STEP 17 Once you have
wrapped the glued ends

completely, thread the
end of the wrapping cord
through the loop and,
using the extending sealed
end of the wrapping cord,
firmly pull the loop and
some of the cord end
back under the wraps
to secure it. This is called
a wrapping knot.
STEP 18 Trim the
extending ends and seal
them off carefully so that
you don’t singe the woven
part. Your bottle carrier is
now ready for use.
for SHOPPING
DEtails and PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

AUGUST 2024 BHG 163

TRENDING CRAFT

MAKE IT
Get the designer look of Insta-worthy décor and accessories for less by using
versatile resin to create gorgeous gifts for loved ones – and your home

A

s the cost of
home décor and
personalised gifts
grows (think Christmas
shopping lists!), DIY resin
creations are becoming
increasingly popular. With
just a simple mixture of
epoxy resin and hardener,
you’ll get a glossy,
hard-as-stone finish that
can be used in a wide
variety of craft projects,
including coasters, trinket
bowls and keychain letters.
Once you get the knack,
you can move onto larger
homewares. There’s magic
in seeing how resin craft
works and, in the end, each
piece is as expressive as
it is functional. Are you
a newbie to this craft? Use
epoxy resin as it’s easier
to work with than other
resins. Now, let’s begin…

BUDGETFRIENDLY

IDEAS

164 BHG AUGUST 2024

EASY STEPS TO MAKING FLORAL COASTERS
Capture the beauty of botanicals with these everyday
table accessories. Surprisingly, they’re not as hard to make
as they look – just follow these steps and see for yourself!

Gather your supplies
• Heavy-duty plastic
sheet
• Pressed dried or
paper flowers
• Round silicone
moulds
• Clear 2-part epoxy
resin kit
• Plastic cups for mixing
• Wooden craft sticks
for mixing
• Long-handled lighter
You’ll also need
Mesh food cover;
tweezers; small
toothpicks
Safety notes
Work in a well-ventilated
area away from children
and pets. To protect from
irritants, tie hair back, wear
safety glasses, a respirator
mask, old clothes with long
sleeves and nitrile or vinyl
gloves. Do not mix resin
with acrylic paint; use resin
dye or pigment instead.

Here’s how
STEP 1 Cover floor and
work surface with plastic
sheet to catch any resin.
STEP 2 Wipe moulds clean
and dry to remove dust
particles. Place flowers in
moulds to ascertain the
best arrangement. Remove
flowers and set aside.
STEP 3 Using 2-part epoxy
resin kit (1 bottle each resin
and hardener), mark 2 cups
with measurement lines –
we used a 1:1 ratio but this
varies across brands, so
follow the manufacturer’s
instructions. Carefully pour
resin and hardener into
separate cups.
STEP 4 Pour measured
resin, then hardener, into a
third cup. To avoid bubbles,
slowly stir mixture with a
craft stick until combined
and there are no bubbles.
STEP 5 Slowly pour a thin
layer of mixture into moulds
and stand for a few minutes.
Hold lighter above mould to
remove bubbles, then stand
a further 10 minutes.

STEP 3

STEP 4

STEP 5

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

EARRINGS
MAKE MATCHING
JEWELLERY AND
COASTERS.

COASTERS
TRY DIFFERENT
DESIGNS USING
ONE COLOUR
PALETTE.

KEYCHAIN LETTERS
PERSONALISE
YOUR GIFTS WITH
ALPHABET CRAFT.
TRINKET DISHES
EXPERIMENT
WITH SHAPE, FORM
AND COLOUR.

JULIET LOVE
Join me as I show you how to
make more fun projects on BHG
TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

For more decorating, go to
bhg.com.au.

TRENDING CRAFT

To the letter!

Now that you’ve graduated
to the next level, try your
hand at embedding letter
keychains. They’re a hit
with kids – add them to
school bags or pencil
cases, or you could use
them for signage, jewellery
or as décor pieces.

STEP 6

STEP 7

STEP 8

166 BHG AUGUST 2024

remove coaster. Your
coasters are now ready for
serving hot and cold drinks.
B E T T E R TI P

If you get the resin
mixture on your skin,
wash it off immediately
with warm, soapy water.
Use cleaning alcohol or
an acetone cleaning
solvent to clean up spills,
runs, drips and
equipment.

FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

Glittering prize

Add colour and sparkles to a trinket dish. Follow steps
1–4 of coaster project, using a trinket dish mould instead.
Mix in resin colour dye of choice at the end of step 4. Pour
into mould. Remove any bubbles with large toothpick,
then sit for 10–15 minutes. Sprinkle glitter over coloured
resin, then slowly pour freshly mixed clear resin over top to
cover completely. Cure for 24 hours before demoulding.

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Kate Walsh; project Chris Cort

STEP 6 Use tweezers to
arrange flowers, face down,
on top of poured resin layer,
making sure they stick to
resin but just lightly sit on
top of it.
STEP 7 Slowly pour more
resin over flowers to cover
completely. Allow to sit for
10 minutes, then hold
lighter over top to remove
any bubbles. If there
are any bubbles beneath
flowers, carefully pop
them with a toothpick.
STEP 8 Put food cover
over moulds to protect
from insects and allow to
cure for 24 hours. When
set, invert each mould to

TRENDING GIFTS FOR HIM
Consider our best selling gifts for your next gift-giving occasion.
1

2

3

4

5

6

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8

9

1. Personalised Inital Men’s Jewellery Box, $95.00. 2. Personalised ‘name’ Pocket Knife, $49.95. 3. Personalised Vintage
Year Round Whisky Glass, $44.99. 4. Personalised Solid Oak Watch Box, $244.00. 5. The Footy Jumper, $90.00.
6. Personalised Men’s Engraved Leather Bracelet, $69.90. 7. Personalised Large Canvas Holdall, $125.00.
8. Personalised Leather Tri Fold Wallet, $127.50. 9. Top 10 Tinnies Gift Box, $79.00.

SCAN TO SHOP

SPONSORED FEATURE

THE GIFT OF

How a tech-focused program is helping
regional families overcome disability barriers

CONNECTION

THE WAY FORWARD
Under the program, Oliver
has received a laptop to
support his learning. For
Danielle it was a welcome
advancement after the
frustration of the obstacles
such as waitlists that can
come both with disability
diagnosis and treatment,
and life outside metro
areas. “We watch a lot
of educational videos
together on the laptop, like
Number Blocks,” she says.
“He is learning to associate
numbers with counting,
and it has really helped him
engage with imaginative
play.” It’s also helped to
overcome distance barriers.
“Technology is a fantastic
way to keep kids in touch,”
she says. “A lot of kids, like
Oliver, don’t live close to
168 BHG AUGUST 2024

their school. The laptop will
give Oliver access to school
resources he will need when
that time comes.”
INCLUSION MATTERS
Talisa Stephen, People and
Culture Project Manager
at The Benevolent Society,

With children, for example,
a strong concern for parents
was cyber security, while
for others it was the basics
of digital capability. “We
live in a day and age where
we do everything through
technology, from banking
to ordering groceries and
Learning is fun for Oliver
and his mum Danielle.

WE LIVE IN A DAY AND AGE
WHERE WE DO EVERYTHING
THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
was part of the program
from day one, dealing with
diverse clients whose linking
factor was difference.
“We had young children
like Oliver, we had schoolaged children and we had
older people as well,”
she says. “Each person’s
requirements were different,
and the vulnerability of their
situation was different.”

remote learning,” Talisa
says. “But with this client
group, and their families,
they don’t necessarily
have an equal opportunity
to access services, with
barriers of affordability,
stability and capability. We
could address affordability
by offering them a laptop
and an Internet plan and
then it was about building

FOR MORE ON THE BENEVOLENT SOCIETY’S PROGRAMS
AND SERVICES, VISIT BENEVOLENT.ORG.AU

capability, so they could
use the technology safely
with confidence.” Another
lovely offshoot is families
finding other uses for the
technology. “We’ve had
quite a few mums who used
it as a chance for online
learning to get back into the
workforce,” she says.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
For Director of Strategy
Nic Meulengracht, it all
comes down to ending the
digital divide. “There are
so many things you can
really only do if you have
internet, like accessing
information about support
services available locally,”
he says. Understanding that
access is only part of the
issue, the program takes a
holistic approach. “The idea
is to not only give clients
someone to help them set
up the computer, but also
someone they can call if, for
example, they need help
with how to create an email
or Facebook account,”
Nic says. It’s all part of the
mission to end the barriers
of affordability, accessibility
and, most critically,
capability. It’s why part of
the program includes 12
months’ access to tailored
support and training to suit,
from direct engagement to
delivery in small group. “It’s
all about how we can best
meet people at their point
of need,” Nic says.

Words Lisa Chant; photography supplied, Adobe Stock

O

liver doesn’t need
much prompting to
sit down with his
laptop. For him, it’s a source
of fun and colour. But for his
family, it’s so much more.
The three year old, who
lives in regional South
Australia, was diagnosed
with Global Development
Delay, which left him roughly
a year behind his peers
for milestones like speech.
But according to his mum
Danielle, his participation in
a Digital Inclusion Program
by The Benevolent Society
and WorkVentures (see
breakout box) is paying off.

GETTING UP
TO SPEED

The Digital Inclusion
Program is a partnership
between The Benevolent
Society and IT social
enterprise WorkVentures. It
provides free technology,
connections and support to
more than 70 regional NSW
and SA families living with
disability. Jacob Muller,
WorkVentures’ Director of
Technology Solutions and
Social Impact, says the aim
is to empower people with
disabilities to reap the
benefits of an online world.
“Digital inclusion is more
than just access,” he says.
“It’s about ensuring
everyone has the skills and
support to thrive in the
digital age.”

GOODWILL CRAFT

KNIT FOR A
Turn a favourite pastime into a
charitable act by knitting special
somethings for those in need

You can send knitted
items for charity to
various organisations,
including shelters,
nursing homes, or
charity organisations
that will accept
handmade donations.

For hospitals, you
can knit items that
provide comfort to
patients, such as baby
blankets, preemie
hats, or lap blankets
for elderly patients.
Additionally, you can
consider knitting
sensory items like
textured squares
or toys for patients
with dementia or
sensory processing
issues. To ensure your
items end up in the
right hands, check
with the hospital or
specific departments
to find out if they
have particular donor
needs or guidelines.
To help you get
started, here are six
charities accepting
knitted goods.

1 TRAUMA TEDDIES
The Australian Red
Cross Trauma Teddies
program involves
volunteers knitting or
crocheting teddy bears
and donating them to
children experiencing
trauma or crises.
For more info, visit
redcross.org.au/teddy.

2 SQUARES
FOR COMFORT
This Newcastle-based
initiative by Wendy
Horder collects knitted
squares and turns
them into blankets for
those in need. For
more info, visit the
Squares for Comfort
Facebook page.

WHERE CAN YOU SEND
KNITTED ITEMS?

170 BHG AUGUST 2024

5 WRAP WITH LOVE
Another not-for-profit
organisation that knits,
crochets and sews
beautiful, warm wraps
to comfort those in
need. In fact, it has
wrapped more than
414,000 people in
Australia and around
the world with love and
warmth since 1992.
For more info, visit
wrapwithlove.org.

YOUR TOOLKIT
Before you get started, arm yourself with
the best knitting supplies. From the
absolute basics to the handy extras that
can turn your project into the perfect gift,
The Australian Yarn Company is your
one-stop shop, ausyarnco.com.au.

3 PENGUIN
FOUNDATION KNITS
FOR NATURE 2024

Support the Penguin
Foundation by knitting
themed jumpers to sell
alongside penguin toys
in retail stores.
For more info, visit
penguinfound
ation.org.au.

6 KNIT
4CHARITIES INC.
This organisation
supports charities
annually by knitting and
donating items. A
calendar of charities is
made up for the year,
highlighting which
charities they’ll support
each month. Once
you’ve signed up, you
can add your name to
the charity you want
to donate to. On the
25th day of each month,
you’ll be advised of the
mailing address to
send your donation.
For more info,
visit knit4
charities.
org.au.

Photography Getty Images; words Livia Gamble

T

here are many
benefits to
knitting, such
as stress relief. Not
only that, but handknitted items make
thoughtful gifts, and
many knitters also
like to donate their
makes to charitable
organisations. If
you’re keen to
knit for charity,
then you’re in the
right place.

4 KOGO

A not-for-profit
organisation that
supplies knitted items
to more than 310
community partner
organisations.
Currently, it needs
baby sets, baby
blankets and adult
blankets. For more info,
visit kogo.org.au.

The sound of music
brings joy for Monica

To find out more or to submit a referral
visit our website www.benevolent.org.au
or call 1800 236 762
Monica is supported by The Benevolent Society’s Aged Care Home
Care Package (HCP) enabling her to maintain her independence at
home and participate in activities within her community including
movement and dance at her local RSL club.

J003533

For Monica, the Home Care Package has given her the chance to
remain independent with the extra support from her care worker
who visits every week. It has also provided minor home renovations
to ensure her and her husband can still live comfortably and safely
in their home they have lived in since the 1960s.

BETTER WELLNESS

Embracing

The benefits of living without alcohol

W

hether it’s
a social
or work
gathering,
a celebration or salutation,
many sorts of occasions
often revolve around
alcohol. Having a glass in
your hand is an accepted
custom associated with
relaxation and people
coming together, but does
it need to be alcoholic?
This is a question being
asked more and more,
and for good reason.

SOBERING THOUGHTS

The benefits of
a sober lifestyle

are far-reaching, and they
go way beyond saying
goodbye to hangovers
and embarrassing text
messages or behaviours.
Abstaining from alcohol
may help to improve
your sleep, boost mental
clarity, increase energy
and physical wellbeing,
enhance your quality
of life and contribute
to you feeling better
about yourself.
IMPROVED SLEEP

While a nightcap
or glass of wine
might initially
help you relax

and induce drowsiness,
it can ultimately have a
negative impact on your
sleep. Initially you’ll sleep
deeply, but as your body
metabolises the alcohol,
it can interfere with your
natural sleep cycle,
leading to fragmented
or broken sleep.
By saying no to alcohol
it will be easier for you
to enjoy an undisturbed,
restorative sleep, which
is essential for mood
regulation, cognitive
function and overall
vitality. It will also
help you wake up
feeling refreshed
and rejuvenated,
ready to tackle
the day ahead.

THE JURY IS STILL OUT ON
THE EFFECTS OF MODERATE
CONSUMPTION, BUT THERE IS
EVIDENCE THAT SUGGESTS
DRINKING HIGH AMOUNTS OF
ALCOHOL DOES HAVE LINKS
TO HEALTH PROBLEMS
172 BHG AUGUST 2024

MAXIMISED POTENTIAL

Sobriety can give you
a clarity of mind that is
unparalleled. Alcohol,
on the other hand, can
leave you with a foggy
head and cloud your
judgement, impair your
cognitive function and
exacerbate feelings of
anxiety or depression.
By saying no to alcohol
you’re freeing your mind
to operate at its optimal
capacity and enhancing
your focus, concentration
and decision-making
abilities. With a clear
head, you’ll be better
equipped to take
on the demands
and challenges
of your day,
pursue
goals and

build a more meaningful
relationship with yourself
and others.
OPTIMISED HEALTH

Once alcohol is in your
bloodstream it affects
every organ of your body,
and it’s the reason why
alcohol is linked to many
health issues, including
brain function, cancers
such as mouth, stomach,
bowel and breast, gut
issues, liver disease, heart
issues, and even skin
abnormalities.
By saying no to alcohol
your body is given the
chance to recuperate
and return to optimal
functioning, and in the
process you’ll become
healthier and happier
every day.

GOOD
TO
KNOW

While the idea
of embracing
sobriety might feel
like it’ll require
heroic discipline
by you, by
focusing on
the positive
changes that
may occur if
you do give up
alcohol, it could
be much easier than
you think.

BETTER WELLNESS

EXCESSIVE
DRINKING
GENERALLY
EQUATES TO
MORE THAN
TWO DRINKS
A DAY FOR MEN
AND ONE A DAY
FOR WOMEN

One of the big benefits
of saying no to alcohol is
a surge in energy levels.
Alcohol, despite its
initial stimulant effect,
ultimately can act as a
depressant. It might help
you feel more relaxed,
but it can also slow down
the ways your brain and
body function.
By saying no to alcohol
you can experience a
sustained boost of energy,
allowing you to be more
productive, engaged and
present in your activities.
Whether it’s pursuing
fitness goals, excelling in
professional endeavours,
or simply enjoying life to
the fullest.
ASSISTED
WEIGHT LOSS

Drinking alcohol can lead
to dehydration which can
compromise your kidneys
and in turn your liver’s
ability to break down fats.
It can also play havoc
with your metabolism
174 BHG AUGUST 2024

and the delicate
balance of
nutrition, fluids
and hormones
needed to
lose weight.
By saying no to alcohol
you’ll put yourself in a
much better position
to reap the full rewards
of eating a healthy diet
and exercising, including
weight loss.
NEW YOU, NEW LIFE

Being sober can
encourage you to
feel more optimistic
and confident. Relying
on a few drinks to
help you relax can
undermine your selfbelief and ability to
be at your best.
By saying no to alcohol
you can be fully present,
alert and engaged.
Along with all the other
health benefits of
abstaining from alcohol,
you’ll be free to enjoy
great memories and
experiences, and take

EVEN IN MODERATE AMOUNTS,
ALCOHOL CONSUMED WITHIN
A FEW HOURS OF BEDTIME CAN
COST YOU SLEEP AND LEAVE
YOU FEELING TIRED THE NEXT DAY

Illustrations Adobe Stock

INCREASED VITALITY

full advantage of all
that life has to offer.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

Life challenges,
relationships and work
stresses are some of
the things that can drive
you to seek solace in
a glass or a bottle. The
problem is, alcohol can
make matters worse.
Feelings of anxiety, worry
and agitation can be
increased, relationships
damaged and your health
and wellbeing impacted.
It may also increase the
risk of suicide. If you
or anyone you know is
struggling with alcohol
abuse, help is available.
For more details about
support services, go to
drinkwise.org.au.
HELLO DRY JULY

The aim of the Dry July
fundraiser campaign is
to raise funds for services
and therapy programs
available for cancer
patients, their families
and their carers. You
can sign up and help
raise much-needed
funds or simply use it
as an opportunity to
experience the benefits
of being alcohol-free
for a month. To sign up,
go to dryjuly.com.

GROUND ZERO

As a stepping stone, try
drinking non-alcoholic
wine or beer. There
are many great-tasting
beverages available,
and once you find a
few you enjoy, you’ll
be on a home run.

PROTECT
YOUR
EYE HEALTH
New findings indicate
drinking less alcohol
is good for your eye
health. According to
a Macular Disease
Foundation press
release, “Excessive
alcohol intake
can contribute to
oxidative stress
and inflammation
in the body, which
are believed to be
underlying factors in
the development and
progression of AMD
(age-related macular
degeneration).” Dr
Kathy Chapman, CEO
of Macular Disease
Foundation Australia
says, “We know
that cutting back on
alcohol has many
benefits, including
reducing the risk
of developing liver
disease, high blood
pressure, certain
cancers, as well as
positive effects...
But what our review
is telling us – and
what many people
don’t realise – are the
significant benefits
drinking less alcohol
has on maintaining
healthy eyes and
lowering the risk
of developing or
progressing AMD.”

DO IT
FOR YOU

The decision to
live alcohol-free is a
deeply personal one,
and it’s important
to acknowledge
that it may not suit
everyone, including
some of your friends.
Don’t be swayed
by anyone, it’s your
health and wellbeing
at stake, and who
knows, when they
see how great you
look and feel they
may be inspired
to follow suit.

HEALTH MATTERS

better health
[

T H E L AT E S T N E WS , P R O D U C T S A N D T R E N D S

]

YUMMY +
WELLNESS

Protein bars have never tasted
so good! The BSc Soft Protein
Bars, which include two Violet
Crumble options, are a fusion of
delicious taste, texture and soft
protein-bar technology. Each
55g bar has 16g of protein, a 4.5
health star rating and less than
3g of sugar, $4.50 each, available
from coles.com.au.

GOOD READS

SUPER POWDERS

Beauty and wellness start
within. KAILO Nutrition is
an Australian wellness
brand offering a range of
nutrient-dense yet delicious
super-blend supplements with
vitamins, minerals, collagen
and traditional herbs.
Feel Well Gut Health Collagen
Blend and Sleep Well Sleep
Support Collagen Blend, $99
each for 750g. To see the full
range, go to kailo.com.au.

GOOD TO KNOW

A diet rich in fruits, vegetables,
nuts and fatty fish is known to help
fight cancer, and a nutritious diet
and healthy lifestyle are also vital
for women going through breast
cancer treatments, according to
breast health and breast cancer
surgeon, Associate Professor
Warrier. For more info on breast
health, drsanjaywarrier.com.au.

IRON BOOSTERS

For lovers of
food and
adventure
The Kitchen of
Somewhere,
by Anna Kelly
McLeod (Carswell & Bain), $45, is a book
about how food shapes our connection
to place, environment and who we are.
It’s a collection of 70 recipes from around
the world, with $5 of every purchase
going to a mental health program.
Available from somewherekitchen.com.

Feeling exhausted? Check your iron levels. Iron
deficiency affects many people, especially women.
An iron supplement, such as Bioglan Therapeutic
Gummies Iron + Vitamin C, $31.99, can help support
energy levels, relieve tiredness and assist in red
blood cell production. Available from pharmacies.
Talk to your doctor before taking supplements.

176 BHG AUGUST 2024

Photography Adobe Stock. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

I NN E R WO RK

Food for
Thought

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A RALIA
AUST

130 jam-packed pages of practical information,
expert advice, personal stories and helpful resources

FREE!

Scan to get your
copy now

NEW EDITION EVERY 3 MONTHS INCLUDES:

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Financial & carer payment updates
Exclusive features from Jean Kittson
The latest in technology
Dementia advice
Puzzles & games
Recipes by Maggie Beer
Plus much more!

www.australiancarersguide.com.au
A MUST HAVE RESOURCE FOR ALL THOSE CARING FOR THEIR ELDERLY

Behind the human face of our caring
community lies a tangible financial penalty

I

magine coming across the
below job advertisement:

Help wanted.
Superhero needed to handle
the day-to-day minutiae of
a role with no set position
description or schedule.
You’ll be on call more hours
than not, with no overtime,
time in lieu, sick days or
annual leave. As for regular
break times, they aren’t
guaranteed. Same with an
office Christmas party or
Secret Santa. The chances
of promotion are also
non-existent. And there’s no
get-out-of-jail-fast clause.

If you did see this role being
advertised, you’d think it
was a prank. But it’s no
laughing matter – it’s the
reality for all the Australians
who work as unpaid carers.
And the extra sting in
the tale is they also don’t
get paid super. Which is
something Are Media,
publisher of Better Homes
and Gardens, is on
a mission to change.
WHO ARE THE CARERS?
According to the Caring
Costs Us 2023 survey, more
than 2.65 million carers give
support in Australia each
day. For many it’s a job they
really had no choice but
to take. And with seven in
10 of them being female, it
has sobering implications

for the ability of Australian
women to achieve financial
equality. To list just a few
relevant facts and figures:
• 11.5 years = average
time a carer is out of the
workforce.
• 40 or more = number of
unpaid care hours per week
provided by one third of
primary carers.
• $77.9 billion = replacement
value of unpaid Australian
care in 2020, which would
cripple our healthcare
system and NDIS.
• 60% = proportion of
young carers who don’t
study beyond high school.
• 304,480 = number of
Australians receiving the
Carer Payment.
COUNTING THE COST
According to the Carer
Wellbeing Survey 2022,
77% of carers report having
little or no choice in taking
on their role, compared
with 15% who actively
chose it. That said, the
greater majority would
not change their lot. But in
dedicating themselves to
a relative, friend or loved
one, they contribute to two
eye-watering sums, being:
• Average loss of lifetime
earnings at 67 of $392,500.
• Average loss of super at 67
of $175,000.
For Are Media it’s a loss
that demands change.
And the company is calling
on the government to
introduce super for all
recognised unpaid carers.
As CEO Jane Huxley says,
they give 2.2 billion hours
of unpaid care each year,
which would cost nearly

HELP US GUARANTEE SUPER FOR AUSTRALIA’S UNPAID CARERS.
SIGN OUR PETITION, CHANGE.ORG/COSTOFCARING

178 BHG AUGUST 2024

The longer a
person is a carer,
the less likely they
will be participating
in the workforce
NATIONAL CARER
SURVEY 2022

$80 billion to replace with
formal care. It’s an act
of selflessness that has
imposed financial hardship
for generations, mostly
on women. “Carers are
heroes in the home and in
communities, but their roles
are too often unrecognised
and undervalued,” she
says. “It doesn’t feel right
that those of us who are
working in corporate life are
getting paid super naturally,
but those who are still
performing work, a different
kind of work, are not
enjoying the same privilege.
Carers sacrifice careers,
travel, education goals,
social lives and their own
wellbeing to look after the
needs of others. But who is
caring for the carers?”
JUST REWARD
Annabel Reid, the CEO of
Carers Australia, says: “The
critical and significant work
unpaid carers provide...
is vital to supporting
Australia’s strained health
system, aged-care system,
disability support and
mental health support, and
is often undertaken at great
cost to a carer’s own general
and financial wellbeing. It
is time we did more for the
cohort of carers who have
had to give up employment
opportunities to provide
care and reduce their
superannuation deficit.”

Photography Getty Images; words Lisa Chant

WHEN THE DOLLARS DON’T

BETTER COMMUNITIES

WHO ARE
THEY?

Unpaid carers provide
care and support to
people who are living
with disability, chronic
or life-limiting illness,
are frail, aged, or have
a mental illness, alcohol
or other drug-related
conditions. Carers
aren’t paid to ‘care’ for
someone, although
some receive
means-tested income
support payments from
the federal government.
Of carers, 36% are
caring for a partner, 27%
for a child and 26% for
a parent. About 65% of
them are caring for
someone under 65,
while 35% are looking
after someone older
than 65. About a quarter
of carers are themselves
over 65, while 7% are
under 24.

MORE THAN
MONEY

Financial disadvantage
may be the most tangible
impact of caring, but there
are other, broader
implications that are also in
play. For example, carers
are 2.5 times less likely to
have good health than other
Australians, while just
under 40% report they
are often or always lonely.
Additionally, 26.1%
report high levels of
psychological distress.

1OFIN
9
AUSTRALIANS ARE CARERS.
THESE, 33% ARE PRIMARY CARERS.

MONEY MATTERS

better finance
[

T I P S O N G E T T I N G YO U R D E BT U N D E R C O N T R O L

]

TAKE CHARGE OF DEBTS TODAY

FREE HELP
WHEN YOU NEED IT

The cost of living pressures means we all need
to keep a close eye on money matters
MAKE IT AUTOMATIC

Keep your eyes on the
long-term aim to be
debt-free. One way to
seriously stay on track
is to set up regular
automatic payments
coinciding with your
payday. Some banks and
financial institutions offer
debt consolidation –
bundling debts together
so you just need to pay
off the one debt with the
one interest rate.

WRITE DOWN A PLAN

Got debt? Write down all
that you owe and make a
priority of what you need
to pay off first. Know
you’re not alone. A recent
study by finder.com.au
found that the average
Australian has $20,238
in personal debt (not
including mortgages). Try
to knock off the debt that
has the highest interest
attached to it, even
throwing an extra $20
on top of the minimum
monthly repayments will
make an impact.

DON’T BE TEMPTED

It’s hard not to be
tempted by new credit
cards offering such
attractive extras as
frequent flyer points and
zero fees. But these, along
with any Buy Now, Pay
Later deals, mean you can
over-commit to spending
what you can’t afford.
Both will just add to the
pile of debt.

NATIONAL DEBT
HELPLINE

To get free, confidential
help, call the National
Debt Helpline on 1800
007 007. The helpline is
open Monday to Friday,
9:30am to 4:30pm.

MONEYCARE

WORDS OF WISDOM

THE ONLY MAN WHO NEVER
MAKES MISTAKES IS THE MAN WHO
NEVER DOES ANYTHING
Theodore Roosevelt, former U.S. President

This financial information is general in nature and does not take into consideration your personal circumstances.
If you need advice, please seek out a licensed financial adviser.

180 BHG AUGUST 2024

WAY FORWARD

Call Way Forward on
1300 045 502 Monday
to Friday, 9am to 6pm
AEST for a free info
pack on managing debt,
wayforward.org.au.

Photography Adobe Stock; words Andrea Black

The Salvation Army
Moneycare is a free
financial counselling
service offering
resources as well as
individual counselling,
salvationarmy.org.au.

READING MATTERS

better books
T H E N E W E S T A N D B E S T N OV E L S A N D N O N - F I C T I O N

]

Marrying Off
Morgan McBride
Amy Barry
(Simon & Schuster, $22.99)

LIKE A FRESH BATCH
OF CORNBREAD
JEN DELUCA, AUTHOR

Become a Business
Money Magnet

Justine McLean
(The Rural Publishing
Company, $34.99)

Respected money mentor and
financial educator Justine McLean
shares the secrets to what it takes
to master your money, boost your
profitability and be the boss of your
financial destiny. Written to demystify
the essentials of good finance for
anyone who’s keen to build a viable
financial future for themselves, this
book is the antidote to a lifetime of
bad money habits, limiting beliefs and
poor financial foundations. You will
be equipped with the tools to make
your business work harder for you, so
you can enjoy the financial rewards.

182 BHG AUGUST 2024

The oldest of the McBride
siblings, Morgan has his
heart longing for the solitude
of the wide-open road. But
Junebug, his little sister,
is dead set on keeping him
at home, so she places
an advertisement in The
Matrimonial News. Epiphany
(Pip) Hopgood is too tall, too
loud, too opinionated and too
contrary for polite society.
When Pip shows up to meet
her betrothed, she finds that
Morgan McBride is not the
husband she expected. In fact,
he doesn’t even want to be a
husband. Pip must take
control of her own future.

A CALAMITY OF SOULS

David Baldacci
(Pan Macmillan, $34.99)

Jack Lee is a white lawyer
from Freeman County,
Virginia. Jack has never
done anything to push back
against racism, until he
decides to represent Jerome
Washington, a Black man
charged with brutally killing
an elderly, wealthy white couple. Doubting his
decision, Lee fears that his skills may not be enough
to prevail in a case where the odds are already
stacked against both him and his client. He realises
the stakes are higher than the outcome of the trial.
THE LITTLE CLOTHES

Deborah Callaghan
(Penguin Random House,
$34.99)

Audrey Mendes is a clever
lawyer but has never made
partner. Her weeks are filled
with long hours in the office,
visits to her ageing parents,
trivia nights at the local and
evenings with her pet rabbit. When Audrey tries to
buy wine at the pub, she is ignored and walks out
without paying. One thing leads to another, and
she starts rebelling in small ways against a world in
which she is unseen, until a painful reminder from
her childhood pushes her into a reckoning.
RED RIVER ROAD

Anna Downes
(Affirm Press, $34.99)

On the vast Coral Coast
in Western Australia, Katy
embarks on a solo journey
to track down her sister,
Phoebe. Vanishing without
a trace along the very same
route a year prior, Phoebe’s
disappearance casts a long,
haunting shadow over the landscape Katy travels.
But as she drives her campervan further north, she
realises she’s not as alone as she’d first believed.
Katy’s search becomes a stranger journey than she
could ever have imagined.

Compiled by Joseph Kenworthy. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

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STOCKISTS

better stockists
[

P L A N N I N G A T R I P TO T H E S H O P S? H E R E ’ S O U R R O U N D - U P O F P R O D U C T S

]

picture hanging wire, $6.

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY
Adairs adairs.com.au
Booktopia booktopia.com.au
Bunnings bunnings.com.au
Bush Journal
bushjournal.com.au
Country Road
countryroad.com.au
House house.com.au
IKEA ikea.com/au
Kidsplay Crafts
kidsplaycrafts.com.au

Magic Moss, page 76

Project supplies Bunnings
Scotts Osmocote bonsai
premium potting mix, 10L,
$8.68. Brunnings horticultural
charcoal, 5L, $10.87. RapidMesh
silver wire mesh panel, 600
x 900 x 0.6mm, 6.5 x 6.5mm,
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moss block, 150g, $13.17. Air
plant, tillandsia, 50mm, $9.98,
Everhang brass-plated picture
hanging kit, $5.40. Kidsplay
Crafts Bark pieces, 250g, $19.95.
Koch & Co Premium preserved
fern moss in Box Green, 500g,
$115.45. Premium preserved
rock moss in Box Green, 500g,
$115.45. Premium preserved
reindeer moss bulk 1kg box in
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preserved flat moss sheet
in Box Green, 500g, $76.95.
Premium preserved hair moss
window box in Light Green,
800g, $164.95. Spotlight Frame
Depot shadow box natural
photo frame in Natural, 15 x
15cm, $18. Vivaldi floral greening
pins in Silver, 45 mm, $5.50.

Fancy Foliage,
page 92

Bunnings Scotts Osmocote
indoor plants premium potting
mix, 25L, $17.99. Flower pot safe in
Black, 124 x 133 x 124mm, $14.98.

Koch & Co Koch.com.au
Kmart kmart.com.au
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Robert Gordon Interiors
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Welcome to Frog
Hollow, page 96

Bunnings Holman 100mm x 6m
PVC stormwater pipe, $27.60.
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Holman 100mm pressure tee
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Protek 250ml Type N Clear
PVC cement for non-pressure
pipes, $6.70. Selleys 50g Knead
It epoxy putty, $10.70. 3M 48mm
x 50.2m white duct tape, $20.40.
Ki-Carma coarse landscape
sand, 20kg, $10.99. Tuscan Path
10–25mm polished mix pebbles,
10kg, $22.99.

Fern Gallery,
Page 100

Bunnings RapidFence
galvanised roll top wire mesh
fence panel, 2400 x 900mm,
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Epoxy Enamel in Satin White,
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25 x 25mm, $19.99. Crescent
outdoor universal cable ties
200 x 4.6m, 25 pack, $3.89.
Everhang 7.7m 20g copper

Stroke of genius,
page 118

Shopping details Adairs
Belgium vintage washed linen
cushion 50 x 50cm in Brown
Sugar, $79.99. Caspian long
cushion 35 x 55cm in Natural
and White, $69.99. Caspian long
cushion 35 x 55cm in Sandstone
and Natural, $69.99. Indra natural
linen cushion 50 x 50cm, $79.99.
Malmo linen throw 130 x 170cm
in Natural, $119.99. Macrame knot
throw 130 x 170cm in Brown
Sugar, $99.99. Moma white
leaves mini canvas, 40 x 40cm,
$99.99. Vintage washed linen
pillowcase pair in Hazelnut,
$109.99. Vintage washed linen
king size quilt cover in Caramel,
$349.99. Robert Gordon
Interiors Wall Hook in Coast,
from $35. Seed Heritage Felt
mini tote in Dark Espresso,
$79.95. Felt large tote in Oat,
$89.95. Fluffy check scarf in
Champagne Beige Multi, $89.95.
Relaxed knit skirt in Spice,
$169.95. Merino V neck knit in
Oat Marle, $149.95. Core wide
leg pocket jean in French Blue
Denim, $129.95. Baby wool curve
hem top in Spice, $99.95. Mohair
blend rib cardigan in Dark
Espresso Marle, $269.95. Mohair
balloon sleeve knit in Dark
Espresso Marle, $229.95. Core
wide leg pocket jean in Pacific
Wash, $129.95. Cable knit zip
cardigan in Oat, $199.95. Heritage
terry track pant in Champagne
Beige, $89.95. Core heritage
half zip sweat in Champagne
Beige, $89.95. Pinch waist baggy
wide leg jean in Cloud Cream,
$129.95. Speckle knit pant in
Oat Speckle, $149.95. Speckle
oversized knit in Oat Speckle,
$149.95. Long sleeve stripe top
in Dark Espresso Stripe, $69.95.
Mid length puffer jacket in Dark
Espresso, $169.95. Core cotton
slim leg jean in Vintage Wash,
$99.95.

Project supplies Bunnings
Arlec 3m dotless strip light
in Warm White, $46.40.
Dulux Design Light Texture
in Pristine Statue, 4L, $129.89.
CUSTOMwood raw MDF 16 x
2400 x 1200mm, $39.30. F7 H3
treated pine primed LOSP 66 x
30mm 5.4m, $64.09. Moulding
White Pine FJ Primed DAR 66 x
18mm x 5.4m, $22.68. Sandleford
25 x 2700mm chrome rod,
$22.02. Sandleford 16mm
stainless steel centre pillar fitting
rod, $7.22. Specrite timber multiuse panel, 1800 x 405 x 18mm.
Sandleford 25mm stainless steel
round flange fitting rod, 2 pack,
$5.93. Hire Shop Air Bradder, $46
to hire per day. Spotlight Koo
Loft sheer concealed tab top
curtains linen, 140 x 250cm, $95.

Leaning tower of
timber, page 124

Shopping details Adairs Silver
gum hanging in Silver green,
$16.99. Booktopia Call It Home
by Amber Lewis, $60. Even
More Basics to Brilliance by
Donna Hay, $55. Gino’s Italian
family adventure by Gino
D’Acampo, $49.99. Made for
Living by Amber Lewis, $69.99.
One Pan Perfect by Donna Hay,
$49.99. The Art of Home by Shea
McGee, $59.40. Country Road
Narooma small vase in Snow, 9
x 16cm, $49.95. Narooma medium
vase in Snow, 11 x 20cm, $79.95.
Zoe small jewellery box, $99.95.
Kmart Acacia cake stand, $20.
Dual taper candle holder, 15 x
12.5cm, $5. Plinth deco bowl,
6 x 20cm, $12. Sculptural vase,
23.5 x 13.5cm, $10. Speckled
decor bowl, $12. Wave vase 30
x 15cm, $9. Seed Heritage Cleo
twin candle holder, 14 x 11.43cm,
$59.95. Ribbed candle set of 2
in Magnolia, $19.95. Ezra tapas
bowl in Coffee, $14.95. Ezra
spoon in Coffee, $9.95. Ezra
vessel in Honey gold, $19.95.
Nola highball set of 4 in Amber,
$59.95. Nola large bowl in Amber,
AUGUST 2024 BHG 191

STOCKISTS

Play it cool, page 128

Shopping details Adairs Albus
vase in White, $29.99. Country
Road Dane ceramic medium
vase in Sand, 22 x 22cm, $59.95.
Mia coupe in Violet, set of
2, $49.95. Theo mortar and
pestle in Natural, $79.95. IKEA
Pärleternell chair pad in Grann
Golden-brown, 35cm, $29.
Kmart Glass sphere vase, $8.
Glazed mini bowl in Green,
$3.50. Pedestal bowl in Grey, $6.
Ozzy Educational Toys Wooden
park ranger sorting truck, $34.50.
Seed Heritage Cleo twin
candle holder in Blush, $59.95.
Ezra egg cup in Honey gold,
$12.95. Ezra tapas plate in Honey
Gold, $12.95. Ezra large mug in
Honey Gold, $24.95. Ezra bowl
in Coffee, $24.95. Ezra tray in
Coffee, $24.95. Ezra tapas bowl
in Cloud Cream, $14.95. Ezra
vessel in Honey Gold, $19.95.
Nola highball in Amber, set of
4, $59.95. Nola small bowl in
Amber, $29.95. Season Living
Seven dining chair in Aloe green,
$139. Project supplies Bunnings
Specrite Timber 2200 x 600 x
26mm multi-use pine panel. $89.
Porta 16 x 16mm x 3.0m round
dowel in Grandis, $16.50. Pillar
16mm white curtain rod stirrup
bracket, 2 Pack, $9.95.

pine structural CD grade, $96.
Adoored 300mm lazy Susan
bearing plate, 225kg, $15.75.
Zenith 8g x 15mm galvanised
button head stitching timber
screws, 35 Pack, $5.24. Adoored
3/8” angle plate leg furniture
accessory, 2 Pack, $2.46.
Adoored pine round tapered
furniture leg, 400mm, $13.55.

Be funky up front,
page 138

Shopping details Adairs
Belgium vintage washed linen
cushion 50 x 50cm in Dark Teal,
$79.99. Boyde small vase 12.5 x
7cm in Ivory, $34.99. Caspian
cushion 50 x 50cm in Green and
White, $69.99. Macrame knot
throw 130 x 170cm in Natural,
$99.99. Otis boucle cushion
50 x 50cm in Lilypad, $84.99.
Rae Malmo check linen throw
130 x 170cm in Spice and Green,
$149.99. Bunnings Arlo fibre
cement stool in Light Grey,
44 x 45cm, $99. Lotus small
natural planter stand, 20 x
22cm, $14.98. Lotus small natural
planter stand, 25 x 28cm, $18.98.
Mimosa wicker butterfly chair
72 x 90cm, $169. Country Road
Marley organically grown cotton
cushion 35 x 60cm in Barley.
Project supplies Bunnings
Outdoor framing H3 treated
pine 90 x 45mm x 6.0m, $42.
H4 treated pine post 100 x
100mm x 2.4m, $24.50. L/M
decking ironbark KD standard
135 x 19mm, $17.40. Ramset 8 x
80mm long anchor RamPlug, 30
Pack, $18.59. Ramset 7.5 x 100mm
galvanised masonry anchor

screw, box of 50, $30.64. Buildex
Climacoat treated pine and
hardwood decking screws, size
10, 8 x 50mm, 100 pack, $20.76.
Outdoor framing F27 hardwood
KD 90 x 45mm x 6.0m, $220.20.
Outdoor framing F27 hardwood
KD 70 x 35mm x 6m, $92.90.
Australian Builders quick set
concrete, 20kg, $9.97. ZENITH
14g class 3 galvanised bugle
batten screws, 8 x 75mm,
100 pack, $23.95.

Black, 1L, $59. Intergrain Spotted
Gum UltraDeck timber decking
oil, 1L, $54.95. Tuscan Path
Charcoal Porcelain Paver, 600 x
400 x 20mm, $16.56. Metal Mate
1m Aluminium unequal angle in
Silver, 25 x 20 x 1.6mm, $10.62.
HanDIY Shim 1–10mm Packer
Handy Pack, 134 Pack, $22.58.
GRUNT non-woven geotextile
membrane drain mat fabric,
1 x 10m,$43.77. Scotts Osmocote
premium potting mix, 25L, $9.58.

Sitting pretty,
page 150

Why knot, page 160

Shopping details Adairs Berry
floral cushion 50 x 50cm in
Purple, $69.99. Caspian cushion
50 x 50cm in Green and white,
$69.99. Capri bamboo oval
platter servingware in Ivory,
$39.99. Fluted vase 23.5 x 21.5cm
in Violet, $59.99. Bush Journal
Bush Journal 08, $22.95.
Country Road Cobble small
bowl in Natural, 16 x 16.5cm,
$39.95. Tapas condiment bowl in
Snow, 8 x 8cm, $7.95. Ikea Lohals
flatwoven rug 160 x 230cm in
Natural, $99. Project supplies
Bunnings Outdoor framing H3
treated pine 70 x 45mm x 2.4m,
$13.80. Plinth H4 treated pine
sawn wet 150 x 25mm x 4.8m, $21.
135 x 19mm Pre-oiled Spotted
Gum KD decking, $16.50 per
linear metre. Buildex RapidDrive
treated pine screws 10g x 100
mm (10 TPI) Climacoat, box of
50, $21.52. Buildex RapidDrive
treated pine screws 12g x 75mm
(8 TPI) Climacoat, box of 50,
$21.78. Dulux Weathershield
Exterior Paint in Low Sheen

Shopping details Adairs Fruit
bowl large canvas in Sage, 60 x
80cm, $129.99. Booktopia Made
for Living by Amber Lewis,
$69.99. Modern Country Homes
by Inside Out, $49.99.
Project supplies Bunnings
GRUNT 3mm x 15m Para Cord,
$5.75. Spotlight Crafters Choice
glue gun, Sticks & Tape pack, $14.

Make It Resin-ate,
page 164

Project Supplies House
Soffritto professional silicone
baking tray, $21.99. Spotlight
Ribtex Resin Clear Epoxy in
Clear, 2 x 100mg, $37. Arbee
Mini Craft Sticks, $5. Semco
Acrylic Paint set, $10. American
Crafts Color Pour Resin
Opaque Dye in Multicoloured,
4 Pack, $16. Shopping details
Adairs Floral tablecloth 150
x 240cm in Berry, $89.99.
Kingston linen napkins in Berry,
50 x 50cm, pack of 2, $19.99.
Kmart Irregular décor tray,
$12. Rectangular wave tray
in Taupe, $12.

Settle petal, page 132

Shopping details Adairs
Colorado rug in Moss and
Natural, 160 x 230cm, $499.99
Country Road Drew cushion in
Sand, 50 x 50cm, $99.95. Harper
cushion in Cinnamon, 55 x 55cm,
$99.95. Pia cotton velvet cushion
in Natural, 55 x 55cm, $89.95.
Marley cotton cushion in Sage,
60 x 60cm, $89.95. Kmart Capri
marble tray, $12. Sculptural vase,
$10. Textured urn-shaped vase,
$15. Vineyard fragrant candle,
$10. Sheridan Abbotson linen
breakfast cushion in Ochre,
30 x 50cm, $79.99. Project
Supplies Ecoply 2400 x
1200mm x 17mm plywood
192 BHG AUGUST 2024

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Prices are approximate and a guide only. Due to the printing process, colour reproduction is a guide only.

$89.95. Nola large vase in Amber,
$99.95. Nola tumbler set of 4 in
Amber, $49.95. Project supplies
Bunnings Ecoply 17mm plywood
pine structural CD grade, 2400
x 1200mm, $96. Dulux White
Sample Pot in Timeless Grey,
250ml, $9.90.

ADVERTISING PROMOTION

BETTER SHOPPING
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE SHOPS?
HERE’S A ROUND-UP OF PRODUCTS YOU MAY LIKE TO CHECK OUT...
BREATHE EASY

ISLAND TIME

The Kinsella carpet range
from Brease, available
at Choices Flooring, is
innovatively designed
for modern families
and built to withstand
daily life. With Brease’s
Active Care® treatments
and EasyBac® backing,
this flooring is allergy
and asthma-friendly,
allowing you to relax.

Explore rugged
coastlines, ancient
rainforests and historic
sites with Intrepid
Travel’s Tasmanian trips.
With so many deals
on offer, you can select
a holiday to suit you,
from savouring fresh
produce to experiencing
rich culture. It’s time
for an adventure.

choicesflooring.com

intrepidtravel.com

TASTY TREATS

LIVING LUCKY

Enjoy all the delectable
flavour of homemade
baking without any of
the fuss. McKenzie’s
Ready to Bake Cookies
can be whipped up in
just 10 minutes with
no prep required. Each
packet yields 10 cookies.
Available from $9.95
in the freezer section at
Coles and Woolworths.

Ever dreamt of waking
up to ocean views from
the comfort of your
own home? Draw 417
offers you the chance
to win this $5M beach
house on the Sunshine
Coast. Tickets to win
the four-bedroom house
cost $5 with over $750K
in gold bullion also to
be won. T&Cs apply.

mckenziesfoods.com.au

rslartunion.com.au

YOU BEAUTY

CLEAN AND CLEAR

The Warrumbungle
Region, renowned
for its breathtaking
landscapes, is home to
Australia’s first Dark
Sky Park. A haven for
nature enthusiasts,
it offers spectacular
walking trails, abundant
wildlife and a rich
cultural heritage.

Achieving functional,
organised storage spaces
has never been easier. Let
inaDRAWER help you
rid your home of clutter
and chaos with their
unique Mobile Workshop.
Servicing Melbourne,
Sydney and Brisbane,
they make custom Blum
pull-out drawer systems
for efficient storage.

warrumbungle.nsw.
gov.au/tourism

inadrawer.com.au

ANIMAL MATTERS

better pets
[

L O O K A F T E R YO U R F U R RY F R I E N D ’ S PAWS A N D A N I M A L A S T H M A

]

your furry
bestie’s paws are
precious! handle
them with care
for a happy pet.

Is your pet’s paw bleeding?

Learn how to spot the signs of sore paws and treat them
Cats and dogs can
experience a variety
of problems with
their paws, ranging
from minor irritations
to serious injuries or
conditions, like arthritis.
Ticks and fleas, food
allergies, pollen, grass
and chemicals can cause
intense irritation of the
paws. Overgrown or
ingrown nails can be
trouble and torn nails
often bleed.

sharp objects. If not
properly cleaned and
treated, the paws can
get infected.

area with a clean cloth.
Wrap the area loosely
with a sterile gauze pad
or bandage and keep
your pet from licking
HOW TO TREAT
the wound. Check the
If your pet is persistently
wound daily and relicking, limping, whining
bandage as needed.
and/or there are signs
PREVENTION
of infection, see your
Prevent paw pad
vet. Signs of infection
issues with regular
include swelling,
checks, keeping the
redness, pus/discharge,
paws clean and dry,
bad odour, appetite
loss, fever and lethargy. and nails trimmed. Try
If bleeding doesn’t stop Bear and Kind Sit Stay
PAW PROBLEMS
Heal Ouchie Balm
after 10 minutes, see
The pads can also get
(bearandkind.com.au),
your vet immediately!
dry and cracked, have
for dry/cracked pads.
For minimal bleeding,
cuts and abrasions,
For outdoor adventures
clean the area with a
burns (hot pavements),
in extreme weather, try
mild soap and water
splinters or dangerous
Ruffwear booties (from
solution, and apply
deep lacerations by
pressure to the bleeding vetnpetdirect.com.au).

194 BHG AUGUST 2024

Our furry companions can
also develop asthma (chronic
inflammation of the airways
in the lungs) and have asthma
attacks. Pet asthma has no cure,
but can be treated and managed.
• Asthma is more common in
cats than dogs. Triggers include
allergens (air pollution), airborne
pesticides, cat litter dust, air
fresheners, pollen, smoke and
household cleaning products.
• Pet asthma signs range from
mild to severe and include
excessive panting, shortness of
breath, persistent dry hacking or
coughing, wheezing, pale/blue
gums and wide-mouth breathing.
Asthmatic cats may also gag up
foamy mucus or crouch with the
neck and head extending. Any
of these symptoms require
urgent vet care!
• Your pet may be medicated
with treatment, such as a
pet nebuliser or inhaler,
bronchodilator, antihistamines or
steroids. To reduce the chances
of an asthma attack, keep your
house allergen-free, provide a
smoke-free space, vacuum and
clean your house regularly, use
natural household cleaners and
HEPA air filters, groom and
bathe your pet often to reduce
the amount of dander, and
ensure good ventilation at home
with fans or opening windows.
Consult your vet for more advice
about your pet’s triggers.

Photography Adobe Stock

PETS CAN HAVE
ASTHMA TOO

Coastal quiet.
Reminiscent of the misty sea spray on ocean
swells, the neutral grey blue of Windspray® is
perfectly at home on any home.
Inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes,
COLORBOND® steel has the durability to perform
in some of Australia’s harshest conditions.
Discover COLORBOND® steel’s new and refreshed
palette @ colorbond.com/colours

Made by Australia
The COLORBOND® steel colour swatch shown has been reproduced to represent actual product colours as accurately as possible. However, we
recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing as varying light conditions and limitations
of the printing process may affect colour tones. COLORBOND®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade
marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2022 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.