JANUARYCONTENTS

138

48

come inside
ON THE COVER

16 22 A taste of summer Best brunch,

spicy salmon, zesty pork belly,
no-churn ice-cream, party cocktails
48 Bright beds Wild for flowers

56 Plant autumn bulbs now
64 Ace an aquascape
70 Fend off mozzies with plants
82 Grow sun-loving basil
 96 Wow with window boxes
and sleek planters
104 Time to get gardening
Build a potted pond

110 Ditch your lawn for
no-mow groundcovers
120 Have it all: a chic
house with kids
126 Show your metal with
sparkly craft
132 Go all in outside Curate
a cool open-air oasis

142 Gable table Eat out in DIY style
146 Make a winning games table
148 Flip it – dated cabinet
to fine furniture

FOOD

16 In good spirits! Shake up happy
hour with peppy party cocktails

 BHG JANUARY

22 Easy entertaining Serve

up scrumptious spreads and
crowd-pleasing desserts!
40 Savouring summer Use your
Thermomix to whiz up a peachy
arvo tea treat and delightful drink

44 Better cooking
46 The raw truth Sweeten up
with Wild Nectar Honey

GARDENING

48 Wild thing! Set your garden free
with wonderful wildflowers

56 Prepare for seasonal change

Plan and plant your bulbs now
for a blaze of colour in autumn
64 Pond life Pretty up your pond
with aquatic-loving plants
70 Mozzie zappers Ward off
pesky pests with clever plants
that repel mosquitoes!

74 Dark arts put in the light

Borrow ideas from an eclectic,
art-filled shady backyard

82 Brush up on your basil

Welcome to the world of aromatic
basil – know it, grow it, eat it!
86 Heat proof your garden Protect
your patch from a sizzling summer

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Vanessa Austin

137

22

88

88 In the box seat Put in and fill a

picture-perfect window box with
colourful blooms and frilly foliage
106 Don’t be shallow Raise
your soil to new heights with
hexagon-shaped planters
110 Lush and lovely Swap your
forlorn lawn (real or faux)
for a glorious groundcover

114 In your garden
116 Better gardening
118 Moon guide

132 Your oasis awaits Hot style

ideas to create your outdoor
sanctuary, then shop the look!

138 What’s your outdoor style?
Curate a lush patio hangout

148 Flipping furniture Upcycle a

vintage cabinet into a handy and
handsome hutch and buffet

152 Better decorating

BETTER YOU

154 Your heart on stress Healthy

ways to cope with life’s pressures

DIY & BUILDING

158 Time to glow 10 top beauty

planters for climbers and more
104 Plant & ponder Craft a compact
pond planter from timber
142 Summer soirée Make an airy
outdoor dining table with a gable
146 Game on Level up with a
winning wooden games table

162 Better health

96 Back to black Build sleek noir

DECORATING & CRAFT
120 Style by design Turn a

humdrum home into the cosy,
chic family haven of your dreams
126 Shine on Glam up your spaces
with metallic paints, foils and inks

tips to boost your radiance

Subscribe for your chance to

WIN A
SHARE OF

$50,000
SEEPAGE

REGULAR FEATURES
8 Editor’s letter
153 BHG Shop Go dotty

over Diamond Dotz kits

164 Better books
166 Better finance
175 Better stockists
176 Privacy policy
178 Better pets
179 BHG Shop Deck out

your yard with unique
metal bird and animal art

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

bhg.com.au

facebook.com/bhgaus

instagram.com/bhgaus

pinterest.com/bhgaus

TV CONTENTS

watch us on tv

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

110

SPECIAL FEATURE

10 Fast Ed bids farewell to BHG TV

GARDENING

74 Tour a shady, art-filled

inner-city Sydney backyard

86 Hot tips to heat-proof your
patch this summer

106 Add height to struggling soil with
hexagon-shaped garden beds

110 Swap your lawn for a lovely, lush,
low-maintenance groundcover

DECORATING & CRAFT
148 Upcycle an old cabinet into a
beautiful buffet and hutch

148

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

FOR MORE CONTENT FROM OUR
SUMMER SERIES, VISIT bhg.com.au/tv.

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 JANUARY 2024

86

EDITOR’SLETTER

Hello, my friends
R

Nothing beats the calm that comes from being on holidays, but in
January, we’re also feeling excited about the new year. Bring it on!

eady for 2024? We are now
deep in the ‘Era of Home’,
which began in 1920. Our
homes have become our whole
world and, unlike the sometimes
chaotic outside one, it’s a world we
can change – even in small ways.
For your summer soirées, we’re
sharing the best-ever cocktails (page
16), and delicious, easy-prep dishes
sure to satisfy a crowd (page 22).
We’ve also got plenty of inspiration
for rooms we know you’d love to
live in (see how to turn a humdrum
house into a family-friendly haven on
page 120). Up the glam and let your
creativity shine through with clever
cras and décor updates that add
sparkle to your spaces (page 126).
Outside, there’s loads of ideas
if you fancy reimagining your yard
(pages 96, 138 and 142).

While you’re chilling out on the patio
draing your to-do list, wave goodbye
to the bugs buzzing past by planting
prey mosquito-repelling plants
(page 70). And, for your next party,
see how you can coax your guests
outdoors (page 132).
Everyone is talking and thinking
about decorating, landscaping and
DIY – we show you all the paint tricks,
garden upgrades and other genius
hacks to help you keep all your
home-related resolutions this year.
And as we say hello to 2024, sadly
we say goodbye to our cherished
TV food presenter, Ed Halmagyi.
Biersweet would be the best way to

describe this moment (sorry about
the pun, Ed!). You’ve been an epic
part of the BHG family – not only
have you turned out top recipe hits,
you’ve also charmed us on camera
for 20 years. We’ll miss you, but
we’re also excited about your new
culinary quest (page 10). Farewell my
friend – and bon appétit!
January is all about fresh starts,
toasts and clinked glasses – and
we’re glass-half-full types here at
BHG. So raise your flutes
to creating homes to
crave in 2024!

Bulbs are your
garden’s sleeping
beauties, page 56.

 BHG JANUARY

L E T A R E M E D I A P U Z Z L E B O O K S T R A N S P O RT YO U

FAST ED’S FAREWELL

After 20 years of sharing food, fun and the best of Australia, it’s time for me to
head off on another adventure, but this time with a generous dusting of flour

W

orking as a chef can be hard – long
hours, physical exertion, complex
problems and an absurdly fast pace.
Add in television and you have the recipe for
an obstacle course game show. It has been
wild, but I’ve loved it.
Most of my friends insist I have the best
job in the world. I usually refuse to be pinned
down, but occasionally I stop and realise that
they’re right, it’s pretty darned incredible and
there have been so many highlights: riding
motorbikes across the sand of WA mustering
open-range cattle; riding horses through the
mountains of New Caledonia to, well, muster

It probably won’t surprise you that I have
another adventure planned, though this one
is far scarier than swimming with freshwater
crocodiles (yes, we did that), I’m starting a
bakery. My heart has always been covered in
flour, and I don’t see that changing anytime
soon. I’m 48… and I don’t want to get to a point
where I miss out on this thing that makes me
so deliriously happy. What is it? Well, I take my
Jewish heritage and faith very seriously, so the
idea of opening a Jewish bakery just makes a
bunch of sense. My Hebrew name is Avner, so
it’s called Avner’s.
I’ll miss you all on Friday nights, but I’m

COOK WITH PASSION, EAT WITH LOVE.
TAKE SOME TIME TO THINK ABOUT IT...
cattle again... with Miss Universe New Cal;
setting up a one-night pop-up restaurant in the
backstreets of Ho Chi Minh City; cooking on
the edge of a 100m waterfall in the Kimberley
with a Gooniyandi Ranger, while the smell of
the beef attracted spotted quolls from their
hiding spots; making lunch on a tiny spit of
sand about to be swallowed by the sea; and
cooking fish in a volcano.
But I can honestly say that my intention all
through this odyssey has been to make our
viewers feel like they’re there: on the horse,
in the water, making the campfire. It might
have been sweating over a paella in the NT
rainy season, but I really hope you wanted it.
The food? Sure. But mostly I wanted you to
want to be there too.
10 BHG JANUARY 2024

hoping you won’t be strangers. You can even
hop in my kitchen and get your own private
lesson on making bagels, if you like.
But, I have a favour to ask. Someone is going
to come along and join the team with fresh
ideas and amazing talent, I’m trusting you to
look after them just like you’ve looked after me
– with kindness, joy, loyalty and friendship.
I love you guys, you’ve made my life so
incredibly rich, and I know you’ll do the same
for others.
Finally, let me share one last time my abiding
philosophy, if you live and cook by this, you’ll
always create greatness: ‘Cook with passion,
eat with love.’ Take some time to think about it.
You’ve got your instructions, see you soon...
Ed

“The only thing I love
as much as food and
travel are my motorbikes.
And yes, sometimes,
I got to do all three.”

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REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS
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Production manager Mollie Jones
Researchers: Gardening & Landscaping Vivien Kappos, James West, Joshua Culpan
Decorating Karenza Jewell, Chris Cort DIY John Rae, Greg Sparke
Food Marnie Rowe, Kim Meredith Stylist/Junior decorating researcher Erin Brikich
Construction manager Scott Marvell
Producers Cassandra Felix, Daniel Gustafson, Cameron Hartley,
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Make in-season
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14 BHG JANUARY 2024

S U N - S AT I O N A L G I F T S
From beach essentials to homeware treasures, find the perfect
peachy present that screams summer vibes.
3

1
4
2

5

6

8
9
7
10

12
13

11
SCAN TO SHOP
1. Lucky Lorenzo Lilo, $109. 2. Tanica Sundownder Gift Box $104.00. 3. Franky - Sunglasses $159. 4. STEMM Silicone Unbreakable Wine Glasses $44.95.
5. Malibu Sand Free Towel, $ 69.95. 6. Leonora Boater In Natural, $ 99.95. 7. Beach Spade $18.90. 8. Beach Bucket, $31.90. 9. Polarbox Cooler Box Nude,
$ 109.95 10. Pompom Turkish Cotton Bath Sheet $152.99. 11. Premium Beach Umbrella - Sand Dash, $274. 12. Peach Bath Mat - Peachy Clean, $101.99.
13. The Shek O Beach Tote, $99.

SUMMERDRINKS

I N

Ring in the new year
with fun drinks to
make and sip – so
grab your glassware
and get creating!
Pair juicy in-season peaches
with fragrant mint for a super
glam twist on this fizzy fave!

G O O D

FRESHPEACHPROSECCOFIZZ
Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time nil
Serves 1
1/2 yellow peach, pied

2 mint leaves, plus extra sprig,
to serve
1/4 cup brandy
1 Tbsp lemon juice
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup chilled Prosecco
STEP 1 In a cocktail shaker, combine
peach, mint leaves, brandy and lemon
juice, and crush against side with a
muddler or the back of a spoon. Add ice
cubes, cover and shake until very cold.
Strain liquid into a champagne flute. Top
with Prosecco. Serve with a mint sprig.

 BHG JANUARY

WATERMELON-MINT SHRUB COCKTAIL
Give sweet watermelon a tart punch with a splash of
lime juice and red wine vinegar. This vibrant-looking
‘shrub’ is lovely and refreshing on a hot summer eve.
Recipe on page 18

ORANGE
PEAR-TINI

Shake up the
traditional martini
with an orange-spiked
pear puree – even
classic martini-lovers
will be impressed!
Recipe on page 18

BLACKBERRY-GINGER SHRUB COCKTAIL

A shrub is similar to a cordial but with a tart vinegar kick.
When you dilute it, the shrub becomes a flavoursome
drink, like this delish mix of blackberry and fresh ginger.
Recipe on page 18

SPARKLING
PARTY PUNCH

Thread fresh
raspberries onto
skewers for the
snazziest set of
swizzle sticks! Prep
the ‘sticks’ ahead of
time and refrigerate.
Recipe on page 18

SUMMERDRINKS

WATERMELONMINTSHRUB
COCKTAIL

Preparation time 20 mins
Cooking time 5 mins
Makes 1

2 mint sprigs
1/4 cup white rum
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup chilled soda water
WATERMELON SHRUB
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup caster sugar
2 cups coarsely chopped watermelon,
plus extra cubes, to serve
1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1 Tbsp lime juice
STEP 1 For the Watermelon shrub, in a
small saucepan combine water and
sugar on low heat, stirring, until sugar
has dissolved. Increase heat to high.
Bring to boil. Boil for 20 seconds, not
stirring, then remove from heat.
Meanwhile, put chopped watermelon in
a blender or food processor. Process
until liquefied. Strain through a sieve
into a bowl, discarding solids. In a jug,
combine watermelon juice, sugar liquid,
vinegar and lime juice. Makes 21/4 cups.
STEP 2 To serve, add mint to a cocktail
shaker, crush against side with a
muddler or the back of a spoon.
Add 1/4 cup of the Watermelon shrub
and rum. Add ice cubes, cover and
shake until very cold. Strain liquid into
an ice-filled tumbler. Top with chilled
soda water. Serve with watermelon
cubes on a skewer.

SPARKLING
PARTYPUNCH

Preparation time 5 mins
Cooking time nil
Serves 15
 BHG JANUARY

2 x 750ml boles sparkling wine,
chilled
1 x 750ml bole moscato, chilled
4 cups chilled soda water
1/3 cup Cognac
11/2 cups raspberries, to serve
STEP 1 In a punch bowl, stir together
sparkling wine, moscato, soda water
and Cognac. Thread raspberries onto
skewers. Serve punch in glasses
with raspberry skewers.
C O O K’ S TI P

The recipe for the Watermelon
shrub, Pear puree, BlackberryGinger shrub and Rhubarb syrup
makes more than you need for one
cocktail, so keep the extra on hand
in the fridge to mix up easy, delish
cocktails whenever you fancy.

ORANGE
PEAR-TINI

Preparation time 10 mins
Cooking time 25 mins
Makes 1

1/4 cup vodka
1 Tbsp Cointreau
1 cup ice cubes
1/4 cup chilled soda water

PEAR PUREE
2 medium corella pears, peeled,
roughly chopped, plus extra slice,
to serve
11/4 cups water
1/4 cup caster sugar
1/3 cup orange juice
STEP 1 For Pear puree, in a medium
saucepan combine pears, water, sugar
and orange juice on low heat. Stir until
sugar dissolves. Increase heat to high
and bring to the boil, stirring to dissolve
sugar. Reduce heat. Simmer, covered,
for 20 minutes or until pears are so.
Cool slightly. Transfer mixture to a

blender or food processor. Cover and
blend or process for 30 seconds or until
smooth. Strain through a sieve into a
bowl; discard solids. Makes 21/3 cups.
STEP 2 In a cocktail shaker, combine
1/4 cup of the Pear puree, vodka and
Cointreau. Add ice cubes, cover
and shake until very cold. Strain
into a martini glass. Top with soda
and serve with a pear slice.

BLACKBERRY-
GINGERSHRUB
COCKTAIL

Preparation time 15 mins plus
overnight chilling
Cooking time nil
Makes 1

1/4 cup gin
1 cup ice cubes
1/2 cup chilled soda water
Blackberries and edible flowers,
to serve

BLACKBERRY-GINGER SHRUB
170g blackberries
2/3 cup caster sugar
1 Tbsp water
2.5cm piece ginger, peeled,
thinly sliced
3/4 cup white vinegar
STEP 1 To make Blackberry-ginger
shrub, in a large non-reactive bowl
combine blackberries, sugar, water and
ginger. Crush against side of bowl with a
muddler or the back of a spoon. Cover
and refrigerate overnight, stirring
2 or 3 times. Strain blackberry mixture
through a sieve; discard solids. Stir in
vinegar. Transfer to a glass jar and seal.
Store in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Makes 11/2 cups.
STEP 2 To serve, in a cocktail shaker
combine 1/4 cup of the Blackberry-ginger
shrub and gin. Add ice cubes; cover and
shake until very cold. Strain into an
ice-filled small glass. Top with chilled
soda water. If desired, serve with
blackberries and edible flowers.

RHUBARBCOCKTAIL
Preparation time 30 mins
Cooking time 10 mins
Makes 1

2.5cm piece ginger, peeled,
roughly chopped
3cm slice rhubarb, roughly chopped
1/4 cup vodka
1 tsp lime juice
1 cup ice cubes
3 Tbsp chilled soda water
Lime wedge and sliced rhubarb,
to serve
RHUBARB SYRUP
11/4 cups water
1 cup chopped rhubarb
1/4 cup caster sugar
Pinch salt
STEP 1 For the Rhubarb syrup, in a small
saucepan combine water, rhubarb,
sugar and salt. Stir on low heat until
sugar has dissolved. Increase heat to
high and bring to the boil. Reduce heat
to medium and simmer for 6 minutes or
until rhubarb breaks down when stirred.
Strain through a sieve; discard solids.
Cool completely. Makes 11/3 cups.
STEP 2 In a cocktail shaker, combine
ginger and sliced rhubarb; crush against
side with a muddler or the back of a
spoon. Add vodka, 2 tablespoons of the
Rhubarb syrup and lime juice. Add ice
cubes; cover and shake until very cold.
Strain liquid through a sieve into a tall,
ice-filled glass. Top with soda. Serve
with a lime wedge and sliced rhubarb.

Add zest to
your bubbly
summer tipple
with tangy
rhubarb. Add
more syrup for
a stronger
rhubarb taste.

FRESH FRUIT MIX

Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time nil
2 cups pureed fruit (see right)
1/2 cup lime juice
3 Tbsp honey
STEP 1 Combine all ingredients, stirring
until honey is dissolved. (Add more or
less honey depending on sweetness of
the fruit.) Strain mixture through a sieve;
discard solids.

FRUIT CHOICES
To puree, in a blender or food processor
cover and blend or process one fruit of
your choice until smooth, adding 1-3
tablespoons of water if needed.
21/4 cups cubed mango
21/2 cups cubed peaches
22/3 cups sliced strawberries
3 cups cubed rockmelon or honeydew
33/4 cups cubed watermelon
4 cups raspberries or blackberries

SUMMER DRINKS

RAISE A GLASS

TOAST SUMMER
WITH FRESH DRINKS –
JUST PICK A FLAVOUR!
MAKE A DAIQUIRI
Makes 1

E LEVATE YO U R
G L A S SWAR E WITH
E XTR A S LI C E S O F
F R U IT O R S P R I G S
O F F R E S H M I NT TO
S E RVE . YO U CAN
AL SO F R E E Z E TH E
F R U IT FO R AN
AD D ITI O NAL I CY
ACCO M PAN I M E NT.

MAKE A MARGARITA
Makes 1

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1/2 cup of
Fresh fruit mix and 1/4 cup white rum.
Add 1 cup ice cubes; cover, shake until
very cold. Strain into an ice-filled glass.

In a cocktail shaker, combine 1/2 cup of
Fresh fruit mix, 1/4 cup silver tequila, and
11/2 Tbsp orange liqueur. Add 1 cup ice
cubes; cover and shake until very cold.
Strain liquid into an ice-filled glass.

For a frozen daiquiri, in a blender
combine the mix and rum. With blender
running, add ice cubes, one at a time,
through opening in lid until slushy.

For a frozen margarita, in a blender,
mix tequila and liqueur. With blender
running, add ice cubes, one at a time,
through opening in lid until slushy.

C O O K ' S TI P

Prep ahead when making cocktails
by ensuring you have enough
ice cubes in the freezer for both
shaking and filling glassware. Small,
freezer-safe pop-out trays are
a great, easy-to-use option for
storing your ice cubes.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 21

SUMMER SPREADS

CHILLI
SCRAMBLED
EGGS

MAPLE
CINNAMON
RICOTTA

BAGEL BRUNCH BOARD

Rise and shine with a delish spread
that’s got something for everyone to
load up their bagels with – from chilli
scrambled eggs to berry good jam!
Recipe on page 34
Stanley Rogers Tamar Gin
Balloon Glasses, $69.95, set/6.
FOR ALL YOUR SUMMER
GLASSWARE NEEDS, VISIT
STANLEYROGERS.COM.AU.

SPEEDY
BERRY JAM

ENTERTAINING
Relax into holiday and hosting mode with
scrumptious summer eats to please a crowd
and your fam – yum!

JANUARY 2024 BHG 23

SUMMER SPREADS

SALTED DARK
CHOCOLATE AND
ALMOND GRANOLA

Put an indulgent choccie twist on a morning
staple. Prep the day before and all that’s left
to do is serve it up in the morning. Simple!
Recipe on page 34
Stanley Rogers Barossa Rock
Glasses, $69.95, set/6.

ZA’ATAR SALMON
WITH COUSCOUS
AND GRILLED
VEGETABLE SALAD

Elevate a summery salmon salad
with just the one ingredient: spice
rub (za’atar). It adds so much extra
flavour with very little fuss!
Recipe on page 34
Stanley Rogers Barossa White
Wine Glasses, $79.95, set/6.
JANUARY 2024 BHG 25

SUMMER SPREADS

ROASTED BEEF RUMP
WITH SPRING ONION
AND CORIANDER SAUCE

Wrap up mealtime with an easy DIY
dinner winner. Put everything on the
table, then you and your fam, or guests,
can fill and build your own roti adding
as much yummy sauce as you like!
Recipe on page 35
Stanley Rogers Barossa Rock
Glasses, $69.95, set/6.
26 BHG JANUARY 2024

SUMMER SPREADS

CHORIZO, OREGANO AND
LEMON STUFFED CHICKEN
WITH NECTARINE RICE
Spin classic roast chook into
flavour-packed individual roasts
brimming with addictive stuffing on a
bed of fluffy nectarine rice salad.
Recipe on page 36
Stanley Rogers Barossa White
Wine Glasses, $79.95, set/6.

LEMONGRASS PORK BELLY
WITH GREEN MANGO SALAD

Balance rich pork belly with a crisp and
lively salad for the ultimate holiday main.
Recipe on page 36
Stanley Rogers Barossa High Ball
Glasses, $69.95, set/6 .

JANUARY 2024 BHG 29

SUMMER SPREADS

ST

RA
WB

ER

RY

AN

DL
YC
H

EE

PI

30 BHG JANUARY 2024

N

L
E-

IM

E

BLA

CKB

ERR

Y SW

IRL

TRIO OF NO-CHURN
ICE-CREAMS

Get the scoop on dessert and
create your own ice-cream at
home, no fancy machine needed!
No-churn ice-cream sets a little
firmer than storebought, so
take it out of the freezer about
15 minutes before serving,
to soften it slightly.
Recipe on page 36

FROZEN
TIRAMISU CAKE

Use two types of storebought
ice-cream to make this dreamy
dessert ahead of time for when
coffee-lovers drop in – easy!
Recipe on page 37

SUMMER SPREADS

TROPICAL WHITE CHOCOLATE
AND MERINGUE CAKE

What a stunner! This impressive bake is easier than
it looks. Combine in-season summer fruits with
lush, airy meringue for the cake of your dreams.
Recipe on page 38
Stanley Rogers Tamar Champagne
Flutes, $69.95, set/6.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 33

SUMMER SPREADS

BAGEL BRUNCH
BOARD

Preparation time 45 mins
Cooking time 40 mins
Serves 8 (as a grazing board)

4 plain bagels, split, toasted
4 sesame bagels, split, toasted
Marinated feta, smashed avocado,
prosciutto
Lemon wedges and herbs,
to serve
SPEEDY BERRY JAM
500g strawberries, hulled,
roughly chopped
125g raspberries
1/2 cup caster sugar
2 Tbsp lemon juice
2 tsp vanilla extract
MAPLE CINNAMON RICOTTA
375g smooth ricotta
1 Tbsp maple syrup
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
BALSAMIC-ROASTED VEGETABLES
2 bunches asparagus, trimmed
2 x 140g punnets truss cherry
tomatoes, cut into small bunches
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
CHILLI SCRAMBLED EGGS
8 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp dried chilli flakes
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
20g butter
1 Tbsp chopped dill
STEP 1 For Speedy berry jam, put
strawberries, raspberries, sugar, lemon
juice and vanilla in a saucepan on low
heat. Cook, stirring, until sugar is
dissolved. Increase heat to high. Boil,
without stirring, for 15-20 minutes or
until fruit has softened and jam thickens
34 BHG JANUARY 2024

slightly. Remove from heat. Set aside
to cool and thicken.
STEP 2 For Maple cinnamon ricotta,
combine ricotta, syrup and cinnamon
in a bowl. Refrigerate until required.
STEP 3 For Balsamic-roasted
vegetables, preheat oven to 180°C
fan-forced (200°C conventional).
Put asparagus and tomatoes on an
oven tray lined with baking paper.
Drizzle with oil and vinegar, tossing to
coat. Season. Roast for 5-10 minutes
or until tomatoes are just starting to
collapse and asparagus is just tender.
Cover loosely to keep warm.
STEP 4 For Chilli scrambled eggs, just
before serving, lightly whisk eggs, milk
and chilli together in a large jug. Season.
Heat oil and butter in a large frying pan
on high heat. Add egg mixture and
sprinkle with dill. Reduce heat to low.
Cook, stirring gently and pushing eggs
with a spatula around pan, until eggs
are cooked to your liking. Transfer to
a serving bowl.
STEP 5 Arrange bagels, jam, ricotta,
vegetables, scrambled eggs, feta,
smashed avocado, prosciutto, lemon
wedges and herbs on a large serving
board. Serve immediately.

SALTED DARK
CHOCOLATE
AND ALMOND
GRANOLA

Preparation time 15 mins
Cooking time 40 mins
Serves 12

4 cups rolled oats
2 cups puffed rice
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/3 cup maple syrup
1/2 cup natural sliced almonds
1/3 cup pepitas
1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes
2 x 170g punnets blueberries
1 tsp sea-salt flakes
75g dark chocolate, finely
chopped
Vanilla Greek-style yoghurt and
figs, halved, to serve

STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C
fan-forced (200°C conventional).
Line a large, deep baking pan (with sides)
with baking paper.
STEP 2 Put oats and puffed rice on
prepared tray. Drizzle with oil and half
of the maple syrup. Stir well to coat.
Bake for 20 minutes, stirring every 5-10
minutes or until light golden. Sprinkle
with almonds and pepitas. Bake, without
stirring, for a further 5-10 minutes or
until oat mixture is golden. Stir in
coconut. Set aside to cool completely.
STEP 3 Put blueberries and remaining
maple syrup in a saucepan on medium
heat. Bring to simmer. Simmer, stirring
occasionally, for 10 minutes or until
blueberries have just started to soften
and syrup is bright purple. Set aside
to cool.
STEP 4 Stir salt and chocolate into
granola. Serve granola with yoghurt, figs
and drizzled with blueberry mixture.
C O O K’ S TI P

Store your granola in a jar for up
to three weeks. Before serving,
shake the jar, as the salt will have
naturally settled at the base.

ZA’ATAR SALMON
WITH COUSCOUS
AND GRILLED
VEGETABLE
SALAD

Preparation time 25 mins plus
chilling
Cooking time 35 mins
Serves 4

500g piece boneless salmon fillet,
skin on
1 Tbsp za’atar (see Cook’s tip)
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
250g pearl couscous
2 cups chicken stock
21/2Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 zucchinis, sliced diagonally
175g pkt mini capsicums, halved
and seeded

300g tomato medley, halved
1/4 cup mint leaves, finely
chopped
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely
chopped
1 baby cos lettuce heart, roughly
chopped
1 eschalot, finely chopped
1/4 cup pistachios, roughly chopped
Chargrilled lemon halves, to serve
POMEGRANATE DRESSING
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup pomegranate molasses
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
STEP 1 Put salmon on a plate. Rub all
over with za’atar. Season with pepper.
Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
STEP 2 Meanwhile, put couscous and
stock in a saucepan on high heat. Bring
to boil. Reduce heat. Cook, covered, for
10-12 minutes or until liquid is absorbed
and couscous is tender. Remove from
heat. Drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the oil
and stir with a fork to separate grains.
Set aside to cool completely, stirring
occasionally to separate grains.
STEP 3 For Pomegranate dressing, put
vinegar, molasses and oil in a screw-top
jar. Season. Secure lid. Shake well to
combine.
STEP 4 Preheat the grill section and
flatplate of a barbecue, or a chargrill pan
and large frying pan (if using a stovetop),
on high. Put zucchini and capsicum in a
bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of the
remaining oil. Season. Toss well to coat.
Cook vegetables on grill/chargrill pan
for 4-5 minutes each side or until
charred and tender. Return to bowl.
STEP 5 Drizzle salmon with remaining
oil. Cook salmon on barbecue flatplate,
or frying pan on stovetop, for 3-4
minutes each side or until browned and
cooked to your liking. Transfer to a clean
plate. Flake salmon with a fork.
STEP 6 Put couscous, zucchini mixture,
tomato, herbs, lettuce, eschalot and
pistachio in a large bowl. Season.
Drizzle with dressing. Toss to combine.
Transfer to a serving plate and top with
flaked salmon. Serve with chargrilled
lemon halves.

C O O K’ S TI P

Buy za’atar at the supermarket, or
make your own by combining 2 Tbsp
toasted sesame seeds, 3 tsp sumac,
2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried
thyme, 1 tsp ground cumin and 1/4 tsp
sea-salt. Store za’atar in airtight
container for up to two months.

ROASTED BEEF
RUMP WITH
SPRING ONION
AND CORIANDER
SAUCE

Preparation time 20 mins plus
overnight marinating
Cooking time 1 hour
Serves 6

1kg piece beef rump roast
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Crispy roti and sliced qukes, to serve
MARINADE
1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
1/4 cup premium soy sauce
1/4 cup oyster sauce
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
SPRING ONION AND
CORIANDER SAUCE
3 spring onions, roughly chopped
11/2 cups coriander leaves, plus extra
sprigs, to serve
1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped
1 long green chilli, roughly chopped
2 Tbsp peanut oil
2 Tbsp lime juice, plus extra wedges or
halves, to serve
1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 Tbsp brown sugar
STEP 1 For Marinade, combine peanut
butter and sauces in a bowl. Season with
pepper (marinade will be really thick).
STEP 2 Put beef in a glass or ceramic
dish. Rub all over with marinade. Cover
and refrigerate for 6 hours or overnight.
STEP 3 Preheat oven to 180°C fanforced (200°C conventional). Drizzle oil
into base of a roasting pan. Wipe excess
marinade off beef and put in pan.

SUMMER SPREADS

Roast beef for 40 minutes (rare), 50
minutes (medium), or 60 minutes (well
done). Remove from oven, rest, loosely
covered with foil for 20 minutes.
STEP 4 Meanwhile, for Spring onion
and coriander sauce, put onion,
coriander, garlic and chilli in a blender.
Blend until finely chopped. Add oil,
juice, vinegar and sugar. Blend until
smooth and combined. Season with salt.
STEP 5 Slice beef thinly. Serve with roti,
qukes, extra coriander, lime wedges and
spring onion sauce.

CHORIZO,
OREGANO AND
LEMON STUFFED
CHICKEN WITH
NECTARINE RICE

Preparation time 30 mins
Cooking time 1 hour 5 mins
Serves 6

1 chorizo, finely chopped
3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup oregano leaves, chopped, plus
extra, to serve
1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season
6 large chicken thigh cutlets, skin on
1 lemon, halved, plus extra cheeks,
to serve
3 cups water
11/2 cups white long-grain rice
1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large red onion, thinly sliced
1 large stalk celery, diced
2 nectarines, cut into thin wedges
1/4 cup chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 Tbsp chopped dill
100g marinated Danish feta, crumbled
1/2 cup mixed marinated olives, halved
RED WINE VINAIGRETTE
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp Dijon mustard
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 180°C
fan-forced (200°C conventional).
Combine chorizo, breadcrumbs,
oregano and lemon zest in a bowl.
36 BHG JANUARY 2024

Season. Run your thumb between skin
and flesh of each chicken thigh to form a
pocket. Fill with chorizo mixture.
STEP 2 Put chicken into a baking dish.
Season. Roast for 20 minutes. Reduce
temperature to 160°C fan-forced
(180°C conventional). Add lemon halves
to dish. Bake for a further 45 minutes or
until chicken is browned and tender.
Spoon over any pan juices.
STEP 3 Meanwhile, put water into a
medium saucepan. Bring to boil over
high heat. Add rice. Reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 12 minutes or until
tender and liquid is absorbed. Set aside
for 10 minutes. Remove cover. Fluff rice
with a fork. Set aside to cool completely.
STEP 4 For Red wine vinaigrette, whisk
vinegar, oil and mustard together in a
jug. Set aside.
STEP 5 Meanwhile, heat oil in a small
frying pan on medium heat. Cook onion,
stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or
until softened.
STEP 6 Put cooled rice in a large bowl.
Add celery, nectarine, herbs, feta, olives
and half of the cooked onion. Drizzle
with dressing and season. Toss to
combine. Arrange on a serving platter
and top with remaining cooked onion.
STEP 7 Serve chicken with extra lemon
cheeks and nectarine rice salad.

LEMONGRASS
PORK BELLY
WITH GREEN
MANGO SALAD

Preparation time 25 mins plus overnight
marinating
Cooking time 1 hour 30 mins
Serves 6
80g tube lemongrass paste
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2 tsp finely grated ginger
1.5kg piece pork belly
1 ruby red grapefruit
150g mixed salad leaves
1 green mango, cut into matchsticks
1/4 cup roughly chopped roasted salted
peanuts
1/2 cup mint leaves, roughly torn

3/4 cup coriander sprigs
2 Tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1 tsp fish sauce
Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground
black pepper, to season

STEP 1 Combine lemongrass, garlic
and ginger in a bowl. Put pork, skin-side
down, in a baking paper-lined roasting
pan. Spoon lemongrass mixture over
flesh of pork. Carefully turn over so
marinade is underneath pork.
Refrigerate, uncovered, for at least
6 hours or overnight.
STEP 2 Preheat oven to 140°C
fan-forced (160°C conventional). Roast
pork for 1 hour. Increase heat to 200°C
fan-forced (220°C conventional). Roast
for a further 20-25 minutes or until rind
is golden and crackled. Cover loosely
with foil. Set aside for 15 minutes to rest.
STEP 3 Meanwhile, peel grapefruit,
then slice over a bowl to catch juice,
being careful not to slice through
membrane. Put segments in a large
serving bowl. Squeeze membrane over
bowl with juice to release excess juice
(you’ll need 2 tablespoons of juice).
STEP 4 Combine salad leaves, mango,
peanuts and herbs with the grapefruit
segments in the large serving bowl.
STEP 5 Whisk chilli sauce, fish sauce
and reserved grapefruit juice in a jug.
Drizzle over salad. Toss gently.
STEP 6 Slice pork, season and serve
with green mango salad.

TRIO OF
NO-CHURN
ICE-CREAMS
PINE-LIME

Preparation time 15 mins plus overnight
freezing
Cooking time nil
Makes about 1L
227g can pineapple chunks in juice
11/2 Tbsp lime juice
600ml thickened cream
395g can sweetened condensed milk
50g sachet coconut milk powder
Yellow food colouring

STEP 1 Put undrained pineapple and
lime juice in a blender. Blend until
smooth.
STEP 2 Using an electric mixer, beat
cream until just-firm peaks form. Add
condensed milk and milk powder. Beat
until well combined. Divide mixture in
half. Add pineapple mixture to one
portion and tint yellow with a few drops
of food colouring, stirring gently to
combine. Keep remaining portion plain.
STEP 3 Drop spoonfuls of mixture,
alternating colours, into a 1.5L capacity
freezable container. Gently run a knife
through mixture to create a marbled
effect. Cover container and freeze
overnight or until set.
STEP 4 Stand ice-cream at room
temperature for 15 minutes before
serving to soften slightly.

TRIO OF
NO-CHURN
ICE-CREAMS
STRAWBERRY
AND LYCHEE

Preparation time 15 mins plus overnight
freezing
Cooking time nil
Makes about 1L
250g strawberries, hulled, chopped
1/2 x 560g can lychees, drained, halved
600ml thickened cream
395g can sweetened condensed milk
Rose pink food colouring
STEP 1 Put strawberries and lychees
in a blender. Blend until smooth.
STEP 2 Using an electric mixer, beat
cream until just-firm peaks form. Add
condensed milk. Beat until well
combined. Fold in 3/4 of the strawberry
mixture. Tint pink with food colouring.
STEP 3 Spoon mixture into a 1.5L
capacity freezable container.
Drizzle with remaining strawberry
mixture. Swirl mixtures together.
Cover container and freeze
overnight or until set.
STEP 4 Stand ice-cream at room
temperature for 15 minutes before
serving to soften slightly.

TRIO OF
NO-CHURN
ICE-CREAMS
BLACKBERRY
SWIRL

Preparation time 15 mins plus
overnight freezing
Cooking time nil
Makes about 1L

11/2 x 125g punnets blackberries
600ml thickened cream
395g can sweetened condensed milk
1 tsp vanilla bean paste
STEP 1 Put 3/4 of the blackberries in a
blender. Blend until smooth. Slice
remaining berries.
STEP 2 Using an electric mixer, beat
cream until just-firm peaks form. Add
milk and vanilla. Beat until combined.
STEP 3 Spoon 1/2 of the cream mixture
into a 1.5L capacity freezable container.
Drizzle with 1/2 of the blackberry
mixture. Repeat. Run knife through
mixture to create marbled effect.
Top with sliced blackberries. Cover.
Freeze overnight or until set.
STEP 4 Before serving, stand ice-cream
at room temperature for 15 minutes.

FROZEN
TIRAMISU
CAKE

Preparation time 35 mins plus
overnight freezing
Cooking time nil
Serves 8
1L vanilla ice-cream
23 sponge finger biscuits
1 cup frozen raspberries, plus extra
fresh raspberries, to serve
1L coffee ice-cream
300ml thickened cream
15g pkt freeze-dried
strawberries (we used
Frisp Strawberry Crisps)
White chocolate
curls and cocoa

SUMMER SPREADS

1 Tbsp cocoa powder
2 Tbsp Marsala
STEP 1 Grease a 9D x 11.5W x 20cmL
loaf pan. Line base and sides with baking
paper, extend paper 5cm above all
edges. Stand vanilla ice-cream at room
temperature for 10 minutes to soften
(do not melt).
STEP 2 Meanwhile, for Chocolate syrup
combine boiling water, cocoa and
Marsala in a shallow bowl.
STEP 3 One at a time, dip 6 of the
biscuits in syrup, arrange in a row over
base of prepared pan. Fold raspberries
through vanilla ice-cream, then spread
over biscuits and level. Dip 7 of the
remaining biscuits in syrup, arrange in a
row over the ice-cream, press gently to
secure. Cover. Freeze for 3 hours.
STEP 4 Stand coffee ice-cream at room
temperature for 10 minutes to soften
(do not melt).
STEP 5 Spoon coffee ice-cream over
biscuit layer, spread gently to cover. Dip
remaining biscuits in remaining syrup.
Arrange in row over ice-cream, pressing
gently into ice-cream to create a flat top.

Cover. Freeze overnight or until firm.
STEP 6 Using electric mixer, beat cream
until firm peaks form. Spoon cream into
piping bag fitted with 1.5cm plain nozzle.
STEP 7 Carefully turn ice-cream onto a
serving plate, pipe cream on top. Return
to freezer for 1 hour to set. Crush
freeze-dried strawberries. Decorate
with curls, crushed strawberries, fresh
raspberries and dust with cocoa.

TROPICAL WHITE
CHOCOLATE
AND MERINGUE
CAKE

Preparation time 45 mins
Cooking time 1 hour 30 mins
Serves 16

200g unsalted butter, chopped
180g block white chocolate, chopped
13/4 cups caster sugar
1 cup milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
11/2 cups plain flour
3/4 cup self-raising flour
2 free-range eggs, lightly beaten
600ml thickened cream

RAISE YOUR
IDEAL GLASS!
While the summertime drinks
you’re serving is important, the
glasses they’re served in is half
the charm. Stanley Rogers’
beautiful Barossa Collection
features an extensive range of
high-quality, lead-free crystal
glassware, so you’ll have the
perfect glass on hand for every
single occasion. Martini,
Champagne Flute, Riesling,
White Wine, Bordeaux, Rock
and High Ball sets, from $69.95
to $79.95 for a set of 6,
stanleyrogers.com.au.

38 BHG JANUARY 2024

2/3 cup coconut cream
2 tsp icing sugar
2/3 cup lemon curd
2 passionfruit, pulp removed
1 large mango, thinly sliced
2 yellow nectarines, thinly sliced on a
mandoline

MERINGUE
4 free-range egg whites, at room
temperature
1 cup caster sugar
STEP 1 Preheat oven to 130°C
fan-forced (150°C conventional).
Grease 2 x 20cm round springform
cake pans. Line base and sides with
baking paper.
STEP 2 Put butter, chocolate,
sugar, milk and vanilla in a saucepan
over medium heat. Cook, stirring
occasionally, for 5 minutes or until
mixture is smooth and combined.
Set aside to cool for 10 minutes.
STEP 3 Whisk in flours, in 2 batches,
until combined. Whisk in eggs. Divide
mixture evenly between pans. Bake for
1 hour or until golden and just firm.
STEP 4 Meanwhile, for Meringue,
using an electric mixer, beat egg
whites until firm peaks form. Gradually
beat in sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time,
beating until sugar is dissolved
after each addition.
STEP 5 Spoon meringue mixture on
top of hot cakes. Bake for a further
20-25 minutes or until meringue is
golden and firm to touch. Set aside
to cool completely.
STEP 6 Using an electric mixer, beat
thickened cream, coconut cream and
icing sugar together until firm peaks
form. Combine lemon curd and
passionfruit pulp in a separate bowl.
STEP 7 Put one cake onto a serving
plate, meringue side up. Dollop with 1/3
of the whipped cream, then drizzle with
1/2 of the lemon curd mixture and 1/2 of
the mango and nectarine. Carefully
top with remaining cake. Top with
remaining cream, mango and nectarine.
Drizzle with remaining lemon curd
mixture and serve immediately.

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Vanessa Austin; food preparation Jane Ash and Jaimee Curdie; recipes Kim Coverdale

CHOCOLATE SYRUP

3/4 cup boiling water

ONSALENOW
Available to purchase where all good books are sold and at
aremediabooks.com.au or bhgshop.com.au.

THERMOMIX

Make a peach of an arvo tea
treat and a classic drink with
fab, easy Thermomix recipes

S AVO U R I N G

S U M M E R
MINT LEMONADE

Cool down with a glass of
café-worthy lemonade
bursting with zest, zip and
freshness! Whiz it up on a
hot day and enjoy every sip.
Recipe on page 42

CARAMEL PEACH BRIOCHE
Turn in-season peaches into a
decadent baked treat that’s
oh-so-glam and irresistible. Plaiting
the dough is easier than it looks, too!
Recipe on page 42

JANUARY 2024 BHG 41

THERMOMIX

Preparation time 5 mins
Total time 10 mins
Serves 6
Thermomix models TM6 TM5 TM31
100g white sugar, or to taste
200g ice cubes
10 sprigs fresh mint, leaves only, plus
extra, to garnish
2 lemons, flesh only, white pith and
seeds removed, halved
STEP 1 Place all ingredients into mixing
bowl and crush 30 sec/speed 6–10,
increasing speed gradually to
speed 10.
STEP 2 Add 1000g chilled water and
mix 20 sec/speed 6–10, increasing
speed gradually to speed 10. Pour into
a carafe and serve lemonade with extra
mint leaves.
C O O K’ S T I P

Use small lemons with smooth, shiny
skin as they’re juicier with less white pith.

CARAMEL PEACH
BRIOCHE

Preparation time 30 mins
Total time 1 hour 20 mins plus proving
and refrigeration
Serves 8
Thermomix models TM6 TM5
BRIOCHE
50g white sugar
1 lemon, peel only, no white pith
120g milk
30g unsalted butter
2 tsp dried instant yeast
1 egg
320g baker’s flour
1/2 tsp sea-salt
42 BHG JANUARY 2024

BRIOCHE
STEP 1 Place sugar and peel into mixing
bowl, then mill 15 sec/speed 10.
STEP 2 Add milk, butter and yeast,
then heat 2 min/37°C/speed 2.
STEP 3 Add egg, flour and salt, then
knead Dough /5 min. Place dough into
a greased bowl, then cover and set aside
in a warm place to prove for 45 minutes
or until doubled in size. Clean and dry
mixing bowl.
ASSEMBLY
STEP 4 Preheat oven to 180°C
fan-forced (200°C conventional). Line
a 30 x 40cm baking tray and set aside.
STEP 5 Place a bowl onto mixing bowl
lid and weigh cream cheese into it.
STEP 6 On a lightly floured work
surface, roll dough into a 25 x 35cm
rectangle. Spread with 3 tablespoons
of caramel sauce. Dot spoonfuls of
cream cheese over surface of dough,
then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
STEP 7 Starting with long edge, roll
dough into a tight log. Cut log in half
lengthwise to make two long strips.
Transfer to prepared baking tray,
laying strips parallel to one another
with cut sides facing up. Refrigerate
for 15 minutes.
STEP 8 Plait chilled dough strips over
one another, keeping the cut sides
facing up, then join the ends together
to form a wreath. Insert peach wedges
decoratively into the folds of the plait.
Place a greased ovenproof 6.5cm jar in
the centre of the wreath.
STEP 9 Bake for 30 minutes or until
cooked through and golden brown.
Remove jar, then glaze with caramel
sauce to taste and scatter with almonds.
STEP 10 Transfer wreath to a serving
plate and serve warm.

C O O K’ S TI P S

• Buy a thick, spreadable caramel
sauce or make your own. To make your
caramel sauce for this recipe, use the
exclusive TM6 Sugar Stages mode.
• Find the Caramel peach brioche
Guided Cooking recipe on Cookidoo.

THERMOMIX
EVERYDAY

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

Photography John Paul Urizar; styling Olivia Blackmore; food preparation Rebecca Lyall. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

MINT
LEMONADE

ASSEMBLY
120g cream cheese, softened
Baker’s flour, to dust
3 Tbsp spreadable caramel sauce, plus
extra, to glaze (see Cook’s tips)
1 Tbsp cinnamon sugar
1 ripe yellow peach, stone removed,
cut into 12 wedges
1 Tbsp flaked almonds, toasted

THE

FINISHING TOUCH
Take the stress out of the post-meal
clean-up with a little help from Finish.

Finish is the #1 recommended brand by renowned dishwasher manufacturers:
Bosch, DeLonghi, LG, Midea, Siemens, Smeg.

Discover the range at finishinfo.com.au

KITCHENMATTERS

better cooking
[

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

]

MIX
STARS

Save space in the
kitchen with this
handy hand mixer.
The So Start function gradually
brings the beater to speed, so no
more splaered ingredients! It
includes stainless-steel beaters,
dough hooks and more. KitchenAid
9 Speed Artisan Hand Mixer,
$199, harveynorman.com.au.

Say cheers to the holidays
with this non-vintage
sparkling wine, featuring
aromas of apples and
brioche. Ovata by Oakridge,
$32 for 750ml, from Dan
Murphy’s and BWS,
ovatabyoakridge.com.au.

Kitchen winner

Protect your clothes from spills
with this smart apron, featuring
detachable, extra-long waist
ties you can tie up at the front,
and wash knot-free. The Cargo
Crew Banjo Chef Apron, $44.99,
comes in seven colours (here,
toffee), cargocrew.com.au.

 BHG JANUARY

FRUITY FAB!

Australian papaya is available
all year round and is delicious
added to both sweet and savoury
dishes. Look for fruit with slightly
yellow skin and with a sweet, rich
smell. To know if the papaya is
ripe, the fruit will give slightly
when gently squeezed,
australianpapaya.com.au.

COME FRY
WITH ME

Upgrade your air-frying game with
this clever air fryer, which features
5 functions – air fry, steam fry, roast,
grill and steam. This sleek machine
also looks great on your benchtop!
Sunbeam SteamFry Air Fryer + Steam,
$299, sunbeam.com.au.

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

SUPER
SPARKLE

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

bhg.com.au

SWEETTALK

T H E R AW T R U T H
There’s a superfood sweetener that tastes so good (and is so good for
you), you’ll want to put it in everything. It’s called Wild Nectar Honey…

THE TASTE OF PLACE
Each honey has its own distinct colour
and flavour, influenced by the untouched
environment in which it’s made. Wild
Nectar honey comes from exclusive
hive sites in some of the most pristine
national parks, bushland regions and
orchards, with most of the hives
placed on the beautiful NSW
South Coast, in the Western
Plains and Murrumbidgee
River area, the Snowy
Mountains region and

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT
WILDNECTARHONEY.COM.AU.
 BHG JANUARY

Northern Victoria’s Murray River. The
bees feed mainly on eucalypts, such as
red gum and ironbark, along the banks of
the Murrumbidgee, and the Riverina’s
sweet-scented orange-blossom orchards,
giving the honey its pure, earthy
Australian bush taste and rich texture.
PURE INTENTIONS
About half of Wild Nectar’s production
is organic honey, most of which is derived
from untouched native forests and
national parks in NSW, far from farmed
and cultivated areas. This golden elixir
is rich in pollen, enzymes, antioxidants
and nutrients. Wild Nectar is honey as it
exists in the beehive – and
you can’t get closer to
nature than that!

ORCHARD ESSENCE

Wild Nectar Orange
Blossom is an awardwinning honey, exuding
citrus, nutmeg, bush, fivespice, dried apricot and
stone fruit flavours. In 375g
squeeze, $8; or 450g jar, $9.

CLASSIC BUSH TASTE

Wild Nectar Pure
Australian Honey has
honeysuckle, blossom,
eucalypt, grassy, dried
apricot and vanilla notes.
In 375g squeeze, $7.50;
450g jar, $8.50; 1kg pail, $17.

ORGANIC
GOODNESS
Wild Nectar Organic
Australian Honey offers
eucalypt, barky, cinnamon,
nectar and hay tastes. In
375g squeeze, $9.50; 350g
jar, $8.50; 1kg pail, $22.

Photography Getty Images; words Raffaela Pugliese. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

W

hen it comes to adding
sweetness to your culinary
life, honey really is the bee’s
knees. But you haven’t lived until you’ve
tried unpasteurised, unfiltered honey
– not only does it taste better, it’s much
better for you. Made from an alchemy
of nature and lots of love, Wild Nectar
is creating a buzz around its delicious
range of 100% raw, cold-extracted
Australian honey.

FLOWER POWER

Photography GAP Photos/Zara Napier

Planting a wildflower meadow in your front or back yard can set you free!

1 RELEASE THE RESTRAINTS!

Give your view of a flat lawn a rest
and plant a field of lavender –
the scent will be intoxicating.
Then, team the lavender up
with helenium, so every summer
you get the eye-catching
combination of purple and orange!
JANUARY BHG 

FLOWERPOWER

2 FINDING SANCTUARY

Create a grass path through
your meadow to a small retreat
where you can stock up the bird
feeder and tend to a ‘hotel’ for
solitary native bees and other
pollinating insects, as here.
Providing protection for
wildlife is one of the benefits
of ‘rewilding’ your garden.
2

3

3 SO EASY-BREEZY!

Mix waving ornamental grasses
with your flowers so your garden
appears more natural. Fill in spaces
around the flowering plants, which
are usually an invitation to weeds,
with these grasses. They also
provide support for tall flowers,
and on a slope they help prevent
soil erosion.
4 A FINE ROMANCE!

When a troupe of colourful
cosmos flowers dances around the
purple balls of verbena and salvia
spires, they’re sending a message
to the birds and the bees:
“Kiss me! Kiss me, instead!”

Photography GAP Photos/J S Sira

nce used for animal grazing or
hay making, wildflower meadow
gardens, these days, are becoming
more popular in a domestic garden.
Why not replace your lawn with
so, waving grasses and a tapestry of flowers that
reach above your knees. This style of garden is at
once playful, wistful and whimsical, and inspires
longed-for periods of idleness and daydreaming.

BETTER TIP
CLUMPING
ORNAMENTAL
GRASSES ARE
EASIER TO MANAGE
THAN THOSE THAT
RUN THROUGH
A GARDEN.

4

Simple, open
wildflowers
are nectar-rich
and easy
for insects
to access
JANUARY BHG 

FLOWERPOWER

5 RULES OF ATTRACTION

The main function of early wildflower
gardens around quaint rural English
coages was to aract pollinators for the
essential herbs and vegetables that also
grew there. It’s a romantic look that
evolved over the centuries into the
fully ornamental coage garden.

6 GET SCATTERING!

Start your annual meadow in spring with a
bare, weed-free, tilled ground – try a
colourful mix of field poppies, foxgloves,
cornflowers and forget-me-nots. Mix your
seeds with dry sand so they’re easier to
scaer, then press the soil firm with the
back of a metal rake. Gently water weekly.

5

6

7

7 A PLACE FOR REVERIE!

Find space in your meadow for a
daydreaming garden bench where
you can also watch and listen to
the buzz, hum and chirp of insects
and birds that will visit all day. It’s
an immersion into another world!

The beauty
of a meadow
is that it’s
untamed

BETTER TIP
CONEFLOWERS
ARE SELF-SEEDING,
SO AFTER THEY
DROP THEIR SEEDS,
NEW PLANTS
EMERGE THE
FOLLOWING YEAR.

Butterflies eat
anything sweet,
including fruit, but
nectar is their fave!

WHY PLANT A MEADOW
• It’s great for pollinators – bees, butterflies and other
pollinators feast on the pollen and nectar.
• There’s less work in that you don’t have a lawn
to mow, or your lawn is greatly reduced.
• It’s a clever and pretty way to cover steep or sloping land
where mowing may be difficult and terracing can be expensive.
• When established, a wildflower meadow mostly looks after itself
as many plants, especially natives, require little water or fertiliser.
• Many wildflower plants are self-pollinators.
• A wildflower meadow suppresses weeds as taller
plants shade out common weeds found in lawns.
• As plants die, they return organic material to your soil.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 53

FLOWER POWER

AUSSIE NATIVES FOR YOUR WILDFLOWER MEADOW

KANGAROO PAW

LOMANDRA

KANGAROO GRASS

FLANNEL FLOWER

DIANELLA

Photography Adobe Stock, Getty Images

BILLY BUTTONS

You may think of planting
exotic flowering plants and
grasses such as agastache,
cornflowers, cosmos, daisies,
marigold, poppy, alyssum
and calendula, but consider
Aussie natives – think of how
beautiful the desert blooms
are after rain! Try our unique
flowering plants such as
strawflowers, everlasting
and paper daisies, billy
buttons, kangaroo paws,
flannel flowers and Sturt’s
Desert peas, and grasses
such as lomandra, dianella
and kangaroo grass.

STRAWFLOWERS

JANUARY 2024 BHG 55

SUMMER PLANTING

PREPARE FOR
56 BHG JANUARY 2024

Photography GAP Photos/Caroline Mardon

As summer fades, extravagant
nerine flowers on tall stems
emerge to light up your autumn
garden. If the sun moves off your
summer beds in autumn, plant
nerine bulbs now in pots and put
in a sunny spot, then wait for the
autumn show.

Your garden is ever-evolving
and it doesn’t stop during
the holidays – it’s relying
on you to give it a push by
planting autumn bulbs now

SUMMERPLANTING

1 Sa f f r o n c r o c u s
( C r o cu s sativ u s )

To harvest saff ron
threads (stigmas),
use tweezers to
remove them when
the flowers open.
Allow threads to
dry in a shaded,
well-ventilated
area for 4-5 days,
then store in an
airtight container.

I

f the summer heat is making
you long for the cool colours
of autumn, then plan and plant
now. Bulbs don’t just bounce up
with joy in spring – there are autumn
flowering bulbs that if planted now,
will turn your faded summer garden
into a blaze of colour, activity and
dramatic floral theatre. Plant, sit
back and wait for the show to start!

Not a real crocus at all,
but part of the lily family.
Flowers range in colour
from the palest of pink
and purple to yellow
or pure white.
Planting Mid- to latesummer, 15-20cm apart at
a depth of 10cm with the
pointed end facing up.
Soil Fertile,
well-drained soil.
Aspect Full sun to
part shade.
Climate Cool to
subtropical. Frostand drought-tolerant.
Water Keep soil moist
during growing period.
Food Complete fertiliser
in spring.
Size 20-30H x 20cmW.
Bulb care Don’t need to
be lied and can be le
undisturbed in the ground
for up to five years.

2

Photography GAP Photos/Visions

1

Along with purple-veined
lilac petals, the flowers are
known for orange-red
stigmas that produce
saffron, a spice that has
been highly prized for
thousands of years.
Planting Late summer.
Plant bulbs 12cm deep in
heavy soils, about 15cm in
sandy soils, 15cm apart,
pointy end up.
Soil Well-draining clay
or sandy.
Aspect Sunny.
Climate Cool, temperate
and arid.
Water During summer,
but limit watering as soon
as leaves appear.
Food When in leaf, feed
with a liquid food high
in potassium.
Size 15-30H x 10-20cmW.
Bulb care Bulbs
naturalise in garden and
need lile maintenance.

2 , 3 autu m n c r o c u s
( Co lc h i cu m
autu m nale )

3

P OWE R
OF BU L BS
Many autumn
flowering bulbs
produce their
blooms well before
the foliage. Since
foliage is essential for
photosynthesizing
and providing energy
to the plant to
grow, it seems odd
that some plants
can produce such
beautiful, energysapping flowers
without it. Except,
bulbs are a store of
abundant energy –
enough to push up
flowers – and the
late show of foliage
simply replenishes
this energy.

JANUARY BHG 

SUMMERPLANTING

5 PAI NTB R U S H LI LY
( HAE M ANTH U S S P. )

Deep red or pure white
shaving-brush flowers
emerge from a ring of
upright, petal-like valves,
and sparkle as the sun
starts to set lower. They
don’t like wet feet, so plant
them in a container or
raised garden bed.
Planting Summer, with
bulbs 30-60cm apart with
neck above the soil.
Soil Well-drained,
fertile soil.
Aspect Full sun or
part shade.
Climate Cold and
warm temperate, arid,
subtropical. Frost-tolerant
when established.
Water Every couple of
weeks when leaves appear
but stop when they die off.
Food Diluted liquid
fertiliser once a month
during growing season.
Size 40H x 60cmW.

4

4 B E LL A D O N N A LI LY
( A M ARYLLI S
B E LL AD O N NA )

Cut nerine
flowers
have a long
vase life
- up to two
weeks!

Beautiful pink and white
trumpet-shaped flowers
appear in late summerautumn on leafless stems
– hence it’s oen called
‘naked lady’.
Planting Summer,
20-40cm apart with the tip
of the bulb above soil level.

Soil Well-drained.
Aspect Full sun.
Climate Cool, temperate,
subtropical. Droughtand frost-tolerant.
Water Regular watering
during flowering. Don’t
water once leaves have
died down.
Food Complete plant food
aer flowering as
leaves appear.
Size 60H x 20-40cmW.
Bulb care Leave
undisturbed for
several years.

5

Bulb care Li the bulbs
before frosts arrive, pot
them up and store in a
frost-free spot.
6 N E R I N E ( N E R I N E S P p. )

The curled ribbon-like
petals in white, candy pink,
red, orange or yellow open
their hearts when in flower
to win over yours.
Planting Spring, once
frosts have finished, or
summer. Plant 10cm apart
with neck above the soil.
Soil Well-drained.
Aspect Sunny.
Climate Cool to
temperate.
Water Water well during
growing season but allow to
dry out during dormancy.
Food Feed occasionally
with liquid fertiliser.
Size 40-60H x 15cmW.
Bulb care Only li and
divide if bulbs are
overcrowded and stop
producing flowers.

AUTUMN BULBS
OFFER POLLINATORS
A FINAL FEAST
BEFORE THE CHILL

BETTER TIP

6

NERINES ARE
OFTEN GROWN AT
THE BACK OF A
BED, BUT ALSO
LOOK STUNNING
STANDING TALL IN
A ROCKERY.

JANUARY BHG 

SUMMERPLANTING

out in summer. Can grow in
pots in wet summer areas.
Aspect Full sun to
Narrow, ruffled, curling
light shade.
petals in brilliant summer
Climate Cool to
shades of red, pink, white
subtropical.
and yellow are set off by the
Water
Only to
elegantly curved filaments.
supplement
natural
So dramatic! Ideal
rainfall.
They
thrive
in
for borders, rockeries or
dry spring and summer
shrubberies, or let it
conditions.
stand out in a container.
Food
In
spring feed with
Planting Summer, 15cm
blood and bone and
apart with neck just
bulb fertiliser.
above the soil.
Size
60H x 30cmW.
Soil Organically rich,
Bulb
care
Best le in the
well-drained soil that dries
ground to naturalise and
produce more flowers. Li
and separate aer 7 years.
7 S P I D E R LI LY
( LYCO R i S S P. )

The petals
of rain lilies
close up at
night and
then open in
the morning.

9 R AI N LI LY
( ZE P HYR ANTH E S S P p. )

Mass plantings of these
lile buckets of gold
create a lovely, romantic
picture, especially in a
rock garden or under
rose bushes.
Planting Summer, 8-10cm
apart with the bulb at
a depth of 5cm.
Soil Well-drained.
Aspect Sunny,
light shade.
Climate Cool,
temperate, arid. Frostand drought-tolerant.
Water Maintain moisture
while leaves are showing,
but leave dry in summer.
Food Complete fertiliser
in autumn.
Size 15H x 10cmW.
Bulb care Li and
divide every five-six years.
Can be stored in a warm,
dry spot until replanted
next summer.

Tending to bloom aer
heavy rain during summer
and autumn, these lile
delights naturalise to
weave their way through
established plants. Great
for rockeries or pots.
Planting Late spring,
early summer, 15cm apart
with tip at soil level.
Soil Well-drained.
Aspect Morning sun and
aernoon shade.
Climate Cool to
subtropical.
Water Regular watering,
even during dormancy.
Food All-purpose
fertiliser in spring.
Size 30H x 10cmW.
Bulb care Best le
undisturbed. Divide
and move bulbs during
their dormancy only
when clumps of the lilies
become overcrowded.

8

Photography GAP Photos, Adobe Stock, Getty Images

7

8 AUTU M N DA F FO D I L
( STE R N B E R G IA LUTE A )

BETTER TIP
PLANT OR
REPLANT BULBS
IMMEDIATELY AS
THEY DON’T LIKE
BEING OUT OF THE
GROUND FOR
LONG PERIODS.

9

JANUARY BHG 

AQUATIC PLANTS

1 rock solid

Pebbles, rocks and
boulders not only create
an attractive perimeter
to your pond, they also
form plant ledges in the
water. As well, they hold
your pool liner in place
and gravel or pebbles at
the bottom protect it
from the sun’s UV rays.

64 BHG JANUARY 2024

LIFE
A water feature adds charm to your garden – put in the right
water-loving plants and you’ll take it to a new level!

AQUATIC PLANTS

PONDS LESS THAN 30CM DEEP DON’T NEED TO BE
FENCED OFF, BUT CHECK WITH YOUR COUNCIL

2 excite a scene with colour

Veronica (V. longifolia) thrives in moist soil
around a pond. Plant it to add an explosion
of colour and, as here, to complement the
tall reeds growing opposite it in the pond.

lants in and around
your garden pond
create a visual feast,
but also do much,
much more. Pond
plants help create a balanced
ecosystem in that they absorb
carbon dioxide, release oxygen,
are a natural filtration system,
and cast shade that stops algae
growth by blocking the sunlight
that algae need to spread. Pond
plants also provide sanctuaries
for aquatic life – fish and frogs
– and keep them safe from
predators and the hot sun.
Your pond plants not only come
with beauty, they come with
brains and brawn, as well!
66 BHG JANUARY 2024

WHAT SORT OF POND PLANTS DO YOU NEED?
Pond plants have different needs and
habits. There are floaters, submersibles,
deep-water dwellers and marginals, and
they all do different jobs in your pond.
• FLOATERS These don’t take root
on a pond’s bottom or sides. Many
floaters, including the once-popular
water hyacinth and water lettuce, are
now declared weeds because they have
invaded wetlands and waterways, killing
wildlife and interfering with recreational use.
Try our native duckweed – it’s great food for
fish, tadpoles and birds but can double in size
in just weeks in summer. Dispose of excess
duckweed carefully – use it as a mulch
or in your compost.

• DEEP-WATER The leaves and flowers of
these plants sit on the surface of water that
is 30cm-1.5m deep and emerge from long
stems with roots sitting on the pond floor
where it’s cool. The native wavy marshwort
(Nymphoides crenata) is a delightful option.
• SUBMERSIBLES These mostly remain
underwater, apart from partially-emergent
water milfoil. They are vital if you have fish in
your pond as they add oxygen to the water.
• MARGINALS You can have deep
marginals that happily sit in 15-30cm
of water and shallow marginals – try
Japanese iris, or bog plants that grow
where land and water meet. The canna
lily loves this environment.

3

4

5

6

7

8

3 Some milfoils are nasty weeds, so be sure to get our native Myriophyllum crispatum. 4 Water lilies should only be grown
in still or very slow-moving water. 5 Plant this pickerel rush in shallow water – up to 20cm – or boggy soil. 6 Golden wavy
marshwort (Nymphoides crenata) is a frilly floater. 7 Red-stemmed thalia grows in boggy soils or shallow water. 8 Plant
cannas on the edge of a pond – they love having wet feet. 9 Marsilea creates a carpet on top of your pond. 10 Japanese iris
flourishes in ponds in summer, but dies in winter. 11 Japanese sweet flag is a great clumper for a pond’s edge.
9

10

11

AQUATIC PLANTS

A VARIETY OF FLOWERS, FOLIAGE, TEXTURES AND
HEIGHTS MAKES A WATER GARDEN INTERESTING

12 move with the times

Because Japanese irises don’t like
to be in water during winter, grow
them in pots so you can move them
to a dry spot. In spring, return them
to the water.

• If you’re building a pond from scratch, create layers or
ledges where you can place marginals. For established
ponds that are deep, build height with bricks or crates.
• Many pond plants stay in their pots, so
cover the container with pebbles or gravel
to prevent the soil or growing medium
escaping and contaminating the water.
• You can buy water plant baskets from aquatic plant
nurseries to put floaters and submersibles in.
• When repotting every year or so, use
quality clay soil, not potting mix. At the same
time, add a fertiliser tablet. You can order
these from aquatic plant nurseries.

68 BHG JANUARY 2024

Photography Adobe Stock, Getty Images

HOW TO PLANT AND
GROW AQUATICS

MAK
YOUR OE
WN

POND
PL
ANTER

TURN TO

PAGE 10
4

13 fabulous FOLIAGE

Large, flat lily pads are an iconic image
for a pond, but the scene needs height.
You can plant tall reeds and rushes – or go
for clumps of large paddle-leafed thalia.
It grows to almost two metres and
produces purple and white flowers.

Ward off summer’s most annoying pest with these plants that work hard to repel mosquitoes and also look totally terrific!

M OZ Z I E Z A P P E R S

S

ummer outdoor living can be
torture if you keep getting bitten
by mosquitoes. But the solution
can be sitting right next to you. Many
plants are the source of the main
ingredients of commercial insecticides,
so you can tap these natural properties
by planting them in your garden and
keep those little blighters away!

PEST CONTROL

ALLIUM

A member of the onion/
garlic family, ornamental
alliums produce pompom
clusters of flowers that
seem to float above long,
slender stems. Grown
from bulbs, it’s from here
that sulphur compounds
are produced that mozzies
find unpleasant.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 71

PEST CONTROL

BASIL

CATNIP

LEMON THYME

FLOSS FLOWER

• Only female mozzies feast on
us to get a ‘blood meal’ that
enables them to produce eggs.
• Mozzies pick on people with a
high metabolic rate and who
emit more carbon dioxide –
those who are pregnant,
working out, or drinking
alcohol. They also seem to be
attracted to dark clothing.
• Breeding is their driving
force when not biting you.
They nestle around areas of
standing water no more than
30cm deep, such as in a bucket
or garden pond, backyard
debris, clogged drains and
gutters, or water left out
for pets and wildlife.
• So put a pump onto your
pond, empty buckets, clean
up the backyard, clear your
guttering, put pet water bowls
inside and wildlife bowls
away from your favourite
outdoor area. Then plant
any of the following!
Basil

CITRONELLA GRASS

BEE BALM

It’s the sweet, pungent aroma
of basil that keeps the mozzies
away. Grow it in a pot to put
on your outdoor table, or
wherever the mozzies gather.
Catnip

MARIGOLD

SAGE

Cats love the essential oil
nepetalactone that catnip
produces when its leaves are
crushed and rubbed on your
skin, but mosquitoes are
repelled by it. It’s a vigorous
grower and can get out of
control, so grow it in a
container. Also, your cat
will love you even more!
Citronella Grass
(Cymbopogon nardus)

ROSEMARY
72 BHG JANUARY 2024

MINT

The fine long leaves don’t
repel mozzies, but if you
crush them and rub the oil
on your skin it masks the
odour of your carbon
dioxide. Grow in a garden
or container and keep soil
moist but not wet.

Marigolds

Marigolds contain a compound
called pyrethrum that is
foul-smelling to a variety of
insects, including mosquitoes.
Plant them in a border or a pot
to pretty up your garden, then
add to your vegie patch to
ward off aphids, thrips
and whiteflies.
Rosemary

The aroma of rosemary is potent
and, while it enhances a lamb
roast, it also revolts mozzies. You
can also snip off a few sprigs and
hang them around windows or
doors to keep mozzies from
coming indoors.
Lemon Thyme

The strong, fresh citrus scent of
lemon thyme is hated by mozzies
as it interferes with their ability
to detect human aromas. Rub
the leaves on your skin to set
free the essential oil.
Floss flower

This lovely little annual has a
powerful punch as it contains
the chemical coumarin, which
repels mozzies. Leave it to do
its job in your garden bed and
don’t rub it on your skin as it
can cause irritation.
Bee balm

Also known as monarda or
horsemint, the fragrant oil
released when you crush the
leaves confuses mozzies and
masks your body aroma. A
bonus is the colourful feathery
flowers in red, pink, lavender,
purple, or white.
Sage

Toss sage leaves on your
barbecue or firepit to release
its earthy aroma to keep
mozzies at bay. Dried sage
will also do the trick.
MINT

The fresh, strong scent and taste
we love in our drinks, chewing
gum and toothpaste is loathed
by mozzies, especially when you
crush the leaves and rub them
on your skin. You can also dry
them to put in a bowl inside.

Photography Adobe Stock

WHY YOU
GET BITTEN!

LAVENDER

The leaves of lavender produce an
aroma from their essential oil that is
sweet to us but highly unpleasant to
many insects, including mozzies. The
perfume lingers even in sprigs of
lavender that are dried and hung on
walls or by doors and windows.

GARDEN INSPIRATION

1 Shade cloths shield plants
from our sizzling summer
sun, then can be taken
down as the gentler winter
sun sits lower in the sky.
This means your outdoor
room can be used
throughout the year.

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

GROW YOUR
SUN-LOVING PLANTS
IN HANGING BASKETS
ABOVE THE CANOPY
OF THE SHADE
CLOTH, AS HERE.

DARK
ARTS
PUT IN THE LIGHT

A shady garden can still shine in the most delightful of ways!

JANUARY 2024 BHG 75

our inner city
garden can be a
haven from the
hustle, bustle and
noise beyond the
front gate. It can
let you explore
and exploit your
imagination, enabling you to go on
a visual journey to the more exotic
parts of the world. This garden,
behind an old, double-fronted
terrace house is all of these, defying
convention with its eclectic range
76 BHG JANUARY 2024

of plants, planters, artwork and
paintwork that reflect a passion for
Africa and Asia with an appreciation
of the influences of Central America
thrown in. Many plants from these
regions grow under the shade of tall
rainforest trees and can’t cope with
our scorching summer sun. But in this
shady garden everything looks rich
and lush. Despite its mix of styles,
everything comes together cohesively
– there’s no clash, instead there’s a
harmony that’s soft and engaging.
A restful haven, indeed!

2 The distinctive stems of the African
firestick or pencil cactus (Euphorbia
tirucalli) are red-gold in winter, then fade
to yellow in summer. The elephant urn is a
stunner! 3 A collection of ferns, including
our native bird’s nest fern, need shade
and appreciate the moisture coming from
the pond behind. 4 There was a lawn here
once, but grass doesn’t thrive in the shade.
The decking that replaced it makes this
garden feel more like a room, and adds to
the zen feel. 5 The garden is mostly green so
pops of colour – such as this dynamic,
purple-leafed heuchera – catch your eye.
Heucheras are also shallow-rooted, so
they do well in shallow containers.

GARDENINSPIRATION

ADD FLAIR WITH AN
INDIAN-STYLE
TABLE DRUM. FOR
SIMILAR, STONE
PONY.COM.AU.

2

3

4

5

GARDENINSPIRATION

CARVED BALINESE
WOODEN WALL
HANGINGS LOOK
AT HOME AMONG
OUTDOOR PLANTS.

CHOOSE PLANTERS
THAT ADD TO AND
COMPLEMENT THE
MYRIAD TEXTURES
OF YOUR GARDEN.
6

8

7

6 It’s sometimes called bloodleaf because

OUTDOOR
MIRRORS
MAKE SMALL
GARDENS SEEM
MUCH BIGGER.

you most oen see the rich red-leafed
varieties, but iresine also comes in vibrant
green colours. And here’s another heuchera
– a fabulous plant if you’re looking for
year-round colour. The scalloped foliage
comes in red, burgundy, chocolate brown,
orange and more. 7 A magnificent piece of
art from Bali. Lizards rule! 8 The bright red
posts are an Asian touch and stand out
dramatically against the dark charcoal walls.
9 If you use a shade cloth (as here, but not
pictured) rain won’t fall on plants so you
need to keep up your manual watering.
Clustering pots together creates a microclimate that imitates the humid conditions
you find in many parts of Africa , Asia and the
rainforests of Central and South America.

LONG, STRAPPYLEAFED PLANTS
ADD SOFT,
FLOWING AND
INFORMAL
MOVEMENT TO
ANY GARDEN

9

JANUARY BHG 

GARDENINSPIRATION

10

11

12

13

Photography Brent Wilson

10 Hang it all, these drooping succulents
love a bit of shade. The donkey’s tail from
Mexico loves partial shade, while rhipsalis
cascades under the shade of South
American rainforest trees – it’s epiphytic
so doesn’t need soil to thrive, it draws its
food and water from the atmosphere
around it. 11 A philodendron is always
enhanced with garden art. 12 A koi pond
needs to be aerated and have movement
– a waterfall generated by a pump will do
the trick. Some states ban koi, so check
with your local authorities. 13 Even in a
shade garden, birds will seek refuge. Birds
in your garden aid in pollination and help
with weed control – give them a spot to
have a quick freshen up with a bird bath.

TOP TIPS FOR A SHADED GARDEN

BRING LIGHT AND LOVE TO GLOOM

• There’s a huge variety of plants
that thrive in conditions that range
from partial shade, to filtered light,
to deep or full shade.
• Think of rainforest plants that are
lush under-tree vegetation.
• These ground-hugging or
limb-clinging plants love heat,
moisture and shade.

• Many have been adapted to be
our indoor plants.
• Understand your plants’ needs –
they may require partial shade
where the sun is blocked at certain
times of the day, dappled shade
where the sun is filtered through
overhead canopies, or full shade
where the sun never shines.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 81

SUMMERHERBS

1 annual treat

Most basil varieties in
Australia are annuals and you
need to grow from seed, or
plant a seedling every year, in
spring aer frosts finish.

ON YOUR

BRUSH UP
Basil is the essence of summer in an
aromatic leaf – pretty in the garden, tasty
in a salad or as a garnish on your food.
And there’s more than just one – have a
go at growing several different types and
explore the wonderful range of flavours

2 True Companion

The airy-fairy cosmos
is resistant to most
pests – except aphids
and thrips. A lile pot
of basil next to
cosmos will keep
aphids away with its
strong aroma.

JANUARY BHG 

SUMMERHERBS

TAKE
YOUR
PICK

‘Pesto
Perpetuo’

‘Pesto Perpetuo’

Lime green leaves with thin
white margins, its taste
comes with a hint of lemon.

‘Amethyst’

Dark purple almost black
leaves with a sweet
fragrance and taste.

'Amethyst’

‘Mrs Burns’
Lemon’

‘Aromao’
‘Mrs Burns’
Lemon’

‘Purple
Ball’

‘Tuscany’

The strongest scent and
flavour of all the lemon
basils, plus undertones of
cinnamon and mint. Slow
to bolt, tolerates heat and
drought well.

‘Tuscany’

Big, puckered leaves with
a mild flavour that
comes with just a
hint of anise.

‘Aromatto’

‘Spicy
Globe’

Purple and green foliage
present a spicy yet sweet
flavour with a hint
of cinnamon.

‘Spicy Globe’

An ornamental edible, with
tiny bright green clustered
leaves that produce a rich,
sweet, spicy flavour with a
hint of mint and cloves.

‘Holy
Green’

‘Holy Green’

 BHG JANUARY

once they have their first true
leaves and are large enough
to handle – they’ll be about
5-10cm tall. Space seedlings
25-40cm apart.
Food Apply slow-release
fertiliser at the recommended
rate when transplanting and
during growing season.
Water Water deeply in
the early morning or late
aernoon. Avoid watering

the leaves of plants to avoid
fungal diseases.
Harvest Aer about 60-80
days, when leaves are large
enough to eat, harvest
as needed.
Pests Whitefly – remove with
a garden hose or spray with
soap spray; slugs and snails –
scaer coffee grounds and/or
crushed eggshells on the soil
under the plant.

‘Purple Ball’

Small, dark, plum-purple
leaves are highly aromatic
and zesty to taste.

Photography Adobe Stock

GROWING BASIL
Climate Subtropical and
temperate. Doesn’t
tolerate frosts.
Aspect Full sun.
Soil Well-drained.
Sowing seeds Sow seeds
3mm deep in seed-raising
mix. Water well, then daily,
keep mix moist but never too
wet. Seeds should germinate
in about 5-10 days. Transplant
seedlings to the garden bed

Lots of flower spikes very
early in the season, plus
very strong minty and
musky-scented leaves
on purple stems.

3

4

5

3 A pinch adds punch

Regularly pinching off the leaves of basil keeps
growth more compact and encourages it to
grow more leaves!
4 flower power

Pinching off the flower heads helps extend the
leaf harvesting period, but you can leave the
flowers be if a purple basil plant is part of your
ornamental garden. However, the leaves can lose
flavour and taste bier if the flowers stay put.
5 legging it!

Most basil plants grow into a rounded, shrubby
shape, but some varieties can grow tall and lean –
such as this ‘Everleaf Thai Towers’ basil.

BASIL IS USED
TO ENHANCE
ITALIAN, INDIAN
AND THAI DISHES

SUMMERSURVIVAL

WATERING

Really hot days cause your
garden and lawn to dry out,
but if you water in the
middle of the day, the
water will evaporate
before it reaches the roots.
Save on your water bill by
giving your soil a good soak
in the morning or evening
when the temperature is
cooler, allowing the water
to go deep into the soil.

PROOF
YOUR GARDEN
Take these simple steps now to protect
your garden from a hot summer

SEENONBHGTV

FRIDAYS 7.00

SHADE

You can’t move your
garden bed into shade
during the hottest part
of the day, so bring the
shade to your plants. You
can buy shade frames
from nurseries or
hardware stores, use
your beach or garden
umbrella, or make one
yourself. Simply push
four bamboo stakes into
each corner of your bed,
cut shade cloth to fit and
tie cloth to stakes
with twine.

MULCH

An organic mulch,
such as bark chips,
wood chips or straw,
is like an insulation
blanket – it keeps soil
warm in winter and
cool in summer. It
also helps the soil
retain moisture,
reduces evaporation
and helps keep weeds
away. It eventually
breaks down,
providing extra
nutrients to your soil.
Water well before
you first add mulch.

LAWNS

Photography Adobe Stock

WEEDS

Weeds take
nutrients from
your soil that is
beer served to
your ornamentals.
A dense coverage
of the plants you
want and love and a
healthy, lush lawn means
there’s no room for weed
seeds to land and flourish.

Set your mower at
a high seing so
you have lengthier
blades. Longer blades
cast small shadows
that help cool your
lawn down. There’s
also more area for
photosynthesis, giving
the roots more energy.

Healthy plants are more
resilient to stresses such
as extreme heat and
drought. For this,
you need healthy,
well-structured soil and
the best way to achieve
good soil is with organic
maer or well-roed
manure. If your soil is
light (sandy), it doesn’t
hold water. Digging in
organic maer improves
its water-retaining
capabilities. If your soil is
heavy (clay), it doesn’t
drain water. Again, dig in
organic maer to
improve drainage.

POTTED PLANTS

During hot days, move pots into the shade and group them
together. Leaves transpire, that is, release small amounts of
moisture, and when poed plants are clumped together, this
mass transpiration creates a humid atmosphere beneficial
to poed plants. Also, place a bowl or saucer of water
under the pots for extra humidity.

GRAHAM ROSS
Join me as I give you tips
for summer garden care on
BHG TV on Fridays at 7pm
on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be subject to change.)

Go to bhg.com.au for more
garden tips and tricks.

JANUARY BHG 

CONTAINERGARDENING

1

INTHE
 BHG JANUARY

WELCOME TO
YOUR WORLD

A street frontage is
easily brightened up
with a window box.
Amid the rush of
street life, create a
sense of flow and
order by repeating
your planting
arrangement – ivy
topiarised into a
ball, surrounded by
chartreuse coleus,
white caladium and a
mix of white flowers.

Perching plants above the ground
adds vertical interest to your garden

2

FEEL THE
DIFFERENCE

Texture can
make as big an impact
as colour in a window
box. To get a varied
range of textures,
mix wispy, waving
ornamental grasses
with firm foliage plants
such as crotons and
the trailing, so-leafed,
sweet potato vine. Even
though the box is tightly
packed, the difference
in texture ensures each
plant stands out.

CONTAINER GARDENING

window box spilling with colourful
flowers and frilly foliage sings
of romance and adds a new
dimension to your garden. Plants
in boxes bring them up to your eye
level. When you’re indoors, they become part of
your view into your garden. When you’re outdoors,
they soften the hard lines of your architecture and
add a pretty daintiness. So box them in!

3

FASHION STATEMENT

The combination of colours, style
and embellishments of coleus and
begonias create an ensemble of foliage that’s a
head-turner. Unless you live in a tropical region,
treat coleus as an annual – its origin is Southeast
Asia, so it doesn’t thrive outdoors in winter.

CITRUS SPECIAL

SET UP FOR A FALL

Because boxes are
elevated, trailing
plants make a theatrical
impression. Variegated
English ivy is a vigorous
grower with a great texture.
You can also try creeping
Jenny, Dichondra
‘Silver Falls’, inch plant
(Tradescantia zebrina),
spider plant, lobelia,
convolvulus or a lovely,
silver licorice plant.

Photography GAP Photos/John Glover, Nova Photo Graphik

Lemon-coloured calibrachoas teamed with a limey
leafed licorice plant (Helichrysum petiolare) sings of
the long, hot days of summer. No need for tall drinks
to cool you off – this fresh-looking combination will do
that just by being on your windowsill.

6

DINE WITH FLAIR

When your box is near a barbecue
and outdoor eating area, tuck a few
fragrant herbs in it, such as thyme,
oregano and mint, so you’re ready to pluck what
you need and add fresh seasoning to your
steaks, sausages, skewers and salads.
JANUARY BHG 

CONTAINERGARDENING

LIVING THE HIGH LIFE

Fixing boxes to a balcony shelf is the first step
to a garden in the sky. If your aspect is sunny,
plant masses of crimson and purple petunias,
drape the walls of the balcony with a vine such
as maidenhair vine (Muehlenbeckia sp.), then
make copper leaf bushes your beacons!

8

GO WITH THE SWING

Don’t stop at window boxes –
put up a fence box, a balcony
box, a wall box and even a gate
box. And be adventurous with
your plants – try a copper-toned
Fijian fire plant and variegated
sea hibiscus nestled in Spanish
moss and trailing English ivy.

9

STRAWBERRIES
FOREVER

Be innovative and use old
guering as a container.
Drill drainage holes in the
boom and paint it a
bright hue (here, red),
ready for strawberry
season. Strawberries are
shallow-rooted, so can
cope with growing in
shorter containers. Also,
strawberry fruits are
susceptible to fungal
disease if they sit on the
soil, so an elevated spot
is beer for them.

10

STARS COME OUT IN THE DAY

For a luminous look, pack your box
with begonias, fuchsias and
pelargoniums in a spot that gets morning sun. Fuchsias
and begonias are often considered shade plants but
they need light to grow and bloom. The cooler your
climate is, the more light they need.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 93

CONTAINER GARDENING

A BOX FRAMES A WINDOW AND ADDS
COLOUR TO YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR

BOX ESSENTIALS

HOLD ON TIGHT!

Take care when mounting your boxes. Don’t
mount them directly against your walls, instead,
create a breathing space of about 2cm so that
moisture doesn’t build up. And be sure it’s
securely fastened – both the braces to the wall
and the box to the braces – so it doesn’t fall
or fly off when there are high winds.
94 BHG JANUARY 2024

BALCONY
APARTMENT ISSUES
High-rise balcony boxes
can lighten up your life
but can be a peril for
pedestrians or car
owners below if your
boxes are blown off the
rails and drop to the
ground. Check with
your local authority
about what sort of
planters you can put
on your handrail or
ledge that don’t
present a hazard.
WHAT TO GROW IN
YOUR BOXES
You can go for the

traditional petunias,
geraniums or begonias,
but they need to be in
full sun. For shady
areas, try small ferns,
hellebores, native
violets or inch plants.
You can grow herbs and
vegetables in a box,
especially if it’s near
your kitchen. But if
the box is made from
treated pine, it may
contain arsenic, so line
it with heavy plastic
sheeting before adding
soil and plants.
CARE FOR WINDOW
BOX PLANTS
• Drainage is essential.
If your purchased or
handmade box doesn’t
have drainage holes,
drill some.
• Use quality potting mix.
Window boxes are a
variation of pots for
plants – just elevated.
You should change the
mix every year as the
mix’s air tunnels collapse
over time. Air tunnels
are vital for plant life –
they enable the roots
to breathe and are
the routes for water
and food.
• Water your plant more
often than you would
ground-dwelling pot
plants. Depending on
the plants, this may
mean daily. The higher
the plant is, the more
exposed it is to breezes
that dry out the mix.

Photography GAP Photos/John Glover, Adobe Stock

MATERIALS
A wooden box mounted
under a window is the
go-to option for most of
you romantics, but be
sure the box won’t rot or
be subject to termite
infestation. Treated H3
pine (or a higher level) is
a good option for both
problems. Another way
to prevent wood rot is to
use the timber box as an
outer container to hold
plants in plastic pots
with saucers. Metal
containers are stylish
but attract and retain
heat and can dry out the
potting mix. They’re best
in a shady spot. Ceramic
or terracotta boxes are
heavy and need strong
support, but they’re ideal
for succulents or other
drought-tolerant plants.

12

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Window boxes don’t just add kerb
appeal to your home, they can make
your indoors so much brighter. By
putting in plants that screen part of your window
– such as this violet angelonia, which grows to
about 30cm tall – they become part of your
indoors and enhance the view of your garden.

ALFRESCO ART

Turn up the contrast in your
outdoor zone by building a
sleek, black planter to make
your garden colours pop!

Put the focus on
a curated display
of succulents,
as here, with a
freestanding timber
frame. Galvanised
ducting and wire
rope form the
hanging planter for a
sharp and edgy look.
Instructions on
page 100

 BHG JANUARY

DIYPLANTERS

JARDIN NOIR

Constructed from solid
timber and steel square
tubes, this sophisticated
plant stand and trellis will
bring drama and style to
your outdoor area, and
you can make it with a
fuss-free DIY project. Or,
accessorise your patio
or add an instant garden
to your balcony with this
planter. It can support
climbers, shrubs
or seasonal colour.
Instructions on
page 102

RUSTIC CHIC

Repurpose a wire tomato
cage for a smart and
simple plant stand.
Add texture and a homey
flavour with sisal rope, then
complete the look with
a colourful pot full of
your best blooms.
To repurpose, check the fit of
the pots you intend to use in
the cage stand, then trim your
cage stand to the desired
height with snips. Apply black
spray paint to stand and allow
to dry. Unwind the rope and
feed and wrap onto wire rings
until covered. Trim the rope
to size, then apply hot glue to
join both ends of the rope.
Position all the join seams
on the back of the stand to
keep your project neat. Insert
your plant pot, then repeat
for more stands!

Safety notes
When operating power
tools, wear safety
glasses, mask, earmuffs
and tie your hair back.
When appropriate,
wear rubber gloves and
protective clothing.

98 BHG JANUARY 2024

DIYPLANTERS

TALL, dark and handsome

Make a tall and towering plant
stand with 2 simple laice
panels that form the outer
faces of the stand. Buy
off-the-shelf laice panels,
or easily build from scratch.
With a mitre saw, cut laice
components from 18 x 18mm
treated pine lengths: six
1800mm uprights and sixteen
600mm horizontals.
For each laice, lay 3 uprights
parallel with a 225mm gap
between them. Lay the
horizontals across the uprights,
square and centred with
225mm gaps between. Predrill
and countersink a 35mm
galvanised screw into all joints
(24 screws per laice).
To connect your laice panels,
cut sixteen 261mm rungs from
18 x 18mm treated pine.
Stain all timber surfaces with
black exterior stain and allow
to dry. For smart, matching
plant pot bases, spray six
225mm push-on vent caps with
black spray paint. Once dry,
drill 2 holes 10mm from top rim
and on opposite sides of all
vent cap/plant pot bases.
With both laice panels flat,
stagger pot base position on
one panel only, and centred
within the square. Aach plant
pot base to the laice
horizontals with 15mm
galvanised buon screws.
Li laice with aached plant
pot bases and lay flush onto
second laice panel. Secure
the pot bases in the same way,
then aach the rungs on the
underside of all horizontals
and connect the 2 laices.
With plant stand upright,
aach to the wall for extra
support. Add pots full of
colour to finish the look.

DIYPLANTERS

EASY STEPS TO YOUR SUCCULENT HANGING DISPLAY
Frame your cute and curly succulent collection in a freestanding hanging display – the
sleek black and galvanised steel delivers industrial-chic vibes to your outdoor space.

Gather your supplies
• 42 x 42mm 2.7m H3
pine moulding
• Stain and varnish
in black
• 250mm galvanised
shortway wall stack
90-degree elbow (3)
• 72mm screw eyes (4)
• 2mm stainless steel
rope
• 2mm stainless steel
rope grips
• Succulent poing mix
You’ll also need
Tape measure; pencil;
combination square;
hand saw; 120-grit
sandpaper; exterior
PVA glue; drill; 8g
countersink smart-bit;
40mm galvanised
screws; paintbrush;
2mm drill bit; bolt
cuers; needle-nose
pliers; selection of
succulents; hose

 BHG JANUARY

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure, mark
and cut all components
(see Components list
below) with tape measure,
pencil, combination square
and hand saw. Sand sawn
edges.
STEP 2 Assemble and
aach 2 Uprights and 2 End
caps in a rectangle with
PVA glue. With a drill and
smart-bit, predrill 20mm in
from both edges of End cap
and into Uprights, insert
screws and tighten. Repeat
for second End cap.
STEP 3 Aach Base blocks
75mm in from both ends of
boom End cap with PVA
glue. Predrill from boom
of Base block into End cap,
insert screws and tighten.
Apply 2 coats of stain and
varnish, allow to dry aer
each coat.
STEP 4 Predrill and install
2 screw eyes in both End
caps, 115mm in from the
outer edges of Uprights.
STEP 5 For planters, drill a
2mm hole, 40mm in from
both edges of all wall stack
elbows.
STEP 6 Cut 2 lengths of
steel rope to 760mm with
bolt cuers. On the
right-hand side, feed 1
length through a rope grip,
feed through the upper
screw eye and then back
Components
Part
Upright
End cap
Base block

through the rope grip.
Leave a short tail and
tighten the grip with pliers.
Repeat for le side.
STEP 7 On right-hand side,
feed rope through holes
in all 3 wall stack elbows,
secure with rope grips
above and below each
elbow. Feed the cable end
through the last rope grip,

Size (in mm)
42 x 42 x 500
42 x 42 x 400
42 x 42 x 150

loop through the boom
screw eye, and insert
back into the rope grip.
Repeat for le side.
STEP 8 Pull the rope
taut, tighten the grips,
and cut excess rope.
Fill the planters with
poing mix, plant
succulents and water
in with hose.

STEP 7

STEP 8

When I find a colour
darker than black, I’ll
wear it. But until then,
I’m wearing black!
COCO CHANEL

Material
H3 pine mounding
H3 pine mounding
H3 pine mounding

Qty
2
2
2

CURVES AND ANGLES

Marine plywood provides a
great framework for a pair of
outdoor plant stands. Buy a
2440 x 1220mm sheet and have
the panels cut to size by your
timber supplier. For the square
planter, cut four 550 x 550
square panels. For the
rectangular box, cut two
400 x 400mm panels for the
top and boom, and two
800 x 400mm panels for the
sides. To assemble the plant
stands, centre the rim of a
15L galvanised bucket on a
rectangle box top and trace.
Draw a second circle 10mm
smaller than your traced circle,
then cut hole to size with a drill
and jigsaw. Apply exterior PVA
glue to the short edges of
both rectangle box sides,
then aach flush to top and
boom panels. Predrill,
countersink and drive 2 screws
through each joint, then fill

holes with wood filler and allow
to set. Sand plant stand with
120-grit sandpaper, then apply
black stain and allow to dry.
Drill holes into the bucket base
and add a layer of rocks inside
for drainage. Add poing mix
and plants. Drop the bucket
into the hole. Repeat process
for square planter box and a
45L round ice bucket.

DRILLED HOLES IN THE BASE
OF GALVANISED BUCKETS
MAKE SHINY BUDGET POTS!

DIYPLANTERS

EASY STEPS TO YOUR PLANTER AND TRELLIS STAND
Safety notes
• When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
mask and earmuffs, and tie
your hair back. When
appropriate, wear rubber
gloves and protective
clothing.

Gather your supplies
• 100 x 25mm 2.4m
treated pine (7)
• 30 x 30mm 2.4m
treated pine (2)
• 12.7mm 1.8m (2)
Tasmanian oak dowel
• 25 x 25 x 1.6mm 3m
galvanised steel
square tube (2)
• M12 2.44m galvanised
threaded rod
• Paint and primer
spray in black
• Exterior wood stain
in black
• M12 galvanised bolt,
nut and washer (4)
• Screw eye hooks (5)
• Geotextile fabric
• Poing mix
You’ll also need
Tape measure;
combination square;
pencil; mitre saw;
80-grit sandpaper;
drill; drill bits;
hacksaw; PVA glue;
clamps; impact driver;
paintbrush; 40mm
galvanised screws;
socket wrench;
wire; twine;
plants; hose

 BHG JANUARY

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure, mark and
cut all pine components
(see list below) with tape
measure, combination
square, pencil and mitre
saw. Sand sawn edges. Drill
6 equally spaced 3mm holes
along Trellis sides. With a
hacksaw (or angle grinder),
cut square steel tubes and
threaded rod to size.
STEP 2 To assemble Long
side panel, put 3 Long side
components side by side.
Apply PVA glue, aach and
clamp. Repeat for a second
Long side panel. Allow PVA
glue to set.
STEP 3 To assemble a
Short side panel, repeat
Step 2 with Short side
components. Secure panel
at both ends with Corner
Components
Part
Long side
Short side
Base
Shelf
Corner brace
Long brace
Short brace
Shelf brace
Leg
Leg support
Rod
Trellis side
Trellis top

braces. Predrill 3 equally
spaced holes through both
Corner braces, insert
screws and tighten with
impact driver. Repeat for
second Short side panel.
STEP 4 Glue and clamp all
Base components, allow to
dry. Glue and screw a Short
brace to both ends of Base
panel with screws. Repeat
to aach 2 Long braces
to Base panel. Assemble
planter, then from the
inside of planter, aach
Braces to corresponding
parts with glue and screws.
Aach the final Long brace
inside the planter along
centre of boom boards.
STEP 5 To assemble the
Shelf, assemble, glue and
aach Shelf components
using Step 2 method.
Aach both Shelf braces
on underside of Shelf panel
40mm from ends. Apply
black exterior stain to
all timber components with
paintbrush. Allow to dry
aer each coat.
STEP 6 Using a 13mm bit,
drill 4 holes in both Long

Size (in mm)
100 x 25 x 1070
100 x 25 x 320
100 x 25 x 1030
100 x 25 x 1070
30 x 30 x 240
30 x 30 x 280
30 x 30 x 270
30 x 30 x 240
25 x 25 x 985
25 x 25 x 365
12 x 380
12.7 x 1150
12.7 x 1070

side panels at the following
points: 35mm from top and
240mm in from both edges,
and 215mm from the top
and 200mm in from both
edges. Drill holes in both
Legs at the following points
measured down from the
top: 25mm, 215mm, 280mm
and 805mm.
STEP 7 Slide a Rod through
1 Leg support, then connect
to 2 Legs using the 805mm
holes. Aach a washer and
nut to connect both ends
with socket wrench. Repeat
the process to aach a Leg
support to 280mm holes on
Legs to produce a ladder
frame. Repeat with the
second set of Legs, Leg
supports and Rods. Apply
2 coats black spray paint.
Allow to dry aer each coat.
STEP 8 Place the planter at
the top of the Leg frames
and line up the holes in Legs
with the corresponding
holes in the planter box.
Insert bolts and secure with
washers and nuts. Repeat
on the other side. Drop
Shelf onto lower Leg

Material
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Treated pine
Steel square tube
Steel square tube
Threaded rod
Tasmanian oak dowel
Tasmanian oak dowel

Qty
6
6
3
3
4
3
2
2
4
4
4
2
1

supports with braces to
hold shelf in place.
STEP 9 Line the inside of
the planter box with
geotextile fabric. Position
Trellis sides into back
corners of the box, then
aach to planter with
2 screws per corner.
Use twine to aach the
Trellis top to Trellis sides.
STEP 10 Insert and screw
5 screw eye hooks evenly
along the top back edge
of planter interior. Thread
wire through the screw
eyes and zigzag through
drilled holes on Trellis
sides to create a grid for
climbing plants. Fill the
planter box with poing
mix and selection of plants,
then train the climbers up
the trellis. Water in plants
with a hose to complete
your project.

PLANT SUCCESS
A planter is only prey if the plants within are happy and healthy. Get your containers in
tip-top condition this season for the lushest plants with the best blooms possible.

STEP 8

STEP 9
for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

THE RIGHT MIX
Regular garden soil is
too dense for containers
and may contain disease
or pest organisms.
A good poing mix –
one that’s well-aerated,
well-drained and
packed with nutrients –
is essential for
healthy plants.
To make your own,
mix 8 parts poing soil
with vermiculite or
perlite (depending on
plant drainage and
water-retention needs),
1 part coarse sand,
and 4 parts sphagnum
peat moss or composted
manure. Sprinkle the
mix with a slowrelease plant food
before planting.

GO FAUX
When planting deep tubs
or containers, save on soil.
Fill the boom third with
plastic boles or
polystyrene before
topping with your poing
mix. You’ll spend less
money, and your pots will
be easier to move.
THRILLER, FILLER,
SPILLER
Plant options can feel
overwhelming, but this
basic rule of thumb can
save you time wandering
the nursery aisles. Start
with a thriller, an
aention-grabbing
bloomer with a strong
upright growth habit,
placed in the centre.
Surround it with fillers,

plants with a rounded
shape that disguise the
thriller’s base and add
texture or complementary
colour. Finish with a spiller,
one with a sprawling
habit that trails over the
container’s edge and has
a leaf or flower shape that
contrasts with the others.
All plants should have
similar water and sun
requirements.
PROVIDE TLC
Be sure to keep up on
routine maintenance.
When watering, drench the
soil and avoid saturating
foliage. A drip irrigation
system is a good solution.
Remove spent flowers
frequently to keep plants
blooming to their best.

DIYPOND

plant
POnder

Build an adorable,
compact pond planter
for your very own water
views straight from your
garden patio

EASY STEPS TO BUILD A POND PLANTER
Bring serenity with a water
feature made from timber.
Gather your supplies
• 150 x 25mm 2.4m H4
treated pine plinth (3)
• 1200 x 595 x 17mm
formply
• 40mm decking screws
• Waterproofing tape
• Gripset Bea
Bitumen Rubber
Waterproofing
Membrane
• Decking oil
You’ll also need
Tape measure;
combination square;
pencil; circular saw;
exterior PVA glue; drill;
drill bits; clamp; paintbrushes; poing mix;
plants; fountain pump
and pond ornaments
Don’t forget your
safety gear
Protective glasses;
earmuffs; dust mask.
Important: Always use
appropriate safety gear and
clothing when operating
power tools, handling
chemicals or when exposed
to dust or vapours. Hair
should be tied back at
all times.
 BHG JANUARY

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure, mark and
cut all components (see list
below) with tape measure,
combination square, pencil
and circular saw.
STEP 2 For all Legs, apply
glue, predrill and screw Leg
A to Leg B to form L-shaped
corner using 40mm screws.
STEP 3 With 2 Long sides
and 2 Short sides, assemble
a rectangular frame with
Short sides within Long
sides. Apply glue, predrill
and screw 150mm-high
frame together with 40mm
screws. Check it's square;
repeat for second frame.
Apply glue to boom of
1 frame; stack the frames
square to form a 300mmhigh planter. Clamp and
allow to dry.
STEP 4 Apply glue to
edges of Base, aach to
boom of frame with
40mm screws.

STEP 5 Apply glue to
boom and side edges of
1 Divider piece; insert into
planter. Repeat for second
Divider piece, insert and
aach to top of inserted
Divider piece to form one
Divider. Predrill and screw
Long sides and Base to
Divider with 40mm screws.
STEP 6 Aach an L-shaped
Leg to frame in each corner
with glue and 40mm
screws. Fasten from inside
the planter to hide screws.
STEP 7 Treat outside of
the planter with decking oil.
On the pond internal
section, seal all joints and
corners with waterproofing
tape; apply 2 coats bitumen
rubber with a paintbrush.
Allow to set for 1 week.
Drill 3mm drainage holes in
the boom of the planter
compartment only.
STEP 8 Fill your planter
pond to your heart’s desire!

Components
Part
Size (in mm)
Long side
840 x 150 x 25
Short side
420 x 150 x 25
Divider
420 x 140 x 25*
Base
800 x 420 x 17
Leg A
300 x 50 x 25*
Leg B
300 x 75 x 25*
*Ripped from 150 x 25mm H4 treated pine

Material
H4 treated pine
H4 treated pine
H4 treated pine
Formply
H4 treated pine
H4 treated pine

STEP 5

STEP 6

STEP 7

Qty
4
4
2
1
4
4

WATER
GARDEN

101

ASSEMBLY
Add a pump, water and
your choice of pond
plants to water
compartment, here,
canna lily, papyrus
and sweet flag. Place
pebbles in pots to
prevent soil from
escaping and
contaminating water.
Fill the garden
compartment with
poing mix and your
choice of plants, here,
pentas, globe amaranth
and licorice plant.
LOCATION
Put planter where you
can enjoy it and close to
a power outlet (or use a
solar-powered pump).
Run the fountain
regularly to prevent
stagnant water, which
invites mosquitoes, or
use mosquito larvicide
tablets to ward them off.
UPKEEP
Many water plants are
quite adaptable, so the
planter can be put in full
to part sun. The water
plants will benefit from
periodic fertilising. Feed
garden plants with a
slow-release fertiliser.

FOR
PERFEC

T
POND

PLANTS
TURN TO

PAGE 6 4

WINTERING
POND PLANTS
If you live in a cold
climate, empty the
water compartment in
autumn and store the
pump for winter. Air-dry
canna tubers and store
them in peat moss or
sawdust in a cool but not
freezing location.

If your plants are struggling to thrive, the chances are there’s something wrong with your soil – but it’s fixable! mo o

DON’ T BE SHALLOW

SOIL SOLUTION

BEFORE

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

S

hallow soil makes
gardening hard as it
limits root growth. The solution
is to go high to create greater soil
depth with raised garden beds. Try
something different by making your
own stylish hexagonal beds.

1 what’s the problem?

Shallow soil occurs if your garden is on
concrete footings, at the top of a hill,
or there may be giant tree roots
grabbing all the space.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 107

SOIL SOLUTION

EASY STEPS TO YOUR
HEXAGONAL GARDEN BED

You’ll also need
Rake; shovel; garden
soil; tape measure;
pencil; combination
square; mitre saw;
ratchet strap; drill;
3mm drill bit; impact
driver; hammer; nap
roller and tray;
plants; hose

STEP 2

STEP 3

STEP 4
108 BHG JANUARY 2024

Here’s how
STEP 1 With a rake and
shovel, remove weeds
and debris, then clear and
even surface to house the
planters. Dig over ground
with shovel. Add potting
mix and mix in with
existing soil.
STEP 2 With a treated pine
length, measure, mark and
cut 6 pine panels to 300mm
with a tape measure,
pencil, combination
square and mitre saw

STEP 5

STEP 7

STEP 8

2

(set at 120-degrees). Ensure
angles are symmetrical on
all components.
STEP 3 Assemble
components into a hexagon
shape. Apply landscaping
adhesive to one edge on all
components and attach
together. Use a ratchet
strap around hexagon to
clamp, then allow to set.
STEP 4 With a drill and
3mm drill bit, predrill 2 pilot
holes across all hexagon
joints at 120-degree angle.
Insert screws and tighten
with impact driver.
STEP 5 Brace all internal
joints with strap nails.
Hammer in till flush.
STEP 6 Repeat Steps 2-5
until you have the desired
number of planters.
Apply 2 coats of paint to
planters with nap roller
and tray. Allow to dry
after each coat.
STEP 7 Arrange planters
flush together in your
desired configuration,
then level. To attach
planters, predrill and
screw with 2 screws
per join.
STEP 8 Fill planters to the
brim with potting mix. For

2 IN TOO DEEP

Add depth for planting with
simple-to-build, stackable
hexagonal beds.

extra depth, stack a raised
planter equally across
3 planters. Fill raised
planter with potting mix.
STEP 9 Plant your plants,
then water in with hose to
complete your raised beds.
for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

CHARLIE ALBONE
Let me show you how
to create awesome
landscaping in your
garden on BHG TV,
Fridays at 7pm on
Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be
subject to change.)

Go to bhg.com.au
for more garden tips
and tricks.

Photography Tiff Bancroft, Brent Wilson; project James West

Gather your supplies
• Potting mix
• 150 x 25mm 2.4m H4
treated pine
• Landscape adhesive
• 55mm decking screws
• 25 x 100 strap nails
• Black exterior paint

Safety notes
• When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
mask, earmuffs and tie
your hair back. When
appropriate, wear
rubber gloves and
protective clothing.

3

5

4

PLANTS FOR A
SHADY SPOT
3 lacy-looking leatherleaf fern will

grow up to a metre high and wide.

4 a big, bold elephant ear plant adds

drama to your garden.

5 extend your small patch to your

verandah with potted plants.

6 often used as an indoor plant,

maidenhair ferns also like a warm
spot outdoors under dappled shade.
7 go for the striking, elegant

foliage of a walking iris.

8 create depth in a small garden by

6

varying the tones of greenery.
9 There are many varieties of
philodendron, and the oak leaf is
one of the standouts!

7
8

9

LAWN SUBSTITUTE

Kidney weed is an ideal
lawn replacement – it only
grows about 5-10cm high
and can spread up to 2m.
All these little plants will
join to look like one
in about 6-8 weeks.

LU S H A N D LOV E LY
When your living or synthetic lawn’s past its best, go au naturel
with a gorgeous groundcover that doesn’t need to be mowed!

BE FO RE

N

othing says
welcome quite like
a green carpet of
grass (faux or real)
and colourful fringes of
blooms. Bare patches of
turf, however, and dead or
dying plants aren’t ideal.
This may be due to neglect,
or an insect or fungal attack.
But most likely, it’s because
the area isn’t receiving
enough sunlight. If the soil
is well-nourished, there are
alternatives that can make
your garden a showstopper.

A LTE R N ATIV E S
TO L AW N
Groundcovers that
love shade and look as
impressive as a
beautiful, manicured
lawn include:

Kidney weed can take the
weight of light foot traffic, but
rain can make it slippery, so add
a path of slip-proof pavers.
Check out the range of pavers
at tuscanpath.com.au.

•
•

Kidney weed
(Dichondra repens)
Native violet
(Viola hederacea)
White or blue star
creeper (Pratia sp.)
Bugleweed
(Ajuga sp.)
Scotch moss
(Sagina subulata)
English ivy
(Hedera helix)
Thyme
(Thymus sp.)

•

•
•
•

FOXGLOVES

•

HYDRANGEA

LAWNSUBSTITUTE

STEP 2A

STEP 4

COTTAGE PLANTS AND
NATIVES MAKE FOR A
GLORIOUS CONTRASTING
FRONT GARDEN.

EASY STEPS TO CREATE
YOUR KIDNEY WEED LAWN

STEP 2B

STEP 5

Replace your tatty or artificial turf with a pretty, easyto-grow lawn alternative, like this native groundcover.
It requires very little maintenance and no mowing!

You’ll also need
Tape measure; shovel;
rake; sponge; rubber
mallet; trowel; level;
plants for bed; utility
knife; spade; maock
Notes
• Plant a minimum of one
140mm kidney weed plant
to cover area of 1 roll of turf.

• When staggered at
25-30cm intervals, allow
6-8 weeks for the plants to
join up for a full ‘lawn’ look.
• Kidney weed will tolerate
light foot traffic, but
stepping stones are best
for high traffic areas.
Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure the area
and order enough kidney
weed to grow 25-30cm
apart (or to fit your budget).
STEP 2 Use spade and
maock to remove living
lawn. Or use utility knife to
cut up an artificial lawn, pull
up, then remove road base
with shovel. Add and dig
over new poing mix and
compost. Rake level and
apply hose-on soil soaker.
STEP 3 Install curved
metal edging to separate
‘lawn’ and bed areas with

STEP 6
STEP 3
mallet. Plant bed plants
and top with eucy mulch.
STEP 4 Prepare mortar
mix with water and shovel.
Install paver stepping
stones on a level surface
with mortar mix, then tap
down till level with rubber
mallet. Haunch edges; wipe
off pavers with wet sponge.
STEP 5 Lay out kidney
weed, then dig holes as
deep as root balls and
twice as wide. Space
every 25-30cm.
STEP 6 Remove kidney
weed from pots, put in

holes so top of root ball is
level with soil line, then
backfill the hole and gently
press in.
STEP 7 Immediately water
thoroughly with hose. Keep
moist for 2 weeks with daily
watering until established.
STEP 8 Add root tonic to
kidney weed every 2 weeks.
Monitor boundaries to
prevent plants from
jumping borders. Trim
edges with garden scissors.
for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

Photography Tiff Bancroft; project James West

Gather your supplies
• Poing mix
• Compost
• Hose-on liquid
soil soaker
• Interlocking garden
edging
• Eucy mulch
• Pavers
• Mortar mix
• Kidney weed
140mm pots
• Root tonic

YOU CAN TOSS
THE MOWER
WHEN YOU PLANT
THIS VERDANT,
LOW-GROWING
CREEPER.

A TE R R I F I C N O - M OW ‘ L AWN ’

Kidney weed (Dichondra repens) has been used
here to replace this forlorn lawn. A quick-growing
groundcover, it has bright green lily pad-like
leaves that grow from silvery stems to about 5cm
high. It thrives in light shade or filtered sun and
produces tiny flowers that range in colour
from yellow to green to white.

GARDENTRENDS

In your
Jenny Dillon
Garden Editor

It’s time for festivities, fun and sunshine – so enjoy your outdoors!

SEASON
SPECIALS

KEYTOCLIMATEZONES
ZONE 
Mild warm summer
Cold winter

Go for tall, slim
and graceful.

ZONE 
Warm summer
Cold winter
ZONE 
Hot dry summer
Cold winter
ZONE 
Hot dry summer
Mild winter
ZONE 
Warm humid
summer
ZONE 
Hot humid
summer

delightful delphinium

Stately spikes in blending
hues of blue, pink, white
and purple.

PLANT NOW
Friendly snapdragon

In almost every colour
and always bright
and cheerful.

FLOWERS

VEGETABLES

ALL ZONES Alyssum,
anemone (top le),
marigold, petunia,
portulaca, salvia,
verbena and zinnia.

ALL ZONES Beans,
beetroot, broccoli,
cabbage, cauliflower,
chives, cress, leek,
leuce, rhubarb (top
le), spring onion
and sweet corn.
ZONES 1-3 Basil,
capsicum, chilli
and potato.
ZONES 4-6 Brussels
sprouts, carrot,
cucumber, kohlrabi,
parsley, parsnip,
pumpkin and turnip.

ZONES 1-3

Ace alstroemeria

Lily-like in reds, pinks,
oranges and bronzes with
streaks and speckles.

 BHG JANUARY

Celosia, dianthus,
helichrysum,
ranunculus and
torenia (boom le).
ZONES 4-6 Calendula,
cornflower, cyclamen,
gaillardia, Iceland
poppy, nemesia
and wallflower.

Photography Tony Fawcett, Getty Images, Adobe Stock

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

SUMMER-LOVING
HYDRANGEAS.

In joy or sadness,
flowers are our constant friends
OKAKURA KAKUZO, JAPANESE PHILOSOPHER

A BOULEVARD OF
SHOWY, BLOOMING
SUMMER FLOWERS.
MADE IN MEXICO

LIVING
SCULPTURE
Few plants make
more of a structural
statement with
minimal maintenance
than the fleshy-leafed
Mexican succulent
Agave aenuata.
Long-lived, sun-hardy
and striking in pots,
it needs lile more
than free-draining
soil and an occasional
watering over dry
periods. Sometimes
called fox tail agave,
it reaches 1.5m high
with rosees of green/
blue leaves creating
a surprisingly cooling
effect. It flowers only
once with a long,
curved inflorescence
that looks like a
bushy fox’s tail.

GARDEN SECRETS

How to make the most of crepe myrtles

2

1

GOT IT ALL

Boasting year-round
interest, from autumn
colour to an intriguing
bark to a rainbow of
different toned blooms,
crepe myrtles are a
bonus to any garden.

BEST BET

3

COLOUR UP

Choose from pinks,
For the best show,
grow crepe myrtles in whites, reds and mauve.
a sunny, well-drained Prune to shape, water
spot, mulch, fertilise young trees regularly to
establish, and expect
annually and water
moled bark aer
deeply over dry
several years.
and hot periods.

RUFFLED PETALS
OF CREPE MYRTLE.

GARDENING ADVICE
LIQUID FERTILISE annuals and deadhead regularly to
keep blooms coming. PRUNE single-flowering roses once
they have bloomed, and lightly trim repeat-flowering ones to
encourage a new show. COLLECT SEEDS of your

favourite annuals for spring sowing. TREAT citrus to a
summer feed of fertiliser. CLEAN OUT ponds of excess
water plant growth – and then use it as a nutritious mulch for
garden beds. CUT BACK climbers aer blooming.

GARDENMATTERS

better gardening
[

T H E L AT E S T N E WS A N D T R E N D S

]

VASE ART

VINCE’S

SUNFLOWERS
Celebrate
happy sunflower
season with a
vase decked out
in their sunny
faces. This popup/foldable Modgy Vincent van
Gogh Sunflowers Vase, $25, is
made from hardy, reusable
plastic, making it ideal for your
outdoor dining table. Available
from optoco.com.au.

WOW POWER

Petunias pack extra punch in the
bicolour burgundy and lemon doublebloomed Petunia Vogue Lemon Berry.
Compact, trailing and earlier flowering
than others, it produces maximum
flowers in the centre of the plant and
makes a brilliant display in containers
and hanging baskets, reaching 20-25cm
high and 35-60cm wide. From Ball
Australia, ballaustralia.com.

Bloomin’ beaut

Floral loveliness abounds as Melbourne
horticulturist and plant lover Jac Semmler
shares her 40 most beautiful and easiestto-grow flowers in The Super Bloom
Handbook (Thames & Hudson, $34.99).
A gorgeous resource for the newbie
gardener, it has all the growing details
needed, plus stunning photography
by Sarah Pannell, and a plethora of hints
and great advice.

Bountiful harvest

A treat for vegie growers, Creative Harvest is a family-friendly
edible food weekend (January 27 and 28, 2024) centred on 12
gardens producing sustainable, healthy crops in Victoria’s West
Gippsland region. Gardens vary from backyards to lifestyle farms,
with aractions including workshops, talks, kids’ seed planting
sessions and scrumptious local artisan cheeses, honey, jams and
preserves. For tickets and info, visit creativeharvest.org.au.

 BHG JANUARY

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

WHAT’S ON?

to
Readyect
conn se!
to ho

Introducing BioGuano Ready-To-Use
bioguano.com.au
ACO CERT. NO. 13250

(03) 9335 3310

sales@bioguano.com.au

* This product is allowable for use on farms (or in facilities) certified to the Australian Certified Organic Standard.

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

JANUARY 2024
SUN

MON

1

TUES

2
Moon in
Virgo

7

8

9
Moon enters
Sagittarius
7:08am

14

15

Moon enters
Pisces
1:29pm

21

WED

3

23

Moon
enters Scorpio
10:39pm

10

11

12

17

29

Moon enters
Virgo
5:11am

30

New Moon in
Capricorn
9:57pm

18

24

25

13

Moon enters
Aquarius
1:01pm

19

First Quarter
Moon 1:52pm
Moon enters
Taurus 6:11pm

20
Moon enters
Gemini
11:57pm

26

Moon enters
Leo
5:36pm

Moon enters
Cancer
7:50am

28

SAT

6

Last
Quarter Moon
in Libra
1:30pm

Moon enters
Aries
2:48pm

22

FRI

5

Moon enters
Libra
10:46am

Moon enters
Capricorn
11:33am

16

THUR

4

27

Full Moon
in Leo
3:53am

31

Moon enters
Libra
6:04pm

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 sprout, 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.
118 BHG JANUARY 2024

RENOSTYLE

1 DINING IN TONIGHT
Dining chairs can be exxy, so it makes
sense to re-cover vintage or op-shop
chairs for one-of-a-kind style.
Mismatched are fine as long as they’ve
one thing in common – here, the height.

BY DESIGN

Equal parts reno, new and refurb is a recipe to turn a
nondescript house into a cosy, open-plan family home
 BHG JANUARY

Mirror the look of
units throughout
your home with
built-ins (or the
look of built-ins)
that offer extra
seating and
discreet storage.

2 ELEVATE YOUR STYLE
Renovations can be a messy and trying
time. Take advantage of the process to
make significant changes in the one go
that will enhance your living experience
and boost its value simultaneously.
Here, the vaulted ceiling, exposed
cedar beams and sleek open fire bring
a contemporary, comfortable and
character-filled vibe to what was once
a dated living room. Note the use of
the large area rug to define and
anchor the seating zone.

Contemporary
black trim is the
only window
treatment you’ll
need if privacy
isn’t an issue.

Hit refresh on your
ooman by re-covering
it with a hard-wearing
flatwoven rug.

3

L

ove at first sight it might not be but
if a house has good bones and you
can see the possibilities beyond
its existing layout, snap it up. The
transformation of this home is testament to a
vision realised. The sunroom was annexed to
enlarge the kitchen, the wall between the hub
of the home was knocked through and now
seamlessly flows into the living room (with its
new vaulted ceiling). With the structural work
complete, turn your aention to decorating.
Match cabinetry throughout, call on natural
materials, earth tones and a playful mix of
paern to cosy up your spaces.
 BHG JANUARY

3 COME
TOGETHER

4, 5 IT’S IN
THE DETAILS

6 CENTRAL
STATION

Knock down walls and
create the open-plan
space of your dreams,
as here, where the
kitchen and living room
is one big room, albeit
zoned. Apart from
not feeling crowded,
the whole family can
be together even if
they’re all doing
different things.

Oak cabinetry, leather
stools and Japaneseor Nordic-style wood
pendants will add lovely
warmth to your kitchen.
If you have a walk-in
pantry, dress up less
costly IKEA units with
handmade Moroccan
tiles that don’t line up
perfectly and have
slight colour variations.

Annexing the former
sunroom made room for
a 4.9m island (aka the
mother ship) with its
striking alabaster
waterfall benchtop! If
doable at your place, it’s
where the whole family
can gather to eat, talk
and do homework. And
glass sliders will ensure
indoor/outdoor flow.

RENOSTYLE

4

6

It’s a fact, easyaccess drawers
store more – from
cutlery, plates,
pots and pans to
appliances and
yummy snacks.

5

RENOSTYLE

DESIGNNOTES

Print, frame and hang
inspirational words
above your bed for
affordable and
inspirational ‘art’.

When remodelling, get the maximum bang for
your buck by following these simple tips...
• Think about the challenges of your current
space and how you want your home to function.
• Have realistic expectations of what your budget
will achieve. Make a list of what to contract out
and what you can DIY.
• When hiring a contractor, gather multiple
quotes. Your goal is to work with a person/
company that provides good communication,
transparency and clarity.
• Plan for a mix of high/low purchases, new and
repurposed with an interesting backstory.

Layer with cushions and throws in
tune with your colourway. A rug will
provide a so place to step onto
morning and night.

7

Continue the earthy
tones into the bedroom
to create good flow
between rooms. Here,
grasscloth wallpaper
provides visual texture
and adds an element of
elegance, supported by
the brass chandelier
(for a similar look, visit
pendantlightie.com).
As grasscloth can be
expensive, try a print
such as Albany Vector
Grasscloth wallpaper
in Straw, $117/roll,
wallpaperdirect.
com/au.
 BHG JANUARY

8

9

8 ‘H’ IS FOR
HARMONY

9 CLEAN ’N’
CLEVER

The laundry is possibly
the most utilitarian zone
in your home. Lavish
aention on it with a
brass mixer tap and a
stylish splashback of
interlocking ‘H’ Chaine
Homme tiles sourced
online from the US,
fireclaytile.com.

For a chic and efficient
laundry, incorporate the
washer and dryer in
cabinetry, designed
with plenty of storage
and a sizeable benchtop
to sort the wash. A black
tile herringbone floor
is also practical and
aesthetically pleasing.

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

7 SLEEP
WE WILL

LE

SU

A

M

MER S

SUBSCRIBE
FOR YOUR CHANCE TO

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CRAFTY HACKS

S P R AY TH E BAC K O F A MAN DAL A
STE N CI L WITH AD H E S IVE AN D
S ECU R E TO CU S H I O N F RO NT. U S E A
G E L S P R E AD E R TO AP P LY G LIT TE R
G E L EVE N LY OVE R TH E STE N CI L ,
TH E N CAR E F U LLY R E M OVE TH E
STE N CI L AN D LET D RY.

WA S H CU S H I O N S
BY HAN D TO
KE E P TH E M
LOO KI N G TH E I R
AB SO LUTE B E ST.

SHINE ON

Bring glamour and gleam to your walls, cushions, lamps
and more with metallic paints, foils and inks
126 BHG JANUARY 2024

1 CUSHION COUTURE

Put your own metallic spin on plain
cushions with foil transfers and glitter gels.
To add rectangles, as on the square
cushion (opposite page), cut strips of
iCraft Deco Foil Hot Melt Adhesive. Place
strips onto cushion, rough side down with
parchment paper on top. Heat-press in
place with a hot, dry iron for 30 seconds
then peel off paper backing. Cut strips of
iCraft Deco Foil Transfer Sheets slightly
larger than adhesive sections. Place onto
adhesive, colour side up, and heat-press in
place, following package directions. Peel
off; foil will remain on the adhesive. For a
more abstract look, as on the rectangular
cushion (opposite and below), use a
medium paintbrush to apply iCraft Deco
Foil Transfer Gel Duo (thicker toward
edges). Let dry until clear and tacky; iron
on foil transfer sheets, following package
directions. Peel off; foil will remain where
there is adhesive. iCraft products and
Ranger Glitter Gels in various colours,
crafties.com.au.

2 G LOW I N G ST Y L E

Use a wax metallic finish to
give an old or inexpensive
lamp base with raised
pattern a vintage look.
Use a rag to apply Rub’n
Buff in Gold Leaf (from
spotlightstores.com) to
the surface, then rub it off
the raised points while it is
still wet. Let wax set.

CRAFTYHACKS

3 F LU I D A R T I ST RY

Create your own coordinated collection of inexpensive vases by
painting pieces sourced from a thri shop. For this melty effect, use
Tim Holtz Alloy in Mined, Foundry, Gilded and Statue (cra 2u.com.
au). Put your vase on a thick sheet of cardboard. Shake the inks well
and drip around the neck of the vase. Add alcohol blending solution
(bevscrosscras.com.au) randomly to blend. Let dry completely.

TAKEITI NAD I F F E R E NT
D I R EC TI O N !P L AC ETH E
VA S EO NITSS I D EFO R
H O R IZO NTALD R I PLI N E S 
TU R NA SN EC E S SARYTO
S P R E ADTH EI N KS .

YO UCANE A S I LYAD D
COO R D I NATI N G
P I EC E S H E R E A
C HAR IT YS H O PF I N D
I SCOATE DWITHA
GO LDM ETALLI C
S P R AYPAI NT

4 WA L L STA R S

Make over your walls with a shimmery
design using an eye-catching Moroccan
or geometric stencil and metallic paint.
Start by priming your wall, then let dry
before applying a coat of metallic paint.
When dry, centre stencil at the top of the
wall, secure stencil to wall with painter’s
tape; check with a level to be sure it’s
straight. Sweeping in from the stencil
acetate and working in a circular motion,
apply white primer to the stencil cutouts
using a stencil brush. You will first need to
offload excess paint to avoid paint
bleeding under stencil edges. To do this,
simply wipe side of the stencil brush on
kitchen towel paper; swirl brush on the
paper to work paint up into the bristles,
then begin to stencil. Repeat the
stencilling process, using the pattern’s
registration marks to reposition stencil,
lining it up with an already dry section to
avoid smudging. For a similar stencil,
A3 Nador Moroccan Stencil, $36,
geminicreative.com.au, or Moroccan
Geometry Wall Stencil, $53,
blackpebble.com.au.

AD D S PAR KLE TO TH E BAC K O F P L AI N
S E ATI N G WITH S P R AY PAI NT. COVE R ANY
PARTS O F TH E C HAI R YO U DO N ’ T WANT
TO PAI NT, AD D PAI NTE R ’ S TAP E ARO U N D
E D G E S , TH E N S P R AY O UTDOO R S O R I N A
W E LL-VE NTI L ATE D AR E A I N DOO R S .

YOU DON’T
NEED TO
BREAK THE
BANK FOR A
HIGH-END
LOOK
JANUARY 2024 BHG 129

CRAFTYHACKS

Better tip

Looking for an
affordable
laminator? Visit
Officeworks,
Kmart or Big W.

5 STAT E M E N T P I E C E

6 IN THE FRAME

Cra your own sweet, cheeky or profound
sentiment or message to display. Print or copy
your design using a laser printer (inkjet won’t
work). Trim an iCra Deco Foil Transfer Sheet
to cover the leers or image you want to foil,
then sandwich the printout and foil between
two sheets of paper and send through a
pre-heated laminator. Peel off the foil sheet;
foil will remain on the toner leers and/or
images. iCra Deco Foil Transfer Sheets in
Gold and various colours, $8.95 to $10.95,
craies.com.au.

Add gold leaf to a new or charity-find picture
frame for a shiny showpiece. Working on one
side at a time, apply metal leaf adhesive (also
known as gold size) to the frame. The size is
opaque when first applied but dries clear.
When the size is clear but still tacky, follow
the manufacturer’s instructions to apply
sheets of gold leaf to your frame. As metal
leaf is very fragile and tears easily, you may
need to repeat this step to cover any cracks.
Let dry. Gold size and gold leaf,
spotlightstores.com.

7 P OT S O F G O L D

Add a metallic patina to
white-painted clay or concrete
pots. To do this, use painter’s
tape to mark an even line
around the boom of the pots.
With each pot upside down,
use a foam brush to apply at
least two coats of metallic
paint, allowing the paint to dry
completely aer each coat.

JANUARY BHG 

YOUR
Rethink your outdoor
spaces and create a relaxing
sanctuary for a summer of
lounging and entertaining!

AWAITS

BAC K TO BA S I C S

Invest in essential patio pieces like
a sofa, coffee table and market
umbrella for shade if needed.
Stick to a neutral palette for base
pieces so you can make seasonal
tweaks to the look on the cheap
simply by swapping out cushions.

ACC E S SO R I S E WITH
E ARTH -TO N E D CU S H I O N S AN D TE XTU R E
– LI N E N , S E AG R A S S , WI C KE R . . .

OUTDOOR DECOR

LO N G I N G TO E SCAP E FO R
A S P OT O F SO LO TI M E
WITH YO U R FAVE MAG?
A HAM M OC K C HAI R HA S
YO U R NAM E O N IT!

LET’S HANG OUT

Almost any deck or verandah can benefit
from a playful swing chair or even a
hammock to help you breeze through
summer. And think of guest comfort by
loading up on floor cushions, hats and, for
cool nights, wraps. For similar, Gardeon
Hammock Hanging Swing Chair Cream,
$51.95, myer.com.au.

JANUARY 2024 BHG 133

OUTDOOR DECOR

YOUR NEW
OASIS COULD
BE AS SIMPLE
AS ADDING A
SWING CHAIR
OR FINDING
A SHADY
SPOT FOR A
HAMMOCK!

W

hen bright blue skies and sunshine-filled days
beckon you irresistibly outside, give these
easy decorating ideas a whirl if an outdoor
makeover is in order. They’re bound to help
beautify your spaces. Budget tight? Refresh your timber deck
and/or furniture, work with decorative objects you have, hit the
thrift shops and scroll the web for bargain buys you can corral
as extra pieces. When you’re done, you can kick back and relax
– solo or with a gathering of your nearest and dearest. After all,
summer is made for alfresco entertaining.

WHY HAVE A BAR E
F I R E P L AC E I N S U M M E R
WH E N YO U CAN D R E S S IT
WITH L ANTE R N S FO R M OO D
LI G HTI N G , AN D VE S S E L S?

LO U N G I N G A B O U T

Decorate your outdoors with a sofa
made for lounging. If your deck is under
cover, an inexpensive and oh-so-comfy
indoor sofa with washable covers will
work just as well, but buy a spare set of
covers so you can wash and wear
simultaneously. For similar, Ektorp
2-seater sofa in Kilanda Light Beige,
$649, ikea.com.au.
134 BHG JANUARY 2024

D R I N K S STATI O N

Set up a servery for open-air sips and snacks.
Festoon lights, portable lanterns and touch-to-light
battery-operated lamps will provide evening ambience
when your party carries on into the night! For a tropical
feel, decorate with potted palms and seek out a similar
cheerful tiki bar with rooftop. There are even self-assembly
kits for tabletops, which you can decorate as you please,
Luau Tiki Bar Hut Tabletop 4-Piece Kit, $80, bigw.com.au.

OUTDOORDECOR

FO RAL AI D - BAC KVI B E 
LOO KTOTE XTU R AL
ACC E S SO R I E SS U C HA S
BA S KETWALLD ECO R O RA
WOVE NWALLHAN G I N G 

W H IT E + T E X T U R E

All-white exteriors will continue to be
popular as we move into 2024.
However, in terms of trends, there’s
been a slight shi away from the use
of bright whites to warmer whites.
These soer, more nuanced shades
complement weatherboard and
country exteriors perfectly.

ORGAN IC
WEAVE

Bring typically
indoor sculptural
pieces outside to
create the feel of
a cosy room.

the Garlic Gourd Bulawayo
Basket, $349 (large),
cocoluxur.com.au.

 BHG JANUARY

Photography Future Publishing

For a similar vase, check out

FABULOUSFINDS

SHOP THE LOOK

Breathe new life into your patio so it’s ready for a summer of get-togethers
Amalfi Togo handwoven
seagrass baskets,
$269.95, set/2,
isalbi.com.au.

Premium Beach
Umbrella in Nudie, $319,
basilbangs.com.
Tanah 3-seater
Raan Daybed,
$1349.95,
pillowtalk.
com.au.

Rogue Mariska
vessel in Light
Brown, $34.95,
isalbi.com.au.

Amalfi Jay placemat in Fresh
Beige, $34.95, set/4,
isalbi.com.au.

Muse Zen Swirl Oblong
cushion in Caramel, $49.95,
pillowtalk.com.au.

Bondi
lanterns in
Natural, small
$39.95, large
$59.95,
pillowtalk.
com.au.

Calypso knit cushion
in Sage, $29.95,
pillowtalk.com.au.

Prices are approximate
and a guide only.

Pithari Urn pot, from
$185.90, 35 x 55cm,
northcotepoery.com.

Lode outdoor
ooman in Malibu
Sand, from $604,
kingliving.com.au.

Habitat Cement
Noughts & Crosses,
$14.95, pillowtalk.com.au.

VidaXL Bamboo 3-piece Garden
Lounge set with Cream White
cushions, $318.99, amazon.com.au.

JANUARY BHG 

Curate a lush patio hangout spot with finishes,
furnishings and plants to suit your personality

W H AT ’ S YO U R

OUTDOOR
STYLE ?

U S ETE R R ACOT TAP OTS
–G L A ZE DO RN OT–O F
VARYI N GH E I G HTSAN D
P L ANTSTAN DSTO
C R E ATER HY TH M
AN DM OVE M E NT!

IF YOUR STYLE IS EARTHY BOHEMIAN
Boho as an aesthetic is synonymous with travellers, creatives and those who seek to buck convention. Brave, eclectic, global
and handmade combinations are the order of the day, so decorate with natural materials, layering paerns and textures to
create an interesting and unique space. Include plush textiles and comfortable seating to evoke an inviting atmosphere.
 BHG JANUARY

PATIOIDEAS

BAT TE RY- P OWE R E D
LE DP I LL AR
CAN D LE SWO N ’ T
B LOWO UTN O R
M E LTI NH OT
WE ATH E R MAKI N G
TH E MANE XC E LLE NT
C H O I C EO UTS I D E 

IF YOUR STYLE IS TRADITIONAL
Classic paerns such as black and white stripes are a timeless choice. As are square or squarish planters juxtaposed with the rounded
shape of a boxwood topiary, as here. Staying with the geometric theme, fix diamond laice to an exterior wall and paint it the same
colour as your wall. It will add interest in the most subtle way. Add a ping of colour via cushions or flowers – your outdoor room will sing!

PAN E LLE D WALL S
PAI NTE D A SO F T
B LU E TE AM WE LL
WITH WH ITE O R
C R E AM AN D AR E
LOVE LY FO R
A CO U NTRY
COT TAG E LOO K .

IF YOUR STYLE IS COTTAGE CHIC
This is a look for anyone who aspires to create a welcoming, intimate and cosy feel. This ‘room’, be it at the front or back of your home,
tends to be on the smaller side but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have impact. Treat it as an extension of the inside with charming homey
touches – rug, sconces and plants to add colour and life. Then while away the hours with comfy seating – wicker or even rocking chairs.
140 BHG JANUARY 2024

PATIO IDEAS

C H OOS E CO NTAI N E R S
AN D P L ANTS WITH
I NTE R E STI N G
S I LH O U ET TE S AN D
SCU LPTU R AL FO R M S .

GOOD TO KNOW

LET YOUR CUSHIONS ADD
A LITTLE RAY OF SUNSHINE

IF YOUR STYLE IS LAID-BACK MODERN
Opt for subdued hues, contemporary timber outdoor furniture and shapely containers with a glazed finish for a relaxed, unfussy
courtyard. To unify disparate pots, use river rocks on top of the pots which will also prevent water loss. Like the look of polished
concrete walls? Head to the hardware store for Dulux Concrete Effect paint, and apply it to cement sheet to recreate this finish.

OUTDOORTABLE

beneath the GABLEs

Adorn the raers with pink
and green foliage and
paper fans for an
adorable garden
centrepiece.

Elevate your garden décor and build an arbor-style
dining table. Make it with timber and simple carpentry
techniques, then go ahead and dine out alfresco!
 BHG JANUARY

PRETTY PASTELS

For instant charm, blend natural
timber and wicker seating, then dress
your table with pretty pinks and a splash
of soft blue to complete the look.

EASY STEPS TO BUILD A DINING TABLE WITH A GABLE
Safety notes
• When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
mask and earmuffs, and
tie your hair back. When
appropriate, wear rubber
gloves and protective
clothing.
Gather your supplies
• 90 x 90mm 2.4m H4
pine post (5)
• 70 x 35mm 2.4m
outdoor pine framing (2)
• 100 x 25mm 2.4m H4
sawn pine (7)
• 100 x 50mm 2.4m H4
pine plinth (3)
• 22 x 22mm 2.4m
Tasmanian oak dowel
• 125mm galvanised
bugle screws
• 65mm galvanised
timber screws
• 40mm galvanised
timber screws
• 19mm stainless steel
flange (2)
• 19mm galvanised steel
round tube 3m
You’ll also need
Tape measure;
combination square;
pencil; mitre saw;
orbital sander and
80-grit sandpaper;
120-grit sandpaper;
hand saw;
clamps;
exterior PVA glue;
drill; 22mm spade bit;
6mm drill bit;
hack saw;
countersink bits;
reciprocating saw;
impact driver;
pocket hole jig;
wood filler;
scraper;
exterior white paint;
paintbrush

Here’s how
STEP 1 Measure, mark and
cut all components (see list
below) with tape measure,
combination square, pencil
and mitre saw. For a smooth
finish with slightly curved
edges, sand all parts and
round the edges with an
orbital sander.
STEP 2 To create half-lap
joints at the gable peaks,
measure and draw a square
line 90mm from one end of
2 Raers. Clamp Raers to
workbench, and cut along
the marked line of both
Raers with hand saw.
Unclamp and flip both

Raers. Mark a line 45mm
from edge; clamp and cut
with reciprocating saw. Mark
and cut 45-degree cut at the
opposite end of the 2 Raers
with mitre saw. Repeat with
the remaining 2 Raers.
STEP 3 Align 1 Raer and 1
Leg, apply PVA glue to end of
Raer and clamp to end of
Leg. Allow to dry. With 22mm
spade bit, drill 25mm into
Raer whilst over the Leg
centre. With a 6mm drill bit,
drill a pilot hole through
centre of spade bit hole
(through the Raer and into
the Leg). Insert 125mm bugle
screw and tighten with

2

3

8

9

10

7

4
5

6

1

TABLE DIAGRAM
Components

PART

1 Leg
2 Rafter
3 Long table side
4 Short table side
5 Corner inset A
6 Corner inset B
7 Tabletop brace
8 Long slat
9 Short slat
10 Corner brace

SIZE (IN MM)

90 x 90 x 1675
90 x 90 x 735
100 x 50 x 1605
100 x 50 x 800
100 x 50 x 50
100 x 50 x 90
70 x 35 x 1700
100 x 25 x 880
100 x 25 x 725
100 x 50 x 80

impact driver. To conceal the
screw head, apply PVA glue
and twist a 22mm dowel into
the hole. Allow to dry. With
hand saw, cut dowel flush
with the surface. Repeat to
assemble remaining 3 Leg
and Raer joints.
STEP 4 To assemble the
half-lap joint at the gable,
apply PVA glue to half-lap
joint on 1 Raer and join to
half-lap on a second Raer to
form a 90-degree angle.
Predrill, countersink and
insert a 65mm timber screw;
tighten to complete 1 side.
Repeat for opposite side.
STEP 5 To assemble the
tabletop frame, apply PVA
glue to end of Corner inset A
and aach flush to edge of
Corner inset B (to form
L-shaped corner). Predrill,
countersink and secure with
two 65mm timber screws.
Repeat for remaining 3
corners. Apply PVA glue to
both ends of L-shaped
corner, aach short end flush
to edge of Short table side,
and long end flush to Long
table side. Repeat for
remaining 3 inset corners.
STEP 6 To provide extra
support, draw a diagonal line
through centre of all Corner
braces, then cut along line
with reciprocating saw for 2

MATERIAL

Pine post
Pine post
Pine plinth
Pine plinth
Pine plinth
Pine plinth
Pine framing
Sawn pine
Sawn pine
Pine plinth

QTY

4
4
2
2
4
4
2
16
2
4

OUTDOORTABLE

STEP 2A

STEP2C

STEP 2B

STEP 4

triangles from each Corner
brace (8 triangles in total).
Apply PVA to right-angled
sides of 2 triangles and aach
to L-shaped corner and side.
Allow to dry. With spade bit,
drill a 30mm depth hole into
the centre of each triangle
base, parallel to each side of
table frame. Repeat for
remaining 3 corners.
STEP 7 Place tabletop frame
face down on a flat surface.
With pocket hole jig, drill 2
pocket holes into the boom
of both ends of all Long and
Short slats. Position all Long
slats face down and equally
spaced inside the frame.
Drop Short slats into both
ends of tabletop frame.
Screw the slats in place
with 40mm timber screws.
STEP 8 Drill 2 pocket holes
into both ends of both
Tabletop braces. Place the
braces on their edges, evenly
spaced and on the underside
of the tabletop. Glue and
screw to the Short sides.
STEP 9 Set tabletop on one
Long side, and slide the Legs

into place at all corners, with
tabletop 760mm from the
ground and clamp in place.
STEP 10 To secure Legs to
tabletop, drill a pilot hole
through 4 existing spade bit
holes, through the triangles
and into Legs. Insert 125mm
bugle screws and tighten.
STEP 11 Fill screw holes
with wood filler and scraper,
allow to set. Sand all timber
surfaces till smooth. Apply
2 coats of paint to entire
structure. Allow to dry and
denib aer each coat with
120-grit sandpaper.
STEP 12 Predrill and aach
flange to centre of gable on
one side with 40mm screws.
Measure, mark and cut steel
tube to 1605mm with
hacksaw. Insert tube to
mounted flange, then into
second flange on other end
and aach to centre of other
gable to complete.
FOR PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

WINGING IT

Make your own table seing
decorations with calico or
fabric cut into wing shapes
and glue to a small stick.

BRACE YOURSELF

Add corner bracing to your
tabletop so your table is
strong enough to carry the
load. It’s a basic addition
that’ll keep you hosting
parties for years to come.

IN THE CORNER

Inset your tabletop within
the table legs for an easy
build with solid construction
and simple style. Paint it
white for a blank canvas
ready for you to accessorise!
JANUARY BHG 

WEEKENDPROJECT

Up your woodworking skills and build a timber table
that’s a win for poker night or rainy-day family games

EASY STEPS TO BUILD YOUR GAMES TABLE
Gather your supplies
• 2200 x 600 x 26mm
pine panel
• 2200 x 600 x 26mm
okoume panel
• 2200 x 600 x 26mm
acacia panel
• Angle brackets (8)
You’ll also need
Tape measure;
combination square;
pencil; circular saw;
straight edge; clamps;
120-grit sandpaper; PVA
glue; ratchet strap; cloth;
orbital sander; jigsaw;
drill; 20mm screws;
water-based clear coat

Safety notes
• When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
mask and earmuffs,
and tie your hair back.
When appropriate,
wear rubber gloves and
protective clothing.
Here’s how
STEP 1 With selection of
timber boards, decide on
design. Measure, mark and
cut all components (list
below) with tape measure,
pencil, combination square
and circular saw (use clamps
and straight edge). Sand
sawn edges with sandpaper.
STEP 2 To assemble the
tabletop, lay 5 Top panels

STEP 5
Components
PART

Top panel
Leg panel

SIZE (IN MM)

STEP 6

MATERIAL

1000 x 200 x 26 Choose timber
1000 x 275 x 26 Choose timber

 BHG JANUARY

QTY

5
4

side by side on a flat surface.
Apply a bead of PVA glue
between each board. Clamp
pieces together with a large
clamp or ratchet strap. Wipe
away excess glue from the
surfaces with a damp cloth
and allow the glue to dry.
STEP 3 To assemble 2 table
base panels, repeat Step 2
with 2 Leg panels per base
panel. With an orbital sander
and 120-grit sandpaper, sand
all surfaces until smooth.
STEP 4 To assemble the
base, measure and mark the
centres of a base panel.
With the centre point as your
guide, draw two lines
perpendicular to the long
side of the Legs to 275mm
length and spaced by 35mm.
Use a circular saw to cut
along the lines and cut out
notch with jigsaw. Repeat for
second base panel.
STEP 5 Lay tabletop
face-down on flat surface.
Centre 1 Leg panel onto
tabletop. Position 4 angle
brackets to connect tabletop
to base. Predrill through
angle bracket holes, insert
20mm screws and tighten.
STEP 6 Slide second Leg
panel onto aached panel
notch to create cross-shaped
table base. Aach remaining
angle brackets per Step 5.
STEP 7 Apply water-based
clear coat. Allow to dry.

terrific TRIO

Choose your own
adventure with the three
different wood tones.
Or, go for reclaimed
timber – it’s your choice!
for PROJECT
SUPPLIES, see OUR
stockists page

MAKEOVE RCU B E S
WITHS LI P COVE R S
S EWNF RO M
U P H O L STE RY
FAB R I C–E A SY !

UPCYCLECABINET

FLIPPING GNIPPILF
BEFO RE

Turn a tired-looking sideboard into a functional
hutch-style buffet – and make your place a home!

N

ot everyone can flip houses for a living, but we can all flip a
cabinet to refresh it, repurpose it and add value to your space
without having to drop a bundle. By using a lick of decorative
chalk paint, surprisingly easy woodwork, and a lile sweat equity, you
can coax out a stylish, functional showpiece from an old sideboard.

Gather your supplies
• 2400 x 1200 x 16mm
MDF panel
• Degreaser spray
• Fine steel wool
• 89 x 19mm 1.8m dressed
pine (2)
• British Paints White
Prep 4in1 Water Based
• British Paints Furniture
Paint in Healing Spa
• British Paints Furniture
Paint Protective Ma
Clear varnish
• 320mm bar handles (2)
• Rub’n Buff in
Antique Gold
• Hardwired Antique
Brass sconce
You’ll also need
Cabinet; painter’s tape;
tape measure; pencil;
square; circular saw;
120-grit sandpaper and
block; string; nail; jigsaw;
trim router; drill; drill bits;
cloths; wood-filling
cement; puy knife; nap
rollers and trays; 30mm
screws; 60mm screws;
sponge dabber; 44mm
hole saw

 BHG JANUARY

EASY STEPS TO UPCYCLE
YOUR VINTAGE CABINET
Transform a uni-purpose piece of furniture into a striking
buffet, offering both practical storage and display shelves.
Safety notes
• Have a licensed electrician
convert a hardwired wall
sconce to a plug-in.
• When operating power
tools, wear safety glasses,
mask, earmuffs and tie your
hair back. When appropriate,
wear rubber gloves and
protective clothing.
Here’s how
STEP 1 With your cabinet
in place, apply painter’s
tape on the wall behind to
show outline and curves of
backboard. Measure your
tape layout and mark the
MDF panel accordingly.
STEP 2 Measure, mark and

cut all components (see list
below) with tape measure,
pencil, square and circular
saw. Sand sawn edges with
sandpaper and block. Mark
the centre of the Backboard
at the top and draw a straight
line down the centre to the
boom edge. To mark a
round curve on top of
Backboard, tie a length of
string to a nail. Measure
string to half the width of
cabinet (600mm) and tie a
loop at other end. Anchor
nail on centre line, 600mm
from top, then insert pencil
into loop and draw a
semicircle on top of the
Backboard. Cut along

Components (for a 1400mm-wide cabinet)
Part

Backboard
Shelf
Brace

Size (in mm)

1400 x 1200 x 16
420 x 112 x 16
1500 x 80 x 16

Material

MDF
MDF
Dressed pine

STEP 1

STEP 2

QTY

1
2
2

SEEN ON BHG TV

FRIDAYS 7.00

1 old-fashioned charm

Hitting the refresh button on a neglected,
freestanding period piece can pay off using a
little elbow grease. And the best thing about
this simple upcycle project is that you can even
do it in a rental – and still get your bond back!

UPCYCLE CABINET

STEP 3

STEP 9
STEP 6

STEP 10

STEP 8A

STEP 11

STEP 8B
150 BHG JANUARY 2024

STEP 12

holes 320mm apart and
20mm in from front edge on
both Shelves. Set aside.
STEP 5 Remove drawers,
doors and handles from
cabinet. Working one
section at a time, spray
degreaser onto all handles
and cabinet surfaces (inside
and out). Scrub with steel
wool. Wipe away dirt with
clean, damp cloth. Fill holes
and dents with wood-filling
cement and putty knife.
Allow to dry. Sand surface
with sandpaper and block
until smooth. Wipe down
with damp cloth.
STEP 6 To prepare cabinet
for painting, mask edges of
drawers with painter’s tape.
Apply 1 coat of Prep 4in1
with nap roller to cabinet
carcass, drawer fronts,
Backboard and Shelves.
Allow to dry. Apply 2 coats
of Furniture Paint in Healing
Spa to all primed surfaces,
then 1 coat of Clear varnish.
Allow to dry after each coat.
Remove painter’s tape.
STEP 7 Lay Backboard
face-down on a flat surface.
Lay 2 equally spaced Braces
100mm in from edge with
overhang same height as
cabinet carcass. Predrill
and screw both Braces to
Backboard with 4 equally
spaced 30mm screws.
STEP 8 With Backboard
flush on back of cabinet,
predrill 2 holes through
Brace and into cabinet
frame, 10mm from top and
bottom edges. Insert 60mm
screws and screw tight.
Repeat for second Brace.
STEP 9 For Shelf positions,
measure and mark 500mm
up from bottom of
Backboard centre line.
Draw a 420mm horizontal
line to left of centre line.

Measure and draw a parallel
line 300mm above the first.
Drill 3 equally spaced holes
along both lines.
STEP 10 With Shelf in
position, predrill through all
Backboard holes and into
Shelf back edge. Check
with level; insert 60mm
screws and screw tight.
Repeat for second Shelf.
STEP 11 Apply Rub’n Buff
to bar drawer handles with
sponge dabber; buff to a
shine with dry cloth. Attach
bar handles to Shelves and
reattach handles to cabinet.
STEP 12 Mark location of
sconce on Backboard. Use
a 44mm hole saw to bore a
hole through Backboard.
Screw sconce base plate to
Backboard. Feed sconce’s
plug/electric cable through
hole. Secure light to base
plate. Plug in wall sconce;
move buffet/hutch against
the wall.

JULIET LOVE
Let me show you how
to make beautiful
décor pieces to
enhance your space on
BHG TV, Fridays at
7pm on Channel 7.
(Apologies, may be
subject to change.)

Go to bhg.com.au
for more decorating
tips and tricks.

FOR SHOPPING
DETAILS AND PROJECT
SUPPLIES, SEE OUR
STOCKISTS PAGE

Photography Alan Jensen; styling Vanessa Tidy; project Karenza Jewell

marked curve with jigsaw.
STEP 3 With trim router,
cut an edge profile along
curved Backboard edge to
match edges on cabinet.
Repeat to cut edge profile
on 2 sides and front edge of
both Shelves.
STEP 4 For Shelves, drill 2

MORE LUSTROUS
THAN SILVER,
ANTIQUE GOLD
AND BRASS ARE
TIMELESS FINISHES

PAINT A THRIFT
SHOP MIRROR
WHITE TO GIVE
IT MODERN
APPEAL.

2

2 classic example

Displaying crisp white
china and other
collectibles against a
backdrop of layered
blues lets them stand
out and creates an
elegant cameo-like
effect. This soothing
colour scheme is
punctuated by antique
gold and brass accents,
adding a subtle design
flair. The bar handles on
the shelves echo the
antique gold-treated
drawer pulls for a
cohesive look.

3

4

3 go into detail

No need to buy new
hardware – revive what
you have. These ornate
handles were sprayed
with degreaser, then
scrubbed with
steel wool for an
antique-gold finish.

4 come to light

Add stylish illumination
with a brassy wall
sconce, as here. Use it
to turn your buffet
into the room’s focal
point and highlight
your curated selection
of objets d’art.

DESIGNMATTERS

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

]

Outside

INTERESTS

STYLE TWIST

OUTDOOR REFRESH

Honeyeater and Capricorn Charcoal
reversible outdoor cushions, $44.95
each, madraslinkonline.com.au.

Hit the floor

Replacing floors? Try a hybrid alternative
to tiles and carpet. Aesthetically
pleasing, it combines the strength and
durability of vinyl planks with the look
and feel of laminate, plus it’s spill-proof.
Metropol 1200 Natural Hardwood is
ideal for living areas, laundries and
kitchens, POA, godfreyhirst.com/au.

Lounges for entertaining, chairs
for individual relaxation, a table for
drinks, the Mimosa Malibu range has
it all! 2-seater lounge, $469, 1-seater,
$299 each, rectangle coffee table,
$189, bunnings.com.au.

Soness and comfort underfoot
is unbeatable for bedroom
flooring. In addition, it offers
warmth while masking the sound
of footsteps. Consider easy-clean
Triexta Inspirational cut-pile
twist carpet in Birchwood,
godfreyhirst.com/au.

AGRATEIDEA

When you’re next landscaping
your yard, consider an effective,
aractive and inconspicuous,
architecturally-designed linear
drainage system that blends
seamlessly with your outdoor
pavers, tiles or concrete, POA,
stormtech.com.au.

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

[

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• Colour-printed fabric
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• Stylus
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• Craft tray

TO BUY YOUR DIAMOND DOTZ KITS, VISIT BHGSHOP.COM.AU
Postage and handling additional. Delivery within Australia only. Offer available while stocks last. Prices are subject to change at any time.
JANUARY 2024 BHG 153

BETTERHEALTH

Your heart on
Now’s a good time to learn how to navigate tension and help protect your heart

Y

ou cannot control
whether or when
pressure hits,
but you can
control how you handle it.
And the beer you do that,
the beer you’ll counter
its potential effects and
reduce your risk factors
for heart disease.
the Reality of life

Pressure or stress aren’t
always bad, in fact it can
be a good thing if it gives
you the push you need to

complete a task, pack for
a trip, or do the laundry
before you run out of
clean underwear.
But ongoing tension,
whether it’s constant
fights with a partner or
a crushing workload, can
take a toll on your body,
particularly your heart.
And just like high blood
pressure or diabetes,
stress can be a risk factor
for heart disease, so
knowing how to put
the brakes on is vital.

LEARNING HOW TO
MANAGE STRESS
CAN IMPROVE THE
QUALITY OF YOUR
LIFE AS WELL AS YOUR
RELATIONSHIPS.

Str e s s M a n ag e m e nt
When the heat is on it’s tempting to drop the ball and fall into
unhealthy habits such as smoking, overeating and not exercising.
But there are much more effective ways to deal with tension.
Here are five effective ways to cope with life’s pressures and
in the process, safeguard your heart and your overall health.

2

1

Become aware
If stress is a constant
factor in your life,
you may not even
recognise the warning
signs, such as headaches,
tight neck and shoulders,
and grinding teeth, that
stress is taking its toll. Stop
and check in with yourself
at least once a day. How’s
your breathing? Are your
muscles tight? Take a
few deep breaths to let
go of the tension. Simply
being more aware of your
reaction to stress, and
taking a few minutes
to relax and breathe,
can help tame your
body’s response.

Good food
Eating healthy,
whole foods
consistently will
help to keep your blood
sugar balanced. Hunger
and low blood sugar can
make it difficult to react
well to stress. Try carrying
a small bag of nuts or a
healthy snack for times
when you’re stuck in traffic
or waiting for a meeting
and starting to stress out.
If it’s been an especially
tense day, have a cup of
chamomile tea. You’ll feel
your anxiety dropping as
you sip. And you might
sleep better too, a proven
way to lower anxiety and
help your body recover.

3

Go for
balance
Pursuing
a hobby
or working with
your hands helps to
put your brain into a
relaxed state. It’s like a
moving meditation and
is the opposite of stress.
Doing things you enjoy

helps to open the
door to experiencing
a lightness of being, a
sense of fun and freedom,
and helps to minimise
the impact of chronic
stress. Leisure and social
activities can also help
to buffer the effects of a
stressful job or situation.

4

Do a rethink
Restructuring your
thoughts is a good
way to stop you
from catastrophising. For
instance, if you’re running
late to a meeting and
thinking you’re going to
miss important information
or even get fired, take a
breath and ask yourself:
“How likely is it? How
could I handle it if it did
happen?” Giving yourself a
reality check and thinking
through what you would
do if the worst did happen
can help you calm
down.

5

Work it out
Exercising is key
to conditioning
your heart
to keep it strong and
healthy when times are
stressful. Walking is great,
but if you really want to
strengthen your heart
and lungs, you need to
do aerobic exercise that
breaks a sweat. Being
active also helps to burn
off or release stress being
held in your body. And
another thing you’ll find
is that once
you’re exercising
regularly, you’ll
naturally want
to eat better.

The good news is, with increased
awareness and by introducing
lifestyle changes you can
counter the stress response
and in doing so improve your
cardiovascular health
JANUARY BHG 

BETTER HEALTH

H ow yo u r
heart
r e ac t s
to stress

GOOD
TO
KNOW

E at t o y o u r
heart’S content
Various studies have shown that following the
Mediterranean diet long term is beneficial for
your heart. It’s an eating plan based on the
traditional cuisine of Mediterranean countries
around the Mediterranean Sea and includes
wholesome foods such as vegetables, whole
grains, beans, fruits, nuts and seeds, moderate
amounts of dairy, lean protein such as fish and
chicken, and extra virgin olive oil. This eating plan
is a lifestyle and encourages sharing meals with
family and friends, and regular exercise.

156 BHG JANUARY 2024

Chronic
stress
is when you’re
experiencing
stress that doesn’t
go away for days,
weeks or months.
It can increase
your chance of
having a stressrelated heart
attack or heart
failure. The
elevated levels
of the stress
hormone cortisol
can also increase
your appetite
and craving for
unhealthy foods,
thus leading to
weight gain.

• Your brain senses

danger. In ancient
times it might have
been a sabre-toothed
tiger. Today it could be
a work deadline or an
upcoming important
conversation.
Your brain sends
a signal to the
hypothalamus gland,
which sets in motion
a physical reaction
known as ‘fight-orflight’. Your adrenal
glands pump out stress
hormones, including
adrenaline and cortisol.
Your heart beats
faster, your blood
pressure goes up, and
you breathe more
rapidly. Your body
also releases glucose
(sugar) and fats from
storage to give your
muscles fuel (once
needed to escape
that tiger).
The crisis passes and
your nervous system
returns to normal.
But if you’re under
constant stress, your
system can stay revved
up and potentially lead
to trouble. Research
suggests persistently
high levels of stress
hormones increase
inflammation within
blood vessels and
might contribute to
damage and narrowing
of the arteries, which
may lead to a heart
attack or stroke.

•

•

•

Illustrations Adobe Stock. Sources: mayoclinic.org; healthpartners.com.

Acute stress
is a response to a
sudden or scary
situation and
generally doesn’t
have any lasting
effect. But if your
body isn’t able to
quickly recover, it
can impact your
heart health.

Life’s triggers

Stress can impact you mentally,
physically and emotionally. For
example, big events such as divorce,
family conflicts, the death of a loved
one, prolonged illness and natural
disasters can all negatively affect
heart health. How? Basically, all
forms of stress can lead to increased
blood pressure and increased levels
of stress hormones, both of which
play a role in heart disease. If you’re
struggling to cope, the best advice is
to seek professional help.

4 way s t o
kick stress to
the kerb during
t h e h o l i d ay s

• Increase physical exercise

Start slowly and gradually
increase the duration
and intensity.
• Practise relaxation
Focus on your body and relax
each and every muscle.
• Improve your diet
Review your eating habits,
make heart-healthy changes.
• Limit alcohol
Avoid using alcohol as
an escape and stop at
a glass or two.

TOP TIP

Make an effort to
stay connected
to the people
you care about
and start saying
‘no’ to requests
that can lead to
more stress in
your life.

BETTER BEAUTY

TO

10 ways to boost your radiance inside
and out for the holidays and beyond

T

he party season is in full swing,
so now’s the time for you to dazzle.
Read on for a slew of ways to help
you do just that, including options that
will deliver instant results. Others may take
a little longer, but they’ll keep you
sparkling all the way through
summer. Let’s get started.

When your skin
texture is even
and you apply
an illuminating
product, the
results will be
noticeably better!

158 BHG JANUARY 2024

2

3

1

4

5

1

BRING OUT
YOUR BEST

Exfoliating once or
twice a week is key to
radiant-looking skin. It
takes only a few minutes,
depending on the product,
but afterwards your skin
may feel smoother and
appear brighter too.
1 Prep And Reset
Exfoliating Facial Pads,
$129, Cosmedix. 2 Reboot
Fluid Exfoliant, $37,
Airyday. 3 3 in 1 Fruit
Peel Mask, $68,
O Cosmedics.
4 Cleansing
Complex
Polish, $81,
iS Clinical.

2

LOVE
YOUR SKIN

Keep your skin nourished
and hydrated, inside
and out, to maintain a
healthy luminosity. Your
skin is often exposed to
heat and other elements,
so daily head-to-toe
skincare is essential. The
good news is when
your skin and body are
well-loved, you’ll sparkle
even more!
5 Bright Healthy
Radiance Perfecting
Serum, $42.99, Cetaphil.
6 Ultra Care+Platinum
Night Rejuvenation Oil,
$104, Nutrimetics.
7 Vitamin C Glow Potion,
$59.95, The Jojoba
Company. 8 Body Whip
Moisturiser in Perky Plum,
Just Peach, Very Berry
or Watermelon
Whirl, $39.99 each,
Sundae Body.

3

SLIP ON
A MASK

Ok, so you’ve just been
invited to a party or a
function and your skin
is looking tired or dull.
Solution: a sheet mask.
They’re an efficient,
no-mess way to give
your skin a quick
perk-up. And if you
relax during the 20
minutes or so it’s on, it’s
even better, as you’ll
get to your event rested
and ready to party.
9 B3 Glow
Sheet Mask, $49, box
of 5 masks, Ginger &
Me. 10 Reversaderm
Brightening Vitamin C
Face Mask, $9.95 per
mask, Dr. LeWinn’s.
11 Hydrate & Firm
Silk Face Mask, $49,
James Cosmetics.

It’s worth making
an effort to look
your best – when
you look great,
you’ll feel great!
9

10

7
11

6
8

24

26
23

28

25
27

5

USE GLOW
BOOSTERS

4

LOOK
SUN-KISSED

Sparkles rock,
but when it
comes to glittery
eyeshadow, less
can sometimes
be even more
effective and fun!
13

Giving your skin a subtle
golden glow, head-to-toe,
can instantly put you in
a holiday or party state
of mind, and brighten
your look. There are
quick-and-easy face and
body wash-off bronzer
options, which will give
you immediate results,
or longer-lasting selftanners, take your pick.
12 Radiance-Plus
Golden Glow Booster
For Face, $43, Clarins.
13 Sun-Kissed Face
Gelee Complexion
Multitasker, $55,
Clinique. 14 Instant Tan,
$23.95, Bali Body.

To give your skin greater
luminosity, add a glow
serum to your skincare
regimen or swap your
moisturiser or foundation
for a product with built-in
illuminating benefits. For
your body, do a weekly
body scrub and apply an
oil or cream daily that
leaves your skin feeling
lovely and soft.
15 Glow Serum
Drops, $79, Ella Baché.
16 Instant Glow Skin
Tint, $45, Luk Beautifood.
17 Gold Illuminating
Moisturiser, $22, Nobody’s
Nobody. 18 Glow Time
Pro BB Cream SPF 25,
$92, Jane Iredale.
19 Miracle Glo Skin
Serum with Hyaluronic
Acid, $20, The Kind
Collective. 20 Body
Smooth & Glow Oil
Elixir, $70, Caudalie.
21 In The Glow Tahitian
Body Oil Highlighter,
$14.95, Barry M.

14

12

15
19

16
17

18

22 Body Superfood
Mango & Vitamin C
Nutri-Glow Cream, $12.99,
Garnier. 23 It’s Glow Time
set, including Unwind
Shower Balm, AHA
Exfoliating Body Wash,
Whipped Body Wash,
Cloud Toiletries Bag,
Energise Glow Natural
Exfoliating Body Scrub,
$85, epzen.

6

WEAR A SMILE

Even if you’re not
in the mood, smile, it’s
uplifting. For example, if
you’re low on confidence,
feeling nervous or just not
in a party frame of mind,
wear one anyway. Initially
it will feel fake, because
it is, but rest assured the
more you do it the better
you’ll feel, and don’t be
surprised when other
people join in.

7

TURN UP
THE LIGHT

Using makeup to play up
your skin and features
is great, but when you
introduce highlighter,

20
21

 BHG JANUARY

22

BETTERBEAUTY

LOOKING YOUR BEST
EQUALS A HEALTHY
MINDSET, DAILY SKINCARE,
TOPPED OFF WITH A FEW
MAKEUP TIPS AND TRICKS
bronzer and illuminating
products you can take
your results to the
next level and look
incandescent. Keep it
subtle so people will
assume it’s natural.
24 Liquid Illuminate
Gel, $52, Lust Minerals.
25 Radiant Bronzer,
$62, Monat. 26 Instant
Perfector 4-in-1 Glow,
$34.99, Maybelline.
27 The Right Light,
$46, Trinny London.
28 Radiant Glow Veil,
$79, Inika Organic.

8
Photography Adobe Stock. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

ADD SHIMMER
AND SPARKLES

Think sequins, which
are always in fashion,
shimmery eyeshadows
and/or liner, sparkling
jewellery (fake is just as
good as the real deal),
and glitzy accessories
such as shoes and bags.
As for how much glitz
and glam you wear, that’s
totally up to you.

9

WORK YOUR
INNER GLOW

Besides strengthening
and toning your body,
regular exercise will also
boost your circulation,
which in turn will help to
give your complexion a
healthy, rosy glow. And
when you’re glowing from

within you’ll only need
a touch of blush and/or
bronzer to highlight your
natural radiance.

10

TREAT
YOURSELF

What better reason could
you ever have to treat
yourself to a blissful,
relaxing, skin-revitalising
facial than the fact you
want to look and feel your
best? It’s as simple as that,
so if it’s doable, there is
no need to feel guilty,
just book in for one
or go DIY.

If you’re unsure
about how to
turn up your
brightness, ask
for a demo in
a store or watch
an online
how-to video.

JANUARY BHG 

HEALTHMATTERS

better health
[

T H E L AT E S T N E WS A N D T R E N D S

]

WASTE NOT

Gatherings of family and friends
involve lots of food, but oen
lots of waste too. The Swag
offers a range of 100% natural,
reusable food storage bags to
keep your fruit and vegetables
fresh for two weeks or more in
the crisper of your fridge.
It’s time to say goodbye to
plastic bags and reduce wastage.
Bags start from $26.99,
theswag.com.au.

GOOD READS

SO COOL

When you’re feeling the heat, for
example at the gym or working
outdoors, this cooling towel
works a treat. You simply wet it,
squeeze out the excess water,
shake it a few times and then
enjoy its cooling benefits. Made
from 100% recycled materials,
Dock & Bay Cooling Sports
Towel, $29.95, hardtofind.
com.au/bhg.

LIFE SUPPORT

If you or someone you know is
struggling or feeling overwhelmed,
there’s no need to face those dark
times alone. Make a call to Lifeline
and speak to a crisis supporter on
13 11 14, available 24/7, or send a text
message to 0477 131 114. Alternatively,
go online and access the Support
Toolkit to self-manage what you’re
going through at lifeline.org.au.

SMELL THE ROSES

Are you ready to be
empowered and rise
from the ordinary
to extraordinary?
Whether
you’re pursuing
personal growth, professional goals
or overall wellbeing, this book could
revolutionise your life and help you
achieve outstanding results. Elevate:
Unlock Your Extraordinary Potential
by Shannah Kennedy and Colleen
Callander (Penguin, $35).

The festive season is a busy time of the year, but don’t forget
self-care. Take a few minutes each day to focus on you. For
example a DIY body massage will help to soothe your mind
and your body, and all you need is a great body oil. Try Templ
Sacred Rose Body Oil, $59.99, and also check out Templ’s
helpful self-massage tips, templhome.com.

 BHG JANUARY

Photography Getty Images. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

D OUB LE-D U T Y TOWEL

TIME TO
GROW

BUY
THE DIARY
THAT SAVES
LIVES
SUPPORT BREAST CANCER
RESEARCH
This diary does more than help organise
our lives, it’s packed with expert health
advice important to every woman - like
breast, heart, family and mental health,
along with diet, exercise and lots more.
Plus you’ll be helping identify new
treatments for the most commonly
diagnosed cancer in Australian women,
giving hope to the 57 people diagnosed
with breast cancer every day.
Buy the diary for yourself, or as a gift
for someone special, and help to save
lives today, tomorrow and forever.

$
breastcancertrials.org.au
1800 423 444

19.99

from

Newsagents, Woolworths,
Participating Post Offices &
womenshealthdiary.com.au

READINGMATTERS

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

]

The Secret Hours
Mick Herron
(Hachette, $32.99)

Tension, intrigue,
observation, humour... and
pitch-perfect prose
LEE CHILD

Water

John Boyne
(Penguin Random
House, $29.99)

The first thing Vanessa Carvin does
when she arrives on the island is
change her name. To the locals she
is Willow Hale, a solitary outsider
escaping Dublin to live quietly in
a small cottage, not a notorious
woman on the run from her past.
But scandals follow her like hunting
dogs. If her ex-husband is really the
monster everyone says he is, then
how complicit was she in his crimes?
Escaping her old life might seem
like a good idea, but the choices
she has made in her marriage have
consequences. Vanessa must reflect
on what she did – and did not do.

 BHG JANUARY

Two years ago, the PM set
up the Monochrome inquiry
to investigate the British
Secret Service. The mission
was to ferret out misconduct,
allowing the civil servants,
Griselda Fleet and Malcolm
Kyle, unfettered access to
confidential information in
the service archives. But with
progress blocked at every
turn, Monochrome is circling
the drain. Until the OTIS
file appears out of nowhere.
What classified secrets does
OTIS hold that see an ex-spy
being chased down the green
lanes of Devon at night? And
who will win the battle for the
soul of the Secret Service?

PAST LYING

Val McDermid
(Hachette, $32.99)

Haunted by the ghosts of
its many writers, Edinburgh
is also the cold case beat
of DCI Karen Pirie. So she
shouldn’t be at all surprised
when an author’s manuscript
appears to be a blueprint for
an actual crime. Karen can’t
ignore the plot’s chilling similarities to the unsolved
case of an Edinburgh University student who
vanished from her doorstep. The manuscript seems
to be the key to unlocking what happened to Lara
Hardie, but the author died before he finished it...
THE TALENTED
MRS GREENWAY

Tea Cooper
(Harper Collins, $32.99)

When Mary Greenway
arrives in Sydney in 1814
with three children in tow,
she has high hopes of a new
beginning, despite having
little money and a husband
in irons. The death of her
first husband has meant freedom and her new
husband, Francis Greenway, is an architect of some
promise. When she is befriended by Elizabeth
Macquarie it seems that fate is smiling on her family.
But will her past come back to haunt her?
UNNATURAL DEATH

Patricia Cornwell
(Hachette, $32.99)

In this thrilling new
instalment, chief medical
examiner Dr Kay Scarpetta
finds herself in the Northern
Virginia wilderness examining
the mauled remains of two
campers wanted by federal
law enforcement. The victims have been savaged
beyond recognition, and other evidence is terrifying
and baffling, including a larger-than-life footprint.
After one of the most terrifying body retrievals of
her career, Scarpetta must discover who would
commit murders this brutal, and why.

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

[

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MONEYMATTERS

better finance
K I C K- S TA R T YO U R F I T N E S S R E G I M E N W I T H T H E S E $ $ $ - S AV I N G T I P S

]

GET FIT ON A BUDGET
Getting healthy needn’t cost the earth

MAKE YOUR GYM
MEMBERSHIP
WORK FOR YOU

It’s not surprising that
January is the most
popular month for new
gym memberships, but
before you sign up, be
sure to make use of any
free or trial membership
options, and weigh up
the monthly membership
price as opposed to
annual, which means you
can cancel along the way.
It’s estimated that more
than half of gym
memberships end
up going unused.

SPEND TIME
IN NATURE

It’s outside your door, it’s
free and spending time
in nature doesn’t have to
be for long. Nine out of 10
Australians could reduce
their risk of heart disease
by walking as little as 15
minutes more each day.
In addition, a University of
Exeter study found that
people who spend at least
two hours a week in green
spaces outdoors are
“...significantly more likely
to report good health and
psychological wellbeing
than those who don’t”.

TAKE ONLINE
CLASSES FOR FREE

These days there’s a
free class on YouTube
for whatever form of
exercise you wish to
pursue. Consider Yoga
With Adriene – Adriene
runs 30-day programs
that help it become a
habit, she’s also great at
encouraging newbies.
Or, why not try a form of
exercise that is new to
you, perhaps take up tai
chi with Dr Paul Lam’s
Tai Chi for Energy, or
Pilates with Blogilates’
Cassey Ho.

HEALTH APPS
THAT REWARD
Apps to inspire you –
it ‘pays’ to workout!
QANTAS
WELLBEING

Here’s a way
to get motivated – earn
frequent flyer points
every time you walk
or even sleep with the
Qantas Wellbeing app.
Just set a goal and see the
points come in. Earn more
when you add friends to
the challenge. For details,
visit qantas.com.
MEDIBANK
LIVE BETTER

Medibank
insurance members can
reap benefits from setting
health activities on this
app, including gift cards
and reward points through
shopping with partners.
Every time you track an
activity, you earn credits.
Visit medibank.com.au.
AIA VITALITY

WORDS OF WISDOM

DON’TJUDGEEACHDAYBYTHEHARVEST
YOUREAPBUTBYTHESEEDSTHATYOUPLANT
Robert Louis Stevenson

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.

 BHG JANUARY

AIA health and
life insurance
members earn status
points and benefits,
including shopping
rewards and discounts,
on insurance policies
through this sciencebacked health and
wellbeing program that
supports you to make
healthier lifestyle choices.
Visit aia.com.au.

Photography Adobe Stock, Getty Images; words Andrea Black. Sources: heartfoundation.org.au; exeter.ac.uk.

[

THEESSENTIALS

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JANUARY 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

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YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY
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Ginger & Me gingerandme.com
IKEA ikea.com/au
Inika Organic inikaorganic.com

Back to black,
page 96
Project supplies Amazon
Imperial galv shortway
wall stack elbow 90 Deg,
$62. Bunnings Jack 1.2m
tomato cage olive plant
trainer, $12.98. Grunt
8mm x 10m sisal twisted
rope, $8.75. Rust-Oleum
340g Black Flat 2X Ultra
Cover Paint+Prime Spray
Paint, $14.85. Hume 18 x
18mm 2.7m moulding H3
treated pine FJ primed
DAR, $8.80. Holman
225mm PVC DWV push
on cap, $41.90. Hume 42
x 42mm 2.7m moulding

H3 pine primed E4E
LOSP, $25.60. Pinnacle
2mm x 30m marine grade
stainless steel wire rope,
$17.78. Zenith 72mm zinc
plated screw eyes, 2 pack,
$2.16. Taskmaster 2mm 316
stainless steel wire rope
grips, 4 pack, $6.27. Scotts
Osmocote 25L cacti
and succulent premium
potting mix, $12.98. 2440
x 1220mm 12mm plywood
hardwood marine AA
grade 12mm, $117. Pinnacle
15L metal bucket, $17.89.
100 x 25mm 2.4m H4
treated pine sawn CCA,
$7.50. Metal Mate 25 x 25

iS Clinical isclinical.com.au
James Cosmetics jamescosmetics.com
Jane Iredale adorebeauty.com.au
Luk Beautifood lukbeautifood.com
Lust Minerals lustminerals.com.au
Maybelline adorebeauty.com.au
Monat monatglobal.com
Nutrimetics nutrimetics.com.au
Nobody’s Nobody nobodysnobody.com.au
O Cosmedics ocosmedics.com
Provincial Home Living
provincialhomeliving.com.au
Quick Glow coles.com.au
Spotlight spotlightstores.com
Sundae Body priceline.com.au
Trinny London trinnylondon.com/au
The Jojoba Company adorebeauty.com.au
The Kind Collective thekindcollectiveaustralia.com
Zest Lighting zestlighting.com.au

x 1.6mm 3m galvanised
steel square tube, $34.13.
Tuff Range M12 x 2440mm
hot dip galvanised
threaded rod, $9.50. Feast
Watson 500ml Exterior
Black Japan Stain &
Varnish, $47.20. Zenith
M12 x 65mm hot dipped
galvanised cup head bolt
and nut, $1.64. Zenith M12
hot dipped galvanised
washer, $0.31. Everhang
20mm zinc plated screw
eye hook, 10 pack,
$10.70. Grunt 1 x 10m
non-woven geotextile
membrane drain mat
fabric, $43.77. Scotts

Osmocote 25L premium
potting mix, $9.28.
Plant & ponder,
page 104
Project supplies
Bunnings 150 x 25mm
4.8m plinth H4 treated
pine sawn wet 4.8m,
$21. Ecoply 1200 x
595 x 17mm formrite
formply, $22.70. Zenith
8G x 40mm stainless
steel type 17 decking
screws, 50 pack, $15.35.
Dunlop 10m express
wet area waterproofing
tape, $47.74. Gripset
Betta 4L bitumen
JANUARY 2024 BHG 175

JANUARY STOCKISTS

Don’t be shallow,
page 106
Project supplies
Bunnings Scotts
Osmocote 50L premium
potting mix, $15.88.
150 x 25mm 3m plinth
H4 treated pine sawn,
$14.43. Selleys 415g
Liquid Nails landscape
stone concrete adhesive,
$16.80. Buildex 10g
x 55mm self-drilling
decking screws, 50
pack, $23.38. Pryda 25 x
100mm strap nails, $0.28.
British Paints 4 Seasons
Black low-sheen exterior
paint, 4L, $76.90.
Lush and lovely,
page 110
Project supplies
Bunnings Scotts
Osmocote 50L premium
potting mix, $15.88.
Richgro 2L Ezi Wet hoseon soil wetter, $14.92.
ANL 60L eucalyptus
mulch, $9.78. Jack 1180 x
130mm galvanised steel
interlock garden edging,
$18.47. Tuscan Path 400
x 400 x 20mm bluestone
paver, $14.24. Australian
Builders 20kg mortar
mix, $10.26. Seasol 2.4L
Complete Garden Health
Treatment, $25.82.
Summer soiree,
page 142
Project supplies
Bunnings 90 x 90mm
176 BHG JANUARY 2024

2.4m post F7 H4 treated
pine premium KD 2.4m,
$70.20. 70 x 35mm
outdoor framing MGP10
H3 treated pine 2.4m,
$10.48. 100 x 25mm
2.4m H4 treated pine
sawn CCA, $7.50. 100 x
50mm 2.4m plinth H4
treated pine sawn, $13.
Porta 22 x 22mm 2.4m
dowel Tasmanian oak,
$23.50. Zenith 14G x
125mm galvanised type 17
batten bugle head timber
screws, 25 pack, 19.98.
Zenith 10 - 8 x 65mm
galvanised countersunk
rib head timber screws,
50 pack, $9.75. Zenith
8 - 10 x 40mm galvanised
countersunk rib head
timber screws, 100
pack, $10.15. Metal Mate
19 x 1.2 3m galvanised
steel round tube, $16.47.
Sandleford 19mm
stainless steel round
flange fitting rod,
2 pack, $4.82.

Game on, page 146
Project supplies
Bunnings Specrite 2200
x 600 x 26mm brown
acacia multi-use panel,
$109. Specrite 2200 x
600 x 26mm timber
multi-use pine panel, $89.
Specrite 2100 x 600mm
26mm timber panel
okoume FJ laminated,
$85. Zenith 50mm
stainless steel angle
bracket, 4 pack, $7.78.
Flipping furniture,
page 148
Shopping details
Bunnings Hampton sisal
rug 200 x 290cm, $269.
Country Road Nellie
large vase, $99.95; small,
$69.95. Sia medium
vase, $69.95. Hilary small
decorative marble tray,
$79.95. David Jones
Maison Balzac J’ai Faim
dinner plates in Sky, $69
each. Maison Balzac
4 Chandelles tapered

candles in Sky, $29.
IKEA Docksta round
white table, $279.
Provincial Home Living
Saxon dining chair in
Black, $299 each.
Project supplies
Bunnings 2400 x
1200mm 16mm MDF
panel standard, $39.30.
Glitz 500ml degreaser,
$5.75. Rocket super fine
steel wool, $4.40. British
Paints White 4in1 Prep
Water Based Primer
Sealer Undercoat, 4L,
$39.90. British Paints
Furniture Paint pretinted in Healing Spa.
British Paints Furniture
Paint Protective Matt
Clear. 89 x 19mm DAR
pine premium 1.8m, $15.14.
Taskmaster 320mm
Matte Black T handle,
$10.44. Spotlight Amaco
Rub’n Buff Metallic Finish
Antique Gold, $27. Zest
Lighting Mayfair antique
brass wall lamp, $349.

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Prices are approximate and a guide only.

rubber waterproofing
membrane, $55.36.
Timber Protect oil-based
natural exterior decking
oil, 1L, $28.90.

“My mentor
taught me to love
what I have right now
and to be grateful.”
– Alison Brahe-Daddo
Podcaster and
Raise Ambassador

Help support
a young person
Volunteer to mentor
raise.org.au

The power of showing up

ANIMALMATTERS

[

D O G - F R I E N D LY G E TAWAYS A N D S H O R E - S A F E T Y T I P S F O R P O O C H E S

Mutts at the beach!

Before you hit the sand with your buddy, check out these tips...
PROTECT PAWS

Check the temperature
of the sand with your
hand – if it’s too hot to
comfortably touch
for more than 10
seconds, it could
burn your pet’s paws.
SLIP ON A LIFE VEST

Doggie life vests with
handles for you to grip
onto are a must in the
surf. Your dog might
get tired or dumped by
a wave, and a life vest
may keep them afloat
until you get to them.
SHADE + SCREEN

Set up a tent or beach
umbrella for shade and
have extra water and
a portable drinking
bowl to keep your dog
hydrated.

 BHG JANUARY

Consider applying petsafe sunscreen* to pink
skin around your dog’s
nose, eyes or belly to
protect from sunburn.
WATCH OUT

Animal Poisons
Helpline suggests
before removing your
dog’s leash, spend a
few minutes inspecting
the coastline for marine
creatures and even
beach debris such as
fish hooks and bait. And
there may be dangers
lurking underwater.
Look out for oyster
shells that may cut your
dog’s paws, jellyfish,
which can be an
attractive doggy snack
resulting in pain in
the throat and mouth,
local swelling and even
breathing problems.

Pufferfish may contain
a highly potent
neurotoxin known as
tetrodotoxin, which if
ingested can result in
rapid-onset paralysis
and respiratory failure.
Consuming or licking
sea hares also has a
toxicity risk!
SALTWATER INTAKE

Drinking excessive
amounts of seawater
can cause high sodium
levels in the blood,
and if untreated may
result in neurological
toxicity, which can be
life-threatening for
your doggo.
RINSE OFF

As dried sand and
salt can irritate your
poochie’s eyes, skin and
paws, wash your dog
after a day of fun at
the beach.

]

TOP GIGS YOU
AND YOUR BESTIE
CAN ATTEND
From festivals and concerts to
cultural outings and ‘dogs’ day
out’ events, there is a gig for every
Aussie and their dog in 2024!
Canberra’s Enlighten Festival
(March) is packed with exciting
entertainment, in particular
the tail-wagging Canberra
Balloon Spectacular!
Stop by Floriade (Oct) in
Canberra to celebrate all things
flowers, food and pooches on the
day when you’re allowed to bring
your hound – Dogs’ Day Out.
With your pooch on a lead, head
to Victoria’s Ballarat Begonia
Festival (March) to sniff out
rare collections of begonias.
Well-behaved dogs on leads
are welcome at the Tesselaar
Tulip Festival (Sept-Oct), also in
Victoria. There’s entertainment
and a kaleidoscope of colour with
over a million flowering bulbs.
Take in the world-renowned Vivid
Sydney light show (May-June)
and Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi
(Oct-Nov), the world’s largest free
sculpture exhibition set over a
spectacular coastal walk.
Head to Queensland’s Simpson
Desert for the Birdsville Big Red
Bash (July) to tap your paws to the
sweet sounds of music legends!
Find more dog-friendly places in
Dog Tales of Australia by
Kerry Martin, ($40/$45 ebook/
paperback, Grammar Factory
Publishing), puppytales.com.au.

Photography Getty Images. *Some ingredients in human sunscreen are toxic to dogs, only use sunscreen specifically formulated for dogs,
source: akc.org. Prices are approximate and a guide only.

better pets

READER OFFERS

BUY
NOW

GARDEN ART

YOU’LL LOVE

Prices are approximate and a guide only.

Inspired by our Aussie birds and animals, this unique metal art is Australian made and designed
to age beautifully over time. These special pieces will enhance and add flair to your garden!

PAIR OF FANTAILS
37 X 27CM, $95

EASTERN SPINEBILL
24 X 24CM, $79

BARE-NOSED WOMBAT
29 X 17CM, $79

GANG-GANG COCKATOO
31 X 27.5CM INCL. BRANCH, $69

ROYAL SPOONBILL
38 X 19CM, $95

WEDGE-TAILED EAGLE
43 X 33CM, $110

LYREBIRD
40 X 27CM, $110

SWALLOWS AND CHICKS
26 X 23CM, $69

KOOKABURRA – MELANIE HAVA
30 X 23.7CM INCL. BRANCH, $79

FOR THESE AND MORE GARDEN ART, VISIT BHGSHOP.COM.AU
Postage and handling additional. Delivery within Australia only. Offers available while stocks last. Prices are subject to change at any time.