Better Homes and Gardens Australia September 2021

As we look to make the most of every available inch of space, we want our homes to keep up with our ever-changing needs. Clever, creative thinking makes this possible. In our story on flexible bedrooms (page 126), we show you how to transform a junk room into a guest room cum home office cum ‘gym’. You won’t believe how much you can fit into a small space! The same idea of double duty covers rooftops serving as garden hubs (page 26), entryways done up like art galleries (page 108) and even a towel rack adding unique style to bedside storage (page 116). But of course, no room could ever be as versatile as our kitchens – equal parts eateries, social hubs and studies. These practical spaces more than earn…

TIP Drape it over a tall pagoda or run it along a wall. With pruning and support it can be trained as a stunning specimen tree. So many of our gardens take inspiration from traditional European designs, but few of us realise how many of their beautiful bloomers and fabulous foliages come from Japan. From spring wisps of wisteria to late summer’s starry chrysanthemum and winter’s glowing camellia, they seem so quintessentially English. Yet Japan’s diverse topography means a wide variety of its plants also fl ourish in our Australian gardens. Japan has produced plants that thrive in hot and humid summers, others that go well in dry regions, some with shady tendencies and still more that require extreme cold – even snowfall – to encourage their winter dormancy. Occidental (Western) is, in fact,…

Tiny but mighty, a bonsai lets you hone your gardening skills and create a work of art that combines all the strengths of a giant tree with the delicacy of fine lace. It allows you to collaborate with nature as you realise a miniaturised version of the real thing – one small enough to sit on your coffee table but as impressive as any ancient tree you’ll stumble upon in the woods. THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME With judicious pruning and training, you can create extraordinary shapes. Here are a few basic ones, plus plant suggestions. Formal upright Straight trunk with thickest branches at bottom to form a shape like a Christmas tree. Try cedar or pine. Informal upright Trunk is slightly curvier but top of tree is in line with base of trunk and…

The view can be great when you’re on top of the world, but when it’s all concrete and steel you may need to add a lighter, softer touch. Melbourne bar Loop Roof shows you how you can establish a balcony or rooftop garden to enhance fabulous views. It has put in more than 100 plant species – some clinging to walls, some dangling from baskets, others sitting solo like silent statues. It’s an urban jungle in the best possible way! 4 STRATEGIES FOR SKY-HIGH SUCCESS 1 HARSH REALITIES Concrete and steel intensify the hot midday sun – ensure your plants can weather the blast, and put more delicate ones in their shade. 2 DON’T GET BLOWN AWAY The wind is stronger the higher up you go. Choose plants that have adapted to wind…

Create your own plant planetary system by making a lush gathering of little Japanese moss balls – or kokedama. They’re simple to make from small specimens and, as they grow, you can move them to pots or your garden and then start all over again with a fresh collection. If you don’t want to use a stepladder to take them down for watering, display them on a tray instead as a striking table centrepiece. EASY STEPS TO YOUR BROMELIAD KOKEDAMA Gather your supplies • Sphagnum moss• Bromeliad, either tube stock or small pot size• Jute twine You’ll also need Small stainless steel bowl about 20cm in diameter; scissors; hanging hook For you to note Use a hook suitable for your hanging surface that’s rated to take the weight of your kokedama when wet. Here’s how STEP 1 Soak moss…

If you’re looking for more than just a small, do-nothing, flat patch of lawn in your backyard, then create a zen rock garden with a difference. Zen gardens are intended to reflect the essence or spirit of nature, not copy it. The rocks represent objects such as mountains, trees or animals. Gravel or sand stand for movement – a sea, lake or river – and water means purification and cleansing. And toss away any notion zen gardens don’t have plants. Many do, so put your creative spirits into gear. Then, after you’ve given away your lawnmower, relax on the two-tier deck, surrounded by scenery that exudes calmness and serenity. EASY STEPS TO BUILD A FLAGSTONE PATH Rather than just taking you from A-Z, zen garden paths offer a voyage of discovery –…