Backyard and Outdoor Living Issue #57 2022

Summer is over, but in many parts of Australia there is still plenty of warm weather to enjoy outdoors. In Best Of this edition, we take a look at the top play areas and outdoor activities to keep your kids entertained outside. Now is the perfect time to prepare your backyard for winter, so in Snapshot we showcase our favourite cosy outdoor spaces — think covered outdoor lounge rooms with a pillowy sofa, cushion and throw in front of a roaring fireplace. Later, we explore outdoor heating options in a little more detail in our Heating & Lighting feature. In Fave 5, Angie Thomas shares with us her five favourite citrus fruits. Citrus are maturing their Vitamin C-packed fruit now and they will be ready to be eaten in winter. As populations…

THE WATERWISE AUSTRALIAN NATIVE GARDEN Angus Stewart & AB Bishop, Murdoch Books, $39.99 There’s never been a more crucial time to drought-proof your garden and to consider Australian native plants as a key component in your outdoor space. This award-winning practical volume, from two of the country’s foremost horticultural experts, offers everything you need to know about designing and growing a garden that promotes careful water use and features Australian native plants in the home garden. The Waterwise Australian Native Garden is a highly illustrated, comprehensive showcase of the best plants to choose and the best gardens from which to draw inspiration. It’s a must-have for garden lovers all over this wide brown land. HOMEGROWN Paul West, Pan Macmillan Australia, $44.99 Join River Cottage Australia host Paul West in his garden and kitchen as he…

SUSTAINABLE & STYLISH With the Australian landscape and native flora as inspiration, Utopia Goods has expanded its textile offerings to further its mission of storytelling through ethical and sustainable production. The introduction of Native Threads — the launch collection of robust, UV-resistant woven performance fabrics (jacquards) — marks the next step in the company’s mission to combine old-world craft and innovative technologies. A design-focused solution to indoor/outdoor fabric specification and a chance to take luxury performance fabrics to the great outdoors, Native Threads is available in two new prints in three colourways. utopiagoods.com TAKING COVER We all love a blue sky, but here in Australia the sun is notoriously unforgiving. Enjoy the outdoors all afternoon without the danger of prolonged sun exposure using a high-quality Jardinico umbrella available from Cosh Living. Combining style…

1. MANDARINS Mandarins are an absolute favourite in our house during autumn and winter. Being able to head out into the backyard and pick our very own fresh mandarins is pure joy. Imperial mandarins begin their peak harvest season in late autumn and have bright-orange sweet and juicy fruit. Slightly later fruiting emperor mandarins are delicious and having puffy skin makes them super-easy to peel (ideal for kids’ lunchboxes). The key to getting lots of mandarins is regular feeding throughout the year. Citrus trees are always hungry! Feed mandarin trees each week with a liquid fertiliser like Yates Thrive Natural Citrus Liquid Plant Food. It will promote healthy green leaf growth and lots of flowers and fruit. 2. ORANGES Some of the most popular oranges include winter-fruiting Washington navel and Valencia. The fruit…

During the lockdowns last year, many of us adopted a new hobby, be it painting, puzzling or scrolling TikTok. During that time, a number of Aussies also experienced the mental and physical benefits of growing their own plants and getting their hands dirty in the garden. According to a UNSW report*, being in a green space can help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, positively contributing to overall health and wellbeing. Now that we’re out and about again, many of us may be in need of some extra help to keep our plant pals happy. The team at Amazon have compiled some top tech tips to help you master the art of horticulture. SMART PLANT MONITORS There are many plant monitors available that introduce technology to the beginner gardener. Many of these…

SNUG AS A BUG Creating a cosy atmosphere is often dependent on your lighting. For the cosiest results, consider pendant lighting, lanterns and firepits. Think outside the square with unique lighting installation such as wine bottle lights or a sprinkling of solar fairy lights available at most hardware stores. Don’t forget to include candles in your lighting plan. They add a subtle, easy-going and romantic ambience. lights4fun.co.uk ENCHANTING BALCONIES Smaller spaces like balconies can be tricky to get right, with the line between cosy and cluttered a blurred one. Opt for a few main pieces, like a coffee table and armchairs, and embrace natural materials and potted plants. Keep the air circulating to avoid going from cosy to claustrophobic with a ceiling fan like the Haiku from Big Ass Fans. bigassfans.com BACKED INTO A…