Celebrating the women of the show

A balanced world is a better world. How can you help forge a more gender-balanced world? Celebrate women’s achievement. Raise awareness against bias. Take action for equality.

As it’s International Women’s Day we could not think of a better time to celebrate six women who are integral to the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

1 – Inge Jabara (Show Garden designer)

An award winning Landscaping Designer, Inge established her business in 2009 and has built over 380 gardens. Inge is brimming with ideas and innovations for creative Australian landscapes, and is a sought-after speaker and television consultant on the subject. Inge is eager to motivate 2019 show-goers by producing an on-trend, Melbourne-inspired garden at this years show that utilises elements that can be incorporated in their own backyards. Check out her 2019 Show Garden design here.

2 – Megan Parker (Head floral judge)

We are ecstatic to welcome Megan Parker to the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show as the head floral judge. Megan has been an active member of New Zealand Professional Florists Inc. (NZPF) for the past 35 years. Her roles occupied over this period have consisted of Diploma Representative, Vice President, President and National Assessment Co-ordinator. Her desire to teach floristry to the highest standard is her passion.

3 –Lauren Fyfe (Senior Event Manager)

The woman who brings the entire show together. With over 20 years of international experience in the events industry, Lauren is busy working away on the programming for this years Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for you all to enjoy. Originally from London, Lauren & her family moved to Melbourne in January 2017 and is now well immersed in the world of flowers & gardens.

4 – Alana Pittard (Victorian Farmers Federation)

Alana Pittard took on the role of the horticultural manager of Victorian Farmers Federation in August last year. Her role manages policy related to all horticultural commodities and media and communications. VFF includes the Flowers Victoria committee of which has a beautiful & impressive exhibit at the show – The Flower Market and the Wedding Table display which was a huge hit last year and will be returning to this years show.

5 – Lizzie Earl (Nursery & Garden Industry Victoria)

Lizzie holds a bachelor degree in Landscape Architecture and has been involved with the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for three years now. Lizzie’s first year at the show saw her lend a hand to the creation of a Show Garden, before moving onto project manager of the Avenue of Achievable Gardens and the NGIV Precinct.

6 – Megan Flower (Landscaping Victoria)

As a self-confessed “Jack (or should that be Jill?) of all Trades” Megan is no stranger to the show. Megan in her role at Landscaping Victoria looks after the Landscape Advisory centre offered at the show & also co-ordinates the Boutique Garden competition. From getting down and dirty with paintbrushes and power tools to networking at industry functions, Megan gets to do it all. “I have never felt restricted as a woman leading the landscaping industry and in fact there is great encouragement within the businesses I deal with to get more women into the trade. Design, management and admin roles see many women working in landscaping, and OH&S measures in place to ensure no-one gets injured at work these days means that brawn is no longer a necessity to be a landscaper.

#BalanceForBetter

#IWD2019

Friday night floral festivities at ‘Gardens by Twilight’

Melbourne’s CBD is renowned for its thriving nightlife, inventive bars and unique pop ups, but for one night only a truly exclusive experience will be offered to the city’s locals. As the sun sets, Carlton Gardens and the Royal Exhibition Building will transform into a dusky wonderland as the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show presented by Lawn Solutions Australia extends its hours for a floral-inspired night party.

On Friday March 29, city workers are encouraged to dodge the peak hour traffic and instead explore the Southern Hemisphere’s largest horticultural event in an all new light with an evening of craft beers, prosecco, wine and gourmet catering.

Tickets for the one-off floral festivities are included within the price of a Friday pass ($29.90) with a vast range of food and beverages available for purchase on the night. Visitors can throw an impromptu picnic in the grounds with bubbles, beers and bites, followed by a wander through the award-winning Show Gardens and floral installations that attract more than 100,000 visitors each year.

The perfect backdrop to kick off after-work drinks, or a romantic setting for the most memorable date night of the year; visitors will be spoilt by the evening’s offerings. Goodman Wines will serve glasses of locally produced rosé, red and white wine, while Woodend’s own Holgate Brewhouse will cover all craft beer needs with a selection of ales, IPAs, lager and more, and Melbourne’s favourite bubbles truck, The Prosseco Van, will be satiating visitors with freshly poured prosecco and spritzes. Those teetotalling their way through March will be delighted to discover Seedlip – the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit – slinging deceptively delicious alcohol-free G&Ts and other cocktails.

In addition to witnessing the best gardens and floral designs the country has to offer (illuminated by lighting specialists Gardens at Night), show-goers will revel in the local live music sets, roving entertainment, and impressive lighting displays – running until 9pm.

Tickets are now on sale here.

Dates: Gardens by Twilight – Friday March 29 until 9pm

Venue: Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens

Autumn Lawn Care

A long hot summer has come to an end and temperatures should be heading south over the coming months, time for some Autumn lawn care.

Your grass has suffered through a very hot summer and is likely to need a boost, so now is the time to get in there while you still have some of the growing season left. Autumn is a great time of year to tend to your lawn and get it looking it’s best with some simple lawn care.

Much of the work now will be to get your lawn in good health for the cooler months ahead where it will slow down into a certain level of dormancy. The better your grasses health is going into winter the better it will come out the other side in spring.

Here’s some things you can do:

Aerating

During summer you spend a lot more time enjoying your lawn, combine this with the heat of the sun and your soil base can get quite hard and compacted. This is not ideal for grass growth, so it’s important you undertake some aeration to de compact the soil base and better allow for oxygen, water and nutrient to penetrate to the roots of the plant.

Manage shade

Shade can be a particular problem for your lawn in the cooler months and it’s not until it warms up again that you realise the extent of the damage that has been caused by insufficient sunlight. Trim back any trees that you can and rake away any leaves and other debris regularly.

Fertilise

Autumn fertilising prepares your lawn for the winter months. It encourages prolonged growth to ensure a thick coverage and extended colour. This application will be the most important one for the year. Apply a slow release granular fertiliser, as it breaks down it will gradually release nutrients to your grass for up to 12 weeks.

Get on top of summer weeds

Over summer you may have had an infiltration of some summer weeds like crowsfoot or creeping oxalis. You need to get on top of these by applying the appropriate herbicides or hand removing before it cools down and your lawn is left weak during winter where it is even more susceptible to weed infestation.

Lay turf

Autumn is a great time to get some new turf down, there is enough time left in most states for good root establishment before winter. Lower temperatures during this time will mean you won’t require as much water to keep it hydrated as you would during summer. Get a great looking lawn with our expert advice and tips on laying turf and lawn care here.

This article has been brought to you by our presenting partner Lawn Solutions Australia.

Autumn nights and garden lights

As we embrace the changing seasons with our Gardens by Twilight Event on Friday 29 March- lighting partner Gardens at Night shares their expertise on how to create the perfect lighting to enhance your garden and enjoy our dramatic Autumnal season.

Credit: Photography Jason Edwards Photography

Designer: Ben Hutchinson Landscapes

Entertaining and the outdoors are part of our Australian lifestyle. Inner city courtyards, alfresco areas and larger landscaped gardens are perfect for dining and evenings with friends.

Draw attention to design features:
– suspend lights from a pergola or trees
– highlight the movement of water to create dramatic effects
– illuminate key features, such as trees and sculptures

No matter the size of your garden, you can create an ambient and welcoming space you will want to spend time in.

Lift the mood with Overhead Lights
From a small pergola to formal entertaining areas – hanging lights help to define, add atmosphere and cast a warm diffused light over your outdoor setting.

The Hanging Light and Hanging Light Speckle by Gardens at Night are available in a range of finishes to suit any setting. Made with the Australian climate in mind they are corrosion resistant material and easy to install.

Hanging Light available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.

Make an entrance with Path Lights
Path lights are the perfect choice for creating an inviting impact to your garden. They draw guests through landscape to desired destinations and to hidden features.

They can also help to define garden bed and outdoor seating areas whilst highlighting level changes.

Our Path Light Dome 5 and Path Light Linear 5 help to illuminate meandering paths and create an alluring ambience.

Credit: Jason Edwards Photography

Path Light Dome 5 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.

Path Light Linear 5 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.

Set a striking night scene
Highlight trees and features in a garden with the use of Accent Lights. These features become a focal point with the added benefit of casting dramatic shadows up the walls of entertaining areas.

The Accent 5 and Accent 8 are ideal for drawing attention to these focal points. For maximum impact consider where the object or feature will be viewed from. Not all features are viewed when in the garden but also from within the residence or even outside the property. Be careful to avoid glare when positioning the fitting. Our Accent Lights have adjustable knuckles, directing light in the best direction.

Credit: Jason Edwards Photography

Accent 5 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.

Accent 8 available in black, bronze, copper and nickel plate.

While lighting has a practical purpose within an outdoor entertaining space, there are a number of ways you can enhance this area using quality outdoor lighting. A well-designed lighting scheme will take into consideration the texture of materials, foliage and focal points within the larger landscape and creates an inviting environment you want to spend time in. A space that shines bright both day and night.

Credit: Jason Edwards Photography
Designer: Stem Landscape

Gardens at Night are design and technical experts in landscape lighting. With showrooms in Melbourne and Sydney the GAN team are happy to assist you. Or speak with one of their friendly staff at this year’s Gardens by Twilight. Once again, Gardens at Night will be lighting the inspirational Show Gardens to reveal their hidden beauty at night.

Visit their website for more lighting inspiration or view their entire range of outdoor lighting in their recently released catalogue here.

Create your own green oasis

Make your own mini terrarium in a free, fun and easy growing workshop by Scotts Osmocote. Terrariums are a practical way to bring your very own green oasis to everyday living and working spaces.

You will be guided step-by-step to make your own mini terrarium. All the materials you need will be provided, plus you’ll receive insider tips to keep your plants thriving for years.

Take away a unique mini terrarium, a fond memory, as well as valuable knowledge enabling you to grow healthier plants.

Sessions are limited, so make sure you visit the Scotts exhibit at site B44 to secure a place at one of our workshops.

Daily Workshop Schedule

9:30am

10:15am

11:00am

11:45am

12:30pm

1:15pm

2:00pm

2:45pm

3:30pm

4:15pm

Preview the 2019 Show Gardens

The formidable line-up of landscape gardeners headlining The Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show Presented by Lawn Solutions Australia has been unveiled, giving a taste of the outdoor spectacle taking place at the Royal Exhibition Building, from March 27 – 31.

Initial 2019 garden plans illustrate a shared environmental awareness across the designer line-up, with several Show Gardens recognising the sustainable elements needed to future-proof backyards for years to come. Designers continually acknowledge the finite resources and ever-changing environmental factors on our planet by integrating water efficient plants and flowers, and designs that embrace functionality as well as form, and use locally sourced materials and flora where available.

Native plants and flowers continue to hold a place in many designers’ hearts, as does the juxtaposition between calm running water features and scorching hot fire pits. This year, the trend of stark clean lines and sharp topiaries appears to have given way to a new sensibility as a number of designers integrate colourful wildflowers, injecting delicacy and vibrancy to gardens.

While many themes can be identified when scanning the covetable design submissions, one overarching message remains: no two gardens are the same, but all will impress and inspire.

Emmaline Bowman – STEM Landscape Architecture & Design

2018 Show Garden Silver Award Winner Emmaline Bowman (STEM Landscape Architecture & Design) has been planning the Show’s Entertainment Stage, a dedicated space for musicians who will play live throughout the five days. Bowman’s design will gleam with white washed walls and silver decking, basalt boulders, and custom created bird houses. Children of all ages will adore the stage’s tepee, which will be adorned with a rainbow medley of local meadow flowers and nestled in the heart of a grove of Australian natives.

Mark Browning

Following the success of the inaugural 2018 Welcome Garden by Phillip Withers, award-winning landscape designer Mark Browning will create this year’s Welcome Garden. Bringing almost 40 years of landscaping prowess, Browning will design a space for visitors to congregate at the show, which unlike its Show Garden counterparts, will be completely tactile and interactive. The garden will incorporate sleek architectural concrete pavers, planters and spheres from Anston SVC, and will use sustainable Porta timber to create the pergola. Browning’s show-stopper is set to be polycarbonate ringlock curtains from Kaynemail – an architectural, award-winning mesh created by Lord of the Rings weapon designer Kayne Horsham. Cyclone rated and 70% solar blocking, the shimmering curtains are set to create an ethereal wonderland for show-goers.

Browning will also be taking four emerging designers under his wing in a newly formed mentorship role created by the Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV). The debut of the Emergent Gardens feature will see four former Achievable Garden designers create 30sqm gardens under Browning’s tutelage.

Richard Bellemo Landscapes

Richard Bellemo (Richard Bellemo Landscapes) is creating the first-ever Feature Garden, titled Green Connections: a space to connect people to nature with a number of interactive features. The sensory and educational zone is set to resonate with younger visitors and includes attractions such as a ‘friends circle’ with log seats arranged around a central fire pit and surrounded by a colourful garden, an elevated deck for group activities and discussion, and a log fort with a dedicated play area that includes a tyre “fall zone” stacked at different heights. Other sure-fire hits will include the “Living Structure”, which will be created from bamboo branches in its own nook, with several hidden points creating different openings into a custom-built bamboo forest and crawl tunnel. Bellemo also aims to educate, with a selection of stationary bikes and a manually operated water pump to inform show-goers about the life-giving water cycle.

Bayley LuuTomes Design

Headlining the Show Garden program, Kiwi designer Bayley LuuTomes (Bayley LuuTomes Design) is set to be a formidable competitor with a compelling design and a 2017 New Zealand Flower & Garden Show ‘Best in Show’ and Gold Garden Design Award under his belt. Bayley has travelled the world creating bright and vibrant, show-stopping gardens and receiving awards in South Africa, Japan, Philadelphia, Singapore, England and France.

LuuTomes’ MIFGS Garden, Under the Golden Elm, will be populated with plants supplied by Australian social enterprise Yarra View Nursery, which employs more than 100 workers with intellectual disabilities. A giant, sweeping golden elm enveloped by a huge warm, timber hive is the focal point of this garden. Tucked inside the structural hive are cushions and throws, creating a cosy, intimate escape from the outside world, scattered with hidden peep holes to view the flower-flecked garden and steal a glimpse at passers-by.

Candeo Design, Semken Landscaping & Jason Hodges for Lawn Solutions Australia

The grass is greener on the other side – a wistful adage proved right by the Lawn Solutions Garden aptly named; The Other Side. Created in collaboration between Candeo Design, Semken Landscaping and Jason Hodges, the garden is designed with the modern Australian family in mind. An outdoor entertaining area forms the main hub and provides a stunning vista of the lush garden, as well as a functional space to dine, lounge and relax. A custom-built, bold structured pergola frames the area along with trees and a planting screen, while a fence snakes around to create a sense of privacy. The primary source of entertainment for this family space is a rectangular, above-ground pool that is set aglow by pool lights at night (take note, Gardens by Twilight goers), with soft blue light streaming through the Perspex pool window. Down from the deck lies a paved area with an outdoor sofa and fire bowl surrounded by colourful, textured feature bedding. The garden is home to two feature lawn areas: the first is a mid-level zone bordered with a lowered garden bed, while the feature lawn at the front of the garden is detailed with mixed planting dotted with flowers and completed with life-size bronze Labrador sculptures frolicking in the garden, looked over by their mother.

MUSA Landscape Architecture

In collaboration with new charity sponsor Beyond Blue, Ryan McMahon (MUSA Landscape Architecture) presents Journey – a garden chronicling the path towards improved mental health. McMahon masterfully depicts this experience both physically and metaphorically: the main axis of the garden takes inspiration from the form of an aeroplane, a symbol of “the journey” that recognizes how improved mental health positively correlates with our connection to friends, family and place. A path snakes through the garden – loosely based on an aeroplane wing – narrow and curved at first, representing the difficultly of beginning of the journey. Two social spaces (one featuring a sunken fire pit) are located towards the end of the path, illustrating that as the journey progresses, people may feel more inclined to reconnect with loved ones. To the side of the path, the ground slopes to a dry creek bed to provide a contrast to an otherwise full planting garden of yellow, orange and cream flowers – hues that are a stark contrast to “blueness”, the colour and the feeling.

Ben Hutchinson Landscapes

Ben Hutchinson (Ben Hutchinson Landscapes) will reveal a metropolitan oasis with his garden Urban Retreat. Recognising the increasing difficulties facing those attempting to switch off in a technologically integrated world, the human-centred design is the perfect place to get off the grid and restore a sense of balance and connection with the natural world. Exuding an ambient calmness, the urban haven incorporates reclaimed timber decking that overlooks a gently cascading pool – designed to soothe dwellers as water falls over beautiful rocks, to the backdrop of the wildflower meadow that frames this urban sanctuary. Native flowers in various stages of bloom are scattered throughout the design, attracting a multitude of wildlife and insects to the space.

Christian Jenkins Landscape and Design

Christian Jenkins (Christian Jenkins Landscape and Design) celebrates the marriage of nature and tranquillity in his garden Grounded. The MIFGS gold medallist and NZFGS 2017 and 2018 winner hopes his garden will inspire visitors to take a step back from their busy lives and soak in the surrounds that are so often taken for granted. Jenkins has designed a leaf-shaped outdoor room that will give the illusion of floating in space, suspended above the garden. Three lagoons are interconnected with stepping stones that lead to a forest of Australian natives. Large bottle trees add a sculptural element, and compliment the gigantic, 180cm oversized stone-wrapped dinosaur egg that is nestled in the garden: a thought-provoking sculpture that reiterates nature as the finest designer of all.

Inge Jabara Landscapes

With more than 380 gardens to her name, longstanding garden creator on The Block, Inge Jabara (Inge Jabara Landscapes) is eager to motivate show-goers by producing an on-trend, Melbourne-inspired garden that utilizes elements that can be incorporated in their own backyards. Using water, timber and tiles, Jabara will illustrate that three simple elements used in a stylish and proportional way can create a stunning outdoor space. Aiming to get viewers in their own gardens and provide real life tips that can be applied to any backyard, Jabara will use plants that work harmoniously together and are “not just for show.” The garden will serve as a statement of self-expression through architectural foliage, complimentary colours, and exceptional design, inspiring others to get in the garden and create an area that captures their personality, enhances their quality of life and dramatically increases the value of their home.

Myles Baldwin Design

Changing Times by Myles Baldwin Design is created under the ethos that landscape has no curfew – a garden’s utility should extend to all hours of the day and night. Centred around one of Carlton Garden’s existing elm trees, a stone entry path will lead up to a minimalist timber structure. Low masonry walls and perennials will surround the outdoor entertaining area beneath the structure, with an integrated water feature inspired by the Moorish cloister gardens of traditional arid climates that embraces responsible water usage.

Waddell Landscapes

Rob Waddell (Waddell Landscapes) is bringing to life his imagining of a garden with year-round longevity in his design Four Seasons. Created to be enjoyed throughout all seasons, the design houses four zones that sing at different stages of the year as seasons change. Summer is typified by people’s outgoing social lifestyles and is reflected in Waddell’s creation of a dynamic entertaining area. An outdoor kitchen and lounges are positioned underneath a high pergola that allows the heat of summer to be enjoyed under a protective and stylish shade, and enhanced by the sounds of bubbling water ponds. Fiery maple trees represent the transition to autumn, and a colourful array of eye-catching deciduous trees line the back fence. As temperatures start to cool, winter thrusts the sunken fire pit area into the spotlight. The perfect place for sharing intimate gatherings by the fire, Four Seasons is warm and inviting even in colder conditions. When spring arrives, this design displays a melange of colour with Agastaches, Penstemons, Gardenias and Hydrangeas all bursting into flower. The textural and height changes of Miscanthuses and Camellias create structure and interest throughout, as well as softening harder structures to create a balanced feel in the garden.

Willie Wildlife Sculptures, Candeo Design & Semken Landscaping.

The Third Age is a garden designed to showcase the whimsical bronze sculpture work of Will Wilson (Willie Wildlife Sculptures) in a sprawling backyard garden setting. Set against a small weather board cottage a bluestone path will lead to a stunning central bronze bird bath feature, shadowed by a mature crab apple tree that overhangs a giant apple sculpture. Ringed by playful garden beds with vibrant, textural shapes the Show Garden will be overflowing with sculptural vignettes of bronzed birds and flora. This is a garden that knows its lane – it’s not built for entertaining. The Third Age has been designed to demonstrate how people can evoke a sense of fun and eccentricity in their own backyard.

Tract Consultants

‘The Loggia’ is an evocative space, drawn from a magpie collection of influences to create a courtyard garden for a contemporary Australian setting. Elements of a Mediterranean landscape deconstructed, redefined and hybrisised to form a compact and replete garden for urban Melbourne.

There are still more exciting Show Gardens to be revealed so keep an eye out.

We can’t wait to see these beautiful designs come to life at the show 27-31 March.

Book tickets here.

Five things in nature to lift your mood

As the official charity for the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, Beyond Blue want to encourage the community to be not only physically healthy, but mentally healthy and getting outside into nature is a great way of starting to plant this seed of positive mental health in your life.

Immersing yourself in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as teaching you to be calm and keep things in perspective. As Albert Einstein himself said, “Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better.”

If you live in a big city, this can be difficult. A stressful job makes things even harder. But finding time to escape the concrete jungle is worth it. Here are five feel-good outdoor activities that will have you saying, “How’s the serenity” in no time.

Be active. Take a look at your backyard and identify play equipment that could be used to enhance your exercise routine. Bicycles, skipping ropes, basketball hoops and trampolines can all add variety and interest to your regime. Head out for a walk in your local park or bike ride through a leafy track nearby. You can invite a loved one or meet them halfway – walking and talking in the outdoors beats phone conversations and texting any day!

Lose yourself in words. Write in a journal or enjoy a good book in the fresh air. Perhaps your local library has an outdoor area you can sit in while you mow through a chapter or two. Many people also love writing or reading by the ocean.

Get your hands dirty in the garden.You don’t have to be an expert in plants or gardening – as with cooking or learning an instrument, everyone starts somewhere. Ask your local florist or a garden-enthusiast for advice on some good plants/flowers to start with and go from there. Nurturing something else into life can encourage you to better look after your own wellbeing.

Practice mindfulness in the outdoors.Head out to somewhere with a bit of greenery, or down to the coast and work on your mindfulness. Bring your attention to the natural world around you, stay present and let your senses come alive. Listen to the nearby sounds. If you’re by the beach, breathe in and out to the sound of the waves to help shift your focus away from any unhelpful thoughts. You’ll be amazed at how you can feel afterwards. If you struggle to maintain concentration, try using Smiling Mind to help you.

Play with a furry friend.A dog is a great source of comfort, companionship and motivation to get out and about. If you don’t own a dog, you can watch the dogs play at your local park or pat a cat outside in their favourite sunny spot (if they’ll allow it). Animals relish the chance to be in the outdoors and soak in the fresh air whilst running around – us humans can learn a thing or two!

For more information on how you can support your mental health, check out the Beyond Blue Charity Space during the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, visit the Beyond Blue Website or call the Beyond Blue Support Service on 1300 22 4636.

Looking for a new hobby?

We hear a lot from people who love their lawns. They love everything about their lawn and looking after it. The pride they have when it’s looking at its best and they are reaping the rewards of a well-executed lawn care plan is infectious.

Not everyone’s excited about lawn and the ins and outs of lawn care, Lawn Solutions Australia provides turf varieties that are low maintenance and also have a range of products ready to use so your lawn doesn’t have to be hard work. For those who find a special passion for their lawn, there is a lot they can learn, and it really can become a great hobby with plenty of great tips available from Lawn Solutions Australia.

5 Reasons why lawn can be a great hobby

Looking after a lawn can be great exercise. Getting outside and active is great for your health!
Looking after a lawn can be amazingly rewarding.
There is always something new to learn!
You can create the perfect space for your friends and family (or just for yourself) to enjoy!
A good-looking lawn can increase the value of your home!

Types of lawn hobbyists:

Those who love… The Sporty Lawn

A functional lawn that provides a great sporting surface for fun and games in the backyard. A great space for kids and’s pets to play. Also, one for the more serious sports fans, providing the perfect backyard soccer field, putting green or cricket pitch.

Turf varieties such as Sir Walter DNA and TifTuf provide the perfect option for these types of lawn.

Those who love… The For-Show Lawn

Getting that show-piece lawn can take a little while but it’s not that difficult and is more about being consistent rather than fussy or fastidious about it.

Turf varieties such as Sir Grange and Sir Walter DNA are great options for these types of lawns. These varieties are low maintenance, so getting that manicured finish can be much easier!

Those who love… The Mullet (business out the front – party out the back!)

A combination of the first two. This is the option increasing in popularity and is a perfect match for the Australian lifestyle.

Sir Walter DNA, Sir Grange and TifTuf are all great turf varieties for getting this optimum result both out the front and out the back!

Book your tickets to the show here.

Gardening isn’t always straight forward

Gardening isn’t always straight forward. Every garden has that spot that just seems impossible to establish plants in or get them thriving. In my garden its steep slopes that hamper my gardening pursuits and passions.

But thankfully at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show last year, I discovered the beautiful rusted look garden edging from Straightcurve. But instead of using it in the traditional edging sense, I’ve came up with 2 creative ways to use the products to overcome my garden hurdles.

Using Straightcurve Flexline edging, I created planting pockets that I could fill with wonderful plants on another-wise dull and lifeless slope. The Flexline edging is as the name suggests, able to flex into different shapes and it’s made from weathering galvanised steel, so it turns from the factory fresh grey to a beautiful rusted orangey/red over a few weeks – but it’s still strong enough to stand the test of time.

The Flexline edging comes in standard lengths that can easily be clicked together to make long sections.

For full instructions watch the below video or visit their website here.

If you are installing the Flexline on a slope you will need to anchor the pieces using their clever bracing system, with an adjustable turnbuckle to keep everything in place. This can be purchased separately from the edging when needed.

The plants I used to plant out the Straightcurve Flexline edging planters were tough and shade loving. A mix of colourful foliage and flowers added interest and colour to the site.

Plants used are:

– Arthripodium ‘Te Puna’

– Liriopes ‘Muscari Mauve’

– Brunnera ‘Silver Heart’

– Ajuga ‘Black Scallop’

Straightcurve edging isn’t all about curves. Their Boxline products can be joined together and stacked to create fabulous alternative planters too. You can even top the boxes with recycled timber to create a bench and fill the planter with edible flowers and herbs.

So think outside the box and you too can create some straight or curved garden magic!

Happy Gardening!

Gardenette Chloe

For full information about Straightcurve products please visit www.straightcurve.com.au