Author: Kimberly Crawford

Beetroot is a vegie that pops up regularly in any gardening magazine, including this one, not least for its culinary delightfulness and ease of growing. But did you know about this humble vegie’s surprising health benefits? Especially when consumed as juice. Beetroot juice contains high levels of inorganic nitrate, which has been shown to increase…

Beautifying the home is always a big challenge among homeowners. May it be the backyard or the front yard, it is every homeowner’s dream to have a unique sight where people would stop for a look. F For homeowners who like it colorful and bright, opting for flower beds in their back and front yards…

Mints are one the most popular herb families on earth. Peppermint, spearmint, apple, chocolate, Egyptian, Moroccan, Corsican, ginger, pineapple, banana … it’s a long list and includes around six species that are endemic to Australia. Learn more types of mint plants. The Mentha genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family, which includes other popular fragrant herbs…

In the realm of urban gardening, one innovative solution has taken root and is rapidly climbing upwards – the vertical garden. A vertical garden, also known as a green wall or living wall, is a method of growing plants on a vertically suspended panel by using hydroponics. These gardens can be created both indoors and…

Tamarinds are spreading trees that produce long, nourishing bean- like pods. While the trees are rarely seen in Australian gardens, tamarind paste is becoming a popular addition to recipes, particularly in dishes from India, the Middle East and Asia. These trees grow best in subtropical to tropical climates but tolerate drier and cooler conditions, especially…

With cultivar names like ‘Welsh Wonder’, ‘Colossal’ and ‘Unique’, leeks are staking their claim as large, robust and striking vegetables. The bit that’s eaten is the white part of the lower stem (above the root and below the tough green leaf tops). While rigid and usually called a stem or stalk, it isn’t a true…

At first glance, stone pines may not look like edible plants, but these tall conifers are the source of the pine nut. Pine nuts, the small, naked seeds that fall from pine cones, are one of the ingredients of pesto (blended with basil, garlic, oil and Parmesan cheese). Pine nuts are known as pignoli or pinoli…

The oldest record of cauliflower  dates back to the sixth century BCE. A member of the cabbage family, the word  “cauliflower” comes from the Latin caulis, meaning “cabbage”, and floris, meaning “flower”. They are grown for their thick, undeveloped flowers and flower stalks, not for their leaves. Of all the brassicas, cauliflower is the most difficult…

Ten garden pests do most of the damage in US gardens, and most of them fall to hand-picking, water, and row cover before you ever need a spray.

On a hot summer’s day, a chilled slice of watermelon is right up there with an ice-cold glass of lemonade. Oh-so refreshing! Watermelons are mostly water, so munching your way through a few slices is a pleasant way to hydrate, but did you know that this sweet, succulent fruit is also soaked with nutrients, antioxidants…

1. CATS SCAT! Tired of finding feline calling cards in your garden? Here are four simple solutions. Make a repellent by combining two parts cayenne pepper, three parts dry mustard and five parts flour. Simply mix together and sprinkle. Cats don’t like tea leaves, so empty your used ones onto the garden soil. Try using a…

The pomegranate is among the oldest cultivated fruits, originating from Persia, Afghanistan and surrounding areas. The fruit is striking to look at hanging on the tree, but even more beautiful when you cut it open to reveal the fleshy jewel-like seeds inside. In fact, the name “pomegranate” translates to “seeded apple” and the fruit is…

A key ingredient in the famed French perfume channel No 5, Ylang Ylang is a warm-climate flowering tree. The bewitching scented oil we know as ylang ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is derived from the very fragrant flowers of a tropical tree. The flowers have long, slender, streamer-like petals and smell like a cross between tropical…