I'm Elly. A home gardener who realised my passion for horticulture and landscape design while renovating our first home — a little gem nestled in the bush with an overgrown backyard and bare lawn out the front.
We moved trailer loads of garden waste and installing two raised beds in the first year, giving me a space to potter around alongside a baby and toddler. It was relief from the daily duties of a stay-at-home-mum and started a new obsession inside me.
As the children grew older, I completed a Horticulture certificate and set about expanding our gardens around the home. My fascination with ornamental plantings, in particular ‘naturalistic garden design’ and cut flower production has developed over the years, alongside my love for growing vegetables.
I now offer garden consulting services and sell cut flowers from my backyard. I love to share my gardening journey along with inspirational advice for beginners and am particularly keen on propagation and helping people with their seed sowing endeavours.
You may be tempted to jump ahead and begin planting your flower seedlings. But it's important to know which ornamentals can be planted in the garden now, and which need to be withheld…
Composting isn’t complicated — it’s a key part of a healthy garden. This step-by-step guide covers the basics of compost bins, the difference between hot and cold methods, and simple tips for turning garden and kitchen waste into rich, usable compost.
Autumn plant clearance sales are tempting, but it’s important to know which plants are a worthwhile investment, and which should be left on the shelf. Plus, learn how to transplant new plants for the best success!
A guide to harvesting and saving seeds from your most treasured plants in autumn. Next spring, those little gems are the ticket to a flourishing garden once again!
Spring bulbs are often the first sign of life in the garden, but their presence is dependent on you as the gardener preparing in the autumn time for their much anticipated arrival.
Seed sowing is one of the most important jobs in the autumn garden. It’s time to sow winter vegetables and hardy annual flowers. This autumn seed sowing guide outlines what to sow in your autumn garden and the methods you can use to guarantee successful germination.
This process is ideal for seeds that require cold stratification to germinate. The milk bottles act like a mini greenhouse, allowing light in and protection from the weather - but subjects the seeds to freezing temperatures too.
Lifting and storing dahlias can be a daunting task especially if you have amassed a collection over the years. Here's the when, why and how of lifting your dahlia tubers...
The complete guide to dried flowers: How to grow, dry & arrange with dried flowers. Including three unique dried flower projects you can work on using the dried florals from your garden.
Dividing perennials is an easy and cost-effective method of propagation. It’s also a key strategy for maintaining the health and vitality of your perennials.
