Real Living Australia – September 2019

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spring to-do list

no garden? no worries

Apartment dwellers, listen up. You can still exercise that green thumb even if you

have minimal space to work with. Got a balcony? Hang plants from walls and

railings or surround yourself with pots of herbs, succulents, bromeliads or palms.

How about a bathroom? Those steamy, humid conditions are ideal for boston

ferns, Phalaenopsis orchids and spider plants. Maybe a windowsill? Grow plant

cuttings in water or fill a window box with geraniums for a Mediterranean vibe. A

Top up potting mix

or repot plants into

bigger containers

Apply a fresh layer of

mulch to garden beds

Prune trees and

shrubs to encourage

new growth

Fertilise all plants

• blood and bone for
  natives, liquid fertiliser
  for vegies and pots
  and plant-specific
  food for roses, citrus
  and orchids

Revitalise lawns with

an organic fertiliser.

Aerate soil or topdress

with sand to fill hollows

WHAT’S NEW

Outdoor

furniture find

Domayne’s new outdoor

furniture and homewares

range is in stores now,

and it’s huge! As well

as extending on popular

ranges from last year,

the team have introduced

some fun new items to

cater for all tastes,

budgets and spaces.

The comfy three-piece

Pipon setting for $1299 is

ideal for small courtyards

and balconies. Check it

out at Domayne.com.au

Great heights Vaso

vessel, about $350*,

Light + Ladder.

S

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C

C

UL

ENTS

BRO

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LI

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S

PALMS

plant profile: bird of paradise (strelitzia)

Tall and flamboyant, this striking South-African native has more to offer than just good looks. He’s tough enough

to withstand drought, salty, coastal conditions, light frosts and neglectful owners. Plant yours in free-draining

soil in a sunny or partly shaded spot, and away from pets, as it’s toxic to animals. It may take four or five years

for the vibrant orange flowers to appear, but once they do, they’ll last a good two to three weeks in a vase.

BALCONY PLANTS

DIY PROJECT

re-oil your deck

Set the stage for alfresco

entertaining with our

step-by-step guide...

1

Remove all furniture and

items from your deck

and hose it down.

2

Use a broom to lightly

scrub the boards with

deck cleaner. Leave for

15 minutes; hose off.

3

Give it a sand with an

orbital sander or floor

sander; vacuum or

sweep away the dust.

4

Apply oil or stain using

long, even strokes and

working from one side to

the other. Leave to dry;

apply two more coats.

real living

137

outside