Better Homes and Gardens Australia February 2021

There’s always so much to be thankful for at this time of the year. For most of us, it’s a chance to catch our breath after Christmas, unwind and embrace the things we love about an Aussie summer. For me, that means superb seasonal food. And in this issue, Fast Ed (page 12) serves up exotic twists on Aussie classics. Who knew a humble potato scallop could taste so good? And I promise your first bamington will not be your last! Summer is also a time of renewal in the garden, with fab ideas for big, bold borders (page 40) and hardy coastal plants (page 26). And how about creating a lush jungle feel — in a pot (page 34). Put it near a window to capture a tropical holiday…

Recipe on page 20 Recipe on page 20 Recipe on page 20 Recipe on page 20 Recipe on page 22 ICY PINEAPPLES ARE TERRIFIC ON A BURGER AS THEY ADD A WELCOME TOUCH OF SWEETNESS TO THE SAVOURY FLAVOUR Recipe on page 22 Recipe on page 22 Recipe on page 22 CRISPY SCALLOPS WITH SALSA VERDE AND NECTARINE Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 20 mins Makes 24 6 small sebago potatoes¾ cup soda water1 cup plain flourSea-salt flakes and freshly ground white pepper, to seasonVegetable oil, for deep-frying1 bunch parsley leaves¼ bunch mint leaves¼ bunch thyme leaves1 tsp capers½ cup extra virgin olive oil100g mascarpone2 ripe nectarines, cut into fine wedges STEP 1 Steam potatoes until tender, then set aside to fully cool. Whisk soda water and half of…

an endless horizon, soaring seagulls, the gentle rhythm of rolling surf, a refreshing sea breeze – life’s a beach and you’re alive. But is your garden? That warm, enveloping – but salt-laden – breeze can be brutal and destructive to your inland favourites. Here’s how to turn a breeze-burnt, sun-scorched, salt-sodden patch into a robust and gorgeous coastal garden. COASTAL CONDITIONS Sandy soil along our coastal suburbs means water and nutrients quickly drain away. Sea breezes keep the air dry and can stunt or twist growth. Salt spray can be toxic to plants. But coastal plants have adapted to these elements – often they are smaller and more compact than when grown inland. Foliage is where you see the most obvious adaptations. Leaves can be smaller or produce fine hairs…

• If you’re exposed to strong winds, plant a windbreak positioned at right angles to the prevailing wind. Spartan juniper (Juniperus virginiana ‘Spartan’) creates a high living wall. • For a sculptural silhouette on a high point, plant iconic Norfolk Island pines (Araucaria heterophylla) or a spreading pohutukawa (Metrosideros excelsa) with its stunning red Christmas flowers. • The Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) can become a warped, twisted beacon of art on a lonely sea cliff. • Lower hedges can be created from photinias and Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepsis sp). Or, you can create an informal screen with an attractive grouping of coastal banksias (Banksia integrifolia) or olive trees (Olea europaea). • Create shelter for your low-growing plants with smaller hedges of white or pink-flowering correa (Correa alba), tea tree (Leptospermum sp)…

Leave behind the mundane and head into the lush tropics. Sink into their warmth and chill out on their charm – all without leaving home. Just pop out to your balcony or courtyard, where the colliding colours and fascinating foliage are your escape plan. And it all just comes in a pot! Cool! “Capture the look and feel of a tropical rainforest’s rich, lush greenery”…

Many temperate-climate species have the look of tropical plants, so you can live in a cooler climate and still have a tropical theme. Here’s how to get the look! • Go for lots of big, lush leaves by adding plants such as hosta, evergreen magnolia, cordyline, monstera, philodendron, an umbrella plant (Schefflera sp) or cool-climate ferns and fern trees that imitate palm trees. Australian natives Cyathea cooperi or Dicksonia antarctica are ideal. • Include large variegated leaves with strong colours that imitate a floral display, such as coral bells (Heuchera sp). • Amid your lush foliage, put in pots of brightly coloured flowers. Go seasonal with bulbs with flowers that pop through long leaves – think tulips in spring or gorgeous little rain lillies (Zephyranthes sp) that are an autumn…