Innholdsfortegnelse for October 2023 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

This has felt like one very busy month, preparing the magazine for publication, but finally it’s here! Geared towards what we’ve been waiting for – spring – this issue shows you how to bring new-season energy into your home. At this time of year, the sun, fresh air and garden scents can make us feel more optimistic, and this issue captures that exciting sense of possibility. Maybe your future holds a new kitchen fitout, taking its cue from nature and far-flung destinations (page 158). We also show you stylish ways to spruce up your space with trending heritage florals and pastels (page 122). The outside can be as much a part of your home as the inside, especially as the days grow longer. Aim high with clever climbers (page 26),…

SIBERIAN IRIS (I. SIBIRICA) blooms in late spring, producing fluted rather than ruffled petals. It grows to about 1m and is drought tolerant, so the rhizome can succumb to crown rot if soil remains too moist. There’s not a rainbow of blooms – it comes mostly in blue, violet and purple – but the foliage is fine and graceful. It doesn’t have the fuzzy beard of the bearded iris. Lift and divide every three or so years. LOUISIANA IRIS (I. HEXAGONA) is a moisture-loving plant that originated in the swamps of Louisiana in the US, so it thrives on the edge of ponds and streams. The colourful blooms – white, pink, red, blue, purple and yellow – that appear in October and November are open-faced and held on stems that grow to…

1 SILVER AND GOLD Take broccoli out of the vegie patch and it’s just as striking as any ornamental. Accent its big, curvy, silvery-blue leaves with butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa) and yellow-striped carex (C. elata ‘Aurea’). This combo likes cool weather, full sun and plenty of water. As the weather cools, take out your broccoli and steam it for dinner. 2 SWEET AS SUMMER Snack-size ‘Lunchbox Orange’ chilli peppers hang like Chinese lanterns when they ripen from late summer through to autumn. Tuck in edible ‘Spicy Globe’ basil for structure and scent, then add yellow ‘Superbells’ calibrachoa for sunny colour. Give the pot full sun, and water at the pepper roots for healthy growth. TIP STAKE TALLER PLANTS, SUCH AS TOMATOES, EGGPLANT AND PEPPERS, TO PREVENT THEM FROM TIPPING. 3…

EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A NEW SIDE PATH There are many patterns to use when laying bricks – the basket weave pattern used here looks complicated, but it’s quite simple to do! Here’s how STEP 1 Clear path of existing plants and rubble. STEP 2 Measure and mark out width of path at 690mm with landscape chalk. STEP 3 With mattock and shovel, remove soil down to about 100mm (76mm for the depth of the bricks, plus 20mm for the sand bed). STEP 4 Drive posts into soil with hammer or mallet at 4 corners of path and run string lines along each side of path. Check the path is level. STEP 5 Stack bricks alongside but outside string line. STEP 6 Lay down a bed of river sand on…

TOMATO GALETTE WITH GRUYÈRE PASTRY Preparation time 30 mins plus 2 hours chilling Cooking time 45 mins Serves 6 500g mixed heirloom tomatoes, sliced2 tsp sea-salt flakes¼ bunch thyme, leaves picked80g Gruyère, finely grated2 tsp extra virgin olive oil1 free-range egg, lightly whiskedBasil leaves, to serve PASTRY 2 cups plain flour, plus extra, to dust2 tsp sea-salt flakes170g cold unsalted butter, cubed1 Tbsp white vinegar¼ cup chilled water FILLING 250g fresh ricotta Finely grated zest of 1 lemon⅓ cup chopped mixed herbs (we used flat-leaf parsley, dill and thyme sprigs)Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season STEP 1 To make Pastry, pulse flour and salt in a large food processor until combined. Add butter and pulse until mixture resembles coarse breadcrumbs. Transfer mixture to a large bowl, drizzle…

RASPBERRY FILLED CREAM CHEESE CUPCAKES Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 30 mins Makes 12 125g butter, softened⅔ cup caster sugar1 tsp vanilla extract2 free-range eggs1¾ cups self-raising flour, sifted⅔ cup desiccated coconut⅔ cup milk1 cup frozen raspberries, thawed, roughly crushedCoconut flakes, to serve CREAM CHEESE ICING 500g cream cheese, softened150g butter, softened1 tsp vanilla extract1 cup icing sugar, sifted, plus extra, to dust STEP 1 Preheat oven to 160°C fan-forced (180°C conventional). Line a 12-hole, ⅓-cup capacity muffin pan with paper patty cases. STEP 2 In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until creamy. Beat in vanilla. Add eggs, beat well after each. Fold in flour and coconut, alternating with milk. Spoon into paper cases until two-thirds full. STEP 3 Bake for 20-25…

1 LOVE YOUR CURVES Highlight heritage features such as archways, as here, with a darker shade of blue to punctuate an entry to the back of the house, where a new bedroom, bathroom or laundry have been added. Let the old stream into the new. 2 NATURALLY CHIC At one with nature, blues and greens are calming and restful colours, bringing coolness and a sense of serenity to any space. These are colours you can live with, so choose them for your living room, then layer up soft textiles and rugs on your seating and floors to make your sanctuary cosy and inviting. 3 LINE IT UP The vertical lines on a beadboard wall draw the eye up, making your kitchen appear roomy. Here, the waterproofed panelling continues down to…

The mystery of the missing sock has many of us wondering, it even got physicist Stephen Hawking thinking, theorising that spontaneous black holes are responsible for their vanishing act. But instead of lamenting their loss, let’s grab those lone socks and turn them into adorable toys for kids and grown-ups (hacky sack, anyone?), or a wellness device for sore muscles. EASY STEPS TO MAKING PUPPETS Turning singleton socks into dragon puppets for kids is a fun, affordable activity – and the whole crew can get in on the act… Curtains up! Gather your supplies • Clean, long cotton socks • Hot glue gun • Felt sheets in chosen colours • Pompoms in assorted colours and sizes • Cardboard sheet • Goggle eyes • Fibre fill for stuffing You’ll also need…

There’s nothing like a good hack when you’re decorating on a budget. For vintage-inspired artworks (it’s a returning trend!), go online and print out your favourite pieces, stock up on some paintable glue, brushes and thrifted frames, and get creative! EASY STEPS TO VINTAGE-INSPIRED ARTWORK Gather your supplies • Printed artwork (see ‘For you to note’ below for online art image sources) • Cardboard in the same size as print • Matt Mod Podge • Antique-style frame You’ll also need Paintbrushes in various sizes; sawtooth picture hangers Mod Podge is a non-toxic, three-in-one product – a glue, sealer and finish. Use it for craft or art projects, like this faux-art piece. For you to note The copyright on artwork, including masterpieces, expires 70 years after the creator’s death, so it’s…

Beware the scam Even the most careful person can fall for these… AI VOICE SCAMS Most of us have had scam calls, but scammers are even sneakier now. It’s possible to clone a voice in just three seconds using AI cloning algorithms. In the US, parents are receiving fake calls with a voice sounding like their child saying they’re in trouble, followed by a ransom demand. Advice in the US* is to have a spoken family codeword. If the caller pretends to be the police, say the line is unclear, then ask for a call-back number. BANK SCAMS The ACCC estimates Australians lost over $3.1 billion to scammers in 2022 with bank impersonation one of the biggest culprits. Per scamwatch.gov.au, new technology makes the call appear to come from the…

A gold rush sparked by untapped natural resources in Sweden’s far north sees the criminal underworld leading the charge to cash in on the prospect of riches. But that’s not the reason that brings Lisbeth Salander to the small town of Gasskas. Salander has been named guardian of her niece, Svala, whose mother is the latest woman to have vanished without a trace. “AN UNMISSABLE NEW ADDITION TO THE GRIPPING DRAGON TATTOO SERIES” NORTHERN EXPOSURE Two things becomes very clear to Salander: Svala is a remarkably gifted teenager, and she’s being watched. Meanwhile, journalist Mikael Blomkvist is also on his way to Sweden’s north. He’s not in great shape. Millennium magazine is in its final print issue, and his relationship with his daughter is strained. Plus, the man she’s about…

Is your cake the next Women’s Weekly icon? To celebrate 90 years of The Weekly, we’re asking you to create and share your own iconic birthday cake! The winner will take home $5000 cash and have their cake featured in an upcoming issue of the magazine, and the next edition of the famous Children’s Birthday Cake Book. From the iconic jelly-topped swimming pool to the fan-favourite Rubber Ducky, The Australian Women’s Weekly birthday cakes have taken pride of place at many family milestones for decades. IS YOUR CAKE next? HOW TO ENTER 1 Scan the QR code with your mobile device. 2 Complete the entry form and upload a picture of your cake creation. 3 That’s it! You’re now in the draw to win $5000 cash and see your cake in the pages…

Inflation bites Take some tips on reducing the rising cost of pet care With the high cost of living, many families are finding it difficult to care for their much-loved pets. Sadly, affordability is one of the main reasons animals are surrendered to shelters, according to Companion Animal Network Australia. To help pet owners save money, Pet Insurance Australia shares these tips: • Keep a close eye on your pet’s health. Noticing any issues quickly and seeking treatment early can reduce vet expenses, particularly for common complaints and disease. • Keep up with annual vet check-ups and essentials, such as vaccination, worming and tick/flea programs. A full-blown flea allergy or tick paralysis can be much more expensive to treat than monthly preventative treatments!• Take care of your doggo’s teeth with regular…

SHOP FOR THESE AND MORE GARDEN ART, VISIT BHGSHOP.COM.AU Postage and handling additional. Delivery within Australia only. Offers available while stocks last. Prices are subject to change at any time.…

HOT STUFF Pick a side of the colour wheel and you’ll find the neighbouring hues work well together because they share the same colour base. Warm and juicy colours such as orange and yellow play well with bright pink. And green goes with everything, flattering the thriller (duranta), fillers (sunpatiens and daisies) and spiller (black-eyed Susan). This arrangement needs about 6 hours of sun a day. PRETTY PASTELS A container overflowing with soft pink and lilac flowers creates a dreamy picture that rests your eyes. With three spillers – pale blue lobelia, soft purple fan flowers and variegated potato vine – the voluminous arrangement is all garden, less pot. Pinks and purples explode on top like surreally quiet fireworks. DESIGNED FOR IMPACT Rich purple and bold yellow are even more…

An island home is everyone’s dream, unless you don’t like steep, rocky terrain of course. Happily, this island home and garden off Sydney’s Northern Beaches came with mature stands of gum trees, so the garden has focused on the gums, and putting in hardy, ground-hugging plants that cascade down the slopes like a soft, three-dimensional carpet. This way, the iconic gums are balanced with ‘negative spaces’ to resist a visual overload of plants, and create calm – which is why we’d all love an island home! HOW TO CONTROL A STEEP SLOPE • Steep gardens can lose much of their soil, and at the top what’s left can be nutrient-poor. • You need to put in plants that are hardy and with good root structure so they don’t tumble down…

Over winter, your pot plants can run out of nutrients, roots become bound, and the potting mix can become compacted and ‘hydrophobic’ – which is when water doesn’t penetrate the potting mix and the roots become starved. Here’s how to bring your pot plants back to life! LACK OF NUTRIENTS Problem There’s only a certain amount of nutrients in potting mix – it’s there mostly to hold up your plants. Due to the restrictions of growing in a confined space, potted plants can leach the minimal nutrients from your mix very quickly, especially when compared to plants in a fertile garden bed that has lots of microbial input. Solution Feed your pot plants with liquid fertiliser regularly, according to the instructions on the fertiliser. ROOT GROWTH Problem As your plant…

OCTOBER 2023 Times are in Australian Eastern Standard Time, AEST. This applies to NSW, the ACT, Qld, Vic and Tas. For SA and NT, deduct half an hour. For WA, deduct two hours. During Daylight Saving Time, add 1 hour. How to use the calendar Best days Second-best days On these days, thin out seed boxes, sow all types of seeds and plant seedlings that produce their crop above the ground. These include all varieties of peas, beans, corn, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprout, eggplant, lettuce, celery, silverbeet, spinach, endive, Chinese cabbage, tomato, cucumber, asparagus crowns, artichoke, marrow, pumpkin, capsicum, melon, zucchini, chicory, sprouts, rhubarb, all herbs (except garlic) and all agricultural crops, such as sunflower, grains, cereals, canola and cotton. During these days, you can also plant flowering shrubs,…

ROLLED LAMB LEG WITH GREEN OLIVES, SWEET ’N’ SOUR PUMPKIN AND WALNUTS Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 2 hours Serves 8 2kg boneless lamb legSea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season1 cup pitted green olives, finely chopped1 small bunch flat-leaf parsley, leaves and stems finely choppedFinely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons, plus extra wedges, to serve1 tsp toasted fennel seeds, cracked½ cup fresh breadcrumbs⅓ cup extra virgin olive oil1kg pumpkin, skin on, cut into wedges6 cloves garlic, minced1 Tbsp brown sugar1 tsp red wine vinegar1 tsp smoked paprikaPinch cayenne pepper1½ cups walnuts2 tsp water¼ cup pure icing sugarBaby spinach leaves and halved mixed cherry tomatoes, to serve STEP 1 Preheat oven to 140°C fan-forced (160°C conventional). Lay lamb leg skin-side up on a board, then…

1 POWER PLAY Add major impact to your kid’s bedroom without taking up space or breaking the bank with this heavenly headboard. Pick a bold yet budget-friendly print that ties in with the colour scheme, here it’s pink, and continue it in one or two other accents, like the lamp. 2 PUT A RING ON IT Instead of using traditional ties, you could use openable curtain ring clips to secure the bedhead cushion to the top rail of the bed. It’s a simple switch that looks just as cute! EASY STEPS TO A BEDHEAD Gather your supplies • Foam rubber cushion to fit bedhead • Quilt wadding • Spray adhesive for foam • Fabric of your choice • 3m x 20mm-wide matching ribbon or cotton tape • Pompoms for decoration…

RECYCLE RETHINK REUSE 1 BLUE BLENDS Make a lampshade cover from woven denim strips. Spray-paint the shade navy blue. Cut 1.5cm-wide strips of denim (enough to cover the lampshade), slightly longer than the lampshade; braid the strips. Hot-glue the end of the braided strips 1.5cm apart around the top and bottom edges of the lampshade. Cut 1.5cm strips of denim slightly longer than the shade’s circumference; braid. Hot-glue one end of a braided strip at the top of the shade and begin weaving horizontally through the vertical strips. Continue to cover the lampshade with 1.5cm spacing between strips. When one braided strip ends, hot-glue another to it to continue weaving. At the bottom of the lampshade, hot-glue the end of the strip to another to secure. 2 HANG UP YOUR…

Protect your IDENTITY BE CAUTIOUS If even slightly unsure who the person calling is, do not give any personal information away, including your date of birth, address, credit card numbers and any of your passwords. BE MINDFUL Regularly check your financial accounts, credit card statements and online profiles for any suspicious activity and report anything you don’t recognise to the relevant authorities. BE CLEVER Add an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step, such as a code sent to your mobile device, in addition to your password.…

“[A] COMPELLING TALE OF WOMEN ON A MISSION TO BE SEEN AND HEARD…”HELEN LEDERER The Ghost Ship Kate Mosse (Pan Macmillan, $34.99) August 1621: the so-called ‘Ghost Ship’ floats silently on the water. In the hold are bodies of men who are dead or dying. Only two pirates remain on deck, still defending their vessel against the superior firepower of the Spanish galleon. For many months, the ship has hunted pirates. But things are not what they seem. For the bravest of the men on board are, in fact, women living in disguise to protect their identities. The commander of the ship, Louise Reydon-Joubert, is fleeing a miscarriage of justice with her lover, Gilles Barenton. If caught, they will be arrested, tried, condemned and hanged for their crimes. THE PARIS…

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Climbing plants are head-turners – upwards, that is – as they clamber up walls, poles, arbours, arches, trellises, pergolas, even a makeshift garden teepee. You can use them to hide an ugly fence, wall or outbuilding, or to create a pretty privacy screen or define a new garden room. They add texture, colour and perfume to a narrow passage and are the best way to green and flower up a small garden. Whatever you use them for, they’ll soften your landscape, and bring charm, elegance and that final flourish that will make your garden so dreamy! VEGIES ARE CLIMBERS TOO • Don’t limit yourself to vertical ornamentals. Make the most of every spot in your vegie plot by growing tomatoes, peas, beans and cucumbers up the walls. Or, create a…

Big trees are your garden’s focal point, but big trees are old and they eventually become weak, diseased and die. Replacing them with something similar can take many decades, and removing the stumps and roots can be very expensive – and leave an unsightly, gaping hole. Instead, use the stump to create a new focal point – a delightful, elevated mini-garden that turns the old tree into nature’s beauty at its very best. HOW TO MAKE A STUMP PLANTER • If your stump is new and the core of the trunk is solid, carve out the centre with a chisel, then a small hand mattock down to about 20-30cm, leaving about 10cm of wood around the edge. Wear safety glasses. • Drill 2-3 drainage holes through trunk at an angle…

Everyone has secrets, something you want to keep hidden, gardens do as well – an ugly fence, a utility corner for bins, a carport cluttered with things that are no longer useful but you can’t bear to throw out, or you may have an open patio area that is exposed to winds or nosy neighbours. So put up a screen or a hedge and keep your darkest secrets safe! HEDGE OR SCREEN A hedge is a continuous row of identical plants that requires regular trimming to keep it neat and formal. The plants are generally narrow and can tower as high as 10m, or be a dainty little thing bordering a garden bed. Screening plants don’t need to be planted in a row and can be just one or two…

EASY STEPS TO A DRINKS COOLER AND BBQ BENCH Get ready for BBQ season and build a flexible and clever caddy for food and drink prep, and to cool your beers, bubbles and ice for summer sunset soirées. Here’s how STEP 1 Measure, mark and cut all components on Components list (above) with tape measure, pencil, combination square and mitre saw. Sand sawn edges with 80-grit paper. Label and sort components as you cut to correspond with Components list. STEP 2 Assemble Lower frame (see Lower frame diagram, page 70), with Bottom rails and Battens. Clamp Bottom rail to the bench, use drill and countersink bit to predrill through rails, insert batten screws and screw tight into Battens. STEP 3 Repeat Step 2 to assemble Upper frame using Top rails…

SEASON SPECIALS Try these delights for spring colour. GRACEFUL ARCH Snake’s head fritillary self seeds so it will come back next spring. HAVE A BLAST Wallflowers give a burst of colour in garden beds, borders or pots. SO BALLSY! Allium are bold enough to rise above the hoi polloi in garden beds. PLANT NOW In each issue we give ideas, tips and planting advice for cooler, warmer, wetter and drier areas in each zone, so ask at your local nursery which zone best matches your conditions. FLOWERS ALL ZONES Alyssum, amaranthus, begonia, cosmos, dahlia, marigold, nasturtium, portulaca, salvia, verbena and zinnia. ZONES 1-3 Balsam, celosia, dianthus, gaillardia (top left), phlox, sunflower and torenia. ZONES 4-6 Aster, Californian poppy (bottom left), candytuft, lobelia and snapdragon. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Artichoke, asparagus, beans,…

HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU online | mobile | in store room to lounge Unwind, relax and connect with nature as you sink into the Pacific Lounge Setting, with armchairs boasting a swivel function. The plush cushions and stylish rope detailing beckon you to an afternoon of comfortable indulgence. HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU online | mobile | in store Harvey Norman’s 2023 Outdoor Collection Harvey Norman’s 2023 Outdoor Collection room to dine Slow down, breathe deeply and savour your surroundings. Relish a meal at the Bastille Timber Dining Setting, then soak in the serenity by the pool on the luxe Ravona Sunlounge. HARVEYNORMAN.COM.AU online | mobile | in store room to chill Set up your dream staycation with the ultimate coastal vibe. Wait for your guests to arrive in the Atmosphere Egg Chair, then chill on the…

LIME & COCONUT CHEESECAKE Preparation time 30 mins plus 15 mins chilling, plus cooling Cooking time 1 hour Serves 10 150g Brazil nuts, toasted and cooled200g plain sweet biscuits140g unsalted butter, melted80g brown sugar60g desiccated coconut½ tsp sea-salt flakesLightly toasted shaved coconut and extra shredded lime zest, to serve LIME SYRUP 250g caster sugar100ml water Finely grated zest and juice of 2 limesFinely grated zest and juice of 1 lemon4 makrut lime leaves, finely shredded LIME AND COCONUT FILLING  Finely grated zest and juice of 5 limesFinely grated zest and juice of 2 lemons2 x 395g cans condensed milk4 free-range eggs4 free-range egg yolks500g cream cheese, diced, softened300ml coconut cream STEP 1 Grease a 25cm loose-base springform pan and line base with baking paper. STEP 2 To make base, pulse…

Curate to scale Think about scale when displaying your works of art. A good combo in any one space is one large, one medium and one small print. You could also incorporate one large-scale print and two medium-scale prints into your scheme. Create balance Walk around your room to feel the natural spots for art to be. Evenly distribute your prints so the eye doesn’t go into sensory overload and has the chance to appreciate each piece. Complement your artwork with interesting objects and plants to create a scene that’s both balanced and personal. Plain sailing Accompany flowery prints with plenty of colour blocking for a cohesive effect. If your living-room window treatment features a large-scale print, choose a sofa in a plain pastel to pack a visual punch. To…

EASY STEPS TO YOUR DAYBED Build a modular daybed to suit your home. It’s an easy project you can do in a day! Gather your supplies • 2400 x 900 x 40mm laminated pine panel (2) • 43mm x 2.4m Tasmanian oak dowel • 22mm x 2.4m Tasmanian oak dowel (2) • 4mm x 1.2m Tasmanian oak dowel • PVA wood glue • 60mm screws • Satin top coat • Foam cut to size • Upholstery fabric of your choice You’ll also need Tape measure; pencil; combination square; circular saw with guide and clamps; mitre saw; 1L paint tin; jigsaw; 80- and 120-grit sandpaper; sanding block; drill; 8g smart countersink drill bit; impact driver; lint-free cloths; 43mm and 22mm hole saws; vacuum; nap roller and tray; 4mm drill bit; hammer;…

EASY STEPS TO A WORKBENCH AND OVERHEAD STORAGE Build a couple of savvy, practical projects to organise your garage, then you can tinker for a month of Sundays! Gather your supplies • 2400 x 1200 x 19mm plywood panel (2) • 70 x 45mm x 2.4m dressed pine (3) • PVA glue • 70 x 70mm x 1.8m dressed pine (2) • 65mm bugle screws • 42 x 19mm x 2.4m dressed pine (2) • 64 x 19mm x 2.4m dressed pine (2) • Primer • Paint • Handy storage 70L crate (5) You’ll also need Tape measure; pencil; combination square; safety eyewear; circular saw with guide and clamps; mitre saw; 80-grit sandpaper; electric planer; drill; countersink drill tool; impact driver; nap roller and tray; cloth; ladder; stud finder Here’s…

There’s a cliché that says nothing ever happens in a small town. But someone forgot to tell Australian author Shelley Burr. The best-selling writer, who drew critical acclaim for her debut novel WAKE, turned to the country’s small-town heartland as the home for her second novel, RIPPER. In the fictional town of Rainier, she found a place and a people ripe for the plotting – their lives partly inspired by a news article she read on South Australia’s infamous destination of Snowtown. “When you say the name Snowtown, there’s one thing that everyone thinks of immediately… and that’s the horrible [bodies in the barrel] murders,” explains Burr. “So this article was essentially examining the same dilemma with Snowtown that the people of Rainier are grappling with in the book. That…

Knowing how to get your skin into great shape can seem a little daunting when there are so many products to choose from, but when you know what your skin needs, you’ll be ahead of the game. To help you on your way, here are some useful skincare tips. CONSIDER THIS The first and most important consideration, regardless of your age and your skin type, is to make sure your skin is in good condition. What does that mean? It’ll look and feel soft and supple, and be free of sensitivity. NOT HAPPY JAN Irritable and reactive skin is often a sign the natural protective barrier on the surface has been compromised by environmental elements, or lack of care and products. Whether your skin type is normal, oily, dry, or…

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