Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2024 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

A big hello from me, it’s wonderful to meet you. This issue is my first with Better Homes and Gardens, and I so look forward to exploring this journey with you. This month, the sun is out, and we’re moving into entertaining season. In between the fun and socialising, this issue is all about taking a breath, stopping to smell the roses (or in this case, Banksia roses), and retreating to the outdoors. We’ll show you the best climbing plants to cover your pergolas and fences in a cascade of fragrance and colour (p36), as well as our picks for alfresco accessories (p34) and fresh accents for timeless interiors (p132). We’ve gone mad for avocados, covering not just how to grow your own (who says money doesn’t grow on trees?…

Growing herbs is the easiest way to kickstart a gardening passion. It covers all the basics. You can grow herbs from seeds or cuttings. You can cultivate them in garden beds or in pots, indoors or out. They’re quick growers so you can put zing into your summer salads fresh from your garden. And the more you pick off the leaves, the more they grow. Best of all, spring is the best time to get started. 1 TAKE BABY STEPS When you’re starting out, grow just one or two herbs that you know you’ll be using. As your confidence grows, graduate to a bigger range. 2 FLAVOUR PLUS Growing your own herbs gives you the guarantee of fresh flavours that are immediately at hand. No need for a dash to…

SPRING HERB, PROSCIUTTO AND ASPARAGUS QUICHE Scattered with spring vegies, this savoury ricotta quiche is picnic perfect. GREEN GODDESS PASTA SALAD WITH CHICKEN Pack zippy flavours into a pasta salad with this new take on the classic. Team it with spiced-up, pan-roasted chicken. SPICE-CRUSTED LAMB SKEWERS WITH DILL YOGHURT For a sure-fire hit at your next barbecue, serve up succulent and tender lamb kebabs. AIR-FRIED BEEF RUMP WITH GREEN CHILLI LIME DRESSING AND SLAW Leave the oven off for this delicious roast – your air fryer has it covered. The dressing adds a cool kick. SPRING HERB, PROSCIUTTO AND ASPARAGUS QUICHE Preparation time 20 mins plus 2 hours cooling Cooking time 50 mins Serves 6 2 sheets butter puff pastry, thawed 3 free-range eggs ½ cup finely chopped flat-leaf…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 COCONUT RICE PUDDING WITH CARAMELISED MANGO Mangoes are magic in desserts, including in this Asian-inspired winner. COLIN FASSNIDGE Join me as I show you how to make delicious dishes on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more recipes, go to bhg.com.au. SWEET CORN TOSTADAS Raise a toast to tostadas. These mini Mexican-style snacks are just the thing to serve with drinks. COCONUT RICE PUDDING WITH CARAMELISED MANGO Preparation time 30 mins Cooking time 50 mins Serves 6 300ml coconut cream 300ml coconut milk 200ml full-cream milk 1 vanilla bean, split 1 bay leaf ¾ cup arborio rice 6 egg yolks (from free-range eggs) ½ cup caster sugar 200g dried mango, finely chopped 1 cup…

1, 2 HURRICANE SEASON Take a glass hurricane lamp (amazon.com.au) or glass candlestick. Hot-glue the end of 6mm sisal rope (bunnings.com.au) at the bottom of the glass, then wrap upwards. Apply a dot of hot glue every 15cm. Knot a separate piece of rope around the exterior, finishing the ends with a metallic bead cap (spotlightstores.com) attached with a dot of hot glue. A FEW SMALL FLOURISHES CAN ADD A RELAXED BEACH VIBE ALL YEAR ROUND. 3, 4, 5 IT’S A WRAP Craft a table lamp that looks like it’s from your dream beach holiday. Use 10mm sisal rope to wrap the lamp base and add a soft, handcrafted tassel to finish (see page 140). To make the decorative sculpture, cut three wires from an inexpensive wreath form…

BUDGET-FRIENDLY IDEAS Paintable textured wallpapers give the look of pressed metal without the cost. They are easy to work with, available in a heap of designs and an excellent choice for a plain surface that needs a little something extra. A painted gloss finish will seal the deal and make that pattern pop right off the wall. EASY STEPS TO CREATING A WALLPAPER SPLASHBACK AND SHELF Cover up rough and uneven walls with an on-trend tile alternative that won’t bust a modest reno budget. Safety notes When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask, and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing. Here’s how STEP 1 For the splashback, measure the length of your benchtop. On the fireboard sheet, mark a cut…

Women are good at focusing on other people’s needs and neglecting their own. Don’t be one of them. Your body is your forever home and the better you look after it, the better you’ll be able to care for your loved ones. So start taking notice of what your body is trying to tell you. Keep on top of your health checks and learn how to recognise early warning signs and symptoms. As a woman, there are a few areas that you need to pay more careful attention to and be active about managing. Here’s what’s most important... REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH Your reproductive health is a significant aspect of your overall health and wellbeing – before, during and after child-rearing years. The main areas to monitor include menstrual cycle regularity, hormonal…

“THE GODFATHER OF ROYAL REPORTING.” Catherine, the Princess of Wales Robert Jobson (Allen and Unwin, $34.99) Dubbed “the godfather of royal reporting ”, Robert Jobson has talked to people on and off the record for this biography of Catherine, the commoner in line to be queen. It’s almost a fairytale how this attractive, clever girl from unexceptional beginnings meets and falls in love with a wealthy prince. Since her wedding, Catherine has endeared herself to the public with her self-deprecation, humour and solid work ethic. She and William are now among the most popular members of the royal family. I was Anastasia Ariel Lawhon (Simon & Schuster, $ 32.99) A historical fiction, or is it? In Russia, 1918, Anastasia Romanov, along with the entire imperial family, faces a firing squad.…

Pooches on the job How to make an office pawsome for everyone. Taking your pet to the office can be fun, but having some ground rules may make it even better. Companion Animal Network Australia’s Pets in Business program has plenty of tips for creating a harmonious, pet-friendly space. • Provide a safe, secure area for pets to roam. This also benefits people who are allergic to or dislike pets as they can have an animal-free zone. • Pet compliance: Pets should be up to date with vaccinations, free of fleas and ticks, clean, house-trained and well behaved. • Clean-up protocol: Be prepared for widdle and worse with easy-to-clean floors and pet-safe cleaning products. Pet owners should be responsible for cleaning up their pet’s mess. • Toileting:…

Editor Megan Osborne Creative director Scott Cassidy Deputy editor Raffaela Pugliese Production editor Joseph Kenworthy Chief sub-editor Jo McKinnon Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Decorating editor Raffaela Pugliese Garden editor Jenny Dillon Food editor Sarah Murphy DIY editor Tiff Bancroft Beauty editor Annie Millar Stylist Kate Walsh Enquiries (02) 9282 8000 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS In your garden Tony Fawcett Moon guide Milton Black Better pets Caroline Zambrano ADVERTISING Commercial brand manager Jo-Ann Taylor Brand executive Claire Ellis NSW head of sales Blake Wright  Vic head of agency sales Ben Wiles  Vic, SA and WA head of direct sales Will Jamison  Qld head of sales Judy Taylor  Marketing manager Jess Taylor  Subscriptions campaign manager Ankita Jathar TELEVISION  Host Johanna Griggs  Presenters: Pets Dr…

Flowers, leafy shrubs and waving ornamental grasses colouring up a canvas of tall trees – the perennial garden is a free-flowing respite from the highly manicured and maintained formal style of gardening. The perennial nature of the plants allows you to embrace all seasons, shapes, sizes and colours, filling long beds with abundance and spilling over borders into paths. 1 WATER WONDERLAND A pond in your garden is not only a place where you can indulge in quiet reflection. It’s also a water source for wildlife and a home for damselflies and dragonflies that eat mosquitos. 2 PINK PERFECTION Roses are usually a feature of formal gardens, especially when clipped into balls. But they also belong in a perennial garden where they can grow as they please, if the climate…

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. ZODIAC SIGNS The 12 signs of the zodiac are divided into four groups – fire, air, earth and water. Fire signs Aries and Sagittarius are in harmony with all fruit. Leo is in harmony with nuts and all seed ‐producing crops. Earth signs Capricorn and Taurus are in harmony with all root vegetables that produce crops below the ground, including garlic. Virgo is in harmony with all herbs. Air signs Libra, Aquarius and Gemini are in harmony with plants that produce flowers and perfumes. Water signs Cancer, Scorpio and…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 STIR-FRY BEEF AND BLACK BEAN SAUCE Enjoy a restaurant classic fresh from the wok. It’s even tastier when you make the sauce from scratch. BRAISED PORK BELLY IN SOY SAUCE Creamy egg, fluffy rice and Asian greens team perfectly with sticky, tender pork. CLARISSA FEILDEL Join me as I show you how to make delicious dishes on BHG TV, Fridays at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more recipes, go to bhg.com.au. STIR-FRY BEEF AND BLACK BEAN SAUCE Preparation time 15 mins plus 30 mins marinating time Cooking time 15 mins Serves 4 1 Tbsp cornflour 500g rump steak, thinly sliced 3 Tbsp vegetable oil 1 brown onion, roughly chopped 150g snow peas, trimmed ¼ cup water Steamed…

BUDGET FRIENDLY IDEAS Small changes can make a big impact. This sleek geometrically styled sink with gooseneck tap cost just $30. Renovating a bathroom can have you singing in the shower once it’s done. But it’s the sort of project that can quickly drain your wallet. So, get clever. Use our creative ideas to achieve your dream bathroom without blowing the budget. Second-hand or reclaimed items could save you thousands, and you can pick up bargain beauties online, too. With elbow grease and a lick of paint, you’ll have designer style for a song. This shelf is made from hardwood reclaimed from a 1960s bed base. It has been sanded and sealed with benchtop sealant to protect it from bathroom moisture. Patch walls and replace any missing tiles, if needed.…

9 REASONS WHY YOU NEED A WET & DRY VAC It’s an overachiever in your home maintenace tool arsenal. If you’re a keen do-it-yourselfer with space to tinker, then owning a wet and dry workshop vacuum cleaner is a no-brainer. A workshop vac is made for deep cleaning and heavy-duty jobs. It may look like a bin on wheels, but this powerful DIY ‘tool’ will outperform your latest stick vac and live to tell the tale – whatever you throw in front of it. Still not convinced? Here are nine things it can do that make even the dirtiest jobs a breeze. 1. Deep cleaning indoors and out. A workshop vacuum cleaner will pick up almost anything: gravel, leaves, wine spills, even the cereal down the side of the…

BANISH BILL SHOCK Knowledge is power on electricity bills. CALCULATE YOUR SCORE The Residential Efficiency Scorecard shows how much energy is used throughout your home. It works the same way as the star rating on your fridge or washing machine. To get your Scorecard, book a government-accredited assessor to come to your home. They will show you how much energy your home uses. They will also help you save energy and money by identifying what features are contributing to high energy bills. More details at homescorecard.gov.au. MAKE COMPARISONS There’s a simple way to check if you’re getting the best deal on your power bills. The government website Energy Made Easy helps you compare different energy companies. Just answer a few questions about your home or business and the website suggests…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 They may get mistaken for palms or ferns, but cycads are in a world of their own – going back 280 million years. When the dinosaurs were still stomping about, cycads were the most abundant form of plant life. While the age of the dinosaurs came to an abrupt end, the age of the cycads is now also in danger. Their potential extinction is because of habitat disruption and climate change. But you can help by growing one at your place. Decorative, hardy and easy to care for – pop in a few and you can call your garden Jurassic Park. CARE FOR CYCADS Australia has its own varieties of cycads. The most readily available from nurseries is burrawang (Macrozamia communis). It grows naturally…

SEASON SPECIALS Brighten your patio or plot with spring annuals. POPS OF COLOUR Use lobelia as a garden bed edging or let it dangle from a hanging pot. RAZZLE-DAZZLE Cineraria will brighten up a shady spot in a cottage-style garden. PRETTY POP-UPS! Our native brachyscome is a prolific self-seeder, so you’ll find more popping up year after year. 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 Ageratum (top left), amaranthus, cosmos, dahlia, marigold, petunia, salvia, verbena and zinnia. ZONES 1-3 Balsam and vinca (periwinkle). ZONES 4-6 Arctotis (bottom left), aster, celosia, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, godetia, impatiens,…

MARINATED AVOCADO Made zippy with lemon juice and chilli, spoon this onto crispy-skin salmon or add to a hearty grain bowl. TRY GROWING AVOCADO TREES CHARRED AVOCADO AND PINEAPPLE SALAD Pop an avo on the grill and watch the magic happen. The creamy flesh gains a luscious, smoky flavour. Team it with caramelised pineapple, juicy blackberries and a zesty coriander dressing. FOOD When choosing which avocado to eat next, gently press the stem end with your fingers. If it gives a little under the pressure, it’s ripe. If it’s too firm, don’t despair. Leave it on the benchtop and it should ripen in 4-5 days. Refrigerate whole ripe avocados in an airtight container for up to two weeks. Avocados start to turn brown once cut, but it doesn’t mean your…

EASY PORK CHOW MEIN Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 20 mins Serves 4 2 Tbsp peanut oil 250g pork mince 4 green onions, white parts chopped, green parts shredded 2 garlic cloves, chopped 2cm piece fresh ginger, finely chopped  2 tsp caster sugar  1 red capsicum, thinly sliced  1 bunch bok choy, leaves and stems separated, thinly sliced  2 Tbsp oyster sauce  1 Tbsp light soy sauce  1 Tbsp Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine)  2 tsp sesame oil  450g packet fresh thin hokkien noodles  Bean sprouts, to serve  Crushed roasted peanuts, to serve STEP 1 Heat oil in a wok or large frying pan over high heat. Stir-fry mince, breaking up lumps, for 3–4 minutes until well browned. STEP 2 Add white parts of onion, garlic and ginger.…

MIX TRAD AND MOD STYLES A design historian may disagree, but introducing touches of modern decor to an older home helps connect a vintage interior to contemporary comforts. Cover furniture that is subject to heavy daily wear in tough, durable and tightly woven fabrics. A linen-look, washable polyester is a practical, easy-care choice to protect against stains and damage. Hardwood floors are a versatile foundation for any decorating style. The timber’s warm tones pair well with neutral-hued fabrics. Simply layer on the rugs when the temperature dips. If you have a home with time-earned character, embrace its sense of story and style. KEEP IT PALE AND INTERESTING Often the first features that make you fall in love with an older home are ornate moulding, trim and door details. These were…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 Pretend play is a game children love, and using their imagination helps littlies develop their creativity and communication skills. So grab a chair (make sure it’s sturdy, without wobbly legs), add some hardware basics, and create this play kitchen with all the trimmings. EASY STEPS TO BUILDING A KIDS’ KITCHEN Create a play kitchen from a wooden chair and basic hardware. It’s cute, compact and stable. Safety notes When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie back your hair. When appropriate, wear gloves and protective clothing. Project notes All measurements given are for the IKEA Stefan chair. You should measure and adjust the components for the wooden chair you are using for the project. Here’s how STEP 1…

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