Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2025 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

When people ask me how and why my career travelled the path it has, a piece of advice from my mum comes to mind. While it may not be an original sentiment, depending on your upbringing I’d hazard a guess that it’s still a relatively uncommon one. Her advice came during my later high school years, during that weird stage when you’re expected to plot out the rest of your life, even though your frontal lobes won’t be fully developed for another eight years. “Choose what you enjoy, and you’ll find a way to be good at it,” Mum said (or something along those lines). The gist was that joy in your work was more important than money or social standing. It was perhaps an interpretation of the famous quote:…

TIM ROBERTS Photographer Tim Roberts is a Sydney-based photographer specialising in food and lifestyle. He’s worked with several national food brands and publications, using his passion for lighting, food and the stories that come with it. Tim’s photographic journey has seen him work across supermarket, restaurant, food and magazine clients, refining his eye for clever compositions and evocative colour in dishes. Enjoy his images from page 22 and on the cover. BEN VELLA Photographer Ben Vella is a Melbourne-based photographer who works on location and from his Brunswick East studio. With 19 years of experience, he’s shot everything from international ad campaigns and fashion runways to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (p108). Ben loves both the human element and the technical side of photography. He’s looking forward to…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. Inspired RELAXATION You’ll enjoy supreme comfort with the Vigo leather recliner and footstool, whether you’re reading or sitting with your laptop. With its adjustable headrest and classic reclining action, this chair is a quality addition for any living area or study; $3899, from Harvey Norman. ESPRESSO ELEVATED Lift your coffee game with espresso tools accented in rich American walnut. This Breville Force Gauge Tamper and Pro Control Jug duo is priced from $139. LOOK AT ME Brickworks Forma pavers transform waste into an architectural surface. With 15 per cent reclaimed ceramic waste from porcelain artisans Mud Australia, the 400mm square pavers incorporate flecks of the studio’s signature hues. It’s a fusion of design and sustainability. Pricing on request. Fragrance &…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. WEAR YOUR VEGIES! Upgrade your apron with this fun and vibrant garden vegie print. Stephanie’s Harvest linen apron by Kip&Co, $95, is a collaboration with foodie legend Stephanie Alexander. Made of durable French flax linen, it should last you for years. TABLE TALK This 210cm Eclipse rectangular dining table, crafted in Australia with Tasmanian oak timber framing, is an ideal size to host our supper club spread (see p21). And its mid-century vibe could attract as many compliments as your food! It’s $2699 from Harvey Norman. Chairs sold separately. Feel the beet Add a pop of colour to winter dishes with in-season beetroot. The leaves are edible (prepare like spinach for salads or stir-fries), but use younger leaves as they’re…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 CHARLIE ALBONE Join me as I take you round the cracking cacti at Beauties of the Desert on BHG TV, Friday May 23 at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more garden tips, go to bhg.com.au There’s more to cacti than the tall, three-or four-armed bandits that rise up from a stony desert floor. They come in a diverse range of shapes and sizes, making them the perfect plant for your creative collection. Choose from little buttons or fat, swirling globes, or crested cacti that surge like crashing waves. Or collect cacti with long hairy tails that dangle and sway as though they’re in an alien disco. Then there are the blooms, fabulously vibrant but often fleeting. They emerge…

SEASON SPECIALS Grow pops of winter colour! Pearl drops For colour when its needed most, try winter heath (Erica carnea). Pure gold The bright, tiny flowers of winter aconite arrive just as you’re winter weary. Peels of delight Native fuchsia, or correa, has dainty, bell-shaped flowers in cooler months. 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 Geranium, pansy, primula, salvia and viola. ZONES 1-3 Ageratum, aster, coleus, cosmos, dianthus, kangaroo paw (top left), snapdragon, sunflower and zinnia. ZONES 4-6 Allium (ornamental), alyssum, begonia, calendula, Camellia japonica, cineraria (bottom left), foxglove and lupin. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Broad beans, garlic, lettuce, onion…

Cash in on your creativity You could earn extra dollars with an arts or crafts side hustle. SELL YOUR OWN DESIGNS Got a great design for a T-shirt, cap or poster, but want to keep overhead costs low? Selling has never been easier, thanks to platforms such as Shopify offering services to fulfil orders, including printing and shipping. And because sales are fulfilled ‘on demand’, there’s no excess stock and no need for you to buy and store goods. It’s also a great way to identify your most popular designs. SELL HANDMADE GOODS ONLINE It’s easy to set up your own digital storefront and showcase your creations on platforms including Etsy, iCraft, MadeIt Australia or The Make It Collective. Use social media accounts, such as Instagram and Facebook, to direct…

Based out of Ballarat, Shelby Sherritt handcrafts clay pieces inspired by the Australian bush, with lashings of whimsy and joy. She shares her adorable creations online and her enthusiasm and smile are an iconic part of her brand. Shelby speaks about her experience overcoming cancer, and how working with clay helped her form a mindful headspace during her recovery journey. With a newfound purpose, she is dedicated to inspiring wonder and bringing ‘a little ray of sunshine’ to Aussie homes. BHG: Where do you find the most creative stimulus? SS: It’s a little bit clichéd, but nature. I love exploring Australian native flora and fauna, drawing from beautiful flowers, petals, leaves and creatures. We have so much magic in our backyards that we take for granted. Bringing these to the…

Heart BOTTLE BAG This pretty crochet bottle bag makes it so much easier to take a water bottle with you. Using Patons 8 ply cotton blend yarn, it’s perfect to take to yoga and fitness classes, on walks or your everyday adventures. Instructions on page 176 Top and SKIRT This two-piece crocheted set brings a cool 1960s vibe to your wardrobe. Wear them together for a statement vintage look or mix and match. The top pairs perfectly with jeans, while the skirt looks chic with a white shirt. The outfit is made from Patons Totem 8 ply pure merino wool. Instructions on page 178 "I’D SO BUY THAT TOP IF I SAW IT IN A VINTAGE STORE, AND NOW I CAN MAKE IT MYSELF!" Chunky JUMPER Baby, it’s cold outside!…

Small town inspiration When I first moved to the Far North Queensland outback, the arrival of Better Homes and Gardens magazine at the roadhouse, 75 kilometres away, was always a moment to celebrate. Over the years, your magazine has not only inspired me but also taught me invaluable lessons – like perfecting my cooking and caring for my yard. I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the role you’ve played in my life. To give you some context, I’m married to the sweetest man on earth, a mango farmer, and I’m a mother to five incredible children, four of whom are on the autism spectrum. When we first moved to the farm, your magazine gave me a sense of purpose, and many mornings were spent chatting…

ON LOCATION Ronni Kahn joined BHG editor Megan Osborne at Crockd Studios in Bondi. The space was bright and welcoming, and studio manager Eliza was patient, guiding them on their ceramics journey. Find class details at studios.crockd.com. Ronni Kahn AO, in our opinion, is an Aussie icon. This powerhouse, best known for setting up the food rescue charity OzHarvest, has had a huge impact in Australia since moving here in the ’90s. In 2023 alone, OzHarvest saved more than 12.7 million kilos of food from going to waste, and delivered 25 million meals to various charities to feed people in need. In total, it’s provided more than 250 million meals since 2004! As BHG editor, I wanted to find out more about what makes this intriguing person tick. We sat…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 MELISSA KING Join me as I visit this amazing flower farm on BHG TV, Friday, May 9, at 7pm on Channel 7. (Apologies, may be subject to change.) For more garden tips go to bhg.com.au “GARDENING IS SO SATISFYING. YOU CAN BRING THE FLOWERS INSIDE OR SHARE THEM. IT’S SPREADING JOY!” Laid out like an expansive garden with flowers always in bloom, the boutique Oxley Hill Farm Flowers is a meander through the seductive charms of nature. It was created over the past five years by Candice Berger just outside Bowral, in the NSW Southern Highlands. This masterpiece is the realisation of her lifetime obsession with flowers. Instead of adopting the traditional growing practices of big commercial enterprises, where flowers are grown in long…

Aussie artisans are turning pet products into wearable, playable and edible works of art! If you’re after something special for your pet, there is a bevy of delights to choose, from handmade collars, leads and comfy bedding to bandanas, barrettes, toys and so much more. 1. Some creations give back, too. Outback Tails’ Desert Dog Chew Toys (left, from $19.99 each) shine with designs by Central Desert artists. Proceeds support vital initiatives, such as desexing and neutering camp dogs in Indigenous communities. 2. Urban Tails Pet Boutique creates accessories such as bow ties (from $15.99), bandanas (from $14.99) and 100 per cent cotton holders to carry poop bags on your walks (from $24.95). 3. At online marketplace Madeit.com.au,you’ll find all sorts of pet accessories, Charlie Belle Pupwear bow ties and…

Milton’s tips for Gemini season (May 22 to June 21) Gemini gardeners are motivated more by logic and reason, rather than by feeling and emotion. Consequently, the cool turquoise and blue colours have a soothing and refreshing effect on Gemini’s highly strung nervous system. Planting Swan River daisy, blue lechenaultia, blue hibiscus and blue pincushion will always bring a sense of peace. Bare-rooted trees such as lemon, apple, pear and cherry can be planted. Many Geminis prefer others to do the cooking, but they’re good at roasts with all the trimmings. Top off your roast with a Yorkshire pudding but remember the oil must be piping hot in the tray before you pour in the mixture, otherwise it won’t rise. ZODIAC SIGNS The 12 signs of the zodiac are divided…

A more natural beauty look is regaining popularity, as is making simple yet effective skincare blends at home. Imagine your own signature recipe of face oils or a body scrub that you can whip up in minutes! The best part is it’s super easy. You can customise the ingredients and save money. Before you start Know your skin type – some ingredients are better suited to particular skin types, so do your homework. Customise your blend based on whether you have dry, oily or sensitive skin. Use high-quality ingredients – look for natural or organic ingredients and unrefined carrier oils, butters and essential oils. Clean storage containers – thoroughly wash glass jars and bottles to preserve freshness and prevent contamination. Do a patch test – if you have sensitive skin…

We wanted to create a platform to champion those who are making an impact while following their passion. From a huge list, we held endless discussions about individual merits. One thing became clear to us – Australia is a country rich in original ideas. Our final selection spans categories: from permaculture to design, craft to ceramics, baking to bee sustainability. These talented individuals are inspiring everyday Aussies to add more art and ideas to their lives. We reckon they deserve a special shout out. Read on to find out who they are, and what makes their visionary brains tick.…

Sunshine Coast creator Clare Wright has a deep love and appreciation of heritage linens. When she was a child, she would often search second-hand markets and car boot sales for old treasures, and her textile collection is impressive to this day. Clare sews garments from second-hand items that have rich stories to tell. She transforms old tea towels and tablecloths into beautiful blouses, hats and pants, and vintage towels into shorts and bags. Her pieces are considered, but also proudly Australiana, with native animals and plants a frequent motif. She is building a strong community on social media, where she goes by House of Clare. She also works on individual commissions, and is open to donations of unwanted home linens. BHG: What’s a compliment you love to hear? CW: “You…

Editor Megan Osborne Creative director Scott Cassidy Managing editor Elizabeth A Nixon JD Chief sub-editor Jo McKinnon Digital editor Tahni Mesann Design director Monique Larracy Senior designer Carol Tang Garden editor Jenny Dillon  Senior food editor Sarah Murphy  DIY editor Tiff Bancroft  Stylist Nonci Nyoni  Senior content producers Jade Coull, Rachel Iorfino  Editorial & production assistant Jada Susas  Enquiries (02) 9282 8000 REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS Beauty editor Annie Millar In your garden Tony Fawcett  Moon guide Milton Black  Better pets Caroline Zambrano  Better finance Andrea Black  Better books & experiences Rachel Iorfino ADVERTISING Group category manager Rhyl Heavener Brand executive Mikaela Lezcano  NSW head of sales Blake Wright  Head of sales VIC, SA and WA Will Jamison  QLD head of sales Judy Taylor  Senior brand & communications manager Jennifer Burke  Brand…

SCAN ME Scan the QR code to shop this pretty tableware or see details on p156. LITTLE SMOKED SALMON AND HERB ROSTIS Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 30 mins Makes 22 500g large desiree potatoes, peeled Sea-salt flakes and freshly ground black pepper, to season 3 green onions, finely chopped ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley, chopped ¼ cup self-raising flour 2 free-range eggs, beaten ¼ cup vegetable oil ½ cup sour cream 220g smoked salmon slices Dill sprigs, lemon cheeks, to serve STEP 1 Using a julienne peeler (or the coarse side of a box grater) shred the potato. Combine with ½ tsp salt in a medium bowl. Set aside 5–10 minutes, tossing occasionally. Place in a clean tea towel or Chux cloth, hold over a sink and squeeze out…

The plants in our gardens and indoor vases are each unique works of art, but they can be ephemeral. Botanical art has a long history of recording our favourite blooms in perpetuity, and even the advances in photography have not displaced its potency. Sarah Hankinson is a Melbourne-based artist and illustrator with more than 15 years’ experience in commercial illustration. Her clients have included Prada, Cartier, Cadbury, Harrods, Vogue magazine and Tourism Australia. Sarah runs workshops and classes for all skill levels, and her latest book, Art Class: Flowers and Foliage, offers up easy steps to help give your floral artworks a contemporary edge. It’s a simple introduction that makes the beloved style of botanical art accessible to all. Through exploring colour, light and space, Sarah guides the budding artist…

A FLAN FOR ALL SEASONS by Brianna Smith and Oliver Edwards of Hazel. The Heide Museum of Modern Art was once a gathering place for some of Australia’s most renowned creatives. Nestled by the Yarra River in Bulleen in Melbourne’s north, Heide was the home of art patrons John and Sunday Reed. Trailblazers Sidney Nolan, Albert Tucker and Joy Hester lived and worked here, part of a group of modernist artists dubbed the Angry Penguins, who were joined by writers, philosophers and musicians. “From the 1930s to 1960s it was a rare place where artistic talent was identified and nurtured, and where triangular love affairs and emotional entanglements were famously formed and broken,” says Lesley Harding, artistic director of Heide Museum of Modern Art. But she adds, “Little attention has…

VEGETABLE AND LENTIL PILAF Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time 25 mins Serves 1 1 Tbsp olive oil 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced 2 tsp korma curry paste 1 garlic clove, crushed 3/4 cup vegetable stock 1/2 cup water 1/4 cauliflower, cut into small florets 100g butternut pumpkin, peeled, chopped 2 Tbsp red lentils 2 Tbsp basmati rice  1 Tbsp sultanas  1/2 cup baby spinach leaves  Yoghurt, coriander leaves, naan bread, to serve STEP 1 In a medium frying pan, heat oil on medium. Sauté onion for 5 minutes, until tender. Add curry paste and garlic. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. STEP 2 Stir in the stock, water, cauliflower, pumpkin and lentils. Bring to the boil on high heat. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 5 minutes. STEP…

IN STYLE JUST ADD SALT Bring modern moxie to your indoor garden with this Etch plant pot. Choose from a trendy Salt colour (shown), dark green Agave or pinky-brown Musk. The durable 13cm resin pot with matching tray is $69 from Melbourne design house Capra Designs. RAMBLIN’ ROSE A winner for covering fences, pillars or arbours, David Austin rambler ‘The Lady of the Lake’ is set to win many hearts. It proved itself when released in the UK in 2014 but has only now reached our shores. The rose repeat flowers with delicate, semi-double, pale pink blooms. Growing 3–4 metres, it’s hardy in most soils and copes with full or part sun. It holds its fruit-perfumed flowers in sprays on slender stems. Stockists at davidaustinrosesaustralia.com. SHOP NOW 500 FAVES Let’s…

There are artists, poets and philosophers who have inspired generations. What if you could go to the places that, in turn, inspired them? From Tasmania to New Mexico, these places, sights and experiences have impressed some of the most talented creators throughout the years. Why not pay them a visit and see what sparks in you? 1 Nietzsche’s Path, Èze, France WHO Friedrich Nietzsche, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche (1844–1900) found inspiration for the third part of Thus Spoke Zarathustra, his famous philosophical novel, while hiking the scenic trail that connects the coastal township of Èze-sur-Mer on the French Riviera to the hilltop village of Èze (pictured opposite). It’s said he walked down and up the path (which takes the average tourist about two hours to ascend) every, single, day! Nietzsche’s…

IMAGINE YOUR OWN SIGNATURE BLEND OF FACE OILS OR A BODY SCRUB THAT YOU CAN WHIP UP IN MINUTES! FACE OIL – OILY & COMBINATION SKIN 2 Tbsp jojoba oil or grapeseed oil or sweet almond oil 1 Tbsp rosehip oil 4 drops geranium or clary sage or ylang ylang oil 3 drops rosemary oil Add essential oils to a small glass dropper bottle, then add jojoba and rosehip oils. Shake to mix. Apply a few drops to cleansed skin. SOOTHING FACE MASK 2 Tbsp ground oats 1 Tbsp honey 1 Tbsp yoghurt Mix all ingredients into a smooth paste and apply to your skin. Leave for 15 minutes and rinse off with warm water. FACE OIL – NORMAL & DRY SKIN 2 Tbsp jojoba oil or avocado oil 1…

Geneva Vanderzeil is a DIY creative, author (with a new book coming out in August!) and teacher from Brisbane. Her cute and quirky ideas always have us here at BHG oohing and aahing with pure joy. Geneva’s work is grounded in seeing the potential in the everyday, and transforming overlooked materials into gorgeous, useful things. Her social media audience is jaw-droppingly huge, and she continues to have an influence on the Australian – and global – craft scene. From the beautiful to the practical, Geneva does a great job of inspiring us all. BHG: Where do you find creative stimulus? GV: Honestly? From things people often overlook, like an old chair, a piece of fabric or a corner of my house. I also get a huge creative boost from my…

A self-designated ‘bee man’, Clancy Lester is a true-blue Aussie hero championing environmental education. Growing up in Victoria and influenced by the likes of Steve Irwin and David Attenborough, Clancy lives and breathes bees and nature. He’s worked with and learned from knowledgeable Indigenous communities, and now spends his time teaching a wider Aussie audience about the importance of pollinators, native flora and fauna, and conservation. From workshops to DIY projects on his social media (@beesandblossoms.aus), Clancy is an inspiration that gives us nature-lovers here at BHG hope for the future! BHG: What do you daydream about? CL: A well-informed Australia where everyone is educated all about our incredible Indigenous culture and connected to the natural environment. Our cities, streets and backyards are jam-packed full to the brim with native…

SCAN ME Scan the code to shop these great reads. TOP READ FREQUENTLY HAPPY By David Larbi, $36.99 I have been waiting for this book ever since I heard about it late last year. Social media sensation David Larbi went to the top of my Instagram feed after I saw his viral mini chili pepper poem. Larbi’s inspiring poetry has helped thousands ‘greet the morning’ each day online. His newest venture, full of mindful moments, will keep you grounded. With a page for each week of the year, you’ll have plenty of poems, journalling and activity prompts to work your way through. If you love easing yourself into the self-help space with gentle gratitudinals (rather than the usual “What are you most grateful for?” prompts), then this will be ideal.…

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