Innholdsfortegnelse for November 2025 i Better Homes and Gardens Australia

The word ‘outdoors’ can evoke various images or feelings. The simple joy of fresh air and a gentle breeze. The warmth of the sun kissing your skin, or the soft scrunch of grass (or toasty sand) under bare feet. Or it could be the energy of a bustling street market, cafe tables spilling onto the footpath, or a brisk coastal walk. By definition, outdoors is the opposite of indoors, which often signals safety, routine and comfort. Step outside though, and suddenly life expands and becomes invigorating, liberating, refreshing. There’s science behind that feeling. Studies show daily walks in green or blue (by the water) spaces have a positive impact on both physical and mental health. And in a world where we’re constantly connected to devices and demands, time outdoors offers…

BEER BRATWURST “Beer brats”, as they’re known in Wisconsin, were first introduced in 1954 at a Milwaukee Brewers baseball game. Bratwurst or German sausages are boiled in beer, then barbecued and served on a long, split roll with mustard, onions and sauerkraut. Beer brats are the epitome of celebratory barbecues where food is the centrepiece and they continue to be a staple at American football tailgate parties. Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 20 mins Serves 12 3 large white onions, cut into 5mm-thick slices 1 head garlic, unpeeled, halved horizontally 12 raw Bratwurst 6 cans IPA or lager beer 12 hot dog rolls, sliced or split 1 cup brown mustard 2 cups sauerkraut STEP 1 In a large saucepan, combine onion, garlic and sausages. Pour in enough beer to…

Plants according to the compass NORTH All-day sun. This is ideal for flowering plants such as lavender, petunia, geranium, rose, climbers such as jasmine or bougainvillea – anything that reminds you of the brightly coloured balconies in Greece and Italy. You can also grow herbs and vegetables. If you have room, grow a dwarf lemon tree. EAST Gentle morning sun, afternoon shade. Early risers include azalea, angel wing and rhizomatous begonia, gardenia and fuchsia. If you’d like a colourful show of foliage, grow different varieties of heuchera. SOUTH Full shade. Go for a tropical look with bromeliads and their striking, colourful foliage and dramatic flowers. Most ferns love a shady spot. For flowers, try clivias or impatiens. WEST Morning shade, hot afternoon sun. Most succulents revel in the heat so…

1 Good Vibes check fleece picnic blanket, $65.95, from Temple & Webster. 2 The Somewhere Co Wildflower leisure rug, $95. 3 Wanderer wicker picnic basket, $149.99, from BCF. 4 Miss Amara Beverly yellow and orange boho picnic rug, $129. 5 Artisan & Co pink Mughal cotton cushion, $49.99, from Temple & Webster. 6 Skyward Outdoor Living Ocean Gingham outdoor cushion, $39.95, from Temple & Webster. 7 Koo Remy floor cushion, $40, from Spotlight. 8 Zormy wicker picnic basket, $121.86, from Amazon. 9 Remedy Kombucha 300ml, $4.30, from Coles and Woolworths. 10 Mumm Cordon Rouge NV champagne 750ml, $48, from Liquorland. 11 Tiny’s Cocktails G & Tea bottled cocktail six-pack, $102, from Dan Murphy’s. 12 Alfresco picnic basket folding bag, $43.95, from Myer. Prices are approximate and a guide only.…

While some people love training for a marathon or spending time lifting weights in a gym, exercise scientist and nutritionist Amelia Phillips says a daily walk could be just what the doctor ordered. “Aussies don’t walk enough! Our ancestors walked over 16km per day, yet we are lucky to get to 5km sometimes,” she says. “Our bodies are biologically wired to cover long distances, and this mismatch with our current lifestyles is linked to many of the chronic diseases we see so commonly today.” But what kind of walking is beneficial, how much do you really need to do, and how can you up the ante on your next stroll? WHY WALKING IS GOOD FOR YOU Simply put, your body is made for walking; flexible joints, upright posture and strong…

One big happy potted family home As you spend the warmer days outdoors, use these simple decorating tips for a more cohesive look in your garden. 1 Find your vessels Pick a theme for your pots, be it colour or material, and start collecting in various shapes and sizes. Garden centres can be expensive, so try online marketplaces and discount stores. 2 Edit, undo Seasons affect plant growth, so move pots around. Or if a plant simply isn’t working out, remove it. 3 Lead the eye Divert eyes from parts of the garden that don’t shine – a dull fence, a pool pump, a water meter – by placing a group of pot plants nearby as a distraction or a mask. 4 Think long term Consider containers as being a…

THE LATTICE BACK CREATES ADJUSTABLE HANGING STORAGE WITH HELP FROM ‘S’ HOOKS. Party makeover You can easily convert this to a drinks or serving station for outdoor entertaining. Use shelves for glassware, arrange platters on the tabletop, and hang tools from the hooks. EASY STEPS TO BUILD A CUSTOMISED POTTING STATION For a personalised piece, upcycle a basic timber potting bench, old table or cupboard and repurpose kitchenware and stationery supplies. Keep it budget-friendly by using garage sale or op-shop finds. Safety notes When operating power tools, wear safety glasses, a mask and earmuffs, and tie your hair back. Here’s how STEP 1 Give spilled potting mix an escape hatch. With a jigsaw, cut a hole in the tabletop slightly smaller than your barbecue grate. Mount grate underneath. Position a…

SEASON SPECIALS Our natives know how to do spring. Party Hardy! Grow native wisteria (Hardenbergia spp.) as a climber or ground cover. Tiny but terrific The native rose (Boronia serrulata) has a delicate perfume. Mauve with mojo Native hibiscus (Alyogyne huegelii) rivals exotics with its flowers! 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, amaranthus, cosmos, dahlia, marigold, petunia, salvia, verbena and zinnia. ZONES 1–3 Balsam and vinca (periwinkle, top left). ZONES 4–6 Arctotis (bottom left), aster, celosia, cornflower, delphinium, dianthus, godetia, impatiens, nasturtium and snapdragon. VEGETABLES ALL ZONES Asparagus, beans, beetroot, capsicum, carrot, chilli, cucumber, lettuce (top left), pumpkin,…

Milton’s tips for Scorpio season (October 24 to November 22) Scorpios are deep, intense and mysterious. It’s like the pent-up forces beneath a volcano, although Scorpio is a water rather than a fire sign. Pluto and Mars are Scorpio’s ruling planets and they correspond with black and red colours for Scorpio gardens; the deeper and richer the colour the better. Flowers that suit a Scorpio garden include ‘Queen of the Night’ tulip, ‘Arabian Night’ dahlia and ‘Black Cherry’ petunia. Scorpios have a penetrating attitude and an urge to identify themselves with their gardens. Scorpios always have a place in their patch that is secretive or represents something special, such as an unusual garden pot filled with an exotic plant or shrub. In many cases, a family pet will be buried…

SAVVY CAR BUYING Set yourself up for a great Aussie road trip. CONSIDER HYBRID OR ELECTRIC Yes, you’ll probably outlay more buying an electric vehicle (EV) but there are fuel savings to be had down the track, especially if you’re driving long distances. Not ready to commit just yet? Consider getting a hybrid model that can offer improved fuel efficiency compared to petrol-only vehicles. GO FOR ‘NEAR NEW’ Buying a pristine vehicle complete with that new-car smell is always tempting, but you can save serious bucks by buying second-hand. New cars typically lose about 30 per cent of their value in the first three years, according to the NRMA. “Some lose more than this, while other popular models (private sales, not fleet models) often lose less,” it advises on its…

GOLF WITH THE GIRLS Enjoy sport, travel and the company of like-minded women with Golf & Tours. The luxury golf tuition tours are designed by women, for women. They offer supportive and friendly expert coaching in stunning locations. The focus is on creating connections and a sense of community, all while celebrating the progress of participants, regardless of skill level. These tours encourage laughter, learning and making memories. golfandtours.com/tuition-tours/ TRIPLE PLAY With both functionality and aesthetics in mind, the Shapescaper triple ring planter features a three-tier design that maximises growing space. The planters offer an excellent platform for growing a wide variety of plants, from flowers and herbs to vegetables and citrus. The free-draining design can help prevent root rot and promote healthy growth. shapescaper.com.au ALFRESCO STYLE When it comes…

CON POULOS Photographer Con is a Sydney-based commercial photographer specialising in food, interiors, lifestyle and portraits. His work balances clean composition with a natural, story-first feel. In this issue, he visited the garden of our senior content producer’s grandfather, a vital meeting place for the whole family. See page 44. LUCY E. COUSINS Writer Health and wellness writer Lucy lives among the treetops in the Blue Mountains. She has tried everything from cryotherapy and sound bathing to hypnotherapy and infrared saunas for magazines, books and websites, but her favourite pastime is listening to kookaburras laugh while she walks her rescue dog Stella. This month’s article on walking for fitness was right up her alley… or valley, as the case may be. See page 112. “I LOVED FINDING OUT HOW TO…

SEEN ON BHG TV FRIDAYS 7.00 There are few flowers that have the timeless elegance and grace of orchids. The popular indoor moth or slipper orchids charm our hearts in autumn and winter. But at the end of winter and throughout spring, a special magic comes to gardens that lures you out – the blooming of boat orchids (Cymbidium spp). Through the mass of strappy leaves, long, arching stems emerge, crowded with flowers. They hang like bejewelled pendants or soar upwards, their spikes studded with blooms that range from creamy, dreamy white and pink to vibrant orange, searing pink or moody burgundy. Let them cascade from a hanging basket or snuggle them up with a collection of ferns in a shady spot. Wherever they are, they’re spellbinding. Up to 20…

CURATE FROM THE FOREST Celebrate nature by hosting an outdoor event inspired by timeless elegance and woodland cues. Use a floral centrepiece, neutrals and shades of green to create a sophisticated garden sanctuary. SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. TOP HOSTING & STYLE TIPS 1. Go for neutral nature tones Use a nature-inspired, minimal colour palette, such as light-coloured neutrals contrasting with green and brown. This simple combination mimics woodland tones and is perfect for your naturescape. 2. Make guests feel at home Allow guests to serve themselves at the table and pass dishes around to create an elevated picnic feel, rather than having a separate serving table. 3. Add a touch of detail Tie your cutlery or napkins in a velvet ribbon to bring…

CHARGRILLED ZUCCHINI, LAMB AND CHICKPEA SALAD Preparation time 10 mins Cooking time 10 mins Serves 1 1 medium zucchini, thinly sliced lengthways Olive oil cooking spray 1 lamb leg steak Freshly ground black pepper, to season 125g can chickpeas, rinsed, drained ½ cup mint leaves 40g feta, crumbled TAHINI DRESSING 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar 1 tablespoon lime juice 2 teaspoons tahini Pinch smoked paprika STEP 1 Preheat a barbecue or chargrill pan on medium-high heat. Spray zucchini with olive oil. Add zucchini to barbecue and cook for 2 minutes on each side or until tender. Transfer to a large bowl. STEP 2 Spray lamb with olive oil and season with pepper. Barbecue lamb for 1–2 minutes each side for medium, or until cooked to your liking. Transfer lamb to…

STRAWBERRY SANDO Preparation time 15 mins Cooking time Nil Serves 4 150ml thickened cream 1 tablespoon icing sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 thick slices soft white bread 500g strawberries (ensure they’re similarly sized), hulled and halved STEP 1 Using an electric beater, whip the cream, icing sugar and vanilla together until soft peaks form. Spread whipped cream over bread slices. Arrange strawberries, cut-side down, over cream on half the bread slices, then sandwich together with the remaining bread. STEP 2 Cut off crusts, then halve the sandwiches along the middle to make small triangles. STEP 3 Place in a sealed container and keep chilled for the picnic. COOK'S NOTE This is a simple version of the Japanese fruit sando, which has fruit and cream nestled between slices of pillowy…

The Whitsundays Queensland WHAT White sands, turquoise water and more tropical fish than people – it’s not the Maldives or Thailand, this paradise is in our very own backyard. The Whitsundays are a collection of 74 islands amid the Great Barrier Reef. You can flop and drop at a resort but it’s better to get active here: snorkel, kayak or dive to spot turtles, manta rays or migrating whales. WHERE Off the Queensland coast from Airlie Beach. WHEN Visit in spring for sunshine and perfect snorkelling conditions. TRY Go sailing with Cruise Whitsundays or sleep among the fishes in the best possible way with their underwater accommodation. Gaze out at the fish from your bed through floor-to-ceiling windows. SCAN ME See the fish from your bed with Cruise Whitsundays’ underwater…

Hiking with your dog is a fantastic way to explore the great outdoors, says Kerry Martin, dog travel adventurer and author of Dog Tales of Australia. “The world slows down, and suddenly it’s all about shared discoveries and quiet companionship. Watching my dog take in the world reminds me to do the same,” she says. Her favourite dog-friendly hikes in Australia are: • Mount Beauty Gorge (Vic) • George Bass Coastal Walk (Vic) • Bondi to Coogee (NSW) • Kiama Coastal Walk (NSW) • North Gorge Walk, North Stradbroke Island (Qld) • Bay of Fires (Tas) • Mount Nameless, Tom Price (WA) • Bells Rapids, Swan Valley (WA) • Lake Burley Griffin loop (ACT) • Belair National Park (SA) • Coast Park Path (SA) Wherever you’re exploring, planning is a…

SCAN ME Scan this QR code to shop these items. SUGAR & SPICE New to the Natio home fragrance range, Cherish has scents of vanilla, clove, sweet orange and warm amber. Diffuser 180ml, $34.95, from Myer. Indian summer Refresh your table linen for the party season. Blending European moods and Indian block print patterns, Chamois Sweden textiles brighten up any setting. Indian Summer cotton tablecloth in green and rose, 150 x 230cm, $135, from Casa e Cucina. JUST FRILLING Elevate your backyard gatherings with an eye-catching drinks station. Featuring retro scalloped edges on a two-tiered design, this powder-coated iron trolley is both charming and practical. Bonnie trolley in white, $399, from Early Settler. HANDY AS! Here’s an easy and affordable way to bring curved lines and fluted wood into your…

As the days get longer and warmer, we all want to head outside and spend more time in the sun. If your outdoor spaces are looking a little tired after winter, it’s worth spending time to freshen the area and clear out any built-in dirt, grime and algae before inviting the hordes around. A good spruce-up is relatively simple and fast and can be oh-so satisfying. Try these simple ideas. Make windows sparkle Nothing quite says spring cleaning like sparkling windows that celebrate the unfiltered light of sunny days. To achieve clean, streak-free windows, start with the right equipment – a squeegee or microfibre cloth is ideal. Choose a sunny day and hose down exterior windows to remove dust and dirt and reduce streaking. You can then use a commercial…

We’re so excited to launch our Better Homes and Gardens People’s Choice Appliance Awards. To curate our finalists list, we mined the knowledge of our in-house experts, who have researched and written about appliances extensively and recognise what works and what doesn’t! We then consulted trusted user reviews to understand if people were happy with their purchase. We balanced all of those insights with the benefits of practical and innovative features, value for money, good design, industry recognition and brand reliability. Now it’s over to you to choose the winners! We want to know which products you think are best. Head to bhg.com.au/appliances to vote for your favourite product in each category and be in the running for an appliance prize pack for yourself! VOTE TO WIN! Scan the…

YOUR SHOPPING DIRECTORY Amazon amazon.com.au Art Shed artshedonline.com.au Bolt & Nut Australia boltandnut.com.au Bunnings bunnings.com.au Kitchen Warehouse kitchenwarehouse.com.au Kmart kmart.com.au Pet and Farm petandfarm.com.au Pottery Supplies potterysuppliesonline.com.au PRETTY UP YOUR PLANTER, PAGE 40 Project supplies Art Shed, DAS Air Dry Clay 1kg, $20.95. COLLECTED & CONTAINED, PAGE 142 Project supplies ROPE-WRAPPED POTS Bunnings Selection of rope including Grunt 6mm x 10m sisal twisted rope, $5.20. Grunt 50mm x 25m jute webbing, $23. Selleys Liquid Nails Exterior, $12.99. TILE PLANTER SLEEVE Use tiles of your choice on the planters. Bunnings Porta 42 x 42mm dressed all round (DAR) square general purpose pine, 2.4 metre length, $28.10. Porta 12 x 12mm DAR square grandis, 2.4 metre length, $13.90. Dulux 1StepPrep Primer, 500ml, $34.90. Taubmans Black Gloss All Weather Exterior Paint, 1L, $59.90.…

SCAN ME Scan the code to shop these releases. TOP READ SUMMER ISLAND by Kristin Hannah, Macmillan, $34.99 If you’re looking for a novel that pulls at your heartstrings yet leaves you smiling, Kristin Hannah’s latest is for you. Radio talk-show host Nora Bridge has made a career giving emotional advice, but she’s thrown off course when a scandal from her past hits the tabloids. After an injury, Nora retreats to her beloved Summer Island. It’s the place where, years earlier, she’d walked away from her marriage and daughters. When her previously estranged daughter joins her, they must remake their fractured relationship. Hannah’s writing transports you to a secluded island full of memories and heartbreak. There are betrayals, vulnerability and forgiveness, which she explores with delicacy and humour. I love…

With the weather warming up, it’s the perfect time to head outside and enjoy a laid-back barbie. For me, barbecues and outdoor entertaining are all about food you can eat with your hands. No-one wants to be balancing a plate on their lap while trying to chat. And when it comes to burgers, I’ve learned it’s not really about packing the patties with flavour, it’s all about the sauces. Having a few different sauces on the table means everyone can build their own perfect burger, mixing and matching flavours however they like. The three combinations I’ve put together here are each delicious on their own, but they also play really well together. The surprise star? French onion sauce was the runaway favourite – it’s super simple, full of flavour and…

If you’re looking for an easy way to elevate your plant display, this scalloped clay detail ticks all the boxes. With just a few simple steps, you can transform a basic plant pot. It’s an easy project that adds personality and character, all without fancy tools or a kiln. Easy steps for CREATING A SCALLOPED PLANTER POT Safety notes Wear a dust mask while sanding as fine dust particles can irritate your lungs. Here’s how STEP 1 To make the clay slip, add equal amounts (about 1–2 tablespoons) of air-dry clay, pinched into tiny pieces, and water to a screw-top jar. Give it a mix, then leave for one or two hours until it’s gluey. Stir until smooth. Add more water or clay if needed. Screw on the jar’s top…

Sarah Pound believes that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring. Through her Wholesome by Sarah food website and social media, she shares that cooking can be enjoyable, even on those weeknights that you don’t have time for anything complicated. As a nutritionist and mother of three, Sarah is passionate about wholesome, fuss-free family meals that bring joy and fill everyone up. Her latest book, Family Food (Plum, $44.99), solves that eternal challenge of what to have for dinner, and covers lunchbox ideas and clever sweets, too. It can help you keep tummies happy, no matter what time of day! BHG: What are your favourite ingredients to keep on hand to make weeknights simpler? SP: In the pantry, tinned beans, lentils, brown or white rice, tinned tomatoes, olive oil, vinegars,…

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of sun on your face as you potter in the garden or take a morning stroll. But our beautiful Australian climate means that we also live under some of the most intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the world. It doesn’t have to be hard to stay sun-smart, though. Simple daily habits can keep you safe. The beauty of prevention Most of us would say we want to look good for our age. While a light tan might seem healthy, that golden glow is actually a sign of DNA damage in your skin cells. Just 15 minutes of UV exposure can cause skin damage, including fine lines, wrinkles, sun spots and uneven skin tones. Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the best…

A simple game of cricket can quickly turn into an afternoon filled with laughter, friendly competition and memories you’ll cherish. Backyard games are making a big comeback for good reason. They’re affordable, fun for all ages and, best of all, give winners bragging rights until next summer. From classic favourites to new family challenges, here are 17 of the best backyard games you can play at home. Ring toss Toss rope rings (quoits) onto wooden pegs. For a DIY twist, make your own with timber, rope and a splash of paint. Add multiple pegs with different point values to turn it into a proper showdown. Quoits set, $44, Real Games. Cornhole Toss beanbags onto angled boards, – score three points for sinking it in the hole and one point for…