GARDEN TIPS
Your down-to-earth guide to greener, happier outdoor spaces. Whether you’ve got a rambling backyard or a single pot on the balcony, Charlie’s here to help you make it thrive. Expect no-nonsense advice, a few laughs, and plenty of easy, actionable ideas to get your hands dirty (in the best way). From plant care to design tricks that make your garden sing, Charlie’s tips will have you growing with confidence — and maybe even showing off a little.
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Charlie's Tips For A Thriving Bathroom Jungle
Bathrooms can be one of the best places in the house for indoor plants. They’re warm, humid and often a little more protected, which makes them feel like a mini...
Spring Is Just Around The Corner
You can feel it, can’t you? The mornings are a little brighter, the birds are getting louder, and the garden is starting to give tiny hints that spring is on...
Just Add Water: Charlie's simple way to bring calm to any garden
There’s something about water in a garden that changes everything. The sound, the reflection, the movement — even the smallest pond or bowl of water can make a space feel...
Every Garden Needs A Supporting Actor: Sculpture
Every garden needs a bit of personality. Yes, plants are the stars of the show, but sometimes a garden needs a supporting actor — and that’s where sculpture comes...
Big Drama Indoors: The Best Indoor Plants For All Your Styling Needs
Indoor plants have a wonderful way of making a house feel alive. They soften corners, freshen the air visually, and bring that little bit of garden magic inside — especially...
Gather Round: Fire Pit Essentials
There’s something about a fire pit that instantly changes the way a garden feels. In summer we chase shade and cooling breezes, but come winter, we start looking for warmth....
Stunning Deciduous Trees For Your Autumn & Winter Garden
We're officially into winter now, but if you've looked around lately, you'll notice many deciduous trees are only just hitting their stride. The mild autumn and warmer nights have delayed...
2026 Chelsea Garden Show - The Top Trends
There’s something about Chelsea Flower Show week that gets under your skin. I’ve been lucky enough to have designed / produced gardens there in 2015 and 2016, both Silver-Gilt medal...
Creating Privacy in the Garden - Plant Screening
I was sitting outside the other evening, trying to enjoy a quiet moment, when I realised just how exposed the space felt. Not overlooked in an obvious way just lacking...
3 Beautiful Ways to Use Rosemary at Home
Around Anzac Day, rosemary always feels especially meaningful — traditionally worn for remembrance, but also one of the most useful (and underrated) plants to have at home. It’s hardy, easy...
When To Start Your Winter Veggies
There’s a moment just as the edge of summer softens when the garden feels like it’s taking a breath. The tomatoes are slowing, the zucchinis aren’t losing steam but not...
What’s in a Mulch?
I topped up the mulch in the garden the other weekend and within a few minutes the whole space looked better — richer, tidier, more finished. But mulch isn’t just...
Paving or Decking — What’s Underfoot Matters
As a landscape designer I often have to help clients choose the flooring for their project, what suits one site and person certainly doesn't suit every site or family. Choosing...
The Perfect Pot Plant Gift
A pot plant is one of those gifts that says, I really thought about you. Not grabbed on the way in, not last-minute — but chosen with care. And that’s where...
How To Care For Your Garden During Hot Weather
As most of Australia swelters through unbearable heat our gardens are suffering too and the best thing you can do is to work with it, not against it. First up:...
Charlie's guide to watering, weeding & compost
There are three gardening resolutions you can make that are easy to stick to and will completely transform the look of your garden. Watering Start with watering – everybody’s favourite...
How To Keep Your Garden Thriving While You're Away
Garden stress is real and a worry many of us are facing as the school holidays trundle on and we pack up our bags and head away on holiday. Here...
Lighting Your Garden, Create An Evening Destination
Garden lighting is one of those things people often skip, thinking it’s a luxury rather than a necessity. But trust me — every garden needs some kind of lighting. Lighting...
The Most Charming Climbers That Are Easy To Grow
Growing vertically really does make the most of any space especially a small one but it also helps to draw the eye upward or in some cases over an arbour. ...
How To Be Lord Of The Lawn This Summer
Is your lawn looking tired, dry and a bit unloved? Are you dreaming of a lush, bowling green? During the growing seasons (Spring & Summer), you can carry out a...
How To Grow Roses For Every Situation
Roses are one of the most romantic flowers and growing roses is actually very easy. You can have just one or a garden full of them, and they are sure...
Top 5 Flowers, Fruit or Veg To Plant In Time For Christmas
Now is the perfect time to be planting, the weather is warming up and it’s a delight to be out in the garden. It may seem crazy to be planning...
The Three Biggest Questions Charlie Gets Asked
1. How do you look after citrus?Everyone wants lemons and limes. Start with rich, well-draining soil. In sand, add compost and manure; in clay, add gypsum or compost. Water well...
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Build a Wildlife Pond in a Pot | Charlie’s Step-By-Step Tips
It starts off looking terrible — muddy water, messy plants, and one very enthusiastic Charlie. 😅 But give it a moment… and this wildlife pond in a pot turns into something...