As gardeners, seeking inspiration over a beautiful gardening book and a cup of tea is one of the most pleasurable non-gardening activities we can do. Making plans to refresh a corner that’s been neglected or dreaming of a complete overhaul, gardening books are a wonderful resource and escape. In these moments many of us reach for our favourites like those by Australia's top landscape designer Paul Bangay.   So many of Paul Bangay’s incredible books give us ideas for our projects but the plants are sometimes a struggle to keep alive or are only happy in cooler climates of our southern coun ..read more

We were fortunate to host a wonderful event with Paul Bangay, Australia's most sort after garden designer at Brookfield Gardens. 'Known for his mastery of scale, balance form and colour, Paul draws on his lifelong study of the natural and classical worlds to create gardens around the globe.' Guests enjoyed an inspiring morning listening to Paul Bangay at Wild Canary bistro nestled in the tranquil surrounds of Brookfield Gardens. Thank you @allielee_photography for the lovely images of this very special day         ..read more

A good gardening tip to remember is the best time to mulch is after good soaking rain. Watch the above video to find out what type of mulch to use and where. Mulching will help your garden to thrive, and there are 4 main reasons why it does this. 1. Water conservation. Mulch stops the top of the soil drying out and can reduce watering by up to 60% 2. Prevents weeds and weed seed germination, which also compete for moisture and nutrients 3. Maintains a consistent soil temperature 4. If using an organic mulch it will add extra organic matter to the soil, in turn helping to improve soil structu ..read more

Without a doubt, Ben Walker of @statikillusions has created one of the best cactus gardens we have seen. It's like you've been transported to Arizona. Built by Paragon Homes, 'Saguaro'  sits on top of the range at Toowoomba in Queensland. This incredible home and garden belongs to Ben and his partner Adriana. Their Palm Springs style garden has been a labour of love, planting almost all of the garden themselves. The front area of the home is a textural dream, filled with cactus of all shapes, sizes and varieties interspersed with rocks, stone and trailing plants. In case you were wonderi ..read more

Here are some tips on what to do to stay on top of the gardening jobs this month in Brisbane and South East Queensland. 1. Citrus: Fertilise your citrus and add a grease band around the base of your citrus trees to protect them from pests, particularly ants. 2. Herbs: Harvest herbs regularly to encourage bushy growth. Pinch off the tips of basil to prevent flowering and prolong leaf production. 3. Weed Control: Stay on top of weeds with hoeing and your choice of mulch. 4. Mould: Keep an eye on any mould or disease on your plants after all of this rain and heat. Feel free to show our staff a pi ..read more

Keep your potted Christmas tree looking healthy during the festive season. This is the same care notes for small potted trees to large potted trees. Make sure your potted Christmas tree is moist but not overly wet. Using a saucer under the tree will catch any excess water and provide a small amount of water for the tree to use in-between watering. Try to limit the time the tree is kept inside, just a few weeks would be fine. If you can locate your tree in bright indirect light inside even better. When it is time to take it outside, slowly introduce it to the sun. A few days in the mornin ..read more

When we think about cottage gardens we tend to think of gardens in the southern states or English gardens. However, cottage gardening is just a style; it is relaxed, colourful and fun. There aren’t rules really just a few basic principles that will help you create a floral abundance. We have chosen our top 20 plants for a cottage garden this season in our local area of Brisbane and surrounds. Cottage gardening is such a forgiving style of gardening, placing larger plants at the back of your border and then grouping odd numbers together. Allow plants to spill over paths. Embrace imperfections ..read more

At Brookfield Gardens we are very privileged to have so many talented gardeners on our team. Coming back to Paula's garden over the seasons and watching it evolve under her creative vision is such a pleasure. There is always something new to enjoy, excitement at the way she has approached a new space and marvel at her energy for having a good overhaul! Her garden is always place of change. Paula's garden is not purely native but they are favoured. On the drier north east aspect side of the garden Australian plants are chosen for their ability to thrive in tough soil and blazing sun. Here you ..read more

Autumn and Winter in Brisbane are my favourite seasons to be growing vegetables. Our frost free climate here in Brisbane enables us to grow a myriad of vegetables, herbs and home staples all year round. When the weather warms up, it's a good time to remind yourself of the benefits of growing some of your own produce at home.  perfect time for improving and enriching your beds with the boost they need for the approaching warmer months. For those that know me and my involvement with the Kitchen Garden at Brookfield Gardens, will be aware that I am a massive fan of Rocky Point's Active Gro ..read more

Autumn and Winter in Brisbane are my favourite seasons to be growing vegetables. Our frost free climate here in Brisbane enables us to grow a myriad of vegetables, herbs and home staples all year round. When the weather warms up, it's a good time to remind yourself of the benefits of growing some of your own produce at home.  perfect time for improving and enriching your beds with the boost they need for the approaching warmer months. For those that know me and my involvement with the Kitchen Garden at Brookfield Gardens, will be aware that I am a massive fan of Rocky Point's Active Gro ..read more