The mosquito season is about to begin – so I'm preparing our natural mosquito control arsenal. Mosquito coils aren't part of our mozzie control kit. Popping a mosquito coil by your table while enjoying a barbecue is as hazardous as having a chain smoker sit at your table. Instead we're welcoming microbats into our backyard. Read more →

Our children need to get up and close and personal with wildlife in order to care for their environment. They are not going to care about nature unless they know nature. We recently visited Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters at Bobs Farm, Port Stephens and came away with an increased awareness of how we can help conserve our marine environment. Read more →

Children don't need expensive over-packaged boxes of plastic to craft. Nor do they need a selection of board games to play games. Some wool, paper, scissors, a packet of cards and couple of everyday pantry ingredients can provide all they need for endless play. Here's a few of my favourite old-fashioned frugal play ideas. Read more →

I'm making weed tea. In a couple of weeks' time I'll have bucketfuls of stinky liquid fertiliser, rich in minerals and microbes, ready to boost the productivity and resilience of my garden. Turning weeds into nutrient-rich liquid fertiliser is a great way to use a resource that may have otherwise gone to waste. Read more →

I've challenged myself to spend an hour in the garden each day for the whole of spring. Time in the garden is good for our health, wellbeing - and can even increase our longevity. Here's eight reasons why its a good idea to get out in the garden each day. Read more →