Once upon a time, most gardens featured a deciduous spring-flowering shrub or two.

Versatile and beautiful shrubby salvias are beginning to bloom.

My parents gave me Acanthus mollis for my first garden on the basis it couldn't be killed.

There are some unusual warm-climate vines blooming at the moment, which thrive in our Sydney climate.

The garden created by Wendy Whiteley in Lavender Bay in Sydney, is a semi-tropical oasis, using plants that thrive in our climate.

This time of year sees the rising of spires of flowers in the garden.

A garden border combining a mixed planting of different groundcovers forms a living tapestry.

A retaining wall has been transformed into a glowing border.

This month sees the blooming of some self-seeding plants with spires.

Growing plants from seed can be very rewarding.

The removal of some trees has created a new garden area.

Two flowering trees are creating a wonderful display in Sydney at the moment.

Some small perennials flower this month - a reminder of my cottage garden days.

Plants I have grown from seed have a special cachet.

Some kitchen gardens in Victoria have inspired me.

I recently visited a Sydney garden with wonderful use of colour.

Linda has created an exuberant garden in Sydney.

Handy hints from others improve our gardens.

Succulents can be fun!

Many self-seeding annuals bloom now.

There are lots of new salvias.

Pot plants have much to offer.

I visited a lovely garden on the South Coast.

Our gardens are always being edited.

I visited a delightful nursery this week.

This year I've learned to grow fuchsias better!

Leaf cuttings are intriguing!

I love this month!

Red flowers are catching my eye.

There are some pretty species!

I revisit the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.

What are the benefits?

I love rich blue flowers!

The concept of colour echoes can be used to create harmony and cohesion in planting schemes.

Brighten up your garden with some of these!

What a great year for hydrangeas!

These plants love heat!

Leaves variegated with spots and splashes of colour bring an intriguing touch to gardens.

I love soft-yellow flowers.

My garden has entered something of a white phase at the moment.

Some eye-catching flowers are in bloom now.

Meet a rather different member of the genus Hydrangea.

I love plants that tumble over walls and steps to soften hard surfaces.

November and December see daylilies at their peak.

Our gardens offer much to our senses.

Our gardens can be full of colour through summer.

Many of the plants that thrive in Sydney come from Brazil.

There are some interesting and unusual bulbs that flower this month.

Busy Lizzies seem to be back!

We can do a lot of trimming this month!