The Wattlebrook Blog

Can I mix native and non-native plants safely?

Choosing indoor plants for your home office

Greening up your workspace.

Garden edging options compared: steel, timber, stone

Each material has pros and cons. Here is how to choose.

What your buffalo lawn actually needs in a Sydney winter

Winter is when buffalo grass tests your patience. Here's how to care for it properly through dormancy.

Why lawns yellow in winter (and when to worry)

Yellow grass in winter is normal for most lawns. But sometimes it's a sign of something serious. Here's how to tell the difference.

Winter pruning: what to cut and what to leave alone

Winter isn't dormant — it's the perfect time for certain pruning tasks. Here's what needs cutting and what to leave for spring.

5 signs your retaining wall is failing

Retaining walls don't fail overnight. Here are the warning signs that appear before failure — and what to do about them.

Native lawn alternatives that survive kids and dogs

Not everyone wants a traditional grass lawn. Here are native alternatives that handle heavy use and look fantastic.

Autumn garden checklist for Sydney

Autumn is the second spring. Here's what to do in March, April, and May to set your garden up for winter and next year.

Choosing pavers: a practical guide for Sydney gardens

Paving material sets the tone for your entire garden. Here's how to choose based on durability, aesthetics, and your budget.

Lawn watering: how much is actually enough?

Too much watering weakens your lawn. Too little stresses it. Here's the science and the practical rule that actually works.

Grevilleas, banksias and birds: planting for wildlife

Your garden can be a haven for native birds, bees, and butterflies. Here's how to plant specifically to attract and support them.

Retaining wall costs per metre: timber vs block vs sandstone

Retaining wall costs depend on material, height, and site conditions. Here's what you can expect and what actually offers best value.

How often should you mow? The height rule most people get wrong

Most people mow too short and too infrequently. Here's the one rule that changes everything about your lawn's health.

Waterwise garden design that doesn't look like a gravel pit

Waterwise doesn't mean sparse. Here's how to design a lush, beautiful garden that uses less water and actually looks great.

Small courtyard, big impact: design moves that work

A small courtyard is an opportunity, not a limitation. Here are the design moves that make tiny spaces feel spacious and beautiful.

Buffalo vs couch vs kikuyu: choosing turf for a Sydney backyard

Three main grasses, three different personalities. We break down which one actually suits your garden and your lifestyle.

Do you need council approval for a retaining wall in NSW?

The short answer: maybe. Here's what determines whether your retaining wall needs council approval in NSW — and what to do about it.

10 native plants that thrive in Sydney clay soil

Clay soil isn't a curse — it's an opportunity. These 10 natives actually prefer heavy soil and will make your garden sing.

How to fix a patchy lawn: a step-by-step recovery plan

Patchy lawns are frustrating, but they're fixable. Here's a proven recovery plan that actually works in Sydney's climate.

Spring lawn prep: what to do in September

September is the perfect time to set your lawn up for a thriving spring and summer. Here's the three-week prep plan.