This week Better Homes & Gardens heads to Tallawong, NSW Central Coast and a nursery in SE Melbourne.
Johanna + Dr Chris – A View of Tallawong
When it comes to housing availability and affordability, Australia has come to the end of the line. So that’s where Johanna and Dr Chris have gone…literally! At the last stop on Sydney’s Metro line, you’ll find the new suburb of Tallawong. It’s so new that only a few years ago, there were farm paddocks where new apartments are now springing up. There’s way more planned for the future, so Tallawong could help provide part of the answer to Sydney’s housing crisis. But the question is…how do you build a whole new suburb? And more importantly, how do you do it well? Johanna and Dr Chris are in Tallawong to find some answers.
Dr Harry – Snakes Alive (Australian Reptile Park)
Dr Harry’s jumping into the snake pit! Well, kind of. He’s visiting the new Weigel Venom Centre, at the Australian Reptile Park on the Central Coast in New South Wales. This world-class facility opened in 2024 and plays a vital role in producing lifesaving antivenom from terrestrial snake venom – which is estimated to help save over 300 lives each year. With snake season on the way, this work is more important than ever and Dr Harry’s here to learn how it’s done.
Colin – Lamb Chops with Confit Vegetables
Nothing says ‘spring’ quite like a plate of well-cooked lamb chops, and this week, Colin’s sharing his favourite recipe. Served with slow-cooked spring veggies – like eggplant, capsicum, tomatoes – plus chickpeas, white anchovies and fetta, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the start of the warmer weather.
Adam – Simple & Functional: Japanese Toolbox
Japanese design is known for being simple, functional and grounded in nature. And that’s what this project is all about. Adam’s making a traditional Japanese toolbox out of recycled pallet wood that’s as practical as it is portable. With integrated handles, a sliding lid and a clever way to keep the lid in place, this build is also really achievable – so if you’re new to woodworking, this is definitely one for you.
Charlie – Frontyard Spectacular
No one’s back or front yard has perfect conditions…but over the years, Charlie’s found one thing that bothers homeowners above all else: a sloping site. So what do you do if you have one? Building a retaining wall is a good option, but it’s also costly…so Charlie’s sharing another solution that’s way more affordable. He’s transforming a sloping front yard into the perfect garden by working with the slope, not against it. The finished result is a layered, modern showstopper that’ll have your neighbours green with envy.
Melissa – Orchid Extravaganza
With over 28,000 species spread over almost every continent, orchids come in an endless array of shapes, colours and sizes. Not only does that mean there’s a huge variety to choose from, but it also means there’s guaranteed to be a variety which will work in your home. This week, Melissa’s visiting Collector’s Corner, a Melbourne nursery which specialises in unique plants, to check out their huge orchid collection and to share some expert tips for growing orchids at your place.
Juliet – Fresh-Faced Furniture
Your front porch is the first thing your guests see when they come over, so you want it to make a good first impression. This week, Juliet’s sweeping away the cobwebs and dusting off the furniture of a forgotten front porch to get it ready for summer, without spending a lot of money. The finished result looks so good, you might actually want to spend some time out there!
Graham – Easy Weekend Jobs in the Garden
‘Tis the season for getting out in the garden…and Graham’s sharing his top jobs to do now to get it looking good all summer long. From getting your lawn lush to essential lawnmower maintenance, plus a cute way to attract more birds to your yard, we’ve got your gardening checklist sorted for this weekend.
7pm Friday on Seven / 7TWO.
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