Recent articles by Karen Sutherland
Wurundjeri Biik Baan
This indigenous garden, with a focus on the significance of water, was created for the 2025 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.
Frogs in the city
Frogs in urban areas face many challenges, so much so that we need to help them if they are to continue supporting local habitats.
Beware buruli
Although previously a tropical problem, over the last few years Buruli cases have spiked in Victoria with potential for it to spread.
Grow: celery peppermint stick
Plant this colourful vegetable in your garden and you'll have a new flavour to add to your cooking.
Edible natives: lilly pillies
This popular native plant is easy-to-grow with colourful edible fruits, just pick the right species to suit your garden space.
How healthy soil helps save water
When it comes to getting your garden through a hot summer, a good place to start is improving your soil so it holds more water.
Compact gum trees for small spaces: Corymbia ficifolia
You don't need to have a huge backyard to grow a gum tree. One favourite for small spaces that you can try is Corymbia ficifolia.
How to help avocado trees pollinate
There's a trick to pollinating avocado trees: you basically need two different types for success. Learn more here.
Edible natives to grow in your garden
Want to add native edible plants to your garden so you can start using them in your cooking? Karen Sutherland has grown them for many years and has some suggestions.
How to grow silverbeet
Karen Sutherland says this versatile veg is her steady, reliable, go-to plant, with its long harvest time and ability to self-seed. Here's her top tips for growing.
Time to grow squash
There's a surprisingly diverse and super-productive range of squash – and you only need a few plants to feed a family.
Try your hand at yams
You can tap into the highly sustaining qualities of yams, whether you have a cool or warm climate garden, writes Karen Sutherland.