Tammy Johnson

There’s something almost other-worldly about the first time you see a barn owl glide across a paddock at dusk. And here in South Australia, we are lucky enough to call them our own. An adult barn owl can consume several rodents each night. A breeding pair raising chicks can remove hundreds over a single season. It’s not about eradicating rodents entirely. It’s about maintaining equilibrium.

Rain, Ants & Laughing Kookaburras, Let’s Myth Bust a Few If you grew up anywhere near a backyard, paddock, or washing line, you’ve probably heard at least one of these: “The kookaburras are laughing — rain’s coming!” “The ants are coming out — there’ll be a storm.” But are these just old wives’ tales… or were our grandparents quietly onto something?

The side yard, that narrow strip running down the side of the house that often ends up forgotten, bare, or treated as a thoroughfare rather than part of the garden. When it’s approached with intention, a side yard can become one of the most productive and rewarding parts of the garden.