Our Home Autumn 2023 — Echuca-Moama and district

FROM THE editor

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME

As a renter of many years, I can begrudgingly admit I may be a little while o buying a home.

My future holds the uncertainty of inspections, house mates and spaces that have been well-loved — and some obviously well-lived in, too.

It’s a strange limbo, especially in an uncertain housing market, but don’t get me wrong — I understand the privileged position I’m in to have a roof over my head. Having gone through eight houses in six years, I’ve obviously developed a knack for moving, but also in making a house a home.

There’s the little things: a fresh set of linen here and discovering which colours go with a fluorescent green carpet there (don’t ask).

Though there’s also the bigger things, like maintaining a garden in hopes to one day have a lush sanctuary of greenery comparative to Shirley Phelan’s (from page 9). Or learning valuable skills for both renting and home ownership — Our Home will show you how to become a DIY queen (or king) to save a dollar or two.

And after discovering the trick to treating and avoiding mould, we couldn’t help but share. If you’re in this predicament, flick to page 21.

Across the many moves, it’s only natural my belongings have dwindled to borderline necessities, so investing in locally produced art has become a staple of my homestead.

Sourcing a piece that is created with love and time makes it all the more special, and being a journalist, I’m a sucker for an interesting back-story — Echuca artist Jess Leigh’s intuitive art (from page 14) ticks just about every box.

The following months will see another move for yours truly, though also another opportunity to start fresh and take along a few tips and tricks from the following pages.

Caitlyn Grant Editor

At Choices Flooring Echuca, we know that good interior decorating starts from the floor up...

Blinds

Luxury Vinyl Tiles

Carpet

It’s no surprise that nostalgia is in and ethereal is out. Homes that were once sanctuaries of calm can emerge out of their pandemic cocoons and become full of life again. Our Home sat down with Lisa Cox from I Want, I Need to get her expert advice on bringing personality and playfulness back into the home.

STORY: TAYLAH BAKER.

PHOTOGRAPHY: I WANT, I NEED

SCALLOP-SESSED

What was once only seen in doily form on your grandma’s kitchen table is now getting revamped with a contemporary twist. Say hello to the scallop pattern.

Lisa says heading into autumn, people following the homeware and furniture trends are all about modernising these ripples in any part of the house.

From scalloped edges on furniture to cushions, lamps, and even placemats, that small curve makes the biggest difference. Perhaps it’s the soft edges or the slight throwback, but best believe scallop decor adds that touch of elegance and sophistication to your home.

GREEN WITH ENVY

It might be controversial in taste, but there’s no denying the rise in greens and golds.

Providing an elegant edge, the deep emerald green can be seen on just about every Pinterest board through feature walls, rugs and furniture with special mention to the velvet couch.

It’s almost impossible to elude the forest hue, so why not become a part of it? Paired with a muted gold lamp or coffee table, your area will feel effortlessly balanced and chic.

The monochrome gold additions will be sure to pop against the background, making just about any piece a statement, no matter how small.

BACK TO NATURE

It’s been a while since lockdowns had us all staring at four walls. As boundaries between work and home blurred, the line between inside and outside has also been crossed. And it’s here to stay. There’s a lot of ways outdoor living can be incorporated into your home think outdoor fireplaces and fire pits, outdoor kitchens, swimming pools and greenhouses.

As autumn changes its leaves and temperatures cool down, fireplaces and fire pits can be an entertainer’s dream. Throw some marshmallows on sticks for the kids, gather around and have a few drinks with friends and family, or cuddle up with a loved one to relight the flame.

RICH IN COLOUR, NOT IN PRICE

We get it, sometimes trends can be deflating. They circulate frequently and you may feel like you’re reaching into your pocket time and time again.

But it doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg to spruce up the place!

Trend colours can perk up any space in the house, whether it be through a picture frame, throw or even a small ornament.

Lisa says rich colours are your go to navy, rose, plum, deep and sage greens, and chocolate.

Teamed with everyone’s neutral home bases, Lisa says a few additions of these colours adds the warmth required to a home during the cooler months.

LIGHT IT UP

Want to hear a bright idea? Statement lighting. Throw out the plain ol’ lightbulbs and give oversized and large-scale light fixtures, classic chandeliers or light fittings in interesting shapes a go. Whatever style, size or colour you choose, these overhead works of art serve as a focal point to turn any room from bland to glammed. Bold lighting comes with a warning though match the right lighting to your house to ensure fluidity and practicality in your home. You have been warned.

WHEN IN DOUBT, VASE IT OUT

For those who feel their space is lacking that sliver of pizazz, embrace the humble vase.

Vases are a great way to make any room feel warmer without the added effort of being a huge feature piece, they can be placed into any nook or cranny to give a home that cosy feel.

If you’re hunting for the perfect addition, you’d be hard pressed not to fall into the heavenly arms of the textured trend.

An earthy terracotta-look pot is the classic piece to boost any room, filled or empty, the rough touch speaks for itself and they come in every colour under the sun.

Feel free to try things out of the ordinary, popping two coloured vases of differing sizes side-by-side will provide contrast, in turn elevating the pieces to become a focal point of any room.

Vase versatility is never-ending. If it’s starting to feel a little too familiar and itching for a change, don’t scrap it, just change the contents.

A POP OF COLOUR IN THE BEDROOM NEVER HURT ANYONE. ACHIEVE A MODERN, FUN LOOK WITH A COMBINATION OF WARM HUES AND METALLIC STATEMENTS.

Brass taper candle-stand

Jervis bedside table

$649

Over arc standing flood lamp with clear acrylic dome shade.

Antique Brass

$479

Black

$439

From: Roundabout Lighting.

From: Knights Furniture and S & J Furniture.

From: I Want, I Need.

From: I Want, I Need.

Evoke 262 Multi

From: Rich River Flooring Xtra.

Springsteen Moss quilt cover set $189.99

From: Linen House. (Furniture excluded.)

CULTIVATING joy

NO STRANGER TO PLANTS AND GARDENING, SHIRLEY PHELAN HAS TRANSFORMED A BLANK SPACE TO A HAPPY PLACE IN HER ECHUCA BACKYARD.

STORY: GREGOR MACTAGGART & SHERRIL FRANCIS. PHOTOGRAPHY: STEVE HUNTLEY.

You get a glimpse of what awaits when approaching Shirley Phelan’s Echuca home.

The suburban property is impeccably maintained, with a couple of hints about her love of gardening at the front.

But it is not until you are greeted by Shirley’s friendly demeanour at the front door and walk inside on the way to the backyard that a garden even Eden would be proud of, comes into view.

Shirley is 83 years ‘young’ and her passion for gardening stretches back more than seven decades.

“I grew up in Colac as one of seven children,” she said.

“We were living with my grandma (Elizabeth Harvey) and she had a beautiful garden.

“She taught my sister Amy and I about plants, as well as where and when to plant them, and how to care for them.”

For many years Shirley and her husband Bill lived with their six children on Service St, across from what is today Echuca Regional Health. That was the scene of the Bill and Ben nursery, set up to help put the couple’s children through their schooling and university.

The nursery, which was well-known throughout the twin towns for its wide variety of plants and seedlings, operated for more than a decade.

“It was a lovely home and the nursery was just tremendous, but the time came for us to move,” Shirley said. Following Bill’s death, Shirley moved to her current home and explained what greeted her there.

“There was nothing here, it was a blank canvas,” she said.

“That was about 14 years ago.”

The blank canvas did not last as Shirley quickly set about transforming the garden of her new home.

Shirley Phelan in her garden.

“Most of the plants came over from Service St,” she said.

“I had some help from my sons, who set out the garden beds, lawn, fernery and automatic watering system.”

Today, Shirley’s garden features many roses, flowers, succulents, geraniums, climbing clematis, palm trees, statues, footprints and a whole lot more.

One thing there’s not any weeds.

“I spend every day in the garden weeding,” Shirley said.

“I get bored if I’m inside, especially if it is a nice day, which we have a lot here in Echuca.”

A member of the Echuca Horticultural Society, Shirley and her beloved pet dog Billy share the garden with the guests who visit her home when opened to the public.

So too, Shirley’s 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Asked what her favourite part of the garden is, Shirley paused before giving her answer.

“I love the fernery.”

Right on cue, a little bird flies into one of the indoor plants, and nestles comfortably.

Like Shirley, this is its happy place.

Offering high quality and professional building solutions, along with well qualified and respectable staff to offer guidance and expert advice during your building or renovating journey.

Whether it is a new home, extension, renovation, pergola or outdoor alfresco area that you are after, we can help you. We can help you extend your existing home, build your new dream home or even just help you with some property maintenance.

New garages, fences, or even just an extra room, are just a few of the services we offer. No job is too big or too small.

TRUSTING INTUITION

AN ECHUCA ARTIST HAS THROWN THE ARTISTIC RULEBOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND IS LETTING HER CREATIVE JUICES FLOW FREELY.

STORY: CAITLYN GRANT.

Nestled in Echuca’s lively creative scene, artist Jess Leigh has attempted to change the boundaries of art.

In fact, she’s hoping to take said boundaries and throw them straight out the window.

The 32-year-old practises intuitive art through the form of fluid mediums, an endeavour that has brought her more than she could have imagined.

“Intuitive art is a spiritual process, creating from the heart and soul with feeling, using colours and mediums that are an expression of you,” she said. Hailing from the Cobram area, Jess moved to Echuca in 2015 and while she’d always had a creative spark, it

wasn’t until the following year when she saw a paint pouring tutorial that her spark ignited to something greater her calling.

Using “endless options” for surfaces, she prepares either yupo paper, canvas, art boards or aluminium panels. Then utilising a myriad of mediums often including acrylics, resin, alcohol inks or shellac Jess fashions pieces swirling with colour and life.

With tools in hand and an open mind, she lets the artistic process lead her.

“To me, intuitive art is a therapeutic creative journey of surrendering, you become mesmerised watching and waiting to see the outcome with very little control,” Jess said.

Jess Leigh’s craft has given her the confidence to let go and trust the process.

“I’m trying to drop the expectation of how a final product should look and be guided by the medium and how it flows on the surface, the way the universe intends.

“I believe this practice can then transfer into other areas of our life, learning to become an observer of our situations particularly those we have little control over.”

Creating has given Jess the space to observe from afar with each work she enters a state of inner stillness while she paints away.

“You are present in the moment, focused only on the colours, mediums and the way they move and blend.

“Just like meditation, in those moments you are not focused on the past or the future, only the present.”

Though the journey to confidently letting the works guide her hasn’t always been so simple, the artist said

the results had spoken for themselves in practising art and not just physically.

Finding an outlet that allows her to trust the process and let go has improved her mental health, she said. So much so, Jess has taken to sharing the craft with workshops to help others, too.

“My workshops differ because instead of having participants replicate an artwork, I guide them to tap into their intuition and create art that is unique to their own journey of self-discovery,” she said.

This year is set to bring big plans to fruition for the artist, with more sessions on the agenda, along with further exploration on her artistic journey.

Jess Leigh Art can be found on Facebook, Instagram and online at: www.jessleighart.com

Echuca’s Jess Leigh in her element.

in the bedroom KEEP IT FRESH

AS THE COOLER MONTHS APPROACH, THE CHILL IN THE MORNING AIR REMINDS US IT’S TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT CHANGING UP OUR BEDDING.

STORY: DJEMBE ARCHIBALD. PHOTOGRAPHY: DANNY SMITH

LAYER UP

There’s no better way to freshen up your bedroom than with the wide range at Linen House Echuca.

While talking to Our Home, retail marketer Elena Rosperich discussed the different ways to spruce up the bedroom with Linen House Echuca’s range of bedding, throws and cushions.

SYMMETRY TO ASYMMETRY

Symmetry appeals to those who adore a neat and straightforward aesthetic, but if your flavour is a less structured and casual look, asymmetry is key.

Allow accessories to give your pillowstyling the company it deserves. Be it cushions, bolsters or even novelty cushions to draw your eye to your effort. Throws and blankets look the part too, and can finish off a pillow colour or design story perfectly.

BRING THE OUTDOORS IN

Linen House Echuca believes there are “simply no rules” when it comes to textiles in your home. Planters, pots and plant hangers filled with luscious greenery will keep that earthy ambience thriving.

COLOUR

Don’t shy away from adorning your home with rich colours and textural pieces in deep hues of moss green, soft aqua, clay, jade and walnut. Earthy tones are always easy on the eye and make us feel instantly welcome.

To update your sleep space, Elena suggests 500-thread count bamboo cotton bedsheets in one of their six stylish colours.

To learn more about their wide range of stock, phone 9558 0132 to talk to a friendly customer service representative.

You can find Linen House Echuca at 136 Hare St, Echuca.

FAKE IT TILL YOU MAKE IT

LOVE THE LOOK OF FLOWERS IN YOUR HOME BUT HATE THE EXPENSE AND MESS OF FRESH BLOOMS? DRYING YOUR OWN FLORAL ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE THE ANSWER.

STORY: LAUREN FORMICA

Let’s be real.

Fresh flowers are beautiful for the first couple of days, but they then become wilted, sad stems in a vase yearning to be replaced by a fresh new bunch.

This can not only become costly, but tiresome.

Our Home is a huge fan of dried flower arrangements, not only because they don’t require any upkeep, but because you can have a beautiful bouquet in the centre of your home all year round.

Here’s how to create your very own with a few different ways to dry flowers.

AIR-DRIED

Create small bunches of the same flower and hang them upside down to dry. For the best result, hang them in a warm, dark space, such as a closet.

The heat speeds up the drying process and prevents the flowers from going mouldy.

After a few days the flowers will have dried — you can test this by squeezing the stem.

When it is no longer flexible, your dried flowers are ready.

IN THE OVEN

Perhaps the quickest way to dry flowers. Set the temperature of an oven to its lowest setting and put the flowers inside upright, placing an oven rack at the bottom of the oven to support the stems.

Leave the door cracked so moisture can evaporate.

After three to four hours, remove the dried flowers and place them on a rack to cool.

WITH A BOOK

A third way to dry flowers is to press them using heavy books. Spread your favourite flowers between sheets of newspaper or tissue paper to protect against wrinkles, then place the paper in or under a heavy book.

This will take about three weeks to dry. Make sure to refresh the paper regularly so the flowers don’t rot when moisture is released.

You will achieve the best results here with fresh-cut flowers.

SHOW YOUR true colours

IT’S TIME TO EMERGE FROM YOUR NEUTRAL-TONED PANDEMIC COCOON AND COAT YOUR LIFE WITH COLOUR.

STORY: TAYLAH BAKER. PHOTOGRAPHY: LISA COHEN.

Kim Kardashian took the whitewalled aesthetic to a whole new level. Granted, it seems very fitting to choose the same interior colour scheme of a mental asylum during the past few years of anxiety and uncertainty.

But now, after years of minimalistic tones of beige and cream dominating home trends, a colour revival has finally burst onto the scene. Try to Keep Up Kim.

HOUSE-WARMING

The new season is not warm in climate, but rather warm in tone.

Dulux colour and communications manager

Andrea Lucena-Orr says the addition of brighter colours like rose pink, pale blue, sunshine yellow, emerald, violet and burnt orange into previously pared-back spaces is an instant mood lifter.

“We are leaning towards playful and nurturing colours in our homes to help create a haven away from the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.”

As the cooler months come upon us, Andrea expects to see more warm, earth-drawn neutrals, along with calming shades of blue, sea green and pale pink.

THE (COLOUR) BLOCK

Huge news colour is here to stay.

This year is also all about bold and customised combinations, so don’t be afraid to let your true colours show.

And we know what you’re thinking haven’t we been here before? Haven’t we been haunted by remnants of the 1970s and 1980s? Here at Our Home , we like to think we learn from our mistakes.

So we give you colour-blocking the use of two or more solid hues to create statement colour combinations.

“If done properly, any of these colours can be schemed together and used in an entire room including paint, furnishings and accessories,” Andrea says.

“The key consideration when colourblocking is to paint samples first, before selecting a final colour scheme that works for your existing space.

“Individualistic style and personal expression are important with the growing trend of striking colours, so don’t feel afraid to create your own personal colour combination that suits you and your family’s aesthetic.

“We are looking for lightness and a sense of freedom in our homes, so it’s out with the rulebook and in with creativity and colour.”

EASY DOES IT

Okay Wednesday Addams, colour can be an adjustment.

Those not accustomed to colour should know one thing the rules are there ain’t no rules.

Just like people, style is all about confidence and Andrea says it is important to align your colour choices with the feeling you want to create in your space.

But before you go painting the walls red, consider this process:

• Create a mood board. Pair colours you love with different schemes

and textures, then voila. You’ve got yourself some inspiration.

• Next, head to your local hardware store for a chip off the old paint block of colour samples and sample pots.

• Finally, a lick of paint is all it takes to envision the rest of the space coated in your chosen colour.

Andrea suggests those with commitment issues should start small with a bedroom or home office space.

“They can be the perfect place to start experimenting with a refreshing splash of colour before moving to larger and more open spaces in your home.”

Styling: Bree Leech. Connect palette: Dulux Colour Forecast 2023.

Styling: Bree Leech. Revive palette: Dulux Colour Forecast 2023.

Styling: Bree Leech. Revive palette: Dulux Colour Forecast 2023.

Styling: Bree Leech. Connect palette: Dulux Colour Forecast 2023.

GET roasted

THE WEATHER IS COOLING DOWN, AND IT’S TIME TO GATHER THE FAMILY AROUND THE TABLE FOR A ROAST DINNER.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: JACI HICKEN.

ROAST LAMB

The area has many great family butchers offering local lamb. If you want a handle on your lamb, like in this recipe, ask your butcher to French the leg.

Ingredients:

Frenched leg of lamb

fresh rosemary

garlic, peeled and sliced

1 cup olive oil

1 kg pumpkin, cut into roasting chunks

Method:

1. Pre-heat oven to 190°C.

2. Wipe the leg of lamb dry with a piece of paper towel. Place your leg of lamb on a clean chopping board.

3. Make random slits about 2 cm deep in the skin using a small pointed knife. You will need to make about

15 cuts, depending on the size of your leg of lamb.

4. Place a 2 cm rosemary sprig and a garlic slice in each cut.

5. Wrap a piece of aluminium foil around the Frenched end of the lamb to stop it from burning.

6. Place the pumpkin on a large roasting pan.

7. Place the leg of lamb on top of the pumpkin. Pour over olive oil, massaging it in with your hands.

8. Place the leg of lamb and pumpkin in a hot oven to roast. The rule of thumb is to roast for 1 hour per kilogram of lamb.

BRAISED KALE

This traditional way to cook kale tastes great, as well as helping your body absorb all the nutrients from the greens.

Ingredients: bunch of kale

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

1 tbsp olive oil

¼ cup white wine

½ cup pouring cream

pinch of salt and pepper

Method:

1. Heat a large pot of lightly salted water to boil.

2. Roughly chop the kale into bite-size pieces.

3. Place the kale in the lightly salted water and return to a boil.

4. Boil for 3 minutes before straining. Set aside the kale until needed.

5. In the large saucepan heat the olive oil, then add the garlic. Cook for 2 minutes.

6. Add the pre-cooked kale to the garlic. Stir together and heat through.

7. Add the white wine and allow it to evaporate.

8. Add the cream and cook for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.

9. Season with salt and pepper. Serve.

Paul Gray Builders P/L was established in 1998 with one aim,‘To design and build the highest quality homes’ and is now proud to be offering award-winning designer homes and a wealth of building expertise to Echuca and surrounding areas. We offer clients a complete building experience. Whether you select a standard plan from our innovative designer range or choose the exibility of an individual design our experienced team will guide you all the way.

By choosing Paul Gray Builders, you bene t from a respected local builder.

PLUM-P IT UP

THIS CAKE IS A FAMILY FAVOURITE. IT CAN BE MADE WITH FRESH OR CANNED PLUMS.

PLUM UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

Ingredients:

100 g brown sugar

100 g butter, softened

15 plums, halved and de-stoned

4 eggs, separated

2 egg whites

¾ cup caster sugar

¼ tsp cream of tartar

¼ cup olive oil

¼ 3 cup milk

½ tsp vanilla extract

100 g plain flour

120 g almond meal

1 tsp baking powder

Method:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 160°C.

2. Grease and line a 23 cm springform round cake tin. Place a piece of aluminium foil on the outside of the cake tin and wrap it around the bottom and sides. This will help stop the leakage of the cake.

STORY & PHOTOGRAPHY: JACI HICKEN

3. Cream together brown sugar and butter until soft and well combined. Spread the mixture over the bottom of the cake tin.

4. Place the plum halves, skin side down, in the cake tin on top of the brown sugar and butter mixture. Start from the outside, working your way into the middle with the fruit.

5. Place the egg whites in a bowl of a mixer with ¼ cup of caster sugar and the cream of tartar. Whip until soft peaks form. Remove the egg whites from the bowl and put aside until needed.

6. Place the egg yolks in a bowl of the mixer, along with ½ cup of caster sugar. Whip until the egg yolks have reached ribbon consistency.

7. Add the milk, olive oil and vanilla to the egg yolks and stir to combine.

8. Into the egg yolks, mix in the flour, almond meal and baking powder to make a batter.

9. Fold the egg whites into the batter, then pour the batter onto the plums.

10. Place the cake in the oven for 50 minutes or until a skewer inserted in the middle comes out clean.

11. Serve the cake with the plums on top, with a dollop of cream or if you’re feeling adventurous opt for ice-cream.

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DON’T YOU KNOW THAT YOU’RE TOXIC? TREAT AND PREVENT MOULD BEFORE IT AFFECTS YOUR HEALTH AND HOME.

STORY: TAYLAH BAKER

The mistress of mould can be a hostile home-invader. It can seep into surfaces practically overnight, leaving marks of black, green, grey or brown accompanied by an unpleasant smell that ain’t roses.

Before calling in the professionals, try Our Home’s top tips for removal and prevention of mould in the home.

WHAT CAUSES MOULD?

Two words excess moisture. Bathrooms, kitchens and laundries are prime crime scenes of mould due to their lack of natural light and ventilation.

WHAT AM I LOOKING FOR, EXACTLY?

All in all, you’re just another blotch in the wall. Well, not entirely.

Before mould seeps in and stains your home, be on the lookout for common early warning signs:

• A musty odour.

• Water stains or discoloured walls or ceilings.

• Bubbling, cracking or peeling paint or wallpaper.

• Recent water damage, flooding or high humidity levels (thank you, 2022 floods).

• An onset of unusual, persistent health symptoms.

HOW TO TREAT MOULD

Products and practices for getting rid of mould are endless, but Our Home believes the following steps are highly effective:

• Start by opening doors and windows to increase ventilation.

• While wearing gloves, a mask and eye protection, mix one part bleach with three parts water. Alternatively, you can use mould killer.

• Spray the mixture onto mould and scrub with a stiff brush.

• Finally, rinse the area with clean water and sugar soap, before allowing time to air dry.

Remember: Speed and accuracy are mould’s worst enemy.

LET’S NOT GO THERE AGAIN

To prevent mould returning or forming in the first place, it’s not enough to simply remove the

dampness and humidity (although, it does help).

When it’s sunny, allow as much sunlight into the area as possible, and when it’s wet and humid, put your air conditioner on a dry cycle or use a dehumidifier.

Leave room between the furniture and wall for airflow.

Keep up with regular vacuuming and dusting. A clean home is a happy mould-free home.

And finally, become the Inspector Clouseau to mould’s discoloured panther, checking the area for evidence of mould and catching an infestation before it can grow.

Growing your own produce can seem daunting at first, even for the greenest of thumbs.

We’ve laid out a few handy tips and tricks for getting started on your way to fresh food all year round, and hopefully a fuller wallet.

1. Choose the right location: Find a spot in your yard, or if you’re going for a mini-scale herb garden, on a windowsill/spot indoors that gets plenty of sunlight and is easily accessible for watering and maintenance.

2. Prepare the soil: For outdoor patches, remove any weeds or debris and loosen the soil with

a garden fork or tiller, and mix in organic matter like compost or manure to enrich the soil. For potting mix, ensure you’ve opted for a planter with large drainage holes for proper circulation.

3. Select the right plants: Choose plants that are well-suited to your climate and soil type. Consider starting with easy-to-grow options like tomatoes, basil and lettuce.

4. Water regularly: Give your plants a thorough shower once or twice a week, depending on the weather and the needs of your plants. Avoid overwatering or letting the soil dry out completely.

5. Harvest frequently: Regular harvesting encourages the growth of new leaves and fruits, and prevents the plants from becoming too leggy. Use pruning shears or scissors to snip off leaves or fruits, and enjoy the fresh taste of your own home-grown herbs and vegies. Here are the fruits and vegies you should be looking at investing in for each season:

Visit

SUMMER – Cucumber – Lettuce – Passionfruit – Blackberries

AUTUMN – Tomatoes – Zucchini – Mandarins – Pomegranates

WINTER – Rosemary – Coriander – Broccoli – Carrots

SPRING – Eggplants – Sage – Spinach – Strawberries

BRINGING DREAMS

to life

Finding the right builder at the right price for your new build or renovation can be a lengthy, stressful process.

STORY: JAMES KLEEMAN.

PHOTOGRAPHY:

For NDB Building Group, alleviating the fears of a new building project and exceeding expectations is something the company prides itself on.

Led by director Nicholas Burls who has almost 30 years’ experience in the industry the NDB team strives to make your dream home a reality.

Operating out of Melbourne and Echuca, NDB’s services include new projects and stunning renovations which must be seen to be believed. The company works to align itself with well-known architects and designers to deliver projects of the highest quality.

With a focus on complete building package services, exceptional client experiences and the promise of 24hour accessibility across Melbourne and regional Victoria, NDB’s professionalism guarantee at every stage of the building process is what sets it apart.

HUNTER GRIFFIN.

“We offer high quality, professional building solutions,” Nicholas said.

“We pride ourselves on offering our clients exceptional quality, professionalism and the latest building solutions our enthusiastic team have highly refined on-site skills and are backed by project management experts.

“With well-qualified and reliable staff, we are continually offering guidance and expert advice during your building or renovating journey.”

From when NDB was formed, Nicholas and his experienced team have spent time perfecting their skills and project management efficiencies to become one of the industry leaders in Victoria, while also being a proud NDIS provider.

“Over the years, having my own business has had its challenges but I love the ability to be able to work through those and hand over a project that makes our client happy

and proud to have used NDB,” Nicholas said.

“One of the best parts of having a business is being able to take a step back and be proud of not only the business, but the team I have employed, as they are the people that have helped shape and evolve NDB into what it is today.”

You can find the company and examples of its work on Facebook at NDB Building Group, or on Instagram under the handle ndb_buildinggroup. The company’s website is: www.ndbbuilding.com.au The Echuca office is at 77 Wharparilla Dve and they can be contacted on 0447 317 242.

Indoor plants add life and colour to any home, but we all need to know how to look after them.

The VisionLINE Phoenix offers a modern design with clean, sophisticated lines, and the option of a convenient wood storage pedestal base.

The Phoenix is the perfect complement for any contemporary home.

STORY: JACI HICKEN. PHOTOGRAPHY: MEGAN FISHER.

Your indoor plants need just as much, if not even more, care than your outdoor plants.

They rely on you for everything.

First your indoor plants need to be potted in a clean pot, with no contamination.

It’s a good idea to use a new pot each time you are re-potting indoor plants.

If you pot your indoor plants in a neutral-coloured lightweight pot, with drainage, you can always change-up your home’s colour palette, simply by changing the outer pot.

Many gardening centres, home hardware and gift shops have a range of non-draining coloured ceramic pots, that make the ideal interchangeable styles for your home.

This lets you change the look of your home without spending time or money re-potting your indoor plants.

They also make the perfect water storage compartment for your indoor plants.

Indoor plants need to be kept in good quality soil.

Speak to your local nurseryman about the best soil to use for your indoor plants, as different plants

may require different soils, with different soil compositions and pH levels.

Even though your indoor plants are indoors, they still need light either light from the sun or an artificial source.

Just remember that the side of the plant facing the light will most likely grow quicker, meaning the plant will need to be turned regularly.

Keep the soil of your indoor plants moist, but not over-watered. Over-watering indoor plants can cause plant stress, disease or even insect infestations.

Which is why you need to regularly check your indoor plants for any signs of stress.

If they are looking unhappy at all, remove the unwell plant from near other plants, so the disease or insects don’t spread.

The best way to work out how to help your indoor plant to recover is to ask a professional what the best treatment is.

Take a photo of the disease or insect, then nip to your local garden centre for advice.

They will have the local knowledge and be able to supply you with what you need to fix the problem.