Entertainment

Embrace the Winter Greenery: Gardening Delights in Australian Winters

Published

10 months ago

18 July 2023

Liam

Embrace the Winter Greenery: Gardening Delights in Australian Winters

By Liam Jennings.

While winter in Australia brings cooler temperatures and shorter days, it doesn’t mean your gardening journey needs to hibernate until spring, its time to embrace it. In fact, Australian winters present a unique opportunity to embrace the season and indulge in the wonders of winter gardening. So, grab your gardening gloves, put on a warm jacket, and let’s explore the delights that await you during this season of greenery!

One of the advantages of gardening in Australian winters is the milder climate in many regions. With temperatures that remain above freezing, you have the perfect conditions to grow a variety of cool-season vegetables. Think hearty greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard, which thrive in the cooler temperatures and add a vibrant touch to your winter meals. These nutrient-packed vegetables are not only delicious but also provide a fresh and healthy addition to your table. You can also grow other winter vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and leeks. These crops benefit from the cooler temperatures, resulting in sweeter and more flavourful harvests. Additionally, root vegetables like carrots, radishes, and turnips can be sown in winter for a bountiful harvest in the spring.

Winter is not just about the absence of colour; it’s an opportunity to infuse your garden with stunning blooms. Embrace the elegance of pansies, primroses, and violas, as they grace your garden with their charming flowers. These hardy plants will brighten up your outdoor space and remind you that nature’s beauty persists even in the colder months. Don’t forget to include some winter-flowering bulbs like daffodils and hyacinths, which will burst into colour as the weather warms up in late winter and early spring. Consider planting winter-blooming shrubs such as camellias, winter jasmine, and flowering quinces for added visual interest. These plants not only survive but thrive during winter, ensuring your garden remains vibrant and captivating throughout the season.

Man leaning over in the garden.

But let’s not forget the appeal of indoor gardening during winter. It’s the perfect time to create a cosy green sanctuary inside your home. Explore the world of indoor plants such as ferns, peace lilies, snake plants, and spider plants, which not only add a touch of nature to your living spaces but also improve air quality. Surrounding yourself with indoor greenery has been shown to reduce stress and enhance overall well-being. Experiment with different sizes, shapes, and textures to create a visually appealing indoor garden oasis. Hanging plants, terrariums, and vertical gardens can be excellent options for maximizing space and bringing life to your indoor environment. Be sure to place your indoor plants in areas that receive adequate sunlight or provide them with supplemental grow lights to ensure their healthy growth.

Winter gardening in Australia also offers the opportunity to prepare for the upcoming spring season. Use this time to tidy up your garden, prune dormant trees and shrubs, and enrich the soil with compost or organic matter. Clear away any fallen leaves, weeds, and debris to maintain a clean and healthy garden environment. Winter is also a great time to assess the layout of your garden and consider any changes or additions you’d like to make. Research and gather inspiration, sketch out new beds or landscape features, and plan your gardening activities for the upcoming seasons. Consider constructing raised beds or installing irrigation systems to make your gardening endeavours more efficient and enjoyable.

Furthermore, winter can be a time for reflection and rejuvenation in the garden. Take some moments to observe the bare branches, the delicate frost on the ground, and the stillness that winter brings. Use this time to connect with nature and appreciate the beauty of the season. It’s also an excellent opportunity to read books and expand your gardening knowledge, explore new gardening techniques, or experiment with DIY projects such as creating garden structures or crafting decorative items. Engage in garden-related hobbies like nature photography or keeping a garden journal to capture the unique essence of winter in your gardening endeavours.

So, as the temperatures drop and the days become shorter, don’t let your gardening aspirations hibernate. Embrace the joys of winter gardening in Australia and let the season surprise you with its unique offerings. From flourishing cool-season vegetables to captivating winter flowers and indoor green havens, there’s a whole world of possibilities awaiting you. Let your green thumb flourish and enjoy the beauty of gardening even during the winter months! Remember, winter gardening not only allows you to reap the rewards of fresh produce and beautiful blooms but also nurtures your connection with nature and brings a sense of tranquillity and fulfillment to your gardening journey.

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Entertainment

Blues on Broadbeach

Published

4 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

Blues on Broadbeach

Returning for its 23rd year, Blues on Broadbeach is set to transform the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues haven from May 16-19, 2024!

The festival will feature over 65 international and local artists across 16 indoor and outdoor stages, promising an abundance of live rhythm & blues over the four-day event.

The festival program and app are now live, so you can start planning your experience today! A highlight of the festival will be US headliner Melissa Etheridge, who is set to deliver a rocking two-hour show on Saturday night.

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Other international stars making their way to the festival include Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic, Eric Bibb, Hi Rhythm Section with Boo Mitchell, and Jon Cleary & The Absolute Monster Gentlemen, all renowned figures in the contemporary blues scene.

The festival will also showcase plenty of national and local talent, including festival favourite 8 Ball Aitken & Friends, who will host a special All-Star Blues Jam on Sunday, May 19. Gold Coast’s own Karl S. Williams will open for Melissa Etheridge on Saturday night.

A new addition this year is the Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket, featuring New Zealand’s electronic-reggae-soul pioneers Fat Freddy’s Drop, alongside Tijuana Cartel and BOOMCHILD, who will perform exclusively at Kurrawa Park on Sunday, May 19.

With VIP tickets already sold out, be sure to secure your ticket soon to expand your Blues on Broadbeach experience! Beyond the six outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct, 10 Partnered Venues will also offer live music, allowing you to enjoy a meal or drink without missing any of the festival’s packed programming.

With so much happening from May 16-19, don’t miss out on your favourite acts! Download the Blues on Broadbeach 2024 festival app from the App Store or Google Play to create your personalised schedule.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: 16^th – 19^th of May
Where: Broadbeach
Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Entertainment

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

Published

4 days ago

15 May 2024

Liam

ASH GRUNWALD AT THE REGENT CINEMA, MURWILLUMBAH

One of Australia’s leading blues musician, Ash Grunwald, has announced a nationwide tour to celebrate the release of his latest single, “Life Without You.”

This laid-back track, which explores the themes of enduring love and appreciation for one’s partner, is a collaboration with Garrett Kato, renowned for his work with Tones & I’s “Dance Monkey” and numerous releases by Ziggy Alberts. The song’s emotional depth is sure to resonate with listeners.

Ash Grunwald has long been an inspiration, encouraging a generation to embrace a nomadic lifestyle, “surfing by day and jamming by night”.

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His illustrious career has seen him share stages with legends like James Brown, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd, and Keith Urban, among many others. He has captivated audiences at sold-out festivals across Europe, Japan, and North America.

Grunwald’s impressive discography includes six Australian Top-50 albums, and he has been recognised with numerous accolades: five ARIA and four AIR Award nominations, two APRA Awards, and the Best International Act at the LA Music Critic Awards.

Don’t miss the chance to see Australia’s most dynamic blues performer live at The Regent Cinema in Murwillumbah. This tour promises to be a memorable experience, showcasing Ash Grunwald’s exceptional talent and his latest musical endeavours.

Be sure to catch this tour and witness the captivating performances of an artist who has significantly shaped the Australian blues scene. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to his music, Ash Grunwald’s tour is an event not to be missed.

EVENT DETAILS:

When: Fri 24th May, 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Where: The Regent Cinema, Murwillumbah
Price: $50+BF
Tickets: Available here.

For more entertainment news, click here.

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Entertainment

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

Published

1 week ago

9 May 2024

Liam

Great Board Games for Family Game Night!

A classic game night is the epitome of a cosy evening spent indoors, filled with laughter and friendly competition. Whether you’re looking to refresh your game cupboard or considering board games as thoughtful gifts, exploring the right options can enhance these lively gatherings. From strategic board games that challenge the mind to light-hearted party games that bring out the laughs, there’s something for everyone. Let’s delve into a selection of excellent games that are perfect for family game night, ensuring hours of entertainment and cherished memories with loved ones.

The game of life

College, marriage, kids, insurance! What a way to learn about being an adult while adding fun to the mix! In the Game of Life, each player navigates through various life stages using a plastic car on the game board, from choosing a college to settling into retirement.

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The goal of the game is to traverse life by making wise decisions, aiming to retire first and with the most wealth. It’s an excellent game for teaching children about life’s lessons in a fun and accessible manner. Playing this game as a family not only promises enjoyable moments but also ignites meaningful conversations.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to four
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 60 minutes

Monopoly

The first official Monopoly game was released in 1935, and it has been cultivating real estate moguls ever since. This board game involves both risk and chance as players purchase and trade properties while trying to avoid jail.

Players can buy properties if they have the necessary funds and can generate income by charging rent to other players who land on their properties. The objective of the game is to bankrupt your opponents, which can be a lengthy process. The strategy is to acquire enough properties in the same area to create a monopoly, making it difficult for other players to afford rent, ultimately leading to their bankruptcy.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Two to six
Recommended Age: 8 and up
Playing Time: One to two hours

Cards Against Humanity

When playing Cards Against Humanity, forget about maintaining decorum. The game features black cards with open-ended prompts and white cards filled with a mix of humorous, risqué, and bizarre phrases.

In each round, a player takes on the role of the judge and selects a black card to present to the group. The other players then choose one of their white cards that best complements the prompt and hand it to the judge. The judge mixes these submissions and reads them aloud, ultimately picking a favourite based on their appeal.

This game is strictly for adults, designed to provoke laughter. You can enjoy it just for the fun or keep score with points for each round’s winning card to find out who excels at pushing boundaries.

Product Details:

Number of Players: Four to 20
Recommended Age: 18 and up
Playing Time: 30 to 90 minutes

UNO

To play this engaging family game, all you need is an Uno card deck. It doesn’t require any additional pieces like marbles or spinners, making it easy to clean up and perfect for travel.

The Uno deck consists of 108 cards, with 25 cards in each of four colours and eight special action cards, such as Skip and Reverse. Players match cards from their hands to the card in the centre of the game by colour or number. They draw new cards from the deck until none remain. When a player is down to one card, they shout “Uno!”—a highlight of the game. Winning also traditionally involves a celebratory dance, adding to the fun.

Product Details: