Just bursting with colour, summer is the season to enjoy our outdoor spaces and also be mindful of ways we can assist native wildlife through the hottest days of the year.

Summer is the season we want to make the most of our outdoor spaces. Our feature garden in this issue is a private Adelaide Hills property just brimming with hydrangeas ready to burst into their annual cacophony of colour – and you can see it for yourself with Open Gardens SA on January 8 and 9, 2022.

Shrubs such as bougainvilleas, hydrangeas and crepe myrtles have exploded into bloom all around us as they vie for the attentions of passing insects, and we have details of six shrubs that will put on a reliable show every year.

As the mercury rises once again, it’s important to consider all the little visitors to our gardens that need our help to survive. Providing shade, water and safe nesting habitats is all part of being a responsible gardener – we have everything you need to know in this issue.

Of course, Kim Syrus is back with his jobs for the season  – but don’t worry if you’re time-poor, he’s also come up with some ways to minimise labour hours in the garden so you can maximise leisure.

Kim also has a fabulous way to get rid of those dated old mugs at the back of the cupboard: teacup gardens. They make the perfect Christmas gift for any plant-minded person.

There’s all this, plus what to plant in summer, new releases, tricky indoor plants, incredible edibles, a special look at dark-coloured plants, books, garden events and much more.

The summer 2021 issue of SALIFE Gardens & Outdoor Living is available now at newsagencies and garden centres.

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