The process of photosynthesis steadily degrades the supply of chlorophylls in foliage; plants normally replenish chlorophylls in summer. When autumn arrives and the days are shorter or when plants are drought stressed, deciduous trees decrease chlorophyll pigment production allowing other pigments present in the leaf to become apparent, resulting in non-green colored foliage. The brightest leaf colors are produced when days grow short and nights are cool. In our area there are several trees suitable and, as their leaves are now changing colour, it is most appropriate to select the actual trees. Selecting trees that display their actual colours at nursery and garden centres will ensure the mature tree will create the desired effect.

The Chinese Tallow Wood (Sapium sebiferum) is one of the best trees for autumn colours in warmer areas. Trees reach up to eight metres in height. The autumn foliage ranges in colour from crimson to yellow, orange and ruby-red. Colours will vary as the trees are generally grown from seed. For large areas, Liquidambars create beautiful displays in the pyramid shape. They are fast-growing trees and can reach 25 metres. Leaf colours include yellow, orange and scarlet to purple. New varieties have been developed. The Claret Ash (Fraxinus "Raywood") grows to about 20 metres. It has glossy green foliage which turns claret to deep purple in autumn. The foliage of the Golden Ash (Fraxinus excelsior "Aurea") turns a clear yellow in autumn. It grows about 15 metres.

As gardeners attempt to grow vegetables that are as nutritious as older, more traditional varieties, but which are also suitable for smaller gardens, new varieties are becoming available that fulfill this purpose. Beetroot "Mini Baby Beets", Cabbage "Mini Cannonball" and Cauliflower "Mini White" are all varieties that can be grown in smaller areas, such as containers or pots, and still produce tasty crops.

Other vegetables varieties are available which feature repeat harvesting. Spinach, or silver beet, is an example, as continual picking of young leaves will result in a harvest lasting many months. Varieties of cauliflower and broccoli can also be included in the home garden. Broccolini, a hybrid vegetable formed by a cross between broccoli and Chinese kale, produces crops with stalks thinner than traditional broccoli. The florets are sweeter and have a slightly peppery taste.

Pak Choi varieties are also suitable for pot culture and produce white as well as green stemmed plants. The leaves and stems of these oriental vegetables are suitable for soups, stir-fries, salads and for pickling. Tender, outside leaves can be harvested, or the whole plant can be used. A full sun position should be selected for best results. The soil should have been enriched with compost or a general garden fertiliser, added prior to planting. Growing vegetables in pots has a number of advantages including: being able to be moved around to suit climatic conditions, including requirements for sun; soils can be changed according to the individual needs of the vegetables and protection from strong winds can be provided.

Watering, planting and harvesting can be easier if the pots are raised. This makes growing vegetables in pots suitable for people with mobility problems.

Poppies are one of the most delicate-looking spring flowers, with their large, crepe-like blooms. Varieties are produced in colours ranging from white, through pale creams to stronger yellows and oranges. "Artist Glory" is the most commonly available variety. The stems of poppy flowers are stiff and erect, carrying blooms 20-30cm above the ferny-like foliage. In order to have ideal weather conditions for flowering, poppy seeds are traditionally planted about Anzac Day. A sunny position should be selected, with poultry manure and a general-purpose plant food added to the soil, prior to planting. At planting time, the leaves of the seedlings should be trimmed to about half their length, in order to encourage stronger plant growth. The first flower buds that appear should also be removed as it is preferable to have a strong, leafy base for optimum flower production. Poppy plants prefer drier conditions, so excess watering should be avoided.

Indoor plants such as African violets can sometimes become quite unhealthy with leaves lacking lustre and flowering shoots failing to produce good quality blooms. Inspection may reveal small fluffy white blobs, about the size of a match head, underneath the leaves or flowers or around the base of the plant. This will indicate the presence of mealy bug. If the plant is badly infected it is probably preferable to dispose of the plant in a plastic bag and then place it in the garbage. However, if the plant is not too badly affected, the white blobs can be removed by using a cotton bud that has been dipped into methylated spirits and then dabbing the solution on to the pests. Frequent inspection of susceptible plants should be undertaken as pests can spread to nearby plants.