Better Homes and Gardens

13th JUNE 2025

JOHANNA – A VIEW OF BALLARAT

If you’re sick of living in a busy and overcrowded major city, but aren’t quite ready to go full on country…where should you live? Regional cities are skyrocketing right now, as more and more families swap city life for a more relaxed – but not isolated – life in a smaller city. And when you consider a city like Ballarat, it’s no wonder why. With a huge history and breathtaking architecture, Ballarat is also close to first-rate schools, busy shopping centres and well-renowned restaurants. Best of all, the median house price here is $560,000.

Johanna’s visiting Ballarat to find out why so many people are choosing to call it home.

DR HARRY – CAR CRIER

Everyone loves a road trip…right? When it comes to Yuki, a three-year-old cavoodle, her family isn’t quite so sure. Every time Yuki gets in the car, she cries and whines…and she doesn’t let up for the entire trip. Owner, Janette, and her family can’t figure out if Yuki’s crying with excitement or struggling with anxiety. Either way, it makes long car journeys a huge ordeal. And as Janette is planning a big road trip, she needs a solution. Dr Harry is here to help.

ADAM – READING COMES BACK AROUND

It can be tough to convince kids to read…but a fun DIY project like this one might help! Adam’s making a revolving bookcase which would look great in any kid’s room…or why not make one for yourself? This bookcase spins 360-degrees, meaning its perfect for small spaces. And once the kids have finished playing with it, they may even crack open a book, too.

COLIN – LENTILS WITH TOFU & VEGETABLES

For a meat-lover like Colin, you might think tofu would be off the menu. But this week, he’s sharing a delicious lentil and tofu dish that’s so good, you won’t even realise it’s vegetarian. With mushrooms, eggplant and loads of spices, this dish is the perfect way to warm up on a cold day.

CLARISSA – CHAI RICE PUDDING

Clarissa’s sharing her twist on a comfort food classic: rice pudding. Made with chai and vanilla and served with crispy coconut wafers, or tuiles, this dessert is creamy and packed full of flavour. Best of all, if you’re hosting a dinner party, you can make it up to three days in advance.

CHARLIE -THIS WEEKEND IN THE WINTER GARDEN

You might think that winter is the perfect time to put your feet up and take a break from gardening…but it’s the perfect time to check off a few tasks from your to-do list. Charlie’s sharing his top jobs to do now to get your garden in shape for spring. From pruning to growing winter veg, plus mulching and even adding some colour, if you get these jobs done now, you’ll thank Charlie in a few months’ time.

CHARLIE – KALANCHOE PLANT PROFILE

Charlie’s taking a closer look at one of his favourite plant families, the kalanchoe. Kalanchoes hail from Madagascar and tropical Africa and, with over 125 varieties, there’s one to suit every garden. While some thrive in the heat, others are perfect indoor plants, and they add great texture to your garden, too. Charlie’s sharing some of his favourites.

GRAHAM – PAINTING WITH PERENNIALS

As an artist, Ralph Bristow is an expert in choosing and combing different colours…and it’s a skill he uses in his work as a garden designer, too. About five years ago, Ralph created a stunning garden on his 2.5-hectare plot near Barwite, in north-east Victoria. Named the Barwitian Gardens, they’re a masterclass in how to use perennials. Ralph ‘paints’ the landscape with them, combining colours, textures and forms to create this truly one-of-a- kind space. Graham’s meeting up with Ralph to find out more.

JULIET – INDOOR OUTDOOR OFFICE HACK

Whether it’s working or studying from home, it’s important to have an environment that’s conducive to peace, order, and concentration. So, Juliet’s creating a cute workstation and office without spending a lot of money, by upcycling an old kid’s wardrobe. Staring at the back of a wardrobe isn’t very inspiring, so Juliet will add a touch of magic by creating a whimsical meadow scene through a window of wonder.