Your Spring gardening checklist
As most of us know, Spring is the perfect time to give your garden some TLC after the winter months. A few simple jobs now can help your plants thrive and survive in the warmer weather ahead.
1. Welcome Pollinators to Your Garden
Bees, butterflies and other pollinators play an important role in helping flowers, fruit and vegetables thrive. Encourage them into your garden by planting a variety of flowering plants, providing a shallow dish of water with a few pebbles for safe landing, and avoiding pesticides where possible.
Even a few flowering pots on a patio or balcony can help create a welcoming habitat for these important garden visitors.
2. Prune Away Winter Damage
Remove dead, damaged or diseased branches to encourage healthy new growth. Early spring is a great time to tidy roses, salvias and native grasses, while lightly trimming lavender after flowering. Always check the best pruning time for your plants, as some varieties flower on old growth.
3. Feed Your Plants
Give your garden a boost with a slow-release fertiliser or compost. Feed flowering plants to encourage colourful blooms, and don’t forget your lawn—it will appreciate a spring feed after winter.
4. Mulch to Lock in Moisture and Reduce Weeds
Apply a 5–7 cm layer of mulch to help retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and suppress weeds.
For stubborn weeds, place plain cardboard over the area before adding mulch. The cardboard blocks sunlight, helping to stop weeds from growing while naturally breaking down over time.
5. Check Your Irrigation
As the weather warms up, make sure your watering system is ready for Spring.
Check sprinklers and drippers for leaks or blockages that may have developed over Winter.
Myth vs Fact: Protein
If you’ve noticed the word “protein” appearing on everything from yoghurt to cereal bars, you’re not imagining things.
Adding more protein to your diet has become one of the biggest food trends in recent years. While it may seem like a new craze, nutrition experts have long recognised protein as an essential part of a healthy diet.
Myth #1: If it says “High Protein”, it must be a better choice.
Fact: Not all protein products are created equal.
Many foods now come in “high protein” versions, but some contain only a small amount of extra protein while also adding more sugar, fat or calories.
Top tip: Check the nutrition panel and compare products per 100g, not just per serving. Some products appear higher in protein simply because the serving size is larger meaning you could be paying more for very little extra nutritional benefit.
Myth #2: Eating protein is only for building muscles.
Fact: Protein is essential for everyone.
It helps repair and maintain muscles, supports healthy bones, aids recovery and helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. Building significant muscle takes years of consistent strength training and the right nutrition — simply eating more protein won’t make you bulky.
As we age, getting enough protein becomes even more important for maintaining muscle mass, strength, balance and contributes to your overall health.
Did You Know?
Protein isn’t just found in meat. Eggs, fish, Greek yoghurt, milk, cheese, beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and seeds are all excellent sources.
Congratulations to last edition’s winner Sara, who has taken home the $1,000 prize!
“Lulu and Ruby escaped from their pen and found the bale of hay. Lulu stood on watch while Ruby happily munched away!”
It’s clear these two cheeky goats know how to work as a team! With Lulu keeping lookout and Ruby enjoying the spoils, this mischievous moment perfectly captured the spirit of our competition.
Thank you to everyone who shared their pets’ funniest, cheekiest and most memorable moments, we loved seeing all of your wonderful entries.
WIN $1,000 Cash
The best advice I’ve ever received
We’ve all been given advice that’s stuck with us, whether it came from a parent, grandparent, teacher, friend or even a complete stranger, and we’d love to hear yours!
Tell us the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, who shared it with you and why it has stayed with you over the years for your chance to win $1,000.
How: in 350 words or fewer, send your answer to: havencompetitions@afgonline.com.au placing ‘Best advice’ in the subject line.
Include: your name, address, email, phone number and the name of your mortgage broker.
Dates: opens on August 5th and closes on October 10th 2026.
Winner: will be decided on October 11th and notified after this time.
T&Cs: visit http://bit.ly/HavenWin
Originally published in Haven Magazine – Spring 2026 Edition, this article has been republished on our website with permission.
