Most Eastern Suburbs gardens benefit from fertilising three to four times a year — a feed in early spring to kickstart growth, again in late spring or early summer when everything is actively growing, then a lighter feed in autumn to set plants up for winter. Lawns specifically prefer slow-release fertiliser applied two to three times during the warmer months. The exact products depend on what you've got — natives don't want phosphorus, citrus trees need a specific citrus blend, lawns prefer high nitrogen — and I'll match the right fertiliser to each part of your garden.

It depends on your soil and what you're growing. Sugar cane mulch is great for vegetable beds and quick-growing gardens — it breaks down fast and feeds the soil. Tea tree and eucalyptus mulches last longer and look natural under native plantings, which suits a lot of Bondi, Bronte, and coastal gardens. For sandy coastal soils, a thicker layer of pine bark or composted organic mulch helps retain moisture between watering. I'll recommend the right mulch based on what's actually in your garden, supply it, and lay it properly.

Both options are available depending on what you'd prefer. Hand weeding works well for garden beds and small areas where you want a chemical-free approach. For paths, driveways, and stubborn weeds in cracks, a targeted spot-spray of glyphosate is usually the most practical option — applied carefully so nothing else gets affected. I'll always check before using anything chemical, and there are organic alternatives like vinegar-based sprays if you'd rather avoid herbicides altogether.

Yes — common Eastern Suburbs lawn pests include army worm, lawn beetle, and white curl grub, all of which can chew through a healthy lawn surprisingly quickly. Tell-tale signs include sudden brown patches, birds aggressively pecking the lawn, or visible damage at night. I can treat lawn pests with the appropriate product and advise on how to prevent recurring issues. For garden plants, scale insects on citrus, aphids on roses, and fungal issues like black spot are all common in this climate — most are easily managed if caught early.

I work right across Sydney's Eastern Suburbs — Maroubra, Malabar, South Coogee, Bondi, Bronte, Clovelly, Coogee, Randwick, Kensington, Queens Park, Waverley, Woollahra, Paddington, Double Bay, Edgecliff, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Vaucluse, Dover Heights, Watsons Bay and everywhere in between. If you're nearby and not on the list, give me a call — chances are I can help.