Writing notes

Ask Sarah the Gardener

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Sarah O'Neil is an author, blogger and passionate gardener writing about the ups and downs of her coastal garden. We've collected advice that she has shared with our GARDENA community over the years in the hopes that it can help others with the same challenges.

Pesty pests & dreadful diseases

White Balls on my Acacia

White balls on my Acacia

Spotted tiny white balls on your Acacia tree? Learn from Sarah the Gardener what they mean and how to keep your tree thriving.
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Gardenia with scale

Gardenia with scale

Black mould and scale on your gardenia? Sarah the Gardener has got tips for tackling them so that those glossy greens and fragrant blooms bounce back fast.
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Scale on a ficus

Scale on a ficus

What can you do when you find scale on a Ficus. Let's ask Sarah the Gardener for a way to save the plant.
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Buxus leaves turning white

Buxus leaves turning white

If your Buxus is always acting up, you’re not alone. But don’t worry! Sarah the Gardener might just have the fix your hedge has been waiting for.
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Giant willow aphid

Giant willow aphid

Willows and aphids go hand in hand, but treating them near water takes care. Sarah the Gardener knows the right steps to take.
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Unhappy viburnum hedge

Unhappy viburnum hedge

Your viburnum hedge is looking patchy and pale? Sarah the Gardener uncovers what’s behind the leaf damage.
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Lilly Pilly hedge

Lilly pilly hedge

Psyllids, mould, and ants - your lilly pilly hedge has been through it. Sarah the Gardener shares how to bring it back to life.
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Hydrangea

Hydrangea

When hydrangea get powdery mildew, the plant loses its charm. Sarah the Gardener explains how you can help the plant recover from this fungal disease.
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Pruning problems

Rosemary massacre Part 1

Rosemary massacre Part 1

Snip snip! What does rosemary really think about being pruned? Sarah the Gardener has answers.
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Pruning raspberry canes

Pruning raspberry canes

Raspberries are a joy to grow—but pruning can feel tricky. Sarah the Gardener tells us how to prune for a bumper crop next season.
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Mum's daisies in the fall

Mum's daisies in the fall

Once summer is over, you're lovely daisies might turn brown. But don't panic, as Sarah the Gardener is able to tell you what is going on and how to proceed.
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Clerodendrum ugandense

Clerodendrum ugandense

The Clerodendrum looked lovely in winter, but now it’s scraggy? Sarah the Gardener knows how to bring it back.
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Pruning frangipanis

Pruning frangipanis

Do you want your frangipanis to thrive and bloom next season? Then you should follow Sarah the Gardener's tips on how to prune them.
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Citrus complications

Lime trees with louse scale

Lime trees with louse scale

Sticky or sooty lime tree leaves? Scale insects may be the culprit. We asked Sarah the Gardener how to spot them early and kick them out for good.
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Thorny branches on a mandarin tree

Thorny branches on a mandarin tree

Mandarin trees are citrus gems, but thorny rootstock shoots can steal their shine. Sarah the Gardener shares how to spot and snip them early for shining fruit.
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Brown lemons

Brown lemons

When life gives you brown lemons … call Sarah the Gardener. She knows what you're tree is trying to tell you.
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Eureka lemon

Eureka lemon

Growing lemon trees is a common, but sometimes difficult goal. Planning to use a pot and keep it pruned? Sarah the Gardener can give you a few tips.
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Dwarf Tahitian lime tree

Dwarf Tahitian lime tree

One lime in eight years? But giving up is not an option. That's why Sarah the Gardener shares what your tree might be lacking.
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Perplexed about planting

Creeping fig

Creeping fig

Sarah the Gardener reveals her secret to effortless garden elegance with tips on covering up fences with a creeping fig.
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Pumpkin problems

Pumpkin problems

Pumpkins are simple to grow, but they can sometimes be picky. Sarah the Gardener shares how to get the conditions just right for a garden full of orange glory.
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Starting a vegetable garden

Starting a vegetable garden

From seed to salad, Sarah the Gardener shares her secrets to starting your own vegetable garden.
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What should I grow in my vegetable garden?

What should I grow in my vegetable garden?

Sticky or sooty lime tree leaves? Scale insects may be the culprit. We asked Sarah the Gardener how to spot them early and kick them out for good.
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Repotting a Paintbrush Lily

Repotting a Paintbrush Lily

Repotting can feel daunting, especially with delicate beauties like blood lillies. Sarah the Gardener shares her tips for them to thrive.
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Attracting bees

Attracting bees

Want your garden to hum with life? Sarah the Gardener knows how to turn it into a bee magnet—full of blooms, buzz, and natural beauty.
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No capsicums on my capiscum plant

No capsicums on my capiscum plant

No capsicums on your plant? Sarah the Gardener uncovers what's going wrong.
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Landscaping with pebbles

Landscaping with pebbles

Palms around your pool look great, but loose soil can cloud the water. Sarah the Gardener suggests pebbles for a clean, stylish fix that keeps your pool sparkling.
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When to use a grow light

When to use a grow light

Grow lights can help but only if they match your plant’s needs. Sarah the Gardener tells us what you need to know before you flip the switch.
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Transplanting tomatoes

Transplanting tomatoes

Transplanting plants can be tricky, but Sarah the Gardener shows how it’s done with tomatoes to keep the plants healthy.
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Moving day for a China Doll Plant

Moving day for a China Doll Plant

Moving day for the China Doll plant—can it be done? Sarah the Gardener explains the special care it needs.
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Thyme transplant

Thyme transplant

Old thyme, new growth - Sarah the Gardener reveals whether it’s time to transplant or toss.
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Arbutilon

Arbutilon

When is the best time to reposition an arbutilon? Let's find out what Sarah the Gardener thinks.
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Casuarina glauca

Casuarina glauca

Your Cousin It plant is thriving, but weeds are crashing the party. Sarah the Gardener shares a gentler way to fight back.
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General plant care

Rosemary massacre Part 2

Rosemary massacre Part 2

How should you fertilise and water rosemary? Sarah the Gardener tells us all about it.
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Bore water on Lilly Pilly

Bore water on lilly pilly

Bore water and lilly pillies - A perfect match or a risky move? Sarah the Gardener explains.
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Mystery

Blueberries with the blues

Blueberries with the blues

When your blueberries are "having the blues" and nothing helps, Sarah the Gardener might have the solution to your problem.
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Frangipani with lichen

Frangipani with lichen

Spotted lichen on your frangipani branches? That's an unpleasant sight. We asked Sarah the Gardener what to do and how to keep your tree healthy.
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Dead leaves on a lemon cypress

Dead leaves on a lemon cypress

Dead leaves could be a cry for help. Sarah the Gardener shares what your lemon cypress is really telling you and how to nurse it back to health.
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Unhealthy James Stirling plants

Unhealthy James Stirling plants

Unhealthy plants, like this James Sterling, aren’t always a lost cause. Sarah the Gardener shows how a little care can revive them and restore your garden’s glory.
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Lavender loss

Lavender loss

Too much water, poor drainage, or heavy soil could be killing your lavender. Sarah the Gardener tells us how to turn things around.
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Poorly flowering passionfruit plants

Poorly flowering passionfruit plants

Do you want a juicy, fragrant fruit - not just leafy vines? Sarah the Gardener knows how to give your passionfruit plants the care they crave.
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Passionfruit growing in containers

Passionfruit growing in containers

Your passionfruit is not thriving in containers and maybe has yellow leaves? Sarah the Gardener reveals what might be wrong.
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Dwarf bean plant leaves drying out

Dwarf bean plant leaves drying out

The leaves of your dwarf bean plant are start to dry out or tear and you don't know why? Sarah the Gardener digs into the roots of the problem.
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Wisteria woes

Wisteria woes

Black leaves and fading blooms? Sarah the Gardener shares how to revive your wisteria.
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No chokos

No chokos

When your choko vine doesn't produce despite your best efforts, it can be frustrating. Sarah the Gardener uncovers why it’s holding back.
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Jacaranda

Jacaranda

When your jacaranda tree is acting up and the leaves are turning brown, there can be several reasons. Sarah the Gardener gives an insight into the topic.
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