Better Homes and Gardens’ Jason Hodges passes on gardening tips
IF Jason Hodges wears a checked shirt and jeans to the hardware store, it’s a given that he will be stopped and asked for gardening advice but the Better Homes and Gardens presenter doesn’t mind.
Moreton Life
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IF JASON Hodges wears a checked shirt and jeans to the hardware store, it’s a given that he will be stopped and asked for gardening advice but the Better Homes and Gardens presenter doesn’t mind.
“It’s a compliment. I feel sorry for my family, but I if I can help someone within 30 seconds and that makes them a better gardener, I think it’s a good thing,” Jason says.
He’s looking forward to sharing simple but practical tips during two sessions at the Redcliffe Garden and Lifestyle Expo on August 5.
This is his 28th year in the landscaping industry and 20th year with the Seven Network, 16 with Better Homes and Gardens which aired its 1000th episode in June.
The 45-year-old says no two days are the same for a landscaper and he enjoys being creative and putting his hand to a range of trades in every project.
“It’s like the blokey version of being an artist,” he says.
“You can be creative and use hundreds of different materials to create your artwork.”
Jason describes Better Homes and Gardens as the comfort food of TV where viewers can learn tips they can easily use at home such as taking cuttings from succulents or replacing a kitchen benchtop.
There’s no reality TV-style drama and it’s suitable for the whole family. Children are huge fans and even write letters.
“The kids thing is off the Richter (scale) but it’s important not to tailor it to kids. Don’t dumb it down,” he says.
“It’s safe. There are not many shows on TV that you can put kids in front of and be educated.” And it might just inspire the next generation of landscapers, vets and chefs.
Jason says he will be offering simple tips to home gardeners at the Redcliffe Garden and Lifestyle Expo when he appears on the Lifestyle Stage at 11.30am and the Gardening Stage at 12.50pm.
“I don’t like it when people make it super hard. Gardening is your reward. You should drive in the driveway and say, ‘how good does my garden look’,” he says.
Key to this is selecting plants that do well in your area and opting for a ‘rock solid lawn’, not a couch that is high maintenance.
And here’s a tip for those dreaming of the perfect lawn … “If you mow your lawn every week, you don’t have to use a catcher and it takes 15 minutes. If you do it once a fortnight, it takes an hour,” Jason says.
If you’re wondering what’s on trend at the moment in landscape design, think Hamptons style, clean lines, hedges and topiary buxus plants — minus big water features and outdoor kitchens.
So, where do people go wrong with landscaping? “They don’t have a plan. You’d never start building a new kitchen without a plan,” Jason says.
People also underestimate the value of a nice garden and lawn, and why it is worth investing in getting good advice. “You get that lifestyle space and when you sell, you make more money,” he says.
The Redcliffe Garden and Lifestyle Expo is on August 5.
Moreton Bay Region Industry & Tourism (MBRIT) chief executive Shane Newcombe says the program will feature presentations and demonstrations on two stages, with a range of industry experts sharing insight and tips.
“We’re thrilled to have the well-known Jason Hodges from Better Homes and Gardens join the speaker line-up as well as local gardening gurus from the Moreton Bay Region,” Mr Newcombe says.
He says there will also be a committed team of gardening specialists available throughout the day providing free tailored advice and able to answer questions.
Visitors can enjoy live music, lifestyle and fresh produce market stalls, food trucks and pop-up gardening displays, as well as workshops and demonstrations. Taste locally made craft beers and wines at the Garden Bar.
For children, the Village Motors Little Grubs Kids Zone will be filled with free face painting and sustainable crafts, activities and workshops. They can also join in a range of garden-themed games.
In Love Handmade Lane, you will find an array of boutique handmade market stalls and can take part in workshops.
And if that isn’t enough, you will also be able to pick yourself up a free native plant grown in the Kumbartcho Sanctuary & Nursery.
Division 6 Councillor Koliana Winchester says she is excited to be offering a brand-new event to garden lovers this August.
“I think the Redcliffe Garden and Lifestyle Expo will be an enormously popular expansion of the Moreton Bay Region’s already bustling events calendar,” she says.
“For a gold coin, they can enjoy lawn games, landscaping displays, floral arrangements, woodcrafts and gardening tips.
“And of course no garden party is complete without food and music, so come on down for a great day.”
EVENT DETAILS
When: Sunday, August 5, from 9am-3pm
Where: Redcliffe Botanic Gardens, 20 Henzell St, Redcliffe
Cost: Gold coin entry
Parking: Free parking at Redcliffe Showground with a shuttle bus operating from 9am-3pm
Website: visitmoretonbayregion.com.au
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