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Ted Lasso star ordered to pay massive child support sum

<p>Jason Sudeikis has been ordered to pay ex Olivia Wilde an enormous sum of child support, as a bitter two-year custody battle draws to a close. </p> <p>According to new court filings obtained by <em><a href="https://pagesix.com/2023/09/25/jason-sudeikis-and-olivia-wilde-settle-custody-battle-actor-to-pay-27500-per-month/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a></em>, the<em> Ted Lasso</em> star has allegedly agreed to pay his ex $27,500 ($A42,800) per month in child support for their two kids, Otis, 9, and Daisy, 6. </p> <p>The hefty settlement has been based on Sudeikis' reported 2023 income of $10.5 million ($A16.3 million) and Wilde’s estimated income of $500,000 ($A778,000).</p> <p>“The parties agree that child support for the minor children in the amount of $27,500 per month is sufficient to maintain the needs of the minor children considering Jason’s station in life … is consistent with each child’s best interest, and application of the guideline would be unjust or inappropriate in this case,” the court papers reportedly state.</p> <p>The legal proceedings began two years ago, and took a dramatic turn in 2022 when Wilde, who was promoting her new movie <em>Don't Worry Darling</em> at the time, was served legal papers while on stage delivering a speech at CinemaCon. </p> <p>At the time, a source told <em><a href="https://pagesix.com/2022/04/29/olivia-wilde-mortified-after-being-served-with-legal-papers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Page Six</a></em> that Wilde was mortified over the brazen act. </p> <p>“It seemed unthinkable to her, and it took a moment to set in, but as mortifying as it was, she did not want to give a reaction,” the insider explained.</p> <p>Since then, things have improved for the couple, as they were both seen putting on a united front at Otis' soccer game in LA. </p> <p>Wilde and Sudeikis started dating in November 2011 and got engaged in January 2013. They welcomed their two kids before separating in November 2020.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Legal

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Country music star's "racist" song divides audience

<p>A popular country music star has been forced to defend his new song and accompanying music video, after many condemned the track for being racist. </p> <p>Jason Aldean's song, titled <em>Try That in a Small Town</em>, soared to number one on the country music charts in the US, before been pulled by Country Music Television after claims it promoted gun violence, vigilantism and lynching: a form of execution frequently committed against African-Americans.</p> <p>The singer, who is known for his conservative views, defended the song, saying it was about, “the feeling of community that I had growing up in where we took care of our neighbours, regardless of difference of background or beliefs”.</p> <p>He also slammed the furore against the song, saying saying the accusations against the track that it is “pro lynching” are “not only meritless but dangerous”.</p> <p>Singer Sheryl Crow called out Aldean posting on Twitter, “There’s nothing small town or American about promoting violence,” and called the song “lame” for its controversial themes. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/Jason_Aldean?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Jason_Aldean</a> I’m from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence.There’s nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting.</p> <p>This is not American or small town-like. It’s just lame <a href="https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr">https://t.co/cuOtUO9xjr</a></p> <p>— Sheryl Crow (@SherylCrow) <a href="https://twitter.com/SherylCrow/status/1681485292425867264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2023</a></p></blockquote> <p>The music video for the song prompted a new wave of backlash, as it was filmed outside the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, which is a site that African American man was lynched. </p> <p>A writer for entertainment industry magazine <em><a title="variety.com" href="https://variety.com/2023/music/opinion/jason-aldean-try-that-in-a-small-town-worst-country-song-video-column-1235673177/">Variety</a></em> said it was “the most contemptible country song of the decade” which traded on the “implicit moral superiority of having a limited number of neighbours”.</p> <p>“For Aldean, it’s about how tiny burgs are under the imminent threat of attack from lawless urban marauders who will have to be kept at bay by any means necessary – meaning, pretty explicitly, vigilantism,” wrote its music critic Chris William.</p> <p>He went on to say the video was “dangerous” because it “conflates the act of protesting with violent crime”.</p> <p>In the wake of the criticism, Aldean hit back on his social media accounts, saying people had gone "too far" with their interpretation of the song. </p> <p>He wrote on Twitter, “There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it – and there isn’t a single clip that isn’t real news footage – and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music – this one goes too far.”</p> <p>“My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from. And I know that a lot of us in this country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy, where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night, but the desire for it to – that’s what the song is about.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Music

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Neighbours icons reunite

<p>Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan are planning a small-screen reunion.</p> <p>The Neighbours icons are reuniting for a special episode of the hit BBC sitcom <em>Ghosts</em> as part of this year’s comic relief fundraiser.</p> <p>It’s been 37 years since the pair first starred as Charlene and Scott on Neighbours, and they will take on new roles in the one-off special of <em>Ghosts</em>.</p> <p>Kylie and Jason, who were previously romantically involved, have already shot the episode, according to The Sun, with the show set to air on Friday, March 17.</p> <p>The episode of <em>Ghosts</em>, which portrays a group of spirits haunting a country house, will reportedly include nods to their pop career, including their 1988 duet <em>Especially For You</em>.</p> <p>A TV insider told<em> The Sun</em>, “Getting Kylie and Jason back together is a real coup, and the results are hilarious.”</p> <p>“The episode is really tongue in cheek and they crack gags about their history and music.</p> <p>“It was all kept hush-hush on set to keep the secret that they were both reuniting for the show.”</p> <p>The pair also appeared on screen together in 2022 in what was thought to be the end of an era, the final episode of <em>Neighbours</em>.</p> <p>Jason and Kylie appeared in a brief cameo in the last episode of the soap, which has since been renewed for a new run starting 2023.</p> <p>Kylie parted ways with <em>Neighbours</em> in June 1988, having become the first person to win four Logie Awards in one year and the youngest ever recipient of a Gold Logie.</p> <p>She furthered her career and became a pop sensation, selling more than 80 million albums worldwide.</p> <p>Jason left Neighbours in 1989 and, like Kylie, pursued a pop career. Although he wasn’t as successful as his on-screen love, he had a string of hits, including <em>Too Many Broken Hearts </em>and <em>Sealed With A Kiss</em>.</p> <p>The two stars dated from 1986 to 1989.</p> <p>They were so popular at the time that they recorded the Christmas Number 1 single Especially For You.</p> <p>In 2016, Jason told Mirror, “It was an extremely painful parting of the ways and, without a doubt, I took a long time to recover from it. Years, definitely.”</p> <p>Kylie then went on to date the late INXS frontman, Michael Hutchence. She is now romantically involved with British CQ’s Creative Director Paul Solomons, and Jason is married to Angela Malloch.</p> <p>Comic Relief airs on BBC on March 17.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

TV

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King Charles and Camilla make young boy’s dream of meeting them come true

<p dir="ltr">King Charles III and Queen Consort Camilla have made a young boy’s dreams come true after he reached out with a letter.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jason Tweedie-Long, 5, from York, wrote a letter to the royals letting them know that he’s worried he won’t be able to see them due to his vision impairment.</p> <p dir="ltr">The letter was sent to York Council and forwarded to Buckingham Palace before the King and the Queen Consort decided on making young Jason’s day.</p> <p dir="ltr">The pair were in the English city to unveil the first statue of the King’s late mother, Queen Elizabeth II since her death in September.</p> <p dir="ltr">Soon after, it was arranged for Jason to meet the Royals who held his hand and posed for a photo the extremely happy fan.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Thank you to @RoyalFamily for their special meeting with young resident Jason who is visually impaired. He was thrilled to meet the King and Queen Consort today whilst they visited York,” the council tweeted.</p> <p dir="ltr">During his speech when unveiling the late monarch’s statue, the King explained that it was intended for the celebration of the Platinum Jubilee, but will remain in her memory.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you to <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalFamily?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalFamily</a> for their special meeting with young resident Jason who is visually impaired. He was thrilled to meet the King and Queen Consort today whilst they visited York. <a href="https://t.co/Vx8nol1mrH">pic.twitter.com/Vx8nol1mrH</a></p> <p>— City of York Council (@CityofYork) <a href="https://twitter.com/CityofYork/status/1590323338756300800?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 9, 2022</a></p></blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“When this statue was first planned five years ago, during a reign of unprecedented duration and achievement, it was intended as a celebration of the late Queen's Platinum Jubilee,” the King said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Now, as we have witnessed, with great sadness, the passing of that reign, it is unveiled in her memory, as a tribute to a life of extraordinary service and devotion.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The creation of this statue is also, if I may say so, a tribute to the support, affection and prayers that the community of this cathedral, and of this great city, always gave the late Queen, and all for which she stood in the life of the nation and the Commonwealth.</p> <p dir="ltr">“The late Queen was always vigilant for the welfare of her people during her life. Now, her image will watch over what will become Queen Elizabeth Square, for centuries to come - a constant example of the duty and care for others, and for our community, which is the calling and the duty we all share.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: Twitter</em></p>

Caring

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Garden fixes after heavy rain

<p><em><strong>Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his advice for tending to the garden after heavy rain.</strong></em></p> <p>When it comes to the garden and heavy rain, you need to be prepared. Where does water sit? What gets washed away? How are your drains working or failing? All things you can repair and get working for the future success of your garden.</p> <p>The heavy rain has saturated our soil, and strong winds have toppled over trees all week, but long-term, the saturated soil can hurt all plants in the garden. When the soil is water-logged the root system can drown from lack of oxygen. The first thing I would do is rake some mulch away allowing for some evaporation, either with a garden fork or even something like a cricket stump. Make some holes to allow air in and for the water to fill and again evaporate.</p> <p>Snails and slugs are opportunists and thrive and reproduce when times are good – they love the rain and the wet conditions afterwards. To control them I like to use a take-away container with a splash of beer in it. Placed level with the garden bed the snails go in and never leave.</p> <p>If your garden was flooded don’t be too quick to think the water’s gone down and everything’s fine. If they’re in the garden, avoid eating leafy vegetables such as lettuce, kale and spinach. They may have been contaminated by the flood water. Fruit trees such as citrus should be fine within a short period of time.</p> <p>Now that it has stopped raining it’s never too late to clean the gutters. Overflowing gutters can damage gardens and undermine the footings of your house. When you’re up a ladder either doing the gutters or any other job in the garden I recommend you have a second person with you, an extra set of hands to hold the ladder, spot problems and just pass you tools. It makes the process a lot safer and quicker.</p> <p>Look out for mould, moss and mildew that might grow on shady, damp paths over the next few weeks. A blast with a pressure washer will be a quick fix and a lot more enjoyable than slipping A over Z. A weak solution of vinegar and water will kill mould and mildew if you don’t have a pressure washer.</p> <p>Look for branches that may have been damaged but are still hanging in the tree. They will become more obvious as the foliage browns off and dies. Cleaning up the tear and damage will give the tree a better chance of recovery.</p> <p>If you have a watering system, override it and turn it off for a couple of weeks. The last thing the garden needs is a drink. If your pots were full of water remove the saucers and allow them to drain.</p> <p>It’s a hard time to garden after heavy rain, but let’s be thankful for it and hope we can enjoy the long-term benefits of having moisture deep down in our soil.</p> <p><em>Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p>

Home & Garden

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First snaps as Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan reunite!

<p dir="ltr">Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan have reunited once again as they begin to film their final scenes for <em>Neighbours</em>. </p> <p dir="ltr">The singer shared adorable photos of the pair embracing and smiling on Ramsay St as the show sadly comes to an end. </p> <p dir="ltr">The couple will once again hit our screens for a final time in the Australian soap as Charlene Mitchell and Scott Robinson.</p> <p dir="ltr">"Now we're back together," Minogue captioned the post in reference to the show’s theme song. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3HOmdq6MB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3HOmdq6MB/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Donovan shared the same images to his Instagram but included the Ramsay St sign that was signed by him and Minogue.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So good to be back with this absolute legend @kylieminogue Scott and Charlene final scenes @neighbours AU 2022,” his caption read. </p> <p dir="ltr">According to reports, Minogue and Donovan will appear in a "fairy-tale" ending for their characters, over three decades after their iconic wedding episode.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3HKG7tcYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cf3HKG7tcYx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Donovan (@jdonofficial)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Charlene and Scott's wedding was one of Australian television's most-watched moments in history, with two million Australians and 20 million UK viewers tuning in to watch the pair tie the knot.</p> <p dir="ltr">After 37 years on air, <em>Neighbours </em>announced that the show is coming to an end after Channel 5, the British production company that aired the show in the UK since 2008, announced it won’t do so anymore.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June,” the statement read.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show.”</p> <p dir="ltr">The team thanked their loyal fans and promised to end the show on an “incredible high”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. </p> <p dir="ltr">“We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

TV

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Charlise Mutten's alleged killer facing fresh charges

<p dir="ltr">The man accused of murdering nine-year-old schoolgirl Charlise Mutten earlier this year has been hit with new charges.</p> <p dir="ltr">Jason Stein was <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/news/news/man-charged-with-murder-of-missing-9-year-old" target="_blank" rel="noopener">charged with the murder of his fiancé’s daughter</a> in January, after the little girl’s body was discovered in a barrel near the Colo River, about an hour from the Blue Mountains where she had disappeared from.</p> <p dir="ltr">After his arrest, police conducted a search in the bushland near Mt Wilson - the area where Charlise was last seen - and found two firearms and ammunition, which was seized and forensically examined.</p> <p dir="ltr">Police then visited Silverwater prison and arrested the 31-year-old, charging him with two counts of possessing an unregistered firearm, two for possessing an unauthorised firearm, possessing ammunition without a licence or permit, and aggravated break and enter in company.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mr Stein has also been charged with two counts of possessing child abuse material for unrelated matters.</p> <p dir="ltr">Meanwhile, investigations continue under Strike Force Buena, which was established to investigate Charlise’s disappearance.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-259bd494-7fff-0883-bf00-4c95a624fa30"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: 9News / Twitter</em></p>

News

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Aquaman in hot water after disrespecting artworks

<p dir="ltr">Jason Mamoa has landed himself in hot water after taking photos inside Apostolic Palace.</p> <p dir="ltr">The <em>Aquaman</em> star shared several photographs of himself and others inside the Palace on Instagram with the caption: I LOVE YOU ITALY what a beautiful start to our day off enjoying ROMA.</p> <p dir="ltr">The 42-year-old however was called out by fans who claimed he was given special treatment by being allowed to take photos.</p> <p dir="ltr">Photographs are banned inside the Apostolic Palace because the flash from cameras can harm and destroy the beautiful artworks. </p> <p dir="ltr">“Omg of course they let you take pictures (I thought it wasn’t allowed for preservation purposes),” someone commented.</p> <p dir="ltr">“You cannot touch any of our masterpieces!!!” another exclaimed.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We, regular people, are not allowed to film inside the Sistine Chapel,” another added.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We can’t take pics but ofc  celebrities can. Nothing against Jason (I adore him) but it’s not fair,” someone else commented.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdVJaeLOv4y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CdVJaeLOv4y/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jason Momoa (@prideofgypsies)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">“I thought it was forbidden to take pictures at the Sistine Chapel. It WAS two weeks ago, when we visited. So disrespectful,” someone else wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Wow! You got a private viewing of the Vatican AND you were allowed to take pictures?!” another pointed out.</p> <p dir="ltr">Mamoa has since issued a video in which he apologised for disrespecting the historic artwork and culture. He however has not removed the photos off Instagram. </p> <p dir="ltr">“I just also wanted to say, if you ever felt that I disrespected your culture, it wasn’t my intention,” Momoa said in the video shared by <a href="https://www.justjared.com/2022/05/14/jason-momoa-apologizes-to-fans-offended-by-his-sistine-chapel-visit-exclusive-video/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Just Jared</a>.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I came here when I was 19 or 20 to experience the Sistine Chapel. I’ve always wanted to and now that I can, I gave a wonderful donation to bring my friends and crew because we only had a couple days off to experience these places.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And then I found people wanted to take pictures with me, which is very odd, during a trip to the Vatican with all this wonder and they want to take pictures with me, which I don’t get, but regardless, I did.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I was very respectful and I asked for permission from what I thought, would be okay. I would never want to do anything to disrespect someone’s culture. If I did, I apologise. It was not my intention. I paid to have that private moment and gave a nice donation to the church. I love you. I’m sorry if I offended you.”</p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan return to Neighbours

<p>Kylie Minogue is set to reunite with her ex and former on-screen lover, Jason Donovan, for the upcoming Neighbours grand finale.</p> <p>Minogue will make a return to the popular series 34 years after she left the show to pursue a singing career. Reportedly she and Donovan have already filmed scenes together.</p> <p>Minogue, aged 53, teased her return to the beloved soap on Instagram with her character's name on the Neighbours script – Charlene Mitchell. Donovan then posted the same image and tagged Minogue in his post.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc_lPC5vhuA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cc_lPC5vhuA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Kylie Minogue (@kylieminogue)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She recently moved back to Australia after living in London for 30 years.</p> <p>According to reports, Minogue and Donovan will appear in a "fairy-tale" ending for their characters, over three decades after their iconic wedding episode.</p> <p>Charlene and Scott's wedding was one of Australian television's most-watched moments in history, with two million Australians and 20 million UK viewers tuning in to watch the pair tie the knot.</p> <p>Fans of Neighbours were given the devastating news the long-running show would finally come to an end this summer, after nearly 37 years on the air.</p> <p>"We are so sorry to say that after nearly 37 years and almost 9000 episodes broadcast we have to confirm that Neighbours will cease production in June," a message from the broadcaster read.</p> <p>"To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."</p> <p><em>Image: Network 10</em></p>

News

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Jason Priestley speaks out for first time about Luke Perry’s death: "I am in so much pain"

<p>Jason Priestley has opened up about the loss of his <em>Beverly Hills, 90210</em> co-star and friend Luke Perry.</p> <p>Perry, who died on Monday at the age of 52 after suffering a massive stroke, played opposite Priestley on the iconic 1990s TV drama.</p> <p>On Thursday, Priestley shared his tribute to the late actor on Instagram with a message and a throwback picture of the two stars together.</p> <p>“It’s taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this... My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared,” the 49-year-old wrote.</p> <p>“Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon... and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today... If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well.</p> <p>“The candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long... you burned oh, so brightly Luke... Goodnight Sweet Prince.”</p> <blockquote style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuszCmInJbA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" data-instgrm-version="12"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"></div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <p style="margin: 8px 0 0 0; padding: 0 4px;"><a style="color: #000; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none; word-wrap: break-word;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BuszCmInJbA/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank">It’s taken me a couple of days to figure out how to write this... My dear friend of 29 years, Luke Perry, was one of those truly special people who really cared... Luke was not only a star, he was an incredibly bright light that was extinguished far too soon... and that is why I, and so many others, are in so much pain today... If you had the good fortune to know Luke, or to have ever crossed his path, I know you are sad today as well... the candle that burns twice as bright only burns for half as long... you burned oh, so brightly Luke... Goodnight Sweet Prince.</a></p> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;">A post shared by <a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px;" rel="noopener" href="https://www.instagram.com/jason_priestley/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_medium=loading" target="_blank"> jason_priestley</a> (@jason_priestley) on Mar 7, 2019 at 12:12am PST</p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Perry’s other <em>90210</em> co-stars, including Shannen Doherty, Tiffani Thiessen and Ian Ziering, have also expressed heartbreak over his death. “Processing this is impossible right now,” Doherty <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/luke-perry-s-daughter-breaks-her-silence-on-actor-s-shock-death/" target="_blank">wrote</a> on Instagram.</p> <p>Priestley has been slated to join a new <em>Beverly Hills, 90210</em> reboot along with old co-stars Ziering, Brian Austin Green, Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth and Gabrielle Carteris, but it was not known whether Perry would be returning as well.</p> <p>Previously, Spelling told <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/what-luke-perrys-death-will-mean-for-hit-shows/news-story/119acd6a6754992e43e18c5cd655fc80" target="_blank"><em>Access Live</em></a> that Perry aimed to “do as many [episodes] as he can do”.</p> <p>Perry is survived by children Sophie and Jack, fiancée Wendy Madison Bauer and ex-wife Rachel “Minnie” Sharp. <em>Us Weekly</em> reported that the family made the <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/body/the-devastating-decision-that-luke-perry-s-family-made/" target="_blank">tough decision</a> to take Perry off life support on Monday after his condition failed to improve.</p> <p>“The family appreciates the outpouring of support and prayers that have been extended to Luke from around the world, and respectfully request privacy in this time of great mourning,” Perry’s representative said in a statement. “No further details will be released at this time.”</p>

TV

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The Oscars are here! See all the stunning red carpet looks

<p>The Oscars are here! This means that pretty much everyone in Hollywood is attending the night of nights.</p> <p>Usually regarded as one of the "safer" events for fashion, it's clear that some celebrities have gone all out for the 91st Academy Awards.</p> <p>It seems like magenta or pinks are the colour of the night.</p> <p>Scroll through the gallery above to check out some of the gowns that graced the red carpet.</p> <p>What’s your favourite red carpet frock? Will you be watching the Oscars tonight? Let us know in the comments.</p>

Movies

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Jason Donovan hits the red carpet with lookalike son

<p>Australian actor and singer Jason Donovan has made a rare public appearance with his two oldest children.</p> <p>On Sunday, the former<em> Neighbours </em>star attended the Olivier Awards in London with his daughter Jemma, 18, and son Zac, 17.</p> <p>Jason’s youngest daughter, 7-year-old Molly, stayed at home and watched her family on TV, as they attended the prestigious event that honours excellence in professional theatre in London.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Pictures don’t get better than this <a href="https://twitter.com/JDonOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JDonOfficial</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/zacmdonovan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@zacmdonovan</a> and Jem <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/olivierawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#olivierawards</a> truly stunning <a href="https://t.co/zgQDGfxIKm">pic.twitter.com/zgQDGfxIKm</a></p> — ❤️🧡💚Teamdonovan💙❤️💚💛 (@teamdonovan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/teamdonovan_/status/983062905787699201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote> </blockquote> <p>Social media commentators were quick to point out the resemblance between Jason and his son Zac, as the teenager matched his famous father in a tuxedo with a bow tie.</p> <p>During the awards show, the 49-year old singer took to the stage with others to perform <em>Any Dream Will Do</em> from <em>Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.</em></p> <p>Jason starred in the production in the 1990s and out of the many actors who have played Joseph in the production, he is one of the most well-known.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr">Finale! It’s past Joseph stars including Jason Donovan and Linzi Hateley, Lee Mead and Preeya Kalidas, and Joe McElderry and Danielle Hope about to step on stage now! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/olivierawards?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#olivierawards</a> <a href="https://t.co/TZ9cCBUY1d">pic.twitter.com/TZ9cCBUY1d</a></p> — WhatsOnStage (@WhatsOnStage) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatsOnStage/status/983077937741254656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote> <p>In an interview with <em>The Sunday Post,</em> Jason revealed that his kids sometimes attend his gigs.</p> <p>“The older two view me as ‘that ’80s dude’ and although they sometimes come to gigs, it’s usually me going to them for what to listen to.</p> <p>“But Molly loves watching me perform <em>Too Many Broken Hearts</em> and really enjoys dancing to that at the end of a gig,” he said.</p> <p>Do you see the family resemblance between Jason and his son Zac?</p>

Music

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7 cheap and trendy recycling tips

<p><strong><em>Better Homes and Gardens’ resident landscaper, Jason Hodges, shares his top recycling tips that will save you money.</em></strong></p> <p>I often hear, “I’d love a garden but don’t have the money”. Well, rather than stop there and say, “Bad luck, I hope you win lotto won day”, I say, “You’re not looking at all your options”. </p> <p>Recycling is important in all parts of our life, our footprint in Australia per person (the amount of materials we consume) is one of the highest in the world. But as luck would have it up-cycling and repurposing in building and landscaping is one of the hottest trends right now. </p> <p>So if you’re on the tightest of budgets – nothing – here’s some free, fun and ultimately cool and trendy garden ideas for you this spring and summer.</p> <p><strong>1. Making a small glasshouse out of a soft drink bottle</strong></p> <p>Simply cut around the base of the bottle to create a pot, punch some holes in the bottom for drainage and slide the top back on over the pot. I remove the lid to allow it to breath in the warmer months; it’s a great seed-raising bed. Or alternatively cut the base of the bottle out and place it over seedling in the garden to protect them from winds, snails and slugs until they get established. </p> <p><strong>2. Don’t waste boiling water</strong></p> <p>Next time you put the kettle on fill it up, the excess boiling water is a perfect weed killer. Now don’t go pouring it on the lawn or garden beds near plants, but weeds in paving or between the cracks in concrete will be easily controlled with boiling water. It’s free, effective and there are zero chemicals involved.</p> <p><strong>3. Make compost bins</strong></p> <p>Make a compost bin, or bins. Mine is out of fence palings, but you can use anything you like – pallets, chicken wire, old pool fencing. I like three bays, one that’s broken down ready for the garden, one that’s breaking down and one I’m still adding to. As one bay empties you move them along in the cycle. It’s great for your garden and reduces landfill. The thing I like most is the number of worms in my compost. They transfer to the garden and keep my soil health. I didn’t add worms to my compost they just moved in. What’s that old saying? “Build it and they will come.”</p> <p><strong>4. Don’t waste fish tank water</strong></p> <p>If you’ve got a fish tank inside or a water feature outside, don’t waste the dirty water down the sink when your’re cleaning and changing the water. Pond water has many nutrients and trace elements that your plants will love. The silt on the bottom of your pond is great too as it works like a soil conditioner. </p> <p><strong>5. Put seeds in envelopes</strong></p> <p>If you have harvested seeds, an old envelope is a great storage solution. The ones with the plastic window (usually bills) are good as you can see how many seeds you have through the window. </p> <p><strong>6. Make use of paddle Pop sticks</strong></p> <p>These are great little nametags for seeds and seedlings. They don’t last forever but they last long enough for you to know what you have coming up in the garden.</p> <p><strong>7. Keep toilet roll holders</strong></p> <p>Last but not least (pun intended), make great mini pots for things like tomatoes, beans, peas and carrots. Plants that have deep root systems benefit from not being disturbed when being planted out into the garden as seedling. With the toilet roll you plant the whole thing. The cardboard roll simply breaks down and becomes organic matter, helping to protect the seedling and then hold moisture and nourish it as it breaks down. </p> <p>So look at what’s going in your bin, see it in a new light and you could be the trendiest gardener in your street without the price tag that you might think goes with it.</p> <p><em>Written by Jason Hodges. First appeared on <a href="http://www.domain.com.au/" target="_blank"><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Domain.com.au.</span></strong></a></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/5-ways-to-bring-the-outdoors-in/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">5 ways to bring the outdoors in</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/09/diy-magazine-rack/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">DIY magazine rack</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/08/20-fixes-for-household-problems/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">20 must-know fixes for everyday household problems</span></em></strong></a></p>

Home & Garden

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How to make a no dig garden

<p><em><strong>Here horticulture and landscape designer Jason Hodges, from “Better Homes and Gardens” shares his tips on how to make a no-dig garden.</strong></em></p> <p>There are lots of people who choose not to garden. Shame. But a greater shame is people who want to garden but, due to health, disability or age, are prevented from doing so.</p> <p>Well, there is an easy answer: no-dig gardening. It is a built-up garden made from layers of different organic matter that breaks down into a beautifully rich, alive soil.</p> <p>No-dig gardening makes perfect sense when you have poor soil, heavy clay or when you would like garden beds above an existing lawn or hard surfaces like concrete or pavers. It is the best way to improve your garden beds without back-breaking digging at ground level where you still might get mixed results. You can place a no-dig garden on any surface if you take into account the drainage.</p> <p>No-dig gardening works because it has all the materials to provide the nutrients to grow happy, healthy plants. The process is a little like composting. You need a mix of dry and wet materials. Dry materials are straw, lucerne and dried leaves. These are the carbon materials. Wet materials are manure, compost, grass clippings and kitchen waste.</p> <p>As you put down each layer, water it. That is the trigger to start the garden bed breaking down. Building it up layer by layer is a little like making lasagne. You can build it up to your desired height.</p> <p>To get started, pick an easy access spot where you can move freely. If you are building a no-dig garden for health reasons, build it up so working on it is as comfortable as possible. If that means you need to be standing erect, build your garden to above-waist level. Building it to 400 to 500 millimetres means the edge makes a great seat.</p> <p>Cover the entire area with newspaper. Overlap about six sheets and water them in to start the breaking-down process. Next, add a layer of lucerne, hay or sugar-cane mulch. These break down easily and quickly.</p> <p>Then put down a layer of organic fertiliser like blood and bone or Dynamic Lifter. Chook poo is good to use as it has lots of nitrogen to help break down your mix. Water and cover with 150 to 200 millimetres of hay or lucerne. Continue layers of organic fertiliser or manure then straw or hay until you reach the desired height.</p> <p>Just like icing a cake, you need a good topping on the no-dig garden – of compost. This is what you will be planting into. You want to make it at least 100 millimetres deep. If you do not have enough compost, you can make pockets and nurse the plants until your new garden breaks down.</p> <p>You can leave the garden until that happens but it is not necessary. First you can plant shallow-rooted plants like lettuce, spinach or beetroot and lots of different annuals. Once the breaking down is complete, you can plant deeper-rooting plants like carrots, rosemary, a bay tree or citrus.</p> <p>Rather than adding compost or manure to replenish the new garden bed after a growing season, use blood and bone. It is complete and has all the nitrogen, calcium and phosphorous your hungry vegies need.</p> <p>Garden worms are an important part of a no-dig garden but do not worry about buying them. Give it time and your beds will be the newest must-visit destination for neighbourhood worms. They aerate the mix, preventing the plot from going sour. The worms do the digging for you. It is a clever way to garden, not just for some but for everyone.</p> <p>Would you be willing to give this trick a try in your garden? Let us know in the comments below.</p> <p><em>Written by Jason Hodges, first appeared on <strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://Stuff.co.nz" target="_blank">Stuff.co.nz</a>.</span></strong></em></p> <p><strong>Related links:</strong></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/06/tips-for-designing-a-garden-on-a-budget/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Tips for designing a garden on a budget</span></strong></em></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/garden-fixes-after-heavy-rain/"><strong><em><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Garden fixes after heavy rain</span></em></strong></a></p> <p><a href="/lifestyle/home-garden/2016/05/quick-tips-for-a-beautiful-garden-in-a-small-space/"><em><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Quick tips for a beautiful garden in a small space</span></strong></em></a></p>

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