Debuting on Saturday 12 September 1987 on TCN9, this long-running Aussie gardening and lifestyle programme was presented by horticulturist Don Burke. Fiona McDonald co-hosted for the first few months.
As well as the gardening segments, the shows contained home DIY tips, pet care advice, cooking demonstrations, and visits to historic gardens and celebrities’ homes.
Regular presenters over the years included middle-aged naturalist Densey Clyne, John Patrick, Jackie French, John Dengate, Kay Stammers, Peter Harris, Fiona Fearon, Jim Pike, Reg Livermore, Rosemary Stanton, Margaret Bates, Geoff Jansz and vet Dr Harry Cooper.
A magazine of the same name was published as a merchandising tie-in.
Don Burke was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on 26 January 2010 for service to conservation and the environment.
Allegations were made in 2017 by Australian television personalities that Burke had sexually harassed, sexually assaulted, and bullied women throughout his television career. He strongly denied all the allegations, saying they came about because he was a perfectionist and suffered from Asperger’s, although it had never been formally diagnosed.
Give me a home among the gum trees, with lots of plum trees A dog or two and a barbecue flowers down the side and veggies by the fence all in Burke’s Backyard
Regular presenters over the years included middle-aged naturalist Densey Clyne, John Patrick, Jackie French, John Dengate, Kay Stammers, Peter Harris, Fiona Fearon, Jim Pike, Reg Livermore, Rosemary Stanton, Margaret Bates, Geoff Jansz and vet Dr Harry Cooper.
