Wine Barrel Herb Patch

Found a couple of these wine barrels in the back yard of our rental property full of mud and sand. Not really anything growing, so thought I could make better use of them. We have a large paved area out the side of the house, and like to have my herbs in pots.

From Bunnings - 4 x 50kg rotating castors ($4 each), packet of roofing screws with hex head ($3), 3 x 20L bags of decent potting mix ($10 each). (They also sell these wine barrels if you don't have a nearby winery who wants to get rid of barrels).

From landscape supplier - 3 x 20kg bags of blue metal gravel ($4.50 each).

From the toolshed - cordless drill.

Total cost: About $70 plus the barrels if you don't have any.



1. Clean out the barrel and set upside down.
2. Drill a number of large holes with your largest drill bit to allow for drainage.
3. Drill pilot holes for the roofing screws (4 in each castor).
4. Attach the castors with the roofing screws.
5. Invert and fill with 3 bags of blue metal.
6. Layer newspaper, or flyscreen, mesh whatever over the gravel.
7. Top with potting mix.
8. Water and allow to settle before planting herbs.

Enjoy fresh herbs with each meal, and use as a garnish for just about everything!

I now have basil, chillies, parsley, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, rocket and mint growing in the two of these.

Insadong Korean Charcoal BBQ

Eastwood is full of Korean, Japanese and Chinese restaurants. This one in particular is a stand out for us. Have tried a few of the Korean there but this one is always a hit. Unlike some restaurants where cooking your own food is a bit of a novelty, and going again you realise the food is not that great Insadong always satisfies.



The seafood pancake and tofu entries are excellent. Even though the head chef gets frustrated making the pancakes as they are so difficult. The service is great and the owner is always on hand to tell us the traditional way to eat or cook a certain food. Licensed but offer a few types of Korean and Aussie beers.


I recommend ordering BBQ and cooking yourself. You will also receive at least 5 side dishes always including Kim Chee to accompany the BBQ. Most of the time this is what we have done, but the regular mains are also great. The Bi Bim Bap (with vegetarian option) is great. I don't think anyone that has come with us has been disappointed.