For the many inner city dwellers squeezed for space a well-designed deck may be the answer to getting the most from outdoor areas. Decking is a versatile and durable option for creating comfortable outdoor zones, and with proper planning and design a deck will form a natural connection to indoor areas.
Leon Travis from Boral Timber offers the following advice for urban homeowners planning a deck:
1. For a smoother transition from the home’s interior, consider a decking timber species that is no darker than interior flooring. Timber is simple to treat and darken at a later stage if desired; however a naturally dark timber cannot be lightened if homeowners change their mind. Also, consider the direction of interior flooring. Installing timber decking boards accordingly helps to maintain consistent design and flow from indoors to out. Blackbutt species is a popular choice and is available in flooring and decking boards.
2. When choosing timber it is important to bear in mind that only certain species adapt well to decking. Australian hardwood decking is well suited to the Australian climate — from the suburbs to the city.
3. The size of the deck will also contribute to how practical it is. Will it fit a table and chairs, a barbecue, a herb garden or serve as a safe children’s play area? For year round use, consider a weather or shade cover, such as a retractable awning or more permanent shelter, depending on the aspect of the home and how much exposure to the sun it receives at different times of the day. Remember, the angle of sun will also change from winter to summer.
4. If space is limited consider how the area beneath the deck can be used. Depending on the deck’s elevation it can be designed to serve as a functional storage space for outdoor furniture, garden supplies or sporting equipment.
5. Designing and installing a highly functional urban deck can be a complex undertaking, so using a licensed builder is recommended.
With temperatures set to reach record heights this summer, it’s important to prepare your gardens for the hot, dry conditions to protect both your investment and home value.
For many Aussies a huge amount of time and money is spent in creating and maintaining the alfresco areas, so if you’re set to go on holiday, what precautionary measures can you take to ensure your lawn, trees, flowers and shrubs are still thriving when you return?
Here’s what Angie Thomas, horticulturist at Yates, recommends:
1. If you don’t have a neighbour who can tend to your garden while you’re away you should set up a watering system or soaker hose on a tap timer and mow the lawn before you leave, but not too low as longer grass dries out less and stays greener during summer.
2. It’s important to protect trees and plants by spraying them with a protective polymer spray to reduce water loss from the leaves. Using a soil wetting agent around the root zone in garden beds will help get water where it’s needed by breaking down the waxy water-repellent layer that can develop on soil surfaces.
3. To provide slow release nutrients and limit moisture loss you should spread organic plant food and a 5cm layer of organic mulch on garden beds and around trees
4. Group potted plants together so watering is easy if someone is minding the garden, and move tender plants into a shaded spot where they will benefit from natural rainfall. Saucers should be placed under delicate potted plants, like hydrangeas, to catch excess water which they can draw on during hot days.
5. Ensure your indoor collection doesn’t wilt by gathering them in a well-lit bath or the laundry sink, water them well and place a wet towel under the base of pots to maintain moisture.
Spring has always been the darling season on the property sales calendar, but summer is hot for sales too—if the timing’s right.
When is the best time to sell a property? Many people assume it’s spring, but the answer is not a season. The best time to sell is when there’s not much stock on the market. The best sales results are achieved when your property is selling in isolation, not competition.
Summer then, is a great time to sell property, but you need to get your timing right. A lot of ‘new year’ stock comes on the market in February after everyone has had a break and has finally gotten around to talking to an agent. The best time to sell in summer is therefore January, before everyone lists their property.
There’s a myth that there aren’t as many buyers during summer but, the truth is, buyers are always looking. On a lazy summer’s day people browse property listings and start dreaming of a new life and plenty of new year’s resolutions centre on finding a new place to live. Sellers should take advantage of this.
Want to sell in summer? Follow this schedule:
December
If you’re going to sell in December, the first two weeks is the best window you have before everyone (including most agencies) take a break over Christmas and new year. Buyers will still be looking during the holidays but very few agencies will show a property during this time.
Otherwise, December is the best time to prepare your property, especially the garden. Lawns need a decent lead time to look their best, so cut and treat the grass so it looks lush by January. Clean the gutters, give the property a lick of paint and declutter. When you retrieve the Christmas tree from storage, it’s a great time to look around and see what you can sell or throw away.
Talk to your agent in December and have photos taken after sprucing up the place but before the holidays so you are ready to list the property in January.
January
List the property and get ready for inspections. If your house tends to heat up, consider scheduling showings for the morning or evening. A sunset viewing when the days are longer is one advantage summer has over other seasons.
While it may be too hot for baking bread or burning a candle, seasonal scents from fresh flowers or fruit can set a good mood. Have fresh cold water or lemonade on hand to give to visitors.
Summer showings are also an excellent time to play up any appealing outdoor area your property may feature. Set up your deck, courtyard or balcony as an inviting space so buyers can instantly see it as a place for friends and family to gather. Highlight other warm weather features such as breezeways and, if you have one, your pool—which you have cleaned, of course.
February
If all has gone well, you’ll have exchanged contracts by February. If your property is still on the market, however, rest assured that you don’t have to compete for tradespeople and painters and agents to get your property ready.
If you’re selling at auction, book the auctioneer for late January or early February, giving you enough time to show in January but closing the sale before the rush in February.
In my experience, the best times to sell are before the rush periods. For me that’s August, before the spring listings, and January, before lots of stock comes on the market in February. With a bit of planning, you can get the jump on the summer sales period by listing in January, making it a very happy new year indeed.
Anyone lucky enough to have a pool will know how quickly it becomes the centre of the backyard during the warmer, summer months. With Australians enjoying long days in the sun and cooler evening barbecues with family and friends, the pool area really comes into its own. The key to making the most out of your pool and surrounding space during the hotter months is to take the time to enhance these areas now.
Clever landscaping around your pool and aesthetic touches through greenery and lighting can increase the value of your property, which is always something worth investing in. Paving is also a great way to give your pool area a sleek finish, whilst providing a safe, slip resistant surface.
Here are my top paving and landscaping tips for transforming your pool area:
1. Make the pool area safe
The pool should be a place for families and individuals to relax, unwind and have fun in the comfort of their own backyard. If you’ve got kids or pets, build a fence around the pool to avoid potential accidents. Motorised pool covers and alarm systems are also available for added peace of mind. Ensure the surface area is level and consider pavers.
2. Choose the right paver
A good quality, slip-resistant paver is essential to minimise risk. Pavers such as Euro Classic and Euro Slate are ideal for this type of environment and application. The Euro Stone paver boasts a coarser texture and is a top choice for both aesthetics and slip resistance. Choose a colour that complements the home and surrounds.
3. Light up the night
Adding spot lighting around the pool will really bring the area to life. Retaining walls provide a great opportunity to incorporate lighting into the pool area and can add height and depth to poolside areas. A vertical wall will provide additional perspective and help enhance the effects of lighting.
4. Consider your background greenery
Plants and greenery will give the pool area a tropical, holiday feel. The benefit of installing garden walls around pool areas is that they allow you to use premium soils and potting mixes, as opposed to using whatever soil is available in the ground. Better still, because they are raised walls the majority of plants will be protected from splashing and pool water. The raised walls will create a more aesthetically pleasing pool area and is a great opportunity to get adventurous with you background flowering plants and greenery.
— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.
The addition of timber screening is a smart, simple and relatively quick way to create inviting lifestyle zones outside. Along with the practical benefits of providing privacy and shade, screening can also add visual interest to an outdoor design scheme.
But first what is timber screening? Timber screening is the vertical application of timber decking boards, typically, with a gap between boards to allow light and breezes to filter through, maintaining a connection to the surrounding environment. As an organic material, timber screening integrates seamlessly with landscaping and provides a link between natural and built environments. Australian hardwoods are a popular choice for screening, as they suit a range of landscapes.
Below Boral share six ideas for timber screening projects:
1. Frame barbecue and dining areas, or reading nooks with seating, with timber screening to create separate and sheltered spaces.
2. Disguise unsightly walls, fences or neighbours’ sheds with the addition of timber screening built to size.
3. Use timber screening as a base for a feature wall to display herbs or potted colour.
4. Position timber screening alongside a north-facing home office, nursery or bedroom window to help minimise excess sunlight and keep the room cooler in summer.
5. Maintain privacy by adding timber screening in outdoor areas that are overlooked by neighbouring properties or can be seen from the street.
6. Incorporate timber screening into landscape design. It can provide protection while plants are still growing and a natural backdrop as plants reach full height.
I honestly find pressure washing so satisfying. Insofar as I’d actually request to do it as a child! So Bosch’s newly released, extensive high-pressure washer range, has, rather embarrassingly, got me reminiscing about the good old days!
Featuring the powerful and robust AQT 45-14x, the AQT 42-13 and the AQT 33-11 (a different model for every price point) each pressure washer is already assembled and immediately ready to use. Made from high-quality equipment, they are compatible with a range of versatile accessories that can be stored on the tool, such as lances, hoses and brushes. And thanks to quick SDS click connections, the tool itself and the attachments are easily assembled in seconds and ready to be used.
The most advanced pressure washer: AQT 45-14x
The range of accessories is extensive, making the washer extremely versatile. The standard AQT 42-13 comes with the Deluxe Patio Cleaning attachment with an extended handle and four different nozzles, a fixed fan jet nozzle, a rotary jet nozzle and a high pressure detergent nozzle. The AQT 45-14x is even more flexible in its range of operations. Included in the pack is three cleaning lances; a variable fan jet lance, a rotary lance, a 90-degree nozzle and a high pressure detergent nozzle.
The AQT 45-14 X and the AQT 42-13 also include a telescopic handle which can be extended to a height of 90 centimetres. Transporting the washers is easy with the 18 centimetre rubber wheels whilst the integrated base plate allows the washer to be stabilised when winding up the hose into the hose reel. Both models include an auto-stop and self-priming function allowing the motor and pump to stop when the gun switch is released. This ensures water will never escape unintentionally.
The AQT 33-11 is clever and compact – a lightweight tool to get the job done. This is the tool for basic and occasional cleaning work. At a weight of 4.5kg with the fixed fan nozzle, it is able to be conveniently picked up and transported to the desired place of work. Thanks to the energy-efficient auto stop system in the tool, energy is delivered only when needed in order to preserve power. Use the AQT 33-11 for any task from hosing down your bike to washing down windows and patio furniture.
The new Bosch pressure washer range will be available at Super Cheap Auto from the end of this month, with prices ranging from $129-to-$499.
Whether you’re looking to create a feature zone for dining or entertaining, complete a poolside area or build a garden path, pavers are a clever and effective way to make the best use of any space, and they’re a lot easier to lay than many people think. Time-poor homeowners are looking for practical ways to bring the family together while showcasing their individuality and personal style and DIY pavers fit this bill perfectly.
Here, are my step-by-step instructions for tackling any paving job.
1. Excavation
Mark out the area to be paved allowing a little extra for working room. Remove any soil, grass and all loose debris and vegetation and ensure to excavate deep enough to allow for selected paving and sub base construction. For pedestrian paving projects, you can work off 100mm of road base, 30mm of sand plus the thickness of your paver. (This is not applicable for driveway paving).
2. Preparing the base
It’s all about the base! Getting the foundation right is the key to your long-lasting and low maintenance paved area. Start by distributing road base evenly over the excavated area. Compact the road base with a plate compactor (whacker-packer) at least twice – remember your hearing protection for this part of the job. Spread washed sand over the compacted road base to a thickness of 25-to-30mm. Screed the sand with a timber float or straight edge and ensure it is on the same plane – check with a spirit level.
3. Laying the pavers
Set up a string line running along the edge(s) of your paved area. The string line will help ensure your edges are straight and pavers are flush. Begin laying pavers starting at one end of the project and working your way across. Leave a 3mm gap between the pavers for the jointing sand (you will sweep this in later). Ensure each paver is square with the string line and level using the spirit level. Wriggle pavers into place and tap with rubber mallet where required to ensure level.
4. Edging and locking in the paving
This is another really key step; you have laid your pavers and now you need to make sure they stay in place. Utilise a sand and cement mix to ‘haunch’ or lock-in around all sides of your pavers. This is achieved by making a small sand and cement mix in a wheelbarrow and then screeding this mix along the edge of your paver from the base to approximately 75 per cent of the paver’s height on an angle. This helps to ‘lock in’ the paved area and to help pavers stay in place. It does not hurt to also use a little of the sand and cement underneath the outer header course, as this will create even more strength.
5. Locking sand and sealing
Finally you can now add the locking sand. Sweep this sand in dry and it will fill the 3mm gaps you left in the pavers. Once the sand is settled you can use a whacker-packer with an old piece of carpet beneath it to compress and settle the pavers into the sand bed ensuring a great finish. Hose down area upon completion. Although not a must, sealers can enhance the look of the paver as well as protect it from both the elements and day-to-day wear and tear such as food fats and general staining.
— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.
Renovating your property and preparing it for a sale means you want to add maximum value for the least amount of money. And whilst we’re all familiar with the usual makeover tips, we go a little further, revealing not only what to do but also how to do it so you can get bang for your buck!
Not just a lick of paint but the right colour
We’ve heard it many times over; a lick of paint will do wonders for your makeover. Indeed it will but it is important to know what hues to use to maximise the aesthetic potential of your property.
For exteriors we recommend dark hues because they hide imperfections and can accentuate the architectural appeal of your home. A 1950s oval tin shed that would normally need replacing can look remarkably beautiful painted in a dark exterior colour. For a fresh, contrasting look complete it by replacing old worn out doors and windows with new white ones, and you’ve just saved yourself the cost of a new shed!
Create the illusion of space
For a few hundred dollars, you could be adding thousands to your sale price by knocking down a non-structural wall. Buyers are looking for open, airy spaces and open plan living is on the top of their agenda and lifestyle. Can you knock down the wall that’s joining the living room and the tiny kitchen? Great, go ahead and do it and you’ll reap the rewards at sale time.
A good clean up of the garden is a given, but a good prune is something most sellers don’t pay attention to. How do you feel when you get your haircut? Exactly our point!
We recommend pruning your trees and plants and giving them a generous ‘haircut’ at least eight weeks before sale time. This will not only aid your garden clean up but will help promote new growth just in time for your sale, making everything look vibrant and lush. Selling in a hurry? Get rid of any leggy growth or dead wood and tip prune your plants for an equally effective result.
Front door appeal
Much like dating, first impressions count and you’ll have potential buyers saying: “You had me at hello!” if you put a little more love and attention into your front door area.
Start by eliminating any clutter from your entrance to allow the energy to flow through your front door (this is a feng shui must). Make sure your front door is functional and in perfect working order. Rust on screen doors is a turn off for buyers and so are wooden doors that have had extended exposure to harsh elements like sand, wind and sun.
Repair or and repaint immediately and why not have some fun updating your front door with a fresh new colour. For as little as $80 and an afternoon’s labour you could be adding a few thousand dollars to your sale price.
Add the shiny things
Let’s face it, people are like magpies; they are attracted to shiny things!
Add some affordable bling to your home by replacing your old worn out taps with shiny, new chrome ones. Replace a plain tiled feature wall with contemporary tiles that offer textural reflection and lustre. Light switch panels can tend to go yellow over time, replace them with new ones or even opt for a completely new and contemporary light switch panel. Adding large inexpensive mirrors to bring in the light will also amplify your interiors. Finally, finish off by styling your property with luxe accessories which you can take with you after the sale, like copper, mirror, glass or chrome vases, trays and floor lamps.
Change buyers’ perceived value of your property
Small cracks, dents and damages that you think may not be noticed can in fact play a major role at sale time. As your potential buyers inspect the property these insignificant imperfections, although not major, can still be noticed subconsciously therefore shaping any buyers’ perceived value of what your property is worth. Attention to detail is a must, so make sure that during the makeover you inspect your property with fresh eyes just like your buyer will.
Flooring rule: less is more
With flooring always remember that less is more. Strip back that aged carpet to reveal the natural wooden floor boards underneath; not only will it freshen up your interiors but it will also create the illusion of space by having one type of flooring seamlessly featured throughout the entire home. If you are replacing your flooring opt for simple floorboards, or carpet (if you must). Unless it’s a bespoke property with exceptional quality materials, your flooring should never be the showstopper!
Ask a professional
For the affordable investment of a consultation session, you can have all the guesswork removed and save hours of laborious planning if you get the advice of a professional. Makeover blind spots are easy to miss, but with a pair of fresh, expert eyes you can be on your way to maximising the value of your property.
While city residences have limited outdoor space, that doesn’t mean us Aussies don’t want gardens and greenery! So if you want to create and maintain a successful vertical garden, keep the following tips in mind.
Garden location
The first thing to consider when you’re building a vertical garden is where you’ll put it. If you have an outdoor space, you can choose to build it against a wall, or you can construct a structure to hold it. If you don’t have a space outdoors, you can also build a garden indoors.
When you are choosing where to place your vertical garden, think about the kinds of plants you want. Plants require varying degrees of sunlight, shade, water, humidity levels, and space to grow. Certain plants may grow better in certain locations, depending on their needs.
Once you have selected the perfect location for your vertical garden, it’s time to select the structure.
1. Hanging planters
Hanging your plants at different heights can allow you to create a vertical garden either indoors or outdoors. If you’re building your garden outdoors, look at existing structures that can be used for hangers or that can support hanging plants. Indoor gardens often hang from the ceiling or windows in order to be near the light.
2. Shelving
Another way to structure a vertical garden is with shelving. Remember that your plants will need room to grow to their full size and that shelving can block sunlight. Vintage furniture can be repurposed into a great garden shelving unit. If you’re looking to get creative, instead of planting your garden on the shelves, consider hanging them from the shelves.
3. Trellises
Depending on the kind of plants you want to grow, a trellis may be another option, especially for outdoor gardens. Certain food plants, like cucumbers and tomatoes, grow extremely well on a trellis because they like to spread out as they grow.
Choosing a planter
In addition to choosing a structure to hold your plants, you will need to pick the right planter for each plant.
Terrariums are one of the most modern ways to bring both style and nature into a home. They can be hung or placed on a shelf, and because terrariums are made of clear glass, a well put together terrarium can flourish without maintenance.
2. Pots, baskets and boxes
Pots, baskets and window boxes are some of the most common places that plants are grown on residential properties. Remember that they come in all shapes and sizes, and they can be placed on a shelf, hung, or even connected to a trellis for plants that expand beyond their containers.
3. Other options
One of the greatest parts of building your own vertical garden is that you can have fun with it! Sometimes, especially in small spaces, using shelves or traditional pots isn’t an option. What about growing plants in a shoe organiser? Or recycling an old dresser and using the drawers as planters?
— Emma Sayce is a senior florist at A Touch Of Class Florist in Perth. Emma has over 20 years experience in floristry and loves sharing her creative bouquets and floral creations with her customers.
With spring on the horizon, there is no better time to reawaken and rejuvenate the backyard in preparation for the warmer seasons ahead. Reviving the garden can be an enjoyable activity for the whole family. You can transform the outdoor space and inject a new lease of life over the course of a weekend, preparing the family’s favourite room for the upcoming barbecues and endless evenings of entertaining. Here’s seven tips for transforming your backyard in time for spring:
1. Build a veggie patch
Spring is the season of new life and marks the perfect time to raise and grow little ones of your own, herbs and veggies that is! Building your own raised veggie garden is simple; allocate space which will receive enough sun, mark out your area and then install a raised garden wall using dry retaining wall blocks. Bring in quality soil and then plant your favourite produce. A veggie patch is a great way to make use of forgotten corners of the garden to grow your own groceries.
2. Create a zoned garden
Zones in the backyard can create defined areas for eating, cooking, lounging or whatever is required. Define zones using fencing, plants or materials such as pavers, grass or gravel to help each area stand out on its own. A zoned garden will appear bigger and each area will have its own purpose.
3. Add furniture and accessorise
Selecting the right furniture is imperative to achieving the desired look and feel and maximising the time spent in the backyard. Start by considering your lifestyle and how you anticipate the room will be used. Lounges and deep seaters are perfect for those who like to relax whereas dining settings are best for those who love long family meals. Include some decorative elements to add personality to the space.
4. Enhance the look of the lawn
Replacing old or damaged turf is a quick way to enhance the look of your home. Healthy turf will bring a bright, fresh appearance to your outdoor space and this simple project gives a great finishing touch. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and remove any debris. Fertilise if required and sprinkle grass seed over any bare spots. For a more dramatic, neat finish, add garden edging.
5. Pressure clean paved areas
Transform old into new again in time for the entertaining season. Bring your driveway or any paved area back to life with a power wash. It’s quick and easy to do and will not only improve the appearance but with pressure cleaning you may also remove any oil or moss and restore the slip resistance of the surface.
6. Introduce a water feature
Adding a water feature to the outdoor room can enhance the aesthetic appeal of your space. There are some fantastic water feature options on the market today. Water features can also serve a functional purpose such as blocking out noise from traffic or neighbours and add a peaceful ambiance to the garden. A stone feature wall will add some texture and make a water feature pop, making the greatest impact.
7. Add creative lighting
With longer, warmer days around the corner, spring is the perfect time to start using the outdoor space into the evening. Lighting allows you to utilise the backyard all year round as well as after the sun goes down. With a huge variety of lighting options to choose from, you’re sure to find something to compliment the style of the backyard.
— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.
A highly versatile solid flooring system, PowerFloor provides the feel of a concrete floor but at a significantly lower cost and with easy DIY installation. They promise you can make a summer-ready deck in just the one day!
Simply installed over conventional floor framing such as decking joists, the system of panels snugly fit together to form a solid, strong, smooth floor. Easy to build with, PowerFloor has superior termite-resistance, low noise transmission, thermal insulation and fire resistant properties making it the perfect choice for your deck. Also, once it has been water proofed it can be tiled over to create an idyllic entertaining space.
So if you fancy a weekend project, the Hebel website and their DIY expert, Brad Trethowan have provided plenty of down to earth and practical advice on creating your own deck. Along with a video, there’s a shopping list of building materials and tools required and also step-by-step instructions and photos which guide you through the process ensuring that you are on track. Really you have no excuse not to end up with a beautifully finished deck!
All Hebel DIY projects are designed to be easy to make and use readily available products. Hebel PowerFloor is available through major hardware retailers such as Bunnings.
For the step-by-step DIY instructions visit their website.
Regardless of how big or small your outdoor space is, maximising what you have is essential in adding value to your property and creating your own private retreat.
Whilst the front yard of your home is perfect for showcasing your landscape innovations, the backyard space is where you can really let those creative juices flow. With entertaining, relaxation, play and safety in mind, you can turn your outdoor space into a stunning oasis that meets the needs of you, your family and your budget. Here’s a few tips to get started on your outdoor design.
1. Make your outdoor space an extension of your home
With outdoor living becoming more of a priority, making your space an extension of your home is absolutely essential. To do this seamlessly, you’ll want to carefully match the colour scheme of the outdoor space with your home’s current facade. If the existing colour scheme is neutral, you can use pops of bright colours in accessories and feature points to brighten up the space. Never underestimate the value of a fresh coat of paint on the outside of your home too.
Pay as much attention to the outdoor styling as you have indoors, so the same style flows throughout. By implementing certain colours from your interior design plan to the landscape architecture, the two spaces will join together flawlessly. So the outdoor area is a true extension of your home you’ll want to create a space for entertaining and living in too. Outdoor kitchens or a designated bar and seating area by the deck can provide an ideal spot for outdoor summer dinning. Make sure you incorporate a covered area so you can use the space all year round.
2. Create kerb appeal
Kerb appeal is vital in boosting the value of your home so use this space to let your home shine. If it’s got architectural character, utilise it by enhancing certain features to spark visual attention. Keep the colour scheme as neutral as possible, as this will make it easier to sell come resale time. Add colour to the landscape design, or consider painting your front door or letterbox with something bright and bold to draw attention.
3. Invest in driveway gates and fencing
An important part of kerb appeal is to invest in driveway gates and stylish fencing. This will enhance the overall look and feel of your home’s design, whilst maintaining a high level of security and privacy. Driveways gates and fencing can create another level of charm to your home’s exterior or a modern appeal to dress up a tired looking house.
To determine what fencing and gate solution will work with your home; consider the current style of your home’s architecture, how you and your guests enter the property and whether you want to complement or contrast. You’ll also want to consider the level of security and privacy your home will need and what plants to use along the fence.
Great landscape design combines creativity with nature to give you results that not only push the limits of aesthetics but dazzle your mind. From flexible low-maintenance gardens, to a well-set up irrigation system and custom lighting, the right landscape architecture can turn your outdoor space from a backyard to your personal tropical retreat.
Use lush greens and brightly coloured shrubs and plants at various heights with different perfumes for an exquisite design and incorporate a water feature for relaxing sounds; this will boost the look and feel of your outdoor space significantly. If space is lacking, opt for vertical gardens which can help with privacy issues or make use of hanging baskets filled with lush greenery. A timber deck with warm tones and a pool or spa will encourage entertaining and relaxation all day everyday.
5. The finishing touches
Deck your new space out with the right outdoor furniture that reflects your taste, a fire pit table to keep you warm in the cooler months and smartly placed LED lighting to accent the area. If you have a pool, you can incorporate LED lighting in and around the pool for safety considerations and add to the landscape architecture with semi-frameless glass pool fencing,
— Jayde Ferguson writes for Fencemakers, Western Australia’s leading provider of quality fencing and gates installed by skilled fencing contractors.
Paving is one of the most durable and long-lasting options for transforming the backyard, driveway and pathways around the home. It’s the perfect choice to transform any outdoor space and requires very little maintenance meaning more time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. If looked after properly, paved entertaining areas can last for many years to come.
To preserve the colour and condition of your pavers and keep your paved area looking pristine for longer, some maintenance is advised. Here are my top three tips:
1) Clean pavers periodically
Leaves and other materials like oils and food from barbecues can stain or discolour pavers if they are allowed to remain in contact with the surface for prolonged periods. Concrete segmental pavements can be routinely cleaned just like any other pavement, however; precautions must be taken during the very early life of the pavement to avoid removing the jointing sand during cleaning operations. For the first three months, pavements should be cleaned with soapy water and a stiff broom, after which time pressure cleaners can be used.
2) Protect your pavers
Maintain the jointing sand to protect the pavement’s structural integrity. Check pavers for small, localised problems and repair them promptly – this can help you avoid having to undertake major maintenance of large areas. One of the many advantages of segmental paving is that individual pavers that become chipped or damaged can easily be picked up and replaced. It’s advised to purchase more pavers than required for replacements over the lifetime of the project, about 5 per cent more should be sufficient and having the excess stock from the same batch will reduce colour matching challenges in the future
3) Sealing Pavers
Although not essential for structural purposes, sealing your pavers at the beginning of the project can help preserve the colour and surface of the pavement as well as guard against chipping or dulling, particularly during extreme weather conditions. The sealant maintains the brightness of the paver surface. You can re-seal a paved area every few years if necessary.
Although pavers generally require very little maintenance, choosing the right pavers will require even less maintenance. Dark coloured pavers won’t show stains as easily and as such are a great choice for families or keen entertainers. A good quality paver will also last longer so won’t need to be replaced for years to come. If in doubt about how best to maintain your pavers, visit the Concrete Masonry Association of Australia and download the fact sheet.
— Jason Hodges is Australia’s well-loved celebrity landscaper, most notably seen on the Channel Seven lifestyle TV show Better Homes and Gardens. Jason is also a brand ambassador for Australia’s leading masonry manufacturer Adbri Masonry.
Last night’s second semi-final saw only one point separate third and fourth place, with the teams having to transform the remaining four gardens. Unfortunately, when the scores were counted it was time for SA’s Ryan and Marlee to go home. Now only three teams remain, who will battle it out for a life-changing place in the House Rules grand final.
So what did judges Joe Snell and Wendy Moore think?
Bronik and Corrine — 18/20
Before – SA backyardSA – After backyard
After winning the first semi-final, Victoria again blitzed their competition, scoring 18 points for their landscaping efforts in SA’s backyard. Bronik and Corrine hit the Australia Day party house rule for six with a cricket pitch embedded in the lawn, a large deck for entertaining, a pergola and an orchard to relax in. “The timber retaining wall around the cricket pitch was terrific,” said Joe. “It made it feel like a stadium.”
Ben and Danielle — 17/20
Before – VIC front yardAfter – VIC front yard
Queensland bounced back after their last-place finish in the first semi-final, scoring 17 points for their work in Victoria’s front yard. Ben and Danielle nailed a classic design with a deck in the entry way, an arbor gate, a new concrete aggregate driveway and white-themed flowering plants. “The clean, simple lines of the garden beds were lovely,” said Joe. “What we saw this week was some very graceful, sophisticated design.”
Steve and Tiana — 14/20
Before – SA front yardAfter – SA front yard
NSW escaped elimination by only one point, scoring 14 for revamping team SA’s front garden. The father and daughter duo righted a wrong by lining up the decking boards along the front of the house as well as adding a roof to cover the two front decks, a bold and structured pathway and a burst of floral colour in the raised garden beds. “You had some really strong ideas and you picked the right things to change but you didn’t push your ideas far enough to really finish them as well as you could have,” said Wendy.
Ryan and Marlee — 13/20
Before – VIC BackyardAfter – VIC backyard
The Adelaide pair finished last after their efforts in Victoria’s backyard failed to impress the judges, who gave them a combined score of 13 points. Ryan and Marlee took the ‘urban cool’ house rule too far with their lime green fence and street art graffiti wall. “I liked your plantings but it was your artistic feature wall where you really lost control of your vision,” said Wendy. “I know it was urban but it just didn’t make for a cool backyard.”
Combining the scores with last week’s, Ryan and Marlee came out with the lowest combined score and were eliminated. The remaining three teams will now battle it out for a place in the grand final and the chance to live mortgage-free. Tonight they’re given their hardest but most heart-warming challenge yet, and with a grand final spot up for grabs, teams collide as they push themselves to the limit.
After tying for first place in last week’s holiday home challenge, Bronik and Corrine’s good form continued with the Victorians taking out the first semi-final.
Here’s what judges Wendy Moore and Joe Snell had to say:
Bronik and Corrine — 17/20
Before – NSW front yardAfter – NSW front yard
The pair earned 17 points for overhauling team NSW’s front exterior. They impressed with a modern front fence and a diagonal wooden path, giving Steve’s yard an angular and contemporary look. “You guys delivered a really fantastic front garden,” said Wendy. “Great design, great ideas and great execution.”
Steve and Tiana — 14/20
Before – QLD front yard After – QLD front yard
NSW and South Australia tied for second place with 14 points, joining forces to transform Ben and Danielle’s red-brick eye sore into a French Riviera masterpiece. Steve and Tiana worked on team Queensland’s front yard, using boulders and stairs to create different levels heading up to the front door. They also splurged on a luxe outdoor setting in the courtyard to create a French inspired retreat. “You guys instantly changed the street appeal of that home,” said Wendy.
Ryan and Marlee — 14/20
Before – QLD backyardAfter – QLD backyard
Ryan and Marlee renovated the Brisbane backyard, creating a raised deck area and a separate alfresco lounge area. “Your decked area was great,” said Wendy. “And the decision to put that retractable awning was a really good design choice.” But their furniture choices cost them points. “The lounge whilst a great idea in terms of design, the aesthetic was nowhere near French Riviera and that was just disappointing,” said Joe.
Ben and Danielle — 13/20
Before – NSW backyardBefore – NSW backyard
Ben and Danielle were not up to their usual high standards finishing last on 13 points. The newlyweds were tasked with transforming Steve’s massive backyard. Their design included a timber deck and paved outdoor lounge area with a fire pit. “Whilst part of the design worked beautifully, it really didn’t have a clear vision,” said Joe.
The second semi-final showdown kicks off Sunday at 7pm with the final garden reveals on Monday at 7.30pm. For more House Rules.
I’ll be honest, in my life I have put zero thought into garden hoses. Back when I lived at home the garden was well and truly my parents’ domain and now, well I don’t even have a garden, so they’re hardly at the top of my list of fun topics of conversation or new purchases. That is, until new Australian brand Lepaar launched their luxury garden hose collection last month.
Passionate about Australian manufacturing, sustainable materials and exceptional design and craftsmanship, the Gardenlust Hose Collection partners agricultural grade, UV protected material and high tensile reinforced yarn with Pantone’s colours of the moment. “Our hose-relationships have always been volatile,” explains Lepaar co-founder Christo Everingham. “So one day, when we were once again drenched in water after our hose had detached from the sprinkler and shimmy-ed around the garden like a mad green snake spouting water, we suddenly saw the light: let’s design hoses!”
So Christo and his wife Johanna did just that. Designing their dream hose, the end result is beautiful, functional and high-quality. Coming in three colours: Ivory, Lavender and Slate (and more to be added soon), the hoses have a solid brass easy spray nozzle and a handmade solid brass wall hook.
The Gardenlust Hose Collection is available through Lepaar’s website and select stockists in Australia and overseas. Prices start from $180.
With the impending arrival of baby number three, Amanda Attwood and her husband Jim, were on a tight renovation deadline. Completely a large-scale reno in just four months, the couple transformed their tired and worn Queenslander into an open-plan family friendly home.
After
“The house was ripe for renovation,” explains Amanda. “It was in some serious need of an intervention and definitely needed some love!”
Before: KitchenAfter: Kitchen
With her husband a seasoned builder and owner of Brisbane business, Divine Renovations, the couple were well equipped to take on an extensive project. Changing the internal layout and opening up the back of the home to create an indoor/outdoor living space, the new layout is ideal for their young family. “Opening the kitchen up and using bi-fold windows and doors has created such a lovely aspect and is perfect for the kids,” says Amanda. “I can be cooking dinner and watching them play anywhere in the yard – including the pool. And with the new heated outdoor area, we can also enjoy the space year round.”
Before: Outdoor areaAfter: Outdoor Area
Alongside the outdoor transformation, the kitchen and bathrooms were renovated, a wall was removed between the kitchen and living area and new walls, ceilings and lights were put into all the rooms. “Internally we made some significant layout changes that have made a huge difference to how we use the space. Removing the wall between the kitchen and living room and creating a custom TV/display unit has totally changed the house, and the display unit was also our biggest bargain.”
Before: LivingAfter: Living
With the renovation costing $250,000 and the house being purchased for $445,000 in 2005, a recent bank valuation estimated the Queensland property’s worth to be $1,000,000. Giving them a tidy profit, should they wish to sell.
Before: BackyardAfter: Backyard
However, while selling is not on the cards at the moment, there are many lessons Amanda will put into play should she renovate again. “Don’t rush into design decisions. Explore options and ideas rather than making quick or rash decisions. And remember that while renovating can be stressful, it only is if you let it. Accept the challenges and learn to problem solve.”
Before the wet weather and cold front arrives, revamp your outdoor area and ensure it’s well protected for the upcoming season. These simple DIY projects for the backyard and home entrance will be sure to give your home the spruce up it so desperately needs.
Timber screening for extra privacy
Create private spaces, add shade and disguise unsightly walls with timber screening. Install Boral Timber Australian hardwood decking vertically for a smart, simple and relatively quick makeover. Leave a gap between boards to allow sunlight and breezes to filter through, maintaining a connection to the natural environment.
Old treasures, new look
Give outdoor metal fixtures and furniture a fresh new look with Hammerite Direct to Rust Metal Paint. Whether it’s a rusting gate or neglected outdoor setting, this easy to use paint provides a strong coating for long-lasting protection with it’s anti-corrosive formulation. It is a ‘one tin’ solution, performing as a primer, undercoat and top coat all in one – saving time and money. Available in a range of colours and in a smooth or hammered finish.
Protect and rejuvenate
Ensure the timber deck and outdoor furniture are well prepped and protected for winter with Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro finish. This quick-drying water based exterior timber finish provides good durability and flexibility. It’s microporous formula allows the timber to breathe while repelling unwanted moisture making it UV and weather resistant. Available in five stains, the transparent finish accentuates the natural character and colour of the timber.
Outdoor loungingThe King Living outdoor collections offer durable and flexible solutions for outdoor entertaining and relaxing. Constructed using marine grade materials, these designs offer superior corrosion resistance and can withstand temperature fluctuations, salt water, wind and rain. Waterproof cushion covers, vents in seating and meshed, in-built storage areas also help to release water from rain to prevent mildew. King Living offers a range of outdoor furniture that delivers uncompromising style, comfort and outdoor practicality.
Backyard sanctuary
Slimwall is a contemporary architectural fencing solution for modern outdoor environments. Featuring proven acoustic benefits, Slimwall will block urban noise four times more effectively than common fencing products, bringing a sense of quiet tranquillity to the backyard. The panels are quick and easy to install making a new fence the perfect weekend DIY project.
Create an entrance with impact
A home’s entrance area can make all the difference in creating a welcoming and memorable first impression. Add depth and texture with Boral Cultured Stone cladding. Engineered to look like traditional stone, it is cost-effective, easy to install and can be retrofitted to existing homes.
