Bunnings Magazine December 2023 by Bunnings

E EEZIN FRAGA

December 2023

SPEED STYLING 101 HOW TO GET YOUR HOME GUEST-READY IN A FLASH!

NIFTY GIFTS UNDER $50

Christmas

wishes

KEEP IT SIMPLE! Paper decorations and gift tags

+ bush flowers + ham on the BBQ + dessert on wheels

(the ki

FUN DIYS 8 ds can he lp too!)

Fresh and contemporary. With the fresh, timeless appeal of whitewashed beaches and native blossoms, Surfmist® offers endlessly stylish possibilities. Inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes, COLORBOND® steel has the durability to perform in some of Australia’s harshest conditions. Discover COLORBOND® steel’s new and refreshed palette @ colorbond.com/colours

Made by Australia The COLORBOND® steel colour swatch and image shown has been reproduced to represent actual product colours as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing as varying light conditions and limitations of the printing process may affect colour tones. COLORBOND®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2022 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

The magazine team

Celebrate!

Editor Lisa Green Associate editors Artemis Gouros, Caroline Botting (NZ) Art director Bridie Mahoney Deputy art director Sophie Mullane Senior designer Carol Baldas Style editor Samantha Pointon Chief subeditors Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson Senior subeditor Lorna Gow Digital producer Amanda Ghalaini-Yacoub Editorial co-ordinator Abigail D’Souza Production co-ordinator Annie Villalta-Burgett Junior accountant Carina Law Contributors Judie Siu, Shelley Tustin, Harriet Upjohn National advertising manager Alek Jovanoski NSW business manager Dale Johnson Victoria business manager Rosanna Costa Campaign manager Deanna Kane Advertising enquiries bunningsadvertising@ mediumrarecontent.com (02) 8114 8900 General magazine enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777 Managing director Nick Smith Chief commercial officer Fiorella di Santo Head of sales Annii Hirst Head of content, Health & Lifestyle Gemma Sutherland Head of audience intelligence Catherine Ross Finance controller Leslie To Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct. However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Dream it STYLE FILE 15

DECEMBER

A textured, colourful summer moodboard

WITH LOVE 17 MADE Enjoy a bespoke Christmas with native flowers and handmade decorations

STYLING 27 SPEED Follow 10 expert tricks for stress-free

ways to dress your home for the holidays

FAB GIFTS FOR UNDER $50 37 50 Take your pick of these wallet-friendly

Christmas presents to delight everyone

Plan it 44 ON THE VERGE

Make use of that extra patch of land!

IT WITH FLOWERS 48 SAY Grow a profusion of beautiful seasonal blooms to fill your alfresco spaces

LIGHT THE NIGHT Illuminate your outdoors with these bright ideas from those in the know

Update it

WAYS TO STAY SAFE OUTDOORS 60 SIX ick off our seasonal checklist T

COOL MOVES Try savvy ways to beat the heat and save

69 POINTS OF ENTRY

Merry crafty Christmas!

Upgrade your home’s doors and windows for extra security and energy savings

Do it S 77 EASONAL STYLE

Create your own giftwrap and decorations

FESTIVE FEAST 81 Your best-ever Christmas menu sorted! TOOLS TO GET CRAFTY 87 TOP et into handmade gifting with this kit G

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Level 1, 83 Bowman Street, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. © 2023. All rights reserved. For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Bunnings magazine runs third-party advertisements. Bunnings does not endorse, evaluate or take responsibility for the products or claims in these advertisements. This publication is not for sale.

GAME-CHANGING GADGETS Enlist the latest entertaining tech to make hosting your gatherings a breeze

Farm the path with a community plot

Regulars WHAT’S HAPPENING IN DECEMBER News, special buys and clever ideas

PET CORNER 73 Meet our pet of the month and browse

Serve juicy BBQ ham on the big day

animal-friendly gifts

HEROES 90 LOCAL orgeous Christmassy natives by region G

Share your DIY creations with us or find inspiration for your next project. Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag instagram.com/bunnings CONNECT WITH US

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NEWS

DECEMBER

Editor’s letter

Welcome!

nd just like that the holiday season is upon us – with all the hustle, bustle and expectations that come with it. The good news? You don’t need to be stressed to impress. Our Christmas-by-the-pool story brings together simple, colourful and handmade ideas for decorating, and plenty of menu inspiration. The top takeaway? Along with the people in the room on the day, a pretty table and lovely food will carry you through. And for extra punch you can add a sweet upcycled trolley for drinks and dessert! Snip native flowers from the garden or buy pots from Bunnings to bring

colour to the table, year after year. Our paper decorations will occupy little fingers and you can take the heat out of the kitchen with an impressive glazed ham – cooked on the barbecue – as your centrepiece. Wishing you a peaceful day with family and friends,

Printed by IVE Group. Paper fibre is from well-managed forests and other controlled sources.

Join the Bunnings BearHouse fun

Compiled by Abigail D’Souza. Photography (editor) Sue Stubbs. Paint colours may vary on application.

There’s so much fun to be had at Bunnings over the festive season. Join the Christmas Family event at your local store on December 7 (rumours are Santa will make an appearance) and create a festive stocking at the National Kids’ DIY Workshop on December 16 – visit the Bunnings website to secure your spot. And throughout December all stores will play a game of Bunnings BearHouse. There are 12 Christmas Bears hiding in store – can you find them all?

SWELL BELLS We love how Marianthe Ranieri (@oysterbayfarmhouse) has repurposed plastic pots to create an affordable festive flourish – the perfect project to ring in the holiday season. Here’s how she did it.

You will need…

n Four plastic pots or planters (Marianthe used Eden ‘Roman’ 25cm self-watering planters) n Drill with drill bit n Four 56mm x 10mm galvanised eye bolts n Gold spray paint (Marianthe used Dulux Duramax in Metallic Gold) n 4 large round gold ornaments n String n Scissors n Red bow and ribbon

INTRICATE WALLS A feature wall can add personality to any area, as shown by Bunnings Workshop community member Rufaro (@diy_hausdesigns). He used Matrix panels and Merbau decking planks, topped with solar-powered LED floodlights, to create a screen (left) for a tired fence. Visit bunnings.com.au/ feature-wall-fence to see more.

1 Drill a hole into the base of each pot big enough for the eyebolt. 2 Screw in the eyebolt with the ‘eye’ on the outside of the pot. 3 Spray the entire pot and bolt in gold. Leave to dry. 4 Tie an ornament to the bolt inside each pot, then tie all the bells together in an arrangement you’re happy with. 5 Add a bow and ribbon on top.

SUMMER

FIND A WIDE RANGE OF VALVOLINE PRODUCTS TO SERVICE YOUR VEHICLE FIND IT IN THE TOOL SHOP AT YOUR LOCAL BUNNINGS

Find the right product for your vehicle in the Valvoline Lube Guide

Hit the road! Are you planning an adventure? Whether you’re heading on a camping or cross-country trip, or just getting away for the weekend, prepping your car is essential for a smooth journey.

Always supervise children in or around water. Pool toys and aids do not replace the need for active adult supervision.

6 7

Safety is paramount. First, make sure your car is up to date with servicing. Check your tyres for tread wear and recommended pressure (don’t forget to look at the spare). Ensure the oil and all fluids (coolant, windscreen, brake and transmission) are at their optimal levels. Test indicators, all lights and brakes are working, and pack a basic toolkit, jumper cables and a first-aid kit (including sick bags) for emergencies. Comfort matters, too! Check the airconditioning runs properly and invest in sunshades to keep the cabin cool when parked. Organise your cargo with storage bins or rooftop carriers. A portable phone charger, a reliable GPS system and back-up paper maps are must-haves. Stay entertained with a great playlist, audiobooks or podcasts. And don’t forget snacks, water and a travel mug for caffeine fixes. 1 Kincrome 53 piece tyre repair kit, $83, I/N: 0064855. 2 Click LED spotlight torch, $10, I/N: 0346167. 3 Full Boar 15 amp intelligent car battery charger, $186, I/N: 0233354. 4 AdVenture Products 10L camper carrier with tap in Blue, $18.87, I/N: 3240535. 5 Stanley 1600kg trolley jack, $79.80, I/N: 0128834. 6 Selleys ‘Polyglaze’ windscreen additive, $6.99/500ml, I/N: 0443254. 7 FastAid ‘R1 Vehicle Pro’ soft pack first aid kit in Red, $79, I/N: 0400981. 8 Kincrome 1200CCA multi-function jump starter, $245, I/N: 0468572. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

HOLIDAYS BY THE POOL Splash into summer bliss with these water-side picks that will elevate your days in the sun Bay Gallery Furniture ‘Arcadia’ outdoor aluminium sun lounge with ‘Balmoral’ teak round side table in White, I/N: 0347695*

1 2

3 4

Ecoxgear ‘Ecoedge+’ floating bluetooth speaker/ party light in Orange, I/N: 0269999*

Paws & Claws 9.5cm spiky football dog toy in assorted colours, I/N: 0394242*

Devanti 18 bottle wine cooler fridge in Black, I/N: 0190855*

Arena ‘X-Lite’ swimming goggles for kids 2-5yrs in Blue, I/N: 0421250*

5 6 7

Avanti ‘Groovy’ 6 piece ice block mould, I/N: 0155882*

Nicola Spring ‘Zig Zag’ cotton Turkish towels in Grey, set of 2, I/N: 0530795*

Soga 10L portable insulated drink dispenser, I/N: 0255529*

Charlie’s medium portable dog pool, I/N: 0456320*

This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

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MAKE THE CUT

Collect grey water – waste water from showers, baths, basins and laundries – and use it on non-edible 2 gardens. Mix with a grey-water fertiliser to help neutralise the effects of soap and detergent on soil pH.

A house plant is a great Christmas gift – pair with a decorative planter and indoor plant food.

Get the lawn looking lush by feeding with a fast-acting liquid lawn fertiliser. It’s high in nitrogen 4 to help quickly green the grass. Up the ambience and plant scented bloomers that look gorgeous, too. See a few options below.

GARDENIA

Sweetly perfumed waxy flowers with glossy green foliage. Enrich soil before planting in full sun.

LAVENDER

Position where you can brush past the foliage to release the scent. Needs full sun and well-drained soil.

Install solar lights for evenings outdoors: string fairy lights over decks, spotlight trees with solar stakes and line paths and edges with LED strip lights.

5 1 Richgro pine bark mulch, $19.93/70L, I/N: 2980101. 2 Yates ‘Greywater’ fertiliser, $18.02/1L, I/N: 0203486. 3 Scotts Osmocote ‘Pots, Planters & Indoors’ controlled release fertiliser, $7.98/500g, I/N: 2961294. 4 Scotts Lawn Builder ‘Extreme Green’ liquid lawn fertiliser, $21.94/1L, I/N: 2961972. 5 Lytworx 2 function outdoor solar LED fairy lights in White, $12.98/ pack of 100, I/N: 4351412. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

STAR JASMINE

Will climb if given a support or trellis; also grows into a dense groundcover. Produces masses of flowers.

Scan the QR code For more on what to do in the garden during December, go to bunnings.com.au/gardencorner After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, or when handling compost or mulch, always read the label, follow instructions carefully and wear gloves, a mask and suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

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Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V HP 254mm brushless sliding mitre saw, $599/ tool only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0405156

Xmas blitz Speed up the pre-Christmas house clean with a few handy hacks. Take a squeegee to pet hair on rugs and carpets: use the rubber-edged side to rake the hair into a pile, then vacuum it up. For hard-toreach areas in bathrooms and laundries, try the Ryobi ONE+ 18V telescopic pole scrubber – its articulating head powers through tough stains and grime. And to make your cutlery shine, wipe on diluted Bar Keepers’ Friend cleanser with a soft cloth, rinse thoroughly and polish with a clean dry cloth*. For more clever tips, go to bunnings. com.au/christmas-clean

Oates 350mm floor squeegee with bamboo handle, $26.69, I/N: 4480282

Photography Getty Images. *Wash cutlery thoroughly before use. Wear a mask and gloves for serious cleaning tasks and store cleaning products out of reach of children and pets.

Conserve moisture in the soil and keep roots cool by applying naturally derived 1 mulch, like pine bark or pea straw, to your pots and garden beds.

Sleek, swift cuts will be the new normal for your DIY projects with Ryobi’s new brushless sliding mitre saw. This portable tool has a shadow line to guide cuts and a powerful brushless motor with extended battery runtimes.

P L A C EM EN T

YEARS A R A N T EE

EASY DIY SHOWER UPGRADES

FROM THIS...

TO THIS!

All Directional Hi-Rise Shower 28-0506A

Havana Short Twin Shower 14-7007

Buy Flexispray No Plumber required

www.flexispray.com.au

Upgrading a bathroom with a new shower look and feel doesn’t have to be a big job. Flexispray showers are a quality, affordable solution, including quick installation features which make upgrading to a new shower EASY

DREAM IT

SEASONAL INTERIORS

1 3

STYLE FILE

SAY HELLO TO SUMMER WITH A PALETTE OF BEACHY BLUES, SUNNY YELLOWS AND PEACHY ACCENTS

9 10

Photography Cath Muscat, styling Jemma Batcheldor. Paint colours may vary on application.

11 12 1 Jack 1800mm hessian, $8.99/m, I/N: 3048964. 2 Prestige ‘Wave’ 16mm pull handle in Brushed Nickel, $7.16, I/N: 3962348. 3 Kaboodle Kitchen A5 colour swatch in Tagine, $2.98, I/N: 0492182. 4 Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint in Petal Pink, $11.10/100ml, I/N: 0162912. 5 Think Benchtops ‘Solid Surface’ benchtop sample in Meringue, $4.94, I/N: 2669725. 6 Decor8 Tiles ‘Barcelona’ 200mm x 200mm matt floor tile in Queenscliffe Spruce, $5.39, I/N: 0289994. 7 Kaboodle Kitchen A5 colour swatch in American Oak, $2.98, I/N: 0246295. 8 Estilo WELS 4-star 7.5L/ min side lever sink mixer in Chrome, $85, I/N: 5003216. 9 Porter’s Paints ‘Eggshell Finish’ broadwall washable paint in Sundance, $11.10/100ml, I/N: 0162895. 10 Kaboodle Kitchen A5 colour swatch in Danish Blue, $2.98, I/N: 0212590. 11 Decor8 Tiles ‘Picket’ 305mm x 266mm honed mosaic tile sheet in Norwegian Rose, $39.90/pack of 5, I/N: 0289561. 12 Superfresco Easy ‘Innocence’ 52cm wallpaper in Yellow, $89.80/10m, I/N: 1662920 (available in selected stores and online). All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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DREAM IT

MADE WITH LOVE

reating an enchanting festive display needn’t cost the earth. Handmade paper decorations lend a beautiful bespoke look, while displays of native flowers and foliage make the celebrations a quintessentially Aussie affair. Gather cuttings from your garden, or ask guests to bring some from theirs, and spend a leisurely day assembling posies for cheery vases and a charming wreath. With a glazed ham straight from the barbie as the star of a casual lunch menu, you have a recipe for success.

CRAFT AN EXTRA-SPECIAL CHRISTMAS AND SHARE THE JOY Photography CATH MUSCAT and SUE STUBBS Styling SAMANTHA POINTON

Styling assistants Jemma Batcheldor, Katie Turner and Rebecca Waldron. Project editor Jodie Gibbons †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

HOLIDAY ENTERTAINING

Paper-craft decorations, handprinted giftwrap and tags, see from page 77 for DIY instructions. Northcote Pottery 54cm studded glazed pot in White, $99.98, I/N: 2800979. Home Bazar ‘Manhattan’ 76cm rattan coffee table, $299, I/N: 0263196† (delivery included). Click ‘Classic’ holiday bauble set in Red, Green and Gold, $29/pack of 50, I/N: 0438176. Lytworx indoor/outdoor battery operated LED flameless light candles, $22/pack of 4, I/N: 0118301. Bayliss ‘Cortina’ 290cm x 200cm wool rug, $419, I/N: 6670903. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings.com.au |

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Fun and games!

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CHRISTMAS TREE BANNER

Paint colours may vary on application.

Put a festive twist on a party favourite and create a ‘pin the stars on the tree’ game. Spray-paint round craft coasters and a star coaster gold, applying several coats and leaving to dry, then add handpainted or stamped details. Cut a canvas drop sheet to size, then use a wide paintbrush and acrylic paint to apply ever-decreasing stripes in a triangle shape. Reapply until you have the desired depth of colour, then leave to dry. Hang the banner with temporary fixings suitable for your wall surface, apply double-sided tape to the coasters, and invite guests to close their eyes and attach one to the tree – blindfolds and spinning optional! DIY tree banner made using Wagner 3.6m x 1.5m canvas heavy duty drop sheet, $28, I/N: 1660140, Dulux sample pot paints in English Rose, Coral Blossom, Apricot Fizz, Paddy and Tuscan Image, $10.90 each/250ml, I/N: 1409312, and ‘Duramax’ bright finish spray paint in Gold, $24.50/300g, I/N: 1400725, Boyle 5 point star craft coaster, $1.17, I/N: 1660891, and 9cm wooden round coasters, $0.98 each, I/N: 0440426. Mimosa ‘Malibu’ corner lounge, $1,649, I/N: 0177349, and square coffee table, $189, I/N: 0177354. Flannel flower. Flowering gum in Tuscan Path 14cm x 14cm ceramic vase in White, $12.23, I/N: 0204154, painted with Taubmans sample pot paint in Pina Colada, $10.95/ 500ml, I/N: 1540712. Argyranthemum daisy in Northcote Pottery ‘Maxim’ 23cm drum pot in White, $19.98, I/N: 2930036. Christmas bush in Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 54cm egg pot in White, $129, I/N: 0252490. All plants sold separately. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

CIRCLE OF LIFE

A spool of garden wire is all you need to form a unique wreath from sprigs of blooming natives. We used flowering gums and bottlebrush, continuing the theme with a generous vase of flannel flowers. Visit bunnings. com.au/seven-wreaths for more wreath ideas.

Take notice of summer-flowering native plants that thrive in your area. A pot or two will deliver Christmas joy year after year

Never leave lit candles unattended. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Home Bazar ‘Dali’ 220cm x 100cm teak dining table, $849, I/N: 0429847†, and armchair, $279, I/N: 0429849† (all prices include delivery). Waxworks 15cm citronella pillar candles in White, $6.45 each, I/N: 0289387. DIY arch candles made using Practa Solutions ‘Rainbow’ candle making project kit, $24.97, I/N: 0383631. (Opposite) Marquee ‘Drinks Cooler’ 30L galvanised ice bucket, $24.98, I/N: 3190639. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

MAKE IT

FIND OUT HOW TO CRAFT PAPER BUNTING ON PAGE 79, AND TRANSFORM CLEAR GLASS VESSELS ON PAGE 85

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RIGHT Jumbuck ‘Stardom II’ 4 burner gas barbecue, $349, I/N: 0348328, reversible rib roast rack, $13.60, I/N: 0262750, enamel roasting tray, $21.48, I/N: 0280574, and ‘Aramid’ barbecue gloves, $15.98, I/N: 0276130. Flat-leaf parsley in Northcote Pottery ‘Ava’ 17cm egg pot in Sage, $12.58, I/N: 0312621 (plant sold separately). Matador non-stick fork in Black, $12.85, I/N: 3171752, and carving knife, $16.95, I/N: 0276110. Bunnings large straw hat, $7, I/N: 8510048.

ALL TOGETHER

Compose a simple but special menu for a laidback lunch. Our sides and dessert can be prepped ahead of time, while the aroma and glimpses of a glazed ham browning on the barbecue are sure to whet appetites!

ABOVE Make personalised keepsakes by embroidering diners’ initials on napkins cut from linen. Use cotton twine (and a large needle) for a quick rustic result

ABOVE Marquee timber sling deck chair, $65, I/N: 0427041, ‘Arlo’ fibre cement stool in Light Grey, $99, I/N: 0262573, and 1.6m beach umbrella in Spice and Agret, $24.90, I/N: 0442773. All other products, stylist’s own.

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Never leave lit candles unattended. Always supervise children in or around water. All pools and pool fencing must conform to your local authority’s safety regulations and guidelines. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Home Bazar ‘Dali’ 220cm x 100cm teak dining table, $849, I/N: 0429847†, benches, $369 each, I/N: 0429851†, and armchair, $279, I/N: 0429849† (all prices include delivery). Waxworks 15cm citronella pillar candle in White, $6.45, I/N: 0289387. 10cm citronella pillar candle in White, $6/pack of 2, I/N: 0289138. DIY cube candles made using Practa Solutions large bubble candle making project kit, $19.12, I/N: 0383633. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

SERVE IT

TURN TO PAGE 81 FOR OUR DELICIOUS FESTIVE MENU AND MOCKTAIL RECIPES

To shade a DIY dessert stand, push an umbrella pole down the side of a deep pot. Plant herbs or flowers to pretty it up. And don’t forget to remove and wipe the pole clean at day’s end to preserve the timber. See below for trolley upcycle details.

Marquee 1.8m beach umbrella in Black and Agret, $39.90, I/N: 0442769. DIY serving station made using Pinnacle mobile garden station, $100.94, I/N: 0333274, painted with Dulux ‘Duramax’ flat metal primer, $15.50/340g, I/N: 1400721, and spray paint in Satin White, $15.50/340g, I/N: 1400870, using Uni-Pro spray can trigger grip, $5.05, I/N: 1660006. Mint in Tuscan Path ‘Gavin’ 42cm planter in White, $140, I/N: 0357818. Argyranthemum daisies in Northcote Pottery ‘Maxim’ 23cm drum pot in White, $19.98, I/N: 2930036. All plants sold separately. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 24 bunnings.com.au |

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* Some products are not available at all Bunnings Stores, but may be ordered through Special Orders

DIY

holiday repairs

e d maasy e with the Gyprock Rapid Repair Kit – your complete solution for all kinds of plasterboard repairs.

Find me in the plastering aisle or scan the QR code to order online

For more information, visit gyprock.com.au

DREAM IT

SUMMER DECOR

Speed styling TRY 10 INVITING WAYS TO GIVE YOUR HOME A SWIFT AND CHIC SEASONAL SPRUCE UP

Words KYLIE JACKES Photography CATH MUSCAT Styling SAMANTHA POINTON

Styling assistants Jodie Gibbons and Katie Turner.

rofessional stylists have many tricks, particularly when it comes to quickly and inexpensively refreshing interior spaces. As the season of entertaining approaches, we share expert secrets on how to create your own feel-good holiday haven.

“Make the most of festive styling and hang a wreath or garland on your door. One you’ve made yourself will add a lovely personal touch,” says interior designer Lisa Alward. A potted flowering shrub also brightens any doorstep. bunnings.com.au |

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DIY flowering gum garland tied with Jack 50mm jute webbing plant tie, $20.59/33m, I/N: 3320008. Christmas bush in Tuscan Path ‘Harper’ 54cm egg pot in White, $129, I/N: 0252490 (plant sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Update your entrance

Summer is typically a popular time for house guests – and a welcoming home starts at the front door. Interior designer Lisa Alward of Bella Vie Interiors (bellavieinteriors. com) suggests a plant-led update. “Matching pots either side of the front door, or a trio clustered to one side, soften the space and add interest,” she says. “Tall plants and topiary shapes suit larger areas, while a display of summer flowers or lowmaintenance succulents is great for smaller zones.” A new welcome mat, proportional to your front door, will complete the refresh.

“Be resourceful with what you have. Play around with furniture and decorative items, altering their configuration and switching them between rooms” Lisa Alward, interior designer

Pause for thought

A well-planned entry hall looks inviting and anticipates a guest’s every need. An artwork, a vase arrangement and other stylish additions will set the scene. Interior stylist Jessi Eve (jessieve.com.au) also recommends a bench or console with baskets, where bags can be plonked and shoes kicked off on arrival. If floor space is minimal, consider wall hooks for jackets and hats. “An entry mirror mounted on the wall is ideal for those quick checks on the way in or out of the door,” says Jessi.

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Infuse with fragrance

Delight the senses by filling rooms with wonderful aromas, whether it be a summer scent, such as citrus or coconut, which brings a holiday vibe, or woody fragrances like pine, cinnamon and sage, commonly associated with Christmas. Consider scented candles and diffusers, or make a room spray using your favourite essential oil and water.

Add festive flourishes

“The key to stylish seasonal decorating is to complement your existing decor,” says Lisa. Whether the scheme is coastal Christmas, traditional red and green or opulent luxe, collect a group of ornaments and carry the look across your Christmas tree and table setting.

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Light up in layers

Layered lighting instantly adds atmosphere, says Lisa. “String warm-white LED festoon lights or solar fairy lights across patios, decks and backyard trees to create a magical glow for outdoor entertaining, with solar lights dotted in and around garden beds,” she says. Indoors, accent corners with lamps and consider updating pendant lighting. “People often undersize pendants, so boost their size and hang at an optimal height (60-80cm above a table) for maximum wow factor,” she advises.

Elevate guest bedrooms

As the centrepiece, the bed offers plenty of scope to create different looks simply by changing the linen or adding a strategically laid

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Floral styling Sean Cook, mrcook.com.au. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Set up style vignettes

If your shelves, consoles or tabletops are cluttered and haven’t been rearranged in ages, clear the decks and start afresh. “Effective styling can be more about editing than adding,” says Lisa. “Paring back what’s on display or where something is positioned can make a big difference without spending a cent.” Once surfaces are clear, she advises “shopping within your own home” and pulling items from other rooms or out of storage to use as building blocks for vignettes. “A beautiful tray or board is a great foundation to group vases and bowls. A stack of books also works well as a base to elevate smaller or seasonal pieces,” she explains. Choose items that sit harmoniously together and build layers of interest with varying height, depth and contrasting shapes.

MAKE IT

SEE PAGE 77 FOR OUR GUIDE TO DIY FESTIVE CRAFT

throw and cushions. Position matching bedside tables and lamps either side. Jessi also suggests providing a mirror for guests: “This might be a full-length mirror on the wall or mounted on the back of the door, or a smaller mirror standing on a dresser.”

THESE PAGES Australian native flowers and foliage are a great choice for summer arrangements. Waratah, banksia and Geraldton wax are festive favourites, while kangaroo paws in varying heights and colours are hardy in the garden and gorgeous in a vase. Shop your local Bunnings store for native plants that thrive in your area.

Nurture nature

Flowers and foliage can enhance even the dullest of corners. For a five-minute fix, cut a few blooms or verdant herbs from your garden, and loose tendrils from flowering vines or leafy stems of glossy citrus. Recycled clear jars, a cut-crystal glass or simple drinking tumblers all work as charming small vessels. You can group several together (an odd number is best) or let them stand alone.

RIGHT Home Bazar ‘Manhattan’ 76cm rattan coffee table, $299 (delivery included), I/N: 0263196†. Lytworx indoor/outdoor battery operated LED flameless light candles, $22/pack of 4, I/N: 0118301. Click ‘Classic’ holiday bauble set in Red, Green and Gold, $29/pack of 50, I/N: 0438176. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

“A cost-effective way to enliven any space is with vases full of living colour snipped from your garden”

Position bathing items within easy reach for guests’ comfort

Jessi Eve, interior stylist

Boost the bathroom

Treat yourself and your guests to a high-end experience with touches that add a sense of luxury. “New plush bath towels and a floor mat instantly provide a fresh pop of colour and feel great, too,” says Jessi Eve. On the vanity, use a small tray to corral lovely soaps, body products and a fragrant candle, alongside a plant or vase of flora from the garden.

ABOVE Marquee ‘Harbour’ 180cm x 90cm dining table in Brushed White, $339, I/N: 0351951, and dining chairs in Brushed White, $139 each, I/N: 0351950. Lytworx colour changing indoor/outdoor battery operated LED flameless candle sets with remotes, $22.50 each pack of 3, I/N: 0341456, and indoor/outdoor battery operated LED flameless light candles, $22 each pack of 4, I/N: 0118301. Tuscan Path 30-50mm polished quartz pebbles, $8.98/1.5kg, I/N: 3463780. Windoware ‘Coco’ 213cm x 120cm sheer rod pocket curtain in White (used as a table runner), $9.95, I/N: 0496462. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 30 bunnings.com.au |

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Great outdoor entertaining areas feel layered and furnished like a room, says Jessi. To improve the arrangement of existing pieces, remove all the furniture and reintroduce items one at a time, experimenting with the layout – you might prefer a larger couch, or find a square rather than a rectangular table works best. “Potted plants, cushions and lighting are key finishing touches, as they add comfort and tie the look together,” explains Jessi.

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Photography (below left) Belinda Merrie, styling Sam van Kan.

Amp it up outside

DREAM IT

TECH FOR ENTERTAINING

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Gamechanging gadgets WITH THE LATEST SMART DEVICES AND TIME-SAVING TOOLS, YOU’LL BE THE HOST WITH THE MOST

Photography Brigid Arnott, styling Samantha Pointon.

Words MITCHELL MCLEAN

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Wireless meat thermometer

Take the guesswork out of grilling with a smart, wireless thermometer. The probes provide exact internal temperature readings so you can dish up consistently delicious and perfectly barbecued meats. Programmable settings allow you to select temperature alarms, so you can confidently step away from the barbie and mingle with guests, while keeping an eye on your cut’s cooking progress from your smartphone.

2 Lytworx ‘Sphere’ colour changing indoor/outdoor low voltage smart lights, $54/12 globes, I/N: 0342892

Jumbuck portable gas pizza oven, $199, I/N: 0438279

Smart outdoor lights

Add ambience to your next big gathering or cosy get-together at home with a string of advanced smart lights. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, these weather-resistant lights offer a wide range of adjustable colour and brightness options to match the mood of any occasion. Controlled via an app on your smartphone, they have endless decorative possibilities and can even be synced with music.

Portable pizza oven

Turn your backyard into an alfresco pizzeria with the convenience of a portable pizza oven. Featuring rapid heat technology, with adjustable temperature controls and an optimised pizza stone, these ovens guarantee crispy crusts and mouthwatering cheese in just minutes, so you can serve up slices on demand. Powered by gas, hasslefree and ready to use, you’ll spend less time cooking and more time savouring the results.

4 Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V bluetooth speaker, $99/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0249439

Ryobi ‘ONE+’ R18BZL12 18V 2.0Ah bug zapper lantern kit, $199, I/N: 0402491

Bluetooth speaker

If you’re looking to take the party outdoors, a bluetooth speaker ups the entertainment factor by providing music to keep the energy high and the shindig in full swing. With premium sound quality, adjustable volume controls and robust bass, these compact speakers promise a top-notch audio experience wherever you are. Plus, they offer extended connectivity and a long-lasting battery to keep the playlist going.

Enjoy bug-free and well-lit outdoor gatherings with a zapper/lantern combo that you can use just about anywhere – on the deck, patio or even poolside. Besides providing illumination for evening entertaining, they include a UV light feature that attracts and instantly eliminates bothersome bugs. Portable and weather-resistant, rechargeable batteries make them a convenient choice for alfresco events.

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n Keep it sustainable and

chic: invest in re-usable decorations and dinnerware, designed for outdoor use. They’re both environmentally responsible and stylish. n Save energy with ecofriendly lighting: illuminate your outdoor space with LED or solar-powered lights, reducing your electricity use and environmental impact. n Set up a composting station: encourage your guests to dispose of their organic waste responsibly, enriching your garden soil while reducing landfill.

Scan the QR code

Bug-zapper lantern

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Re-imagine your deck space with these three styling ideas: bunnings. com.au/beautiful-outdoor-retreat

Read it!

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 34 bunnings.com.au |

GOOD SAVE!

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Photography Cath Muscat, styling Samantha Pointon. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Matador wi-fi wireless meat thermometer with 4 probes, $107.45, I/N: 0281538

NE W

NATURAL & EFFECTIVE Pyrethrum Mosquito Repellent

Bite Shield products harness the natural potency of pyrethrum, a plant-based active ingredient extracted from chrysanthemum daisies grown right here in Australia. The natural pyrethrum formulation provides you with effective mosquito protection, allowing you to enjoy those long summer evenings, outside or inside your home; with mosquito coils, sticks, or an indoor repeller.

biteshield.com.au

Scan QR Code to View Range

DREAM IT

50 fab gifts

PERFECT PRESSIES

FOR UNDER $50

SPRINKLE SOME JOY UNDER THE TREE THIS CHRISTMAS WITH THESE NIFTY GIFTS

5 7

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Photography (bauble) Getty Images

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1 Marquee steel sling chair, $38.97, I/N: 3191815. 2 Marquee 1.6m beach umbrella in Spice and Agret, $24.90, I/N: 0442773. 3 Holman ‘QuikMix’ spray gun, $19.90, I/N: 0362248. 4 Matador large barbecue apron, $17.18, I/N: 3171332. 5 Practa Solutions acrylic resin coasters casting kit, $19.84, I/N: 0383627. 6 Saxon telescopic hedge shears, $19.99, I/N: 0232281. 7 Montgomery 303mm x 253mm x 106mm six-drawer storage organiser, $16.98, I/N: 0327651. 8 Lytworx ‘Lantern’ flickering outdoor solar stake light, $12, I/N: 0358106. 9 Lytworx double filament connectable indoor/outdoor low voltage LED party lights in Warm White, $49.99/pack of 10, I/N: 0341457. 10 Two Trees macramé hammock, $47.94/single, I/N: 0314465. 11 Kids’ 6 piece gardening set in Yellow, $16.50, I/N: 0455868. 12 Cyclone neoprene kneeling pad, $17.49, I/N: 0318011. 13 Ozito 200W detail sander, $34.98, I/N: 0098548. 14 Santalum Estate sandalwood ceramic citronella candle with lid in Black, $38.44, I/N: 0371421. 15 Full Boar 40 piece impact torsion bit set, $39.95, I/N: 0170513. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. bunnings.com.au |

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fab gifts

FOR UNDER $50

20 21 23

25 27

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32 16 Gerni ‘Super’ foam sprayer, $29.98, I/N: 0235555. 17 Trojan heavy duty bypass pruner, $19.99, I/N: 0246311. 18 Verve Design ‘Ralph’ tripod floor lamp in Black, $39, I/N: 0361135. 19 ToughBuilt ‘Reload’ utility knife with 2 blade mags, $39.95, I/N: 0443280. 20 Flapjack kalanchoe in Northcote Pottery ‘Laredo’ 10cm x 8cm pot in White Wash, $4.50, I/N: 0430364 (plant sold separately). 21 Happy Tails pet ball thrower, $2.99, I/N: 0364887. 22 Jumbuck programmable meat thermometer, $17.15, I/N: 0281505. 23 Trojan all steel spiked aerator, $29.98, I/N: 0131548. 24 Craftright 99 piece titanium coated drill bit set, $22.98, I/N: 0019576. 25 Mojo 45cm striped cushion cover, $7.15, I/N: 0149110 (insert sold separately). 26 Mojo 45cm cushion cover in Solid Terracotta, $7.15, I/N: 0285771 (insert sold separately). 27 Tumbleweed ‘Worm Buffet’ in ground worm farm, $39, I/N: 0201386 (worms and food scraps not included). 28 Gerni ‘Classic’ patio cleaner, $46.98, I/N: 0235530. 29 Marquee ‘Disc’ 460mm x 420mm x 350mm recliner chair in Spice, $24.90, I/N: 0442775. 30 Arlec ‘Grid Connect’ smart home motion sensor, $22.50, I/N: 0434999. 31 Magic Living ‘Rabbit’ clock/nightlight, $32.32, I/N: 0341843. 32 Crafted ‘Paint Your Own Pots’ craft kit in Autumn Fields and Earthen Flora, $27.96/pack of 2, I/N: 0387508. 33 Fountain Products 1000mm x 400mm x 370mm trio rocker, $19.98, I/N: 3321445. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 38 bunnings.com.au |

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fab gifts

FOR UNDER $50

36 37 39

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34 Ryobi small lawn mower cover, $39.98, I/N: 0458156. 35 Mirabella ‘Dinosaur Egg’ projector light, $45, I/N: 0481781. 36 Swiss+Tech stainless steel thermal insulated 3 piece bottle and tumblers set, $49, I/N: 0373490. 37 120mm moth orchid with ceramic pot. 38 Ledvance ‘Sunathome’ tunable monitor clip light in White, $39, I/N: 0359019. 39 Ozito ‘PXC’ 18V hand vacuum, $49.90/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6290567. 40 Chinese money plant in Eden ‘Warlu Flying Ant Dreaming’ 16cm Indigenous indoor concrete planter, $18.98, I/N: 0434892 (plant sold separately). 41 Stanley ‘Essentials’ 10 piece screwdriver set, $19.50, I/N: 0127147. 42 Brunnings ‘Maddison’ 60cm 2 tier metal plant stand, $29.98, I/N: 0429437. 43 Titan ‘Deep Freeze’ 24 can soft backpack cooler, $39, I/N: 0274176. 44 Kids raincoat overalls in Yellow, $18/large, I/N: 0355597. 45 Verve Design ‘Laura’ brass table lamp, $44.90, I/N: 0276100 (globe sold separately). 46 Click 40cm 3 blade pedestal fan, $17, I/N: 0454952. 47 Orion ‘Grid Connect’ 1080p HD pan and tilt smart security camera in White, $47, I/N: 0261694. 48 Ryobi ‘PH2’ 50mm 6 piece diamond impact driving bit set, $7.99, I/N: 0436335. 49 Holman 10m misting kit in Charcoal, $34.95, I/N: 0384000. 50 Practa Solutions polymer clay project kit, $27.91/large, I/N: 0383634. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. 40 bunnings.com.au |

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CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE The perfect gift for the eco-conscious plant lover, the elho Ocean Collection of indoor pots is made from marine waste and plastic from the ocean, produced with wind energy and is 100 per cent recyclable. Elho ‘Ocean Collection’ indoor plant pots in Atlantic Blue, 14cm, $17.98, I/N: 0429590, and 16cm, $22.98, I/N: 0429592; and in Pacific Green, 14cm, $17.98, I/N 0429594; and 16cm, $22.98, I/N: 0429597.

Energizer ‘Vision’ 200lm headlight torch, $19.98, I/N: 4410709

Energizer has you covered this Christmas with batteries to power your gifts and lights to keep those holiday adventures going. Treat family and friends to the best from the makers of the world’s longest-lasting battery.

1 Energizer ‘Max’ AA batteries, $29.03/pack of 38, I/N: 4410862. 2 Energizer ‘Max’ AAA batteries, $26.39/pack of 30, I/N: 4410863.

Your fun is our business! Soak up splashtacular summer fun this Christmas with a H2OGO!™ mega water park, above-ground frame pool or deluxe lounge with bonus float for your furry friend! 1 H2OGO! ‘Splash’ mega water park, $299, I/N: 0456474. 2 Bestway ‘Power Steel’ 4.88m x 1.22m above ground pool, $599, I/N: 0262629†. 3 H2OGO! ‘Flex ‘n Fold’ deluxe lounge, $49, I/N: 0455922.

Enjoy Christmas lunch fly-free! Envirosafe Fly Traps have been an essential part of the Australian outdoor lifestyle for more than two decades, allowing time outside without the annoyance of flies. Made from all-natural food-grade materials, they are a highly effective way to reduce the fly population without using toxic sprays. They’re safe to use around people and pets and don’t leave a chemical footprint on the environment. 1 EnviroSafe fly trap, $11.59, I/N: 4475914. 2 EnviroSafe ‘Eco-Bait’ fly attractant refill sachets, $10.43/ pack of 3, I/N: 4475922.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. All pools and pool fencing must conform to your local authority’s safety regulations and guidelines. Always supervise children in or around water. Make sure any lighting used outside is suitable for outdoors.

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Help Santa make your loved ones’ Christmas Day with an inspired gift from this tempting selection

Vibe up your gifts this Christmas with Lytworx! Double up on solar power with our bubble lights and solar speaker for power socketfree partying. Got a big outdoor area? Go for Lytworx 14.5m festoon party lights! 1 Lytworx indoor/outdoor solar/USB acrylic bubble lights in Warm White, $32/pack of 100, I/N: 0312424. 2 Lytworx indoor/outdoor solar/USB portable bluetooth speakers, $89/ pack of 2, I/N: 0456160. 3 Lytworx indoor/ outdoor connectable low voltage double filament festoon party lights in Warm White, $119/pack of 30, I/N: 0376368.

LONG 14.5m LIT LENGTH

AUSTRALIA’S LEADING TIE-DOWNS

1 Gripwell 4.5m x 25mm 450kg ratchet tie down, $44/pack of 4, I/N: 4310654. 2 Gripwell 5m x 38mm 750kg ratchet tie downs, $68/ pack of 4, I/N: 0139174. 3 Gripwell 4.5m x 28mm 300kg cambuckle tie downs with PVC cam cover, $20/pack of 2, I/N: 4310641. 4 Gripwell assorted length tarp/canopy bungee cords with toggle ball, $9.90/pack

of 12, I/N: 4310633.

Pick a present from Pope’s range of convenient and quality hose reels and sets and you’ll help nurture nature over the hot summer months. 1 Pope small garden hose reel with 10m hose, nozzle and tap-to-reel hose, $45, I/N: 0281648. 2 Pope 20m auto wind hose reel set, $139, I/N: 0445774. 3 Pope 15m spiral hose set, $74, I/N: 3110562.

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Esky ‘Keg’ 15L hard cooler, $57.68, I/N: 0327191

Esky 30 can hybrid soft cooler, $39.90, I/N: 0327177

Summer is in full swing, so head in store for all your Esky needs! With a large range of hard and soft coolers and drink jugs, exclusive to Bunnings, Esky will help to cool down your outdoor activities.

Esky ‘Chilla’ 33L plain hard cooler, $57.95, I/N: 0138508

On the verge CULTIVATING THE PATCH OF LAND BETWEEN YOUR HOME AND THE ROAD CAN REAP MANY REWARDS. HERE’S HOW TO GET STARTED Words JANE PARBURY Photography SUE STUBBS

here are many reasons why you might want to take your gardening prowess to the verge outside your home – to extend your growing space, cool down and beautify the front of your property, create a biodiverse environment to nurture wildlife, share homegrown produce with your local community – and more! Whatever lies at the heart of your gardening adventure, it helps to be in the know before you begin – and to be inspired by a couple of verge gardeners.

The important stuff

Start by checking in with your local council – many encourage verge gardens, offering guidelines, assistance and even plants. However most local authorities have different rules, including regulations on plant types and height, structures, clearance from the kerb, access around paths, driveways and letterboxes, and for pedestrian and traffic safety. Planting trees (or other woody species) may not be allowed, especially as their roots could interfere with underground infrastructure and their branches may impact overhead power lines or lines of sight for traffic. Make sure to contact Before You Dig (byda.com.au) to check the location of any underground services in the vicinity that could be damaged (or damage you!) by a digging project. And discuss your plans with neighbours – this may help stifle any objections at the onset and, as a bonus, you might find willing helpers or start a trend in your street!

Verge gardeners Ana and Carl love being out on the street, gardening and chatting to neighbours, while their kids help in the plot or play 44 bunnings.com.au |

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PLAN IT

WHAT TO PLANT

STREET GARDENS

Groundcovers are ideal plants for landscaping verges, says horticulturist Roger Fox – for just one planting hole, you get a square metre or so of foliage cover. For sunny spots, he suggests blue chalk sticks (Senecio serpens) and pigface (Carpobrotus), which bears daisy-like flowers. Tough, ground-covering grevilleas and scaevola flower for many months of the year. “In shadier spots, kangaroo vine (Cissus antarctica) works well, as do clumping plants like dianella, liriope and lomandra when they’re mass planted,” he says. Verge vegies to consider include spring onions, silverbeet, rhubarb, kale, cut-and-come-again lettuces, and herbs like oregano, thyme, lemongrass and rosemary. Horticulturist Angie Thomas of Yates also suggests dwarf varieties of tomatoes or compact ‘bush’ pumpkins like Golden Nugget. “Don’t forget flowers, which brighten up the verge and provide a source of food for beneficial insects and birds,” she says. Avoid planting anything toxic to humans or animals as it is a public space.

Address the basics

Once you’ve been given the green light, take a look at the planting area. If you’re planning to grow edibles, have the soil tested (for a fee) in case of contaminants (search online for soil screening or testing). Bear in mind that the ground is likely to be compacted and unproductive. “Verge areas generally offer unimproved soil, and can be quite a tough environment for plants,” warns horticulturist Roger Fox. “So if you’re creating a new garden bed, prepare it a few weeks ahead of planting by forking through a mix of compost and well-rotted cow manure and then applying a soil-wetting agent.” Work out how much light the space gets – is it shaded by buildings or trees, exposed to the sun all day or somewhere in between? Your best chance of success will be planting to the conditions. “Put shade-loving plants beneath street trees, and tough, drought-hardy species in sun-exposed positions,” says Roger.

Flowers fair

A space planted with pretty shrubs can give the front of your home a welcoming beauty boost, and will need less regular maintenance than a vegie plot. “Ideally, verge landscapes should be able to survive largely on rainfall, with just an occasional helping hand during heatwaves,” says Roger. “Think ground-covering succulents and natives, as well as tough grass-like species such as lomandra. Keep the plant heights low to medium, and steer clear of species with sharp spikes.” Avoid plants with toxic foliage, flowers or produce (search online if you’re not sure), and keep plantings from spilling over onto pathways or blocking access to parked cars.

Edible engagement

If you plan to grow vegies and herbs, raised beds filled with bagged garden soil and a good mix of nurturing nutrients can help solve the problem of poor or damaged soil, but do check whether they’re permitted by your local council, and be aware that they’ll demand plenty of water. Most vegies need at least six hours of sunlight to thrive so, if your space is heavily shaded, you may need to reconsider your plant choices. For safety, avoid planting vegies that require staking. Also, be aware that most verges are adjacent to hard surfaces. “These can become very hot during summer, so choosing hardy plants is a good idea,” says horticulturist Angie Thomas. Check what’s in season at your local store (and see ‘What to plant’, previous page).

Sharing and caring

Certain plants – especially vegies – need looking after to reach their full potential in a verge garden. “During the warmest months, watering thoroughly several times a week will usually be required,” says Angie. “To help keep the soil moist, apply a mulch like bark chips. Add a liquid or soluble fertiliser into a watering can, so you can water and feed the verge at the same time. And each spring and autumn, reapply a rich organic fertiliser to promote soil health.” 46 bunnings.com.au |

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Verge gardens can provide a habitat and refuge for pollinators such as birds, bees, butterflies and beetles. To find out more, search online for the excellent ‘Greening Australia’s verge garden guide’ and look for ‘verge garden’ at communitygarden.org.au

Remember that the nature strip is a public space, and accessible to anyone (and their pets!). Passers-by are free to pick flowers, snip herbs or harvest vegies you’ve planted. This is a wonderful way to give back to your local community. Engage with your neighbours so they’re aware of when and how to harvest. You could also add a few helpful signs to indicate what’s ready to pick and what isn’t, and how to take the vegies that are ready to go – along with a reminder to thoroughly wash any edibles, as they may have been visited by local animals and wildlife! bunningswarehouseaustralia

THE URGE TO VERGE

For Ana and Carl and family, planting the nature strip near their Greater Sydney home has built thriving community connections “The wide verges of our corner block were just plain grass and weeds when we moved in, with average soil compacted from parked cars. But it seemed a wasted opportunity not to plant them out. First we put in a few natives, then during one Covid lockdown we laid down cardboard and mulch, and left just a strip of grass for a path – less mowing! During another lockdown we made the corner herb garden and a vegie/cut flower garden with a low fence to (attempt) to stop the possums. We load the herb and vegie garden with compost regularly and the soil is improving. The vegie garden is about 5m x 3m. It’s on the southern side of a shed and doesn’t get many hours of sun in winter, so is mostly planted out in the warmer months. It’s all about trial and error, but we try to plant a mix of vegetables and rotate crops to avoid diseases. We’ve grown tomatoes, chillies, zucchinis, cucumbers and onion – and currently a lot of garlic! Our seven-year-old, Huon, and four-year-old twins, Gilbert and Ruby, go through phases of being involved

in the garden. They enjoy sowing the big seeds of plants like beans, peas or sunflowers, which seem to burst out of the soil with gusto, and digging up potatoes and pulling carrots – most satisfying! They love plants like cucamelons (mini cucumbers with a bit of a zing) that they can pick and eat right away. And we grow flowers in this area, because we all love blooms, bees and birds, and also so we can pick bunches for people. The rest of the verge is planted with a variety of natives. We raise loads of plants from seed in our backyard greenhouse and plant them out when they’re big and strong, and also get seedlings from other locals, the food co-op, nursery and hardware store. Our neighbours have only been positive about our verge gardens. We – and other keen gardening neighbours – put surplus seedlings up on the corner with a ‘help yourself’ note, and we leave excess produce in a little box for people to take. We built the herb garden around the street signs, so it feels like it is for everyone on our streets. Neighbours sometimes ask what herbs they should grab for the dinner they’re cooking and we’re known as ‘the herb garden people’ at our kids’ school! We are often out on the verge – weeding, planting, watering and mulching – so naturally we meet people, chat and generally get to know who lives on our little block of streets.”

“Be ready to chat to neighbours and passers-by – verge gardening really is a wonderful way to engage with people in your area” Carl and Ana, verge gardeners

The herb garden, filled with tough plants like rosemary, oregano, parsley and sage that can cope with the hot afternoon sun, attracts neighbours from surrounding streets

SAY IT WITH FLOWERS PUT ON A SHOW WITH THE GARDEN STARS OF THE SUNNY SEASON

et the scene for summer with an outdoor space that’s bursting with brilliant blooms. From fragrant frangipanis and beautiful bougainvilleas to cute cosmos and darling dahlias, there are many wonderful options that will reward you with a sea of colour throughout the warmer months. In lush garden beds, bright hanging baskets or flower-filled pots, they’ll form a beautiful living backdrop to any alfresco gathering. You can also use your homegrown blooms to create ‘runners’ to dress up outdoor table settings. Whether you’ve got a small balcony or a sprawling backyard, we’ve got you covered – in blooms!

“Deadhead spent f lowers to encourage more f lowering throughout the season and to reduce pests and diseases” Sue Edwards, Seasol

Garden borders filled with drifts of luxuriant blooms, like these dahlias, are one of the great joys of summer

SUMMER COLOUR

Photography Gap Photos/Nicola Stocken

PLAN IT

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The only way is up

Colour me happy

Whether it be for pots or garden beds, there are many flowering plants to choose from. Horticulturist Tyler Howard (@thoward) suggests including options that do more than just add colour. “Salvias, lavenders, grevilleas, kangaroo paws, dahlias, marigolds and paper daisies are just a few fantastic summer blooms that will keep pollinators and nectar-eaters happy,” he says. “Give them full sun and a good feed and they will reward you with blooms on blooms.” Use a nativespecific fertiliser for Australian plants. In part shade, Tyler recommends choosing bloomers like hydrangeas, tibouchinas, impatiens and heliconias. “In a sunny spot you can also fill pots and planters with quick flowering

Sweeten an outdoor setting with low vases of garden-fresh blooms like Geraldton wax and ranunculus

annuals or perennials such as alyssum, cosmos, rudbeckia, verbena, nasturtiums and zinnia for that cottage charm,” he says. “Make sure you use a premium potting mix and give them a good feed at planting.”

Petal attraction

Decorate your outdoor table with a floral centrepiece using flowers such as cosmos, dahlias, dianthus, gardenias, hydrangeas and roses. Florist Nadine Brown of The Ivy Institute (@the_ivyinstitute) suggests keeping arrangements long and low. “If blooms encroach on a guest’s vision, the flowers inevitably get moved and plonked in a corner,” she says. A garland or floral ‘runner’ down the length of the table or cascading off the end is another option. “Insert the ends of stems into water tubes and top them up daily, and your festive garland will last for up to a week,” says Nadine.

“For extra colour, there’s no shortage of bromeliads for sun and shade which will also provide great frog habitat!” Tyler Howard, horticulturist

DAHLIA 50 bunnings.com.au |

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GREVILLEA bunnings |

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BEAT THE HEAT

To make the most of every drop of water, Tyler Howard suggests adding a wetting agent to pots and garden beds, followed by a layer of mulch. “A wetting agent ensures water penetrates the soil and gets to the roots, and mulch helps keep roots cool while also retaining moisture,” he says. And summer is the perfect time to consider drip irrigation, he says. “It saves water and will help you get the most out of your garden.” If a heatwave is expected, water plants well the night before and repeat early in the morning. Water the soil deeply to ensure water gets to the plant roots. But first, check with your local council if watering restrictions apply. “Apply a seaweed solution once every 1-2 weeks,” says Sue Edwards. “This promotes strong healthy growth and reduces heat stress effects.”

LAVENDER

Photography (top) Alex Reinders, styling Samantha Pointon, (below) Getty Images.

Climbing and trailing plants are a fabulous way to introduce colour and vertical interest. Display in hanging baskets, festooned on arbours or trained up trellises. For a stylish welcome to an outdoor entertaining area, install an arbour at the entrance and train honeysuckle, bougainvillea, clematis or the Australian native hardenbergia (now available in purple, white or pink) over it. Alternatively, Sue Edwards of Seasol suggests positioning an arbour over a bench or small table setting. “Add to this a climbing rose or jasmine and you have colour, fragrance and shade all in one,” she says.

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Reel easy Grab the new and improved kink-free hose reel from Pope to make watering your garden a breeze

Thanks to a slimline bracket, you can install the Pope Auto Wind hose reel virtually anywhere! A convenient trigger hand spray reduces the risk of wasting precious water

The stylish reel unit is UV treated, which helps preserve its good looks

ith a hot, dry summer on the cards, it’s likely you’ll need to get out the garden hose pretty frequently to keep your plants happy. But as many keen gardeners will know, this can be a trying process. No matter how neatly you thought you left your hose coiled, when you come to use it, the hose will have morphed into a tangled mess with kinks aplenty. You can say goodbye to all this with the new and improved Pope Auto Wind Hose Reel. It’s the perfect solution for a neat and tidy garden – no more hose coils killing the grass or providing a trip hazard – but it has also had a design makeover to make using it easier than ever. An improved internal mechanism allows for smooth, controlled rewinding, with a stop-andgo action that locks at the length you need – no tugging and heaving to get it where you want it to go.

SMOOTH OPERATOR Available in three lengths – 12m, 20m and a sizeable 30m – the reel has a new, slimline bracket to give plenty of mounting options; the best place is a wall that allows it to pivot up to its maximum 180° for simple and speedy watering. It can also be retrofitted to previous model brackets. Designed and tested in Australia, with rigorous quality control, the reel is UV treated to shrug off our sometimes harsh conditions, while a built-in carry handle ensures it’s easy to move around.

INSTANT ATTRACTION

Scan this QR code to watch how easy it is to install the Pope Auto Wind Hose Reel.

Pope 30m auto wind hose reel set, $189, I/N: 0445773

@popeproductsaustralia @popeproductsaustralia @PopeAustralia Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Always check with your local council if watering restrictions apply in your area.

gardeningwithpope.com.au

What’s more, the Auto Wind Hose Reel is ready to use straight out of the box, with a mounting bracket and fittings, high-quality, kink-resistant hose, tapto-reel connection, Pope’s unique Perma Fit connectors (designed to make drips and leaks a thing of the past) and a trigger hand spray all included, providing great value for money. If you were stuck for the ideal Christmas present for the green thumb in your life, you’re stuck no longer!

SHOP 1

A hanging basket overflowing with petunias is dazzling in a small space

KANGAROO PAW 52 bunnings.com.au |

PAPER DAISY bunnings |

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HYDRANGEA bunnings |

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1 Seasol ‘Complete Garden Health Treatment’ seaweed solution, $25.82/2.4L, I/N: 2962112. 2 Calibrachoa ‘Triple Treat’ in Gardman ‘Georgian’ 45cm hanging basket in Black, $25.09, I/N: 2891375 (plants sold separately). 3 Gardman ‘Versailles’ garden arch, $153.47, I/N: 3320903. 4 Neutrog ‘Whoflungdung’ mulch, $21.50, I/N: 0057433. 5 Amgrow Wettasoil ‘Professional’ granular soil wetter, $45.30/10kg, I/N: 2961311. 6 Bougainvillea. 7 Scotts Osmocote ‘Premium’ potting mix, $9.28/25L, I/N: 2962139. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

MARIGOLD

Photography (top) Gap Photos/Nova Photo Graphik, (below) Getty Images. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Scan the QR code to buy online

The finishing touch Make a style statement in your outdoor space with help from pot and plant experts Northcote Pottery

n a gorgeous garden scheme, outdoor pots are the icing on the cake, the essential accessories to take a garden ‘outfit’ from drab to fab. They’re also a fantastic opportunity to experiment with different colours, materials and trends, without overhauling the entire space. Not sure where to start? Container gardening experts Northcote Pottery deliver the latest trends in outdoor pots with stunning planters that are durable, practical and affordable.

MEDITERRANEAN MOMENTS Add an international flavour to your garden with Northcote Pottery Holland planters. These terracotta pots have a high-lustre glaze in the bright cobalt of the ocean on a perfect summer day. This saturated pop of colour brings a happy holiday vibe to any garden, from contemporary to cottage, but the Holland planters look particularly striking when contrasted with dry-loving natives and Mediterranean-style plants, such as rosemary, lavender and even your favourite citrus, to bring a vibrant new dimension of colour to a muted garden palette. LEFT (from left): Northcote Pottery ‘Holland’ planters in Blue: 37cm, $46.98, I/N: 0330165; 24cm, $19.98, I/N: 0330163; 45cm, $66, I/N: 0330166; 30cm, $29.98, I/N: 0330164.

COASTAL COLOUR Just like the ocean, the LA collection looks different in every light, with shifting tones of teal ranging from the shadowy depths of a rock pool to the bright blue-green waters of a sandy bay. Use the LA collection of planters to make an ocean-inspired statement anywhere in the garden – made from lightweight resin composite, the pots can be easily moved around the patio or garden. Use a single pot or bowl to create a cheery focal point or, for maximum impact, group all four shapes together in one eye-catching vignette. RIGHT (from left): Northcote Pottery ‘LA’ planters in Forest Green: 31cm bullet pot, $66.88, I/N: 0362283; 30cm bowl, $20.90, I/N: 0357821; 45cm egg pot, $70.84, I/N: 0357823; 30cm egg pot, $35.42, I/N: 0357822.

Advertising promotion From left: Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ moon bowls in White: 21cm, $19.98, I/N: 2831975; 55cm, $96.58, I/N: 2831971; 42cm, $65.08, I/N: 2831973; 31cm, $35.98, I/N: 2831974. ‘Precinct Lite’ egg pots in Black: 45cm, $75.98, I/N: 0096203; 32cm, $44.98, I/N: 0096202; 55cm, $99.98, I/N: 0096204; 25cm, $19.98, I/N: 0096201.

THE LAYERED LOOK When in doubt, monochrome is always the answer. The Precinct Lite range of moon and egg pots in black and white is an instant winner in any space – and the more of them the better! With a lightly textured terrazzo finish and elegantly rounded shape, their minimalist simplicity is the ideal marriage for a modern garden, but also gives crisp contrast in a wilder planting scheme. Cluster varying sizes of pots in the same colour for an easy styling solution, mix black and white for a chic grouping, or add depth by pairing them with pots in complementary colours and textures.

Northcote Pottery ‘Pithari’ terracotta urn, $185.90, I/N: 0356453 (only available in limited stores)

TRADITIONAL TERRACOTTA Terracotta pots are a never-fail garden staple. And Northcote Pottery would know – they’ve been handling them since 1897. Timeless terracotta pots look wonderful lined up along a windowsill or on a greenhouse shelf, grouped in varied sizes on the patio or singly on a side table. Stick to the classic pot or experiment with different shapes, such as the low and wide Super Bloomer pot or a low bowl, both of which are ideally suited for use as a permanent centrepiece on your summer outdoor table. RIGHT (from left): Northcote Pottery ‘Super Bloomer’ 37cm terracotta pot, $28.38, I/N: 2864115; 33cm Italian terracotta pot, $18.37, I/N: 2855867; 31cm Italian terracotta low bowl, $15.07, I/N: 2855891. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Take care when selecting your plants, as some can be poisonous to children and pets.

GREEK GODDESS Take the classic terracotta pot and make it extra special with a Grecian-inspired Pithari terracotta urn. This stately urn combines timeless and practical terracotta with a rustic design and a stately elegance, that makes it a standout feature anywhere you put it. Stunning on its own, this regal planter looks even more striking when potted up with a tall tree – try an olive tree to continue the Mediterranean theme.

northcotepottery.com @Northcote Pottery @northcotepottery Scan the QR code to see the range of Northcote Pottery pots available at Bunnings.

Advertising promotion Whatever your roof colour or type, you’ll find a WindMaster to match!

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Not only does the Bradford Ventilation WindMaster function well, it looks good, too! The WindMaster is available at Bunnings in store and online in 21 colours, including the latest Colorbond® steel hues. Choose the one that best blends in with your roof as it spins away, quietly helping to make your home a healthier and more comfortable place.

On a hot day, the temperature in your roof space can climb to a shocking level, over 70˚C. The Bradford Ventilation WindMaster spins, forcing this hot air out of the roof space and replacing it with outdoor air. This can reduce the strain on your air conditioner, extend the life of your roof and, most importantly, vent out heat and humidity from the roof space. The WindMaster is a winddriven turbine, meaning it operates without consuming electricity (and can be installed easily), plus it even operates when there’s no wind, due to changes in air pressure, density levels and temperature.

Surfmist™

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THE SOLUTION YOU CAN TRUST For the benefits a wind-driven vent offers, it pays to select the best for your home. Bradford WindMaster is made in Australia for Australian homes and conditions, from high-quality aluminium, and is backed by a 15 year warranty. It’s approved by the National Asthma Council’s Sensitive Choice program as a great option for asthma and allergy sufferers. It’s also designed for DIY installation – or you can take advantage of the Bunnings supply and install offer at the Special Orders Desk‡.

Windspray™

nsulating your home against the elements is all well and good, but for a home to be truly healthy, it needs to breathe. Without adequate ventilation in the roof space, it can develop mould and mildew in the cooler seasons, and may contribute to the rest of the building getting hot in summer. For a healthier home that breathes the way it should, air it out with a Bradford Ventilation WindMaster roof vent.

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The COLORBOND® steel colour swatches and images shown have been reproduced to represent actual product colours as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing, as varying lighting conditions of the printing process may affect colour tones. COLORBOND®, BlueScope™ and ® Colour names are registered trademarks of BlueScope Steel Limited. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. Not all colours shown are available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered online or at the Special Orders Desk: †all states; ††Tas; †††Tas and FN Qld. ‡Not all services are available in all stores; conditions apply.

PLAN IT

OUTDOOR ILLUMINATION

LIGHT THE NIGHT DESIGN A MASTERFUL LIGHTING SCHEME FOR ALFRESCO AREAS WITH THESE ON-TREND IDEAS

Photography Natalie Hunfalvay. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Claire Talbot: sculptgardens.co.nz.

Words JANE PARBURY

n outdoor lighting plan should be as well considered as an indoor one. Garden designer Claire Talbot of Sculpt Gardens says it’s helpful to think about different layers of lighting, using a range of sources. “Look at ambient lighting to create a mood, such as soft overhead lights on a pergola; task lighting for activities like cooking; and accent lighting to highlight specific features, for example stairs and sculptures,” she says.

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“Consider size when choosing light f ixtures: too large or too small and they could be overbearing or insignificant” Claire Talbot, garden designer

Well chosen permanent fixed lighting can provide a stylish link between indoor and outdoor lighting schemes

Start with the essentials

It’s important to set a budget, advises Jane Wright, Bunnings trend and design manager. “Outdoor lighting can be more costly than indoor lighting, particularly if you want to use brass or bronze to withstand the elements.” Consider practical lighting first, such as low-level or inset lamps for pathways, and spotlights for the barbecue. Sensor floodlights can be a good burglar deterrent, and can be used to light up your gate or front door when you arrive home. 58 bunnings.com.au |

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Make it interesting

Then comes the fun stuff: fairy lights, feature lamps, colour-changing illumination for special zones. Areas like the entertaining zone – especially during the festive season – are an opportunity to go to town with myriad sparkly lights and colour-changing fittings, which are growing in popularity. “Outdoor strip lighting comes in a range of colours and programmable controls, so you can change the mood to match the occasion,” explains Claire Talbot.

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There’s also a growing trend for stylish fittings that not only make a statement in your outdoor space, but create an inviting, cohesive scheme. “In addition to portable lighting solutions, fixed permanent designs that echo indoor products are gaining momentum,” says Jane. “Stone-like ceramics, textural weaves and natural stone interpretations define this look. Decorative wall sconces [wall lights] echo their indoor counterparts, and go beyond function to provide a soft, summer evening cast.”

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Photography (left) Gap Photos; (right) Gap Photos/Nicola Stocken; (opposite) Natalie Hunfalvay. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Build your outdoor lighting plan around key areas and features that you want to highlight

Low-level path lights are perfect for accenting stairs, while providing safe navigation around the garden

SHOP

2 3 4

5 6 7

Simple set-up Highlight garden features

Interesting textures, such as brickwork, rock walls and screens, can be lit from the top or bottom so the light floods down over the surface, says Claire. “Wrapping large feature trees – trunks and branches – with built-for-purpose fairy lights can create a real focal statement.” Also consider the colour of your fittings. “If the walls are warm and earthy, look at bronze or gold detailing,” says Claire. “If the walls are colder colours, then black or pewter would be better suited.”

Practical considerations

Lights can be hardwired – for which you’ll need the services of a licensed electrician – or solar-powered, which won’t impact your energy bill. “Solar lights and motion sensor lights are trending, partly linked to consumers seeking energy-saving solutions and hands-free products to adjust brightness and colouring,” says Jane.

Finally, do consider the neighbours. Avoid overlighting your space – shadows can provide an engaging contrast – and have your lights on a timer so that they switch off in the evening at a reasonable hour.

Scan the QR code Going solar? Try these bright ideas for your exterior spaces: bunnings.com.au/outdoor-lighting

Watch it!

9 10

1 Brilliant ‘Corbett’ 240V up/down wall light in Black, $32, I/N: 7071776. 2 Brilliant ‘Ventnor’ 4W LED wall light in Light Grey, $30, I/N: 0088771. 3 Brilliant ‘Binley’ 8W up/ down wall light in Black, $57, I/N: 0186173. 4 Lytworx ‘Mini Puck’ indoor/outdoor low voltage LED landscape lights in Warm White, $59/pack of 15, I/N: 0456163 (globes included). 5 Brilliant ‘Cumbria’ 6W LED round wall light in White, $30, I/N: 0186169. 6 Verve Design ‘Bristol’ farm wall light, $57, I/N: 4371473. 7 HPM ‘Tuli’ 12V LED pond spotlight, $40.74, I/N: 7080223† (globe included). 8 Arlec ‘Grid Connect’ 10W LED smart bunker light, $29, I/N: 0119822. 9 HPM 12V stainless steel LED spotlight, $45.05, I/N: 7071553†. 10 Holman 250mm path light in Warm White, $59, I/N: 0011679. 11 Arlec 200lm LED solar sensor floodlight, $10, I/N: 0181800 (globes included). All globes sold separately unless stated otherwise. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Make sure any lighting used outside is suitable for outdoors. Any hardwired electrical fixtures must be installed by a licensed electrician.

UPDATE IT

SAFETY FIRST

ways to stay safe outdoors

PREP FOR ENTERTAINING AND PROTECT AGAINST HAZARDS WITH OUR SEASONAL CHECKLIST

Give the barbecue some TLC. Over time, grease and food residue can accumulate, becoming a fire hazard, explains Tim Hooper at Char-Griller. “Remove the grates and burners, if possible, and scrub them clean with a wire brush. Wipe down the interior and exterior surfaces with a damp cloth and mild detergent.” Replace any damaged parts and, if you cook with gas, check for leaks. “Mix equal parts water and dish soap and apply to the gas connections and hoses,” says Tim. “Turn on the gas momentarily (without igniting the grill). If you see bubbles forming, it indicates a leak. In this case, turn off the gas supply and replace the faulty parts immediately.” Char-Griller ‘Triple Grid Helix’ grill brush, $15, I/N: 0281517

Hy-Clor 4 in 1 pool test kit, $64.67, I/N: 3090182

the plumbing and electrics – including the pump, filters and so on – inspected by a professional, and make sure the pool gate and fencing is completely secure (for a very helpful Home Pool Safety checklist, visit royallifesaving.com.au). Test the water two to three times a week, and store pool chemicals out of the reach of children, under lock and key.

Light the way

You and your guests should be able to move around outside safely and easily, so maintain paths and steps to help prevent trips and slips, and keep them clear of obstacles like pot plants. After dark, illuminate changes of levels with a gentle wash of light. Outdoor-rated LED strip lights can define stair edges and look fabulous.

Be water wise

Pool safety is crucial. Check your local compliance regulations, and thoroughly review your pool and its surrounds. Have

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Lytworx RGB and bi-colour indoor/outdoor smart strip light, $62/5m, I/N: 0355532

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Ward off mozzies

Don’t let biting insects ruin your alfresco dinners. Citronella candles such as those from Waxworks are a tried-andtested mozzie repellent. For a whole-area solution, Graham Honeyman at Mayo Hardware suggests a zone defender like Thermacell’s E55 rechargeable mosquito repeller. “It creates a 28sqm zone of advanced protection to stop mosquitoes Gecko 25W before they can bug zapper $59, bite you,” he says. lantern, I/N: 0292182 Or deal with bugs with extreme prejudice using the outdoor-friendly Gecko zapper lantern, which has a handy catcher tray for easy cleaning.

Coolaroo ‘Brighton’ 3.5m solar LED cantilever umbrella in Black, $1,099, I/N: 0397269

easily as the sun moves. Pick a model with solar-powered LEDs for added sparkle after sunset.

Power up

If your idea of a good night in is a boogie in the backyard or a movie under the stars, you may need the kit to match. The key here is to remember that any electrical items you use outside must be rated as suitable for outdoor use, even if you’re intending to use them in an undercover space. Remember, too, that any hardwired electrics, including outdoor power points, will need to be fitted by a suitably qualified and licensed electrician.

Embrace shady spaces

Long, lazy lunches are lovely, but not if you’re being fried in the summer sun. If you dine outdoors regularly, a fixed pergola could be the best bet. For a portable option, try an umbrella. Cantilever ones work well as there’s no central pole to get in the way of the table, plus they can be repositioned

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Costway 12' (3.06m) HD 16:9 indoor/outdoor projector screen with stand and bag, I/N: 0503718*. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. *Delivery charges may apply.

Words Jane Parbury

Grill with confidence

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UPDATE IT

SUMMER COMFORT

Photography Gap Photos/Tomek Ciesielski, landscape architecture Malgorzata Helman. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

A combination of structures and plantings can contribute to lower temperatures indoors and outdoors

COOL MOVES FEELING THE HEAT IN YOUR HOME AND HIP POCKET? DON’T SWEAT IT! USE THESE SMART, LOW-ENERGY WAYS TO CHILL OUT

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cool home to retreat to is one of the joys of summer, but with temperatures and energy costs on the rise, comfort and bills are in focus. Regulating the temperature of your home boils down to two strategies: keeping heat from entering in the first place; and cooling it down once heat builds up. The climate you live in, the size and design of your home and the lifestyle you lead all have an impact on your cooling needs and associated costs.

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and packed into the roof cavity can dramatically improve temperature regulation, and insulating strips used around doors and windows will also keep heat from creeping in. Minimum insulation criteria has applied to new dwellings for many years now but, if you live in an older home, a DIY retrofit is achievable and worthwhile.

Pros and (air) cons

If building or renovating, you can incorporate passive design strategies (such as cross ventilation, eaves and optimal orientation) to address temperature spikes from the outset. Older homes and rental properties can also be made more comfortable with a few prudent updates.

External forces

Elham Monavari from the Green Building Council of Australia (new. gbca.org.au) says deflecting the sun is the first step to keeping your home cool. “Installing awnings around the house is an effective way to minimise heat gain, as are external and internal shading devices such as roller blinds or curtains,” she says. For west-facing windows, Elham recommends external shutters and shading. Well-placed water features can cool air flowing towards a house, she says. Gutter or pergola-mounted misters can also bring relief.

planting trees. Reducing hardscaped areas in favour of garden beds and vegetation, or shading with trees or structures such as pergolas, is also advised. Lighter-coloured pavers and roofs absorb and radiate less heat.

Hidden heroes

The material your home is built from affects its performance in hot and cold weather. The thicker the walls and the better the seals around windows and doors, the cooler (or warmer in winter) you will be. Insulation between external and internal walls

Natural cover

Strategic positioning of trees and shrubs is another way to reduce heat into a home. “Planting around the house helps cool air flowing in – and native plants use less water and help local fauna,” says Elham. “Deciduous trees, planted around north, northeast and north-west facing windows, let sun in during winter and provide shade in the summer, so act as natural cooling devices for a home.” Be aware of potentially invasive tree roots when 64 bunnings.com.au |

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GOOD SAVE!

Top tips to use energy wisely. Make the most of cooler airflow in the early morning and late at night, by opening windows to let in breezes and let out hot air. If you are on solar energy, put timers on appliances to ensure you are using solar rather than the grid. Close doors to keep cool air only in the rooms being used. Aim for a temperate aircon setting of 25°C to 27°C. Energy use is increased between 5 to 10 per cent for every degree you increase cooling*. If you don’t have access to solar, review your energy plan and buy green energy.

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Scan the QR code Create shade: bunnings.com.au/ incorporate-shade-into-your-home

Watch it!

*Sources: choice.com.au, energyrating.gov.au, yourhome.gov.au

Coolaroo 5m x 3m rectangle commercial grade shade sail in Stone, $248, I/N: 3300364. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered

Fans are relatively inexpensive to run – experts estimate using a fan 24/7 over summer costs around $30*. Pedestal, tower and ceiling fans all move air around, creating a cooling effect. Ceiling fans should be set to rotate anticlockwise in summer, to push air directly down. Most homes will wilt after a run of hot days but when airconditioning can account for around 40 per cent of household energy use* it pays to use it wisely. Do your research to make sure the aircon you choose is right for your home and needs, and get nerdy about the settings – experts advise setting the thermostat to 8°C cooler than the outside temperature for maximum efficiency*. Renters can consider portable options. Bunnings national electrical buyer John Campbell says, “Portable airconditioners are suitable for cooling specific rooms and offer more energy-efficient cooling than central AC, if used sparingly.” If you’re kicking off a building project, it’s worth consulting the Green Building Council of Australia website. “It’s a great guide for turning your home into the most efficient and resilient home it can be,” says Elham.

You’ll find it hard to choose just one! The Arlec range of ceiling fans offers something for every taste, every interior and every great night’s sleep this summer. Visit us online to see our complete range.

arlec.com.au

1800 595 212

Advertising promotion

Comfort and joy Here are some tips and practical ways to help manage the stress of this festive season

he holiday season can trigger a range of emotions. Taking a break from work or school and catching up with friends and family can make this a special time of year. But for some, it can also be a difficult time. Family tensions, unrealistic expectations and the added financial burden of buying gifts can take their toll. If this time of year makes you feel down, anxious or stressed, then you are not alone. Reaching out can be tough, but getting things out in the open can prevent

FAMILY EXPECTATIONS

KIDS’ EXPECTATIONS

Part of the reason the festive season can be stressful is the expectation of a happy family gathering where everyone gets along. But different values, expectations and incomes can make it tricky. Plan arrangements early and let your family or friends know what you can or can’t do, as overstretching yourself can create conflict. Be aware that this is a busy time and that everyone is under some pressure and stress, so arguments can easily erupt. Try to avoid topics you know will cause disagreements and use distraction to quickly move onto a safer subject.

It’s not easy explaining to children that they can’t always get what they want or have things work out as they’d hoped. Let them know about plans or what to expect well ahead of time, so they can prepare and express any emotions without impacting others on the day. And don’t expect perfect behaviour! Children will get tired, overwhelmed and cranky, so try to be patient. Remember, spending time together on fun family activities and traditions can create better memories – for both the kids and you – than expensive gifts.

these emotions from becoming overwhelming. Head to Health is a free service that will connect you to mental health support in your area. When you call the national number 1800 595 212, you’ll talk to a friendly mental health professional who will take the time to understand your needs and find support that is right for you. As you plan this holiday season, your wellbeing should be at the top of your Christmas list. Here are some hints and tips that may help you.

SEPARATED OR BLENDED FAMILIES Juggling holiday arrangements across multiple families and locations can be difficult. Co-parents who can work together with minimal conflict take the burden off their kids. Try to stagger celebrations so that they can spend time with both parents. Let kids know the plans well ahead of time because not keeping them in the loop can increase their anxiety. Try to create new traditions that suit your changed family circumstances, and recognise that this may not be the best time to sort out long-standing grievances.

GRIEF AND LOSS Separation, losing a loved one or even your home – whatever the cause, the holiday season can be difficult when feeling a sense of loss. Give yourself permission to grieve and remember that people show grief in different ways. Make a list of all the positive things in your life or things you are thankful for. Reach out to family or friends and let them know how you feel so they can consider this when planning events. Sometimes, being around people can help. If you don’t have people close to you, consider going to one of the free community events that take place at this time of year.

HeadtoHealth.gov.au Head to Health is not a crisis or emergency service. If you or if someone you know is in crisis, call Lifeline 24/7 on 13 11 14. While the Australian Government contributed funding for this material, it has not reviewed the content and is not responsible for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided herein.

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Smart made easy Enjoy a new world of freedom with Gainsborough Liberty™ smart locks

Gainsborough ‘Liberty’ smart entrance lock, $349, I/N: 0526040†

Gainsborough ‘Liberty’ smart lever lock, $249, I/N: 0526039†

The Liberty range of smart locks brings convenience, security and sleek design to a home’s entry

f you’re looking to expand your home tech, a smart door lock is arguably the most useful addition, offering key-free convenience and bringing a new level of security to your home. A smart lock can be the practical jewel of your smart tech set-up, but for optimised functionality, it needs to be able to work with your connected home platform – and now it can, with the Gainsborough Liberty range, compatible with Grid Connect.

THE KEY TO EASY LIVING The keystone of a smart home set-up is an intuitively functional platform, such as Grid Connect. It allows you to access an entire suite of smart home products, controlling them all – individually or in unison – through the Grid Connect app. The convenience of connecting to a smart home ecosystem like this cannot be

overstated, and with Gainsborough Liberty smart locks, your new front door security can fit right in. By connecting your Gainsborough Liberty smart lock to the Grid Connect system, you can use the app to lock and unlock your door, check that it’s secure and even connect it to other devices in the Grid Connect system. Connect the lock to wi-fi using the Grid Connect hub (sold separately) and you can unlock with your voice, via Amazon Alexa or Hey Google*, and let Grid Connect take over your ‘arriving home’ routine, automatically switching on lights, aircon and even music, triggered by unlocking your Liberty smart lock*.

THE SMARTEST UPGRADE

know-how at your fingertips for an affordable price, without compromising on style or security. The Gainsborough Liberty smart lever lock (suitable for internal and sheltered external doors) delivers smart functionality plus an advanced fingerprint sensor, while the Gainsborough Liberty smart entrance lock offers this and more, with a backlit keypad. Their sleek design makes both a style asset, but it’s the smart functionality that will win your heart – walk out the door without being weighed down by keys, check your family has arrived home safely, give one-time access to tradies, and never have that niggling ‘did I lock up?’ worry ever again.

Australia’s trusted brand in door hardware is now a trusted brand in smart locks, and the Gainsborough Liberty range puts all this technological

†Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. *Voice control lock/unlock via Amazon Alexa and Hey Google. Amazon, Alexa and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Grid Connect is a trademark of Grid Connect Inc.

UPDATE IT

DOORS & WINDOWS

Points of entry

dramatic sweep of glass, the satisfying clunk of a solid timber door and a smooth gliding window are not necessarily items that top a homeowner’s wishlist. But quality windows and doors matter, and there is much to be gained from paying attention to details such as heat protection, weatherproofing and security features.

Photography Getty Images. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

WITH THE SUMMER HOLIDAYS IN FULL SWING, MAKE IMPROVEMENTS TO KEEP YOUR HOME SAFE AND COOL

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LEFT French door-style windows showcase a garden aspect, while white blockout curtain lining helps to keep out heat on scorching days

Remsafe ‘Venlock Mini’ window restrictor safety lock in Black, $16.73, I/N: 0379040

Fit for purpose

When choosing external windows and doors, key considerations include privacy, noise, aspect, insulation and security, so take stock of your home to determine your needs. For example, a property on a busy road may need double glazing on the windows, and a bathroom that’s overlooked by a neighbour may require frosted glass panes. Depending on orientation, you may opt for sun- and heat-blocking solid timber over a glass-panelled front door. Bunnings national doors and windows buyer Louis Rigby advises, “A solid timber front door with no window is the best for thermal efficiency, and has the best wind and acoustic purposes.” 70 bunnings.com.au |

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Invest in good-quality heat-ref lecting blinds or curtains to boost the thermal eff iciency of your home Out the back, sliding glass doors are a space-saver and also open up the view, as do French doors. Whatever their style, all doors and windows should be well fitted and maintained to maximise their insulation and security properties. “A solid timber door is the most popular and practical security solution. The lock, hinges and even a good door jamb are all factors,

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so install dead bolts and security hinges with closing pins, and inspect your doors to ensure any timber or glass surrounds are in good condition,” says Louis. If you are looking to improve the impact rating of glass, block UV to reduce heat gain or boost privacy, there is a window film to suit and they are super easy to apply. Door and window seals are also excellent DIY additions to prevent heat, dust, smoke and bugs from entering your home. “The most effective solutions are RP8 and batwing seals, as they deliver significant improvements on air transfer. We have a full range of these in store to retro fit or install integrated with doors,” says Louis.

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Photography Gap Interiors/Costas Picadas, interior designer Claire Maestroni. *Source: yourhome.gov.au/passive-design/glazing. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Swann window/door wi-fi sensor, $42, I/N: 0343424†

SHOP 1

Aluminium windows are lowmaintenance, though will corrode over time. Timber windows need more upkeep but are better insulators, and will last longer with care. Choose what most suits your house style and budget.

Do a double act

Double glazing used to just be for homes in extreme climates, but is now increasingly common as more people embrace its thermal (as well as acoustic) performance. Up to 40 per cent of a home’s heating energy can be lost and up to 87 per cent of its heat gained through windows*, so efficient glazing helps raise the level of comfort indoors with the bonus of reducing energy consumption. Sean Keogh at Polar recommends checking the Window Energy Rating Scheme (WERS) numbers to compare the performance of windows, doors and skylights. “Polar Eco-View windows and doors are all double glazed and have a WERS certification attached to the range,” says Sean. “These insulated glass units (IGUs) reduce heat loss during winter and help keep the hot radiant heat out in summer.” And there is an extra benefit, says Sean: “Double-glazed safety glass fitted in panes is difficult to break.”

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Call security

For an instant safety upgrade, replace basic or flimsy locks on your windows – whether sash or sliding – with one of the many options available. Louis says this is a simple task on both timber and aluminium windows, as they are fairly standard sizes. From key-lockable bolts, push and cable locks, restrictors and winders, you can child- and burglar-proof in one go. Also consider adding a heavy-duty screen door that does double duty as a security gate – not just a flyscreen. An aluminium frame interfilled with stainless steel mesh is ideal, as it won’t stop you seeing out, but is hard to cut through. Keeping this locked and the front door open while you’re home provides cross-ventilation benefits, helping bring cooling costs down.

11 14 1 Hume ‘Linear XLR150’ 2040mm x 820mm x 40mm SPM entrance door, $826, I/N: 2035556†. 2 Delf keyed sash window lock in Satin Chrome, $16.64, I/N: 4110576. 3 Pillar embossed frost adhesive window film, $15.60/2m, I/N: 3961889. 4 Yale ‘Unity’ security screen door lock with keypad in Silver, $579, I/N: 0389089†. 5 ProtectorAl 2030-2070mm x 798-848mm x 19mm adjustable hinged aluminium security door in Monument with stainless steel mesh, $732.12, I/N: 0089769†. 6 Raven 915mm clear anodised storm proof door seal, $38.28, I/N: 4065379. 7 Gainsborough security deadlock for sliding door in Black, $95.43, I/N: 4185220. 8 Polar ‘Eco-View Windows’ 1200mm x 600mm frosted glass openable double glazed window in Black, $529, I/N: 1040302†. 9 Windoware ‘Charm’ 210cm x 60cm blockout roller blind in Stone, $22, I/N: 1261327. 10 Remsafe ‘Cable Lock’ window restrictor in White, $20.38, I/N: 0026013. 11 Eufy Security ‘E110’ wi-fi smart lock, $227.23, I/N: 0412318. 12 Polar ‘Eco-View Windows’ 2040mm x 820mm aluminium entry door in Silver Grey, $937, I/N: 1040870†. 13 Gainsborough ‘Traditional’ trilock lever set in Bright Gold, $241.16, I/N: 4180961. 14 Whitco steel fixed pin security door hinge in Brown, $3.35, I/N: 4060183. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Pet

CORNER

NEWS, REVIEWS, MEWS AND MORE

HE MO NT

SALLY

PE T

Grab and go

JACK RUSSELL X FOX TERRIER

BEST BUDDY

This pretty pooch is a waggy-tailed wonder at making new friends

I am… Eight years old and entice people over to say hello with a puppy stare and a tail wag.

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I live in… Kensington in central Melbourne.

I have a habit of… Carrying my toy pig around when I’m having big feelings.

Words Jen Walker. Photography Getty Images. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. Seek professional advice from your vet before feeding human food to pets.

My perfect day involves… Lying in the sun, a big run and cuddles with my humans.

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With a bad fire season forecast, include your animals in your evacuation plan. Your emergency kit should include a carrier for smaller pets, advises Stephen Albin from Animal Welfare League NSW. “Take time now to get them used to being in that space,” he says. “Also, ensure cats and dogs are wearing a collar with a tag that shows your details, and are microchipped.” Stephen recommends having a photo of your pet with you (to prove ownership) and an information sheet with their breed, sex, age, name and microchip details. Other essentials include dry food, water containers, bowls, leads, harnesses, poo bags for dogs, cat litter and tray, medications and bedding.

INSIDE JOB

There are a number of reasons cats should be indoors – it protects them from other cats, getting lost or run over, and it’s much safer for our wildlife. President of Cats Australia Narelle Spencer says cats can be just as happy inside as outside. “People think cats sit on windowsills because of a desperate longing to be in the great outdoors – but they get enough vitamin D through a window, which is why you’ll often see cats sitting and watching the world go by,” she explains. For a happy indoor cat, provide stimulation. “Cats like being up high, so clever shelving that fits in with your decor can make a great cat skyway. This should be staggered, not just one high shelf,” says Narelle. And if you want to give your cat some outdoor time, she suggests buying or building an outdoor enclosure or wire cat tunnels in which they can travel around the yard. The enclosure should have high shelves, be weatherproof and placed where there is shade and sun. Watch our guide for inspiration: bunnings.com.au/building-a-cat-run

I love to eat… Raw carrot sticks. My best friend is… My dad. My favourite celebrity is… Snoopy.

My favourite activity is… Growling at the pigeons on our fence. Would you like to see your animal pal in our pages? Email bunningsmag@ bunnings.com.au, share your pet’s photo, name and breed, and your companion could feature in our Pet of the Month column!

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1 Paws & Claws 2.6L/24.5cm dog bowl, set of 4, I/N: 0341293*. 2 Fido & Fletch 521mm x 340mm x 330mm plastic pet carrier, $36, I/N: 3440283. 3 Curli 180cm stretch comfort dog leash in Black, $26/medium, I/N: 0438938. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores. bunnings.com.au |

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Cat capers TOPET 110cm cat exercise wheel with scratcher board, I/N: 0448521*

Paws & Claws 20 piece pet cat tri-tunnel with toys, I/N: 0372139*

RapidMesh 122cm x 106cm x 73.5cm cat enclosure with tunnel, $383.90, I/N: 0035778†

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Find calm in the chaos

Raucous crowds, new people, small children and other dogs are all common at Christmas and can be a source of anxiety for your pet. If you’re having people over, make sure your animals have a quiet spot away from the noise and excitement. And always supervise your pet around children, especially those they may not know so well. It’s great to have your pets around during the festivities, but make sure they have a calm spot to retreat to

A PAW-FECT CHRISTMAS

INCLUDE YOUR FURRY FRIENDS IN THE SEASONAL CELEBRATIONS, WITHOUT RISKING THEIR SAFETY Keep human food for humans

While it’s tempting to spoil a pet with leftovers, it’s better to buy pet-friendly treats. “Many human foods can cause serious illness in pets, so be very careful what they can access,” Kieran says. “In small quantities, meat scraps are okay, but avoid marinades, sauces and cooked bones.” Other treats that can be toxic to pets include Christmas pudding, currants and raisins, grapes, lollies and sugar-free sweet products.

Be ornament aware

Decorations pose a risk to cats and dogs, so it’s important to keep them out of reach, says Kieran. “Candy canes and chocolate can be toxic, baubles can break and cut your pet’s mouth, and tinsel, tree lights and ribbon can create surgical emergencies if ingested,” he says. “A small barrier around the tree will keep everyone safe.” On Christmas Day, pick up everything after unwrapping presents. 74 bunnings.com.au |

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Between end-of-school pizza parties at the park, Boxing Day at the beach and the endless series of barbecues, this time of year is full of fun in the sun. While you’re keeping yourself cool with icy drinks and lawn sprinklers, don’t forget your pets. Bring shade and water for your pup with you, or leave them at home – ideally in a cool, ventilated house or outdoors with shade, water and some frozen treats.

Pet-friendly festive joy

Despite the hazards, you can still make Christmas special for your furry family member. Before the chaos, spend some time focused on your pet. Try treasure hunts with treats indoors and outdoors, and one-on-one playtime with a new toy. For dogs, stuff a suitable hollow dog toy with wet food, spread natural yoghurt on a lick mat and freeze ice-blocks with treats inside – these are great tricks for calming anxious pups, too. Cats love foraging for treats in a cardboard box filled with dry leaves, twigs and bark. Or put a floating cat toy or ping pong ball in a sturdy bowl of water.

1 4 2

1 Pet Zone football treat dog toy, $7.99, I/N: 0439105. 2 Trusty beef T-bone with marrowbone turkey dog treats, $9.90/400g, I/N: 0438953. 3 Happy Tails pet tasting mat, $7.99, I/N: 0364818. 4 Happy Tails 5 piece cat toy Christmas set, $6.98, I/N: 0477895. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.

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Words Jen Walker. Photography Getty Images.

ot everyone loves Christmas, and we’re not just talking about the Grinch. From a pet’s perspective, the festive season can be overwhelming and even dangerous, says Kieran Watson from RSPCA NSW. “For pets, Christmas means a lot of change. There are new objects in the house, new people and definitely different smells,” he says. Here are some tips to get your pets through the season without stress – or vet bills.

Keep cool in the heat

20 the best

The light before Christmas

TOP BUYS

CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR YOUR PET

4 5 7

8 11

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20 1 Pinnacle ‘Pet Fort’ 1009mm x 850mm x 840mm dog kennel, $179, I/N: 3440169. 2 Happy Tails pet ball launcher, $29, I/N: 0439291. 3 Pet Zone ‘Busy Ball’ 3-tier tower cat toy, $9.99, I/N: 0439107. 4 Pet Zone ‘Squawker’ bone dog toy, $9.99, I/N: 0439096. 5 Trusty scratch cat toy with catnip in Red, $2.99, I/N: 0438860. 6 Happy Tails ‘Jerky Sticks’ beef and bacon dog treats, $7.50/500g, I/N: 0439298. 7 Baxter Bone large stainless steel double walled pet bowl in Mint, $35, I/N: 0397769. 8 Baxter Bone medium bamboo elevated pet bowl, $29, I/N: 0397755. 9 Baxter Bone ‘It’s A Cracker’ plush bonbon dog toy in Green, $12, I/N: 0494067. 10 Trusty beef T-bone dog treats with marrowbone, $9.90/400g, I/N: 0438953. 11 Trusty chicken cat treats, $3.90/100g, I/N: 0438869. 12 LazyPets 75cm x 66cm x 59cm medium dog home, $51, I/N: 0013219. 13 Flamingo ‘Ziggi’ 20-35cm mouse motif cat collar in Black, $3.50, I/N: 0438864. 14 Happy Tails cat hideaway box, $32, I/N: 0364934. 15 Purina Total Care ‘PomPom Dangler’ cat toy, $14, I/N: 0397103. 16 Happy Tails ‘Donut’ squeaking pet toy, $2.99, I/N: 0364851. 17 Happy Tails ‘Ice Cream’ squeaking pet toy, $2.99, I/N: 0364853. 18 Happy Tails small faux leather dog collar, $7.50, I/N: 0364769. 19 Charlie’s ‘Freezy Ice Block’ 15cm x 6.5cm x 3.5cm dog toy in Blue, I/N: 0506523*. 20 Happy Tails 1.3m cat tunnel, $12.98, I/N: 0364891. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.

Low Voltage 1 .5 m Fab ric Koa la N utcracke r Light I /N : 0437971

S olar P owe re d 1 .2 m Chris tm a s Roa d Sign Light I /N : 0436220

Low Voltage 2 .1 m S a nta ’s T ip Truck Infla tab le I /N : 0437980

Explore the range, in-store and online!

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Helping hands

Keeping your hands clean and protected is easier with Vileda SHORTCUT TO SHINY FLOORS

Moisture controlled, hands-free wringing for your convenience with Vileda’s UltraMax XL Flat Mop

The Vileda UltraMax XL flat mop system combines the control and swivelling manoeuvrability of a flat mop with the rinse-wring-repeat functionality of a string mop, but hands-free for your convenience. Plus, its microfibre mop head is an extra-large size to cover more ground and absorb more spills, saving you time to enjoy your clean home. Simply fill the bucket with clean water, fold the mop wiper plate and insert it into the power press for the desired level of moisture. Suitable for wooden and other floor types. The microfibre pad removes up to 99 per cent of bacteria with Vileda ‘UltraMax XL’ flat water alone*. When you’ve finished mop system, $59.99, mopping, you can pop the durable I/N: 0469404, and microfibre pad in the washing microfibre refill, $9.98, I/N: 0469599 machine so it’s hygienically clean and ready for next time. Great for the budget!

The refill pad is durable and washable

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It has an extra wide head for more floor coverage

Scan this QR code to find out more information about the Vileda range

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED From taking out the bins to fixing your bike chain, keeping your home clean and running efficiently can get messy. Vileda Ansell’s range helps you keep your hands clean and protected, even while taking on the dirtiest of jobs, with their new range of disposable gloves for indoors and out.

With four cheery colours in the one pack, Rainbow nitrile gloves (above) are as fun as they are tough! The rainbow hues allow you to allocate a colour to each job or to suit your mood. Vileda Ansell ‘Rainbow’ nitrile gloves, $16.99/ pack of 80, I/N: 0469600

Scan this QR code for more about Vileda Ansell

Made from natural rubber latex, the thicker design of multi-purpose WORKmates latex gloves protects your hands while cleaning in the home, office and garden, with the surface giving you better grip for slippery tasks. They’re also powder free, so there’s no need to wash your hands after use.

For tougher jobs, choose WORKmates black nitrile gloves, which are stronger than latex (as well as being suitable for those with latex allergies). Use these gloves to protect your hands and nails on all the super messy jobs, such as painting, everyday DIY jobs and scrubbing the oven.

Vileda Ansell ‘WORKmates’ latex gloves, $9.99/pack of 36, I/N: 0472013, and $19.49/pack of 100, I/N: 0469594

Vileda Ansell ‘WORKmates’ nitrile gloves, $9.99/pack of 36, I/N: 0469598, and $19.49/pack of 100, I/N: 0469592

*Removes E.coli and S. aureus from hardwood floor and ceramic tile as tested at a third party laboratory. Note: Gloves are not intended for food contact. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

DO IT

HOMEMADE MAGIC

Projects Jodie Gibbons. Photography Sue Stubbs, styling Samantha Pointon. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

iving your holiday decor a cohesive look is easier than you may think – if you make it yourself! We chose a neutral palette with flashes of festive green and plenty of texture, using materials that are either very affordable or you may already have at hand.

SEASONAL STYLE

CREATE YOUR OWN CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS, GIFTWRAP AND TAGS USING PAINT, PAPER, POTATO AND A LITTLE IMAGINATION! bunnings.com.au |

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GIFT TAGS & WRAP

MINI TRIANGLE TREES

You will need…

You will need...

n Stiff cardboard n Ruler and pencil n Scissors n Hole punch n Jute twine n Macramé beads n Artist’s paintbrush n Artist’s acrylic paint n Kitchen knife n Large potato n Safety gloves n Utility knife n Kraft paper

n Ruler and pencil n 1.5mm hobby wood sheets n Utility knife n Sticky tape or painter’s tape n Artist’s paintbrushes n Artist’s acrylic paints

3 Paint a macramé bead green and leave to dry. Thread a plain bead onto the twine, then thread on the green bead and knot the twine.

2 On one triangle, measure and mark a 1.5mm channel from the tip to halfway down. On the other, mark from the centre of the base to halfway up. Cut out channels using a utility knife.

3 Use tape to mask off mirrorimage sections at the top of both triangles, then apply two coats of acrylic paint with a brush, leaving to dry after each coat. When dry, remove tape.

4 Slot the two triangles together to form a tree shape. Repeat to make more trees in varying sizes, colours and patterns.

2 Cut a piece of twine to 200mm long and fold in half. Thread looped end through the gift tag hole, then bring twine tails through and pull taut.

4 Use a kitchen knife to cut the potato in half. Wearing safety gloves, use a utility knife to carefully cut a tree stamp from one potato half.

DIY TOOLKIT 3

2 6

5 Apply a thick coat of green artist’s acrylic paint to the potato tree stamp.

6 Centre the stamp on the tag, press down firmly and lift straight up to avoid smudges. Let dry. Repeat on kraft paper to make giftwrap.

Keep in mind... n When carving the potato stamp, wear cut-resistant safety gloves with a good

grip as the potato will be slippery to handle.

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1 Boyle artist acrylic paint, $1.76/100ml, in Green, I/N: 0353435, and Yellow, I/N: 0353433. 2 Trojan adjustable hole punch, $14.98, I/N: 0217516. 3 Wrap & Move 800mm x 580mm butchers paper, $11.80/ pack of 125, I/N: 0074014. 4 Crafted assorted macramé beads, $13.50/ pack of 78, I/N: 0323861. 5 Boyle hobby wood sheets, 915mm

x 100mm x 1.5mm, $6.94, I/N: 0375935•, and 915mm x 75mm x 1.5mm, $6.31, I/N: 0375915•. 6 Craftright 18mm snap off knife, $1.98,

I/N: 5760321. 7 Wrap & Move 600mm kraft paper roll, $19.98/50m, I/N: 0254402. 8 Mechanix Wear ‘SpeedKnit’ CR5 gloves, $14.90/small, I/N: 0108765. 9 Grunt 50mm cotton webbing, $24/10m, I/N: 4310868. 10 Jack mixed twine plant tie, $5.95/pack of 4, I/N: 0478376. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

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Projects Jodie Gibbons. Steps photography Amanda Ghalaini-Yacoub. Paint colours may vary on application. •Timbers may vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information. Ensure knives, scissors, macrame beads and completed decorations are out of the reach of small children.

1 Draw the shape of a gift card on cardboard and cut out with scissors. Use a hole punch to create a hanging hole centred 10mm from top curved edge.

1 Using a ruler and pencil, measure and mark hobby wood into a pair of tall triangles and cut using a utility knife. (Our pairs are 200mm and 150mm tall.)

PAPER ANGELS

You will need… n Butcher’s paper n Ruler and pencil n Scissors n Craft glue n Jute twine n Macramé beads

1 Cut butcher’s paper into a 300mm x 100mm rectangle and fold in half. From the closed short end, fold accordion style into 10mm pleats. Repeat.

2 Fold over pleated paper 30mm from one end, open out and apply glue, then press back down to stick together. Leave to dry. Repeat.

3 Cut a 250mm length of twine, fold in half and knot it at 80mm, leaving a 40mm tail. Sandwich the tail between the angel wings and glue into place.

4 Thread a macramé bead onto the twine loop for the angel’s head, then knot to hold in place.

BUNTING & CIRCULAR FANS

Use a similar method as above to make bunting from patterned paper. Once pleated, fold in half and staple the centre and last two folds together, then fan out to make a semicircle. Staple the straight edge to webbing to hang. For round decorations, use a longer rectangle of paper for extra pleats. Create patterns by snipping holes in the sides and points at the ends before opening. Secure the centre with string or staple, then join at either side. Punch a hole at the top and thread twine to hang.

Vinca White

Petunia Red

Decorate with living colour this festive season

“…because the best gardens start with Floriana”

The red and white blooms in the Floriana Dreamscapes range make outdoor decorating easy.

his holiday season use the

white w blooms look out for White Petunia and White W Vinca. Their clean, white blooms bring a touch of peace and purity to your holiday decor.

whit��owering plants from the Floriana Dreamscapes range to deck your outdoor spaces with

Petunia are sun loving, hardy annuals with masses of��owers. Their spreading and mounding growth habit means they’ll quickly��ot and spill over the edges for a full Vincas are also sun d annuals, l loving and hardy but with a tropical vibe. Their dark green glossy foliage sets off their For a splash of vibrant red look out for a Red Petunia and Red Vinca mood of love and warmth with the bold crimson blooms. For an elegant and classic

If you’d like to mix things up and create a two colour display choose the mixed pots of Red and White Petunia or Red and White Vinca to even easier. will w happily grow in they t can take centre stage in your outdoor entertaining spaces this summer. Or mass plant them at the front of your garden beds for This year make Dreamscapes the your living space come alive with the colours of the season.

Grow Tips • Remove spent �owers every few weeks by pinching them off. This will encourage new blooms and a bushy growth habit. • weeks to keep them healthy and happy. •Water regularly during extreme heat. Scan to see the range available in store Product availability may vary by region.

DO IT

CELEBRATION RECIPES

Festive feast THIS FABULOUS CHRISTMAS MENU IS FULL OF FRESH SUMMER FLAVOURS

Recipes KERRIE WORNER Photography SUE STUBBS Styling LYDIA JANE SAUNDERS

BBQ QUINCE AND ORANGE GLAZED HAM SERVES 12 n 1½ cups strained orange juice (4 oranges) n 140g quince paste, chopped n 1⁄3 cup brown sugar n ¼ cup apple cider vinegar n 7kg leg ham n Cloves n Bay leaves and rosemary sprigs, to decorate 1 Put the orange juice, quince paste, sugar and vinegar in a medium saucepan over a medium heat. Stir until the sugar and paste have dissolved. Bring to the boil. Gently boil for 12-15 minutes or until thickened. Allow to cool – the glaze will thicken once cool. Make it the day before and store in an airtight container in the fridge. 2 Preheat the barbecue to 150°C with hood down. Make a cut around the shank of the ham, about 8cm in from the end. Cut around the rind at the widest end. Slide fingers under the rind and rub across the ham between rind and fat, peeling back the rind, exposing the white fat layer, until you reach the shank. Remove the rind and discard. 3 Using the tip of a sharp knife, score the fat in 2cm-wide intervals widthways.

Push a clove into the fat at about every 10cm along the lines. 4 Pour a 2cm layer of water in the bottom of a large roasting pan that will fit in your barbecue. Place the ham on a rack in the pan (see Ham on the barbecue tips, right). 5 Reserve half of the glaze in a microwavesafe jug. Use a brush to baste the ham with the remaining glaze. Cover the shank with foil. 6 Cook the ham in the barbecue, with the hood down, for 45 minutes, basting with glaze and rotating the pan twice during cooking. Refill with water if the level is low – this will catch the glaze and prevent it from burning. Increase the heat to 170°C (see Tips, right). Baste ham with more glaze and cook for a further 45 minutes, hood down, rotating the pan halfway for an even colour and checking the water level. Remove foil and rest the ham for 20 minutes. 7 Wrap the shank in baking paper and tie with string, decorating with bay leaves and rosemary. Heat the reserved glaze in the microwave and serve with the carved ham. Tip: We used a Jumbuck reversible roast rib rack, $13.60, I/N: 0262750, and enamel roasting tray, $21.48, I/N: 0280574. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Visit bunnings. com.au/perfect-christmas-ham to see how we made this ham.

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HAM ON THE BARBECUE TIPS

n Preheat your barbecue with all burners on and hood down for about 15 minutes prior to barbecuing. If you have a gauge, let it reach the desired cooking temperature. n Use a strong metal tray or two heavy-duty large foil trays inside each other for stability. The tray must be large enough to fit the whole ham to allow for any glaze to drip into it. n Elevating the ham is essential so water can be poured underneath to catch the glaze and prevent it from burning and smoking. n Indirect heat is the best way to cook ham in a barbecue. This method uses hot air to circulate around the meat like an oven, rather than directly underneath. On a larger barbecue, switch off the centre burners and leave on the outside burners, and on a smaller barbecue, turn off one side and move the meat to that side.

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LEMON-MUSTARD POTATO AND PEA SALAD

TOMATO CARPACCIO

CHRISTMAS WREATH SALAD

SERVES 8

n 1 medium fennel bulb n 4 large heirloom oxheart tomatoes, sliced (see Tips, below) n 2 vine-ripened tomatoes, sliced n ½ x 320g punnet Mix A Mato mini tomatoes, halved n 1 small bunch truss cherry tomatoes (optional) n 200g fresh buffalo mozzarella, torn into large pieces n Basil leaves, to garnish n Pitted Sicilian olives, to serve n Sourdough slices, toasted, to serve (see Tips, below) DRESSING n 1⁄3 cup olive oil n ¼ cup white balsamic or white wine vinegar n 2 tbsp finely chopped pitted Sicilian olives n ¼ cup thinly sliced basil leaves

n 1 punnet baby cucumbers (Qukes) n 200g rocket leaves n 1 mango, peeled and cut into slivers n 100g marinated Greek feta, crumbled n 1⁄3 cup toasted and roughly chopped walnuts or hazelnuts DRESSING n 1 pomegranate n ¼ cup olive oil n 1½ tbsp red wine vinegar n 1 tsp caster sugar n Salt and black pepper, to season

SERVES 8 n 800g small new salad potatoes n 150g sugar snap peas, trimmed n 1½ cups frozen peas n 2 sticks celery, thinly sliced n ¼ cup chopped Italian parsley n ¼ cup roughly chopped dill DRESSING n 1⁄3 cup olive oil n 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest n 2 tbsp lemon juice n 2 tsp seeded mustard n 1 tbsp white wine vinegar n 2 tsp caster sugar n Salt and black pepper, to season 1 Place the whole potatoes in a shallow microwave-safe lidded container with ¼ cup of water. Cover with lid. Microwave on High for about 6 minutes or until tender. Cool under cold running water and drain. Cut into quarters and put in a serving bowl. 2 Drop the sugar snap peas in a saucepan of boiling water for 15 seconds. Add the peas for 30 seconds, then drain and cool in cold water, then drain again. Add to the potatoes with the celery, parsley and dill. 3 To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and season. Drizzle the salad with dressing and serve. Tip: Dress the potato salad just before serving to avoid discolouring the greens.

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1 Trim the top and base of the fennel. Roughly chop green frilly tips and reserve. Cut the fennel in half and use a peeler to shave into paper-thin slices. 2 To make the dressing, combine all the ingredients in a small bowl. 3 Arrange the fennel slices, tomato slices, halved tomatoes, truss tomatoes (if using) and torn mozzarella on a board or platter. 4 Garnish with reserved fennel tips and basil leaves. Serve with the dressing, olives and sourdough toast on the side. Tips: If you can’t find heirloom oxheart tomatoes, you can use a mixture of vine ripened and kumatos. Brush thin slices of sourdough with garlic-infused olive oil and cook on the barbecue until lightly charred or toast in a 200°C oven on a lined tray for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp.

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1 Wash cucumbers, then use a vegetable peeler to shave them into ribbons. 2 To make the dressing, cut the pomegranate in half and use a citrus juicer to juice one half. Remove the arils from the remaining half and reserve. Combine the juice, oil, vinegar and sugar in a small bowl and season. 3 Arrange the rocket in a wreath shape on a large board and spritz with cold water. Place curled mango slivers and cucumber ribbons among the rocket. Sprinkle with feta, reserved arils and nuts. 4 Drizzle with some of the dressing just before serving and serve with the remaining dressing on the side.

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chargrilleraustralia

LEFT AND ABOVE This no-bake cake is perfect for a warm Aussie celebration. Just factor in plenty of chill time!

CHOC, CARAMEL AND RASPBERRY RIPPLE CAKE SERVES 12 n 250g cream cheese, at room temperature, chopped n 1⁄3 cup icing sugar mixture, plus extra, to serve n 1 tbsp vanilla essence n 1 litre thickened cream n 2 x 250g packets Choc Ripple biscuits n 1 cup Biscoff spread n 300g frozen raspberries n 1 punnet fresh raspberries n Freeze-dried raspberry crumb (optional, see Tip) 1 Invert the base of a 21cm springform pan. Grease and line with baking paper, extending the paper 5cm above the rim. 2 Put the cream cheese, 2 tablespoons of the icing sugar and the vanilla in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat until smooth. Add 600ml of the cream and beat, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula, until semi-firm peaks form. 3 Place 8 biscuits over the base of the prepared pan. Spread with 1 cup of the cream mixture. Spread another 7 biscuits with 1 heaped teaspoon of Biscoff per biscuit and position, 3cm apart, on top of the cream layer, Biscoff side down (6 around the edge, 3cm apart, and 1 in the centre). 84 bunnings.com.au |

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4 Sprinkle 50g of frozen raspberries around the biscuits in the cream. Spread with ¾ cup of the cream mixture and smooth to the edges with an offset palette knife. 5 Repeat the layering with 7 biscuits per layer, Biscoff and frozen raspberries until you have 6 layers of cream and frozen raspberries in total. Finish with a seventh layer of all remaining 9 biscuits spread with Biscoff. The layers will stay in place above the rim of the pan with the baking paper as a border. Place in a lidded container and refrigerate for a minimum of 18 hours. 6 Remove cake from container, place a large flat serving plate on top and gently invert. Remove the sides and base of pan and the paper. Beat remaining cream and icing sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer until semi-firm peaks form. Place 2 large spoonfuls of whipped cream into a piping bag fitted with a 1.5cm plain piping tube. Spread remaining whipped cream over the top and side of cake. Mash 3 fresh raspberries with a fork. Spread around the cream on the side of the cake with a palette knife for a ripple effect. 7 Pipe large and small cream kisses on top of the cake and decorate with the remaining raspberries. Dust with icing sugar, sprinkle with raspberry crumb (if using) and serve. Tip: Raspberry crumb is available at supermarkets. You can also top the cake with white chocolate curls or shavings.

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CHRISTMAS CAIPIROSKA MOCKTAIL MAKES 8 n 3 limes, quartered n 2 tbsp caster sugar n 250ml elderflower cordial n 500ml clear pink lady apple juice n 750ml non-alcoholic rosé n 500ml lemon sparkling mineral or soda water n Ice cubes n 1 small pink lady apple, quartered, cored and thinly sliced n 2 small Lebanese cucumbers, thinly sliced n ¼ cup pomegranate arils or frozen raspberry pieces 1 Place limes and sugar in a bowl and crush with a muddler until juice is extracted, then transfer the mixture into a 3 litre jug. Add the cordial, apple juice, rosé and soda. Use a chopstick or swizzle stick to stir. 2 Half fill 8 tall glasses (about 450ml capacity) with ice cubes. Place the apple and cucumber slices in the glasses and strain in the lime mixture. Sprinkle with the pomegranate arils or frozen raspberry pieces and serve. Tip: You can make the mocktail in two batches if you don’t have a 3 litre jug.

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Bring colour not germs into your kitchen Antibacterial properties inhibit growth of germs and odours that cause bacteria in the scourer keeping them fresher for longer.

Make it To achieve different shades, simply vary the quantity of food colouring

PRETTY COLOURED VASES

Photography Sue Stubbs, project and styling Samantha Pointon.

Turn small clear glass vessels from charity shops or recycled glass jars into custom coloured vases for your Christmas table Wash vases or jars in hot soapy water, rinse well and leave to dry completely. Use an old spoon to mix three tablespoons of Mod Podge and a few drops of food colouring in a glass bowl, adding more food colouring to reach desired colour. Use a paintbrush to spread the Mod Podge mixture over the outside of a vessel, then place upside down on a sheet of baking paper and leave to air-dry for 24 hours. Or put on a lined baking tray in a 90°C degree oven until dry – do not leave unattended and regularly check if dry – then leave to cool completely. Fill the vase with water and flowers, taking care not to wet the outside, as Mod Podge is water-based and the finish will wash off. Tip: Use a sponge or gloved hand to spread the Mod Podge mixture over the glass to create different textures. Note: Do not re-use the spoon or bowl for food; reserve them for craft applications. Vessels are for decorative use only, not to serve food or drink. Plaid ‘Mod Podge’ sealer, glue and finish in Matt, $15.50/236ml (8oz), I/N: 0287073. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

PACK

ANTIBACTERIAL

THE EASY WAY TO CLEAN PET HAIR

Electrostatic properties attract and hold all types of pet hair. Simply remove pet hair, rinse and reuse again and again.

Shop the full range of Oates products in the cleaning aisle of Bunnings today. @OatesCleaningProducts

www.oates.com.au

TO FIND THE RIGHT PRODUCT FOR YOU, SCAN HERE:

Advertising promotion Be one of Australia’s first DIYers to own the convenient new Dremel 8240!

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Free to create Be liberated from cords and licensed to DIY, with Dremel’s new cordless rotary tool and accessories

ove your Dremel, but hate being tied to a power socket? A Dremel rotary tool is essential kit for every DIYer, with virtually unlimited applications across every home, shed and craft room. And now, making a home your own is even easier, with a new cordless version of the original tool, the Dremel 8240.

UNTETHERED CREATIVITY The Dremel 8240 has the same power as a corded tool plus the 12V 2Ah battery gives you plenty of run time and cool operation, so you can work comfortably for longer. It’s

compatible with the vast range of Dremel accessories and attachments, and comes with a five-piece accessory pack of cutting and sanding essentials, to get you started on a broad selection of home projects.

A TOOL FOR EVERY TASK To expand the potential of your Dremel 8240 even further, explore the full range of Dremel accessories. Dremel kits include accessories grouped by project, giving you everything you need to complete a task in one handy pack. Add finer details to your woodcraft with

1 Dremel ‘736’ 8 piece glass and stone micro accessory kit, $49.98, I/N: 0248899. 2 Dremel ‘729’ 11 piece carving and engraving micro accessory kit, $34.98, I/N: 0248895. 3 Dremel ‘730’ 52 piece general purpose micro accessory kit, $34.98, I/N: 0248893. 4 Dremel ‘726’ 20 piece cleaning and polishing micro accessory kit, $28.98, I/N: 0248891. 5 Dremel ‘733’ 20 piece wood micro accessory kit, $37.49, I/N: 0248897. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. When using power tools, be sure to wear a mask and eye and ear protection and always work in a well-ventilated area.

Dremel ‘8240’ cordless rotary tool, $149.95, I/N: 0527129

the Dremel wood micro accessory kit, which contains everything you need for carving, engraving, sanding and drilling timber. Get crafty with the Dremel carving and engraving micro accessory kit, which allows you to add an artistic flourish to leather, metal, ceramics, wood and glass. The Dremel glass and stone micro accessory kit is specifically suited for carving, engraving, cleaning and polishing glass and stone. Add lustre to scratched plastic, fibreglass and metals with the Dremel cleaning and polishing micro accessory kit. Not sure which project to tackle first? Dive into the Dremel general purpose micro accessory kit, which includes accessories for every rotary task including cleaning, polishing, carving, grinding, cutting and sanding – all in one convenient case!

Dremel, a trusted brand in DIY since 1932 Follow for more inspiration @dremel.anz

DO IT

CREATIVE KIT

TOP TOOLS TO GET CRAFTY ’TIS THE SEASON TO PUT YOUR DIY SKILLS TO FESTIVE USE Words MITCHELL MCLEAN

C Photography Getty Images. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

heck out this round-up of tools every maker needs to create personalised presents and bespoke decorations this Christmas, and to get your place ready for entertaining! With the right tools you can cut, etch, glue, sand and engrave your way to a very merry celebration.

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bunningswarehouseaustralia 87

Rotary tool

Add a unique touch to your seasonal decorations and festive table settings with a rotary tool. It’s a must-have for detailed, intricate work, such as engraving designs, carving timber and shaping metal pieces, and those jobs where a bigger tool is too cumbersome. Variable speed settings ensure precise control, plus most rotary tools come with plenty of accessories, so you can use it to sand, cut, polish, drill and more.

Hot glue gun

Easily assemble your handcrafted gifts and custom-made ornaments – from tree baubles to door wreaths – with a hot glue gun. This versatile tool works on a variety of materials, including timber, plastic, glass, leather and metal, and will become your ultimate DIY companion for the holiday season. You can buy corded guns or, if you have an existing battery, you can find a compatible cordless version for added convenience.

Soldering tool

Think outside the tool when it comes to your craft projects. A soldering iron is not just for work with electronics, you can use it for etching glassware and crockery for the big day or wood-burning designs on timber coasters, food boards and more for your table settings or to give as gifts. It’s also great for reducing fraying when cutting fabric for your decorations – such as bunting and table runners – or creating bespoke linens and aprons.

Palm sander

Take the hard work out of finishing your timber surfaces with a palm sander. These handy helpers feature a compact design for getting into tight spots and a palm grip for comfort. Opt for one with a lock-on switch so you don’t have to hold down the trigger. Great for giving furniture, windowsills or benchtops a zhoosh before guests arrive to celebrate the season or for doing more intricate woodwork and craft projects.

Power cutter

Up your cutting game and ditch the scissors, utility blade and craft knife for a power cutter. Use it to cut precise shapes out of plastic, leather, paper and cardboard for professional-looking gift tags, greeting cards, place settings, menu cards, decorative garlands and chains, and all your other festive projects. This helpful tool comes with self-sharpening blades and reassuring safety features, so you can concentrate on your creativity!

GOOD SAVE!

■ Create your holiday

decorations and table settings using budget-friendly materials like paper, twine and natural elements such as pine cones and leaves. ■ Save money on crafting supplies by repurposing old decorations and materials from previous holidays. Get creative and give them a fresh look. ■ Make your own personalised gifts, such as handmade candles, ornaments and baked goodies. LEFT (from top) Ryobi USB lithium rotary tool kit, $99, I/N: 0438331. Stanley 240V 25W 12mm plastic corded glue gun, $42, I/N: 0215694. Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V soldering station, $139/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0104876. Ozito ‘PXC’ 18V detail sander, $42.90/ skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 6290475. Ryobi USB lithium power cutter kit, $89, I/N: 0438329. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind… n When using power tools,

always wear the recommended safety gear.

Scan the QR code Use your new tools to take on a crafty project: bunnings.com.au/make-anengraved-cheeseboard

Watch it! 88 bunnings.com.au |

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Stronger and more durable, DeWALT® Mobile Solutions are engineered from the ground up to withstand daily jobsite wear and tear.

RETRACTABLE LEASHES

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As much as we adore our pets, they can be prone to making a mess.

JOBSITE PRO WEARABLE SPEAKER/ MICROPHONE

Cleaning up muddy paw prints, removing pet hairs and collecting their chewed-up toys can leave us feeling exhausted at the end of a busy day. With our in-house Pet Plus+ range, we expect to tackle everything from dirt to debris without leaving scratches on furniture or flooring.

+ RECEIVE CALLS HANDS FREE + BIG SOUND, SMALL DESIGN + WEIGHS LESS THAN 56 GRAMS

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Millions of dog owners around the world use a unique German invention: the flexi retractable leash. We didn’t just conceive the idea some 50 years ago but are today the world’s leading brand in over 90 countries around the globe.

+ UP TO 30 HOURS PLAYTIME + WATER-RESISTANT + RUGGEDIZED CHARGE CASE I/N: 0501534

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+ DUST PROOF + CAN BE TEMPORARILY

SUBMERGED IN ONE METRE OF WATER + EQUIPPED WITH POWER DELIVERY AND QUICK CHARGE PORTS + INCLUDES KEVLAR REINFORCED TYPE C TO USB CABLE I/N: 0501530

79.99 ea

3-IN1 RETRACTABLE CABLE

The New Neon Better visibility for you and your dog New Neon is not only an outstanding leash it stands out in all weather conditions due to its reflective stickers and neon-coloured components. Reflective up to 150 metres. Flexi 5m Yellow Neon Retractable

Rubber Head Dustpan & Broom I/N: 0478359

180° swivel head for hard-to-reach areas Rubber foot step holds dustpan in place whilst sweeping Scratch-free soft rubber bristles

Perfect for Picking Up Pet Hair

4.99ea

from carpets, rugs and upholstery

Upholstery Pet Brush I/N: 0478358

Non-scratch rubber bristles Deep cleaning brush, removes small fibres Ideal for cleaning pet beds

14.99ea

Pet Hair Removal Brush I/N: 0478360

+ QUICKLY POWER ALL

YOUR MOBILE DEVICES

+ MADE FOR IPHONE, IPAD, IPOD AND ANDROID DEVICES + 1 METRE CABLE

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Lifts and Traps Pet hair, lint and dust Micro bristles trap pet hair, lint and dust

Tape dog lead for large dogs

I/N: 0501539

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Perfect for upholstery and clothes

lint and dust Cord dog lead for small and medium dogs

Built-in squeegee to collect pet hair, lint and dust

Available in three sizes Small dogs up to 12kg - $22ea I/N: 0434276 Medium dogs up to 25kg - $27ea I/N: 0434277 Large dogs up to 50kg - $37ea I/N: 0434275

Great for upholstery and clothes

8.99ea

Handheld Gel Lint Roller I/N: 0478355

Washable and reusable TOM1112023

PLANTS

FESTIVE FOLIAGE

Local heroes Celebrate the season with one of our Christmas natives

Ceratopetalum gummiferum

This evergreen shrub has tiny cream-coloured flowers in spring. However, the real show starts when the flowers give way to a mass of bright red-pink sepals, providing a vibrant, festive display. The compact ‘Johanna’s Christmas’ grows to 1.5m and is ideal for pots.

Prostanthera lasianthos

A profusion of funnel-shaped white or pale pink/mauve flowers with purple and orange spotted throats cover this large shrub from late spring to early summer. The largest member of the native mint bush family, its leaves have a distinct minty fragrance when crushed.

New South Wales & Queensland

Victoria

(Prostanthera lasianthos)

(Ceratopetalum gummiferum)

Likes a spot in full sun with welldrained soil. Trim after flowering and feed with a native fertiliser.

Plant in full sun or part shade in moist, well-drained soil. Mulch well and water regularly.

South Australia & Tasmania

Western Australia

Also known as sweet bursaria, this shrub grows to 5-10m tall and has creamy-white, sweetly scented, nectar-rich flowers from spring through summer. The spiny branches provide a valuable natural habitat for small birds. Plant it in a sunny position with well-drained soil.

Anigozanthos

Native to Western Australia, this flowering perennial has tubular blooms perched on the ends of long stems. The flowers come in myriad colours and sizes – the red and green kangaroo paw (A. manglesii) works well at Christmas! Tolerant of heat and dry periods once established. Feed with a native fertiliser in spring. FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

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(Bursaria spinosa)

Ideal as a screen or informal hedge. Prune after flowering to encourage a bushy habit.

bunnings |

(Anigozanthos spp. and hybrids)

Thrives in warm, frost-free climes and prefers a spot in full sun with well-drained soil.

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Photography Getty Images; (Victoria/Prostanthera lasianthos) Gap Photos/Nova Photo Graphik.

Bursaria spinosa