Bunnings Magazine Autumn 2025

Renewable gas is now flowing.

Lower emissions, carbon neutral, climate crisis, renewable energy, net-zero, 2050 deadline. There’s a lot of talk, but is action being taken to ensure New Zealand homes and businesses enjoy a reliable, sustainable supply of energy today and into the future? Yes! In true Kiwi style, energy group Clarus has rolled up their sleeves and just got on with trying to solve the problem.

For some time, Clarus has been researching, innovating, and investing in renewable energy projects. One of these is now up and running and no one noticed. But that’s a good thing. In this case, success for Clarus looks like homes and businesses continuing to use gas unaffected while we work on introducing renewable gas into the pipeline network.

Food waste is now being turned into renewable gas

First Renewables, part of Clarus, in partnership with Ecogas’ Reporoa Organics Processing Facility, are turning biogas made from food waste, into biomethane, a type of renewable gas. Chemically identical to natural gas, this renewable gas is being injected into a Firstgas pipeline in Reporoa for homes and businesses to use. Initial production estimates from this one facility will supply the equivalent of enough renewable gas for up to 7,200 homes.*

Gas is here to stay

Hundreds of thousands of Kiwis enjoy the many benefits of gas, from instant heat and precise cooking to endless hot water and a cozy, warm home. With renewable gas projects now underway, gas will remain a dependable energy source for the future—just with lower emissions. This ensures that connecting to gas or upgrading your gas appliances continues to be an excellent choice when building or renovating.

As New Zealand moves to a net zero carbon future, natural gas is going to continue to play an important role while we change over to sources of renewable energy.

Renewable gases are an exciting resource that could complement renewable electricity in enabling Kiwi households to reduce their carbon footprint. It also means people will have more choice when it comes to the type of energy they can use now and in the future.

Learn more at: clarus.co.nz/future-of-energy

Welcome

Autumn is a magical time in Aotearoa. While the cooler mornings and evenings – and the end of daylight saving on April 6 – can at first be a shock, there’s so much to enjoy. Many native trees and shrubs, such as puahou/whauwhaupaku (five finger), matipo and tōtara glisten with crimson fruit, and chillier weather transforms deciduous trees around the country.

This issue is all about celebrating the best of this vibrant season. Our autumn planner is an easy guide to preparing your garden now for the colder months ahead (page 39); also find out how to add gorgeous colour with plants that put on an autumn show (page 74). Elsewhere in the garden, fruit trees – such as feijoa, ‘Golden Queen’ peaches and crab apples – are at their fullest. Read up on growing and nurturing fruit trees, and maximising use of your backyard bounty by preserving it (page 45).

As the outdoor temperature shifts, change is becoming the norm inside the home. Many of us require flexible spaces that adapt as family needs evolve, or to improve work/life balance. See how to make your home multitask with zones for work, relaxation and play (page 14).

This season also brings plenty of opportunities to get together with friends and family for Easter, Anzac Day and the school holidays. To make the most of the golden autumn light, try our ideas for outdoor settings (page 25), and hop into some Easter fun (page 65).

Enjoy the issue!

The

Editor Lisa Green

Associate editor Artemis Gouros

director Bridie Mahoney

Deputy art director Sophie Mullane

Market & style editor Anna Musarra Chief subeditors

Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson

Senior subeditor Lorna Gow Digital producer Eunice Oh

Editorial co-ordinator Joseph Visser Contributors

Emma Rawson, Jennifer Reynolds, Shelley Tustin, Harriet Upjohn

Account partner Henry Kalaf-Tyrrell

Advertising sales Kerry McKenzie, Hawkhurst Media Services +64 27 5969979

Advertising production manager Yulia McKenzie +64 21 969091

Campaign manager Deanna Kane Partnerships manager Amanda Clerke

Branded content editor Deirdre Avenell

General enquiries +61 3 8831 9777; bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au

Managing director Nick Smith General manager, Operations and Partnerships Teagan Barr

NZ general manager Sido Kitchin

Head of content, Health, Home & Lifestyle Gemma Sutherland Finance controller Adrian Thompson

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.

Published by Medium Rare Content Agency NZ Ltd. NZBN 9429047435957, Suite 507, The Modern, 48 Greys Ave, Auckland 1010 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botanicca 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. © 2025. All rights reserved.

For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on +61 3 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botanicca 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can 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.

Bunnings Ute & Van Hire Service

We can help get bulky purchases home, whether building a deck or a pergola, tidying up the garden, taking a few loads to the tip, picking up a new fridge/washer/couch or moving house.

Book online or in-store:

For the latest prices and booking information, see websites below.

1 Tonne (1000kg) carrying capacity

Hire by the hour, day, week or longer – just Load & Go Hire for one day or longer - first 100km free per day

Terms & Conditions apply. For more information, scan or visit: bunnings.co.nz/vehicle-hire or loadgo.nz

Ph: 0800 245 645

Free fun for the whanau

COMMUNITY

DIY WORKSHOPS In touch

Since 2018, Bunnings Warehouse has been the proud principal partner of Touch NZ, helping the touch rugby community build participation in New Zealand’s favourite social sport. This year, we’re excited to bring back Bunnings ‘Home Ground

Heroes’, acknowledging members of the touch community who go above the call of duty to enable players and the sport to thrive. Five individuals selected this year will receive a $5,000 contribution to reinvest back into their touch modules. To find out more information, visit touch.co.nz

ABOVE Touch legend Peter Walters congratulates 2024 Home Ground Hero Jemma

of Nelson Touch

Make a note in your calendar of the many free DIY workshops and events coming to all Bunnings stores this autumn!

Adults’ Make & Take workshops help you learn new craft and DIY skills while creating something special to take home. Held on a Thursday, upcoming workshops include making a Clay Trinket Dish (March 20), Colourful Plant Pot Painting (April 17) and DIY Terrarium (May 15).

Kids’ DIY Workshops help little ones grow in confidence and creativity. Held on a Saturday, keep an eye out for Making Garden Seed Balls (March 8), DIY Garden Pickets (April 12) and Creative Painting (May 10). Also don’t miss our Family Events for Easter (April 10), Mother’s Day (May 8), Father’s Day (September 4), Halloween (October 30) and Christmas (December 4). Visit bunnings.co. nz/diy-workshops for details.

Assembly line

A good shed can be a game changer for your backyard. To make life even easier, you can access the Bunnings shed assembly service. Simply purchase your shed and pick up the assembly information card. See the Special Orders Desk in store for a price estimate and to organise this service‡.

SORT AND STORE

Give your garage a seasonal clean-up and storage upgrade

Some advertised services and products are not available at some

● Duratuf Sentry ‘Lean-To’ 2m x 1.5m shed in Mist Green, $849, I/N: 0078640†. Assembly service from $289.

Taikato

Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

● Montgomery 50L modular storage container in Clear, $7.99, I/N: 0219783

● The Pink Stuff ‘Miracle’ cleaning paste, $10.49/850g, I/N: 0362819

● 3M ‘Worktunes’ Bluetooth ear muffs, $121.90, I/N: 0095130

● Pinnacle Hardware 1350mm x 900mm x 540mm workbench in Matt Black with timber top, $365, I/N: 0038058

● StorEase garage storage system starter kit, $120, I/N: 0354358

● Kincrome workshop creeper seat, $159, I/N: 0064894

IN THE GARDEN Autumn

Brighten up the place with cool-season colour, enrich the soil and plan for spring blooms

Add a splash of colour to garden beds with annuals such as primulas, pansies and violets. Protect from snails and slugs, snip back spent flowers and fertilise during the season to stop them from looking scrappy.

To replenish the soil after the productive summer season, work in compost then mulch with pea straw, bark or wood chips to add more organic material, suppress weeds and keep soil at an even temperature. In your vege patch, consider planting a cover crop (oats or barley) or a nitrogen fixer like broad beans or clover.

Anzac Day (April 25) is not only a good date to sow Flanders poppies, it’s also the

ideal time to plant spring bulbs such as daffodils, freesias and anemones. Tulips and hyacinths prefer parts of the country with cold extended winters and are best put in the ground when the soil temperatures are 10-12 degrees Celsius.

Give shrubs such as hebe, lavender and hydrangeas a good trim with secateurs or loppers to promote new growth for the next season. Clean and sterilise tools between cuts to help prevent the spread of fungal diseases.

After applying fertiliser near 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, read the label, follow instructions and wear gloves, a mask and protective gear. Always store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

Prune mop head hydrangeas after they finish flowering

Scan the QR code

For more on what to do in the garden during autumn, go to bunnings.co.nz/ gardencorner

BRIGHT PATCH

Seasonal veges

Plant these crops now for a rainbow of delicious wintertime kai

Silverbeet

Grows year round and can be harvested perpetually – it can even be grown in containers! Rainbow varieties add colour.

Carrots

This garden favourite comes in a range of colours. The seeds won’t germinate in super-cold soil, so get them in the ground now.

Beetroot

Soak seeds in water overnight to help them germinate. Beetroot plants like full sun and a rich, well-draining soil. Space seeds 5-10cm apart.

TOOL OF THE SEASON

Keep garden edges clear of long grass and weeds with this versatile line trimmer. Its high-speed rotating line cuts around areas a lawnmower can’t reach. And with attachments (sold separately), it can be converted into a pole pruner, hedge trimmer, edger or garden cultivator. ●

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Your next starts with paint job

Painter’s Tape

5 7

● 1 Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential’ 3m DIY vinyl floor sheet in Castle Brown, $65.71/linear m, I/N: 0228979.

● 2 Tuscan Path 30-50mm polished quartz pebbles in Stone, $6/1.5kg, I/N: 3463780. ● 3 Bellazza Builders 60cm x 30cm porcelain floor tile in Grey, $32.32/sqm, $34.91/pack of 6, I/N: 6661358. ● 4 Sylvan ‘Firth’ 96mm cabinet handle in Brushed Brass, $10.97, I/N: 0039704. ● 5 Hanging plant in Lotus Collection 140mm x 120mm small round plain ceramic egg pot in Clay, $5, I/N: 0376196 (plant sold separately). ● 6 Oxbuild 400mm x 300mm x 30mm natural edge bluestone paver, $18.79, I/N: 0575813. ● 7 Succulent in Lotus Collection 110mm x 90mm extra small round plain ceramic egg pot in Clay, $3, I/N: 0376197 (plant sold separately). ● 8 Dulux paint samples in (from left) Mokai Canyon, Ripe Rhubarb and Piglet. ● 9 Lane 128mm leather handles in Tan, $42.64/ pack of 2, I/N: 4224040. ● 10 Senso by Gerflor ‘Rustic’ 914mm x 152mm x 2mm self-adhesive DIY vinyl floor plank in Walnut, $35.86/sqm, $78.90/pack of 16 (2.2sqm), I/N: 6600039. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ● 2

WHAT A FLEX!

Supercharge your interiors with clever additions to maximise function and fun

Words Emma Rawson

Photography Reuben Looi

Styling Lucy Lithgow

Make it! SEE PAGE 70 FOR HOW TO CREATE THIS ROOM DIVIDER

DIVIDE AND CONQUER

Keep the airy feel of open-plan living while creating distinct zones for living and dining, or a breakaway zone for working. “The room divider built from dowels is a straightforward project for DIYers,” says stylist Lucy Lithgow. “It’s a simple way to define and zone off areas – like living and dining – so people can have their own distinct spaces, but also feel connected to the rest of the family.” The dining area can also perform as a work or study space.

Aneed for flexibility in our domestic and work lives calls for a little creativity on the home front. Follow our lead to seamlessly merge spaces and functions, then make it personal with colours and artworks drawn from nature.

THESE PAGES ● DIY room divider, see from page 70 for materials and instructions. (From left) ● Mimosa ‘Savannah’ timber and wicker dining chairs, $229 each, I/N: 0427397. ● Home Bazar ‘Elba’ 2m dining table, $799, I/N: 0586518.

(On table) ● Moda ‘Rainbow’ 14.5cm indoor ceramic planter in Gold, $14.50, I/N: 0434873. ● Lytworx colour changing LED flameless candles with remote, $27.15/set of 3, I/N: 0341456.

● Verve Design ‘Lizelle’ tripod floor lamp, $151.98, I/N: 0261996 (globe sold separately). ● Smart Home Products ‘Urban’ 265cm x 220cm pencil pleat room darkening curtains in Linen, $99.95/pack of 2, I/N: 0376486‡. ● Fluffy Ruffles Boston fern in Borralheira ‘Two Tone’ 130mm x 120mm indoor ceramic pot in Green, $14.98, I/N: 0588211 (plant sold separately). ● Verve Design ‘Amalfi’ ceramic table lamp, $65.48, I/N: 0361137 (globe sold separately). ● Mimosa ‘Butterfly’ wicker chair, $179, I/N: 0098280. ● Jute ‘Bali’ 290cm x 190cm rug in Natural, $299, I/N: 0078717. ● Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential’ 3m DIY vinyl flooring sheets in Noma Blond, $65.71/m, $21.90/sqm, I/N: 6610233.

● Walls painted in Dulux ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen interior paint in Te Puke, $64.49/1L, I/N: 0638830. Couch and side table, Kiwi Home Store, kiwihomestore. co.nz. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Encourage interaction with all generations of the household in a multipurpose room

RIGHT (from left) ● DIY side table, see page 20 for materials and instructions. (On table) ● Lytworx colour-changing glitter lava lamp, $18.90, I/N: 0617236.

● Brilliant ‘Ivy’ 50cm table lamp in Black and Brass, $118.87, I/N: 0465073 (globe sold separately). ● Flexi Storage ‘Decorative Shelving’ 1200mm floating photo shelves in Oak, $26 each, I/N: 0127435. ● Brilliant ‘Ivy’ 155cm floor lamp in Gold and Black, $128.98, I/N: 0465075 (globe sold separately). ● Zanzibar Gem in Northcote Pottery ‘Primo’ 28cm medium garden mod egg pot in Copper, $39.98, I/N: 2832609 (plant sold separately).

● Flexi Storage ‘Studio’ 1 bay 5 shelf wall shelf kit in Black and Oak, $196.90, I/N: 0414676. ● Ritz Rug 2700mm x 1800mm polyester rug in Shadow, $335, I/N: 0078727. ● Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential’ 3m DIY vinyl flooring sheets in Empire Pearl, $65.71/linear m, I/N: 0228981. ● Expol ‘Earth Green Beans’ recycled polystyrene bean bag fill, $46.63/250L, I/N: 0338860.

● Walls painted in Dulux ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen interior paint in Mokai Canyon, $64.49/1L, I/N: 0638830. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Hand crafted

Turn to page 20 for how to make this side table

WELL AND GOOD

One upside of the pandemic has been the increased focus on wellbeing and health. Wellness can be incorporated in the home with flexible spaces that can be used for recreation and relaxation, or with dedicated areas for music, reading or hobbies. With modular shelving and versatile colour choices, these rooms can evolve with you as your interests change.

On display

Update vintage vinyl to suit your scheme by painting the label – or use a sticker

“Dulux

Mokai Canyon is a beautiful colour – it’s fun and great for a music space, but also calming for a yoga or relaxation room“

Lucy Lithgow/stylist

Splash of colour

Turn the page for how to make this natureinspired painting

Touch of green Turn to page 22 for how to make this hanging plant holder

BEAUTIFULLY BOLD

Take pressure off the bathroom with a bespoke beauty bar in the bedroom, complete with storage for grooming and make-up essentials. Settle it in place with a glamorous mirror to reflect bold berry-toned walls, indoor plants and natural wood and weaves. “We’ve drenched the room in deep berry on all the walls and soft pink accents on pots and bed linen to give the room a cosy cocoon quality,” says Lucy.

THESE PAGES ● DIY make-up station, see from page 70 for materials and instructions. (From left) ● Rubber plant in Moda ‘Rainbow’ 14.5cm indoor ceramic planter in Gold, $14.50, I/N: 0434873. ● Fiddle leaf fig in Astin Sinclair 340mm x 280mm tapered seagrass planter, $41.50, I/N: 0580343. ● Lytworx LED strip light in RGB and White, $59.98/5m, I/N: 0341464. ● Barelli ‘Modena’ 750mm x 500mm pill-shaped framed mirror in Brushed Brass, $79, I/N: 0607431‡. ● Verve Design ‘Cosmo’ glass floor lamp in Clear, $149.90, I/N: 0423627 (globe sold separately).

● DIY canvas artwork, see page 20 for materials and instructions. ● DIY hanging plant stand, see page 22 for materials and instructions.

● Carinya 230mm x 260mm x 30mm x 15mm pine stayed bracket in Natural Pine, $10.47, I/N: 0091705, painted in Dulux ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen paint in Piglet, $64.49/1L, I/N: 0638830. ● Everhang 17mm PVC cup hook in White, $3.80/pack of 4, I/N: 0174260. ● Hanging plant in Lotus Collection 140mm x 120mm small round plain ceramic egg pot in Clay, $5, I/N: 0376196. ● Succulent in Lotus Collection 110mm x 90mm extra small round plain ceramic egg pot in Clay, $3, I/N: 0376197. ● Verve Design ‘Cosmo’ glass table lamp in Clear, $89.90, I/N: 0423625 (globe sold separately). ● Fishbone prayer plant in Borralheira ‘Two Tone’ 130mm x 120mm indoor ceramic pot in Burgundy, $14.98, I/N: 0588217.

● Jute ‘Hayman’ 290mm x 190mm rug in Natural, $399, I/N: 0401261. ● Senso by Gerflor ‘Essential’ 3m DIY vinyl floor sheets in Castle Brown, $65.71/linear m, I/N: 0228979.

‡Available in stores from March.

● Walls painted in Dulux ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen interior paint in Ripe Rhubarb, $64.49/1L, I/N: 0638830. Bed linen and vase, Bed Bath N’ Table, bedbathntable. co.nz. Chair, Kiwi Home Store. All plants sold separately. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

DIY DECOR

Three fun projects to try this autumn

BOTANICAL ARTWORK

Create an original nature-inspired painting using leaves collected from your garden

SIDE TABLE

Make a space cohesive by using paint to transform accessories. To build this side table, sand a round pine panel, use a waterbased primer, then finish with a couple of coats of paint in your chosen colour and attach hairpin legs.

● DIY side table made using: SpecRite 600mm x 18mm timber multi use round pine panel, $26, I/N: 0419618•; Dulux ‘1Step Prep’ primer, sealer and undercoat, $42.94/500ml, I/N: 1370231, and ‘Wash&Wear’ low sheen paint in Albert Town, $64.49/1L, I/N: 0638830; and Taskmaster 400mm x 10mm steel hairpin table legs in Matte Black, $18.95 each, I/N: 0038470. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Read it!

Use paint to revamp a useful piece of furniture: bunnings.co.nz/ upcycle-chest-of-drawers

Pick it up! Use a primed canvas

● Jasart ‘Academy’ 20" x 16" (508mm x 406mm) 1.5" (38mm) edge canvas, $14.84, I/N: 3173218

Tools & materials

n Paintbrushes

n Mini rollers and trays

n Drop sheet

n Old plate or tray

n Canvas

n Acrylic paints in assorted colours

n Disposable gloves

n Leaves, flowers or other flora

STEP 1: PAINT STEP 2: PRINT

1 Use a paintbrush or roller to paint the canvas face and edges in a dark base colour, allow to dry. Working on a drop sheet and wearing gloves, put a leaf on a plate, then paint, ensuring even coverage.

2 Carefully lift the leaf and press it, paint side down, onto the canvas. Gently remove leaf. Continue painting and printing leaves and flowers to create a vibrant autumn artwork. Allow to dry completely.

Wall: Porter’s Paints

Eggshell Finish in Highlands

Second life

Transform a tired item into a stunning centrepiece with Porter’s Paints Revive Furniture Paint

Whether you’ve discovered a hidden gem at a second-hand store or have a cherished piece in need of a refresh, there’s never been a better time to explore the joys of upcycling. Take a piece that’s past its best and turn it into a focal point of your decor, using Porter’s Paints Revive Furniture Paint and Revive Metallic for small projects. Even if you’re a novice DIYer, it can be simple to achieve a high-end result you’ll love. Revive Furniture Paint has a built-in wax infusion that promises to deliver a durable finish without the hassle of extra clear finishes or wax, while the self-levelling formula minimises the appearance of brush marks for a smoother finish than chalk paints. The entire Revive range is also low odour, and completed items are easy to keep clean – dirt just wipes away.

Choose from 12 beautiful satin-finish colours and eight luxurious metallic looks, which stand alone or team perfectly together.

YOU WILL NEED...

Choose the Revive Furniture Paint or Metallic colour for your project. One 400ml jar of Furniture Paint covers about 5sqm, and one 100ml jar of Metallic covers 1sqm. Use fine/medium abrasive paper for prep. Apply the paint with high-quality paintbrushes in sizes appropriate for your project, or use a microfibre roller to apply Revive Furniture Paint to larger items like tables and doors.

1 Porter’s Paints ‘Revive’ furniture paint in Salt Wattle, $49.90/400ml, I/N: 0569235.

2 Porter’s Paints ‘Revive’ metallic paint in Brass Gold, $21.90/100ml, I/N: 0569238.

UPCYCLE IT!

FOLLOW THIS EASY STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE

1

PREP, CLEAN AND PRIME

Remove any existing hardware. Thoroughly clean the piece, then lightly sand and wipe away dust. For best results, prime before painting.

2

FIRST COAT APPLICATION

Paint a thin coat in the direction of the wood grain using long, even strokes. Allow the first coat to dry for a minimum of two hours.

3

SECOND COAT APPLICATION

Gently sand any drips. Apply the second coat. Dry for eight hours. Reattach hardware. No clear finish or sealing wax is needed. (Note: Metallics dry times differ.)

Scan the QR code to see the Porter’s Paints range at Bunnings and an inspiration gallery

STRING ALONG

For a low-cost, big-impact decorative feature that brings a touch of retro chic to any area, macramé fits the bill. All you need for this quick craft project is cotton cord, a key ring and a circular tray. What’s knot to love?

● DIY hanging plant stand made using: Jasart 30cm round artist panel, $22.36, I/N: 0442619, painted in Dulux Piglet paint. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

STEP 1: COW HITCH

1 Measure and cut six 2800mm and four 700mm lengths of cord. Fold a 2800mm length in half, loop the fold over a 50mm metal ring then feed the tails through and pull to form a cow hitch knot. Repeat with remaining 2800mm lengths.

3 Measure 1000mm from the ring down the hanging cords and wrap a rubber band tightly around the cords at this point. Use the last 700mm length of cord to form a wrap knot to cover the band, wrapping the cord five times, then trim excess cord.

STEP 2: TOP WRAPS

2 Divide all 12 hanging cords into three sections of four each. Take one section and at the top use a 700mm length of cord to form a wrap knot (see right), wrapping the cord five times, then trim excess cord. Repeat with remaining two sections.

4 Trim the ends of the hanging cords and unravel slightly to form a tassel. Suspend the hanger by its ring, separate the cord sections and insert a 300mm round panel at the base, adjusting the cord sections so they are evenly spaced around the edge. ●

A 50m reel of macramé cord is enough to make two of these on-trend hangers

● Grunt 4mm cotton macramé cord, $10.65/50m, I/N: 0133146 Pick it up!

Tools & materials

n Tape measure

n Scissors

n 4mm macramé cord

n 50mm key ring

n Rubber band

n 300mm x 23mm round panel

Keep in mind

■ For extra stability, hot-glue the base cords to the underside of the round panel. When using a hot-glue gun, wear eye protection and a mask, work in a well-ventilated area, then place the appliance on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage. Do not leave unattended while in use or directly after use.

■ Install hanger out of reach of children and pets. To prevent water leakage, use cache pots or saucers.

STEP 3: BASE WRAP

STEP 4: INSERT PANEL

Project Lucy Lithgow. Diagrams Sam van Kan. Paint colours may vary on application.

ORGANISATION OVERHAUL

Get your home in order with hooks and picture hanging strips designed to solve your storage woes and make decorating a breeze

Lift your organisation game and prioritise personalising your home with the wide range of removable adhesive hooks and picture hanging strips from Command™, as well as more permanent heavyweight storage solutions from 3M Claw – no tools or studs required!

Bust that clutter

Mess driving you up the wall? With Command hooks and hangers, you can easily solve your floor storage problems by going vertical, making every space around your home more accessible and enjoyable. Using a mixture of standard-sized Command Utility Hooks that hold up to 2.2kg each and more robust Command X-Large Utility Hooks that hold up to 6.8kg each, alongside Command Broom Grippers that carry up to 1.8kg each, you can create an organised entryway or customise a cupboard to hold exercise equipment.

Make your place a home

If your blank walls are crying out for you to get those stacks of photos and artworks on display, Command Large

Picture Hanging Strips are the perfect solution, and are both budget- and renter-friendly as they’re completely removable. Use them to arrange and style your pictures into a gallery wall to bring personality to your home.

Bring in the heavy hitters

It’s not just small items you can get off the floor with wall storage. While other heavyweight wall hooks need to be hammered into studs, the innovative 3M Claw hooks can simply be pushed into plasterboard walls with your thumbs, so you can place them anywhere you like. With hardened steel construction, 3M Claw 11kg Wall Hooks are impressively robust. Make use of these little power lifters in tougher spaces like the garage, where they can hold anything from a fully packed sports bag to stepladders. You can even use them to display weighty mirrors and other decorative items. Plus, 3M Claw hooks leave minimal marks on the wall. So if you change your mind, or change address, it’s a quick fix. No worries, no regrets.

1 Command 1.8kg broom grippers, $17.99/pack of 2, I/N: 3962049. 2 Command XL utility hook in White, $10.74, I/N: 0403158. 3 Command large picture hanging strips in White, $24.97/pack of 12, I/N: 3950426. 4 Command utility hooks, $20.97/pack of 10, I/N: 0275123.

Scan the QR code to see the full range of Command products available at Bunnings

BELOW LEFT: 3M

Claw 11kg wall hook in Silver, $22.25, I/N: 0670379. BELOW RIGHT: 3M Claw 7kg wall hook in Black, $20.89, I/N: 0670378.

Make it easier to exercise with all your gear to hand

Golden hours

Create inviting spaces for family and friends with toasty layers, warm hues and ambient lighting

Photography Jonny Valiant Styling Sami Simper

Make it! See page 28 for how to create these textured abstract lamps

As the leaves turn and the mercury begins to drop, be inspired by the change in seasons to create cosy havens in your living zones. Set the mood with lighting, copper-toned plants and comforting textiles in gorgeous warm, autumnal shades

Style it!

Elevate alfresco dining with blush-toned linen and glowing table decor

ABOVE ● Mimosa ‘Cordoba’ 2200mm x 900mm aluminium dining table, $549, I/N: 0583682, and bench, $315, in Charcoal, I/N: 0583714. ● DIY fairy-light trellis, see page 28 for materials and instructions. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

OUTDOOR ROOM

Define an area under cover, such as a back verandah, with a corner lounge setting to create a convivial space for relaxed conversation. Celebrate the season by arranging plants which showcase a glorious variety of foliage in complementary pots, and string up festoon lights for evening ambience. Add comfort and colour with cushions, throws and a durable rug – just be sure to bring them indoors out of the weather when not in use.

LEFT ● Mimosa ‘Santo’ timber corner setting with cushions, $1,349, I/N: 0581625, and 75cm x 75cm square timber coffee table, $199, I/N: 0581626. ● Marquee ‘Oasis’ 45cm outdoor cushion in Frappe/Green, $14.50, I/N: 0599021. ● Lytworx connectable indoor/ outdoor low voltage festoon party lights in Warm White, $139/30 lights, I/N: 0376368, and ‘Bergen’ indoor/outdoor low voltage festoon party lights in Warm White, $39.98/ 10 lights, I/N: 0559734.

(On table) ● Lanterns, for similar try Arlec ‘Flame Effect’ 23cm LED speckled solar lantern in Brown, $29.68, I/N: 0181794.

(On floor) ● Loropetalum chinensis ‘Plum Gorgeous’ in Northcote Pottery ‘LA’ 30cm egg pot in Wine, $41.42, I/N: 0361833. ● Coleus ‘Campfire’ in Northcote Pottery ‘Oslo’ 27cm x 27cm glazed drum pot in Wine Red, $30.98, I/N: 2801229. ● Echinacea cone flower in Northcote Pottery 23cm mod egg pot in Copper, $19.98, I/N: 2832608, and ‘Primo’ 250mm round saucer in Copper, $17.28, I/N: 2832615. All plants sold separately. All other products, stylist’s own.

Dusty the cavoodle

ABSTRACT LAMPS

Use a papier-mâché hack and paint to add texture and colour

STEP 1: CUT PAPER

1 Remove shade from lamp base. Mask off the neck of the lamp base with painter’s tape. Position shade on a stack of tissue paper and mark the height, then cut.

STEP 3: COVER BASE

Pick it up! Stick and seal the tissue paper with this crafty all-rounder

● Plaid ‘Mod Podge’ gloss sealer, glue and finish, $12.98/236ml, I/N: 0084484

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (eye protection, gloves and mask)

n Ruler and pencil

n Scissors

n 25mm wall paintbrush

n Paint tray or palette

n Artist’s paintbrushes

n Lamps

n Painter’s tape

n Acid-free tissue paper

n Mod Podge

n Artist’s acrylic paints

STEP 2: COAT SHADE

2 Use a 25mm brush to apply Mod Podge to the lamp shade, then wrap a piece of tissue paper around shade. Repeat to build up several layers of paper, finishing with a coat of Mod Podge. Leave to dry.

STEP 4: PAINT DESIGN

For a charming table feature, fill a bowl with solar-powered mini bamboo lanterns

DIY FAIRY-LIGHT TRELLIS

Create a sparkling feature wall for your outdoor dining area in an instant! Install a bamboo trellis with fixings suitable for your wall type, then string with outdoor fairy lights – choose ones with variable modes for extra wow factor, and a power-saving timer function which automatically turns them off. ●

LEFT

● DIY abstract lamps made using: Verve Design ‘Asher’ table lamps in White, $35.52/pack of 2, I/N: 0123750, and ‘Dala’ table lamp in White, $15.38, I/N: 0291215 (globes sold separately); and Reeves ‘Intro’ paint, $6.14/100ml, in Raw Umber, I/N: 0228864, and Burnt Sienna, I/N: 0228862.

TOP ● Lytworx indoor/outdoor solar/USB bamboo lanterns in Warm White, $19.78/pack of 10, I/N: 0312436‡.

ABOVE ● DIY fairy-light trellis made using: Scape 1.8m x 1.2m expanding bamboo trellis screen, $24.50, I/N: 0300599; and Lytworx connectable indoor/outdoor low voltage LED party fairy lights in Warm White, $49.32/pack of 400, I/N: 4352354. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Keep in mind

■ If painting a lamp, make sure it’s not plugged into the power, avoid getting paint on any electrical parts and allow to dry thoroughly before use.

3 Cut tissue paper into 50mm x 100mm strips. Apply Mod Podge to the lamp base then smooth on strips. Repeat to cover base and build up several layers, finishing with a coat of Mod Podge. Leave to dry.

4 Use acrylic paints and artist’s brushes to create abstract designs on the lamp shade and base. Apply two coats; let dry after each coat. Remove tape, reassemble lamp and install globe.

■ When painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated.

■ Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

COSY UP

Ready your home for the chilly season with these energyefficient DIY strategies

Words Emma Rawson

The first cool morning of autumn can be a cruel awakening that summer is well and truly over. But it’s also the best time to do an audit of your place and perform upgrades or DIY fixes to prepare for the even colder months ahead.

Got it covered

Use curtains and blinds to reduce heat loss through windows

ASSESS YOUR HOME

Take the guesswork out of heating with simple maths. The New Zealand Government’s Tenancy Services has a healthy homes online tool (tenancy. govt.nz/healthy-homes) that offers handy calculations for both tenants and homeowners. It factors in the characteristics of your home such as floor plan, stud height and when it was built to calculate the minimum heating capacity required.

PUMP UP THE HEAT

Home heating has advanced in leaps and bounds in the past few years, and your old heat pump may no longer be the best machine for the job. When investing in a new heat pump, check the Zoned Energy Rating Label on the device, which shows its energy efficiency in hot, average and cold climates. You can also go online and check the Gen Less efficient appliance calculator (genless.govt.nz) to compare the efficiency of different models according to the area of New Zealand in which you live.

MIND THE GAPS

Deal with draughts around the home to keep warmth in and cold out. Not sure where air is escaping? Hold a lit candle near walls, doors and windows (but not near curtains); if the flame flickers or goes out, there’s a draught. Plug draughts using adhesive weather seal strips, installing a door sweep or draught stopper and caulking windows with interior gap sealant.

SEE TO THE WINDOWS

Upgrading to double glazing or energy-efficient windows is a big job but, for a temporary solution, DIY window film will make a big difference to the warmth in a room. Thermal blinds are also an effective option.

INVESTIGATE INSULATION

Check the insulation in your ceilings, walls and floors. If your home was built before 1970, it may be time to replace older insulation. See the DIY options available at your local Bunnings store or go to bunnings.co.nz/services to arrange a quote and installation‡ ●

Keep your home nice and snug with these hacks

Seal of approval

Stick it on to reduce draughts

Syneco 9mm x 5mm foam door and window weather seal, $3.62/5m, I/N: 4061884

Quick to fit

Slips easily under most doors

Sperling 78cm double sided draught stopper, $8.99, I/N: 0010722

Top it up

Improve your home’s insulation

Knauf Insulation R2.6 8500mm x 430mm x 90mm multi-use insulation roll, $57.27/3.66sqm, I/N: 0604310

Window treatment

An extra layer makes a difference

Smart Home Products ‘Urban’ 265cm x 160cm pencil pleat room darkening curtains in Linen, $74.90/pack of 2, I/N: 0376499 (available in selected stores only)

Instant warmth

You control the temperature

Toshiba ‘Haori’ 3.2Kw heat pump with standard installation, $2,779, I/N: 0413553†

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Bright & beautiful

Keep colour in your life through the cooler months with the stunning blooms of orchids

Orchids are loved for their exotic blooms in bright colours, unique patterns and intriguing shapes. Their dramatic looks can make them intimidating to grow but, while it’s true some can be tricky, many are surprisingly simple to care for.

There are thousands of different orchids in the Orchidaceae plant family, including wild native New Zealand varieties. Peter Jenner from the North Shore Orchid Society advises starting with easy-to-grow varieties such as Phalaenopsis, also known as moth orchids. They’ll reward you with long-lived plants and spectacular sprays of lasting colour.

PRETTY PHALAENOPSIS

These beauties can be purchased in flower all year round. Their showy, elegant blooms resemble moths in flight and come in a variety of colours, from soft whites and pinks to bold purples. Some are also speckled or patterned. Peter says Phalaenopsis can be grown indoors in most homes. “To be successful, they need lots of indirect light,” he explains. “In my home, our Phalaenopsis grow in a north-facing room with light that’s filtered through a net curtain.” Orchids thrive in humid conditions and like being wet without their roots soaking in water. To help your orchid

adapt to your home environment, remove the plant from its nursery pot, dip the roots in an orchid fertiliser solution for a few minutes then repot. Gary Town from Yates says that creating consistent humid conditions will keep your orchid happy. “Sit your potted orchid on top of a saucer filled with pebbles, then regularly top up the saucer with water,” he suggests. Soak an orchid once a week (once a fortnight in winter), or if you notice the roots are turning a silvery colour, advises Bunnings Greenlife buyer Riely Kerr-Phillips. “After soaking, allow the pot to drain,” she says. “This should help to keep the roots healthy.”

An orchid in full flower deserves pride of place

Once flowers finish, if the stem is green, it needs to be cut back to a node. With care, it is likely to rebloom. If the spike turns brown, prune it back to the base and a new one will eventually develop.

GROWING ESSENTIALS

Most commonly grown orchids are epiphytes or lithophytes, meaning in the wild they cling to trees or rocky surfaces, with exposed roots. To replicate these conditions at home, it’s important to use a specialised potting mix. “Quality orchid potting mixes are designed to drain quickly and encourage aeration to the roots,” explains Gary Town. Good airflow is also fundamental and often moth orchids develop aerial roots to control their moisture level. “Aerial roots may look a bit ugly, but don’t be tempted to cut them off,” he adds.

When your orchid is actively growing and flowering, feed it regularly with an orchid-specific fertiliser, but give it a rest once flowering is over. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid fertiliser burn or over-feeding.

A common issue is mealybugs. “If the leaf surfaces seem sticky, or you notice a fuzzy white substance in the crook of the leaves, you might have a mealybug problem,” says Gary. “Many orchids don’t like being sprayed with horticultural oils, so products like neem concentrates are an ideal substitute for traditional oil-based controls.” ●

Ideal base

Prepare your pot

● Daltons premium orchid mix, $8.96/5L, I/N: 0259546

Colourful, long-lasting orchids are perfect for brightening up a room

Watch it!

Find more tips about planting, growing and pruning orchids: bunnings.co.nz/orchid-care

ORCHID EQUIPMENT

Arm yourself with the right items to nurture your blossoms

Growth spike Easy feeding

● Yates Thrive ‘Orchids’ plant food spikes, $10.19/ pack of 30, I/N: 0165675

Shear delight Keep in shape

● McGregor’s alloy body bypass secateurs, $14.38, I/N: 0519090

Promote blooms No mixing, no mess

● Scotts Osmocote ‘Pour+Feed’ orchid fertiliser, $17.89/1L, I/N: 0162254

Star of the show

Choose your specimen

● Phalaenopsis orchid

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

AUTUMN GARDEN PLANNER

There’s plenty to do to set up for the new season. Tackle tasks in stages and enjoy the journey

Words Roger Fox

As keen gardeners know, the secret to a fabulous spring garden lies in what you do now. Autumn is an important transition period, a time to do some selective trimming, tidy up outdoor spaces and prep for the cool months ahead. To make it easy, we’ve divided autumn’s essential garden tasks over four weekends – a sequential action plan that will help you get it all covered, without feeling overwhelmed. So let’s get into it!

WEEKEND

Early autumn calls for a general tidy-up in the garden, as well as a little spraying and preparing

■ Trim back excess growth on shrubs, and prune rampant tendrils on climbing plants like star jasmine and wisteria. Pull out summer flowers and vegies that are dead or fading. Lightly prune back roses to encourage another crop of blooms.

■ Dig out weeds from garden beds before their seedheads drop and germinate, only to reappear next spring. Spray lawn weeds with a selective lawn herbicide or dig them right out by hand.

■ Feed citrus trees, whether in pots or garden beds, and water in well.

■ Spray garden pests like aphids, which often cluster on new plant growth at this time of year. Also watch for scale insects on citrus trees – spray them with a horticultural oil.

■ Buy bulbs now while there’s a good selection available. Varieties that like cold winters, such as tulips, hyacinths and daffodils, can be placed in the fridge crisper for 4-6 weeks before planting.

Kindest cuts

Give roses an autumn tidy by deadheading (cutting off spent blooms). Also remove and bin any diseased foliage. Use clean sharp secateurs and sterilise blades between cuts. Keep an eye out for pests, too.

With its milder temperatures and plenty of daylight hours, autumn is the best time of year for landscape projects. If you’ve been thinking about replacing paving or laying a new path, now is the time to get into it. The same goes for any garden carpentry jobs, such as replacing decking or building a raised vege bed. Or, for a winterfriendly outdoor space, consider installing a fire-pit zone. For this, you’ll need to clear a circular area, install a flooring of pavers or crushed granite and bring in some seating. Then place a fire pit in the centre and get ready to enjoy cosy outdoor gatherings throughout the cooler months.

Lift and separate

When flowers and foliage have died off, dig up dahlia tubers, shake off soil and divide the clumps. Place them, eye pointing up, on a bed of potting mix and sawdust, cover lightly with this mix and store in a cool dark place.

Keep in mind

■ Wear gloves and a mask when handling mulch, compost and potting mix and also when pruning, along with long sleeves, as the leaves and sap of some plants can be a skin irritant and cause allergic reactions.

■ Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

■ Check fire pit manufacturer’s safety/set-up advice and local authority regulations for open fires. Position fire pits away from combustible structures; only burn dry, sustainably forested timber.

COOL PROJECTS ● Mimosa ‘Cordoba’ aluminium bench seats in White, $315 each, I/N: 0583697

WEEKEND

Some planting and feeding now will keep your autumn garden plans right on track

■ Plant seedlings or seeds of cool-season vegetables, such as peas, broccoli, broad beans and spinach. Coriander loves the cooler weather, too – sow seeds directly into crumbly, moist soil, cover lightly with seed-raising mix and water regularly with a fine mist spray until they germinate.

■ Fertilise your lawn to encourage grass to thicken and green up before the winter slowdown. Use a granular lawn food that contains plenty of organic material to enrich the soil beneath, and water in thoroughly.

■ Feed everything in the garden with a fertiliser such as blood and bone or manure pellets. Tip: Use a wheelbarrow to move heavy fertiliser bags around the garden.

■ Rake up autumn leaves as they fall and pile them into jumbo-sized garbage bags (with a few holes poked through). Set them aside and let them rot down for a few months into leaf mould, then use it as a mulch or soil conditioner.

■ Plant spring-flowering favourites like cineraria, stocks, primula, lobelia, pansies and foxgloves for a colourful display in a few months’ time.

■ Get creative! Pretty up the autumn garden with potted colour. Look for blooming perennials such as chrysanthemums, asters, dahlias, Japanese anemones, penstemons and rudbeckias. Plant a few in decorative containers or fill empty pockets in garden beds.

Top seed Sugar snap peas can be grown through winter in warm zones, but wait until the danger of frost has passed in colder areas.

Flower show Plant asters now for a glorious splash of late-season colour. For best results, grow in a sunny, airy position.

Read it!

Be inspired to DIY your own outdoor spaces: bunnings.co.nz/landscapingfor-any-size-backyard

WEEKEND

Finish off planting before the cold weather arrives and get your outdoor living zones winter-ready

■ Plant bulbs that have been chilling in the fridge. Follow the planting depth and spacing listed on the packaging. If planting in pots, you can pack them

– autumn is the best time to get them established

■ Seek out autumnfoliage stunners like maples and crepe myrtles while they’re showing off their seasonal colours. Now is also a good time to plant autumn-flowering shrubs like sasanqua camellias and tibouchinas.

■ Get into composting by buying a compost

in more closely to create a dense flower display.

■ Use a high-pressure cleaner to remove moss and mildew from outdoor living areas and paths – the cooler days and reduced sunshine over the next few months can leave those outdoor surfaces slippery.

■ Install frost protection where winters are cold to protect any tender plants that you can’t move. The easiest approach is to build a frame and cover it each night with frost cloth, plastic, bubble wrap, hessian or something similar.

■ Make a garden-inspired gift for Mother’s Day. Two easy ideas: plant up a

bin. Alternate layers of dry fallen leaves with moist materials like kitchen scraps and grass clippings. Sprinkle over a few handfuls of cow manure every few layers, and use a garden fork to mix everything together. Turn the heap every few weeks – by spring you’ll have a great soil improver that’s ready to go.

Give hedges a prewinter trim to tidy them up. Trim only lightly, especially in cold areas, as most plants will generate no new growth until next spring.

■ Plant a few strawberry plants so you’ll have fruit to pick by spring. In the garden, they like raised-up beds, a layer of surface mulch and plenty of sunlight. If using pots, plant them in a goodquality potting mix and feed with soluble fertiliser in autumn and then spring.

decorative bowl with miniature cyclamen for colour right through winter; or take the culinary route and fill a pot or basket with herbs (you’ll find a good selection available at this time of year). ●

Keep in mind

■ When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

Photo; (strawberry, cyclamen, water blaster) Adobe Stock.

Embrace the beauty of autumn by choosing plants that put on a fabulous late-season display

A quick spruce-up of pavers makes a big difference to the garden

GROUND CONTROL

Check out these useful items to help make your garden shipshape and ready for the next growing season

Blast away

For effortless rounding up of leaves and debris

● Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V 4.0Ah blower kit, $249, I/N: 0344159

Bag it

Tidy up clippings and garden waste as you go

● Scotts large garden waste bag, $12.45, I/N: 0260997

Chicken feed

Give your plants something to crow about

● Daltons ‘Garden Time’ chicken and sheep pellets, $15.93/10kg, I/N: 0329035

Handy helper

Make light work of moving stuff around the garden

● New Zealand Wheelbarrows ‘Handipour’ wheelbarrow, $199, I/N: 0281507

Quick trim

Precision tool for tidying shrubs and hedges

● DeWalt 54V 6Ah 660mm cordless hedge trimmer kit, $799, I/N: 0444027

Healthy boost

Great for soil water retention

● Daltons ‘Premium’ mulch & grow, $14.25/40L, I/N: 0200126

Growth spurt

A good meal for your vegetables

● Yates ‘Thrive’ natural vegie and herb liquid fertiliser, $21.92/1L, I/N: 2962094

Gathering force

Perfect for clearing leaves – and great exercise, too!

● Atlas Trade plastic leaf rake, $19.77, I/N: 0313097

RED

Your favourite Red Bands are now available in ankle-length. Perfect for slipping on when heading to the garden for fresh vegetables, walking the dog, or cheering from the sidelines.

In stores March 2025, available in Women/Youth sizes. Scan to view the range, redband.co.nz

WELL PRESERVED

Enjoy delicious, sun-soaked flavours year-round by planting fruit trees and bottling your bountiful crop!

Words Emma Rawson

There’s nothing quite like the taste of homegrown fruit, and preserving is a great way to make the most of your autumn harvest. A beautifully packaged homemade preserve makes a lovely Mother’s Day gift, too! Gardener and cook Nicola Galloway’s pantry is always well stocked with goodies made using produce from her Nelson garden. The author of The Homemade Table runs regular preserving workshops and says it’s easy for beginners to learn the bottling basics.

TAKE YOUR PICK

The fruit from some trees is better suited for preserving than others, says Nicola Galloway. “Look for varieties that say ‘firm flesh’ on the tree tag,” she advises. “For stone fruit, ‘freestone’ varieties are easiest to process as the stone comes away easily.” She suggests ‘Omega’ and ‘Black Doris’ plums, ‘Golden Queen’ peaches and ‘Tomcat’ apricots. While feijoas are known for their short season and crop glut, an easy way to enjoy this fruit year-round is to scoop out the flesh and bottle it in a light syrup.

Pectin is a type of soluble fibre found in fruit that acts as a gelling agent. Some fruits such as quince and crab apples have high amounts of pectin, making them suitable for making firm jellies and pastes. Berries such as raspberry and strawberry have less pectin, so need to be heated with large amounts of sugar and lemon — or an additional gelling agent — for them to set into a jam. Apples and pears contain high amounts of pectin and can easily be turned into a delicious purée preserve. “Most varieties of apples and pears can be preserved but older varieties such as ‘Cox’s Orange Pippin’, ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Granny Smith’ are best for a thick sauce,” adds Nicola. If you have bruised or damaged fruit, then stewing it for jams or chutneys could be a better way to use it.

Top feed

Give your fruit trees a healthy boost

● Scotts Osmocote ‘Compost’ premium soil improver, $13.85/40L, I/N: 8912730

KEEP PESTS AWAY

Don’t let birds and insects get first dibs on the fruits of your labour. Bunnings garden care buyer Dhanniya Morton suggests using drawstring net bags to protect fruit or birdsafe netting on the whole tree. Taking care of your tree and keeping it healthy is one of the best ways to ward off insect pests such as scale, aphids, thrips and mites, as stressed plants release volatile organic compounds, which can act as a signal to insects to come and feast on them.

To maintain healthy fruit trees, feed with a specially formulated fertiliser and compost, water well during dry periods and, if necessary, spray with a suitable insecticide.

GATHER YOUR HARVEST

Fruit is best picked when it is ripe but still firm. “When picking stone fruit, the fruit should have a gentle yield when squeezed,” says Nicola. “Ripe pip fruit [apples and pears] will release from the tree when gently tugged – if they don’t come away easily, they’re not ready.” Ripe feijoas will drop off the tree and need to be collected often. Always harvest fruit carefully to prevent unnecessary bruising. Bunnings national buyer for garden hand tools Rochelle Sherrard Smith recommends using a telescopic pruning tool with a picking attachment for hard-to-reach fruit.

PICK OF THE CROP

BOTTLE IT UP

Bottling fruit is an easy option for beginners preserving their crop, says Juno Scott-Kelly from Love Food Hate Waste New Zealand. “The traditional overflow method is a wonderful way to preserve many types of fruit,” she says. “By filling the jars almost to the brim with hot syrup and removing any air, you’re helping to prevent spoilage and mould.”

Upcycled jam jars with metal lids or Agee jars can be used for preserving but, whichever you choose, they have to be properly sterilised first and the fruit washed and prepared, such as peaches de-stoned and apples peeled. For more information and recipes, visit lovefoodhatewaste.co.nz.

GIVE TREES A TRIM

After harvesting, make sure to clean up any fruit that has fallen to the ground and give the tree a tidy-up. “I tend to lightly prune pip and stone fruit trees to tidy them up and remove any water shoots, but I never remove more than a quarter of the tree at this time of year,” says Nicola. “In winter I prune again, giving bare tree limbs a once-over, keeping in mind airflow and the shape of the tree. This is also the time to do any larger pruning, such as removing unwanted branches. You could use a pruning sealant on larger cuts as a barrier to prevent diseases entering the tree,” she says. ●

Arm yourself with the right gear to ensure a fruitful harvest

Net gain

Prevent pests from destroying crops

● Cyclone ‘Backyard Farmer’ 30cm x 20cm netting bag, $14.98/pack of 25, I/N: 0331902

A cut above

A combo to tackle small and big branches

● Fiskars lopper & secateur set, $39.98, I/N: 0190181

Easy pickings

Handy for those hard-to-reach fruit

● Fiskars ‘PowerGear X UPX86’ telescopic tree pruner, $208, I/N: 3350854, and fruit picking attachment, $38.87, I/N: 3367164†

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

BACKYARD FRUIT BOWL

Plant a selection of fruit trees in the garden or, if short on space, look for dwarf varieties suitable for large pots or containers

Grow the Williams or Bartlett pear in full sun, and pick fruit when slightly green, as it will continue to ripen for eating and bottling.

A hardy and prolific tree found in many backyards, fragrant feijoa can be enjoyed fresh, bottled, frozen or turned into fruit leather!

The Black Doris plum is a vigorous grower which produces sweet, dark red, medium sized fruit, great for eating and preserving.

Peach trees prefer a sunny and sheltered position in well-draining soil. Their fruit is delicious fresh, or in jam, chutney and drinks.

MUM’S THE WORD

Card trick Let Mum choose!

● 1 Winter rose in Northcote Pottery ‘Alure’ 16cm pot in Cloud, $23.19, I/N: 0263177. ● 2 Northcote Pottery ‘Jardin’ planters in Forest Green: 28cm, $42.08, I/N: 0096193; 46cm, $79.98, I/N: 0096195; 22cm, $29.88, I/N: 0096191; and 36cm, $57.33, I/N: 0096194. ● 3 Skellerup ‘Red Band’ women/youth low gumboots, $74/size 7, I/N: 0751758. ● 4 Fiskars aluminium hand trowel, $9.48, I/N: 0833153. ● 5 Verve Design table lamp with base in Natural and shade in Black, $34/pack of 2, I/N: 0455928 (globes sold separately). ● 6 Supatool 105 piece tool kit in bag, $59, I/N: 0315057. ● 7 Salvia in Moda ‘Rainbow’ 14.5cm indoor ceramic planter in Gold, $14.50, I/N: 0434873. ● 8 Craftright 600mm x 300mm tool belt, $25, I/N: 5820491. ● 9 Practa Solutions ‘Bubble Large’ candle making kit, $24, I/N: 0383633*. ● 10 Cyclone ‘Flexitec’ medium garden gloves in Teal, $19.98, I/N: 0049921. All plants not included. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered. UNDER $100

Ergonomic handle Helps reduce hand stress

bunningswarehousenewzealand | bunnings | bunningsnz | bunnings.co.nz

Rustic ambience

Create

Cordless craft Heats up in three minutes

● 11 Eufy ‘Starlight’ 4G security camera, $520, I/N: 0385500. ● 12 Glow ‘Heathcote’ fire pit in Rust, $140, I/N: 0520980. ● 13 Mimosa ‘Butterfly’ wicker chair in Black, $179, I/N: 0584093. ● 14 DeLonghi ‘Icona Vintage’ 1.7L kettle in Beige, $109, I/N: 0591774. ● 15 Verve Design ‘Lizelle’ tripod floor lamp, $151.98, I/N: 0261996 (globe sold separately). ● 16 Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V RGL18 dual temperature glue gun, $109/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0455978. ● 17 Jack wall plant stand, $125.92, I/N: 2870691 (pots and plants not included). ● 18 ‘Yen Ben’ lemon tree in Northcote Pottery 55cm x 46cm XL terrazzo egg pot in Black, $120, I/N: 0096204 (tree sold separately). ● 19 Northcote Pottery ‘Primo Miami’ 60cm x 52cm bird bath in Forest Green, $119, I/N: 0290710. ● 20 Northcote Pottery ‘Oakden’ 67cm x 48cm barrel water fountain, $159, I/N: 2810268. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered. ●

bunnings.co.nz | bunningsnz | bunnings | bunningswarehousenewzealand

HAPPY, HEALTHY, AUTUMN READY

Breathe easy and sleep well with this checklist

Words

Georgia Madden & Emma Rawson

1

ADD TOUCH-ME TEXTURES

Make your living spaces more inviting with sumptuous materials. “Feeling cosy is connected to both the temperature of a room and its ambience,” says architect Lisa Day (dayarchitects.co.nz). Look for cushions and throws in tactile materials and textured rugs underfoot. “Tactile surfaces can help your body intuitively slow down and nestle in on a winter’s night,” advises Lisa. Mood lighting also creates cosiness – she suggests LED bulbs that can be easily adjusted to a warm colour temperature.

2

CLEAR THE AIR

The downside of a well-sealed and insulated home is that allergens, dust and pollutants cannot escape, and might trigger respiratory issues. A quality air purifier can remove these potentially hazardous elements. Look for one with a ‘true’ HEPA filter, which filters 99.97 per cent of airborne particles as small as 0.3 of a micron. “Air-purifying plants may also clean the air of a variety of toxins,” says Lisa.

3DUST RIGHT

A regular, effective cleaning routine can help to keep dust and airborne irritants at bay. Wiping surfaces with a damp microfibre cloth removes dust without spreading it further, while using a vacuum with a

Warm up! SEE PAGE 31 FOR DIY TIPS TO IMPROVE HOME HEATING EFFICIENCY

HEPA filter removes tiny dirt particles and invisible irritants. Decluttering and surfaces with easy-clean finishes can also help, suggests Lisa. “Reducing dust may even mean simplifying the number of dust-collecting ornaments in your home,” she says.

4

PREVENT MOISTURE

Mould caused by excess moisture is a key indicator of poor environmental conditions and negatively impacts respiratory health, according to a study by the Building Research Association of New Zealand (BRANZ)*. “Reducing the opportunity for mould growth in your home is extremely important,” says Lisa. Using an exhaust fan is compulsory for healthy home compliance, and opening a window while cooking or showering in addition to this has been shown by BRANZ to substantially reduce the level of moisture without compromising heating, she advises. “In the laundry, make sure clothes dryers are vented outside or invest in a condenser dryer,” adds Lisa.

5

CREATE A SANCTUARY

Transform your bedroom into a healthy retreat. If redecorating or buying new furniture, consider natural building materials, such as timber, cork or leather, which may contain fewer chemicals compared to synthetic options. Opt for paints free of, or low in, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and change out your bedding. “A seasonal anti-allergy inner duvet and cushion swap over helps a house adapt to the seasons visually, and also provides a good opportunity for a deep clean,” says Lisa. ●

SAVE!

A wallet-friendly way to help boost the health of your home is to use DIY cleaning products. Cleaning vinegar is a cost-effective option. To make a bathroom cleaner, mix equal parts cleaning vinegar and water in a spray bottle and add a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Or try undiluted cleaning vinegar on tougher, built-up grime.

PINK POWER

Add grit and muscle to your cleaning routine without any extra effort by employing the power of The Pink Stuff

THINK PINK

The Pink Stuff Miracle Cleaning Paste has become a bit of a legend among cream cleaners. It’s an easy-to-apply paste that doesn’t run or drip and is tough enough to tackle stains on surfaces like paintwork, uPVC and glass. It can also blitz your barbecue, erase scorch marks, sort out your stove top, get your garden furniture gleaming, deal with rust and more. It’ll even clean stubborn stains off your sports shoes! Fall back in love with washday with The Pink Stuff Oxi Stain Remover spray. Perfect as a pre-wash laundry treatment, it’s just what’s needed to say goodbye to grass stains, wine spillages, accidental tomato sauce squirts and more. Or try The Pink Stuff Oxi Powder Stain Remover for colours or whites. Use it as a pre-soaker or add it directly to your washing machine for pristine, sweet-smelling results.

1 The Pink Stuff ‘Miracle’ cleaning paste, $10.49/850g, I/N: 0362819. 2 The Pink Stuff oxi stain remover laundry spray, $10.49/500ml, I/N: 0442838 3 The Pink Stuff ‘Miracle’ oxi stain remover laundry powder for whites, $15.99/1kg, I/N: 0442839. 4 The Pink Stuff ‘Miracle’ oxi stain remover laundry powder for colours, $15.99/1kg, I/N: 0442840

Scan the QR code to explore The Pink Stuff range available at Bunnings

Use with an old toothbrush to refresh grimy grout lines

Bring pans and cooktops back to their shiny best

Thanks to its thick consistency, The Pink Stuff doesn’t drip off the surface you’re cleaning

Doggone!

If you’re going away for Easter, Anzac Day or the school holidays and want to take your pets with you, make sure you plan ahead. Many accommodation and bach websites now include search filters for pet-friendly options, but it’s important to do your research before booking. Check out the property’s pet policy and whether there are outdoor areas or parts of the dwelling they are prohibited

BE KIWI KIND

from entering. To ensure your pet feels at home while on holiday, bring their favourite toys, feeding bowls and bedding, as well as essentials such as medication and leashes.

When driving with pets, make sure they are safely secured with a harness or in a pet carrier and have access to water. Never leave pets in a parked car, as temperatures can rise rapidly to life-threatening

Dogs are hunters by instinct and can pose a threat to wildlife, with kiwis being particularly vulnerable. Unlike other birds, kiwis don’t have breastplates to protect their internal organs and are easily injured by inquisitive dogs. If you’re travelling with dogs, ensure you keep them well away from known kiwi habitats. To reduce the risk to kiwis, dog owners who live near or plan to travel close to kiwi sanctuaries can learn effective strategies through Kiwi Avoidance Training, a program that’s jointly coordinated by Save the Kiwi and the Department of Conservation/ Te Papa Atawhai. For more information, visit kiwiavoidancetraining.nz.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

2 3 4

● 1 LazyPets plastic pet carrier, $21.99/small, I/N: 0033210.

● 2 Paws & Claws ‘Peezee’ 56cm x 56cm antibacterial pet training pads, $20.58/pack of 100, I/N: 0439608. ● 3 All Set pet ramp, $55.86, I/N: 0395870.

● 4 Fido & Fletch foldable pet carrier, $89/small, I/N: 3440233. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

levels. If your pet has never used a carrier before, help them to acclimatise before travelling by encouraging them to spend time inside it with a favourite blanket and a few treats.

FLOWER PUP

1 I live in… Christchurch, near St James Park.

2 Others would describe me as… ahem… beautiful, white, clean, fluffy and soft.

3 My perfect day involves… taking a walk, staring at cats and comparing the scents of different roses.

4 I have a habit of… pulling the stuffing out of my toys.

5 It’s difficult to… stop talking when I know I’m going for a walk.

6 Squeaky toys... can keep me entertained for hours.

7My best friend is… my mum.

8I show love by… putting my head on Mum’s knee and giving her ‘puppy-dog eyes’. This floofy fido comes up smelling of roses

Would you like to see your animal pal in our pages? Email your pet’s photo, name and breed (with ‘Pet parade’ in the subject line) to submissions @bunnings.co.nz Good luck!

TOY TIME

Choose the right playthings for every age, stage and purpose

Just like kids, dogs play for development and learning as well as entertainment. The right toys can be tools for bonding between you and your pet, can stretch them mentally and physically, and even help calm an anxious pup. Dr Jess Beer, veterinary behaviourist at Kiwi Vet Behaviour, says exercising your dog’s mind is just as important as exercising their body, and enrichment toys are a great way to make dogs feel fulfilled and stable. “Enrichment activities help stave off a lot of the problems that I sometimes see as a dog behaviourist,” says Dr Jess.

PUPPY POWER

Toys are especially important for puppies. Dr Jess says that during the critical learning stage, it’s essential for puppies to explore their world through taste and smell. “When I do my puppy classes, I say they need a toy that’s fluffy, something to chew on and a brain game like a puzzle,” she says.

Like all babies during teething, puppies will want something to chew on to soothe their gums (always check the age suitability of chew toys). Dental toys also promote licking and chewing, which is a great calming activity for dogs of all ages. “It’s important to teach them what is appropriate for them to chew to prevent unwanted losses of shoes!” says Dr Jess.

Early exposure to toys will help dogs develop problem-solving skills, which will lead to a lifetime enjoyment of different kinds of enrichment. Toys that keep dogs occupied, such as those that dispense treats as rewards for working out a challenge, are great for preventing boredom.

MATCH YOUR BREED

Some breeds will respond better than others to particular toys, especially those that allow them to act out instinctive behaviours, says Dr Jess. “For example, retrieving dogs such as labradors like carrying the toys around. Ratting dogs like Jack Russell terriers love to chase and destroy things, so a toy they can eviscerate and you can refill is best,” she says.

SIZE IT UP

Selecting the right size of toy for your dog is important. Lots of breeds like to play fetch with a ball, but the ball should be a good size for them to hold in their mouth while running – balls that are too small can be a choking hazard for larger dogs.

SAFE AND SOUND

Always supervise your dog or puppy with newly introduced toys to ensure they are not going to swallow or choke on parts of them, says Dr Jess. And regularly check your pet’s toys for signs of wear and tear because, like any product, they will have a lifespan in which they are safe and useful.

Stock up on both essential and ‘just for fun’ items for your cat friends

THEIR HUNTING INSTINCTS MAKE CATS NATURALLY PLAYFUL 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ● 1 Trusty ‘Avocado’ catnip tumbler toy, $9.88, I/N: 0577780. ● 2 Paws & Claws ‘Catsby’ 90cm feather boa dangler toys, $5 each, I/N: 0577045. ● 3 Flamingo cat massage brush with handle, $14/small, I/N: 0438918. ● 4 Happy Tails cat litter trapper mat, $24.98, I/N: 0364837. ● 5 Happy Tails 3 level cat playhouse, $54, I/N: 0364892. ● 6 Whiskas 1+ years ‘Chicken & Rabbit Flavours’ dry cat food, $51.95/6.5kg, I/N: 0439626. ● 7 Happy Tails 1.3m cat tunnel, $12.98, I/N: 0364891. ● 8 All Set pet lint roller kit, $3.50, I/N: 0406036. ● 9 Happy Tails basic cat litter tray, $4.98, I/N: 0364929. ● 10 Hakuna Pets cat flap, $39/small, I/N: 3962389. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ● Catnip treat Irresistible entertainment Hiding place Just the thing for kitty’s disappearing act!

The Next Generation DESIGN, Premium Sound.

KEY UPGRADES:

• Refreshed design and aesthetics

• Upgraded electronics for improved performance

• Latest Bluetooth® technology for better audio quality

• Improved Battery Life

• Upgraded to USB-C charging port

• Water and Dust Resistant

Hearing production allowing you to make and take phone calls on the job

MEET THE MAKERS

Father and son

Geoff, an IT professional, and his son, Max, teamed up to create a workshop

When builders’ quotes blew their shed budget, Geoff and Max decided to DIY it. They planned then constructed a shed from scratch, with a little help from mates plus tradies for electrics and plastering.

The shed at the rear of Geoff and Helen’s home in Howick, Auckland, is more than just a workshop. The 15.3sqm structure is a place that provides their son, Max, with a world of opportunities. Designed and built by Geoff and Max – who has Down syndrome – it was judged Best Outdoor Project in the Bunnings 2024 D.I.Y. July competition.

Quality family time and work opportunities for Max were also big wins. He flats nearby and comes to this shed twice a week to build planter

STRONG BONDS

This award-winning shed is helping to build a brighter future for an Auckland family

Words and styling Emma Rawson Photography Reuben Looi

boxes – using fence palings from Bunnings – which he sells at local markets and online. This also gives the pair bonding time.

“Building together gets Max using his hands and helps with hand-eye coordination,” says Geoff (Bunnings Workshop community member @Geoffc005). “He makes a small profit selling his planter boxes, which helps him stay independent. But, best of all, we have a laugh together and Max feels satisfaction in seeing something he’s finished and built. I just love that.”

SOLID CONSTRUCTION

With assistance from a few friends, Geoff poured concrete foundations into homemade boxing. The concrete was then ground down and sealed with White Knight Ultra Pave Sealer to form the floor. “I needed to build the boxing really solid as concrete is very heavy,” says Geoff. “Without enough support, it will push the boxing out.”

Walking inside the shed, which was built to a tight budget, it’s easy to see why the Bunnings D.I.Y. July judges praised its sturdy structure and

functionality. Prolam engineered timber ceiling beams, stained with Bondall Monocel Stain and Varnish in Jarrah, are a standout feature. The lateral beams were joined to the frame and central ridge beam using Simpson Strong-Tie metal brackets, then Geoff installed ceiling panels and purlins for extra support. Insulation, building paper, steel roofing and sheet metal cladding folded in a profile to match the weatherboards on the main house completed the build. “The roof was the most intimidating part,” says Geoff, who worked on the shed after hours.

“I’d thought of using trusses, however a builder recommended beams and I thought exposing them might make them a nice-looking feature. If we’d used trusses, we would have reduced the height of the ceiling.”

The interior was fitted out with Ultimate Storage tool trolleys, which Geoff and Max customised with

stained timber panels over the standard benchtops to match the ceiling beams. Labels added to drawer fronts mean the right tools are always at hand.

TAPPING LOCAL HELP

Geoff says Paul from Bunnings Botany was extremely helpful, sharing ideas and advising the best products to use. The special needs community was also a source of inspiration – and has been throughout Max’s life, Geoff adds. “I’ve met a lot of amazing families with special needs kids and what they do is really inspirational. It can be daunting [having a special needs child], but this

community just steps up and gets on with it,” he says. “I love getting Max involved with things and this project shows that just because you’re not always the champion doesn’t mean you can’t participate. The learning aspects might take a bit longer – but learning is part of the fun, right?”

The talented pair now have more ideas on the go – they’ve designed and built a prototype for a planter box at wheelchair height to help those with mobility issues access their garden more easily. ●

“I really enjoyed looking at every task and thinking: how can I involve Max in this so he learns and gets out of his comfort zone, too?”

Geoff/DIY shed builder

Max constructs planter boxes in the shed

OPPOSITE ● Marquee ‘Troca’ 3 piece steel bistro setting in Caviar, $139, I/N: 0429850. ● Dahlia in Northcote Pottery ‘Oslo’ 21cm x 21cm glazed drum pot in Wine Red, $21.98, I/N: 2801228 (plant sold separately). Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

FULL KIT

Six tool bundles for every skill level

Words Emma Rawson

1

TRADIE TOUGHNESS

DeWalt’s heavy-duty kit is ideal for tradies and serious DIYers. Switch from drilling to driving or cutting to grinding with a 15-position hammer drill, 130mm impact driver, 125mm angle grinder and reciprocating saw, all powered by brushless motors. Two 5.0Ah batteries let you keep working while you recharge.

2

POWER AND PRECISION

Tech lovers will appreciate the Bosch Professional range, as settings such as kickback control can be operated via smartphone. Powered by a 5.0Ah battery (and spare), the kit has a brushless 18V hammer drill, impact driver and wrench, rotary hammer and 125mm angle grinder.

Read it!

Once you’ve upgraded your tools, it’s time to keep them organised: bunnings.co.nz/ tool-storage-ideas

● DeWalt ‘DCZ409P2-XE’

● Bosch ‘Professional’ 18V 4 piece brushless combo kit, $999, I/N: 0201021

Photography Reuben Looi. When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask, and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.

3

DIYERS’ DELIGHT

An affordable option for renovators, this Ryobi kit includes a drill driver for timber, plastic and soft metals, an impact driver for masonry, an angle grinder to cut, grind and shape and a circular saw for cutting ply, pine and MDF. Also included are 4.0Ah and 2.0Ah batteries, fast charger and bag.

4MIGHTY MULTIPURPOSE

Powered by a 6.0Ah battery (with a spare), this quality Makita kit is great value for avid DIYers and tradies. It includes a hammer drill, impact driver and multi tool for cutting, scraping grout, removing paint and sharpening. Brushless motors allow your tools to run cooler and have a longer lifespan.

5

TORQUE OF THE TOWN

AEG’s three-piece kit offers versatility for confident power-tool users who appreciate high torque and a long-lasting 5.0Ah battery. It has a brushless hammer drill that delivers 90Nm of torque, three-speed impact driver and angle grinder with a filtration cap to protect against dust ingress.

6

BEAUT FOR BEGINNERS

As the name suggests, this basic kit contains all home essentials such as a drill driver, 18V 2.0Ah battery, charger and 35-piece drill bit set, ideal for small jobs. The bundle also has a 55-piece screwdriver bit set, two screwdrivers, 8m tape measure, claw hammer, snap-off knife and long-nose pliers. ●

Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

● Ryobi ‘ONE+’ R18X4C1422B 18V 4 piece kit, $448, I/N: 0539762

● Makita ‘LXT’ 18V 3 piece brushless combo kit with 2 x 6.0Ah batteries, $998, I/N: 0741158

● AEG ‘Force’ 5.0Ah 18V brushless 3 piece kit, $579, I/N: 0501421

● Ryobi ‘ONE+ Home Essentials’ 18V kit, $189, I/N: 0539754

SMALL BUT MIGHTY

Make a big splash on a small scale with your next painting project, using the new range of mini paint rollers from Monarch

For a professional finish on smaller paint jobs, Monarch mini rollers are the tools you need. They’re designed to be used in small areas, with a variety of unique fabrics made to perfectly suit a multitude of surfaces and paint finishes.

We’ve got you covered Monarch’s new range of mini rollers has an option to suit every DIY painting project. Whether you’re refreshing kitchen cabinets, revamping outdated tiles or painting a picket fence, there’s a Monarch mini roller made to give you the best result. Their premium fabrics – Ultra Microfibre and Ultimate Coverage Fabric – are designed to give you

the best results on a variety of surfaces and with different paint types. Different nap lengths, from 4mm to 20mm, help to make them even more customisable to suit any surface, from smooth walls and ceilings to textured weatherboards. And each type is colour-coded with project call-outs on the pack, to make picking the right tool for each job even easier.

1 Monarch ‘Doors, Trims & Cupboards’ 100mm 4mm nap ultra microfibre 3 piece mini roller, $11.99, I/N: 0631963. 2 Monarch ‘Doors, Trims & Cupboards’ 100mm 4mm nap ultra microfibre mini rollers, $12.35/pack of 5, I/N: 0631969.

3 Monarch ‘All Purpose’ 160mm 10mm nap ultra microfibre 2 piece mini roller, $10.55, I/N: 0631943. 4 Monarch ‘Rough & Textured Surfaces’ 160mm 20mm nap ultimate coverage fabric 2 piece mini roller, $13.50, I/N: 0631938.

5 Monarch ‘Walls & Ceilings’ 100mm 14mm nap ultimate coverage fabric 3 piece mini roller, $12.90, I/N: 0631957. 6 Monarch ‘Walls & Ceilings’ 160mm 14mm nap ultimate coverage fabric 2 piece mini roller, $11.75, I/N: 0631951.

WHICH ROLLER IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

The Monarch Ultra Microfibre Mini Roller has a high fibre density to help it pick up and release more paint, keep its shape and maintain performance for longer than other microfibre rollers. Plus, a short 4mm nap provides an ultra-smooth finish.

The Monarch Ultimate Coverage Fabric Mini Roller has a thick open-weave structure so it easily absorbs and releases paint. This gives greater coverage to get the job done fast. Choose a 14mm nap for smooth surfaces, or 20mm for rough and textured surfaces.

Monarch mini rollers are available in both 100mm and 160mm widths. This makes them ideal to use in very small or slightly larger spaces for a perfectly smooth, professional-looking finish on all of your DIY painting projects.

Scan the QR code to see the full range of Monarch products available at Bunnings

Egg-citing times!

Gather your loved ones for an Easter weekend full of creative fun

Projects Sami Simper

Photography Louise Roche

Styling Kylie Jackes

Make it yours! SEE PAGE 67 FOR HOW TO CREATE AN EGG-HUNT SIGN

Afour-day break in mild autumn weather is a great opportunity to catch up with your favourite people, and get everyone happily involved in Easter-themed DIY, craft and cooking. For our backyard celebration there’s a cute cubby house to paint, bunny-themed decorations to make and sweet treats to ice. Give everyone a task, from littlies to grandparents, and let the egg hunt begin!

ABOVE ● Egg-hunt sign, see page 67 for DIY instructions. ● Cubby house, for similar try Lifespan Kids ‘Atlas’ cubby house with blackboard, $202, I/N: 0489228, painted with Dulux ‘Weathershield’ low sheen exterior paint in Woods Creek and Southern Alps, $62.98/1L, I/N: 0144759. ● Curtains made using Wagner 3.6m x 1.5m heavy duty canvas drop sheet, $21.19, I/N: 0249720. ● Basket bow made using Jack jute webbing, $3.91/5m, I/N: 0127338. ● WestStone 300-500mm round waterworn stepping stones, $22.79 each, I/N: 0318972. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered.

NICE ICE BABY

Whip up a batch of vanilla biscuits, using bunny and egg cookie cutters, then enlist the kids to decorate them with pastel-hued royal icing (or melted white and milk chocolate) and colourful sprinkles.

THESE PAGES ● Clay decorations made using Boyle air drying clay in White, $10.95/500g, I/N: 1882914.

BELOW ● Dianthus in Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 25cm terracotta bowl, $17.40, I/N: 2833044 (plant sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered.

TREE HANGERS

EGG-HUNT SIGN

The highlight of any Easter party for kids is always the hunt for eggs! Point the way with a DIY sign simply made from an MDF placemat, scrap timber, a hardwood garden stake and hobby letters. Prime and paint all the pieces, using templates for the bunny and arrow, then just glue it all together with construction adhesive.

Create a 3D egg ornament by cutting out five identical egg shapes from painted card. Fold each shape in half lengthways to form segments, then attach two aligning segment halves together using double-sided craft tape. Continue with the remaining segments, securing a loop of string in the centre with the tape before the final join.

For the clay ornaments, roll out white air-dry craft clay to 10mm thick, use Easter-themed cookie cutters to create shapes and poke a skewer through the tops for hanging holes. Allow to air dry for 48 hours, paint, then once dry, thread strings through the holes.

Collect branches from the garden, brush clean, paint white and arrange in a vase to form a ‘tree’ from which to hang decorations.

Keep in mind

■ When painting and using adhesive or a hot-glue gun, always wear safety equipment (eye protection, gloves and mask) and work in a well-ventilated area. Place a hot-glue gun on its stand after use and allow it to cool down before storage. Do not leave unattended while in use or directly after use.

■ Keep all paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

EASY FEAST

Keep the menu simple with a vibrant salad and skewers to grill on the barbie. Children will love helping to transform a store-bought sponge cake with ready-to-spread frosting and mini eggs.

Party linen

Give an old white tablecloth a new life with a colourful border

DIY BUNTING

Cut identical flag shapes from fabric remnants (or recycle old tea towels). Starting at one end, fold 50mm jute webbing in half and pin the tops of the flags into the fold, leaving consistent gaps between each. Once the desired length is reached, cut off excess webbing and use a sewing machine to sew along the webbing, securing the flags in place.

EASTER TABLECLOTH

Dress up your feast with a bespoke on-theme table covering, featuring a border of pastel bunnies with fluffy pompom tails made from yarn. Lay the tablecloth flat on a drop sheet and tape bunny stencils about 300mm apart, 100mm from the long edges, then paint using mini rollers. Look online for how to cut pompom-maker rings from cardboard. Cut yarn into manageable lengths (about 500mm). With cardboard rings together and slits lined up, loop yarn around the cardboard and through centre until rings are covered and centre is full. Snip with scissors through yarn layers along the outside. Tightly tie off a piece of yarn in the centre between the rings, then remove the rings and trim yarn. Repeat to make a pompom for each bunny. Hot-glue pompom tails in place. ●

ABOVE ● Bunting made using Jack jute webbing, $3.91/5m, I/N: 0127338. ● Barbecue, for similar try Jumbuck ‘Medina’ 57cm kettle barbecue in Black, $99.49, I/N: 0434338. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered.

Dulux Woods Creek

Dulux

Koromiko

Dulux Piglet

COLOUR PALETTE

4 SIMPLE STEPS FOR THE BEST RESULTS

STEP 1

Prepare the timber

Use a broom or a leaf blower on the deck to remove any loose debris from the surface. If there’s heavy staining or bird droppings, spot-clean with Cabot’s Everyday Deck Wash, so dirt doesn’t get sealed in.

STEP 2

Attach the applicator pad

Slide the included Cabot’s EasyDeck Applicator Pad onto your applicator and close the latch firmly. Insert the pole and twist the collar until the pole is securely attached.

STEP 3

DIY DECK REFRESH

Get your deck looking its best and ready for entertaining that same day with Cabot’s new EasyDeck maintenance system

Summer may be on its way out, but that doesn’t mean the season for outdoor entertaining is over. If you and your guests want to tread the decking boards for a while longer, but they’re starting to look a little tired and dull, do a quick DIY deck refresh with EasyDeck™ from Cabot’s

This innovative clean-and-coat maintenance system is designed to be applied over existing water-based coatings that are in good condition. It’s the perfect option when you don’t have the time – or need – to do a full sand and recoat with Cabot’s Aquadeck Instead, you can revive your deck in next to no time – and have the satisfaction of doing it all yourself.

The convenience, ease and speed of this system is due to the easy-touse Cabot’s EasyDeck Applicator and EasyDeck Applicator Pad. The applicator has a slot on the front of the handle for loading a bottle of Cabot’s EasyDeck Maintenance Coat directly inside, so that no trays or buckets are required to

get the job done. Just follow our four simple steps to success (see right) and you can have a clean, fresh-looking deck that’s ready to walk on in 40 minutes*, with minimal fuss and no mess.

1 Cabot’s ‘EasyDeck’ maintenance coat, $49/1.5L, I/N: 0643720. 2 Cabot’s ‘EasyDeck’ applicator pad replacement, $25, I/N: 0643718.

3 Cabot’s ‘EasyDeck’ maintenance coat refill, $83/3L, I/N: 0643719. 4 Cabot’s ‘EasyDeck’ applicator, $169, I/N: 0643717.

Load the applicator

Give the 1.5L bottle of EasyDeck Maintenance Coat a good shake to make sure it’s mixed well, load into the applicator, push it down and twist to ensure a good connection.

STEP 4

Apply the coating

Pump the applicator trigger 6-10 times to get the coating flowing and start coating your deck. We recommend that you apply the coating to one or two boards at a time, running in the direction of the timber. Allow to dry.

Made for change

Build a multi-use table and a screen divider that can be adapted to suit any space

Projects Jon Lithgow Styling Lucy Lithgow

Photography Reuben Looi

MAKE-UP STATION

This elegant piece of furniture can be used as a vanity, desk or sideboard. Just make a timber box from a single acacia panel – which doesn’t even need finishing – and add metal legs!

● SpecRite 1800mm x 600mm x 18mm multi-use panel in Brown Acacia, $68, I/N: 0446743• Pick it up!

Buy one timber panel for the table’s long box

STEP 1: CUT TIMBER

1 Cut the timber panel in half with a circular saw and straightedge guide. Rip the two 900mm pieces to 350mm wide for the top and base panels. From the offcuts, cut and rip two 350mm x 110mm pieces for the sides.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, gloves, and ear and eye protection)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Circular saw

n Straightedge

n Lint-free cloths

n Drill with 3mm and 6mm bits

n 1800mm x 600mm x 18mm

timber panel•

n 180-grit abrasive paper and sanding block

n PVA glue

n 6mm fluted dowels

n 10G x 40mm timber screws

n Four 700mm x 10mm

metal furniture legs

n 8G x 20mm timber screws

n Mirror tape and adhesive

n Mirror

n LED strip lights (optional)

Sliding storage

Modular containers slot into the table

THESE PAGES ● DIY make-up station made using: SpecRite 1800mm x 600mm x 18mm multi-use panel in Brown Acacia, $68, I/N: 0446743•; and Taskmaster 700mm x 10mm steel hairpin table legs in Matte Black, $24.93 each, I/N: 0038471. ● Inabox 5L modular storage containers in Barn Grey, $9 each, I/N: 0425631. ● Lytworx LED strip light in RGB and White, $59.98/5m, I/N: 0341464. ● Barelli ‘Modena’ 750mm x 500mm pill-shaped framed mirror in Brushed Brass, $79, I/N: 0607431‡. Chair, Kiwi Home Store, kiwihomestore.co.nz. ● Fiddle leaf fig in Astin Sinclair 340mm x 280mm tapered seagrass planter, $41.50, I/N: 0580343 (plant sold separately). All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

STEP 2: MARK PANEL

2 Sand cut edges and wipe away sanding dust with a cloth. Position the 350mm x 110mm side panels flush with short sides of one 900mm panel (the top) to mark a line.

STEP 3: DRILL HOLES

3 On the top panel, mark three holes 10mm from the short edges, spaced 50mm from the ends and in the centre. Repeat for a long edge of each side panel. Drill holes to 10mm deep using a 6mm bit.

STEP 4: GLUE DOWEL

STEP 5: SCREW BASE

STEP 6: ATTACH

LEGS

4 Apply glue to holes in side panels, insert dowels and wipe away excess with a cloth. Apply glue to holes in the top panel, then insert dowels to join. Clamp top and sides until glue is set.

5 On the base panel ends, predrill three evenly spaced screw holes 5mm from the edge using a 3mm bit. Apply glue to sides, position base on top, clamp and secure with 40mm screws. Leave to set.

6 Position legs in the base panel corners 10mm from edges, mark holes and secure with 20mm screws. Use tape and adhesive to mount the mirror 50mm above the table with LEDs around the back, if using.

ROOM DIVIDER

A see-through screen is an effective way to section off an open-plan space, without closing it in. The timber dowel bars attach to a top and base plate so you can secure to a nib wall (as pictured) or run them from floor to ceiling to create a decorative room divider.

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Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (eye and ear protection, gloves and mask)

n Mitre saw

n Tape measure and pencil

n Drill with 31.8mm Forstner bit and 3mm bit

n Lint-free cloths

n Hammer

n Two 1.8m lengths of 90mm x 32mm clear pine•

n 180-grit abrasive paper and sanding block

n Eight 2.4m x 30mm dowels•

n PVA glue

n Timber stain

n Heavy-duty construction adhesive

n 10G x 60mm timber screws

● Feast Watson ‘Prooftint’ interior stain in Oak, $38/250ml, I/N: 1520066 Pick it up!

Give pine a rich finish with easy-to-apply timber stain

STEP 1: DRILL HOLES

1 Measure wall width to cut pine to length minus 10mm (here 1490mm) with a mitre saw. Draw centrelines. Starting 45mm from one end, mark 15 dowel centres 100mm apart. Drill holes 15mm deep with a Forstner bit.

STEP 3: INSERT BARS

STEP 2: CUT DOWEL

2 To determine the dowel length, measure from the part wall to the ceiling, minus 34mm (here 1170mm). Cut 15 dowels to length with a mitre saw. Sand cut edges, dowels and top and base plates. Wipe dust.

STEP 4: APPLY STAIN

3 Apply PVA glue to the holes in the base plate and position dowels, using an offcut to hammer them in firmly. Apply glue to the top plate and, with a helper, insert the dowel ends. Leave to cure. Turn upright.

STEP 5: GLUE SCREEN

4 Wearing gloves, use a lint-free cloth to apply timber stain to the screen assembly. Leave for a few minutes, then wipe excess with a clean cloth. Apply another coat if needed to reach desired depth of colour.

MAKE IT FIT

If you have a timber bevelled cornice as here, you will need to cut a channel for the top plate of the divider screen to sit flush against the wall. Measure and mark the section to be removed, then run a sharp knife between the cornice and wall, then the cornice and ceiling. Carefully cut along the marked lines using a pull saw, multitool or rotary tool (such as a Dremel), then lever out the section of cornice using a chisel.

LEFT ● DIY room divider made using: Hume Pine ‘Pinetrim’ 1.8m x 90mm x 32mm clear pine, $44.54, I/N: 0293397•, and 2.4m x 30mm ‘Pinetrim’ dowels, $39.84 each, I/N: 0293824• Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.

5 Run a bead of construction adhesive along the top plate and underside of the base plate. With a helper, lift divider into place. Leave to set. Tip: Stain is not applied to the joining surfaces.

Keep in mind

STEP 6: SCREW BASE

6 Mark screw locations centred between the dowel bars at each end of the base plate and predrill using a 3mm bit. Secure base plate into top plate of the stud wall using 60mm timber screws. ●

■ When staining or painting, always wear safety equipment (eye protection and mask) and ensure the room is well ventilated.

■ Keep all stain, paint and chemicals out of reach of children and pets.

■ When hanging a mirror, make sure you use fixings/fasteners appropriate for your type of wall and the weight of the mirror.

■ When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear (such as gloves, mask and eye and ear protection), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.

Ginkgo’s fan-shaped leaves present a golden opportunity

Japanese maple is a great choice for large pots in small spaces

Blaze of glory

Choose deciduous trees and shrubs that put on a spectacular autumn display

JAPANESE MAPLE (Acer palmatum)

Renowned for its stunning foliage, there is a maple to suit every shape and size requirement. Autumn leaf shades range from rich burgundy to fiery crimson, orange and gold. A popular shrub or small tree, it has a compact root system and can reach a height of up to about 6-10m. Grow in well-draining soil in a partly shaded spot that’s protected from strong wind.

GINKGO (Ginkgo biloba)

This deciduous tree delivers one of the most dramatic cool-season transformations as its light green leaves turn buttery, golden yellow. Slow growing, it forms an attractive pyramid shape and can grow to more than 20m tall and 10m wide, making it best suited to large gardens. For smaller spaces, look for dwarf forms. Plant in a sunny position in rich, fertile soil.

SMOKE BUSH (Cotinus coggygria)

While best known for its misty plumes of flower clusters in spring and summer, the autumn foliage on this large shrub is equally impressive. It likes full sun and will grow in most areas, from cold to subtropical. Shape it into a small feature tree or clip into an informal hedge or privacy screen. Compact varieties can be grown in pots.

FOREST PANSY (Cercis canadensis)

A small to medium tree that has large purple heartshaped leaves which turn to shades of green in summer, then red, gold and yellow in autumn. In spring, the bare branches are adorned with small pink flowers. This tree is ideal for small gardens or courtyards, in full sun to part shade and sheltered from strong winds. Use it as a feature tree or as part of a grouping. ●

Ginkgo A bright and beautiful sight at autumn’s start

Smoke bush Leaves turn to shades of orange, red and purple

Forest pansy It passes the autumn test with flying colours!

Japanese maple Much-loved annual show stopper