Bunnings Magazine March 2024

Lift the mood

ANDREA LUCENA-ORR

Dulux Colour Specialist

Are you ready to inject new life and vibrancy into your living space? There’s no better time than this Easter long weekend to embrace the transformative power of a fresh coat of paint.

We understand that choosing the right white can be an overwhelming decision. That’s why we’re here to take the guesswork out of the equation. Our expertly curated guide will not only help you find the perfect white for your home, but also give you the confidence to finally tackle that painting project you’ve been putting off.

We’ve made colour easy with the Dulux Most Loved range – a selection of Australia’s most popular whites that will rejuvenate any space. Get ready to refresh, revive, and create a home you’ll love to relax in this Easter.

Dulux ® Natural White™ – A neutral white, this will brighten any space. “It works with so many colours,” says Dulux Colour Specialist Andrea Lucena-Orr. If you’ve got other warm neutrals, greys or dark colours, it’ll sing in your space.

Dulux Lexicon® Quarter – This colour thrives in modern, open-plan spaces. Andrea mentions that, “If you have colourful furniture or artwork, it’s a fabulous backdrop.” Use the cool undertones to temper bright light or give the illusion of more space. It can also add a minimalistic edge to your room.

Dulux Antique White U.S.A® – Versatile to suit indoor spaces and outdoor areas, it has a relaxed warmth and cosiness. Andrea says, “This white’s adaptability means it can be used in many styles of homes, especially in heritage and traditional ones.”

Our Most Loved colours are available ready to go in Dulux Wash&Wear® . Head into store today and skip the tinting queue by finding your pre-tinted colour on shelf.

SCAN TO FIND DULUX WASH&WEAR IN A STORE NEAR YOU

Dulux Natural White™

Dulux Antique White U.S.A.®

Build your modern life

Discover how the #1 cladding brand in Australia  can help you build your dream modern home.

The grand Modern Farmhouse, a seamless balance of traditional design and contemporary elements, references classic architecture with a focus on clean lines and open spaces. This style satisfies the desire for both modern functionality and the comfort of traditional design and craftsmanship.

The stunning façade has been delivered with Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding from James Hardie. The unique straight and bevelled groove edges evoke a bold and dramatic aesthetic, casting highlights and shadows that bring rhythm and depth to walls.

The 200mm and 300mm board widths can be alternated for a bespoke and fresh take on the much-loved farmhouse structure.

Modern Farmhouse is one of 7 emerging home design styles revealed in the James Hardie Modern Homes Forecast 2024.

To learn more about the trajectory of home design in Australia, download the Forecast at jameshardie.com.au/modern-homesforecast

It’s time to build your modern life.

Hardie™

Oblique™ Cladding

Scan to discover more about the emerging Modern Farmhouse design, and how it can be achieved in the Modern Farmhouse Design Handbook.

Hardie™ Oblique™ Cladding

Axon™ Cladding

T he magazine team

Editor Lisa Green

Associate editors Artemis Gouros, Caroline Botting (NZ)

Art director Bridie Mahoney

Deputy art director Sophie Mullane

Senior designer Carol Baldas

Style editor Samantha Pointon

Chief subeditors

Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson

Senior subeditor Lorna Gow

Digital producers

Amanda Ghalaini-Yacoub, Eunice Oh (acting)

Implementation manager

Ellisa Kimura

Editorial co-ordinator

Abigail D’Souza

Production co-ordinator

Annie Villalta-Burgett

Account partner

Henry Kalaf-Tyrrell

Junior accountant Carina Law

Contributors Judie Siu, Shelley Tustin, Harriet Upjohn

National advertising manager

Alek Jovanoski

NSW business manager

Dale Johnson

Victoria business manager

Rosanna Costa

Campaign manager Deanna Kane

Advertising enquiries

bunningsadvertising@mediumrare

content.com (02) 8114 8900

General magazine enquiries

bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777

Managing director Nick Smith

Chief commercial officer

Fiorella di Santo

Head of sales Annii Hirst

Head of content, Health & Lifestyle Gemma Sutherland

Head of audience intelligence

Catherine Ross

Finance controller Leslie To

16

18

36

40 GARDENING HEROES

Browse our top 10 wise buys to make light work of backyard tasks

43 REAP WHAT YOU SOW

Help bring your food bills down

our guide to home produce

51 SET UP CAMP

Gear up for a great vacay under canvas Do it

nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

For

58 SIX WAYS TO SAVE AT HOME

Cut costs with these savvy budget ideas

61 LESSONS IN RENOVATING

Pick up essential bathroom makeover tips from our DIY expert

64 MADE FOR FUN

Craft unique bunny-themed decorations

71 SPIN CLASS

Get the lowdown on versatile rotary tools

72 FRIDGE FRESH Find out how to deep-clean your home’s hardest-working appliance Regulars

9 WHAT’S HAPPENING IN MARCH

special buys and clever ideas

47 PET CORNER

Choose the ideal toys for your dog

74 BURIED TREASURE

bulbs

Easter comes early this year and there will be plenty of households making plans for a mini break with friends and family. There’s so much to love about this time, as the season turns over, the days shorten and the first school term draws to a close.

Gardeners will be eager to spend hours pruning and planting vegies. And those with children at home or visiting will like our feature on enticing junior gardeners into the fold (page 36). We’ve also pulled together some

Easter-themed craft and activities to engage young and old outdoors and to round out the traditional egg hunt – particularly great if you have extended clan or friends coming to visit.

Sleeping under the stars and getting back to nature are Easter traditions for many Australians, and we’ve interviewed experts to help you have the best camping experience ever. Or, if you have pegged this break as an ideal time to paint or tackle another handy project, check out our colour-led room updates (from page 18). Make sure to scan the QR code for more great inspiration over on Pinterest.

And for – dare I say – a rainy day? Give yourself the satisfaction of tackling a basic task with gusto. Our new Life Skills page details a speedy fridge deep-clean routine (page 72).

Fun times and some domestic jobs ticked off… Surely the recipe for a long weekend well spent.

Enjoy!

March looks like…

MAKE IT YOURS

DIY side table

“This simple project took less than an hour and I love the end result”

BUNNINGS WORKSHOP COMMUNITY MEMBER SAMMEE @SAMMILNE

Timber transformation!

ABOVE Specrite 1800mm x 405mm x 18mm hevea multi use panel, $59, I/N: 0447353•. Selleys ‘Hold Up’ construction adhesive, $13.25/130g, I/N: 0135322. Cabot’s ‘Cabothane Clear’ satin water based interior varnish, $21.80/250ml, I/N: 1520402. Side table build Inspired by a photo in a magazine, Sammee decided to create a chic side table. She used a circular saw to cut a top and legs from a hevea panel, a jigsaw to create slots for the legs and high-strength adhesive to hold it all together. A quick sand and coat of varnish brought out the natural beauty of the timber. See more at bunnings.com.au/ DIY-timber-side-table.

Share your projects with the growing Bunnings Workshop community at workshop.bunnings.com.au

WHO’S A GOOD DOG?

More than 30 rescue dogs have been rehomed per season since The Dog House Australia TV show launched in 2021. Meet one of those, our Pet of The Month, Walter, on page 47. Bunnings is a proud partner of the program; tune into 10 and 10 Play Thursdays at 7.30pm to see more heartwarming poochie matchmaking in season 4.

Free Easter events in store

Scamper into your nearest store this month to enjoy themed activities for young and old. At the Kids’ National Workshop on Saturday March 9, littlies can paint and decorate a bunny pot just in time for Easter. Bring a friend and create decor for your Easter table at the Adult Make and Take workshops on Thursday March 14: a cake/cupcake stand and a beautiful and versatile table centrepiece made from terracotta pots. Then gather everyone for the Easter Family Event on Thursday March 21 – there will be games, DIYs, refreshments, entertainment and a special appearance from the Easter Bunny. Contact your local store or visit bunnings.com.au/DIY-workshops for more details.

IN MY TROLLEY Brooke, NSW, WALKS US DOWN THE AISLE

Do

Needing an entry-level mower so she could tend to her lawn in a planetand wallet-friendly way, Brooke purchased this Victa push mower from her local store in Balgowlah. “It takes a little muscle to work, but the cut is great, it needs no petrol and makes no noise,” Brooke says. Her neighbours approve too!

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Email your product details and images (with ‘In my trolley’ in the subject line) to submissions@bunnings.com.au

BUNNINGS MARKETPLACE

Set off on a new culinary adventure with these clever gadgets

Davis & Waddell mini waffle maker, I/N: 0562139*

Gourmet Kitchen stainless steel pasta maker, I/N: 0499797*

Todo manual whisk, I/N: 0490268*

Soga rechargeable handheld juicer, I/N: 0255514*

Avanti little whipper, I/N: 0162058*

Joie pancake maker, I/N: 0318526*

Victa 16in/40cm razor cut push mower, $159, I/N: 3381201*

Todo 250W stainless steel food dehydrator, I/N: 0236056*

MasterPro deluxe professional blowtorch, I/N: 0155600*

Joie ‘Cactus’ set of 4 taco holders, I/N: 0274650*

IN THE GARDEN March

Prepare for autumn with a prune back, lawn patch and vegie planting

Start collecting autumn leaves to make leaf mould, an invaluable soil conditioner. Position a wire cage in a shady spot and fill with leaves. To speed up the decomposition, shred the leaves first by running over them with a lawnmower.

Screen unsightly areas or add a decorative accent with laser-cut artwork panels. They’re easy to install and available in a range of different sizes and patterns.

As summer winds down, tidy up the garden. Remove finished flowers, give dead wood and foliage a light prune and cut off long or unwanted shoots on deciduous fruit trees.

Give the lawn a little attention by fixing bare patches. Apply lawn seed evenly over the area, lightly cover with a top dressing of lawn soil and water regularly to keep the soil moist. Thicken up thinning spots with a lawn repair product.

Get those autumn vegies growing! Beetroot, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kohl rabi, parsnip, peas and silverbeet can all go in now. Always enrich the soil with an organic fertiliser before planting.

Brussels sprouts like full sun and well-drained soil

SUSTAINABILITY

Pot luck!

Got a stash of used plastic pots? Return them to selected stores for recycling!

Gardeners are a resourceful bunch. Taking cuttings, propagating plants, growing vegies and careful water use are all part of the territory. So it’s no surprise that Bunnings’ plastic plant pot recycling initiative has been so well received. Customers are welcome to return used plant packaging made from polypropylene plastic (PP5) for recycling at selected stores across Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia, Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, Western Australia, and New Zealand – including plant pots, stakes and labels. Customers can also take returned pots out of the collection units for reuse at home, free of charge. Visit bunnings.com.au/ recycle-plastic-pots for more information about this service.

TOOL OF THE MONTH

Fill your tyres and sports balls on the go with Ozito’s cordless inflator. Featuring a built-in USB power bank and LED torch, this tool is ideal for road trips and emergency top-ups.

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 the reach of children and pets.

Scan the QR code

For more on what to do in the garden during March, go to bunnings.com.au/ gardencorner

Ozito ‘AIP-074’ 7.4V cordless inflator, $79.98, I/N: 0472135

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photography Getty Images.

PLANT PARENT

Jade of all trades

Plant name: ‘Handsome little plant’

Plant parent: Tara

Climate: Usually hot and dry in summer; cold and rainy in winter.

What’s in your pot?

A jade plant.

How long have you been caring for your plant?

About two years.

Where did you get it?

In a plant swap – and it was about 5cm tall.

Where does it live? On my balcony outdoors, so it gets some direct sunlight in the morning and afternoon, and lots of natural daylight.

Best feature? This plant is so handsome and strong! It looks like a miniature tree, with lush green leaves. It is also flawless – every leaf looks perfect and healthy.

Care regime? I planted it into Seasol potting mix from Bunnings. It’s watered every other day in hot weather but much less in cooler weather, maybe every seven to 10 days.

Secret hacks? A natural fertiliser made from water added to leftover coffee granules from my cafetiere. The plants seem to really like it. And in winter I use warm water to water my plants, as I read that giving freezing cold water in cold weather shocks the plants and they like a little warm up. Not sure if that is true, but it makes sense to me!

A surprising fact about the plant? Less is more. I give this plant less attention than the others and it seems happier that way. I have never trimmed or repotted it and it seems to be perfectly fine as it is.

CLEANING HACKS

Wipe out!

Make cleaning your pet’s food bowl much easier! Grease it with a light coating of olive oil before adding their chow so that the food – wet or dry – doesn’t crust up and stick to it. Plus, olive oil is safe for dogs and cats.

Baxter Bone ‘Two Tone’ small double pet bowl in White, $24, I/N: 0397761

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

A toastie trick!

To avoid a sticky gooey mess in your sandwich press, place your sandwich between a folded piece of baking paper or in a reusable toastie bag. Toast as normal. The baking paper or bag will catch any cheesy oozes, so all your press needs is a quick wipe.

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

Wolstead ‘Pro Vario’ multi plate sandwich maker in Black, I/N: 0391641*

Do you have a clever cleaning hack to share with us? See below for details...

Email your tips and images (with ‘cleaning hack’ in the subject line) to submissions@bunnings.com.au

SWAP AND GO!

Run out of gas and have a family barbecue in the diary? Simply drop off any empty 8.5kg gas cylinder at Bunnings and pick up a full replacement bottle in store. You can also buy new gas cylinders if you don’t already have one. For more information, visit bunnings.com.au/ gas-swap.

Jade plant Pot, for similar, try Northcote Pottery ‘Lex’ 24cm x 20cm pot in Stone, $30, I/N: 0430392 (plant sold separately) 8.5kg gas exchange, $31.50, I/N: 3180180

Photography (plant parent) James Moffatt; Getty Images.

STYLE FILE

GIVE AUTUMN A WARM WELCOME BY PAIRING

SOOTHING EARTHY HUES AND NATURAL ELEMENTS WITH SLICK TILES AND ACCESSORIES

1 Gayafores ‘Deco’ 625mm x 320mm porcelain tile in Sahara Blanco, $63.44/carton of 5, I/N: 0264118. 2 Porta Contours ‘Riverine’ 78mm x 21mm lining board in Tasmanian Oak, $37.40/1.2m, I/N: 0211288†• 3 Ikonic ‘Oslo’ passage lever set in Brushed Brass, $32, I/N: 0253163. 4 Jack 1.5mm jute twine, $6.79/300m, I/N: 0188965. 5 Kaboodle Kitchen A5 colour swatch in Paprika, $2.98, I/N: 0492179. 6 Think Benchtops timber sample in Sapele, $4.94, I/N: 2669731. 7 Johnson Tiles ‘Vintage’ 302mm x 76mm tile in Moleskin, $82.24/carton (1.3m), I/N: 0333815. 8 Adoored 170mm timber door wedge in Premium Wood, $5, I/N: 0335880. 9 Lane 96mm square handle in Matte Brass, $9.18, I/N: 0135467. 10 Decor8 Tiles ‘Boulevard Picket’ 228mm x 76mm matt ceramic wall tile in Cotto, $1.29, I/N: 0289525. 11 Prestige 70mm large round knob in Beech, $7.43, I/N: 3962363. 12 610mm x 406mm x 30mm natural stone paver in Travertine, $26.99, I/N: 0131434. 13 Decor8 Tiles ‘Gabana’ 200mm x 200mm matt floor tile in Kenitra, $5.40, I/N: 0289547. 14 Lane 50mm round cabinet knob in Brushed Brass, $13.67, I/N: 0364727. Vase, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Orders

Waldron.

Hang it all

Give your home a budgetfriendly style boost with removable Command™ hooks and hangers

The Easter and Anzac holidays are a great time to have a DIY sort-and-style session. And with Command™ hooks and hangers, it needn’t be a difficult or expensive exercise.

Command™ products come in sizes suitable for hanging everything from parkas to paintings on all sorts of surfaces, and they’re cleverly designed to hold fast but come off cleanly and easily – brilliant for renters!

WALL STORAGE SORTED

A thorough tidy up is such a simple way to refresh your home, and good storage will make the most of your efforts. To maximise your available space, use the walls.

Command™ Broom & Mop Grippers are ideal for storing long-handled cleaning items. A neat row of Command™ X-Large Hooks near the front door could become an elegant repository for hats and coats, while some Command™ Mega Utility Hooks, which hold up to a handy 6.8kg, could provide the solution to a jumble of garden tools in the garage.

MULTI-PACK VALUE

The Command™ Home Organisation Pack, a wallet-friendly collection of different-sized hanging strips and hooks, can help you find stylish storage solutions around your home.

Try teaming some of the hooks with lightweight baskets to corral messy things like pegs in the laundry, and use hanging strips to add some pretty art. Or help the kids make a display of their Easter hat creations, and a wall ‘rack’ for school bags and other items that are often to be found on the floor!

CREATIVE HOME GALLERY

For a simple style lift, elevate a plain wall with a smart gallery of framed prints or photos. A set of four Command™ Large

Make organising in small spaces a breeze with the Command 1.8kg broom and mop gripper

Picture Hanging Strips can handle an item of up to 7.2kg and, if you need bigger, Command™ X-Large Picture Hanging Strips can hold up to 9kg. So if you’ve also been bemoaning the lack of a mirror in the powder room, now’s your chance to fix that too!

1 Command home organisation pack, $28.98, I/N: 0580648. 2 Command adhesive mega utility hook in White, $10.50, I/N: 0403153.

3 Command 9kg extra large picture hanging strip in White, $15.98, pack of 8, I/N: 0403157. 4 Command adhesive X-LGE hook in White, $9, I/N: 0403158.

5 Command large adhesive picture hanging strips value pack in White, $19.28/pack of 12, I/N: 3950426.

6 Command 1.8kg broom and mop gripper, $12.99/ pack of 2, I/N: 3962049.

Scan here to find the full Command range in store, and for more information visit 3m.com.au

ROOM PALETTE

Dulux Cool Waters

Dulux Mary Rose Texture: Bouclé

Dulux Instigate

Styling assistants Jemma Batcheldor, Katie Turner and Rebecca Waldron. Photography (bouclé) Getty Images.

Brilliant ‘Luna’ DIY rice paper shades, 50cm, $12.50, I/N: 0273560, and 35cm, $8.50 each, I/N: 0273558 (available while stocks last). Senso ‘Essential’ 3m vinyl sheet flooring in Sherwood Clear, $82.69/m, I/N: 0228977. Sofa, armchair and coffee table, Bay Gallery Furniture. Sideboard, Sydney Furniture. See following pages for other product details.

In the mood

USE

COLOUR AND TEXTURE TO MAKE YOUR HOME YOUR HAPPY PLACE

Photography JONNY VALIANT Styling SAMANTHA POINTON

Love where you live but feel the need to change things up a bit? Give in to the urge and express yourself through colour. Follow these cues to brighten rooms with budget-friendly paint and savvy furniture upcycles you can do yourself, then bask in the glow.

DIY WALL PANELS

Introduce an array of bright colours into your living space with creative panelling. The hardest part of this project will be choosing your paints! First, measure your space and mark the outer panels (we have chosen three here to fit the space and because it is pleasing to the eye). Use painter’s tape to mark out the area to be painted, then use a paintbrush to cut in the edges and a small roller to fill in. Paint the remaining two panels, then leave to dry. Use tape to mark out the inner panels, then paint the areas. It is easiest to use a darker colour on the inner panel to create a crisp edge and avoid the paint bleeding. Remove the tape while the paint is still tacky so it doesn’t peel off. To add the framing, measure and cut the moulding to size, using a mitre box and saw to create 45° angles on the ends. Paint the moulding your chosen colour, allow to dry then fix to the wall with construction adhesive, using a level to ensure it is straight.

“The desire for optimism is the most important driver of interior trends this season. Householders want reasons to feel good”

Jane Wright, Bunnings design & trend manager

ABOVE and OPPOSITE Home Design ‘Svelte’ floor lamp in Black, $144, I/N: 0435950 (globe sold separately). Walls painted in Dulux Wash&Wear low sheen acrylic interior paint in Cool Waters (aqua), Instigate (lilac) and Mary Rose (light pink), $66.90/2L, I/N: 1370157. Wall panels painted in Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Golden Orange, Misty Blue, Pleasure (pink), Belly Fire (red), Pale Buttercup (yellow), and Cool Waters, as before. Wall panel trims made using Porta 40mm x 18mm clear pine panel mould, $33/2.4m, I/N: 0092708•, painted in Dulux Wash&Wear paint in Cool Waters, Misty Blue and Belly Fire, as before. Senso ‘Essential’ 3m vinyl sheet flooring in Sherwood Clear, $82.69/linear m, I/N: 0228977. Sofa, armchair and coffee table, Bay Gallery Furniture. Sideboard, Sydney Furniture. (In vases) snapdragons Vases, cushions and throw, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings

Soft throws in pretty tones add to the feel of comfort and indulgence

Keep rooms airy with low-profile furniture – high backs can add visual bulk and block sightlines

BACK IN TIME

Nostalgia for 1970s design sees furniture that utilises rattan and touch-me textiles like bouclé. Seek out vintage finds to restore, or invest in new pieces that pay homage to the period, then experiment with paint and moulding to create a wall that’s an artwork in itself.

Make it! Wall panels

Like what you see?

Scan the QR code to find more ‘room painting ideas’ and inspiration at Pinterest

BREAK THE RULES

Dark timber furniture –think teak or walnut – in geometric shapes also references the 1970s trend, but you can keep the look eclectic. Search op shops or raid your nan’s attic for quaint decor items to add warmth and whimsy.

ROOM PALETTE

Dulux Pleasure

Dulux Yellow Varnish

Dulux Belly Fire

Dulux Cool Waters

Texture: Rattan

STRIPED CEILING

Take a feature wall onto the ceiling! Choose your colours, then paint the whole area in the paler colour and leave to dry. Decide the width of the stripes, then measure and mask off the wall and ceiling with painter’s tape. Use a small paintbrush (approximately 25mm) to cut in the edges, then a mini roller to fill in the bold colour. Remove tape while paint is still tacky to achieve neat edges.

PAINTED PENDANT

Work lighting into your colour scheme by giving a pendant light shade a quick coat of paint. Tape off electrical wires and the inside edge of the shade. Using a sample pot (or leftover paint from your room) and a small brush, paint the outside of the lampshade. Allow to dry, then give the shade a second coat.

Make it!

Cafecurtain

Home Bazar ‘Dali’ 220cm x 100cm teak dining table, $849, I/N: 0429847†, and 140cm x 45cm teak benches, $369 each, I/N: 0429851†. Home Design ‘Bianco’ pendant light, $141, I/N: 7072252, painted in Dulux Wash&Wear low sheen acrylic interior paint in Pleasure, $66.90/2L, I/N: 1370157. Japanese maple Cafe curtain made using Monarch ‘Expertech’ canvas drop sheet, $45.05/pack of 3, I/N: 0339821; see page 26 for DIY instructions. Walls painted in Dulux Wash&Wear low sheen acrylic interior paint in Pleasure (pink), Belly Fire (red), Yellow Varnish and Cool Waters (aqua). Senso ‘Essential’ 3m vinyl sheet flooring in Sherwood Clear, $82.69/linear m, I/N: 0228977. Dining stool, ArtissIn. (In vase) chrysanthemums and dianthus Vase, Adairs. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. Delivery charges may apply.

Photography

Feeling inspired? Scan the QR code on page 21 for more ‘room painting ideas’

FIND A MATCH

The bedroom calls for a calming, more muted scheme. Base your palette on your favourite bedlinen, and take a pillowcase in store for reference to colour match paints and create a cohesive look.

Make it!

Bedhead panel

“ Our homes become a canvas for personal curation, reflecting our values and passions”

Jane Wright, Bunnings design & trend manager

ROOM PALETTE

Dulux Mary Rose

Dulux Silent Sage

Texture: Fluted panel

Texture: Wicker

Make it!

Wall vases

WALL VASES

For a textural twist on a traditional wall sconce, re-work a wicker lampshade into a pair of flower display vessels. Use a mini hacksaw to cut the lampshade (including internal frame) in half vertically. Tip: Cut gently to avoid snapping wicker. Use the hacksaw to cut the bases off two clear 1L plastic drink bottles, so they are at least 100mm shorter than the lampshade halves. Attach picture hanging wire to the back of each half-lampshade, making sure it is taut, then hang from a suitable (for wall type and weight) picture hook. Screw lids tightly onto bottles, add water and flowers and carefully position bottles in each sconce. Tip: If necessary, wedge paper or fabric around bottles to keep them upright in sconce.

DIY bedhead made using Easycraft ‘Silhouette Convex 35’ 2400mm x 1200mm x 16mm MR MDF E0 primed general purpose wall lining, $269, I/N: 0467465•, and Claymark 235 x 19mm DAR premium pine, $33.20/1.8m, I/N: 8401473•, painted in Dulux paint in Mary Rose (pink) and Silent Sage (green); see page 26 for DIY instructions. Home Bazar ‘Dali’ 140cm x 45cm teak bench, $369, I/N: 0429851†. Marquee ‘Arlo’ fibre cement stool in Light Grey, $99, I/N: 0262573. Bayliss ‘Dura’ 290cm x 200cm jute rug, $361, I/N: 6670900. Senso ‘Essential’ 3m vinyl sheet flooring in Noma Blond, $78.99/m, I/N: 6610233. (On bedhead) Crassula. Pot, for similar try Northcote Pottery ‘Paloma’ 14cm x 14cm egg pot in Cream, $10, I/N: 0430325 (plant sold separately). DIY wall vase made using Brilliant ‘Otway’ DIY plug-in wall light with Natural Shade, $59.95, I/N: 0230872 (globe sold separately); see above for DIY instructions (In vases) feverfew daisies. Walls painted in Dulux Wash&Wear low sheen acrylic interior paint in Mary Rose, $66.90/2L, I/N: 1370157. Door and trims painted in Dulux ‘Aquanamel’ semi gloss acrylic enamel interior paint in Silent Sage, $71.50/1L, I/N: 1400052. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

BEDHEAD PANEL

A hidden frame supports decorative wall lining, contrasted with pine cladding, to make a bedhead for a queen or king bed

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, eye and ear protection)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Mitre saw

n Drop sheet

n Drill with 5mm, 3mm, hex head and 8g combination countersinking bits

n Mini roller, tray and spare covers

n 180-grit adhesive paper with sanding block

n Microfibre cloth

n Four 2400mm lengths of 70mm x 35mm blue pine framing•

n 14g x 75mm batten screws

n Construction adhesive with caulking gun

n 2400mm x 1200mm sheet of MDF decorative wall lining•

n Acrylic interior paint for lining and pine, in two colours

n Two 1200mm lengths and two 1800mm lengths of 235mm x 19mm DAR pine•

n 8G x 40mm timber screws

n Timber filler

n Painter’s tape

n Primer

n Furniture anchor (suitable for wall type)

1 To make the bedhead frame, measure and mark two 2400mm lengths of 70mm x 35mm framing pine to cut four 1130mm uprights using a mitre saw.

2 On a drop sheet, lay out remaining two 2400mm lengths of 70mm x 35mm pine as the top and base. Position uprights between them, flush with the ends, and spaced at 800mm and 1600mm. Predrill two holes through top and base into each

upright with a 5mm bit, using a hex head bit to secure with 75mm batten screws.

3 Apply construction adhesive over the front of the frame and enlist another pair of hands to position the lining onto it, right side up and edges flush, leaving to dry. Apply two coats of paint using a mini roller, leaving to dry after each coat.

4 Turn the assembly over. Position two 1200mm lengths of pine as a shelf along the top (note there’s a centre join). Use a mitre saw to cut two 1220mm sides from 1800mm pine, checking the fit. Apply construction adhesive around the frame to secure. Use a combination countersinking bit to predrill through the sides into the shelf and frame, securing with 40mm screws.

5 Fill the holes and join, leaving to dry. Position the bedhead upright and tape around its edges. To finish the pine, sand with 180-grit paper, rounding over edges slightly. Wipe away dust with a damp cloth, apply primer and two coats of paint with a roller, leaving to dry after each coat.

6 Install a furniture anchor into a wall stud, move the bedhead against the wall and secure the anchor using the supplied screws, then position the bed.

Keep in mind...

n Timber and lining sheet size may vary slightly. Before securing, always dry-fit and trim as needed.

n When using power tools and painting, always wear the recommended safety gear, ensure the room is well ventilated and keep tools and materials out of the reach of children and pets.

CAFE CURTAIN

Open up a dining area with a window treatment inspired by old-world European eateries. Cafe curtains give privacy while letting in light and are a budget- and renter-friendly way to dress a large window. Tip: Use a spring fit curtain rod or extendable wardrobe rail.

To make the curtain, measure the part of the window to be covered, transfer measurements to a canvas drop sheet and cut with sharp fabric scissors. Tip: Use a drop sheet in a width that matches the window so only the length needs to be cut and three intact hems are retained for the sides and bottom of the curtain.

To create a pocket for the rod, double its diameter, add about 20mm, then use this measurement to draw a line across the drop sheet down from the top cut edge. With the drop sheet wrong side up, run a bead of clear contact adhesive along marked line, fold over the top edge of the drop sheet and press down. Leave glue to set, then thread curtain rod through the fabric channel and hang curtain.

Scan the QR code

New to painting? Learn how to prep, apply to wall and trim then clean up: bunnings.com.au/painting-advice

INSTANT STYLE

TRANSFORM YOUR WALLS EASILY WITH HANWOOD PEEL AND STICK TILES

CLASSIC DESIGNS AVAILABLE NOW

CREATE ON TREND WALL AND SPLASHBACK DESIGNS WITHOUT THE COST!

Perfect for

Kitchen and bathroom walls*

Caravan spaces

Children’s kitchens and play spaces

Commercial spaces/offices

Rental properties

*Please read installation instructions and building codes prior

E gg-citing times!

GATHER YOUR LOVED ONES FOR AN EASTER WEEKEND FULL OF CREATIVE FUN

Photography LOUISE ROCHE

Styling KYLIE JACKES

Afour-day break in still-balmy early autumn 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 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!

Paint colours may vary on application. Keep dogs away from Easter egg hunts as chocolate is toxic to them.

DREAM IT

GARDEN PARTY

Weather permitting, keep the focus of your informal gathering outside, making sunscreen and hats the order of the day. Kids will love customising an off-the-shelf cubby – a useful place to stash their egg hunt spoils!

Bunny wreath

MAKE IT SEE PAGE 64 FOR HOW TO CREATE A BUNNY WREATH AND EGG-HUNT SIGN

THESE PAGES Egg-hunt sign and bunny wreath, see from page 64 for DIY instructions. Numbat children’s cubby house, $249, I/N: 0279763, painted with Dulux ‘Weathershield’ low sheen exterior paint in Pale Sage and Vivid White, $50.90/1L, I/N: 0144759. Curtains made using Monarch ‘Expertech’ canvas drop sheet, $45.05/pack of 3, I/N: 0339821. (In window boxes) White alyssum. Decorative panels made using Boyle photo frame paint kits in assorted designs, $9.81 each, I/N: 1662747, painted with Dulux sample pot paint in Pale Sage, Piglet, Potter’s Pink and Lemon Delicious, $10.90/250ml each, I/N: 1409312. Basket bows made using Crafted 60mm burlap in Natural, $5/5m, I/N: 0323858. WestStone 30-50cm natural schist stepping stones in Grey, $21.63 each, I/N: 3451931. MyHouse linen cushion in Honey. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores,

ordered.

NICE ICE BABY

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

BELOW Dianthus in Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 25cm terracotta bowl, $14.28, I/N: 2833044 (plant sold separately). Marquee ‘Troca’ steel 3 piece bistro setting in Coconut, $99, I/N: 0429848 (chairs not shown). All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

TREE HANGERS

Create a 3D egg 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.

LEFT and OPPOSITE Mimosa ‘Solaris’ 1 seater lounges, $269 each, I/N: 0259861, 3 seater lounge, $529, I/N: 0259881, and round coffee tables, $269/set of 2, I/N: 0260157, all in White. MyHouse linen cushions in Honey and Musk, and ‘Millie’ cushion in Multi. Card 3D eggs made using Permastik 12mm low tack double sided tape, $6.40/50m, I/N: 0045258. Clay decorations made using Boyle ‘Crafty Clay’ air drying clay in White, $10.95/1kg, I/N: 0322562. All other products, stylist’s own. This product is available to buy online only and is sold and delivered by a Bunnings Marketplace Trusted Seller. Not all items are available in all states and territories. Delivery charges may apply.

EASY FEAST

Keep the menu simple with a vibrant salad and skewers to grill on the barbie. Storebought sponge cake can be transformed with ready-to-spread frosting and mini eggs.

ABOVE Craftright cotton latex crinkle grip gloves, $3.35, I/N: 0256783. Boyle ‘Essentials’ value brush pack, $16.96, I/N: 0115222, and ‘Crafty Kits’ photo frame paint kits, $9.81 each, I/N: 1662747. Dulux sample pot paint in Pale Sage, Piglet and Potter’s Pink, $10.90/250ml each, I/N: 1409312. Monarch ‘Expertech’ canvas drop sheet, $45.05/ pack of 3, I/N: 0339821. RIGHT Bunting made using Grunt 50mm jute webbing, $23/25m, I/N: 4310865. Jumbuck ‘Medina’ 57cm kettle BBQ, $74.98, I/N: 0434338. Mimosa ‘Malibu’ benches, $129 each, I/N: 0256334. Easter tablecloth, see from page 64 for DIY instructions. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

COLOUR PALETTE

Dulux Pale Sage

Dulux Lemon Delicious

Dulux Piglet

MAKE IT

SEE PAGE 64 FOR HOW TO MAKE YOUR OWN EASTER TABLECLOTH bunnings.com.au

DIY BUNTING

Cut identical flag shapes from fabric remnants (or use 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

Elevate your Easter cooking with Esatto’s technology features

Esatto’s Easter delight cake

This divine chocolate sponge cake is a guaranteed show stopper, combining rich cocoa flavours with the creamy elegance of white chocolate ganache. Perfect for celebrating the joyous Easter season!

SERVES 8-10

n 100g cocoa powder

n 6 eggs, separated

n 100ml sunflower oil

n 200g plain flour

n 150g caster sugar

n 1 tsp baking powder

GANACHE

n 50ml thickened cream

n 80g white chocolate, broken into pieces

n Mini chocolate Easter eggs for decoration

1 Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease and line a 30cm springform cake tin with baking paper.

2 Place 100ml water in a small saucepan over a low heat, add the cocoa powder and stir to combine. Stand until lukewarm.

3 Pour cocoa mixture into a large mixing bowl, then gradually add the egg yolks and sunflower oil, beating until well combined.

4 Sift in the flour, half the sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt, then beat until the mixture is light and fluffy.

5 In a separate large bowl, whisk the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gradually add the remaining sugar, whisking to combine.

6 Gently fold the egg white mixture into the chocolate mixture using circular motions.

7 Pour the batter into prepared tin and bake for 40-50 minutes. (To check if the cake is done, insert a skewer into the centre; it’s ready when the skewer comes out clean.) Allow cake to cool slightly in the tin, then remove to a cooling rack, reserving crumbs.

8 For the ganache, place cream in a small microwavesafe bowl, add the white chocolate and microwave on a high heat to melt and combine. Stir in reserved cake crumbs to add texture, then stand to cool.

9 Once the cake has completely cooled, place on a serving stand or plate, pour the ganache over the top, allowing it to dribble down the sides, then decorate with mini chocolate eggs.

Thanks to Esatto’s cutting-edge kitchen appliances, making this delectable chocolate sponge cake is simple. From effortless cleaning to precise cooking control and efficient air extraction, Esatto appliances ensure that your Easter celebrations are filled with both culinary mastery and joyful indulgence. Treat yourself and your loved ones to an Easter delight made easy with Esatto.

NO-FUSS OVEN

Pyrolytic cleaning takes the hassle out of the post-baking clean-up. After crafting your divine chocolate sponge cake, simply take out the accessories (baking trays, shelves, side racks etc) and set your Esatto 60cm 11 Function Pyrolytic Oven to its pyrolytic self-cleaning function. This innovative technology heats the oven to a high temperature of 450°C, turning food residue into ash that can be easily wiped away. Spend less time scrubbing your oven and more time savouring your Easter masterpiece.

INTELLIGENT COOKTOP

Esatto’s 60cm Induction Cooktop featuring Power Phase is a breeze to install — just plug in the 10 Amp plug without the need for complex hardwiring! But its ease of installation is just the beginning.

The timer function lets you program a cooking zone to turn off at a specified time, or use it as a helpful reminder with the minute minder function, ensuring accurate timing.

The precise temperature control of induction technology is essential for perfecting the initial steps of the recipe. From gently heating the water and dissolving the cocoa powder, to achieving ideal whipping conditions for the egg whites, the induction cooktop ensures consistent and controlled heat for impeccable results every time.

@esatto.house

UNDERMOUNT RANGEHOOD

Esatto’s Rangehood quietly and efficiently eliminates cooking odours and steam. Its powerful perimeter extraction keeps your kitchen fresh without any lingering distractions. The extraction is easily managed by touch controls, or simply wave your hand in front of the infrared sensor to change the fan speed.

BUILT-IN MICROWAVE

†

Esatto ‘Power Phase’ 60cm induction cooktop, $593, I/N: 0394823†

Esatto 52cm undermount rangehood in Matt Black, $329, I/N: 0394848†

Any hardwired electrical work must be carried out by a licensed electrician. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Pyrolytic cleaning

80L gross capacity

Telescopic runners

LED programmable timer

Push-pull knobs

Touch control

10 amp power phasing

Advertising promotion

No matter how old you are, spending time outdoors is good for physical and mental wellbeing. And it’s especially important to teach kids how to enjoy ‘green time’ instead of screen time. One of the best ways to connect children with nature and teach them how to care for the planet is in their backyard, through gardening.

Bianca Boman from Mr Fothergill’s highlights their specially crafted collection of seeds called the Little Gardeners range. “Gardening encompasses a lot of topics, from science to life lessons,” she says. “And kids who garden are often less fussy eaters, as they’re more likely to taste what they’ve grown.”

No matter what their age, there is a range of fun activities that will connect kids with the joy of growing.

Young sprouts

Gardening with very young children is about introducing them to textures, smells and sights in the garden. Toddlers generally love to be wherever you are and learn by copying our behaviours. Set them up with childsize gardening tools so they can push their own wheelbarrow and rake leaves alongside you. Equip them with a kids’ watering can or let them loose with the hose. If you’re trying to conserve water, fill up a spray bottle with water instead. They’ll love misting your plants – and everything else!

Preschoolers also love digging in the dirt, so a children’s spade will come in handy, too. Show them how to dig for worms and count how many you can find. Let them choose bright flowering

PLAY IN THE DIRT

GET KIDS INTO PLANTING, GROWING AND HARVESTING AND YOU’LL SET THEM UP WITH A HEALTHY HOBBY FOR LIFE

Words RACHEL CLARE

annuals, such as pansies, and plant them together. When growing from seed, keep in mind the size of the seeds for younger children who are still developing fine motor skills.

“Sunflowers, nasturtiums, beans and peas are all large seeded, so they’re easy for little hands to handle,” says Bianca. “They also grow fast and are easy to grow, making them perfect starter plants for kids.”

Landscape architect Jill Rice from Get Outside specialises in outdoor

“Teach life skills, including moneysaving methods, by growing your own produce at home”

Bianca Boman, Mr Fothergill’s

play and learning environments for children. She suggests making the garden a fun place. “Create little paths through the garden for children to explore, add simple, safe water features to play with and grow plants that capture interest,” she says. Lambs ears, an easy-to-grow perennial, are great as they are soft and furry to touch, providing sensory experiences.

Growing up

School-age children are ready to take on more serious growing projects. Give them some agency over what they grow by setting them up with their own planter or a sunny spot in the garden. Set a budget to spend on plants or seeds and let them choose what they’d like to cultivate.

Photography Getty Images. Jill Rice: getoutside.co.nz. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

To keep kids engaged, opt for speedier crops such as radishes, which are ready to harvest in four to six weeks. Opt for coloured mixes, like ‘Easter Egg Mix’, which contains red, purple, pink and white varieties. If you don’t have a lot of space, or you’re looking for activities that can be done on a sunny windowsill, try microgreens. Buy a kit with everything you need, or grow a character with microgreen hair.

Let kids learn about germination by holding a seed race. Loosely fill a jar with wet paper towels, then place three or four seeds in the bottom so they’re evenly spaced and visible from the outside. Beans and peas are good for this exercise. Write the name of the type of seed on the jar, place it in a sunny spot and make sure the paper

You don’t need a big patch – simply set up a tub with soil and let little ones dig into the joy of gardening

towel doesn’t dry out. It won’t be long before you see shoots emerging from the seeds and growing up towards the light. Kids can keep a journal and take note of how many days each seed takes to germinate.

Branching out

Older kids tend to become more discerning about their interests and tastes, and often like collecting things. This is an opportune time to encourage them to follow their interests in the garden. Maybe they want to start a cactus or succulent collection? Succulents are easy to grow and readily produce offshoots that are simple to separate and repot. Or perhaps they enjoy cooking, so a pizza garden with tomatoes and herbs like oregano and basil is perfect.

“Growing edibles helps kids to understand where food comes from and that it is valuable,” says Bianca.

Continue to nurture an interest in the natural world by encouraging kids to make bug hotels or a pollinator pond, so visiting bees have water to drink.

They’ll also start to become aware about the economics of gardening. Show them how to take root cuttings and propagate house plants that they can sell online or at local markets.

Sharing surplus homegrown produce is a great way to teach kids ways to support their community. Set the kids a task of harvesting any excess to give to friends and neighbours.

SET UP FOR SUCCESS

Choose a sunny spot for the kids’ garden, as most vegies and flowers need at least six hours of sun per day.

Before planting, enrich the soil with compost, garden mix and sheep pellets.

Get kids into the habit of regular watering – while they’re at it, they can water the rest of the garden as well!

Plants such as potatoes and strawberries take a few months to grow. Keep children interested by including faster crops such as lettuces or microgreens.

For instant gratification, plant potted colour or seedlings with younger kids.

IS IT EDIBLE?

Always discourage young children from eating plants unless they’re guided by an adult. Aussie Childcare Network includes on its website a list of poisonous and harmful plants that should not be grown in early childhood centres, and therefore not in residential gardens where there are young children. To find out more, visit aussiechildcarenetwork. com.au and search for ‘plants safe for childcare’.

10 EASY-PEASY PLANTS

Sunflower seeds germinate in 7-14 days. Watch the plant keep on growing up and up!

Speedy microgreens can sprout in 3-5 days and be ready for harvest a couple of weeks later.

Can’t decide what flowers to plant? Try a cottage garden mix for an array of colour.

Crunchy broccoli sprouts grow in 2-5 days in water. They have highly concentrated nutrients.

Plant punnets of marigolds for months of flowers and let bigger kids snip off the spent blooms.

Sugar snap peas are ready to harvest in 8-14 weeks and can be eaten straight off the plant.

Zucchini taste best when picked young. If left, they’ll grow rapidly into the size of marrows.

Nasturtiums can tolerate poor soils and dry conditions. Both flowers and leaves are edible.

Sow beans in beds or pots. They germinate in 7-10 days and crop from around 8-10 weeks.

Harvesting early potatoes, about 90 days after planting, is like digging for buried treasure.

1 Pinnacle Hardware 600mm x 450mm x 270mm multicoloured kids garden planter, $38.11, I/N: 0173333. 2 Mr Fothergill’s ‘Cottage Garden’ mix flower seeds, $5.18, I/N: 2960654. 3 Mr Fothergill’s ‘Temptation’ strawberry seeds, $4.88, I/N: 2961883.

4 Cyclone Kids timber long handle spade, $12.98, I/N: 0491571. 5 Cyclone Kids timber long handle shovel, $12.98, I/N: 0491576.

6 Cyclone Kids timber long handle soil rake, $12.98, I/N: 0491572. 7 Cyclone Kids garden gloves, $3.50/medium, I/N: 0293973.

8 Saxon poly tray kids wheelbarrow in assorted colours, $32.98, I/N: 3350480. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Keep in mind...

n Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost.

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

n Some plants are classified as weeds in certain states and territories. Always check suitability for your region.

Photography

Open sesame

Get a quieter, safer and smarter garage door opener for your existing door. It’s so easy, with Chamberlain

Struggling to get that rickety garage door open? Automating will save your sanity and back

Conveniently gain entry when you get home without having to leave the car

SHOPPING

These are familiar tales: the garage door that requires muscle and a dash of luck to open and close; the one with the no-longer-functional automatic opener; or the one that breaks the dawn stillness of the neighbourhood with a rattle, screech and a clunk. Sometimes, there’s not much you can do except to replace the whole thing – door, motor and all – right? Wrong.

With Chamberlain garage door openers, you can swap your old system for a brand-new automatic opener (keeping the existing door) and install it yourself. Or just have a word with the helpful Bunnings Special Orders Desk and they’ll organise an installer for you ‡. They come with a five-year warranty.

MAKE IT SAFE

Replacing your garage door opener is about more than just convenience. If your garage door opener is more than 10 years old, it may not comply with current standards. All Chamberlain myQ capable openers* meet the current standards and you can add on additional safety features such as safety beams. These come included with the myQ smart garage door opener connectivity kit, making your garage smart and safe – especially for children and pets, and to stop accidental collisions with your car.

MAKE IT SMART

Chamberlain garage door openers come with long-range remotes, and if you want even more control over your garage security they’ve got you covered. All openers are compatible with myQ, which allows you to control your garage door from wherever you are in the world. Add a myQ connectivity kit and you can use your smartphone to let your kids into the house and check you remembered to close the door. You can even create schedules to close the door and turn on myQ lights, which helps keep your home secure when you’re on holiday. It’s next-level convenience for the modern home.

It’s easy to DIY, or have Bunnings install for you‡

Ultra quiet, keeping noise and vibrations to a minimum

Chamberlain ‘RollerLift Plus’ roller garage door opener, $477, I/N: 0133220. Chamberlain ‘RollerLift’ roller garage door opener, $391, I/N: 0133219. Chamberlain ‘SectionalLift Plus’ sectional garage door opener, $477, I/N: 0133218. Chamberlain ‘SectionalLift’ sectional garage door opener, $364, I/N: 0133217. Chamberlain ‘myQ’ smart garage door opener connectivity kit, $153, I/N: 0133221. Merlin ‘myQ’ smart garage remote LED light, $105, I/N: 0154763†

GARDENING HEROES

GOOD SAVE! 10 BUYS UNDER $30

TEN BUDGET-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS THAT ARE WORTH EVERY CENT

Words CAROLINE BOTTING

Are you planning a long weekend in the garden? If so, we suggest you run your eye over this list first. All priced under $30, these wise buys are not only a steal, but they can help make light work of tough tasks. Here’s why the experts rate them.

1 Secateurs

This simple and light tool does away with woody stems and dead branches, prunes plants and deadheads flowers, making it one of the handiest pieces of kit in the yard, says Bunnings garden hand tools buyer Rochelle Sherrard-Smith. “Maintain the blades by keeping them clean, sharp and rust free,” she advises.

6Soaker hose

Water garden beds more efficiently – and save water – by using a soaker hose laid out along the base of your plants. Fine holes in the underside of the hose deliver water at ground level, allowing it to soak deep into the soil to encourage a stronger, more dry-tolerant root system, while reducing the risk of evaporation.

2 Knee pads

If you’ve ever spent a couple of hours on your knees weeding, you’ll appreciate the comfort knee pads can provide. Horticulturist Tammy Huynh suggests using them when you’re weeding, planting or doing any other task at a lower height. “They’ll allow you to garden comfortably for longer,” she says.

3 Dibber stick

This T-shaped tool fits comfortably in the palm of the hand, so you can easily poke identical holes into the soil. “It provides accurate and consistent planting depth for sowing seeds, planting bulbs and propagating cuttings,” says Tammy. “The ruler reduces the guesswork and speeds up the process.”

7 Garden stakes

Plants often need extra support, and having garden stakes to help them stand tall and hold their weight in wind and rain is vital to keep them alive and healthy, says Steve. Using natural coconut fibre stakes allows plants to grip easily. “These are a great sustainable use of this by-product,” he says.

4 Multi-use rake

A jumbo leaf rake with additional scraper is so versatile, says Rochelle. “It has a lightweight design but with heavy-duty plastic tines, which means it can gather fallen autumn leaves and lawn clippings without damaging the soil or grass underneath,” she says. “Flip the head over to use it for levelling sand, soil or mulch.”

8 Terracotta pots

Porous terracotta pots make an ideal home for the right plant, says Bunnings pots buyer Anna Safaryan. “These are great for plants that need good drainage, like succulents,” she says. “Plus, as they are made solely from clay, you can crush a broken pot and mix it back into the soil.” They’re also easy to upcycle with paint.

9 Galvanised bucket

Corrosion-resistant galvanised buckets are designed to withstand wear and tear, says Bunnings cleaning and accessories buyer Mario Mathuranayagam. “Their durability ensures a longer lifespan, saving you money in the long run,” he says. ”They can also be a decorative element.”

5 Plant cover

Help guard against extreme weather and pests with a plant cover, says Bunnings landscape buyer Steve Bone. “It protects plants from the harsh sun but still allows water and air to filter through,” he says. “It also saves plants from frost damage and helps retain warmth during the colder months.”

10 Soil meter

Wondering if your plants are over- or under-watered? Or want to test your soil’s pH? Rather than guessing, invest in a soil meter, says Bunnings garden care buyer Ash Makin. “It’s an easy way to check moisture, pH and light levels, to help create the ideal growing environment for plants.”

1 Trojan heavy duty bypass pruner, $19.99, I/N: 0246311. 2 Trojan garden knee pads, $16.98, I/N: 0139828. 3 Mr Fothergill’s wooden dibber, $6.28, I/N: 0232205.

4 Cyclone ‘Super’ garden rake, $22.95, I/N: 3360560. 5 Jack 71cm x 71cm all-weather pop up plant cover, $18.49, I/N: 0333285. 6 Nylex 7.5m soaker hose, $18.35, I/N: 0012424. 7 Pillar ‘Coco’ 120cm coconut fibre joinable garden stake in Natural, $13.60, I/N: 0119329. 8 Succulent in Northcote Pottery ‘Italian’ 13cm terracotta pot in Antique, $2.86, I/N: 0044335 (plant sold separately). 9 Pinnacle Hardware 9L galvanised bucket, $26.79, I/N: 4460182. 10 Brunnings 3 in 1 moisture/pH/ light soil meter, $17.68, I/N: 0246660. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photography Gap Photos. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Store all garden chemicals and products out of the reach of children and pets.

Reap what you sow

CHECK OUT THESE FIVE VEGIES TO GROW NOW TO HELP YOU REDUCE YOUR FOOD BILLS

Buying fresh vegetables and herbs can take up a considerable portion of the weekly grocery budget – and the obvious solution is to save money by growing your own. But what if you don’t have the space or time – or household numbers – for a full-scale vegie patch? That’s when you sow and grow strategically, going for high-value crops that will yield a better return on investment, both in terms of labour and money, and won’t take up too much room, either.

Leafy greens

How often do you baulk at the price of a bag of salad greens, or a ho-hum bunch of bok choy? Weather events and other disruptions can all play havoc with crop yields, resulting in supply disruptions and pricing fluctuations on supermarket shelves. But there are other ways to keep favourites like rocket, spinach, tatsoi and silverbeet on the menu, especially as they are easy to grow in small spaces, says Bianca Boman of Mr Fothergill’s. “An estimated harvest from one spinach plant is 60g, with 350 seeds in one seed packet,” she says.

Lettuce

There are two main lettuce types –loose-leaf and hearting. Loose-leaf grow as an open clump of leaves and

are a classic cut-and-come-again crop, as the outer leaves can be picked continuously over a long period. You can start harvesting from as little as 7-8 weeks. “A mixed leaf lettuce seed pack contains 500 seeds, and with a minimum 80 per cent germination rate, that’s 400 individual lettuce plants for a few dollars,” explains Bianca. Hearting lettuce, like iceberg, can take up to 12-14 weeks to mature, so it’s best to stick to looseleaf varieties for better value.

Coriander

This popular herb can cost several dollars per bunch but, unfortunately, a significant portion often goes to waste in the crisper with only a few leaves and stems used at a time. “Coriander’s short shelf life results

Pots and raised beds filled with flourishing produce can be beautiful features in a garden

Photography Gap Photos/Brent Wilson. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Seeds only cost a few dollars per packet but can yield a wealth of produce

Keep in mind...

n Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost.

n After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well

FROM THE GROUND UP

The secret to growing healthy crops starts in the soil. A good foundation means less water usage and reliance on sprays to deal with pests and diseases. Before planting, improve the soil with compost and organic matter, like blood and bone and aged manure, and apply a wetting agent to help ensure water moves into the soil profile. If growing in pots, purchase a premium quality potting mix – look for the red ticks – and, if possible, enrich with handfuls of compost. Applying a liquid probiotic, which is full of beneficial microbes (like Gogo Juice or Popul8) to pots and garden beds will also assist in creating a healthy soil.

in food and financial wastage,” says Bianca Boman. “Best to grow it fresh and harvest stems as needed.” And if you love its distinct flavour, put this herb in now as it thrives during cooler seasons. Planting in warmer months may lead to premature flowering or bolting, making it tough and woody, says urban grower Connie Cao (@connieandluna). “Consider sowing a new batch every few weeks for a continuous and fresh supply,” she says.

Snow peas

An easy-to-grow climbing vegie, snow peas require minimal effort and space. “They can be grown in large troughs or garden beds, and the only thing you

need to provide is a trellis,” says Connie. “Climbing varieties grow up to 2m tall, while dwarf forms stay more compact at around 0.6-1m tall.” They’re fast growers, with pods ready to harvest in 8-10 weeks. “Each plant produces around 150g or 40-50 pods,” says Bianca. With up to 80 seeds per pack, it’s easy to see the value of homegrown snow peas. “Succession sow every two weeks to maximise the harvesting window,” advises Bianca.

Broccoli

Brassicas like broccoli require more time and patience. “But it’s hard to beat the taste of homegrown,” says Bianca. “Plus, all parts of broccoli are edible, so while waiting for the heads to develop, you can use the leaves the same way as you would silverbeet.”

Once the head forms – after 10-16 weeks, depending on the variety –and is harvested, Connie advises to let it keep growing. “Little broccolini side shoots emerge and will give you a second harvest,” she says. For an ongoing harvest, plant sprouting broccoli like kailaan (Chinese broccoli). “With a similar taste to traditional broccoli, four kailaan plants can be grown in the space of one large broccoli plant,” says Connie. This cut-and-comeagain vegie can produce 1-1.3kg of sprouting broccoli per plant over a single season, says Bianca.

Planting companion flowers among edibles can help to deter pests and encourage beneficial insects such as pollinators

1 Country Value coriander seeds, $1.93, I/N: 2961196. 2 Mr Fothergill’s snow pea vegetable seeds, $5.18, I/N: 2960719, and ‘Kailaan’ broccoli vegetable seeds, $4.13, I/N: 2961145. 3 Yates Blood & Bone ‘Advanced Formulation’ organically based plant food, $36.68/10kg, I/N: 2960190. 4 PowerFeed ‘All Purpose’ liquid fertiliser concentrate, $7.20/600ml, I/N: 0086797. 5 Scotts ‘Performance Naturals’ premium potting mix, $9.28/10L, I/N: 0182065. 6 Neutrog ‘Gogo Juice’ probiotic liquid concentrate, $17.80/1L, I/N: 2961163. 7 Seasol ‘The Seaweed Solution’ super compost, $8.43/25L, I/N: 0274164. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

before cooking and eating.

Photography Getty Images. Harvest volume has been conservatively estimated; most crops grown in optimal conditions should produce more.

Transform your home workspace

With the stylish Philips portable LED desk lamp

Philips Bucket 4.5W/80lm

• USB rechargeable for convenient mobility anywhere

• Integrated EyeComfort technology for healthy lighting

• Dimmable with easy touch controls

Ph

Philips Tilpa 5W/90lm

Designed for the comfort of your eyes.

Gettin’ piggy with it

Guinea pigs are cute, clever and cuddly, and they’re the source of lots of fun facts.

■ Guinea pigs are not from Guinea in Africa (they originated in the Andes) and they’re not pigs. They are cavies, which is a type of South American rodent.

■ They can live for seven to 10 years. The oldestknown guinea pig almost made it to 15.

■ There are more than 20 different breeds, including a couple that are hairless.

■ Guinea pigs are born with teeth and hair and are running around only a few hours after birth.

■ Ick warning: they produce two different types of poo, and eat one of them for extra vitamins. This helps to prevent digestive tract diseases.

■ They can breed from the age of three weeks old.

■ Guinea pigs are very active, social and curious. They only need a few quick naps during the day and night, so you’ll need to provide lots of mental stimulation and companionship (including other guinea pigs) to keep your pet happy and healthy.

ANIMAL APPLICATIONS

If you’re looking for a new rental home for you and your four-legged friend, a pet résumé might make the task easier, according to Greg Bader, CEO of rent.com.au. “We see it as an easy and non-confrontational way to start that conversation, which allows you to show that you are a responsible owner and being proactive and open on your application,” says Greg. “Firstly, it allows you to show what sort of pets you have – a dog like a Maltese might be fine for a small studio, but the owner may have concerns if you have three Great Danes. Secondly, it allows you to demonstrate that you take pet ownership seriously by including things such as vaccination status, registration and training.”

Aside from these details, include information like their age, whether they are desexed and temperament – such as, are they used to being left by themselves? A cute photo helps, too.

Greg suggests using the Renter Resume profile tool on the website (rent.com.au), which includes a dedicated ‘My pet’ section.

3 1 2

LEGGY LEGEND

This recently rehomed hero from The Dog House Australia has found his happy place

1 I live with… The best dads in the world.

2 The nice thing about my new home is… I run the place!

3 My perfect day involves… Fun with my greyhound friends, lots of pats and cuddles, and sleep. Lots of sleep.

4 My preferred activity is… Lying on my back, legs in the air, doing as little as possible.

5 My favourite place to sleep is… Any of my four dog beds.

6 I often wonder… Am I due for a snack yet?

7 I find it difficult to… Not get overexcited when we pass other dogs.

Would you like to see your animal pal in our pages? Email your pet’s photo, name and breed (with ‘Pet of the Month’ in the subject line) to submissions @bunnings.com.au

Baxter Bone small sofa style fabric shell pet bed in Taupe, $69, I/N:

Happy

TOY TIME

CHOOSE THE RIGHT CANINE PLAYTHINGS FOR EVERY AGE, STAGE AND PURPOSE

Rope toys provide great entertainment, and can also act as a floss for pups’ teeth

Just like kids, dogs play for development and learning, as well as for entertainment.

The right toys can be tools for bonding between you and your pet, can stretch them mentally and physically, and even act to calm an anxious pup. Sam March, head of animal welfare services at Animal Welfare League NSW who appears on The Dog House Australia, says the majority of dogs love toys, especially when they are younger and are learning how to play. “A lot of dogs will continue to play with toys throughout their life, especially the more active breeds,” he says. “Unfortunately, some dogs who have never been around toys don’t know how to interact with them, and it may take a bit of time for these dogs to work out how to play with toys. Overall, no matter what breed of animal, playing with toys is good enrichment and fun for them.”

Puppy power

Toys are especially relevant for puppies. Sam says that during the critical learning stage, it’s important for puppies to investigate their environment, and toys are a great way to encourage this. Also, 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.

Early exposure to different toys will help dogs develop problem-solving skills as they grow, which will lead to a lifetime enjoyment of different kinds of enrichment. For example, toys that keep dogs occupied, such as those that dispense treats as rewards for working out a challenge, are great if you need to leave your dog alone.

Match your breed

Some breeds will respond better to particular toys. “Breeds that fall into the ‘working’ categories such as herding, retrieving, scent and sight hounds may enjoy more active play that taps into breed-specific behaviours,” says Sam. A game of fetch may be more satisfying to a Retriever than a Basset Hound, who may prefer a snuffle mat.

Size it up

Selecting the right size of toy for your dog is important. The ‘Flying Duck’ bungee toy is great fun, but may be too big for a Chihuahua, who might be more comfortable with the smaller ‘Oinking Pig’ chew toy. 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 – be aware that balls that are too small can be a choking hazard for larger dogs.

Safe and sound

Always initially supervise your puppy with toys that are newly introduced to the home, until you are sure they are not going to swallow them. 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.

To learn more about canine behaviour and adoption from Animal Welfare League NSW experts, tune into The Dog House Australia on Thursdays at 7.30pm on 10 and 10 Play.

1 Paws & Claws ‘Tug-Of-War’ 33cm bungee rope loop in Blue/Green, I/N: 0329536*. 2 Happy Tails ‘Oinking Pig’ chew toy, $5.50, I/N: 0364849. 3 Purina ‘Total Care’ 3 in 1 dentarope in Aqua, $15, I/N: 0397092. 4 Pet Zone ‘Flying Duck’ bungee launcher toy, $13.95, I/N: 0439101. 5 Happy Tails ‘Footy’ tough chew toy, $9.99, I/N: 0364884. 6 Aussie Dog ‘Home Alone’ 30-50kg large dog interactive food dispenser, I/N: 0276251*. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. This product is

Words Jen Walker. Photography Geoff Magee/ The Dog House Australia

Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings. Pet products are not available in WA, except Armadale and Bunbury stores.

SET UP CAMP

GATHER THE ESSENTIALS, PLUS A FEW BONUS EXTRAS, FOR YOUR BEST-EVER HOLIDAY UNDER CANVAS

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN Photography REUBEN LOOI Styling SAM VAN KAN

The tail end of the summer months is peak camping season, time to enjoy a last hurrah under the stars before the tent goes into storage until the next break. Whatever adventure you’re planning, from a backyard sleepout to an off-the-beaten-track nature experience, Bunnings has the essential ingredients for a successful jaunt, plus optional extras to take your trip to the next level. And, as Lucy Wilcox of BIG4 Holiday Parks points out, camping can require some resilience at times. “So, bring your sense of humour!” she says. “And, regardless of the time of year, pack sunscreen – and stay safe.”

Some

Dinner time

Must-haves

Before you load up the barbecue, look into what is allowed at your location (smokers, for example, may not be permitted for the comfort of other guests) and check what facilities and utilities are available. An on-site holiday park kitchen might take the barbecue off the packing list, while a powered site means you can bring an electric one. A barbecue that uses a portable fuel source is likely a must. David Hardie, Bunnings national barbecue and accessories buyer, says portable gas is the most popular while butane gas is the most cost effective. “Also consider the weight and size of the barbecue, as well as the type of food you plan to cook,” he says.

If you do BYO barbecue, Lucy Wilcox suggests compiling a kit of useful items such as barbecue wipes, tongs, a scraper and spatula. “Keep these stashed in a container separate from the ones you use at home, so you never arrive at camp without a crucial piece of equipment,” she says. And there are many camping accessories to help make your trip comfortable.

“These include collapsible containers for food preparation and washing up, cutlery, plates and cups, as well as picnic blankets,” says David.

Make it extra

If open fires are permitted, cooking over coals truly captures the back-tonature romance of camping. At its most simple, use a roasting fork to spear a snag (or a marshmallow), or go a little more gourmet with a bubbling stew in a camp oven, a skillet-seared fish fillet (freshly caught, of course), or a jaffle iron!

Sleep tight

Must-haves

Good sleep is essential, however the ingredients for solid slumber vary. “Some people like stretchers, some prefer inflatable mats, and others want to sleep outside under the stars,” says Lucy. “You probably want to look at the size of your tent (and your car) because stretchers are a little bulkier to lug around.” Warmth is important, especially as autumn’s changeable weather nears, so choose a sleeping bag to suit the lowest overnight

LEFT Take a supply of marshmallows for toasting over the campfire or for making S’mores: sandwich marshmallows and chocolate between plain biscuits, wrap in foil and place in fire embers (or an oven) for about five minutes. Wait until cool, then enjoy! Matador ‘Premium’ stainless steel skewers, $12.79/pack of 6, I/N: 3170665

temperature. If you have room, a hot water bottle is useful if it turns icy, while a sleeping bag liner adds comfort, a little extra warmth and can be used on its own on balmy nights.

Make it extra

Give your camp bed a glamping-style makeover with an outdoor rug - this mostly just looks great, but will also help a little with insulation. Bring a self-inflating pillow for extra comfort. And if nights are still sweaty, consider a cooling mattress.

Beat the bugs

Must-haves

Don’t let a whining mozzie ruin your holiday buzz. “A good night’s sleep is always mosquito and insect-free, so stock up on coils, Envirotraps and repellent,” says Lucy. A personal insect-repellent with antiseptic will protect against biting bugs, soothe old bites and help to prevent further irritation and possible infection. To create a bug-free zone around the dining area, good old-fashioned coils and citronella candles work well – but be aware of fire restrictions!

Make it extra

Take your personal protection up a notch with a battery-operated bug zapping lantern – the Ryobi ONE+ bug zapper attracts all flying insects, illuminates the campsite (with variable brightness settings) and can also charge your phone! For a bug-free bedtime, channel a five-star safari vibe with a canopy mosquito net.

Be prepared

Must-haves

An experienced camper expects the unexpected, so prepare for the worst-case scenario with a kit of essentials. “When camping, in case of an emergency, it is a must to have an up-to-date first aid kit, torch with spare batteries, plenty of water and non-perishable food and a multi tool,” says David Hardie. Cater your first aid kit to your plans – if you’re intending to hike or camp outside of a holiday park, include a snake and spider bite kit with bandages and treatment info.

Make it extra

If your camping adventures are likely to go off the beaten track, be ready for any sticky situations. An offroad adventure may leave you stuck in the mud, but having recovery tracks and tyre deflators tucked into the boot can get you out of trouble in a jiffy –the latter product allows controlled and even deflation of tyres, giving a greater surface area for grip.

In the know

Before leaving, arm yourself with useful information. Check forecasts, tides and even the UV index on apps such as Willy Weather and BOM Weather, and refer to your state’s hazard/ emergency app and live traffic apps for updates on fires, floods, road incidents, closures and conditions. Discover walking and hiking tracks all over the country on the AllTrails app, explore nature using your state’s national parks app – and pack a paper map for navigation backup!

“No midnight toilet run is complete without the aid of a torch so you can see where you’re going”

Lucy Wilcox, BIG4 Holiday Parks

0452980. 11 Victorinox ‘Swiss Champ’ pocket knife tool, $229, I/N: 0493735. 12 Craftright multi-purpose camping tool kit, $15.98, I/N: 0443609. Some products

Add these useful products to your packing list and make the next outdoor adventure one of the best

For lovers of the great outdoors, there’s nothing to beat a camping holiday. Cruising along quiet country roads, walking through the bush, sleeping under the stars – it’s the antidote to a busy urban life, giving us the chance to slow down and embrace the beauty of our unique landscape. Of course, whether you’re trekking and toting a backpack, or pootling along the back roads on a car trip, there’s a limit to what you can take with you, but these items should be high on your list.

Cutting edge

An incarnation of the legendary Swiss army knife, the Victorinox ‘Huntsman’ pocket knife is a seriously helpful tool to have when hiking, climbing or around a campsite. The Swiss-made product has 15 functions to tackle many tasks, including a wood saw, large and small blades, scissors, a corkscrew, can and bottle openers, screwdrivers and more! Plus – of course – it all folds up into a small package to slip into your pocket.

8

CAMPING MUST-HAVES

1 2

Light works

A decent light is a must. The Nebo ‘Mycro’ rechargeable headlamp has a tiny, tiltable unit to clip onto a cap or the supplied head strap, shining light right where you need it while keeping your hands free. Shock-resistant and waterproof, it features night vision-friendly red and green light modes, three different intensities of illumination and a turbo function for 400 lumens of ultra-bright light.

3

Go with the glow

Perfect for after-dark trips around the campsite, the Nebo ‘Redline Flex’ rechargeable torch can be powered by either the supplied rechargeable battery or – conveniently – by a single AA. It has three lighting modes, including a 450-lumen turbo option which can cast a beam over 200 metres, and a 6x adjustable zoom function. It’s made from tough anodised aluminium and has a magnetised base for hands-free illumination, with a handy clip to attach it to a belt or cap.

Victorinox ‘Huntsman’ pocket knife, $89.95, I/N: 0493752

Nebo ‘Mycro’ 400lm headlamp, $44.63, I/N: 0353859

Nebo ‘Redline Flex’ 450lm rechargeable torch, $42, I/N: 0119010

Coleman ‘Ultra Compact’ 2.4m portable gazebo, $129, I/N: 0185612

4

Gimme shelter

Sometimes you want more from your tent than just a place to sleep. The Coleman ‘Ultra Compact’ portable gazebo is ideal for when you want to sit out and enjoy a spot of alfresco relaxation, while providing protection from sun or drizzle and freeing up room in your tent. This model comes complete with guy ropes and pegs, all in a tidy 970mm carry bag, and expands quickly into a 2.4m x 2.4m shelter thanks to its easy-build design.

7

Rack it up

5

Cold as ice

A camping cooler needs to be both tough and efficient. The Esky 70L ‘Arctic Pro Rugged’ cooler has corner bumpers, a lockable lid with silicone gasket and is fully insulated, so can stay cool for up to seven days. Versatile and lightweight, it comes complete with an accessory pack of integrated freezable water bottle, cutting board and utility basket. Large drainage plugs make this Esky a breeze to empty and clean.

Esky ‘Arctic Pro Rugged’ 70L cooler with fitted accessory pack, $299, I/N: 0133333

The great outdoors comes with all kinds of weather – and when it’s good, it’s helpful to have a place outside the tent to air clothes, towels and gear. The Daytek ‘Easy Open’ portable clothesline brings 20 metres of hanging space, and can be collapsed via a simple mechanism in the handle, making it easy to transport and store back at home. Ground pegs, carry bag and a sock holder are all included in the pack. Perfect for loading into trailers and caravans.

GALVANISED

STEEL CONSTRUCTION; 4-LEGGED STABILITY

Daytek ‘Easy Open’ portable clothesline, $99, I/N: 0298208

6

Luxury cover

The spacious Coleman portable gazebo is a bit like taking an outdoor room along on your holidays. At 3.6m square, it’s large enough to host the whole family for meals or board games, while integrated battery-powered LED lights make it a brilliant spot for chilling after dark. The canopy offers 50+ UV protection and excellent weatherproofing, with detachable mesh walls to help keep mozzies at bay.

STURDY WITH SIMPLE

FOLD-DOWN MECHANISM

8

Hang it all

Bring the comfort and ease of washing at home to the outdoors with a drying rack like the Daytek ‘A-Frame’ 22m portable clothesline that lets you air clothes and larger items such as sleeping bags and towels. It’s made from corrosion-resistant, powdercoated steel, and comes with ground pegs and a wind tether, as well as pegs, a peg bag and a sock holder. Quick-release arms make it easy to put up and fold down into its supplied carry bag. And, even better, its compact size yet extensive 22-metre drying space makes it easy to load into vehicles and great for using at home, too.

Daytek ‘A-Frame’ 22m portable clothesline, $199, I/N: 0202382

Coleman 3.6m x 3.6m LED lighted portable gazebo with mesh walls, $299, I/N: 0109212

6 ways to save at home

MAKE YOUR BUDGET STRETCH A BIT FURTHER WITH THESE WALLET-FRIENDLY HABITS

1Go all purpose

Mixing up your own cleaning spray is inexpensive and can also reduce the amount of plastic you use, says Frugal & Thriving blogger and author Melissa Goodwin (frugalandthriving.com.au)

“I make up a multipurpose solution with white vinegar, a little dishwashing detergent, water and maybe some essential oils, which I use in a spray bottle,” she explains.

“You can use it on many surfaces but, because the vinegar is acidic, it’s best not to use it on granite, marble, stone or wood.”

With its fresh fragrance and mild antibacterial properties, eucalyptus oil can be a nice addition, but Melissa warns to use it with care near pets, and in case of allergies.

2On-point paint

Painting is one of the most transformative and cost-effective DIY improvements and, with a few hacks, you can avoid wastage, says DIY specialist

Uni-Pro

Natasha Dickins (@littlered industries).

“When decanting paint into a tray, replace the original lid with a plastic pourer lid to help prevent drips,” she suggests. “These handy, solvent-resistant lids stop paint gathering around the lip where it dries out and can cause rust. Simply recap to store and preserve the paint.”

3Hang out

Instead of putting washed clothes straight into an electricityhungry dryer, try to take advantage of sunny days and hang out your laundry on a line – it’ll be dry before you know it. You’ll save on energy costs and your clothes will be better off, too. With a range of clothesline styles and configurations, there’s a design to suit big and small spaces.

4 Grow your own

Melissa is also a big fan of homegrown food. “Herbs, particularly hardy varieties such as rosemary and thyme, can last for years, while growing salad greens and sprouts is an easy way to save money and add flavour to many dishes,” she says. You don’t need a lot of space, just enough room for a raised bed – DIY or off the shelf. “The benefits of a raised garden bed are that it offers easier access, can be low maintenance if you use the ‘no-dig’ method of gardening, and can be placed just about anywhere,” says Melissa.

5Flatpack hack

Avoid paying for custom kitchen or laundry cabinetry by installing bespoke timber benchtops over flatpack base cabinets to make them feel handcrafted. “Keep costs down by using inexpensive standard

panels that tend to be 18mm thick,” says Natasha. “For a professional-joinery finish, trim the boards with 30mm Tasmanian oak half-round dowel to make them appear thicker and more substantial.” The round profile doesn’t need much sanding or prep for painting, staining or oiling, and the woodgrain tints vary from browns to pinks, making it a good match for a variety of timber species.

6 Take stock

Savvy shoppers swear it’s more economical to buy items like cleaning products and dry foods in bulk. Stock up on pantry items such as pasta and grains and decant into stackable airtight storage containers, noting the best before dates. Buy cleaning products in big quantities and decant into spray bottles as needed.

Simple

Green ‘Pro-Grade’ glass cleaner concentrate, $33/4L, I/N: 0057689. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

‘Pour & Store’ paint pot lid, $3, I/N: 1670269

Sunfresh 10 line folding clothesline, $85, I/N: 4510720

Porta

Glitz

LESSONS IN RENOVATING

A SUCCESSFUL BATHROOM RENOVATION LOOKS AND FEELS GOOD. A DIY EXPERT SHARES HER TOP TIPS

Words NATASHA DICKINS

Asmall and dated space, an unwanted or non-existent bath, no windows and inadequate storage... these are just some of the many reasons driving a bathroom upgrade.

Renovating a bathroom typically involves coordinating multiple licensed professionals – chiefly a builder, plumber and electrician. But there are also jobs you might DIY, depending on your skills. It’s also worth checking to see how Bunnings services can

support your project – from design consultation to skylight installation.

There are some tried and tested tricks to make a bathroom feel more spacious: a white ceiling, pale tiles and a frameless glass shower screen. Other ways to physically save space and add functionality include a floating vanity and toilet pan, and a mirrored, wall-mounted shaving cabinet.

Understanding what’s involved before kicking off will help you brief your tradies and maybe give you the confidence to tackle a few tasks yourself.

TRY YOUR HAND

While electrical installation, plumbing and waterproofing will be done by licensed pros, consider these DIY jobs. Install plasterboard for the ceiling and skylight cavity. Hang sheets or lining on non-tiled walls, then install cornice.

Install a sliding door cavity, paint the door and hang.

Assemble and install a shaving cabinet. Install a shower screen and apply a glass treatment for cleaning efficiency.

Talk to tradies

Bathrooms are constructed in layers, beginning with floor and wall framings lined in moisture-resistant sheeting, which is then waterproofed and clad in tiles and other materials. When coordinating availability, ask each tradie about this process and at what stages they’d need to be involved.

On average, the plumber and electrician are onsite at least three times: first to turn everything off before the demo, then to rough in before sheeting and tiling, and lastly the final installation.

BUILDER Review the floor plan and built-in elements, like a shower recess or nib wall, then draw up a concise list of building materials. Putting in your own Bunnings order for delivery may save paying for shopping time, although some builders prefer to supply and charge accordingly.

Ask how involved your builder will be with other trades, like coordinating with a roofer about a skylight and an electrician about underfloor heating. Some builders do the floor screeding, others leave it for the tiler.

A skylight is a good way to introduce light in a windowless internal room (top left). Lining the ceiling and skylight recess can be a DIY job and you can book a skylight installation at the Special Orders Desk. A nib wall can conceal a toilet cistern (above). Waterproofing must be professionally applied to all splash zones (left).

Tip: Take pictures of the raw wall framing, holding a tape measure to indicate the location of studs and noggins so you know where to install towel hooks and shelves later.

ELECTRICIAN Before rough-in, know where you want items such as heated towel rails, switches, power points and even LED lights in cabinets.

Before buying light fixtures, check they meet code in a wet area. Also find out if you need an extractor fan.

Tip: Most bathrooms need an extractor fan, unless there’s an openable window sized at least 10 per cent of the floor area as a primary source of ventilation.

PLUMBER It’s best to have fixtures such as the vanity, basin, toilet and tapware ready to go, or at least download the manufacturer’s specifications for the plumber to check against their plans. They can also tell you about accessories to order, such as a cistern cock, tap backplates and a pop-up basin waste.

Tip: Let the plumber know where you want the shower rose, and check heights for the taps and vanity.

TILER Make sure the tiles you like are suitable, as some are not for floors or wet areas, and ask about the quantity to order, allowing for wastage. If your tiler is also qualified to waterproof, ask for a list of waterproofing products and the grout quantity to buy.

Tip: Allow a week for the tiler, which may include waterproofing and floor screeding. Tiling, grouting, sealing and caulking all require drying time.

OTHER PROFESSIONALS Have a roofer check the rafters before ordering a skylight to fit. Same with the builder for windows and doors. A glazier will need to measure up for a customised shower screen, as will a carpenter for any handcrafted cabinetry. If you’re engaging a painter, check if it’s more cost-effective for them to arrange products, including primer. Visit bunnings.com.au/services to find trades and services in your area.

SPLASH OR SAVE?

Decide when to spend on quality and where to shave expenses

Whether you or the builder is doing the demo, break up large items such as joinery and wall sheets to reduce tip and skip fees.

Save on the toilet pan but splash out on the flush plate – metal is better than plastic. Choose an off-the-shelf shower screen over custom. Use specialised ceiling and wall paint with mould inhibitors.

Tapware doesn’t have to be the same brand, but pick one cohesive finish for all items.

Opt for an inexpensive mirrored shaving cabinet.

Buy a floor-heating mat kit, to be installed quickly by the electrician before tiling the floor.

Splurge on a recessed sliding door. A hinged door takes up valuable floor space when open.

Photography Natasha Dickins (@littleredindustries).

Made for fun

CHOOSE YOUR COLOUR PALETTE THEN GET CRAFTY WITH PAINT TO CREATE YOUR OWN UNIQUE BUNNY-THEMED DECORATIONS

Projects SAMI SIMPER Photography LOUISE ROCHE Styling KYLIE JACKES

Hang this pretty party piece on your door with a removable adhesive hook

BUNNY WREATH

Turn bamboo rings, faux foliage, jute and craft beads into a rustic front door decoration, to make it clear Easter is here!

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (eye protection and mask)

n Hot-glue gun

n Scissors

n Wire cutters

n Paintbrush

n 254mm and 178mm craft rings

n 6mm jute cord

n Bonsai wire

n Faux greenery

n Paper plant ties

n Paint in three colours (we used Dulux Pale Sage, Piglet and Lemon Delicious)

n Craft beads

n 60mm hessian

1 To make the bunny body, attach end of jute cord to large bamboo ring using a dab of hot glue, then wrap jute around ring. Cut the jute cord with scissors, then attach end to ring with hot glue. Repeat with smaller ring for the bunny head.

3 Wrap bonsai wire around bunny head and body to join, then cut with wire cutters and tuck end in at the back. Hot-glue the ears onto the head.

5 Paint wooden beads in three colours using a brush, and leave to dry. Attach beads to greenery-covered bunny body and head using paper plant ties.

DIY TOOLKIT

2 Shape bonsai wire into two bunny ears, cutting the ends with wire cutters. Wrap wire ears in jute cord, securing with hot glue.

4 Cut sprigs of faux greenery and attach to bunny body and head, securing with paper plant ties.

6 Cut hessian to 60cm, 40cm and 30cm long. Lie the 60cm piece in a V shape. Fold other lengths into loops and centre on the top of the V. Cut and wrap a small piece of hessian around the middle and hot-glue to the wreath.

6 1 Crafted 10 inch (254mm) bamboo ring, $4, I/N: 0323883. 2 Crafted assorted round macramé beads, $11.50/pack of 82, I/N: 0323862. 3 Stanley ‘Dualmelt’ mini glue gun, $15.50, I/N: 0215693. 4 Jack 2mm aluminium bonsai wire, $10.98/5m, I/N: 0205120. 5 Crafted 60mm burlap in Natural, $5/5m, I/N: 0323858. 6 Jack 150mm paper twist ties, $5.50/pack of 200, I/N: 0188971. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

1 Measure and mark a hobby wood sheet at 500mm. Clamp to your workbench and cut to length using a handsaw. Repeat with second sheet to cut another sign.

4 Centre the bunny template on the painted placemat, tape in place then apply a coat of white paint using a roller. Repeat to paint an arrow on the right side of one sign. Remove templates. Allow to dry.

2 Sand cut edges of signs, then sand the stake. Apply primer to placemat, signs and stake and leave to dry. Apply two coats of pink paint to signs and placemat and white to the stake, leaving to dry after each coat.

5 Select plywood letters to spell out “Hop this way” or your chosen phrase. Using mini rollers, apply two coats of paint to the letters in yellow, white and green, leaving to dry after each coat.

EGGHUNT SIGN

The highlight of any Easter party is always the hunt for eggs! Point the way to where it’s happening with a sign featuring a cute bunny, simply made from an off-the-shelf garden stake, an MDF placemat and hobby wood. This is a fun project for older kids to help with.

LEFT If you’re not confident drawing shapes freehand, find printable bunny and arrow templates online

3 Draw or print a bunny shape onto paper. Tape to a cutting mat and cut out the bunny shape using a craft knife. Repeat to make a paper arrow template.

6 Run a bead of adhesive on the back of each letter and attach to the signs, then leave to set. Use adhesive to secure the bunny sign and lettering signs to the timber stake, then clamp to set.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (eye protection and mask)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Quick-grip clamps

n Handsaw

n Sanding sponge

n Paintbrushes

n Cutting mat

n Craft knife

n Mini rollers and trays

n Two 915mm x 100mm x 5mm hobby wood sheets

n 1.2m timber garden stake

n Primer

n Rectangular MDF placemat

n Paint in white and three colours (we used Dulux Pale Sage, Piglet and Lemon Delicious)

n A4 paper

n Painter’s tape

n 75mm plywood letters

n High-strength construction adhesive 1 2

1

4 Boyle plywood alphabet letter set, $6.50/pack of 36, I/N: 0440444.

5

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.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (eye protection and mask)

n Pencil

n Cutting mat

n Craft knife

n Drop sheet

n Mini rollers and trays

n Scissors

n A4 paper

3 For a pompom maker, trace around a spray-paint can lid (or similar) onto cardboard. Centre a dollar coin in the circle and trace around it. Repeat to draw another ring shape.

n Painter’s tape

n White tablecloth

n Paint in three colours (we used Dulux Pale Sage, Piglet and Lemon Delicious)

n Scrap cardboard

n White yarn

n Hot-glue gun

4 Cut out the larger circles, then snip through the edges to cut out inner circles and create two rings with slits. Cut yarn into manageable lengths (about 500mm).

1 Draw or print a bunny shape onto paper. Tape to a cutting mat and cut out bunny shape using a craft knife. Repeat to make stencils for as many bunnies as you plan to paint.

5 With rings together and slits lined up, loop yarn around the cardboard and through centre until ring is covered and centre is full. Snip with scissors through yarn layers along the outside.

2 Lay the tablecloth flat on the drop sheet and arrange stencils (ours are about 300mm apart, 100mm from the long edges). Tape stencils in place, then paint using mini rollers.

6 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. Hotglue pompom tails in place.

This project is a great way to revive a shabby white tablecloth – paint a border over pesky stubborn stains!

True grit

The core of many DIY activities, sanding is made so much easier with the IRWIN range of abrasive products

Whether you’re refinishing a floor, prepping for painting, indulging in some fine woodworking or countless other DIY projects, chances are you’ll be doing some sanding. It’s the key to a polished finish and a professional-looking result, but if you’re not an expert, how do you find what you’re looking for, quickly and easily?

IRWIN is here to help with their broad collection of abrasive papers. There are more than 100 options to suit a wide variety of sanders, and in grit sizes to tackle different materials and tasks.

COLOUR CODE

It’s easy to find what you need with a glance at the packaging. Clear

illustrations show the sanding sheet size and pattern, the model they fit and the materials they suit. A handy colour co-ordinated panel helps you hone in on grit size, whether you’re looking for coarse grit for tough tasks (orange), medium for smoothing (green) or fine for a quality finish (blue).

FIT FOR PURPOSE

For the woodworker’s all-rounder, the orbital sander, IRWIN has sanding discs to fit models from DeWalt, Ryobi, Bosch and Makita, among many others. With their hook-and-loop backing, it’s a matter of seconds to peel off the old sheet and stick on the new. You’ll find sanding belts for different-sized belt sanders – your go-to for tough woodworking projects – as well as rectangular sheets for finishing sanders. And for the palm sander in your woodworking armoury, there’s a selection of hook-and-loop backed detail sheets, available in the common grit sizes in packs of five. Perfect for the next time you see sanding in your home-improvement future!

1 IRWIN 533mm x 75mm 120 grit sanding belt, $12.95/pack of 3, I/N: 0477582. 2 IRWIN 533mm x 75mm 80 grit sanding belt, $12.95/pack of 3, I/N: 0466887. 3 IRWIN 140mm x 100mm 80 grit detail sheets, $8.49/pack of 5, I/N: 0477586

4 IRWIN 150mm x 105mm 80 grit detail sheets, $7.84/pack of 5, I/N: 0477634. 5 IRWIN ‘Quick Fit’ 125mm 80 grit 8 hole random orbital sanding discs, $7.74/pack of 5, I/N: 0466881 6 IRWIN ‘Quick Fit’ 125mm 120 grit 8 hole random orbital sanding discs, $7.74/pack of 5, I/N: 0466903.

The hook-and-loop backing on IRWIN sanding discs makes them simple to fit and remove

A Trusted Brand In DIY Since 1932

SPIN CLASS

SMALL BUT MIGHTY, THE ROTARY TOOL WILL BECOME YOUR WORKSHOP GO-TO

Words MITCHELL MCLEAN

Tooling around

Ahandheld power tool equipped with interchangeable attachments that spin at high speeds, the rotary tool is the consummate all-rounder. In the hands of a passionate DIYer, it transforms from a workshop multitasker into a conduit of creativity. Its adaptability redefines home maintenance and hobby work – well suited for intricate and detailed tasks, it allows users to work in tight spaces or on projects that require precision. Reliable and versatile, the rotary tool is a must-have for makers who want to shape and create, and offers customisable solutions for a range of projects.

The rotary tool is a compact but powerful DIY game changer, offering a range of applications including cutting, sculpting, grinding, engraving, sanding, polishing, carving and cleaning, across various materials. Powered by low-torque and variable-speed rotary motion, its precision and nimbleness make it ideal for intricate tasks where bulkier tools fall short.

Bits and pieces

The range of bits and accessories amplifies the versatility of the rotary tool. Whether it’s a diamond-tipped bit for engraving, a grinding stone for rough edges, a cutting wheel for straight cuts or a felt polishing wheel for removing burrs or rust, each attachment performs a different task. From effortlessly slicing through timber, porcelain and glass to sculpting intricate details in woodworking projects, the rotary tool is a multitasking marvel.

Power play

Choosing between battery-powered or corded models depends on how and where you like to work, says Bunnings national tool accessories buyer Nathan Horsford. “If you require your tool to be portable, cordless would be the best option. However, if your main tasks are workshop based, corded will be the better choice due to an endless power supply,” says Nathan. Corded units ensure consistent power, with high-powered models suitable for thicker, harder and more robust materials.

Play it safe

It’s crucial to ensure the rotary tool has a safety shield, as debris can be removed at 26,000–30,000 RPM, posing a risk to the eyes. “Always remove power from the tool when changing accessories, to avoid accidentally switching it on. Additionally, keep your hands clear of the working area to maintain a safe workspace,” advises Nathan.

GOOD SAVE!

Make your rotary tool and bits last by cleaning and maintaining them regularly and storing them in their case.

Extend the life of cutting tips by using water and lubricants as needed, to prevent premature wear.

Reduce replacement costs by investing in high-quality rotary tool accessories, designed to endure numerous projects.

Keep in mind…

n When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear.

DIE HARD

Similar to a rotary tool, the die grinder is ideal for high-torque tasks, such as shaping metal and timber. It’s useful for polishing metal, removing rust or welding spatter, or if you perform your own car restorations. You can also use it to sharpen blades. But if you’re not disposed to metalwork the rotary tool is your best bet.

LEFT (from top) Ryobi USB lithium rotary tool kit, $99, I/N: 0438331. Ozito 170W 42 piece rotary tool kit, $54.98, I/N: 6290175. Dremel ‘3000’ corded rotary tool kit, $114, I/N: 6280041. Dremel rotary shield attachment, $37.25, I/N: 6280065. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

SKILLS

FRIDGE FRESH

A REGULAR DEEP CLEAN KEEPS YOUR REFRIGERATOR SAFE AND SANITARY. HERE’S HOW TO DO IT

Get in behind

The space behind your fridge is a magnet for dust, debris and worse. You should clean behind your fridge every three months (or if something spills there, asap), says Toby Schulz of Maid2Match (maid2match.com.au).

“This ensures there’s no food debris and dust bunnies building up that could lead to mould or attract pests. It’ll also prevent bad odours,” he says. Unplug the appliance and be very careful when moving it away from the wall! Remove the grill and dust the coils – Toby suggests using a duster, a specialised coil brush or a vacuum crevice tool, taking the opportunity to check for broken components. Use a

mild all-purpose cleaner to wipe down the back. “For any stubborn stains and gunk, try a silicone scraper or a bicarb soda paste,” says Toby. Lastly, sweep and mop the floor, letting it dry before moving the fridge back into place.

The inside job

Empty the fridge of all food – use an Esky or insulated cold bag to keep perishables chilled – then remove the shelves and drawers. Let the glass warm to room temperature (to avoid cracking), then wash in hot soapy water. Use soapy water and a soft cloth to wipe down the fridge interior or try a 1:1 mix of cleaning vinegar and water if the fridge is a bit whiffy. “Avoid using bleach

inside the fridge, as it can compromise food or even damage the surface,” says Toby. “If you must use bleach to tackle mould, make sure it is heavily diluted. Rinse the surfaces thoroughly, then wash them with dish soap and hot water before returning any food.”

Don’t use scourers, as this will damage the surface – a paste of bicarb soda and water is best if you really need it.

Scrub the seals

Give the door seals a clean at least every three months, says Toby. Push the folds apart and check for mould. If present, put cleaning vinegar in a spray bottle and saturate the rubber seal. “Let the vinegar sit for around an hour, then wipe off the solution,” says Toby. “For a more potent solution, use heavily diluted oxygen bleach. Don’t let the bleach sit on the seals for longer than the recommended time, as this could damage them.” Scrub off dirt or mould with an old toothbrush, then wipe with a damp cloth. “Dry the seals afterwards to prevent mould or mildew from coming back,” Toby adds.

Pong gone

Getting rid of spoiled food should be enough to eliminate bad smells but if the fridge is still stinky, Toby says there are a few tricks: “You can use a few chunks of charcoal (or activated charcoal sachets), a container of loosely poured bicarb soda or a saucer of freshly ground coffee. If you can leave your fridge unstocked for a day, stuff crumpled newspapers onto the shelves and in the bin. Leave overnight, then remove in the morning and clean surfaces with vinegar and water.”

Make it sparkle

Finally, clear mess off the top of the fridge and magnets from the front. Any sticky or greasy marks can be tackled with isopropyl alcohol. Wipe it clean using a damp microfibre cloth. Done!

Words

Magnets for moisture

Help keep mould, mildew and fungus out of your home with the DampFree range of moisture absorbers

Preventing condensation and moisture from gathering around the home is easy when you let clever products do the work for you.

SUPER SOAKERS

DampFree products are filled with moisture-absorbing crystals. These moisture magnets soak up humidity and dampness, reducing mildew, mould and fungus, as well as eliminating the musty odours they cause. As the crystals pull in moisture from the air, they simply dissolve, making them easy to discard and top up using the refill crystals or pouches

STAMP OUT DAMPNESS

As the weather starts to cool in autumn, there’s often plenty of rain around. Condensation, dampness and humidity

can cause huge problems in your home, garage, shed or office. Prolonged exposure to moisture can create a breeding ground for mould, musty odours and rust – ruining your precious belongings. The captured liquid in your DampFree units can be used as a tool to indicate when moisture levels in a particular space are increasing, protecting your things and keeping your home fresh!

HIDDEN HEROES

Ever gone to pack for a holiday only to find your favourite bag has been stricken by mould? It’s a common occurrence, especially in more humid climates. Luckily, the DampFree range comes in a range of shapes and sizes to let you cut the condensation in every corner of your home. The hanging

1 DampFree slimline refill pouches, $7.98/ pack of 3, I/N: 0011484. 2 DampFree refill crystals, $16.91/3.4kg, I/N: 0011485

3 DampFree moisture absorber hanging pouch, $15.63/pack of 3, I/N: 0011488.

4 DampFree 300g disposable moisture absorbers, $4.96/pack of 2, I/N: 0480959.

5 DampFree 350ml slimline moisture absorber, $4.92, I/N: 0011483.

pouch is perfect for wardrobes and other small, enclosed spaces. It’ll last up to 75 days, depending on conditions. For shelves, windowsills and pantries, the neat slimline unit will fit right in; it lasts up to 45 days and can be easily refilled

The DampFree hanging pouch is designed for wardrobes, helping keep garments fresh in enclosed spaces

Buried treasure

Plant bulbs and corms now for a fabulous show later in the year

Ranunculus

Adored for their vibrant colours and delicately ruffled petals, these exquisite blooms come in shades of yellow, red, white, pink and orange in single, semi-double and double forms, and grow up to 45cm tall. Prepare the soil with compost and plant with ‘claws’ facing down.

Spring snowflake

Small white bell-shaped blooms with contrasting green-spotted tips provide a charming display from late winter. Snowflake’s clumpforming, spreading habit makes it ideal for creating drifts in a sunny or partly shaded area of the garden, or mass-planted in pots. Grows best in cooler climates.

Jonquil

A close relative of the daffodil, jonquils are distinctive for their sweet fragrance and clusters of small blooms with a white or orange central cup surrounded by yellow or white petals. They make beautiful cut flowers and are suited to all except tropical climates.

Giant allium

This ornamental onion is grown for its impressive 10-15cm round blooms that are made up of tiny, tightly packed star-shaped flowers. Plant in a sunny position in welldrained soil enriched with lime and organic matter.

Tip: Label where you plant bulbs, so you don’t accidentally dig them up.

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

(Ranunculus asiaticus)

Thrives in most climates; in warmer areas store corms in the fridge for 4-6 weeks before planting.

Plant in well-drained, compostenriched soil in a spot that gets at least six hours of sun each day.

(Leucojum vernum)

A snowdrop-like, early flowering variety that will readily multiply, providing the soil is moist.

(Allium giganteum)

A showy bloomer with flowers resembling whimsical purple or white floating balls on tall stems.

(Narcissus jonquilla)

Jonquil

Ranunculus

Giant allium

Spring snowflake

Photography

WHERE CAN YOU USE CHEMICAL ANCHORING?

WHERE

WHERE

WHERE CAN YOU USE CHEMICAL ANCHORING?

WHEN

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE

WHEN

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE CHEMICAL ANCHORING?

WHEN

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS DURING APPLICATION?

WHAT

WHEN SHOULD YOU USE CHEMICAL ANCHORING?

WHICH

WHICH

WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS DURING APPLICATION?

WHICH

IF YOU’RE TALKING

INTERIOR PAINT PROFESSIONALS TRUST

Helps prevent mould.

Superior washability.

Smooth finish.

Stain resistant.

YOU’RE TALKING