Market & style editor Anna Musarra Chief subeditors
Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson Senior subeditor Lorna Gow Digital producer
Amanda Ghalaini-Yacoub, Eunice Oh (acting)
Editorial co-ordinator Joseph Visser
Contributors
Nicky Dewe, Emma Rawson, Shelley Tustin, Harriet Upjohn
Account partner Henry Kalaf-Tyrrell
Advertising sales Kerry McKenzie, Hawkhurst Media Services +64 27 5969979
Advertising production manager Yulia McKenzie +64 21 969091
National advertising manager Alek Jovanoski
Campaign manager Deanna Kane
Partnerships manager Amanda Clerke
Branded content editor Victoria Thorp, Deirdre Avenell (acting)
General enquiries +61 3 8831 9777; bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au
Managing director Nick Smith
NZ general manager Sido Kitchin
Head of sales Annii Hirst
Head of content, Health, Home & Lifestyle Gemma Sutherland
Finance controller Adrian Thompson
Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct. However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.
For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on +61 3 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botanicca 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. Bunnings magazine runs third-party advertisements. Bunnings does not endorse, evaluate or take responsibility for the products or claims in these advertisements. This publication is not for sale.
Welcome
At long last, summer is here! Whether you’re decking the halls with festive lights or decorating your alfresco areas, this is the time for celebrating. New Zealand comes to life over the warmer months as many of us take off to the bach, beach, bush and our backyards to enjoy the natural beauty of our little corner of the world. In this issue, we show you how to make the most of your outdoor spaces, with inspiration for creating entertaining areas for all ages (page 14) and play ideas for the kids (page 77).
Savour the flavours of summer, too, with our vege growing tips that will help you raise your salad and barbecue game (page 45). Plus, find ideas on how to take the heat off – with irrigation tips for plants (page 66), splash-worthy pools (page 64), shady solutions (page 39), and even ways to keep your fur babies cool (page 58).
Whatever your plans for the summer months, we hope you can kick back and relax in a way that you love, whether it’s with a game of backyard cricket, reading on the beach or giving your deck that oh-so-satisfying coat of oil or stain.
Here’s to summer – have a good one!
The Bunnings magazine team
Share your DIY creations with us or find inspiration for your next project. Use the hashtag #Bunningsmag pinterest.co.nz/bunnings instagram.com/bunningsnz youtube.com/bunningswarehouse bunningswarehousenewzealand
Add to cart Take me to the beach or the garden
Summer looks like…
Barrel up Plant veges and potted colour in containers
Pull the wool over Oil or stain your deck with this easy-to-use tool
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
● Cabot’s lambswool applicator with handle, $24, I/N: 0726290
COMMUNITY
Support at Christmas
I Got Your Back Pack supports survivors of domestic violence with emergency care packs filled with practical and essential items. The charity distributes care packs to those who need urgent refuge under crisis circumstances and have had to leave their homes with very few (if any) personal possessions. This year Bunnings is supporting I Got Your Back Pack from December 2-15 and you can help out by contributing to a virtual backpack online for $25. All donations will go to building backpacks to support families impacted by domestic violence.
Make your donation by scanning the QR code below
Contribute to a virtual backpack here: bunnings.co.nz/ i-got-your-back-pack
Inclusive experiences
December 3 is International Day of People with Disability and a great opportunity to highlight Bunnings’ commitment to supporting every customer’s in-store experience. If you or your shopping companion requires a wheelchair and/or a wheelchair trolley while visiting one of our stores, just ask a Team Member at the front desk. Carry-to-car help
and accessible bathrooms are also available. Additionally, every Bunnings store has a sensory map to allow customers to plan their journey before they arrive in store, supporting navigation and sensory restrictions. These can be found on each store page on the website. For more details on how Bunnings can support you, visit bunnings. co.nz/about-us/accessibility.
Steak expectations
Fire up the grill quicker than ever this summer by using our barbecue assembly service to set up your new barbecue. This is available for any model you’ve purchased in store, from portable ones through to larger outdoor kitchens‡. See a team member at the Special Orders Desk in store to arrange an assembler who will come to your place, so you can focus on grilling your steaks to perfection. Visit bunnings.co.nz/bbq-assembly for details.
BRIGHT IDEAS
Take your summer celebrations from day to night
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
● Marquee 2m beach umbrella with tassels, $39, I/N: 0624148
Bunnings Ute & Van Hire Service
We can help get bulky purchases home, whether building a deck or a pergola, tidying up the garden, taking a few loads to the tip, picking up a new fridge/washer/couch or moving house.
Book online or in-store:
For the latest prices and booking information, see websites below.
1 Tonne (1000kg) carrying capacity
Hire by the hour, day, week or longer – just Load & Go Hire for one day or longer - first 100km free per day
Terms & Conditions apply. For more information, scan or visit: bunnings.co.nz/vehicle-hire or loadgo.nz
Ph: 0800 245 645
IN THE GARDEN Summer
Boost flower production and keep your patch hydrated and healthy in the heat
Deadhead spent blooms on roses, dahlias and zinnias so they can put energy into growing more flowers. For most plants, the best technique is to use secateurs to cut the dead flower and stem just above the next leaf or bud.
When fruit trees get stressed, they are more prone to disease and insect attacks. During the hotter months, keep them well-watered, apply mulch (but not near trunks) and use a seaweed fertiliser or granular plant food. Hang yellow sticky traps or use organic spray oil to combat pests such as scale, passionvine hoppers and aphids, without causing harm to beneficial insects.
Prevent pots and hanging baskets from drying out quickly by adding water-storing crystals. They absorb water, gently releasing moisture into the soil over time – ideal if you’re in an area with water restrictions.
Mulch is a summer must-have for weed control, soil nutrition and water retention. There’s a mulch for every garden situation and some include helpful additives such as wetting agents and blood and bone.
After applying fertiliser near edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, or when handling compost or mulch, read the label, follow instructions and wear gloves, a mask and protective gear. Always store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.
Scan the QR code
For more on what to do in the garden during summer, go to bunnings.co.nz/ gardencorner
BOUNTIFUL BLOOMS
Bright and beautiful
Add new-season colour with these easy-to-grow dazzlers
Cosmos Tall varieties of these summer showstoppers are great for filling gaps at the back of garden beds while shorter varieties are good for borders.
Zinnia
Prized for their versatility and vibrant colour, these droughttolerant darlings are a magnet for bees and also make excellent cut flowers.
Marigold Sunny orange and yellow marigolds add cheer and help ward off aphids, so plant under fruit trees and in between veges.
TOOL OF THE SEASON
While veges and flowers thrive in summer, unfortunately the weeds do, too. Removing these garden invaders by the roots is the key to stopping them from regrowing. Make the job easier by using a weed-remover tool to uproot undesirables with a flick of the wrist. ●
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. Keep those roses coming with regular deadheading
● Fiskars aluminium hand weeder, $9.43, I/N:
5 colour temperatures in one lamp
• Always the right colour and brightness
Smooth dimming
• Dim to create your ambience, shift from functional to inviting
EyeComfort
• High quality of light designed for the comfort of your eyes
Selectable white for a warm, bright or vibrant glow
Energy Saving
• High efficacy of 100lm/W
Style file
Brighten up your home inside and out with sunny yellows and sky-blue hues as sublime as a summer’s day
● 1 DIY bunting made using strips of fabric remnants (available from craft stores) tied to Grunt 5mm cotton sash cord, $9.95/25m, I/N: 4310525.
● 2 Mr Fothergill’s small bee and insect house, $24.10, I/N: 0074293. ● 3 Sylvan ‘Firth’ 96mm handle in Brushed Brass, $37.71, I/N: 0154819. ● 4 Johnson Tiles 200mm x 100mm ceramic wall tile in White Gloss, $0.70, I/N: 0013870. ● 5 Un-Real ‘Golden Wattle’ 90cm artificial flower, $16.50, I/N: 0198042‡.
● 6 British Paints swatch in Garden Centre. ● 7 British Paints swatch in New Arrival. ● 8 British Paints swatch in Hidden Grove. ● 9 British Paints swatch in White Link. ● 10 Background painted in British Paints Echo Beach paint. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ●
ENDLESS SUMMER
Create space for all generations to enjoy the great outdoors – at home
Photography Reuben Looi Styling Melle Van Sambeek
Make it!
Craft pretty bunting by tying strips of fabric to durable sash cord
The sun is out, the drinks are chilling and the pizza oven or barbecue is heated and ready — it’s time to kick up your feet and enjoy the best things in life. Or, if being active is your form of relaxation, make a splash in the pool or pick up the cricket bat and hit summer for six.
After the rush-rush-rush before the holidays, it’s great to skip to the good part: gatherings with friends and family at Christmas, New Year and beyond. Enjoy backyard bliss in your home with ideas that bypass the frenzy of the festive countdown. Bring every open-air space into play with simple DIY projects, easy entertaining ideas and a cheerful colour palette to carry you through the holidays.
WATER WORLD
Slip into summer with an activity area to help the little ones beat the heat. Lay out a games area to allow kids to burn off some energy, with a shaded corner for the supervising grown-ups. “A water slide is so much fun and brings back memories for the adults, too,” says stylist Melle Van Sambeek. “Best of all, it’s quick to fold away at the end of the day.”
Keep in mind...
■ All pools and pool fencing must conform to your local authority’s safety regulations and guidelines.
■ Always supervise children in or around water.
■ Before setting up water-based toys, check with your local authority if water restrictions apply in your area.
● Mimosa ‘Woolamai’ round market umbrella, $169, I/N: 3192696, in Coolaroo 38cm granite market umbrella base, $99, I/N: 0124011 ● DIY bunting made using strips of fabric remnants (available from craft stores) tied to Grunt 5mm cotton sash cord, $9.95/25m, I/N: 4310525. ● Mimosa ‘Santo’ timber sunlounge with cushion, $319, I/N: 0581633. ● Marquee ‘Verna’ kid’s
chairs, $45 each: in Yellow, I/N: 0284744, and Aqua, I/N: 0284749. ● Flexi Storage 285mm 3 runner wire basket in White, $20.04, I/N: 2590159 ● Bunnings rugby ball, $8.50, I/N: 8510130, basketball, $5, I/N: 8510160, and tennis balls, $0.80 each, I/N: 8510141. ● Hydrangea in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ 25cm x 25cm egg pot in White, $29.98, I/N: 0125574 (plant sold separately). ● Bestway ‘H2OGO!’ double water slide in Yellow, $22.50, I/N: 0456491‡ . All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
SHADOW PLAY
Encourage guests to wear high-SPF sunscreen and hats, and provide shelter from UV rays with shade cloths and market umbrellas – just be sure to dismantle and store if windy weather is forecast.
Versatile style Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
WELL PLACED
Different entertaining zones for dining and chatting will help to occupy everyone. To create a cohesive look between all of the spaces, follow the law of three by repeating a shape, material or even the same coloured foliage or flowers. “The best colour palettes come from nature, and pot plants can bring a deck area together,” says Melle Van Sambeek. “Grass-like plants in pots create visual texture, and flowers are a way to introduce colour.” Accessories and seating made of natural materials will also help to make a deck feel like an extension of the garden.
LEFT ● Mimosa ‘Cordoba’ 1600mm x 900mm aluminium bar table in White, $329, I/N: 0583710. ● Marquee ‘Industrial’ acacia bar stools in White, $35.97 each, I/N: 0208296.
● Genista ‘Yellow Imp’ in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ 25cm x 25cm egg pot in White, $29.98, I/N: 0125574.
● Lomandra in Tuscan Path ‘Ava Star’ 17cm egg pot in White, $16.23, I/N: 0125592 (all plants sold separately). ● All Set 27L ice bucket in assorted colours, $7.50, I/N: 2581069. See following pages for other product details. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Keep in mind...
■ Follow manufacturer’s instructions for setting up and using your pizza oven on a flat and well-ventilated space outdoors, and never leave unattended when lit.
■ Burn hardwood. Do not use chemically treated wood (painted, stained or treated with preservative) and do not burn garbage or plastic.
■ Keep children and pets away from pizza ovens and put matches and lighters out of children’s reach.
SLICE OF HEAVEN
Barbecues are always a crowd-pleaser, and a pizza oven is another great way to serve up summer yum. Let guests get involved by creating their own toppings.
Razzle dazzle
Lights cascading over a fence will create evening magic
Try these delicious pizza dough and toppings recipes: bunnings. co.nz/pizza-oven-feast
● Lytworx indoor/outdoor connectable low voltage LED icicle lights in White, $46.89/pack of 400, I/N: 4352355‡, and indoor/outdoor connectable low voltage LED waterfall lights in White, $49/pack of 600, I/N: 4352290‡ ● Matador woodfired pizza oven, $699, I/N: 0177380, and 330mm pizza stone stacker set, $98.54, I/N: 3171328. ● Parsley in Vaseria 17cm Italian terracotta pot, $2.39, I/N: 2832559. ● Orange tree in Respect ‘Milano’ 48cm self watering planter in White, $99, I/N: 0217097, and ‘Cylinda’ 45cm saucer in White, $11.98, I/N: 0360531. ● Dianella in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ 20cm x 20cm egg pot in White, $19.98, I/N: 0125576. ● Cape daisy in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ 14cm x 14cm egg pot in White, $13.98, I/N: 0125577. ● Home Bazar ‘Papasan’ 115cm occasional chair, $229, I/N: 0183691. ● Lomandra in Tuscan Path ‘Ava’ 25cm x 25cm egg pot in White, $29.98, I/N: 0125574. ● Cape daisy in Tuscan Path ‘Ava Star’ 17cm egg pot in White, $16.23, I/N: 0125592. ● Nandina in Respect ‘Milano’ 38cm self watering planter in White, $75, I/N: 0217096. All plants sold separately. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Set up a nook where onlookers can enjoy a quiet cuppa. “Shade sails are such an easy way to create social areas for gatherings,” says Melle Van Sambeek. “A nice hack is to cover the poles with faux flowers secured by wire.” Adirondackstyle chairs are a classic as much at home in Kiwi backyards as the Hamptons. Finish the look with solar stake lights and lanterns for an enchanting twilight setting.
● DIY canopy made using Marquee ‘Tri’ 3m shade sail in Beige, $43.90, I/N: 0149033, Polytuf 2.75m adjustable telescopic poles, $17.98 each, I/N: 0057918, Grunt 6mm outdoor rope, $9.95/25m, I/N: 4310309, Un-Real ‘Californian Poppy’ 80cm artificial flower stems in White, $10.50 each, I/N: 0203331*, and Jack 1.6mm PVC wire tie in Green, $8/20m, I/N: 3040628. (From rear above) ● Scotts large wild bird seed bell, $16.89, I/N: 0330729. ● Arlec ‘Bumble Bee’ 89cm solar stake light, $24, I/N: 0478388‡. ● Mimosa ‘Cape Cod Adirondack’ timber chairs, $199 each, I/N: 3191012. ● Astin Sinclair 45cm x 45cm cushions, $14.95 each: ‘Bandara’ in Olive, I/N: 0553581, and ‘Gabriel’ in Taupe, I/N: 0553574. ● Cape daisy in Northcote Pottery ‘Isla’ 17cm x 17cm pot in Sage, $14.48, I/N: 0430333. ● Arlec ‘Speckled’ 23cm LED flame effect solar lanterns, $29.68 each, I/N: 0181794‡. ● Northcote Pottery ‘Primo Miami’ 60cm x 52cm bird bath in Forest Green, $119, I/N: 0290710. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ●
FRESHEN UP
Give your outdoor spaces an instant revamp with British Paints 4 Seasons exterior paint, and set the scene for summer living
It’s time to get your home looking sharp and your backyard ready for summer entertaining. Long, sunny days and guests to impress during the festive season make this a prime time for paint-based makeovers. Conquering high-impact summer projects is easier than you think with British Paints
The DIYer’s choice
Whether tackling a small backyard area or your whole exterior, British Paints will help you get the job done, easily and well. The perfect DIY option, British Paints 4 Seasons Exterior Paint is self-priming on most timber and masonry surfaces, making it easier to achieve a great finish. Plus, British Paints’ Good Job Guarantee* means if your finished job isn’t all you’d hoped, they’ll replace your paint for free and give you the knowledge to nail it next time.
Formulated to defend against the harsh demands of the Kiwi climate, 4 Seasons helps to protect your home from sun, rain, wind and mould, so your hard work will pay off with a top-notch look that’s set to last.
How to boost kerb appeal
Summer is the ideal time to show off your home’s best features with a fresh paint finish. Give your home a classic colour that will last as long as your paint (FYI that’s a 25-year guarantee against peeling, blistering and flaking) with elegant neutrals like British Paints Star White and Winter Grey. Or repaint your front door a cheery, on-trend colour – the perfect quick and transformative DIY project!
Ready to tackle a bigger paint job?
British Paints has everything you need for a full exterior facelift – 4 Seasons masters most surfaces, while products like British Paints Roof Paint and British Paints Timber Paint can transform everything from top to toe.
Overhaul the entertaining space
The beauty of paint is you can customise the project to suit your time and budget. If the priority is getting your entertaining area looking snazzy for summer, concentrate on giving this area a makeover. Experiment with colour, inside and out, and see how small changes can make a huge impact.
Scan the QR code to see the full British Paints range, available exclusively at Bunnings
British Paints ‘4 Seasons’ low sheen exterior paint in White: $178/10L, I/N: 0207083; $104/4L, I/N: 0207081
Masonry in British Paints Star White and shingles in Winter Grey
CHRISTMAS MADE EASY
Get ahead of Christmas prep with easy-to-use clear decorating hooks and strips from Command™
Organising the end-of-year festivities can be a lot of work, but Command’s clear hooks and strips take some of the hassle – and mess – out of the process.
Make it magical
A simple tree-shaped wall hanging can bring a touch of festive magic to your space. Display and decorate your tree with a Command 18 pack of Mini Clear Hooks and Strips, or with the 20 pack of Clear Decorating Clips and Strips as well as a selection of fairy lights and baubles.
Medium hooks hold up to 900g each, ideal for hanging a wreath
COMMAND CLEAR HOOKS AND STRIPS WON’T DETRACT FROM THE AESTHETIC OF YOUR CREATIVE CHRISTMAS DISPLAYS
Deck the walls
A festive feature wall can be put together in minutes using a collection of Command Mini and Medium Clear Hooks and Strips. Hang a beautiful wreath, a selection of stockings, fun and colourful bunting and string lights. Give the display a more personal touch by hanging up your Christmas cards, too.
Let there be light
Decorate your home’s exterior using outdoor fairy lights and Command Clear Outdoor Light Clips with Foam Strips. Add sparkle to a facade with a waterfall of twinkly lights, or make illuminated patterns or pictures on your walls – the only limit is your imagination.
1 Command mini clear hooks and strips, $15.99/pack of 18, I/N: 0312243. 2 Command medium clear hooks and strips, $7.21/pack of 2, I/N: 0312209. 3 Command clear decorating clips and strips, $7.12/pack of 20, I/N: 0312203.
4 Command mini clear hooks and strips, $5.22/pack of 6, I/N: 0312200. 5 Command clear outdoor light clips with foam strips, $19.27/pack of 16, I/N: 0309182.
Scan the QR code to see the complete range of Command hooks, strips, hangers and more available at Bunnings
Light up the night
Decorate your way to a sparkling year end with a fabulous array of new-season festive lights
What’s more exciting than turning on the Christmas lights every year? Dreaming and scheming about how to dress up your home for the festive season! Wow the neighbourhood with a playful party zone in your front yard, and transform the back garden into a twinkling entertaining area.
For product details, see following page
Photography Martina Gemmola
Styling Anna Musarra
SPARKLE ALL THE WAY
For a truly delightful effect, combine a variety of lighting options. We hung festoon strings overhead, draped net lights over bushy plants, wove micro LEDs into foliage and bamboo stakes as a chandelier, and topped a pre-lit tree with a glowing star!
STAKE TREES
A group of twinkling trees brings a touch of magic to the lawn. To achieve this look, predrill the top (blunt) end of a hardwood stake using a 5mm bit, then drive the stake into the ground using a rubber mallet until stable. Screw a hook into the predrilled hole, then wrap the end of a length of fairy lights onto the hook. Drive a tent peg into the ground 300-400mm away from the stake, pointing outwards, loop the fairy lights around it, making sure the length is taut, then bring the lights back up to the top hook and loop around it. Repeat with more tent pegs to form a conical shape.
RIGHT ● Lytworx indoor/outdoor solar/USB fairy lights in Warm White, $17.58/pack of 200, I/N: 0312429. ● Campmaster 175mm zinc plated tent pegs, $6.19/pack of 10, I/N: 0555632. ● Everhang 100mm x 6.2mm zinc plated screw hooks, $5.95/pack of 6, I/N: 0098713. ● Garden stakes, for similar try Gardman 25mm x 25mm hardwood stakes, $12.83/900mm pack of 4, I/N: 0122984, and Brunnings 35mm x 35mm hardwood stake, $15.08/1800mm, I/N: 0122980. Festive lighting available in store while stocks last.
PREVIOUS PAGE ● (Under guttering) Lytworx indoor/ outdoor connectable low voltage LED icicle lights in Warm White, $42.98/pack of 400, I/N: 0312423 (three packs used), hung from gutter hooks, for similar try Everhang magnetic hooks in Black, $12.93/pack of 4, I/N: 0089908. ● (Inside windows at left) Lytworx indoor/outdoor connectable low voltage curtain lights in Warm White, $39.98/ pack of 400, I/N: 0201007. ● (Outside windows at left) Lytworx ‘Star’ 3.2m indoor/ outdoor solar/USB festive waterfall lights, $70, I/N: 0437195. ● (On windowsills) Lytworx ‘Pine Tree’ 2.6m indoor/ outdoor battery operated LED garland lights, $19, I/N: 0589342. ● (On posts) Lytworx indoor/ outdoor copper wire micro battery operated LED twinkle lights in Warm White, $8.85/pack of 100, I/N: 4352441. ● Click ‘Candy Cane’ 70cm indoor/ outdoor festive battery operated stake lights in Red, $29/pack of 5, I/N: 0589217. ● Lytworx ‘Candy Cane’ outdoor festive solar stake lights with hanging stars, $22/pack of 4, I/N: 0358105. ● Mirabella ‘Reindeer’ 2.2m outdoor metal light, $299, I/N: 0592158. ● Stake lights, for similar try Lytworx solar LED stake lights in Warm White: ‘Gift Box’, $39/pack of 4, I/N: 0435680; and ‘Star’, $30/pack of 3, I/N: 0359902.
ABOVE LEFT● Lytworx ‘Festoon’ indoor/outdoor connectable low voltage party lights in Warm White, $139/pack of 30, I/N: 0376368. ● Lytworx ‘Colour Switch’ battery operated LED tree topper in Golden Glitter, $19, I/N: 0589339. ● Mimosa ‘Santo’ 2 seater timber bench, $210, I/N: 0581623, 212cm x 95cm rectangular timber dining table, $479, I/N: 0581636‡, 162cm x 36cm timber bench, $189, I/N: 0581621, and timber dining chairs with cushions, $169 each, I/N: 0581628. ● Pre-lit Christmas tree, for similar try Mirabella ‘Noble’ 1.8m (6ft) dual colour LED pre-lit Christmas tree, $99, I/N: 0593559. ● Matador ‘Spark’ 4 burner gas barbecue, $718, I/N: 0583111. ● (On bushes) Lytworx outdoor solar LED net lights in Warm White, $40/pack of 300, I/N: 0444868. All other products, stylist’s own. Festive lighting available in store while stocks last. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ●
IT’S A WRAP!
Sort your festive gift list with a Santa’s sackful of ideas for everyone!
● 4 Astin Sinclair ‘Earth Tone’ 180mm x 160mm round planter in Cream and Brown, $12.98, I/N: 0580331. ● 5 Orion ‘Pan and Tilt’ 1080p HD smart security camera with Grid Connect in White, $52, I/N: 0261694. ● 6 Fiskars bypass pruner in Ruby, $33.92, I/N: 3350485. ● 7 Jumbuck cast iron double jaffle iron, $24.97, I/N: 0442262. ● 8 Matador barbecue apron, $21.88/large, I/N: 3171332. ● 9 Un-Real ‘Quad’ 20cm artificial succulents in pot in White, $20.23, I/N: 0276501. ● 10 Happy Tails pet ball thrower, $3.98, I/N: 0364887. ● 11 Jumbuck 3 in 1 smoker barrel charcoal barbecue, $94.50, I/N: 0087528. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered. Spoilt for choice A Bunnings gift card covers all bases! Fab faux No water required! 1 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 UNDER $100 2
● 1 Holman 9L galvanised watering can, $30.48, I/N: 3120984. ● 2 Waxworks citronella bucket candles, $19.07 each, I/N: 3340370. ● 3 Poinsettia in Astin Sinclair 180mm x 160mm ribbed planter in White, $12.98, I/N: 0580339 (plant sold separately).
Pizza party Cooked in two minutes! 22
Take control Watering the smart way
Bug off Enjoy evenings outdoors
● 12 170mm monstera plant in 53cm x 30cm plain ceramic egg pot with legs in White, $65/XL, I/N: 0260823 (plant sold separately).
● 13 Fido & Fletch medium plastic pet home, $154, I/N: 0022956. ● 14 Matador ‘Spark’ 2 burner gas barbecue, $598, I/N: 0583107.
● 19 Holman ‘WX1’ tap timer and wi-fi hub, $151.14, I/N: 0246021. ● 20 Jumbuck portable gas pizza oven, $249, I/N: 0447757.
● 21 Esky ‘Performance’ 38L wheeled hard cooler, $105, I/N: 0371705. ● 22 Mimosa ‘Santo’ 2 seater timber lounge with cushion, $449, I/N: 0581624. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products may be ordered. ●
TAKE A LOOK OUTSIDE...
Meet the gardener
Alexandria, a retired copywriter and keen crafter, lives here with her rescue cat, Sid
FLOWER-FILLED COTTAGE GARDEN
A 1500 square-metre garden in a rural village outside Auckland WHEN SHE BOUGHT IT 2017 WHAT SHE DID
Added a new fence and gates, built a ‘cat conservatory’, and renovated and replanted the garden to create a space brimming with blooms, birdlife and ornamental touches.
HOMEMADE CHARM
The secret to this relaxed and informal country garden lies in its owner’s love of flowers – and an eye for the eclectic
Words Roger Fox Photography Reuben Looi
The rambling pink blooms of a ‘Mutabilis’ rose contrast beautifully with green foliage and the timber fence
COLOUR AND CHARACTER
A mature white cedar tree provides the perfect background for an English-style country garden, featuring lots of flowers and ornamental flourishes. A pair of rustic bunnies adds a whimsical touch to the lawn, while a patio area gives Alexandria a place to relax and enjoy the scene.
Gardening has always been a creative expression for Alexandria. A keen artist and crafter, she likes to create outdoor spaces filled with colour, fun and vintage finds, which is exactly what she’s done with her 1500-squaremetre property on the outskirts of Auckland. When she moved here in 2017, downsizing from a larger lifestyle block, a ‘cookie-cutter’ design was never on her radar. “My garden is an enthusiastic mix of rustic and vintage and homemade touches. I love these personal items as they reflect my own personality,” she says.
“The garden takes me about two half-days a week to maintain“
Alexandria/garden owner
The garden already had an established structure, with shrub plantings and a large white cedar tree (Melia azedarach), so Alexandria set about superimposing a more flowery, English-inspired design over the existing layout. Her main challenge initially was the soil, which was filled with roots and hard to dig. “My solution was to use lots of containers filled with potted colour. I sit them in the gardens and among existing hardy shrubs.” A regular visitor to the nursery section of her local Bunnings store, she loves to pick up potted colour and ready-made hanging
baskets, describing them as “the cheat’s way of gardening”, because of the instant refresh they give to the outdoor scene. Other favourite Bunnings purchases include terracotta birdbaths and pottery gnomes. The flower-filled garden also has the benefit of attracting lots of birds and pollinating insects. Shrubs like manuka (Leptospermum scoparium) and bottlebrush (Callistemon sp) feed a host of native birds, while bee-attracting lavender, dahlias, daisies, salvias and snapdragons ensure a healthy population of pollinators is always on hand.
IN THE MIX
PLAYFUL PIECES
Quirky touches, like these painted rocks, feature throughout the garden, adding little splashes of fun and surprise.
LOG CABIN
The wood box is in keeping with the country-rustic theme and adds charm to a courtyard area, while being practical and close to the house.
PURR-FECT PLACE
The ‘Catio’ – an area created for Sid the cat from an existing covered deck – provides an outdoor pet space, while protecting the local birdlife. Mesh side panels allow for easy removal if the house was to be sold.
WATERING ESSENTIALS
With no mains water, tanks provide all irrigation – this one captures extra overflow from the shed and carport roofs.
‡Available while stocks last. Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets, and check their suitability for your area, as some may be classified as weeds in certain regions.
AISLE STYLE Shop the look
and
● 1 All Set 30.5cm steel and wire hanging basket, $6, I/N: 0541487 (plants not included). ● 2 Williams Trellis 1800mm x 1200mm x 70mm diagonal trellis, $85.42, I/N: 0890315. ● 3 Mr Fothergill’s honeycomb bee house kit, $22.86, I/N: 0207919‡. ● 4 Tuscan Path ‘Green and Blue Gnome’ 30cm terracotta garden statue, $10.87, I/N: 2801176. ● 5 Northcote Pottery ‘Cottaseal’ 57cm x 47cm terracotta bird bath, $39.98, I/N: 2800745. ● 6 Mimosa ‘Santo’ 2 seater timber bench, $210, I/N: 0581623. ● 7 Jack 8mm-12mm fine decorative pebbles, $24.95/15kg, I/N: 0333281. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ● Be inspired by Alexandria’s garden styling to create your own welcoming and colourful outdoor space. Here are some ideas to get you started – including, of course, a cute garden gnome!
Keen to improve your own outdoor area? Try these ideas for spaces big and small: bunnings.co.nz/ six-garden-features Read it! 1 3 4 5 6 7 2
Clustered flower pots
vintage watering cans create a conservatory-like feel
The ‘Catio’ offers different level platforms for snoozing and climbing
NO pests, NO worries
Tell creepy crawlies to take a hike! With Kiwicare pest control, NO is the answer
Summer is our favourite time of year, but there’s a fly in the ointment of seasonal enjoyment – or a wasp, roach, ant or spider. The good news? You can DIY your way to a bug-free summer at home with professional strength pest-control solutions from Kiwicare
Ants
Step 1. Bait: Place small amounts of NO Ants Nest Killer Gel Bait inside and out, wherever ants are seen. They will take the bait back to their nest.
Step 2. Barrier: A week later, follow up with a barrier product like multitasking hero NO Bugs Super Protective Barrier Spray around potential entry points.
Step 3. Destroy: Target ants nesting in roof spaces or voids with the NO Bugs Super Bug Bomb, which kills 99 per cent of bugs and lasts up to six months.
Cockroaches
Step 1. Bait: Place drops of NO Cockroaches Nest Killer Gel Bait 30cm apart, where cockroaches have been seen. Put them on jar lids or masking tape for easy and clean removal.
Step 2. Fumigate: Flush out and kill
Wasp or bee? Bees have hairs all over their round bodies, while wasps are slimmer, and have little to no hair
roaches where they hide with a NO Bugs Super Bug Bomb, perfect for awkward spaces like roof cavities.
Step 3. Barrier: Use NO Bugs Super Protective Barrier to draw a ring around your home, discouraging roaches (and other pests) from crossing the threshold.
Spiders
Step 1. Spray: Target webs and spidery nooks with NO Spiders Total Protection Spray. Leave for two to three days before brushing the webs away.
Step 2. Fumigate: Treat spaces like roof voids with a NO Bugs Super Bug Bomb, which protects for up to six months.
Step 3. Clean: Vacuum or brush away webbing, eggs and dead spiders. Then follow up with one more application of NO Spiders Total Protection Spray.
Wasps
Step 1. Search: Check the bugs are wasps and not bees. Attract wasps with cat food or tinned fish, watching where they fly after they scoop it up.
Step 2. Destroy: Wait until evening when wasps are less active, and wear protection. Blast with NO Wasps Nest Killer Aerosol from a safe distance of at least two metres.
Step 3. Protect: Deter wasps moving back in again with an application of NO Bugs Super Protective Barrier Spray.
Create a retreat you can enjoy, day or night, when the heat is on
● Mimosa ‘Andaman’ 3.5m cantilever umbrella, $799, I/N: 3191785. ● Mimosa ‘Savannah’ aluminium and wicker single 1 seater sofa, $449, I/N: 0427396, 3 seater sofa, $999, I/N: 0427399, and coffee table, $299, I/N: 0427400. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Try a vigorous evergreen climber, like this thornless banksia rose, to create a shady and pretty nook
There is more than one way to create a shady spot to chill out on a hot, sunny day. We have you covered – from the sun – with these ideas for homes big and small. Whether you’re after a permanent soloution or need a renter-friendly fix, there’s something to suit your needs and space, from a fixed pergola to a portable gazebo and strategic plantings. Check out these shady partners.
BRING A BROLLY
A patio umbrella is an easy, instant shading solution that’s ideal for temporary use. Elliot Arnup of Gale Pacific (supplier of Coolaroo outdoor shade products) says market umbrellas with a central pole are popular for their manoeuvrability. “These can work well in smaller areas like courtyards and balconies,” he says. Secure with a suitable base for your area to prevent tipping.
“Alternatively, cantilever umbrellas often suit larger areas, offering flexibility to swivel or tilt the canopy with a side positioned pole,” Elliot says. Remember to keep umbrellas folded down when not in use or when it’s windy.
UPGRADE TO A GAZEBO
Available in portable or fixed styles, a gazebo offers flexibility to suit different needs and spaces. Portable
“Investing in the right shade option can enhance your outdoor space. Consider where and how much cover you want, and whether it’s a permanent or portable solution“
Elliot Arnup/Gale Pacific
gazebos are easy to set up and dismantle, perfect for temporary events and for changing locations. But avoid using these in blowy conditions or if you live in a windy region. “Fixed gazebos, typically bolted to decks or patios, provide a permanent and stylish addition to your space,” says Elliot. “They can include features like adjustable louvres to customise shade levels, so you can dial in the perfect amount of shade.”
INSTALL AN AWNING
Unlike other shade solutions, an awning extends from a building or structure to shield you from the elements. It can be fixed or retractable — manual or motorised — and is ideal for windows, doors or patios, offering shade without taking up much space. Awnings come in a range of sizes, colours and patterns, all easy to install.
SAIL INTO COMFORT
Shade sails are perfect for large areas, and their distinctive shapes allow you to customise protection to suit the space. The ideal location is in an open spot that receives direct sunlight for most of the day, and has a sufficiently strong existing structure for anchor points, or space to install new fixing points such as a pole. “Portable sails are easy to set
up and ideal for renters, while permanent options are better suited to homeowners,” says Elliot. “Proper installation and tensioning are essential in ensuring longevity.”
PERFECT A PERGOLA
For outdoor entertaining, a pergola is key for adding visual appeal and defining outdoor zones. They’re available as an open framework or with a solid roof (check with your local authority if building consent is required), and can be DIY or kit-built. If your pergola lacks a solid cover, gardening author Jane Wrigglesworth (@jane.a.wrigglesworth) recommends training climbing plants over it for shade and a serene atmosphere.
“Star jasmine is a climbing evergreen commonly used to cover trellises and pergolas with its lush, glossy foliage,” she says. “Prune lightly after flowering to maintain shape and prevent plants from becoming too dense.” Another option Jane suggests is Three Kings vine (Tecomanthe speciosa). “This beautiful New Zealand native climber is prized for its large tubular, cream-coloured flowers that bloom in autumn,” she says. Let your pergola double as a fruitgrowing area by planting a passionfruit or grapevine. Passionfruit vines are prolific but require regular watering; while grapevines provide cooling leaf coverage in summer and the reward of fruit in autumn. “Grapevines should be lightly trimmed in mid-to-late summer to allow sunlight to reach the developing fruit,” says Jane. “Removing excess foliage, particularly around the grape clusters, improves air circulation and promotes ripening. However, be careful not to remove too many leaves, as they are essential for photosynthesis and overall vine health.”
ADD NATURE’S SHADE
While plants may not offer immediate shelter, trees, climbers and screening plants will gradually transform a backyard into a lush, green retreat. Over time, they provide cooling shade, enhance surrounding hardscapes and add a beautiful touch of natural beauty. If you have enough room, Jane recommends planting an ornamental cherry (Prunus spp), a deciduous tree that produces a lovely spring blossom display, or a kōwhai tree. “Kōwhai is a native celebrated for its yellow flowers that bloom in winter or spring, attracting native birds like tūī and bellbirds. Its medium-size, light and airy canopy provides soft shade,” she says.
When choosing a location for your tree, make sure it’s planted far enough away from buildings, fences and driveways to avoid root damage or interference with overhead wires and underground pipes, and consider the movement of the sun throughout the day. “Place larger trees in spots where you want to block harsh afternoon sun in summer,” says Jane. “Deciduous trees can provide summer shade while allowing winter sunlight to warm your home or garden.”
Seasol. A better way to grow…
And grow.
And grow.
For a lush, healthy lawn, don’t forget the
Seasol Lawn & Turf Starter, containing both Seasol and liquid compost, helps improve lawn seed germination rates and promote strong root development on new lawns
Seasol.
THROWING SHADE
Choose from adjustable, portable or fixed solutions to keep the sun off this summer
Protection anywhere Perfect for picnics, parties and play dates!
● Coolaroo ‘Brighton’ 3.5m solar LED cantilever umbrella in Black, $1,099, I/N: 0397269 ●
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
WATER WISE
Swap hand watering your garden for more free time by installing a smart tap timer from Holman
Love your garden and want to ensure it thrives this summer? A simple tap timer can set up a basic watering schedule, but these Holman smart watering systems are a better solution, providing more convenience and control.
Drip drop
Drip irrigation is one of the most efficient ways to water your garden. With drip lines installed around your yard to deliver water directly to each plant’s roots, not a drop is wasted. Connecting a drip irrigation system to a Holman WX1
Tap Timer and Wi-Fi Hub takes it one step further, automating your watering schedule so you can set and forget. One wi-fi hub can control up to four tap timers. This means that you can have separate watering schedules for your grass, flowers, vegetable garden
and hedging, for example. Each of the timers can then be set up and controlled through your smartphone, with the Holman Home app, so you can adjust your schedules as necessary, such as if a sudden shower or heatwave hits, all using the app.
In control
The Holman Home app monitors water usage from the tap timers, too, while soil moisture levels can be monitored through the Holman Smart Moisture Sensor. You can then adjust your systems and schedules to get the best results for your garden, while still conserving water and providing peace of mind.
Tap the app
The Holman BX1 Bluetooth® Tap Timer can also be controlled through your smartphone, via a Bluetooth connection to the iGardener™ App. This single tap timer is water-restricted friendly, and allows for variations to watering duration, interval watering and flexible scheduling through the app.
to
This single wi-fi hub is included with the WX1 and can support up to four tap timers
Holman ‘BX1’ bluetooth tap timer, $116.50, I/N: 0299342
Scan the QR code
see the full range of Holman garden watering products available exclusively at Bunnings
Holman ‘WX1’ tap timer with wi-fi hub, $151.14, I/N: 0246021
Sun seekers W
Plant veges now to eat fresh from the garden all summer
long
Words Emma Rawson
hile spring might be the traditional time to start your edible patch, some vegetables like it hot –and thrive when planted in summer. Here’s how to extend your growing season by bedding out sun-loving vegetables in the warmest months and how to protect them when the heat is on.
WATER WELL
In summer’s heat, your vege patch can dry out quickly. Bunnings Greenlife buyer Riely Kerr-Phillips warns regular watering is key.
“Do this early in the morning or late in the afternoon, outside of the heat of the day,” she says. “Focus the water on the soil and not on leaves, to help avoid potential diseases.”
Irrigation systems set on a timer can maintain a watering routine, and help prevent your plants from becoming stressed during dry spells.
Interspersing salad leaves, herbs and flowers can help with pest control and pollination – and also beautify your patch!
FIND A FRIEND
Avoid thirsty patches of bare earth by applying mulch to help prevent water evaporation. Gardener, cook and author of cookbook Nostrana, Bri DiMattina (@iatemygarden), also recommends using companion plants.
“Try to plant a ‘full’ garden so the sun doesn’t hit the soil directly,” she says. “Companion planting will help fill the gaps – my favourites are ones I like to use together when cooking, such as basil between beans and tomatoes. I call it my Italian planter box.”
Include flowers such as marigold, borage, sunflower and nasturtium in the vege patch to attract pollinating
insects, suggests Riely.
“Nasturtium can also act as a ‘sacrificial plant’ when grown with lettuces, tomatoes and beans, by attracting common pests such as aphids, caterpillars and whitefly, protecting the edible crops,” says Riely.
GIVE THEM A FEED
Healthy soil helps to protect plants from stress in hot weather. “In turn, this can minimise how vulnerable plants are to disease, insect infestations and fungus,” says Bri. “Soil is everything – the healthier it is, the stronger the plants will be.” She recommends compost as a wonderful soil improver.
“I use sheep pellets from Bunnings – they’re great
value, easy to apply and they bring worm life to the whole garden,” says Bri.
‘Heavy feeders’ such as tomatoes and cucumbers require lots of nutrients from the soil, so giving them a dose of liquid seaweed solution or a specialist fertiliser can help keep these plants healthy and productive.
TAKE YOUR PICK
Tomatoes can be planted now for crops well into autumn. The vining cherry tomato ‘Sweet 100’ is a prolific fruiter; Bri also loves larger varieties such as ‘Roma’ and ‘Beefsteak’. Plant seedlings when 10cm high in well-draining soil in full sun, stake when young
to avoid root damage later and, as the plant grows, remove laterals (side stems). Keep tomatoes well fed and well watered and protect the fruit with bird-safe netting. Capsicums and chillies like a sheltered warm spot (next to a brick or concrete wall is ideal). Some varieties die back in winter but take off again in spring. “So one plant can be productive for a few years,” says Bri. “Chillies are heavy feeders and quite prolific – great to dry for winter cooking.” Try ‘Baby Bell’ capsicums (ideal for pots) and ‘Bird’s Eye’ chillies. Pick chillies regularly to keep the plant producing. Courgettes (or zucchini) enjoy full sun and will take over the garden if left unchecked, so train them up a trellis if short on space. They can be susceptible to powdery mildew, especially in humid areas; remove affected leaves to minimise the impact. Harvest only the thin-stemmed male flowers so female flowers continue to produce fruit. Eggplants (or aubergines) love warm temperatures but can be difficult to cultivate in Aotearoa, so a greenhouse is a good option, especially for beginner gardeners. Bri’s suggestion is to grow them in a container or planter box. “They like sunny, warm conditions and will sulk if it’s a rainy summer,” she says. Lettuce seeds can be sown directly into soil in summer, about 3mm deep. “Loose leaf, non-hearting varieties are great value as you just continually pick the outer leaves and allow the plant to grow,” says Bri. Be aware they may bolt in full summer heat, so find a spot with a bit of shade and keep them well watered.
HAVE FUN WITH FRUIT!
If you have space – and patience – try watermelons. The sun-loving vine can spread more than 2m and fruit can take up to 100 days to ripen. They’re coldsensitive, so wait until the soil temperature is at least 20°C, then plant seedlings in mounds of compost-rich soil and keep well watered. The fruit is ready if it makes
a deep hollow sound when tapped. If your summer growing season is short, try the early maturing, small-fruited ‘Sugar Baby’, which is also a less rampant grower. Bri suggests finding a variety that’s not available in stores when yours will be ready. “This can make the process more rewarding and you get to try a new fruit,” she says. ●
ESSENTIALS FOR EDIBLES
Encourage a bumper harvest from your vege patch with these helpers
● Pope ‘EZ Dial 2 Way’ 2 hour manual tap timer, $40.55, I/N: 0501611
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Keep in mind...
■ Wear gloves and a mask when working with potting mix, mulch and compost.
■ Avoid using weedkillers in vegetable gardens or near edible plants.
■ After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating.
■ Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.
Roll down your energy bills with Knauf Insulation
R2.6 Multi-Use Roll.
As a top-up for existing ceiling insulation or a high thermal performance solution for walls, Knauf Insulation R2.6 Multi-Use Roll is the perfect DIY insulation for any New Zealand home.
This compact, easy to handle roll is available in both 430mm and 580mm width, and is guaranteed to provide year-round comfort.
HEAT CHEAT SHEET
Keep your cool with our ideas for how to help make interiors heatproof
Words Jane Parbury
1BLOW OVER
Fans cool by creating a breeze that travels over your skin as you perspire. Fixed versions, like ceiling fans, need to be installed by a licensed electrician, but portable models plug in – great if you’re renting. Seek advice on the right fan for your room size. Fans are relatively cost efficient to run and, if combined with aircon, can boost the effectiveness of both, advises Bunnings national electrical buyer John Campbell. “Use a ceiling fan to distribute cool air more evenly, allowing you to set your airconditioner’s thermostat a few degrees higher without sacrificing comfort,” he says.
2COOL RUNNINGS
Airconditioners reduce the actual temperature of the air in the room. Fixed models, including reverse-cycle that also heat in winter, need to be professionally installed and maintained. “Replace or clean your air filter every one to three months for efficient airflow,” says John. “Clean the coils annually, check and clear the drain line, and inspect ductwork for leaks. Keep the outdoor unit clear of debris and schedule a professional tune-up yearly.” Portable models are handy for single rooms, but need to be close to a window for venting and a power point (don’t use an extension cord).
3
HEAT BARRIER
Insulation reduces the transfer of heat through exterior structural surfaces like walls and ceilings, helping
to keep your interiors cooler in summer. Its performance is measured in R value, and the rating suitable for your home varies, depending on how it is constructed and the climate where you live. Certain insulation types are best installed when building or renovating, and by professionals. Others, such as some bulk insulation, can be DIY fitted if you have good access to the area, like a roof space. Also consider the underfloor, says the team at Knauf Insulation: “Installing insulation that has a wind-wash barrier can prevent losing up to 20 per cent of heat and cold through draughty floors.”*
4
GLASS HOUSES
Double or triple-glazed windows work better than standard single glazing to reduce heat gain (or loss). Consult the Window Energy Efficiency Rating System (WEERS), which uses a star rating system, with a maximum of six stars. The scheme also records the thermal efficiency or R-value of each window (or glazed door). But if you live in a northern region, also consider the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC), which measures how the window performs when hit by sunlight. A low-tech solution is to
install curtains and/or close-fitting blinds, and keep them shut against the heat of the day. As the day cools, open windows to allow any cross breezes to waft heat out of your home.
5
OUTSIDE IN
External blinds, awnings, louvres and shutters all keep direct sun from hitting windows, working better than indoor window coverings as the heat doesn’t get the chance to enter. In summer, deciduous trees deliver natural leafy shade, while in winter their bare branches admit some sun for light and warmth. Before planting, check proximity to overhead and underground services. ●
Feeling the heat? Find out how to improve the temperature inside your place: bunnings.co.nz/ choose-home-cooling Watch it!
Don’t let burglars ruin your festive fun! Put measures in place –such as security cameras and a modern door lock – ready for the holidays
SECURITY DETAIL
Be on the safe side with these expert tips to help protect your property
Words Jane Parbury
Eye, spy Consider systems that combine cameras with spotlights and sirens
Gifts under the tree, deliveries on the doorstep, windows open to cooling breezes and homes left empty thanks to holidays away can all attract unwelcome visitors. Unfortunately, home burglaries are still a reality. But there are many steps you can take to deter trespassers, help guard against intruders and keep your home and possessions safe.
HIDE IT AWAY
Most thefts are crimes of opportunity, so don’t make it easier for burglars to target your home. Insurance Council of New Zealand spokesperson Patrick O’Meara recommends installing an alarm as a deterrent. “And don’t leave valuables on display or easily visible from windows,” he says.
Busy in the backyard? Ensure the front door is locked and windows are secured. It only takes a few minutes for a thief to nip inside and help themselves to your phone or wallet. Tuck car or house keys away out of sight – instead of in a dish on the hall table – and find a clever place to stash valuables like cash and jewellery. Make leaving spare keys under a plant pot a thing of the past – use a hidden key safe instead or switch to keyless entry.
UP YOUR GAME
Take a look at your home and consider how you might gain access if you lost your keys – it’s a great way to identify vulnerable spots. A strong front door with a heavy-duty lock like a deadbolt can be a good burglar deterrent; just make sure it can be opened easily from the inside in case of fire. Keeping doors, windows, fences and side access gates in good repair should be high on your security checklist, too. Fit window locks, consider installing security screens and trim tree branches and shrubs that could assist entry to an upper window, or provide a hiding place. Lock away in the shed or garage any tools or items such as ladders that might assist a break-in and invest in a lockable letterbox – stolen mail can lead to identity theft. Ensure that valuables in the yard are out of sight and preferably locked away in a shed or storage area, says Steve Swinfield
of Master Lock: “Ideally, the storage area and/or valuable items should be secured by high-quality security devices including padlocks, bike locks, cables, chains, and hasps and staples.”
Crunchy gravel around the house can deliver an audible alert that someone is approaching – as can a dog! But remember that a larger pet door can also provide access to a two-legged intruder, so make sure it is securable.
TURN TO TECH
Smart fittings can be a useful tool in your home security armoury. Mark Fletcher at Ring says integrating a smart security set-up into your home ecosystem is the best and most convenient way to help protect what you care about most. Smart devices are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with attributes such as remote access and motion detection that can tell the difference between an animal or human-sized intruder. Security cameras are an easy DIY
addition, says the team at Grid Connect: “Rechargeable weatherresistant cameras ensure you can keep an eye on what is happening around your property. For renters, positioning a camera inside on a windowsill can provide a view of outside the home, without having to contact a property manager.”
Outdoor lighting can be an underrated deterrent to intruders, says Tegan Hamilton, Bunnings national security and general hardware buyer. “Lighting can be low cost or include options with cameras,” she says.
REDIRECT DELIVERIES
Pilfering parcels off the doorstep has become popular with opportunistic thieves. Avoid this by having packages delivered to a post office but, if they’re arriving at home, be clear with delivery instructions – if/where they can be left and if a receiver’s signature is required. Parcels sitting on a doorstep for days are a clear sign no-one’s home.
Photography Alex Reinders, styling Sharon Begg and Samantha Pointon
With Yale Home HmeApp
SCAN TO LEARN MORE
Timers or smart globes can be set to operate interior lights while you’re away
“Outdoor sensor lights and timers for lights inside the home can go a long way in deterring thieves“
Steven Swinfield/Master Lock
“I recommend adjusting or postponing regular subscriptions and deliveries so it doesn’t appear your home is unoccupied for any length of time,” says Mark Fletcher. “If unexpected deliveries occur, a video doorbell is an easy way to ask the delivery person to put the package in a secure location.”
CREATE AN ILLUSION
Empty homes can be targets for break and enter so, if you can’t get a reliable friend or relative to house-sit, think about how to make your home look occupied when you’re travelling. An obvious precaution before you leave is to walk through the house and ensure all windows and doors are securely locked. Make arrangements for your garden to be kept neat and tidy, suggests Steve Swinfield. “And ask a neighbour to regularly check the property and collect emptied bins and any mail,” he says. Importantly, don’t announce travel plans on social media or post travel stories while away.
insurance will cover any losses. “Let your insurance company know if you are going to be away from your house for a long period, if you have friends staying there while you’re away or if you are planning to list your home with services such as Airbnb or Bookabach,” says Patrick O’Meara. He also advises checking your house, contents and vehicle policies are up-to-date and not due to run out while you’re away. Make a detailed list of possessions, including serial/model numbers, take photos and mark ‘big ticket’ items with a code or name to prove ownership. “Review your cover after Christmas to ensure any new valuables you may have been given are covered,” adds Patrick. ● On show A well-lit exterior is an effective security strategy
GET COVERED
There are usually more goodies to be grabbed around holiday time. If the worst happens, make sure your
Get the lowdown on outdoor security lighting: bunnings.co.nz/ install-security-lights Watch it!
SAFE AS HOUSES
Make your home more secure with lo-fi and smart options
Sleek solution
Battery powered and easy to install
● Orion smart rechargeable video doorbell with Grid Connect, $129, I/N: 0503615
Totally connected
Control and view via Google and Alexa
● Swann 4K floodlight security camera with 32GB card, $329.95, I/N: 0526028
● Ring floodlight with wired camera in Black, $298, I/N: 0295270
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
A fish pond can be a joy for young and old and a way to increase biodiversity*. Keep it clean and healthy with tips from Brendan Snashall of Aquapro.
● Position the pond so about half its surface gets at least six hours of sunlight daily, to help aquatic plants grow, and the other half is
CAT MYTHS
Myths about cats abound, from ‘cats have nine lives’ to ‘orange cats are a bit dim’ (miaow, how rude!), but most, including those two, are tall tales. Let’s do a quick check of what’s true and false...
Cats hate water Most cats don’t like getting wet, however some breeds like going for a swim, including
shaded, to help control temperature, prevent excessive algae growth and reduce evaporation.
● The pond’s size, aeration and filtration will determine how many fish you can have. Two or three goldfish per 100 litres works – if you want more fish, smaller varieties such as minnows have less impact on their surroundings.
Turkish vans, Maine coons, Bengals and Manx. Cats always land on their feet Cats have a ‘righting reflex’ that allows them to twist in the air, but a safe landing isn’t guaranteed, so it’s best to minimise the risk of your cat falling from a window or balcony.
Cats like milk Kittens drink milk from their mother, but any other type of milk can cause problems, as most cats are lactose intolerant. You can’t train a cat You can and you should! Apart from providing mental stimulation, skills such as walking on a leash can prove very useful.
This cute fluffball loves the thrill of the chase
1 I live in… Masterton, Greater Wellington.
● Plants are important for a pond’s aesthetic and ecosystem. Aim for about 20-40 per cent plant coverage, using a mix of full aquatic (like waterlilies) and marginal plants (like reeds and rushes).
● While plants will provide some food for your fish, you’ll still need to top up with fish food, especially in warmer months.
● 1 Aquapro 910mm round feature poly pond, $199.83, I/N: 2813384. ● 2 Aquapro 35g bionatural feature pond algae block with mosquito repellent, $18.50, I/N: 2810216. ● 3 Oioi native grass plant (Apodasmia similis). Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
2 My preferred mode of transport is… four paws. At speed.
3 I have a habit of… rolling in many unspeakable things.
4 I get a bit grumpy when… people stop throwing my ball.
5 My perfect day involves… river wading, running like a loon, a giant stick.
6 Others would describe me as… a fluffy fiend.
7 I show love by... following my people from room to room.
8 My morning routine includes… sleeping late (I need zzz to fuel my zooms).
Would you like to see your animal pal in our pages? Email your pet’s photo, name and breed (with ‘Pet parade’ in the subject line) to submissions @bunnings.co.nz. Good luck!
POND PICKS
fishin’
Homemade icy poles are a fun, tasty treat – but only use fruits suitable for your dog, and don’t let them chew on the stick!
COOL IT
Here’s how to keep pets safe and comfy through the sticky heat of summer
Planning to wear a fur coat over the next few months? Almost certainly not, so spare a thought for our furry friends, who have fewer wardrobe choices and need extra care in warmer weather.
Professor Natalie Waran from Companion Animals NZ’s ‘A Good Life Centre’ says hot weather can place animals at risk of heat stress, especially older or obese pets, those with heart or respiratory issues, animals with thick coats or dark fur, short-nosed dogs such pugs (because they have flatter faces and narrower airways), and cat breeds such as exotic shorthairs or Persians.
“Heatstroke is a major concern for dogs and cats and, if not treated quickly, can lead to organ failure and even death,” says Professor Natalie. “Dehydration is another big risk. Pets can lose water fast in the heat, which affects body functions such as digestion and circulation.”
Unlike humans, who sweat to cool down, cats and dogs regulate their temperature through the pads of their
feet and by panting. Help to protect your pets from heat-related health issues with these tips.
PROVIDE HYDRATION
Make sure plenty of cool, fresh water is available, in shady areas. On hot days, put a few of your dog’s treats in the freezer. “Frozen treats, such as ice cubes made from low-sodium broth or frozen fruits suitable for your animal species can help pets cool down –but check which fruits are safe for your pet,” says Professor Natalie.
STRESS POINTS
Signs of heat stroke in pets can include heavy panting, difficulty breathing, fatigue, drooling, vomiting, diarrhoea and even seizures*. If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms, contact your vet immediately. And, most importantly, never, ever leave your pet in your car or vehicle, even if you don’t think it’s that hot. The SPCA warns it only takes a few minutes for a dog to die from heat stress.
Some fruits are toxic to dogs: never feed them grapes, cherries, citrus, avocados or tomatoes. Only offer the flesh of suitable fruits (always remove skin, seeds and pips) and limit highsugar fruits such as banana.
GET A HAIRCUT
If you own a long-haired dog, consider giving them a trim to help them cope better in summer.
WALK EARLY OR LATE
Avoid exercise in the hottest part of the day. Take dogs for a walk in the very early morning or late evening.
FIND SHELTER
Provide shady areas during the day. Or put a paddling pool with about 5cm of water in a shady spot for your dog to sit in. On warm days your pets will be most comfortable inside with you. Cooling pads are a great option. “These work by allowing pets to rest on a cooler surface, which aids in heat dissipation,” says Professor Natalie.
THRILLS AND CHILLS
● 1 Baxter Bone 80cm x 80cm cooling pet mats, $26 each, in Watermelon, I/N: 0676439‡, and Kiwi, I/N: 0676440‡. ● 2 Fountain clam shell sandpit, $19.98, I/N: 0221786. ● 3 Happy Tails pet water dispenser and food bowl, $12.98, I/N: 0439282. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
Damage-Free Hanging
Holds Strongly
Removes Cleanly
Check out these great ideas to help keep your pooch happy this summer
5 6 9 8 7 4 A SUPER-SIZED ROPE TUG TOY MEANS HOURS OF FUN FOR YOUR BIG UNITS! Pet cam Ensure all’s okay while you’re out Rest easy A raised bed will help keep pup cool 13 1 2 12 ● 1 ChuckIt! ‘Ultra’ medium squeaker ball, $19.99/pack of 2, I/N: 0575853. ● 2 Happy Tails ‘XL’ rope tug toy, $13.98, I/N: 0616874. ● 3 Paws & Claws 56cm x 56cm antibacterial pet training pads, $20.58/pack of 100, I/N: 0439608. ● 4 Happy Tails ‘Bone’ waste bag dispenser with 3 bag rolls in Blue, $4.50, I/N: 0364831. ● 5 Happy Tails ‘Basic’ pet bowl, $3.98/large, I/N: 0364919. ● 6 Eufy pet dog camera, $528.77, I/N: 0372558†. ● 7 Fido & Fletch soft dog kennel, $99/large, I/N: 3440226. ● 8 Happy Tails stainless steel pet bowl, $6.98/medium, I/N: 0364915. ● 9 Happy Tails puppy training grass, $23.98, I/N: 0439621. ● 10 Fido & Fletch pet bed, $33.98/small, I/N: 0304054. ● 11 Happy Tails ‘Monkey’ rope ring, $10.98, I/N: 0364871. ● 12 Happy Tails rope handle with ball dog toy, $8.99, I/N: 0577492. ● 13 Hakuna Pets super tough pet door in White, $149/large, I/N: 3961862. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered. ●
GET IT DONE IN RED BANDS
Time to freshen up the veggie garden and tackle those DIY projects.
ESSENTIAL KIT FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, AVAILABLE IN JUNIOR, CHILDREN, WOMEN/YOUTH, AND MEN’S SIZES.
Scan QR code to view range redband.co.nz
PERFECT PLACEMENT
Give your home a designer look indoors and out with Northcote Pottery garden decor, the ultimate evergreen styling tools
Aflourish of foliage is always on trend, while pots themselves are ideal for adding texture or a tasteful shot of colour. Find the perfect pot to finesse your home and garden with help from the container gardening experts at Northcote Pottery
Mediterranean moments
Add an international flavour to your garden with Northcote Pottery Holland planters. These terracotta pots have a high-lustre glaze in a rich, deep red shade. This dark tone brings a refined edge to any garden, from contemporary to cottage, but the Holland planters look particularly striking when contrasted with dry-loving natives and Mediterranean-style plants, delivering a vibrant new dimension of colour to a muted garden palette.
Quiet luxury
Subtle texture brings a monochrome palette to life. The Isla range features leafy lines etched into sage green or matt black surfaces. The inky hue contrasts beautifully with vibrant green
foliage, while the subtle sage softens any space – and with sizes ranging from shelf-friendly to a floor-standing statement, the Isla range of pots is an elegant option for every indoor space.
Cluster different sizes of pots at varying levels to create an interesting feature
Into the blue
Echoing the rich east-meets-west heritage of Chinoiserie style, this collection offers a modern interpretation of these classic designs, ideal for country or coastal-style homes. With a pattern of traditional blue botanicals and a crackle glaze finish, these pots work wonderfully either grouped with other blue-toned ceramics to create an elegant Hamptons vignette, or standing solo as an antique-inspired centrepiece.
The layered look
When in doubt, monochrome is always the answer. The Precinct Lite range of
ABOVE (from left) Northcote Pottery ‘Isla’ round pots in Black: 17cm, $14.98, I/N: 0430335; 14cm, $12, I/N: 0430321; and 25cm x 22cm, $35.98, I/N: 0430334. BELOW (from left) Northcote Pottery ‘Chinoiserie’ cone pots in Blue: ‘Century’, 16cm x 16cm, $19.48, I/N: 0430370; ‘Dynasty’, 20cm x 19cm, $35.48, I/N: 0430433; and ‘Qin’, 14cm x 12cm, $12.85, I/N: 0089339.
Roll out a yoga mat near the Jackson water feature for a tranquil place to practise
moon and egg pots in black and white is an instant winner in any space. With a lightly textured terrazzo finish and elegantly rounded shape, their minimalist simplicity is the ideal marriage for a modern garden, but also gives contrast in a wilder planting scheme. Cluster varying sizes of pots in the same colour for an easy styling solution, or mix black and white for a chic grouping.
Day spa vibes
Wellness is one of the hottest trends in both interior and garden design, with people seeking to carve out corners of their home for much-needed tranquillity. Trickling water is a soothing background soundscape, and Northcote Pottery’s Jackson water feature makes it easy to turn a small space into a mini wellness sanctuary. Plug it in, settle down nearby and feel your heart rate slow.
LEFT (from left) Northcote Pottery ‘Holland’ planters in Wine: 37cm x 37cm, $55.98, I/N: 0330170; 24cm x 24cm, $19.98, I/N: 0330168; 46cm x 45cm, $77.98, I/N: 0330171; and 30cm x 30cm, $35.98, I/N: 0330169.
EXPLORE THE RANGE
Scan the QR code to browse the full range of Northcote Pottery pots and garden decor at Bunnings
ABOVE Northcote Pottery ‘Jackson’ 47.5cm x 25cm x 24cm water feature, $159, I/N: 0585255.
ABOVE
ABOVE (from left) Northcote Pottery ‘Precinct Lite’ moon pots in White: small, 21cm, $21.98, I/N: 2831975; x-large, 55cm, $110, I/N: 2831971; large, 42cm, $75, I/N: 2831973, and medium, 31cm, $39.98, I/N: 2831974. ‘Precinct Lite’ terrazzo egg pots in Black: large, 45cm x 36cm, $97.98, I/N: 0096203; medium, 38cm x 32cm, $57.98, I/N: 0096202; XL, 55cm x 46cm, $120, I/N: 0096204; and small, 25cm x 19cm, $19.98, I/N: 0096201.
Summer splash
Stay cool and keep the smiles coming with our refreshing ideas
Words Kylie Jackes
Water play is a top way to deal with summer’s warmth and, best of all, you don’t need much space or a big budget to make a splash. Whether you’re renting, have one small patch of lawn or a compact courtyard, we’ve rounded up savvy ways you and your plants can enjoy the reviving effects of an array of accessories, from spas to sprinklers.
TAKE A DIP
Semi-permanent pools and spas are simple to install, with designs to suit a range of budgets and spaces. Mark Rushton of Bestway says a pool such as their Power Steel model comes with a pump and ladder and can be set up by two people in an hour. Bestway’s inflatable Lay-Z-Spa models add an instant resort-style vibe. “When setting up your pool or spa, find a flat and level location with access to an outdoor power outlet,” Mark advises.
SHOWER WITHOUT POWER
Rinse off post swim, freshen up after gardening and even wash the dog with an outdoor shower. Solar options connect to a garden hose and pair with a stand, while ultra-portable designs can be hung up almost anywhere. For a more permanent set-up, first check regulations (such as drainage) with your local authority.
CHILD’S PLAY
Turn your backyard into a water park so the kids can cool down and burn off energy. Inflatable off-the-shelf options include double or triple waterslides and models with slides, inflatable accessories and water
misters. Sprinklers can also enhance backyard water play while giving it a good drench. Georgia Liversage from Holman says a four-arm sprinkler with heavy-duty weight base or their 17-nozzle oscillating sprinkler are great for under a trampoline. “They have a wide spray radius with an upward direction,” she explains. A soaker hose can also refresh lawn, garden and family. “These connect to a standard garden tap and soak everything within range with a fine spray along the hose length,” Georgia says. “Your kids and pets will love it just as much as your lawn and plants.”
Watering with a can or hose can be great for kids, too. A spray gun with trigger action is another good option, says Georgia. “This can maximise fun and avoid wastage, as the water flow stops when the trigger is released.”
WATER WISE
COOL BUYS
Add thrill to the chill by tapping into great ways to help beat the heat in your backyard
1 2
3 4 5
Plan water play for the early morning and early evening, when the soil can best soak it up. When finished, bucket paddle-pool water onto plants and the lawn. You may even consider installing a rainwater tank (but check with your local authority if a permit is needed and for regulations). ●
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
THIRSTY WORK
Check out the top tools you need to water wisely this summer
Words Emma Rawson
Water is crucial to your plants’ survival, especially during summer when the high temperatures and scorching sun can make it difficult for them to get enough moisture naturally from the environment. Plants need water to transport nutrients from the soil via their roots, to cool them down through transpiration and to maintain their structure (water keeps plant cells firm – without it they will wilt). It’s also essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants use water, carbon dioxide and sunlight to create oxygen and energy.
Gently does it
● Holman 6L watering can in Asphalt, $11.47, I/N: 0434667
HYDRATION STATION
Keep the moisture up to your pots, beds and grass during warmer weather
Lawn solution
Ideal for a light sprinkling
● McGregor’s rose for 10L plastic watering can, $5.93, I/N: 0153748
Soak star
Slow, even irrigation
● Nylex 30m soaker hose, $47.63, I/N: 0012422
For consistent coverage
● Pope hose end 5 pattern spike sprinkler, $9.59, I/N: 0488038
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
“If going away, move pots to a shady spot to reduce their watering needs”
Claire Talbot/garden designer
WATER BY HAND
A watering can is an easy, budget-friendly way to give plants a drink and is ideal for watering small areas, raised beds or indoor plants. Look for a can that holds several litres of water (but won’t be too heavy for the user to handle when it’s full of water, or too big for small pots) and has a rose head attachment to create a gentle shower. For larger areas such as lawns, go for a kink-resistant hose in a retractable reel that can be mounted on a wall or fence and attach it to a simple spike sprinkler. Garden designer Claire Talbot of Sculpt Gardens (sculptgardens. co.nz) says a hose is also a good option for plants that need a deeper soak, such as recently planted trees and shrubs. “A good deep watering encourages downward root growth,” advises Claire. “Use a handheld hose or set up a soaker hose and turn it on once a week for a good long water. Then check it has soaked deep into the soil.”
INSTALL A SYSTEM
To set up an irrigation system from scratch, look for a starter kit that contains all the key pieces you need, but which can be supplemented with additional items to suit the design of your garden. Drip irrigation delivers water slowly and directly to the plant roots through a network of tubes and emitters, and is an efficient option for many gardens. Add a timer to keep your plants hydrated while you’re away from home. “A simple timer set for early morning and late evening will ensure your veges are still alive when you get back from your holidays,” says Claire. When planning an irrigation system, remember not all plants have the same watering needs. “If you have established plants that are suited to our climate, such as New Zealand natives or species that are used to periods of hot dry spells like Australian or South African plants, they shouldn’t need much watering unless it’s an exceptionally hot summer,” says Claire. On the other hand, plants such as roses, which originate from cooler climates, will require more watering.
SET UP FOR SUCCESS
When planning a new garden or seasonal plantings, it’s important to take watering into account. “Try to group plants that have similar watering needs together,” advises Claire. “For example, put all the veges that will need twice-a-day watering through summer in one spot. Remember, irrigation pipes can be hidden underneath a good thick layer of mulch.”
If there are water restrictions in your area, consider installing a rainwater collection system using a diverter from a drain downpipe attached to a barrel or a tank. But first check with your local authority if its location, size and intended use require consent or a permit. ●
MAKE THE CUT
Mower know-how will save you time and money. Start with the right model, then keep it in good nick
Words Mitchell Mclean
PUSH MOWERS
This type is best suited to small areas. Manual models rely on muscle power, but there are also batterypowered options. Both types are low-maintenance and simple to operate.
PETROL MOWERS
Run by an engine, petrol mowers are suitable for medium-to-large lawns. They offer extra power and mobility but require more maintenance due to their complex mechanics.
ELECTRIC MOWERS
Powered by either a corded or battery-operated motor, electric mowers are quieter and more eco-friendly than petrol mowers and are ideal for small-tomedium lawns.
GOOD SAVE!
● Regular mowing prevents overgrowth, reducing your mower’s workload and saving you from costly repairs.
● Sharpen or replace mower blades annually. They’ll cut grass more efficiently, reducing the strain on the engine.
● Only buy as much fuel as you need for the season. ‘Stale’ petrol can damage your mower’s engine.
Keep in mind...
■ Always wear suitable protective equipment, especially gloves (mower blades are sharp).
■ Before working on a petrol mower, check the engine is cold, disconnect the spark plug and ensure the throttle is in the ‘off’ position. Drain the mower of fuel and oil to avoid spills if mower needs to be tipped on its side.
■ Before working on an electric mower, ensure the power cord is unplugged or, if battery operated, remove the safety key and the battery.
Watch it!
Discover the right way to mow: bunnings.co.nz/mow-like-a-pro
Maintenance tips
● Regularly sharpen the blades with a grindstone to ensure a clean cut and reduce strain on the mower.
● Remove grass clippings and debris after use and store the mower in a dry location to prevent rust.
● Frequently inspect the mower for loose bolts or nuts, especially around the handle and blade assembly. Tighten as needed to ensure it operates safely and efficiently.
Maintenance tips
● Check the oil and oil level regularly. Clean oil prevents engine wear and keeps the mower running smoothly.
● Inspect/replace the spark plug periodically. A clean spark plug ensures efficient engine starting and combustion.
● Clean air filters regularly to allow proper airflow to the engine. If the air filter is torn or damaged, replace it to prevent engine damage.
Maintenance tips
● For corded models, check the cord regularly for damage or wear and replace it if necessary to avoid safety hazards.
● For battery-operated models, ensure battery is charged and stored properly, and keep battery contacts clean.
● Each time you use the mower, clean the underside afterwards to prevent grass build-up, which can affect the cutting performance of the machine. ●
Push mower
● Ozito push reel lawn mower, $89, I/N: 0551610
Petrol mower
Morrison ‘Storm
COOL FOR SCHOOL
Try these expert tips to enjoy a summer of fun and a stressfree return to the classroom
Words Nicky Dewe
The long summer holiday provides a welcome breather after a busy last term and allows children (and parents) to enjoy a more relaxed pace of life. Clear skies and plenty of sunshine invite time outdoors, and a chance for our tamariki to spend their days playing and interacting in less structured ways.
BOREDOM BUSTERS
The break from term time usually means less rushing around, but coming up with ways to keep kids happily entertained for this extended stretch requires creative thinking. Try these fun ideas to fill their summer days.
● Take a trip to the local library and let them explore the wonderful world of books. During the holidays there are often kid-focused library activities to join in with, too.
● Planning and packing a picnic helps to grow their food-prep skills – and can be a good precursor to them getting their own school lunches ready!
● Embrace their inner artist. Whether drawing with chalk on a concrete path or taking the paint set out to capture a picturesque scene, encourage children to express their creative side.
Drawing and colouring-in are absorbing holiday activities that encourage concentration and task completion
● On hot days, water play works for all ages. Littlies can splash around with pots and buckets, while older kids might like to spray each other with the hose or set up a slip ‘n’ slide.
● Nurture junior gardeners – let them sow fast-sprouting seeds and help with watering. Or go on a bug hunt.
● Fruit picking is a great way to enjoy the season’s bounty, whether it’s berries or stone fruit. Search online for ‘pick your own’ farms then use your harvest to make a fruit salad or include in yummy baking.
● Explore free activities for kids in-store including Kids D.I.Y. Workshops, school holiday activities and other events the whole family can enjoy. Ask at your local store for details or head to bunnings.co.nz/kidsactivities to book your spot.
SMALL PEOPLE, BIG FEELINGS
While initially it feels like the summer break might roll on forever, soon enough it will be mid-January, and time for the whole whānau to mentally prepare for the year ahead. For some children, this can bring mixed emotions.
Many kids are raring to get back to school, says Ciaran Fox, a public health specialist from allright.org.nz. “However, it’s normal for kids to feel a few nerves, or even be quite anxious about heading back to the classroom,” he explains. “Sometimes they may not be able to express what they are worried about. They may show it through challenging behaviour, tearfulness or struggling to get to sleep.” If this is the case in your household, then allright.org.nz recommends the following strategies:
● If your child does share a worry, just listen attentively and try to avoid dismissing feelings, intensely questioning them or jumping in to offer solutions. Just show you’re interested and happy to listen. Sometimes it’s easier to have a chat while doing something else together, like the dishes or playing a game.
● Reflect back the feelings you pick up from them (“That sounds like it’s worrying/bugging you”). Remind them that worry is normal and can even be helpful – maybe it’s nudging us to get ourselves ready and be prepared.
● Help them remember a time when they overcame a similar worry or challenge. Ask them how they felt before and after they got through it.
● Get back into a good bedtime and sleep routine ahead of week one. The process of getting school gear ready presents another good chance to chat with our kids about how they’re feeling.
This advice is general in nature and not intended to be a substitute for professional advice.
Keep the kids entertained and occupied for hours with these ideas: bunnings.co.nz/kids-craft
Photography Sue Stubbs, styling Katie Turner. Always supervise children in and around water.
PREP FOR SUCCESS
Practical planning can help everyone feel like they are starting the new school year on the right foot. Setting up a designated homework station with a comfortable chair and desk, a shelf for books, storage for stationery and a noticeboard will make the idea of sitting down to learn or study seem less arduous. Allow them to personalise the space with picture frames, a pot plant of their choosing and a lamp.
Bunnings trend and product design specialist Mindy Mason recommends the Verve Design ‘Molly’ task lamp. “These flexible, rechargeable desk lamps are so on-trend for back-toschool, because they perfectly cater to the needs of students,” she says. “The bendable ring light offers customisable angles, ideal for focused homework sessions and visibility during video chats or online study groups.”
Put up a wall planner in a shared space with everyone’s weekly routine, and make sure school activities are clearly marked so there are no unwelcome surprises. Finally, setting up good storage spaces for uniforms, school bags and shoes will make the morning rush and after-school drop zone more manageable. ●
In the spotlight Rechargeable ring lamp and pen holder
● Verve Design ‘Molly’ portable LED task lamp, $17: Pink, I/N: 0637073*, White, I/N: 0637072*, and Green, I/N: 0637075*
Make it theirs
Create a space they’ll love
STUDY BUDDIES
Deck out a designated area with fun and functional pieces to encourage home learning
Totally hooked Install a pretty pastel hanging space
● Mode Deco 4 hook hat and coat rack in Pastel/White, $25.98, I/N: 0012466
Little wonder Compact size perfect for kids’ rooms
● Flexi Storage ‘Clever Cube’ 2 x 3 compact storage unit in White, $44.98, I/N: 2582947
Green baby Put living colour in a quirky pot
● 170mm Syngonium ‘White Butterfly’
Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
GET HOOKED!
Solve your storage issues with the new heavyweight hanging solutions from 3M Claw – no tools or studs necessary! HOLDS UP TO 11KG
There’s no better time than the start of a new year for an organisational overhaul. Addressing that age-old ‘floor storage’ problem is easy with the brand new, easy-to-install range of 3M Claw hooks, which can hold up to 11kg!
Hassle-free hooks
While comparative products need to be hammered into studs – restricting positioning and turning the process into a toolbox job – these innovative 3M Claw hooks can be simply pushed into regular plasterboard with your thumbs, and you can place them anywhere you like. The hardened steel claws lock into place, giving you maximum hold without having to search for studs. Plus, 3M Claw hooks leave minimal marks on the wall, so if you change your mind, it’s a quick fill job. No worries and no regrets.
Hang it, love it
Tackle the messiest zones in your home by thinking vertically. You can easily make the most of every wall surface to
multiply your storage and keep oftenused objects readily at hand – and off the floor. A good place to start is in your home's entryway. It's the first place your guests see, so it deserves better than to be a dumping ground for bags, keys and dog leads. 3M Claw hooks have a sleek, contemporary lozenge shape that looks great in any space. Add a 3M Claw 7kg Wall Hook for each family member and say goodbye to unsightly trip hazards like schoolbags on the floor. Scan your home for other organising opportunities. Towels on the bathroom floor? There’s a 3M Claw hook for that! Tangle of necklaces on the dresser? A 3M Claw hook spells the end of knotted chains and strings of beads, turning them into a design feature.
Strong and steady
Little things add up to a big mess, but it’s not just small items of clutter that can be solved with a 3M Claw hook. With their hardened steel construction, the 3M Claw 11kg Wall Hooks are impressively robust. Make use of these little power lifters in tougher spaces like the garage, where they can hold anything from a fully packed sports bag to stepladders and garden tools.
Scan the QR code to see the full range of 3M Claw products available at Bunnings
Bring all the fun of the fair to your own backyard with these traditional games
Photography Sue Stubbs Styling Katie Turner
Stack ‘em up... Then toss a soft ball to knock them over!
The long days of late summer are ideal for rounding up friends and neighbours to enjoy homemade garden games. From simple painted cans and an outsized noughts and crosses grid made of rope, to a beanbag-toss platform that requires some carpentry nous, there’s a DIY project here for every skill set.
Bring rugs and cushions inside out of the weather when not in use
CHALK SCOREBOARD AND SIGNS
To make the scoreboard, cut a 6mm MDF panel to 900mm x 600mm and sand the cut edge smooth with 180-grit abrasive paper. Apply a coat of primer using a roller and leave to dry, then apply two coats of chalkboard paint. On two 1.8m lengths of picture frame timber, measure and mark pieces for the tops and sides of the frame, then use a mitre box and handsaw to cut with a 45° angle. Sand the cut ends smooth, wipe away dust, then seal the frame pieces with clear polyurethane and leave to dry. Run a bead of high-strength construction adhesive along the back of each frame piece, position on the painted panel and clamp to hold in place while the adhesive cures. For the signs, cut MDF to desired size, sand the edges and paint as above. Sand and wipe garden stakes, then prime and apply two coats of exterior paint. Once dry, fix the signs to the stakes with construction adhesive, clamping while it cures.
RIGHT and BELOW ● DIY scoreboard and signs made using IBS ‘Mini Panel’ 1200mm x 600mm x 6mm MDF, $16.99, I/N: 0294505•, Dulux ‘1Step Prep’ primer, sealer & undercoat, $41.98/500ml, I/N: 1370231, White Knight chalkboard paint in Black, $31.90/500ml, I/N: 1566746, Hume Pine ‘Pinetrim’ 43mm x 21mm untreated picture frame timber in Clear, $17.98/1.8m, IN: 0292909•, Cabot’s ‘Cabothane Clear’ satin water based polyurethane timber varnish, $43/500ml, I/N: 1522368, Selleys ‘Liquid Nails Original’ adhesive, $6.95/320g, I/N: 1233751, Gardman 900mm x 19mm x 19mm hardwood garden stakes, $10.83/pack of 6, I/N: 0122985, and British Paints ‘4 Seasons’ semi gloss exterior paint in White, $29/500ml, I/N: 0207118. All other products, stylist’s own.
FRESH-AIR FUN
Organising lawn games – especially one that involves a chaotic avalanche of clattering cans! – helps to encourage even the most sedentary of kids to get out of the house and on the move.
ABOVE ● Mimosa ‘Woolamai’ round market umbrella, $169, I/N: 3192696. All other products, stylist’s own. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
TIN CAN ALLEY
Recycle six large empty tins for this game, first removing the paper labels. You can leave them plain but, if painting, mask the lids, bottoms and rims with painter’s tape, then spray with metal primer. Once dry, apply two coats of acrylic paint using a mini roller, leaving to dry after each coat, then remove the tape. Upturn a timber crate and stack the cans in a pyramid on top.
LEFT ● DIY tin can alley made using Dulux ‘Duramax’ metal primer spray paint, $19.98/340g, I/N: 1400721, and PPG Paints 250ml paint sample pots in Chestnut Caper, Pina Colada, Babbling Stream and Pale Moss Green, $11.40 each, I/N: 8907397. All other products, stylist’s own.
See www.bunnings.co.nz/brands/s/sikkens for more details.
A beanbag that lands on the board scores one point, while a beanbag in the hole is worth three points
ABOVE ● DIY beanbag-toss platform made using IBS ‘Mini Panels’ 1200mm x 600mm x 9mm MDF panel, $21.50, I/N: 0294604• , Hume Pine ‘Pinetrim’ 65mm x 18mm H3.1 kiln dried dressed 4 sides premium radiata pine, $24.68/2.4m, I/N: 0132660•, and 40mm x 18mm untreated D4S dressing grade pine, $6.24/1.2m, I/N: 0293985•. PPG Paints 250ml paint sample pot in Babbling Stream, $11.40, I/N: 8907397.
Tools & materials
n Safety equipment (eye and ear protection, mask and gloves)
n Tape measure and pencil
n Mitre saw
n Drill with driver, 9mm and 8G combination countersinking bits
n Compass
n Jigsaw
n Mini roller, tray and spare covers
n Rubber mallet
n Small shifting spanner
n Two 2400mm lengths of 65mm x 18mm DAR pine•
n Woodworking adhesive
Pick it up!
Quick to dry and easy to apply
● PAL ‘EeeZee’ wood filler in Pine, $20.95/250ml, I/N: 0140599
JUMBO NOUGHTS AND CROSSES
On cork tiles, use a ruler, a compass or plate and a pencil to draw five crosses and five circles, then cut out using a utility knife. Lay 16mm sisal rope on your lawn in an approximately 2m x 2m square, then cut four 2.5m lengths, lay out in a grid pattern, secure the corners taut with weed-mat pins and knot the rope ends in position.
LEFT ● DIY jumbo noughts and crosses made using Q’Decor 305mm x 305mm x 4.8mm cork tiles, $36.98/pack of 9, I/N: 0281847, Grunt 16mm sisal rope in Natural, $38.12/10m, I/N: 0231457, and Scape 150mm metal weed mat pins, $3.98/pack of 10, I/N: 0750080. Some advertised services and products are not available at some Bunnings stores, but products can be ordered.
BEANBAG-TOSS PLATFORM
1 To make the platform frame, use a mitre saw to cut a 1200mm side from each length of 65mm pine, then a 564mm top and base.
2 Position the sides against the top and base, keeping the edges flush, then use a combination countersinking bit to predrill two holes into each join, 10mm from the ends. Apply adhesive and secure with 40mm screws.
3 On the MDF panel, mark a point 300mm in from the sides and 300mm from the top, then use a compass to draw a 150mmdiameter circle. Use a drill with 9mm bit to make a starter hole, then cut the circle with a jigsaw.
4 Position the panel over the frame, predrill 100mm in from the corners, then apply adhesive and secure with 40mm screws. Apply timber filler over the screw holes and leave to dry.
5 From 40mm pine, cut two 300mm legs. Mark down the centres and 50mm from the end to mark a curve with a compass, then cut with a jigsaw. At the marks, drill holes right through with a 9mm bit.
6 Use 180-grit abrasive paper with a sanding block to smooth over all pieces and remove excess filler. Wipe off dust with a damp cloth.
7 Using painter’s tape, mask a 20mm border around the top and sides of the box, a triangle from the centre base of the circle to the corners, and the frame. Use a mini roller to apply primer and two coats of paint to the border, triangle, and edges, leaving to dry after each coat. Tip: Remove the tape as soon as you’ve finished painting to avoid peeling.
n 8G x 40mm countersunk screws
n 1200mm x 600mm x 9mm
MDF panel•
n Timber filler
n 1.2m length of 40mm x 18mm pine•
n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block
n Microfibre cloth
n Painter’s tape
n Exterior primer
n Exterior paint
n Clear exterior varnish
n M10 x 90mm galvanised cuphead bolts with nuts and M10 washers
8 Seal the box and legs with two coats of clear varnish all over, leaving to dry after each coat.
9 With the box upside down, at the top end, on both sides, drill holes 30mm up from the edge and 45mm from the end with a 9mm bit. Position the legs inside, lining up the holes and tapping in bolts from the outside with a rubber mallet. Check the legs move freely, add washers and tighten the nuts with a small spanner. ●
Keep in mind…
n When using power tools, sanding and painting, always wear the recommended safety gear and work in a well-ventilated area.
n Avoid injury by supervising small children playing tin can alley. Do not climb or jump on the structures.
Wisteria’s flowing blooms are spectacular
Raise the standard
Clip and train a summer beauty into a mini tree for a plot or large pot
WISTERIA
Pendulous white, pink or purple flowers adorn this vigorous deciduous climber. It grows best in subtropical, warm temperate and cold climates, and needs a full-sun position with well-drained soil. To standardise, tie the vine to a strong post and, when it reaches the top, remove the tip to encourage branching. Remove lower branches once the upper ones are well developed.
BOUGAINVILLEA
This hardy, fast-growing tropical rambler is much loved for its brightly coloured bracts ranging from pink, purple, red and orange to yellow and white. Choose a sunny, well-draining spot and train up a sturdy post with garden ties. Once it reaches the desired height, pinch out the growing tip to promote bushy growth.
GARDENIA
An evergreen shrub with glossy green leaves and fragrant flowers, gardenia thrives in cool to mild tropical gardens. Plant in slightly acidic, well-draining soil in a position that gets full sun to part shade. Taller varieties are well suited to training into standards, but smaller forms work, too. Choose the strongest stem and support with a stake, removing lower branches as it grows.
HYDRANGEA PANICULATA ‘LIMELIGHT’
The flower clusters of this species transition from white to pink as they mature. Select a young plant with a strong central leader and remove other stems. Support with a stake and remove lower growth that develops on the trunk. Prune down to two-to-three buds in late winter or early spring to encourage new growth. Plant in full sun to part shade and ensure soil is well-draining. ●
Wisteria Bees and butterflies love the sweetly scented flowers
Bougainvillea Vibrant bracts add a gorgeous splash of colour
Gardenia Its white blooms have an exquisite perfume
Hydrangea ‘Limelight’
Expect an impressive floral display from early summer
Pot up bougainvillea in a container that’s at least 50cm in diameter
