Your fantastic backyard issue 4

Page 1

WIN A GAZEBO OR BALI HUT Hurry Ends Soon!

Your Fantastic

BACKYARD Monica Trapaga

Surface

Reveals Her Rooftop Room With a View

PARADISE Paving the Way to a Better Backyard

BATHURST 1000 SPECIAL

BATTLE of the BACKYARDS Holden’s Garth Tander vs Ford’s Will Davison

FREE DVD Interested in an outdoor entertaining area? Claim your free DVD, see page 3.

PLUS

Best barbecues, grills and outdoor ovens Pool trends for Summer living Create a frog pond Make the perfect mojito & more!


2 Your Fantastic Backyard


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Your Fantastic Backyard 3


ing the landscap in e c n e ri e p x years e ith a With over 10 provide you w n a c s e p a c s d ns to industry, soli ercial solutio m m o c d n a c esti range of dom ires. eeds and des n r u o y th o b suit include: gement our services Project Mana // aping nance // Soft Landsc Garden Mainte // aping bour Hire // Hard Landsc Landscape La // Design // Landscape ire Equipment H // Machine & 4 Your Fantastic Backyard


commercial

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&

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Pick of the Crop

®

The Ultimate Fruit Collection Pick of the Crop® is all you need to bring your garden to fruition.

100 years of growing experience condensed to give gardeners the best possible selection of fruit for the home garden, Fleming’s Pick of the Crop® is the ultimate guide for a great home harvest. For more information or to find your nearest stockist visit

flemings.com.au Or call: (03) 9756 6105


From The Editor

BATTLE OF THE BACKYARDS

VS

B

Your Fantastic

BACKYARD SALES MANAGER Caroline Austin caroline@yourfantasticbackyard.com.au GRAPHIC DESIGN Kristina Tindall kristina@yourfantasticbackyard.com.au CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Leone Britt, Jules Fox, Sue Korevaar, Scott McGregor, Paige Fleming, Adam and Roo Guthrie, Liz Swanton CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Roo Guthrie, Simon Kenny, Dishan Marikar, Scott Wensley, Michael White, Joslin Hartley ADVERTISING SALES 1300 788 850 www.yfbadvertisingnetwork.com.au SUBSCRIPTIONS www.yourfantasticbackyard.com.au Distributed by Network Services Company Published by Smart Marketing Magic Pty Ltd ACN 145 098 853 PO Box 3408, Helensvale Town Centre Queensland 4212 Phone: 1300 788 850 Fax: 1300 446 714 Copyright 2013 Smart Marketing Magic Pty Ltd All rights reserved. Material in Your Fantastic Backyard magazine is protected under the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968. No material may be reproduced in part thereof or in whole without written consent from the copyright holders. Copyright responsibility for supplied material rests with the provider. The opinions expressed in Your Fantastic Backyard magazine are those of individual contributors and not necessarily those of its editor or publisher. Every attempt is made for accuracy, however information and figures contained in this magazine have been provided to us by the advertisers and their sources. No warranty is given by Your Fantastic Backyard magazine as to the accuracy of any figure or information contained in this magazine. Prospective purchasers are urged to rely on their own enquiries.

y all standards, the inaugural Australian Garden Show Sydney was a wonderful event that is sure to attract growing numbers of visitors as it builds momentum year on year. The YFB team had a ball chatting to all

the visitors to our stand, viewing the beautiful show gardens,

EDITOR Penelope Barker penny@yourfantasticbackyard.com.au BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Paul Ryman paul@yourfantasticbackyard.com.au

Page 48

attending garden talks and meeting leading landscape designers. Our thanks to all the suppliers who helped make our stand outstanding and a great attraction for visitors – No Grow Lawns for their quality synthetic turf, Mi Concepts for the amazing Blofield Air Design inflatable outdoor sofas, Mamagreen for their contemporary outdoor furnishings and Overwrought and Metalscape for their wonderful metal art pieces. If our stand was a great source of ideas for designing a chic outdoor living space, this issue is packed with even more ideas for you. What about a frog pond for visual and aural delight? A glamorous new pool? The best new barbecues, portable grills and outdoor ovens for Spring entertaining? Plus smart new paving solutions to turn your backyard into a surface paradise. This issue, we also feature not one but three celebrity gardeners. Take a sneak peek at popular entertainer Monica Trapaga’s rooftop terrace garden in Sydney with jawdropping views of the Sydney skyline and compare the Melbourne backyards of V8 Supercar drivers Garth Tander of Holden and Will Davison of Ford as they prepare to do battle on the track at the Bathurst 1000. Here in my own fantastic backyard I’m enjoying all the surprises that spring brings – from colourful flowering bulbs and lilies to borage, comfrey and horseradish running rampant and something new in the garden to pick fresh for dinner each evening. Do you have a favourite dish you make from your spring produce? If so, let me know so I can share it with our readers. Enjoy this issue’s dose of backyard bliss!

Penny Editor Your Fantastic Backyard penny@yourfantasticbackyard.com.au

Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YourFantasticBackyardMagazine

Your Fantastic Backyard 7


8 Your Fantastic Backyard


In Every Fantastic Issue 7

From the Editor Meet our Editor Penny Barker

11

Meet our Contributors Meet our expert team of outdoor living, entertaining and design experts

12

Backyard Booty

BARE GRILLS Page 68

Contents

Hot new products for outdoor living

21

Backyard Trends with Jules Fox Stylist Jules Fox talks outdoor fabrics

25

This Month’s Features 40

Pet Tales with Leone Britt

Paige Fleming of Flemings Nurseries recommends the top 10 trees for common domestic environments

Introducing a new kitten to the family

27

DIY Dynamo with Scott McGregor

44

Tool Review The latest tools to keep your backyard in tip-top shape

32 37

58 62

The Design Directory

A Bite of the Big Apple Monica Trapaga and Lil Tulloch share recipes from their cookbook A Bite of the Big Apple

108

Subscribe to Your Fantastic Backyard

68

110

Latest Books from Our Amazon Bookstore

74

113

Advertisers’ Directory

114

In Our Next Issue

Bare Grills Best barbecues, grills and outdoor ovens

Splash Hits Chart-topping pools for laps of luxury

82

Surface Paradise Smart paving solutions

92 Photograph by Simon Kenny. For full story, turn to page 58.

Top Deck Entertainer Monica Trapaga’s rooftop terrace

Products and services you need to know about

COVER

Battle of the Backyards Ford vs Holdens We visit the backyards of V8 Supercar drivers Garth Tander and Will Davison in the lead-up to the Bathurst 1000

Out on a Limb with Sue Korevaar How to choose the right power tools

96

48

Grow Cook Enjoy with Adam and Roo Guthrie How to grow, cook and enjoy snow peas

Show Time All the news on the inaugural Australian Garden Show Sydney

How to create a frog pond

30

Top 10 Trees

Hello Sunshine Get the kids out in the garden this Spring!

Your Fantastic Backyard 9



Meet Our Contributors Scott McGregor Scott McGregor is a well-known face from over 30 years as an actor, presenter, writer and producer. A NIDA graduate, he has appeared in numerous stage, film and TV roles and has been presenting factual TV for over a decade, hosting such prime time programs as Room For Improvement, Better Homes and Gardens, Australian Icon Towns and his series of Railway Adventures. In 2012 Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures was launched, with Scott leading small groups on classic rail journeys around the world.

Sue Korevaar Sue is and has been an avid gardener since she was a child. However it was in the mid 1990’s that she really got into the world of horticulture in a big way. Starting out with a 1250 sqm plastic greenhouse she started growing commercial crops of hydroponic tomatoes. A founding member of the Hydroponic Farmers Federation (President for seven years), her passion for all things living is now firmly entrenched. Sue is an outspoken advocate for Australian grown produce. Basically her passion is the garden and she believes it should be fun.

Leone Britt Our pet columnist Leone Britt is a journalist and former broadcaster with a deep connection to animals, pre-eminently her three horses, dog Sookie, cat Possum and new kitten Squeaky. Leone has won two national prizes for her poetry and her short stories have appeared in the literary magazines Quadrant and Meanjin. Her first novel, An Inch of Love, An Inch of Ashes, was recently published and is available online through Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Jules Fox Jules Fox migrated to Sydney from London in the early 1990s. Originally a social worker, she is now an artist and property stylist. Jules has contributed her artworks and styling skills to many popular television shows, including The Apprentice, The Biggest Loser and The Renovators. A serial renovator for many years, Jules shares her outdoor styling and design tips each month with readers of Your Fantastic Backyard.

Liz Swanton

Feature writer Liz Swanton is the first to admit she does not have a green thumb, but she does have a backyard, and necessity breeds invention. Through trial and error (lots of them), she has created a number of pleasant backyards in her life, some more successful than others depending on how many animals are sharing her home – and her backyard – at the time. Her current backyard features a husband, barbecue, two spaniels, two elderly cats and seven goldfish in three artfully set-out ponds, amid a cultivated tangle of potted citrus, orchids and roses, and free range kangaroo paw, jasmine and passionfruit vines. In this issue, Liz investigates paving solutions to get your outdoor areas sorted.

Paige Fleming A youth spent climbing orchard trees, a passion for writing and a marriage to one of Australia’s leading horticulturalists, Wes Fleming, has culminated in the unique perspectives offered by Paige Fleming of Fleming’s Nurseries in her articles on trees and plants.

Adam & Roo Guthrie Adam, a qualified chef, and Roo, a keen gardener, have lived a vegetarian life for more than 20 years. To share their belief in the benefits of simpler, more sustainable, healthier living Adam and Roo launched their I Feel Good Weekly Vegan Meal Planner which is now a hot seller on Apple Newsstand and available through www.ifeelgood.com.au. They also show how to grow, cook and enjoy homegrown produce in each issue of Your Fantastic Backyard.

Your Fantastic Backyard 11


1.

BACKYARD 12 Your Fantastic Backyard

Booty


BACKYARD

Booty

2.

3.

4.

1. Teaspoon herb markers, $19 each, from www.ezibuy.com.au 2. The Danish designed OOhh soft pots are hand-made in Sri Lanka from recycled paper and sand or corrugated paper. OOhh pots are eco-friendly, waterproof, hand-made and surprisingly lightweight. For stockists, visit www.kohliving.com.au 3. Latte pots, $8 each, are made from a blend of bamboo and vegetable resin, coloured using vegetable dyes and are 100 per cent biodegradable. Available from www.gardenlife.com.au 4. Fleming’s Nurseries’ exclusive collection of miniature fruit trees, Trixzie® Miniature Fruit Trees, are perfect for almost any backyard situation. The smallest growing of their variety, even smaller than dwarf fruit trees, these minis produce excellent full-size eating fruits and include ‘Pink Lady’™ and ‘Gala’ apples, ‘Nectazee’ (PBR) nectarine, ‘Pixzie’ (PBR) peach (pictured), black and white ‘Cherree® cherries, and a pear. For stockist information head to www.flemings.com.au or call 03 9756 6105.

Your Fantastic Backyard 13



BACKYARD

Booty

5.

6.

7.

5. Throughout October, Kennards Hire are running their annual charity initiative, Kennards For Kids, aimed at making life a little easier for sick, injured or disadvantaged kids around Australia. As a family-owned business, Kennards are passionate about providing kids with the best start to life possible. It is this belief in the potential of our kids that led the company to donate over a quarter of a million dollars to various children’s charities and organisations in last year’s campaign alone. For every hire made during October, Kennards will donate $2, which will be distributed around the country to selected organisations to assist the kids who need it most. For more information or to find your closest Kennards Hire outlet visit www.kennards.com.au 6. Comfort secateurs by Gardena are ideal for pruning delicate shrubs. For stockists, visit www.gardena.com.au 7. The Gardena adjustable garden rake makes raking leaves and grass clippings a breeze, whatever height you are. For stockists, visit www.gardena.com.au

Your Fantastic Backyard 15


NO GROW LAWNS OFFERS YOU A SOLUTION TO ALL YOUR LAWN PROBLEMS • Australian made and 7 year warranty • Kid and pet friendly • Looks like your yard has been just mowed every day • Fully qualified landscape gardeners • Great for balconies and around the pool • Never have to mow or weed again • Front or back yards T: 1300 938 576 E: john@nogrowlawns.com.au www.nogrowlawns.com.au


BACKYARD

Booty

8.

9.

11.

10.

8. Belanda cane coffee table, $89, and armchairs, $179 for two, from www.ezibuy.com.au 9. Create a vista in your outdoor room with canvas wall art from Tropical Gaze Home Decor. Enter promocode – fantastic-when ordering at www.tropicalgaze.com.au to receive a 25 per cent discount! 10. Danish designed ‘Explore’ outdoor rocker by Cane-line. For stockists, visit www.caneline.com.au 11. Outdoor ‘Santorini Summer’ range of 100% Melamine tableware, $4.95 to $19.95, and ‘Brilliant Blue’ acetate glasses and large jug, $4.95 to $16.95. For stockists, visit www.ashdene.com.au

Your Fantastic Backyard 17


12.

12. The Blofield Air Design ‘Big Blo 2’ inflatable indoor or outdoor Chesterfield sofa, $1280, available in Stone White, Black or Red, inflates and deflates in just 2-3 minutes using a custom electric pump. For stockists, visit www.miconcepts.com.au 13. Jak + Jil outdoor dining setting designed by Justin Hutchison, from Tait, www.madebytait.com.au 14. Outdoor dining setting by Mamagreen, www.mamagreen. com.au 15. Danish designed indoor/outdoor ‘Nest’ range, www.caneline.com.au

13.

18 Your Fantastic Backyard


14.

9. caption 10. caption 11. caption

BACKYARD

Booty

15.

Your Fantastic Backyard 19


20 Your Fantastic Backyard


BACKYARD TRENDS WITH Jules Fox

WHAT’S NEW IN

Outdoor Fabrics NEW ADVANCES AND DESIGNS IN OUTDOOR FABRICS ALLOW YOU TO TAKE YOUR PASSION FOR DECORATING WITH TEXTILES AND SOFT FURNISHINGS FROM INDOORS TO OUT.

Your Fantastic Backyard 21


W

ith the arrival of Spring, it’s the perfect time to look at adding that something special to the outdoor furnishings that have languished throughout the dreariness of winter. For most of us, the gauntlet of finding contemporary fabrics that not only withstand the Australian climate, but offer the latest in trends, is a challenge in itself. So to help us find a collection of true performance fabrics, along with a palette and design that will appeal to a wide audience, I looked at one of the largest suppliers of outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella. Sunbrella’s collection of performance fabrics have taken design to the next level by incorporating fashionable textures and colours, with style and panache. What began as a fabric known primarily for broad stripes and solid colours, has evolved into one of the most versatile and stylish fabrics available today, combining durability, fade resistance and ease of cleaning.

TEXTURE AND DESIGN

“We have produced sophisticated designs, colours and textures that offer the ease of outdoor living and at the same time deliver the style and elegance expected for interior décor,” says Gina Wicker, design and creative director for Sunbrella fabrics. “With our help, people are blurring the line between interiors and exteriors with Sunbrella fabrics in a variety of colours, textures and patterns to fit every design need.” As trends are continually evolving, Sunbrella fabric styling and innovation responds to the demands of modern design. “A new line of Sunbrella jacquard fabrics coordinates with existing stripes and solids,” says Wicker.

22 Your Fantastic Backyard

Wicker credits the launch of Sunbrella fabrics styled for interiors with leading the brand’s styling evolution. “We offer fabrics that address the latest colour and style trends as well as more classic designs, all with the performance benefits that have served us so well in the outdoor market. Patterns have moved away from the tropical or realistic floral to incorporate new geometric patterns that bring a soft, contemporary feel to the fabrics.”

COLOUR TRENDS

Sunbrella fabric designers are continually introducing new colours and designs that are appealing and livable. “Some of the newest fabrics are in a buttery yellow, or a combination of soft yellow and grey,” says Wicker. “The colours orange and rust also remain popular. A colour palette of neutrals such as taupe in combination with soft blues and greens are among the latest trends.”

DURABILITY

Having spent the day in Sydney looking at Sunbrella’s latest collection it is impossible to tell the difference both in look and feel from the interior to exterior fabric collection. “Gone are the days of solid stripes and hard surfaces as they give way to softer, vibrant colours and textures that guarantee durability as well as fade resistance” says Wicker. I have now upholstered a number of backyard furnishings with this collection with wonderful results. For more information visit www.sunbrella.com or contact your local stockist. Jules Fox is Director for Jules Fox Styling and Interiors and is available for consultation. Mobile: 0416 245 524; email: foxj@optusnet.com.au; www.julesfox.com.au n


BACKYARD TRENDS WITH Jules Fox

Previous page and opposite: outdoor fabrics by Sunbrella. This page, top left: outdoor cushions by Bungalow Living, www.bungalowliving.com.au; right: Hide You Seek butterfly chair, covered with fabric from Fab Outdoor Fabrics, www. faboutdoorfabrics.com.au; bottom: ‘Bondi’ range of outdoor fabrics by Warwick Fabrics.

Your Fantastic Backyard 23



PET TALES WITH Leone Britt

Kitten Capers Introducing a new pet into the household can be challenging for your existing animal companions. There will be stress and problems to overcome but also a whole lot of fun and games!

W

hen the delightful new kitten arrived in the Britt household, the resident feline, Queen Possum was not amused. I ignored the growling and hissing from Possum and

thought she would eventually become accustomed to

the kitten. So I focused instead on what the little fellow needed, namely, a feed, worming, and lots of cuddles to help him adapt to his new environment complete with a black dog and a snotty Possum, plus a name. Being a lovely shade of grey with moggy stripes and a soft white chest and socks, perhaps his name should pertain to ashes, since I’ve just published a book called An Inch of Love, An Inch of Ashes. But no, Asher didn’t fit. What about Tiger? No, too ordinary. So, I picked the kitten up and said: ‘What’s your name, little fellow?’ and to my surprise he squeaked! He sounded just like a toy someone had trodden on by mistake, or squeezed. I spoke to a friend, and said I was having trouble deciding on a name, and

Newcomer Squeeky (top) may be cute and playful but resident top cat Queen Possum is thoroughly unamused.

when I told her about his squeaky noises she said he had named himself. In a text message she misspelled the word and asked how ‘Squeeky’ was going, so the misspelled word has stuck. Squeeky often sat on the floor and squeaked until I picked him up. He squeaked and climbed up the leg of my jeans while I stood in the kitchen washing dishes. If I sat on the couch he was stuck to my lap. He had a toy mouse that ran along the floor burring when you pulled a string, but Sookie the black kelpie cross decided she liked it, and the kitten was not going to have it. (Sookie steals everybody’s toys and hides them under the bed, so the mouse was taken there and chewed into little tiny bits). However, the Possum Queen, named after the Australian marsupial she resembles, was not amused by the tiny grey interloper and demanded to know where he came from and how long he was staying. So distressed was Possum by the new addition, though, that she decided not to pee. She developed a urinary tract infection as a result, and required a visit to the

vet who explained how cats reacted to anxiety. The anxietyprovoking events, which led to various signs of stress including urine retention, and scratching furniture, explained the vet, were introducing a new pet or baby into the household, home renovations, fireworks and even rearranging the furniture. The vet also explained that cats rubbed their cheeks on familiar objects and other animals and humans in their territory, thereby depositing pheromones, or what he called ‘happy hormones’ to mark them as theirs, which made their environment familiar and lessened anxiety. A suggested cure for Possum was to spray the kitten with a product called Feliway, a synthetic hormonal spray that mimics the feline facial pheromone, so she would accept him into the pride and thereby lower her anxiety about him. We have now returned to a happy little household with a peeing Possum after a course of antibiotics and a little puff of Feliway on the Squeeky kitten. n

Your Fantastic Backyard 25


Have a pond

pool or water garden added to your backyard

in just a weekend

pond liners are custom made to suit your design, billabong pools to modern architectural marvels. And with our twenty year guarantee you can relax knowing your precious water isn’t leaking away.

Beutyliner Australia

1300 666 004 PO Box 1403 Melton West VIC 3337 E: info@beutyliner.com.au W: www.beutyliner.com.au

advert 2.indd 1

6/17/2011 8:15:39 AM


DIY DYNAMO Scott McGregor

Pond Appeal Having a frog pond in your yard not only provides a safe haven for these most sensitive of little creatures, but makes an attractive visual and aural addition to your landscaping.

Your Fantastic Backyard 27


W

ith all the recent rain creating natural ponds and pools around the place I have been reminded of what a delightful treat it is to have frog song in the garden again. Not wanting the frogs to move on or perish when things start to dry out, the girls and I were prompted to clean up and refurbish one of the old concrete ponds I built a number of years ago. Having a frog pond in your yard not only provides a safe haven for these most sensitive of little creatures, but makes an attractive visual and aural addition to your landscaping. It also provides a delightful place for children to watch the metamorphosis of the frog’s life cycle from eggs to tadpole to adult frogs. As the pond develops and matures so will the micro ecology of your garden, providing further wonderment as it starts to attract native birds and other small creatures. Many established gardens have existing ponds that may have fallen into disrepair or be unsuitable for frogs because they contain incompatible flora and fauna. Popular Japanese Carp (goldfish) for example will eat frog’s eggs. These ponds can be simply refurbished to encourage local frog species to populate the garden.

CLEANING

What had once been a lovely, well-balanced and functioning concrete pond in the centre of our water garden entrance had recently started leaking. The water level never seemed to stay high and the contents had become sludgy with silt and algae so there was no answer other than emptying it, making repairs and starting again. After removing fish and siphoning out the remaining water, the girls dug out the layers of sludge and sediment that had built up at the pond’s base. The concrete lining was then cleaned; this

28 Your Fantastic Backyard

job was made easy with the aid of a high-pressure water cleaner. Pressure cleaners don’t need to be attached to mains taps as they can draw their water straight from a bucket or tank, yet they generate up to 25 times more pressure than a standard garden hose whilst using 80 per cent less water. This will result in far more effective and efficient cleaning, not only for old ponds but any manner of hard surfaces around your property. These devices are still governed by water restrictions in some areas, so it is wise to check with your local water authority before proceeding. If you decide to go with a pressure cleaner they can be hired an hour at a time from equipment hire companies. As they are such useful home maintenance devices however, it is worth considering purchasing an inexpensive electric unit from a


DIY DYNAMO Scott McGregor

hardware or tools specialist supplier. The alternative to using a pressure cleaner is to scrub the concrete base with a stiff nylon scrubber and soapy water, before rinsing.

REPAIRS

After the pond was thoroughly cleaned and dry, repairs could proceed. Cracks in the concrete base were first filled with a waterproof repair putty made by mixing a liquid water proofing agent such as Silasec with cement powder in the following ratio: Repair Putty: • In a container, add 1 part Silasec: 2 parts of fresh cement and mix vigorously with a gloved hand. • When the mix is wet and putty like you can remove and begin to knead it. • When the mix starts to become hot and while it is still soft, commence repairing the crack by pushing in the putty until it becomes hard. • For large repairs the process may need to be repeated.

SEALING

Once repairs to large or obvious cracks or holes were completed the entire surface was sealed. At the hardware store I picked up some brushable acrylic waterproofing membrane, such as Bondall Pondtite, which is an ideal product for this application. It comes in a range of colours and once applied dries to form a tough yet flexible surface that will resist further cracking. It is also non-toxic, which is very important if a pond is to sustain life.

FROG FURNITURE

Before refilling the pond we made sure to add some extra features to help encourage frogs such a piece of old terracotta pipe and some rocks within the water to provide hiding places for

tadpoles and some new flat rocks overhanging the edges to also provide shelter. Around the perimeter of the pond we put in some native grasses that will overhang the banks when they mature and make ideal places for adult frogs to hide and sing. Into the pond we have placed lilies and lotus as a place for the frogs to sit and relax. Further information of how to encourage frog life can be found through the following organisations. The Frog Australia Network - visit www.frogsaustralia.net.au The Amphibian Research Centre - www.frogs.org.au

IF YOU BUILD IT THEY WILL COME

Finally with the refurbishments complete we could refill the pond. It was tempting to head down to the local creek and catch some tadpoles to jump start our frog population but this is both illegal and unwise as we want to be sure that only the local species move in. With time, we are expecting the frogs to simply move into their home of their own accord. This will vindicate our efforts and confirm we have created the right environment for them.

PS: NEW POND

There are many ways of making a waterproof reservoir that will function as a frog pond. From recycling an old bath or laundry tub, a child’s pool or plastic tubs at one end of the scale to a fully custom made concrete structure at the other. By far the quickest and easiest technique is to use a precast plastic or fibreglass pond shell. These are available from garden centres and are simply set into the ground. An alternate and better option, as you can fully customise it to suit your space and ideas, is to use a rubber pond liner. n

Your Fantastic Backyard 29


TOOL REVIEW PREPARE YOUR BACKYARD FOR SPRING FEVER WITH OUR SELECTION OF THE BEST NEW TOOLS TO MAKE GARDENING TASKS A BREEZE, LEAVING YOU WITH MORE TIME TO ENJOY YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES AT LEISURE. 1. Zodiac V4 4WD Pool Cleaner Zodiac, the leader in pool technology and equipment supplies, has launched a new

1.

super intelligent pool cleaner sure to out clean the rest at the push of a button. The new Zodiac V4 4WD is equipped with the smartest technology available today, making pool cleaning easier, ultra efficient and giving you the cleanest pool on the block. For starters, there is a unique Waterproof Kinetic Remote that lets you take

2.

control of your cleaner at the

battery-powered tool is

push of a button. Simply direct

perfect for all types of jobs

the remote control where you want the cleaner to go and the V4 4WD gets smoothly to work. Adding to the intelligence system is the new eBox, an electronic control box that makes it easy to operate the cleaner. It is programmable for up to seven days with multiple settings and indicates when the filter is full. It’s the powerful cleaning that really shows off the benefits with this new Zodiac cleaner. Using

patented

Vortex

Vacuum

technology, the V4 4WD captures large debris other cleaners struggle with, including gum-nuts, twigs and eucalyptus leaves, while ensuring constant suction power throughout the cleaning cycle. For more information, visit www.zodiac. com.au

30 Your Fantastic Backyard

2. WORX WG255E.5 20VMax Hedge Trimmer

from the nitty-gritty to the big-and-daunting. The 20VMax Li-Ion battery has

According to the Guinness Book of World

a rapid charge time of only one hour,

Records the Meikleour Beech Hedges,

meaning the WG255E.5 gives you the

located in Scotland, are the longest and

convenience and durability of a cordless

tallest single hedge on the planet. At 530

machine without the issue of a long

metres long and 30 metres high you have

charge time.

to wonder how they maintain it. We think

Weighing in at just 2.3kg, the

it’s with the WORX WG255E.5 20VMax

lightweight and ergonomic design

Hedge Trimmer.

allows the user to easily manoeuvre the

Emerging from WORX’s Home and

trimmer in any direction, while the soft

Garden range, the WG25E.5 20VMax

grip also assists in reducing fatigue and

Li-Ion Hedge Trimmer is the perfect

improves control.

addition to any gardener’s arsenal and

WORX continue to keep safety front

will get your backyard back in tip-top

of mind by including a dual handle start

condition.

to prevent any accidents when powering

The trimmer features a laser cut

up and a transparent hand guard to stop

blade, ensuring a precise, clean cut every

any stray cut-offs ricocheting back into

time. With a cutting length of 52cm this

the user.


TOOL REVIEW 4.

For more information phone customer service on 1300 804 105 or visit www. husqvarna.com.au

3.

4. Kärcher Pressure Cleaner Kärcher have long been industry leaders in cleaning equipment for the home and garden, and with the introduction of the with innovative solutions, including the

K2.180 pressure cleaner, the bar has been

Trimmer combines the convenience and

new AutoTune feature, which provides

raised yet again. When combined with

efficiency of battery-powered machines

optimal engine performance without

the T300 Patio Cleaner attachment these

without compromising on either power

the need for manual adjustments to the

Kärcher units will have your outdoor

or safety.

carburettor.

surfaces spick and span.

The WORX WG255E.5 20VMax Hedge

WORX WG255E.5 20VMax Hedge

Additional

advanced

features

The K2.180 is a lightweight, high-

include: X-Torq engine, Low Vib anti-

pressure device pumping out a whopping

For more information on the WORX

vibration system, Air Injection™ filtration

maximum pressure of 1595 PSI. Easily

product range or to locate your nearest

system, forged three-piece crankshaft,

blast away any grime from any surface

stockist visit www.worx.com or call 1300

magnesium crankcase, slim body, high

too stubborn to clean with elbow grease

889 028.

centre of gravity and flat underside. All of

alone. The K2.180 comes complete with

which, make this chainsaw exceptionally

an integrated fine mesh water filter, dirt

easy to work with.

blaster and four-metre high-pressure

Trimmer, RRP $169.

3. Husqvarna 562XP Chainsaw with AutoTune™.

The

outstanding

power-to-weight

The 562XP chainsaw is Husqvarna’s latest

ratio and extremely fast acceleration

and most advanced professional chainsaw

makes

with a ground breaking design and loaded

professional machine.

this

chainsaw

the

ultimate

hose for all those far away, hard to reach spots around the home and garden. Kärcher K2.180, $149; T300, $89, visit www.karcher.com.au

Your Fantastic Backyard 31


SNOW PEAS 32 Your Fantastic Backyard


GROW COOK ENJOY Adam & Roo Guthrie

BY ROO GUTHRIE/ RECIPE BY ADAM GUTHRIE PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROO GUTHRIE

All vegetables picked fresh from the garden taste far better than anything you could buy from the supermarket. This is especially so of peas, which are so sweet and succulent when picked fresh from the garden and simply popped in a pot of boiling water for a quick blanch or tossed in a stir fry at the last minute.

A

ll varieties of peas are very easy to grow, come in dwarf and climbing forms, and are ideal for containers and smaller gardens. Sown at the right time, you can enjoy an abundance of fresh peas through spring and again in autumn. Try traditional peas that need to be podded prior to cooking, or sugar snap peas and snow peas which are cooked whole. Snow peas have smooth seeds and can be sown for spring or autumn harvest. Sow them in pots in winter ready for planting out in spring. Seeds should be watered in and will germinate in two weeks. When ready, plant seedlings out in a prepared garden bed, protect from snails and slugs and avoid placing them in spots that receive a lot of direct sunlight – peas do not like heat. Once established, your snow peas will put out tender tendrils and will need to be supported – you can just use twigs and

branches from the garden for this. Keep the plants well watered and protect with netting if necessary to protect from birds – they love fresh pea foliage and pods. Snow pea plants will crop for several weeks so check them regularly for new pods and cook and eat them as soon as possible while they are super fresh and deliciously sweet in flavour. Cook the whole pods very briefly in order to keep the fresh green colour and crunchy texture. Snow peas are wonderful in fresh salads and stir fries. See overleaf to try them in a quick and delicious recipe for Snow Pea and Mushroom Curry that Adam has devised. Adam and Roo Guthrie’s I Feel Good Weekly Vegan Meal Planner, with simple, fresh and healthy recipes for every day for a week and a shopping list, is available through Apple Newsstand or www.ifeelgood.com.au n

Your Fantastic Backyard 33


34 Your Fantastic Backyard


GROW COOK ENJOY Adam & Roo Guthrie

Mushroom and Pea Curry INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION

4 large mushrooms

Slice 3 large mushrooms into 1cm slices. Remove

1 handful snow peas

the string off 1 handful of snow peas. Open 1 can

1 can coconut milk 1 cup peas 1 Tbsp green curry paste 1 Tbsp soy sauce 1 bunch mint leaves

of coconut milk and place 1 cup of peas into bowl. Prepare 1 Tbsp green curry paste and 1 Tbsp soy sauce. Pick the leaves off 1 small bunch of mint.

1 Tbsp olive oil

COOKING

2 cups cooked brown rice to

Add 1 Tbsp olive oil into a hot frypan. Lay the sliced

serve with

mushrooms in the pan and cook over high heat. Season with salt. Meanwhile, heat a wok and add a splash of coconut milk. Add 1 Tbsp green curry paste and mix well. Add remaining coconut milk. Turn mushrooms over when golden brown. In the wok, add peas and stir over high heat. Add 1 Tbsp soy sauce. Add snow peas, cook for 1 minute and serve. To serve, place some pea curry onto a plate. Then place some mushroom slices on top. Finish with some fresh mint leaves and serve with brown rice.

Your Fantastic Backyard 35


HOLE-IN-ONE. DIG. The GARDENA Terraline range with shock absorption: Makes hard work easy. TM

G8792 Comfort Secateurs Ergonomic secateurs with extra narrow cutting head perfect for vines, flowers, young shoots, and green wood .

G8101 Premium Metal Spray Gun The premium spray nozzle with adjustable flow rate for cleaning and watering.

Hose and fittings not included

G2681 Metal Hose Trolley 60 Made from sturdy, robust materials and parts, with folding handle for spacesaving storage, and an integrated anti-drip device.

WWW.GARDENA.COM/AU

Search for GARDENA Australia 36 Your Fantastic Backyard


OUT ON A LIMB - GARDENING WITH Sue Korevaar

HOW TO CHOOSE

Power Gardening Equipment

Typically, most first-time users of power gardening equipment come into the store and stare at the huge range available and go into a sub- catatonic state. My first recommendation is go to your local retail outlet. They have trained people who can help you identify what you will need to meet your requirements.

Your Fantastic Backyard 37


T

he most obvious pieces of equipment you will be purchasing for your garden upkeep will be a lawn mower, a blower and a line trimmer.

POWER SOURCE OPTIONS

Currently there are three: petrol (the most common), electric and battery powered. Petrol requires oil and petrol, either blended or put in separately. Electric equipment needs a power cord to run. Battery needs to be recharged. Petrol powered equipment gives you the most flexibility with running time, power and the ability to move around large areas without the disadvantage of a cord trailing behind you. Here is some information you may need to help your sales assistant help you make the right choice: How big is the area you need to maintain, ie: how many square metres? Do you have access front and back to a power source? Do you maintain your garden/lawn regularly or are you a bit hit and miss?

LINE TRIMMERS EXPOSED ELECTRIC POWERED EQUIPMENT Let’s start with electric powered equipment. Typically the power source is in watts, the higher the watts on the engine, the more power. You need a power cord and if the area you wish to cover is bigger than 25 metres away from your power source, then I would not choose electric powered equipment. There is a lot of good quality electric powered gardening equipment to choose from. ADVANTAGES: 1. Easier to start 2. No oil or petrol 3. Lightweight DISADVANTAGES: 1. You need to have a power cord 2. Not really designed for large or heavy jobs 3. You cannot use the equipment in the rain. 4. You need to clean the air inlets around the motor every time you use it. 5. Short term use only

BATTERY POWERED UNITS There has been a lot of really good improvement in the battery powered units available today, primarily the use of Lithium batteries replacing the old Nicad and Cadmium batteries. ADVANTAGES: 1. Lightweight and portable to areas without power 2. Battery maintains an even level of power until it goes flat 3. Can be charged to less than 100% if you need to finish a job, if the charge runs out before you have finished the job

38 Your Fantastic Backyard

DISADVANTAGES: 1. Most 18V batteries will only operate for 15 minutes and they will need to be recharged 2. Do not leave the fully charged battery in the charger as you could damage it. Always leave it in the machine. 3. Not really high powered for really big jobs, such as slashing blackberries etc. Note: there are now 36V batteries and stronger 18V batteries available that will go longer than 15 – 20 minutes. Ask your sales assistant if they have the new longer lasting batteries.

PETROL POWERED UNITS

Line trimmers are used for edges around trees, rocks, fences or edging near concrete. They mostly have nylon cord which comes out from a spool at the end of your unit. Brush cutters have a metal blade and are often used to slash grass, blackberries, heavy infestation of weeds and bracken. The metal blade is rigid and will not work as a line trimmer for obvious reasons. Just to confuse you there is a difference in petrol engines. The cheaper ones are mostly half crank and the better quality ones are full crank machines. The half crank only has bearings on the load end and usually requires the engine to be run at a maximum RPM’s in order to get a decent life. The full crank can be run at different speeds without greatly reducing the life of the engine. Or, more simply, a full crank is easier to start, has better fuel economy, less vibration and is not as noisy as a half crank. In a nutshell: ADVANTAGES: 1. Flexibility of being able to go anywhere without power cords 2. More powerful 3. Able to do the tough jobs. 4. Longer lasting DISADVANTAGES: 1. Often have to be pull started 2. Blended petrol and oil 3. More maintenance, filters, spark plugs. Most trimmers are either a bump feed or automatic line feed. Bump feed means you need to rev your trimmer and while on high rev, bump the end on the grass. Automatic line feed means the line comes out of the head when you accelerate and release the throttle. I will just briefly mention the nylon cord that most trimmers use. It breaks. It breaks a lot. Without a doubt it is the single most annoying feature of line trimmers. If you soak your nylon line in water for 24 hours before you use it, your line will be softened and take longer to wear down.


ON A LIMB - GARDENING WITH Sue Korevaar

Advantages of petrol powered equipment: 1. Flexibility of being able to go anywhere without power cords 2. More powerful 3. Able to do the tough jobs. 4. Longer lasting motor, less grunt.

Previous page; WORX Hedge Trimmer, this page; ALKO 520BRV self propelled lawnmower.

Obviously, shake the water off before you wind it onto your line trimmer head. Remember it is only the last inch at the end of your line that is doing the cutting, so you don’t need to push the head of the trimmer right up to the area you are cutting.

LAWN MOWERS PETROL Again two and four stroke apply, but engine size plays a big part in a petrol mower. Simply put, the lower the CC of the engine, means smaller motor, less grunt. CC simply stands for Cubic Centimetres. CC’s measure the “displacement” of the motor. The displacement refers to the swept volume of the cylinders i.e the cylinder volume (when the piston is at the bottom of its stroke) minus the volume when the piston is at the top of its stroke multiplied by the number of cylinders. Way too technical for me. So my advice to you is again check with your sales assistant, when buying a mower with regard to the size you may require. For example a148cc engine would be fine or a small, well maintained lawn that takes less than 40 minutes to complete in a single go.

BATTERY Believe it or not there, are some really good choices out there for battery powered engines. Typically I would not go with less than 36Volts, but ask for advice and see what your sales assistant has to say. For well maintained small lawns, say 400sqm, a 36V battery powered lawn mower is not a bad decision. No oil, no petrol and easy to start. I would make sure you get a good warranty, as the Lithium technology battery is only starting to make its presence known in the power gardening field.

ELECTRICAL Most electric powered engines are based on watts as an indication of size and strength. Disadvantages are the cord, advantages are: often lightweight, little noise, easy to start. Again, not really suitable for the out of control large lawns.

AND FINALLY... THERE IS THE MANUAL OPERATED LAWNMOWER Yes, you can still buy manual powered lawnmowers. By manual, I mean get behind the handlebars and push. Great for the tummy muscles. Actually they do a great job and for small areas I highly recommend them. n

Your Fantastic Backyard 39


Top 10 Trees STORY BY PAIGE FLEMING

for Common Garden Environments Finding the perfect tree for your place can be harder than it first appears – how tall will the tree get, what will it look like in five, 10 or 20 years? How will it respond in my area and other questions start flying around when it comes time to choose trees for a garden. Here are 10 of the best trees for common environments and needs ‌

40 Your Fantastic Backyard


This page; Malus Ioensis Plena in bloom

Your Fantastic Backyard 41


1.

AUTUMN

2.

AVENUE

3.

COASTAL

4.

DRY AREAS

5.

FLOWER BOMB

If you are looking for a spectacular Autumn colour tree that will give you pleasure for years to come – don’t look past the beautiful Lipstick® Tree range. These are three of the most vivid red autumn foliage maples available in Australia today and with a uniform shape, straight trunks and shade-giving qualities – they are perfect on a number of levels.

Creating an avenue of trees for a driveway, windbreaks, horse property or along a back fence can be challenging and what works for a large property won’t always be the best choice for a suburban backyard – but one tree just about does it all. Pyrus cultivars, better known as Ornamental Pears, are the perfect all-rounders for avenues with a number of different cultivars ranging in size and shape. The small Dancer™ with its silvery foliage is ideal for smaller urban conditions while the elegant conical shape of the Chanticleer® lends itself to street tree planting, windbreak, fence-line and driveways. The uniform shape and often abundant show of spring flowers makes Pyrus the perfect avenue tree.

It’s tough to find a tree that can stand the often windy, salty and sandy conditions many coastal areas of Australia have but there are a few great options – one being the Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Oakville Highlight’. Liquidambars are very tough trees and the tall upright columnar Oakville is a beauty. This tree will handle most conditions extremely well, including coastal conditions. It does have a strong central root system, so gardeners need to ensure this tree is planted away from underground services and not next to pathways, but it is this great tough root system that makes it so perfect for coastal regions as it will drill down to find nutrients and water and won’t be too bothered by light sand or loam soils.

In Australia we suffer dry hot droughts to flooding rains, sometimes all in the space of a few years… so it’s a big ask on any tree to thrive in these conditions. One tree that handles dry hot conditions especially well is the ever gorgeous Lagerstroemia. Better known as Crepe Myrtles, the Indian Summer® collection of Crepe Myrtles are especially hardy and drought tolerant once established. These guys will also flower their hearts out in summer – making them a real knock out, particularly when planted in avenues.

42 Your Fantastic Backyard

Flowering trees or ‘ornamentals’ bring a joy to a garden like no other and Malus – or Crab Apples --are coming back into vogue with a vengeance.


Top 10 Trees

There are so many varieties of Malus – from the beautiful oldworld Malus ioensis ‘Plena’ (Betchel Crab Apple) which features masses of large double petal flowers with a pretty mild fragrance – to the new purple foliaged Malus Royal Raindrops™ with single petal pink flowers. Flowering Crab Apples have a bit of an old world appeal and most form little ornamental fruits which are generally not edible as raw fruits but many can be made into a crab apple jelly, and are quite pretty on the tree during summer.

6.

SMALL GARDEN

Finding a small garden or courtyard tree is actually quite easy as there are many out there that won’t grow large and don’t have invasive root systems. Potting trees can be done too but always remember the lifespan of the tree won’t be as long as it would be if planted in the ground and you do have to ensure you keep it well watered and fertilised to ensure it lives. Cercis, with their signature heart-shaped foliage, are one of the most beautiful small garden trees around today and are generally small trees suitable to smaller spaces. One of the best known is ‘Forest Pansy’ – a purple foliage tree growing to about 5m x 5m. And with new varieties coming into the market, it’s worth keeping an eye out for something very special such as Cercis Canadensis ‘Covey’ Lavender Twist - a small weeping form with deep green foliage.Another wonderful small, albeit hard to find, Cercis is ‘Avondale’, featuring huge bright green heart shaped leaves. Avondale will only grow to about 3m x 2m and also features delightful spring pink flowers along the branches.

7.

LARGE SHADE TREE

If you have the space for a stand-out shade tree suitable for a large backyard you really have to conside the Purple Fagus. Also known as a Copper Beach (copper for its autumn colour), this rich purple foliaged tree is a stunner and will grow to 13 metres at maturity. Fagus is rather slow growing so you will need to be patient but it’s worth the wait as kids will love climbing up into this tree and with its dense foliage it adds glamour and mystery to the garden space while also bringing shade and somewhere lovely to place a park bench.

8.

NARROW SPACE

Skinny garden beds, along the driveway and fenceline, at the rear fence or blocking a neighbour all require narrow growing trees with good neat vertical habits. One of the best for this use is an oak called Quercus palustris ‘Green Pillar®’. This narrow growing oak tree can be hard to source but is a fantastic tree not only for its very tight upright growing habit, but is also very hardy and will handle a wide variety of site conditions. It is tall – growing to about 14m at maturity but only 3 m wide – so also perfect for bringing vertical lines into a garden.

9.

PURPLE PLEASE

Purple foliage is very on trend in gardening at the moment and while you may not want a garden completely dominated by the deep rich hues of purple, a few here and there can really add a unique element to the garden. There are some wonderful options available now depending on your type of garden but you will never go wrong with a weeping Japanese maple called ‘Atropupureum’. This weeper is extremely reliable, elegant and whimsical and can be grown for long periods in pots or in garden beds. Dark purple foliage features long lacelike deeply lobed leaves which can lighten during summer (if a bit dry) or if kept out of the sun but generally foliage remains dark purple and grows to about 3.5m x 3m.

10.

A FEATURE TREE

Looking for a feature tree for the front yard, middle of a roundabout or centre of a courtyard? Try one of the Designer™ trees – in particular the Designer™ Maple – Acer platanoides ‘Globosum’. This lollipop style tree develops a gorgeous rich green, naturally round head on a very straight trunk. Requiring little to no pruning to maintain its globosum – or round shape -- this maple is a lot of fun and will work as a feature tree especially as it can handle under-planting but also work exceptionally well planted along a driveway. For more on any of these trees or to check out more trees suitable to these uses, head to www.flemings.com.au. n

Your Fantastic Backyard 43


44 Your Fantastic Backyard


Show Time STORY PENELOPE BARKER

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOSLIN HARTLEY AND MICHAEL WHITE

Over 25,000 people embraced Australia’s newest and most exciting outdoor event, the Australian Garden Show Sydney, in Centennial Park over four days in September.

45 Your Fantastic Backyard


Previous pages: Urban garden ‘The Hive’ by Katie Burgess. This page: Brendan Moar’s ‘Suspended’ garden won Best in Show. Opposite, clockwise from top left: Curator Myles Baldwin, Indira Naidoo, Sandra Chipchase, George Souris and Andrew Fisher-Tomlin at the opening event; inventive display of veggie seedlings; illuminated night garden; YFB’s Editor, Penelope Barker; Silver Award winning show garden by Phillip Withers.

F

rom September 5-8, a sprawling site in tranquil Centennial Park came alive with more than 100 exhibitors, stunning show gardens, informative garden talks, cooking demonstrations and more, with crowds of visitors enjoying all the offerings in the spring sunshine. During his closing address on the final afternoon, Event Director Anthony Bastic announced the event would return for another successful year, to once again launch the stunning series of floral and garden events taking place throughout regional New South Wales. “The Australian Garden Show Sydney will be back at Centennial Park in the first week of spring in 2014. We’ve been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from both the public and those participating in the event,” said Bastic.

46 Your Fantastic Backyard

The show attracted a strong line-up of national and international landscapers, gardeners, chefs, designers and architects, giving Sydney the opportunity to rival some of the world’s biggest and most successful gardening events. “As a first time event, this show has really impressed the gardening world at large. The quality of the gardens, exhibitors and presenters has been outstanding,” said NGHA UK Garden Designer of the Year and Chelsea Flower Show judge, Andrew Fisher Tomlin. The public expressed their enthusiasm, submitting nominations for the People’s Choice Award, which was presented to Brendan Moar for his Inspirational garden, Suspended. Moar’s garden, also awarded Best In Show, proved a major draw card for attendees, including aspiring landscape designers, garden enthusiasts and anyone looking for inspiration. Moar set


Sydney Garden Show

the bar high for the competition with his first ever show garden, which included Australia’s most awarded landscape designer, Jim Fogarty. In just 12 days leading up to the event, 13 stunning display gardens were built within the seven-acre site, which took on a whole new form as light installations illuminated the gardens and surrounding areas after dark. Over 100 exhibitors offered everything from water features, decking, outdoor sculptures and furniture, to flower bouquets, books, party décor, rare plants and landscaping supplies. Your Fantastic Backyard magazine was there in the thick of it, with a stand showcasing contemporary outdoor furniture by Mamagreen and Blofield Air Design, beautiful metal art by Overwrought and Metalscape and high quality synthetic turf by No Grow Lawns.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris said, “This event highlighted the extraordinary diversity of gardening, landscape design and flower festivals in NSW by promoting more than 29 regional garden festivals, including the Hunter Valley, the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands and the South Coast.” The Australian Garden Show Sydney is part of the NSW Events Calendar developed by Destination NSW on behalf of the NSW Government. For more information visit: http://australiangardenshowsydney.com.au n

Your Fantastic Backyard 47


BATTLE OF THE

48 Your Fantastic Backyard


BACKYARDS VS

As October rolls around each year, there is one word in the minds of Australian motorsport fans: Bathurst. The annual 1000km race around the road track on Mount Panorama is the V8 Supercar equivalent to the Melbourne Cup or any football grand final. This issue, Your Fantastic Backyard visits the gardens of two leading contenders. They are former teammates and now rivals: Holden’s Garth Tander and Ford’s Will Davison… STORY BY LIZ SWANTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DISHAN MARIKAR AND SCOTT WENSLEY

Your Fantastic Backyard 49


Garth Tander

Holden Racing Team Bathurst winner: 2000, 2009, 2011

50 Your Fantastic Backyard

PHOTOGRAPH BY DISHAN MARIKAR

“I live in the Yarra Valley just outside Melbourne... We’re on four acres, so effectively three and a half acres of lawn, one house and very few plants – exactly as I like it!”


BATTLE OF THE BACKYARDS

How did you get into motorsport and did you consider any other career?

My dad was involved in speedway and circuit racing before I was born, and as early as I can remember, I went to the track with him. Then some of his friends started karting with their kids, so we did too. It became the whole palaver with mum and dad and my brother all involved. I left school not knowing what I would do. I qualified for mechanical engineering at uni but deferred and started an apprenticeship as an electronics engineer. Hated it! Then I started working as a mechanic for my sponsor Brett Lupton, plus racing Formula Ford with him and doing some driver instruction, and it grew from there.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in the southern suburbs of Perth.

Did you have a garden? What are your memories of it?

I don’t have many memories of our first house but mum and dad built the place where we spent our teenage years and used my brother and I as slave labour! We learned all about paving, planting and mowing lawns, planting and pruning rose bushes – and all for very little pocket money! I actually quite enjoyed looking after the lawn. Dad had one of those barrel roller lawnmowers so we had the bowling green grass that looked really cool. That was my baby!

Where are you living now, and how long have you been there?

I live in the Yarra Valley just outside Melbourne. We were in our previous house for seven years, and in this house coming up for two years.

What was the garden like when you moved in?

It was only three years old when we bought it, so even now it is still establishing itself. We’re on four acres, so effectively three and a half acres of lawn, one house and very few plants – exactly as I like it!

Your Fantastic Backyard 51


52 Your Fantastic Backyard


BATTLE OF THE BACKYARDS “As the kids grow up, I’m sure we’ll be building playgrounds and a paddock for a horse. Leanne’s already talking about swings and slides, and she’s thinking about our daughter being able to ride.” the dog didn’t have any input, but obviously the things we have done – like fencing in a small area for them to run around in, and a shade sail over the pool – have been installed with them in mind.

You travel a lot with racing – does that make it hard to maintain or did you plan it to be low maintenance?

Because we are away so much, the last thing we want to be doing is pulling weeds and trimming plants. I don’t mind the lawn mowing. It takes about two and a half hours once a month and probably one day every three months doing the other chores, so it is low maintenance. I have two ride-on mowers, the small one from the previous house, and the big commercial number now. Where we live there are about 20 houses, all on acreage, and I’m sure it is the ‘who has the biggest mower’ competition -- but I’m winning!

Do you consider yourself to be a gardener? What have you done to it? What makes it work for you?

We haven’t done a lot. We’re currently building a large workshop. Once that’s done, there will be landscaping and general driveway building and things like that, but that’s the first real project. It works for us because we like the space, and I find it quite cathartic being on the mower, headphones on, listening to the radio and solving the problems of the world!

Have you included anything personal or special?

The workshop. I keep telling Leanne it is for her, because it is where her Formula Ford race cars will live – she’s racing Formula Ford at state and national level again, for a bit of fun – but in reality it is for me. She calls it ‘Man Land’. One project that will be happening there is the restoration of my 1969 Chev Camaro road car. It will be my retreat.

Is there anything quirky there that gives a hint about you?

No. I try not to have anything that gives away secrets. No red fences, but the shed might give it away. I try to be as anonymous as possible, which is difficult because there are about 10 HSV Commodores in our street, so everyone knows who we are!

Who shares your backyard with you – did they have any input? My wife Leanne and our two children, Scarlett who is just over two, and Sebastian who is six months, and our dog, Holly. The kids and

No! I can do it, but I really don’t enjoy doing it. I think that is definitely a result of the child abuse my brother and I suffered at a very early age, with all the stuff our parents made us do! The mind is definitely rebelling against that!

Can you see yourself making any other changes?

As the kids grow up, I’m sure we’ll be building playgrounds and a paddock for a horse. Leanne’s already talking about swings and slides, and she’s thinking about our daughter being able to ride – but as she’s not a green thumb either, you won’t be seeing any vegie patches or rose gardens happening here.

What makes a good time in your garden?

In the warmer months we have quite a few barbecues and invite friends and guys from the race team. Quite a few of them have kids of similar ages to ours. Steve Richards [another V8 Supercar driver] is a good mate and lives quite close, so we see them quite a bit. We try to do as much entertaining as we can in the summer, because the rest of the year is hectic.

What memories will you have of this yard when you’re old and grey?

All my friends say this place is crying out for a quad bike or kart track built around the boundary, and no doubt as the kids get older and have their own bikes or karts, it will happen. Other kids on the estate do that already. Obviously when I finish racing professionally, a lot of things might change. I might even sprout a green thumb – but I really think that is unlikely. I think this place will have lots of good memories of things other than gardening! n

Your Fantastic Backyard 53


Will Davison Ford Performance Racing Bathurst winner: 2009

54 Your Fantastic Backyard


BATTLE OF THE BACKYARDS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WENSLEY

How did you get into motorsport and did you consider any other career?

I have never considered any other career. I was brought up in a racing family, dating back to my grandfather [Lex Davison, fourtime winner of the Australian Grand Prix]. And of course my dad [Richard] was involved and my big brother [Alex, also a V8 Supercar driver] so it’s in my veins. It was a good family-bonding thing too, because we were all involved. There have been tough times when I wondered if I would have to do something different, but I’ve always managed to get past them. I couldn’t live without it.

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Balwyn in suburban Melbourne, but my grandparents had a property in Nagambie. We spent pretty much every weekend there, driving dune buggies and riding motorbikes. Interestingly, it was sold to Rick Jamieson and that’s where Black Caviar was bred.

Did you have a garden? What are your childhood memories of it? It was a decent-sized house and yard, with a tennis court, and a big area of garden. There was a big concrete wall where we could climb up and throw water bombs at our mates. There was good scrub to hide in, and space to make tracks to run around on my scooter. It was a great backyard.

Where are you living now, and how long have you been there?

I was living in Queensland, but I’ve been back in Melbourne since 2009. I bought this house in the Bayside area near Port Philip Bay about two years ago.

“I bought this house in the Bayside area near Port Philip Bay about two years ago... I have a great timber deck and a lot of white stone paving around the pool – I wanted everything so it was easy-care and looked presentable. Definitely low maintenance!

What was the garden like when you moved in?

The house was only 18 months old then, so the yard was pretty good, but it needed a bit of work. It was a bit overgrown so the grass wasn’t getting any sun, and then with two dogs and a Melbourne winter, it got pretty messy.

What have you done to it? What makes it work for you? I put in a lot of fake grass for the dogs – best thing I ever did! Much of the garden was mulched with bark but I replaced that with

Your Fantastic Backyard 55


white stones so it was more dog friendly. I have a great timber deck and a lot of white stone paving around the pool – I wanted everything so it was easy-care and looked presentable. Definitely low maintenance!

there and they can see in and feel part of things even if they aren’t allowed inside.

Have you included anything personal or special in your garden?

It has a bit of a Balinese feeling to it with a Balinese hut and a daybed and outdoor heating and a good sound system. There are some really nice plants out there, quite mature plants – not too many flowers. I just wanted a good place to chill out.

My two dogs, a Labrador who’s five-and-a-half and a French bulldog who is three-and-a-half. They influenced a lot of what I have done, but there was no input from them! I love having people around when I can but there is never enough time. I was really proud to host my mum’s 60th birthday last year with a crowd of about 50 people. It was great to put on a nice night for her.

Is there anything quirky there, that gives a hint about you?

You travel a lot with racing – does that make it hard to maintain or did you plan it to be low maintenance?

I love the sound of running water so I have a really nice water feature and I love lights in the garden, so I have some hidden in the garden to light it up at night. There’s also a great area that is sort of indented into the house. It’s all glass and it was full of plants before but I’ve cleared it out and set it up as the dog haven. Their beds are

56 Your Fantastic Backyard

Who shares your backyard with you – did they have any input?

It is a very easy house and yard to maintain and that’s what I wanted, because I’m never home. I get stressed if I come home and my lawns aren’t mowed, or my garden is overgrown, or there are weeds. I’m really happy to come home when it’s clean and just sit out there and enjoy it, no matter what the weather is.


BATTLE OF THE BACKYARDS

Do you consider yourself to be a gardener?

Not really. I hate the idea of it but once I get started, I cannot stop. I can procrastinate forever but once I start, I have to get it done. I have a gardener who does the regular stuff, but if it’s oiling the deck, cleaning up the leaves from the big tree out the front or power cleaning the driveway, I’m on a mission! Once I get started, I get into it. If I see one weed, I’ll do the lot.

Can you see yourself making any other changes?

It is a pretty good set-up the way it is. I did have thoughts of extending the deck and building in the barbecue, making a sort of outdoor kitchen. If I stay long-term I will probably do that.

What makes a good time in your garden?

I’m not home all that often so when I am, it’s nice to cook a barbie and sit outside, on my own or with friends. I’m not out there doing too much gardening, that’s for sure! I love having good company, good music, good wine, a relaxed atmosphere and everyone feeling comfortable and happy.

“It has a bit of a Balinese feeling to it with a Balinese hut and a daybed and outdoor heating and a good sound system. There are some really nice plants out there, quite mature plants – not too many flowers. I just wanted a good place to chill out.” What memories will you have of this yard when you’re old and grey?

I can see myself here for another five years or so. It does have the potential for me to bring up a family here, if and when I ever have one! It suits me now, and it has the potential to grow into. If I don’t stay, I will have very fond memories because it is such a nice place to be. n

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Top Deck P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y S I M O N K E N N Y/C O N T E N T A G E N C Y STORY PENELOPE BARKER

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One of Australia’s best loved entertainers, Monica Trapaga lives in an old flour mill in inner-city Sydney where her garden is a rooftop terrace offering sweeping views of the iconic Sydney skyline. Here, she talks about her latest venture, an inspiring cookbook based on her culinary adventures in New York. To call Monica Trapaga multi-talented is something of an understatement – over the years, she has wowed audiences around the country with her vocal and performing talents, been a long term presenter of television shows Play School and Better Homes & Gardens and delighted the littlies with her rendition of the original Bananas in Pyjamas theme song. She also owns a busy homewares store, Reclaim, in Sydney’s Newtown and employs her artistic talents to make jewellery and other items for the store. If that weren’t enough Monica also shares three houses, six children and Lola the dog with husband Simon Williams and has put pooled her culinary and creative talents with daughter Lil Tulloch for her new cookbook,

A Bite of the Big Apple – My Food Adventure in New York.

What was special about your backyard when you were growing up?

My parents are Spanish-American and moved to Australia from the Phillipines before I was born. They bought a block of land in northern Sydney backing onto bushland and built a timber architect-designed house with lots of glass backing into a cliff. So I didn’t have a backyard as such as a child, I had the whole of Lane Cove National Park! As kids, the four of us would spend all our time outdoors, exploring caves and having sleep outs in the bush, picking blackberries in the summer and roasting marshmallows over a campfire. It was a beautiful, enchanted life. One day, Mum came chasing after us with an axe and killed a red belly black snake that was following us. Another time I found an old reserve of beautiful antique bottles and started digging them up – until I discovered I was digging right next to a funnel web spider’s hole. It was those

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bottles that started my bowerbird collection of old and interesting things. I still have some of them – they are beautiful pieces.

Have you always enjoyed cooking?

My Mum is a great cook and when we were children she’s put us all in aprons, including any visiting kids, and we’d all hang out in the kitchen helping with the cooking. It was a lot of fun. My grandmother was also a great cook. Back in the Phillipines she cooked for President Marcos and his wife Imelda. She was also a couturier and made many of Imelda’s dresses as well as doing fine needlepoint pieces for Imelda’s bedroom. She never stopped sewing or cooking, was always elegant and was always reading and trying out new recipes. Her parties were extraordinary and she passed on that pathological need to bake on to myself and my daughter – we’ve all got it.

How did A Bite of the Big Apple come about?

It’s a continuation of my first book, She’s Leaving Home, which I wrote for my daughter Lil. The book ended with me going off to New York to marry Simon. I realised how much I loved New York and Simon suggested I go back and work on another book. Every day a new adventure would happen. After a while, Lil joined me and we had wild adventures all over the place. Lil started writing as well and we put it all together. After that, I decided to buy a place there and eventually found a beautiful loft in SoHo and bought it.

What’s the story behind your rooftop garden in Sydney?

It’s my little escape where I grow fresh herbs and flowering plants for salads. Anything I like to cook with is up there. When we first bought the old flour mill the previous owners had done a lot of restoration inside but hadn’t got to the roof, which we soon discovered leaked

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badly! We had to waterproof and put fencing around it and now we get a lot of use out of it for relaxing and outdoor dining.

What’s next on your busy agenda?

I wrote a show called Songs of New York to go with the book and have just come off a tour. I’ve also been doing a lot of book evenings to promote A Bite of the Big Apple and done another tour with amazing jazz guitarist Ray Beadle. I also sang with my cowboy band at a recent conference for Brother sewing machines and am learning machine embroidery, have been making things for Reclaim in the run up to Christmas and have been thinking about the next book. Simon and I also have an old 1920s boat house in the little fishing village of Currarong, on the South Coast, that we’re renovating. We have a beautiful big garden there and grow figs, asparagus, artichokes, spinach and lots of herbs and roses. Every time we go down there I come back with big bunches of roses, rose geranium and lavender for the shop. There are lots of birds and the kangaroos wander up for cocktails every evening. Lola loves running on the beach and thinks she is the queen of Currarong! A Bite of the Big Apple, by Monica Trapaga and Lil Tulloch, published by Lantern, $39.99.


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Bite of the Big Apple

MONICA TRAPAGA AND DAUGHTER LIL TULLOCH SHARE RECIPES SOURCED IN NEW YORK DURING THEIR ADVENTURES COMPILING THEIR INSPIRING NEW COOKBOOK, A BITE OF THE BIG APPLE. MOJITOS ON THE DECK ANYONE?

MON’S

Mojitos My favourite country in the world would have to be Cuba. In particular I love Habana Vieja (Old Havana). Frozen in a forgotten time, this part of the city still has warm blood pumping through its veins, its days punctuated with music and celebrations as vibrant as its colourful architecture. The people of Havana don’t have much in terms of material possessions but they are rich in knowledge, love and good humour. My time there was truly memorable, as I spent it in a state of euphoria, laughing more than I thought possible. This could be attributed to the incredible music I danced to and the company of my partner Simon, but perhaps more accurately it was the many mojitos I consumed. Mojitos make the most of what’s available. Apart from the ice, the five ingredients that make a mojito have always been readily available in Cuba: lime juice, fresh mint (originally yerba buena or spearmint), sugar or sugar cane syrup (guarapa), soda and, lastly, white rum. The great thing is you don’t need a blender or a cocktail shaker to make this, just a highball glass and a muddler. Ernest Hemingway was known for his penchant for mojitos and his regular watering hole in Havana, ‘La Bodeguita del Medio’, still stands. Inscribed on the wall in his handwriting is ‘Mi mojito en la bodeguita’ or ‘My mojito at the bodeguita’. Although not his greatest work of literature, it was inspired by a great beverage and underlines this cocktail’s humble history as the drink of choice for some of the quintessential barflies of the fifties.

Makes 1 2 teaspoons granulated sugar juice of 2 ripe limes 2 sprigs of mint, leaves picked a handful of crushed ice ¼ cup (60 ml) rum ¼ cup (60 ml) soda water (more or less to taste)

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Place lime juice and sugar in a highball glass. Add mint leaves and muddle – don’t shred the leaves, just muddle them to bruise the mint, release its flavour and dissolve the sugar. Add ice and pour rum over the top. Give it a good stir to bring the mint to the top and ‘awaken’ the sugar, then top with a blast of soda water and serve.


Monica’s Recipes

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CORN AND

Basil Soup One day in late spring I was doing my usual Union Square Markets shop when I noticed this crowd of people in what I can only describe as a football scrum, heads down, all examining the fresh load of corn that had just appeared. New Yorkers just love their corn. I watched as they pulled back the husks to inspect the ears for hidden worms and freshness then virtually wrestled each other for the best ears. Thinking this must be pretty special corn, I bought ten ears. The corn was right next to the fresh flower and herb stall and the scent of basil was floating in the air, teasing me, so I bought a big bunch. All the way home on the subway, I created recipes in my head, including the one that follows. The beauty of this recipe is that you can have it hot or chilled. It makes a great starter at a dinner party and a perfect luncheon soup

Serves 6 8–10 ears of corn, husked 8 cups (2 litres) chicken stock 8 cloves garlic 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 tablespoon butter 4 large brown onions or 8 small ones, finely chopped 1 teaspoon sugar 1 large red/green chilli 1 large sprig basil ½ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 600 ml thickened cream finely shredded fresh chilli and basil, to garnish

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Cut each ear of corn in half and place in a big pot with the chicken stock, and 2 of the garlic cloves. Bring to the boil and as soon as it reaches boiling point, turn the heat down to low and simmer for 20 minutes. Place olive oil and butter in a large heavy-based frying pan over medium heat and as soon as the butter has melted, stir in onions and gently saute. While the onions are cooking, place sugar on a chopping board with the remaining 6 garlic cloves and the chilli, and chop as finely as possible over the sugar until it becomes a fine paste, then add to the sauteing onions, stirring occasionally. Use a colander to strain the corn and garlic, reserving the stock in the pot for later. Once the corn is cool enough to handle, carefully remove the kernels from the cobs. Sit a corn cob so the flat end is resting on the chopping board and use a very sharp knife to slice downwards, as close to the cob as possible. Add the corn to the frying pan as you go. When all the corn is in with the onions, pour in half the stock, lay a large sprig of basil on top and simmer for 10 minutes. Finally, return the corn and onions to the remaining stock in the pot, remove the basil sprig, and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and add salt, pepper and cream. Using a food processor or wand blender, puree the mixture to your preferred consistency. Taste for seasoning, adjust if necessary and ladle into bowls. Garnish with chilli and basil and serve.


Monica’s Recipes

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CHOCOLATE

Mousse Pie

The ginger snaps add a lovely, unexpected spiciness to the crust for this pie. I like to take the pie out of the fridge about 20 minutes before I am going to serve it. This makes it easier to cut, and chocolate is always at its best served just below room temperature; I dip my knife into a glass of very hot water so it cuts through the ganache smoothly. This is a really spectacular dessert, and served with a few seasonal berries it’s a real showstopper. Serves 12, with leftovers 125 g unsalted butter 300 g bittersweet chocolate, chopped into small pieces 4 eggs, separated 1 teaspoon vanilla extract ½ cup (110 g) caster sugar 300 ml thickened cream, whipped Crust 1 × 200 g packet chocolate chip cookies or Nice biscuits, broken 1 × 400 g packet ginger snaps, broken 1 cup (160 g) almonds or hazelnuts ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon 130 g butter, melted Chocolate ganache 130 g dark chocolate 120 g unsalted butter

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First make the crust. In a food processor or blender, pulse all ingredients except butter to a sandy consistency, then pour in melted butter and pulse until well combined. Press the mixture into the base and sides of a 20 cm round springform cake tin, avoiding uneven thickness at the edges and corners. I have always found the best tool for this is your fingers, as you can feel the thickness of the crust. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 20 minutes or until firm. In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, melt butter and then add the chocolate, stirring constantly. When completely smooth, remove from heat, transfer to a mixing bowl and allow to cool. In another small bowl, whisk egg yolks, then add a little at a time to the cooled chocolate mixture and combine well, using a wooden spoon. When all the egg yolk has been added, stir through the vanilla, then set aside. Whisk egg whites until stiff then gradually add caster sugar and keep whisking until stiff peaks form. Gently fold into chocolate mixture, together with the whipped cream. Pour into the crust and evenly distribute with a spatula, then return to the fridge to set. (The pie can be made to this stage the day before serving, as the ganache only takes about 30 minutes to set.) For the chocolate ganache, melt chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring until it’s absolutely smooth. While it is still runny, pour over the chilled pie and spread evenly with a knife or spatula, then return to the fridge for about 30 minutes to chill and set.


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1.

Morso ‘Forno’ enamelled cast iron wood-fired pizza oven from Woodpecker, www.woodpecker.com.au

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Bare Grills Forget the campfire and scorched sausages – outdoor cooking is becoming ever more sophisticated with a broad range of equipment to choose from, from barbecues with all the bells and whistles to nifty little portable grills, wood-fired pizza ovens and fully equipped outdoor kitchens.

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2.

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Outdoor Dining 3.

4.

2. This Sydney outdoor kitchen by Kastell Kitchens is fully equipped for outdoor cooking and entertaining, with no need to run in and out of the house. The kitchen features lime-coloured corrugated glass doors and Caesarstone benchtops, with a BeefEater 4-burner barbecue and wok burner, a Mercer sink, Methven spring gooseneck tap, Rhino refridgerator and Alfresco wood-fired pizza oven supplied by Sydney Heaters and Pizza Ovens, www.kastell.com.au 3. The ‘Collaroy’ stainless steel modular outdoor kitchen by Lifestyle, www.lifestylebbqs.com 4. Inbuilt wood-fired oven by Innovative Metal Products, doubles as a fireplace in winter, www.inproducts.com.au

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5.

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Outdoor Dining 6

7.

8 5. Eva Solo porcelain table barbecue, www.top3.com. au 6. Portable Lotus Grill, available from www.top3.com. au and www.zimba.com.au has won a prestigious Red Dot Award for its design. 7. Eva Solo stainless steel grill, www.top3.com.au 8. Patio by Jamie Durie barbecue tools set, exclusive to Big W. www.bigw.com.au

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Splash Hits In Australia, our climate has meant that the swimming pool has become the focus of our outdoor lifestyle and the centre for all our leisure and entertaining activities. If you are contemplating installing a swimming pool, the following article is a must read to ensure that you are up to date on all the current trends, styles and inclusions to create your own private tropical paradise, so that your home can be enjoyed as a retreat: your own private refuge.

J

ohn Storch, Principal of award winning A Total Concept Landscape Architects and Pool Designers, believes “Overall, there is a trend for simplification occurring. Pool design is becoming less complicated, utilising clean lines and monochromatic colours rather than multi shapes and colour mixes. People are looking for value and quality, and the ‘wow’ factor in the finer detail. Chunky square edges in the paving create shadowlines around swimming pools and floating poolside areas, using some unusual coloured micrograin interiors, and creating entertaining and relaxation areas around pools with paving alternatives.” Gone are the days of freeform pebble pools. The trend for pool design styles now extends from traditional formal pools through to Asian fusion styles utilising aspects of freeform and hard edge shapes to create contemporary designs with a blend of simple, clean- lined geometric profiles.

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2.

Sometimes the architecture of the home suggests the style for the pool. For instance, classic formal architecture may be best suited to a geometric design pool incorporating circular swim-outs at the ends or central along the length of the pool. A contemporary home may be best suited to a geometric pool with a simple, clean hard line design, possibly incorporating an infinity edge in cases where the view beyond the property line is aesthetic, such as a lake, ocean or panoramic hillside to draw the eye beyond and to give a strong architectural element. A home located within a bushland area can accommodate a design where the surrounding vegetation and natural organic forms may be visually incorporated into the design. Informal or geometric lines, undulating levels and sympathetic ‘earthy’ use of materials are the design components of a native bush or tropical pool and garden. Smaller pools are coming into their own and becoming much more popular than the standard 4.5 x 9.5 metre family pool of yesterday. “I advise our clients that the length of the pool is not the most important aspect for the average family over the usable

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life of the pool,” says John Storch. “When children are young, say up to the age of six, they tend to be limited to the pool steps and pool benches or on Dad or Mum’s lap, so the size of the pool is irrelevant. Children between six and teenagers, tend to swim, racing each other up and down a pool, and play pool games, so the size of the pool has importance at this time only. Adults and teenage children tend to use the pool the same way, utilising the benches and seats for relaxing, having a drink and socialising or simply jumping in the pool to cool off on a hot summer day. So the size of a pool is only really relevant to children for a limited time over the life of a pool. The more modern pools may be small in size but can be packed with lots of functions and design detailing such as spa jets, swim jets and heaters to maximise their potential use. The seats and benches are the most important long term use of a pool for social gatherings of teenagers and adults and for young children. A plunge pool may be best suited to a smaller city property’s external spaces. With a tendency towards higher density living, tougher authority development controls, with private exterior


Outdoor Dining 3.

spaces becoming smaller and more people expecting these areas to be utilised in many different ways, a plunge pool affords a cool place for a dip in the summer and may be cost-efficiently heated for extended winter use. Plunge pools are typically around 6 x 4 metres, may incorporate swim jets for exercise purposes and often are designed to visually appear as water features. Benches are often provided to the entire internal perimeter of plunge pools for the shallow water use of younger children or socialising for teenagers. Often the depth of a plunge pool is constant rather than sloping, 1500 mm is a workable depth. Another variation of the plunge pool, developed specifically for our Australian lifestyles by A Total Concept, is taken from the Japanese onsen (natural hot springs). “The details of these we are keeping under wraps for the time being,” says John, “ but suffice to say, no pool fence is required, either hot or cold water can be used (so they are great for summer and winter use), no chemicals are needed (so therefore great for kids with dermatitis and allergies), the design can fit into the smallest space and costs a fraction of the price of a normal pool.”

A lap pool is often suited to a long, narrow garden area and is an option that provides the perfect exercise accessory to stay fit and healthy. Incorporate a lap pool with an extended section at one end with benches or beach and they can become a very functional family pool. Spas may be incorporated either into the pool or may be constructed as a stand-alone feature. As a cost efficient option, there are numerous quality prefabricated fibreglass spas that can simply be placed in gardens to create a central entertaining area for the home. Often, where a spa is incorporated into the pool, the two can be designed at the same level so that the pool and spa are visually read as one rather than two separate structures. Keep in mind that the rear outdoor areas of our homes are our own ‘private’ spaces so really any design can work. Have fun with the pool design. Remember you are the one that will use it, so if your idea of a paradise is a pool with glow-in the-dark fluorescent tiles, plastic plants and bespoke giraffe slide go for it! The neighbours may never see it and if they do may just want to swim too!

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A TOTAL CONCEPT LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS & POOL DESIGNERS A Total Concept is an established award-winning practice specialising in the integration of outdoor spaces incorporating beautiful and functional pools, gardens and cabanas for projects ranging from simple family homes and elaborate residential properties to boutique and resort-style developments. The team at A Total Concept provides services extending from consultations to designs and specifications, council approvals and builder recommendations or the total management of the project and contract administration. Award-winning A Total Concept brings together all aspects of the project, helping with specifying paving selections, landscape lighting and types of plants and pool equipment, to the choice of materials, colours and fixtures and fittings for your cabana, ensuring that money is best spent to enhance your lifestyle and maximise returns on your biggest investment, your home 65 West Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Phone: 02 9957 5122 Email: design@atotalconcept.com.au Web: www.atotalconcept.com.au

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Aquatremor Bluetooth Stereo Sound System

Wifi & Power Management

Hot Tubs by Arctic Spas Are Engineered For The WORLD’S HARSHEST CLIMATES and Are Among The Finest Hot Tubs Available In Australia. Arctic Spas Hot Tubs are designed to perform in the most severe elements, and that translates into your guarantee of reliability, economy and peace of mind, no matter where you live. Arctic Spas have full wifi technology allowing you to program and control your spa remotely through your smart phone, iPad or computer and best of all micromanage power consumption through the Power Management technology built into the free Arctic Spas Application. Call 0422 340 486 Visit www.arcticspasdownunder.com.au Email arcticspas@optusnet.com.au 80 Your Fantastic Backyard


AquaLink TRi by Zodiac Puts The Power of Your Pool Control at Your Fingertips.

FREE UPGRADE to iAquaLink!* Four Function Pool Control Centre AquaLink TRi takes the expense and complexity out of pool automation and delivers a user friendly and highly affordable product to your pool pad. AquaLink TRi allows you to control multiple devices for your pool and backyard with a simple intuitive interface with the option of control thru your smart phone, home computer or laptop. Available in a range of affordable pool only or pool and spa combinations. Contact Zodiac today. * Applies only to purchases made until Dec 31st 2013 on the WTCUi-P4 and WTCUi-PS4. Terms and conditions apply see the website for more info www.zodiac.com.au

Phone: 1800 688 552 www.zodiac.com.au


1.

Amber ‘Himalayan Sandstone’, www.ambertiles.com.au

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Surface Paradise STORY BY LIZ SWANTON

Pave the way to outdoor chic with some rock solid advice from the experts.

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W

hen it’s time to lay floor coverings inside your home, you’re spoiled for choice because there are so many options. Carpet, tiles and boards are some of the ‘surface treatments’ available. Now it’s the same outside – paving is a surface treatment solution for the backyard but not the only one. Working out what’s best for you starts with looking at your situation, then asking – and answering – some questions. “The biggest decision is whether paving is the appropriate solution,” says Adam Woodhams, designer for ‘Today’s Garden’ (www.todaysgarden.com.au). “Are you sure it’s right, or might a deck be more appropriate?” Adam says there are several things to consider and one of the most important is drainage – paving is, generally, a hard impervious surface, so what happens when it rains, or you hose it? Where will that water go? Hopefully onto the garden or lawn – or into properly installed drainage pipes. “Masonry also retains a lot of heat. So a paved area in direct sun is a hot, dry surface which might create a heat trap for the house. You can always add shade but think it through before you start.” Adam also advises giving serious thought to your substrate. If it’s rock with just a small amount of topsoil, how far do you have to excavate? You need a bed of a certain depth, depending on paver type and thickness. “Excavating rock can be expensive and you can’t just lay the pavers on top if that leaves them above the damp course. You also need to consider where the soil and rock will go – can you spread it around the yard or does it need to be moved off site? This is one example of where a deck may be the simpler solution.” Your next problem is what to choose. It’s called ‘unitary paving’ because you are covering an area with individual units rather than one slab, and those units come in a range of shapes, sizes and materials – even timber – these days. “Do you want standard brick size pavers or something bigger like the medium and large ‘format’ pavers? Large format pavers are very trendy – they’re about 400 x 400mm or a little over a foot in the old money,” Adam says. “It may come down to pricing and mostly that is discussed per square metre not per paver. For example, you might think brick pavers are cheap at 89c each but put a square metre together and it adds up quickly. “And be careful with size. Lifestyle TV shows suggest the large format pavers are easy to lay. They go down fast because they fill a big space quickly, but they are harder to lay if you are doing it yourself. They’re heavy, more awkward to move around and you have to lean further, so they are very physically demanding, whereas smaller pavers are just bang-bang-bang very quickly, with minimum stress.” You also need to think about the pattern you want, and how to create it. Big pavers need cutting to fit around fiddly sections, where smaller ones allow more latitude. You also need to consider

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thickness – a driveway requires thicker, smaller pavers that won’t crack or tip.

THINKING COLOUR

“You can pick a colour to suit your décor now but I suggest you don’t just go by what you see in-store,” Adam says. “Buy or borrow some samples and take them home because they can look completely different in situ – just as you would with testing paint colours. Make sure the colour does what you want.” Adam also warns on very pale colours. They look lovely but an expanse of white or cream can be blinding in the sun. They also stain easily unless you seal them well, or are prepared to clean them regularly. “The other thing you come down to is the actual material. They are all called ‘masonry pavers’, but some are concrete and some are clay. Concrete is probably the most common and the most popular because it offers the broadest colour range, but I don’t believe the colour ages as well as clay. “Another caution with concrete is that some cheapies are not coloured all the way through so they can wear out quickly in heavy traffic areas and all you see is the concrete. 2. Caption 3. Caption 4. Caption

“Buy or borrow some samples and take them home because they can look completely different in situ – just as you would with testing paint colours. Make sure the colour does what you want.” “I prefer clay pavers for their quality and durability, but some prefer the large format and a wider choice of colours that clay pavers don’t offer.” Remember that buying pavers doesn’t have to mean ‘new’. Recycled bricks and pavers, or seconds, do the same job and work well if you want to match up with older paving, or have the aged look immediately. Adam’s video on paving (http://tiny.cc/ngt1zw) may help you decide if you can do the job yourself, or if it is better to hire the experts. Be honest about your skills – if you’re not experienced, it’s more costly to fix a bad job than hiring a pro in the first place. He also cautions starting any job without checking with your local council. While many jobs won’t need approval, it is smarter to find out before you start if there are rules to take into consideration, rather than afterwards.

THE GOLDEN RULES

As Outdoor Product Manager for Amber (www.ambertiles.com. au), Mike Barden has years of experience with all types of pavers and knows the golden rules for getting the job right.


Surface Paradise 2.

3.

2. ‘Legno Cedar’ from the Legno Antico collection of eco-friendly porcelain stoneware from Beenleigh Tiles, www.beenleightiles.com.au 3. Sakkho Javanese teak tiles from PFS Furniture Sales, www.furnituresales.com.au

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4.

5.

6.

7.

4. Slat wooden garden tiles from www.ezibuy.com.au 5. Decorative concrete finish by Australian Slate-Crete Supplies, www.australianslate-crete.com.au 6. No more loose stones with DIY, easy to apply Pour On Gravel Binder by Apex Surfaces, www.apexfurfaces.com.au 7. Sakkho Javanese teak tiles can be used for furniture as well as paving, from PFS Furniture Sales, www.furnituresales.com. au 8. Sandstone pavers by Cinajus, www.cinajus.com 86 Your Fantastic Backyard


Surface Paradise 8.

“Drainage is key. Get the sub-surface drainage wrong and the site will never look good – constantly wet pavers are dangerous and they stain. A paving job is only as good as what’s underneath – proper drainage and a base that is correctly laid, with due attention to the slope of the site.” Mike says you need to work out what the paving is for. A pool needs to be non-slip; that’s less of an issue near a barbecue. The wrong paver choice can leave you with lots of problems. You also need to consider the size of the area and its aspect as both will affect the product you need. “What looks good? If you want consistency of colour and surface texture across the entire area, choose tiles or concrete pavers. If you love variation, choose stone. “If it’s around a pool, you need to look at the style. With a freeform pool, most people choose a more natural look. If it’s a classic pool with straight edges, you might choose something plain and simple. It is horses for courses. “You also have to consider what else is around the area you plan to pave, for example, the garden and the style of the house – is it modern, rustic or Federation style? If your pavers will butt up against the house, you need something that will complement the bricks, either lighter or darker. Don’t try to match it. Mixed colours in the bricks? Go for plainer paving. Plain bricks? Choose mottled pavers or something with varied shading.” Mike says you never lay pavers over concrete with sand because the moisture gets trapped. A concrete slab needs an approved adhesive.

He also advises using a penetrating sealer to keep your pavers clean – and protect your investment.

WHAT ABOUT STONE?

Stone has become an increasingly popular option for outside use, but there are some things you need to be aware of, according to Scott Rasmussen of Sydney-based stone retailer, Cinajus. The main issue is to get the right stone for the job – sandstone and limestone are too soft for a driveway or in areas where they might be easily stained, such as under trees, unless they have been sealed. Sandstone doesn’t work near a saltwater pool either because the salt will damage it. “Take a look at what you want it for – the driveway, around the pool, or a general entertaining area – and then work out with the help of an expert what will be most appropriate,” Scott says. You may not be able to get the colour you want in the stone you need, so you may need to tweak your ideas. Sandstone comes in a wide range of colours but has limited uses, whereas granite is tough enough to work everywhere but has a limited colour range. “You need to consider the qualities of the stone you want and how long you need it to last. The right choice of adhesive and sealant will make a big difference. You also need to consider how slippery your choice might be when it is wet – that could have a major bearing on how you use it.” Scott says other options to consider are basalt, travertine, quartzite and porphyry. More information is available on the company website (www. cinajus.com) or by calling (02) 9773 5677 n

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9.

‘Edenstone’ limestone pavers in Ivory from Amber Tiles, www.ambertiles.com.au

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Surface Paradise

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Legno Antico Captures The Essence of Nature In An Eco-Friendly, Technologically Advanced Material That Brings Elegance To The Designs In Which It Appears.

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DIY easy application Easy Maintenance Porous | Cost Effective Decorative Pebbles

Legno Antico is porcelain stoneware available in three colours, and two surface finishes: “Natural” for laying indoors and “Cross Cut” perfect for outdoors.

Call now on (03) 9879 7221 • www.apexsurfaces.com.au

C OUT USTOM DOO M R FU ADE RNI TUR E

Tiles • Timber • Bamboo • Laminated Floors Call (07) 3287 2603 or visit www.beenleightiles.com.au See our showroom at 101 Harburg Drive, Beenleigh QLD

Decorative Concrete Finishes

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

DISP LA CENT Y RE

Are you tired of your existing Concrete Driveway? Are you considering a Decorative Concrete finish? Our eco-friendly range of outdoor furniture combines the durability of stainless steel with the warmth of natural timbers. This Australian manufactured product can be custom made to your dimensions. Our range uses plantation teak tiles (pictured) and Western Australian Karri slats. Call 03 95790140 or visit www.furnituresales.com.au See our showroom at 975 North Road, Murrumbeena Vic 3163 90 Your Fantastic Backyard

Whether you have existing concrete or have freshly poured concrete there is a decorative option available. Our outlet has many designs and options on display. Let our experienced staff help you customise a look to suit your needs. Ph: (03) 9408 7722 • 12 Yale Drive, Epping VIC (Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm & Sat 8am-12pm)


Sandstone

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DISPLAY & WAREHOUSE 32 Bryant Street, Padstow NSW 2211 Ph: 02 9773 5677 Fax: 02 9773 5644 Email: info@cinajus.com Online Catalogue: www.cinajus.com


Hello Sunshine! Power tool experts STIHL are all about the outdoors. Here, STIHL’s Product Manager Andrew Dawson gives some tips on what parents can do to get their kids into the garden now spring is in the air.

92 Your Fantastic Backyard


Kids In The Garden

T

he flowers are blooming, the air is warming up, so why not get the kids outside and getting their hands dirty?” says Andrew Dawson, STIHL’s Product Manager.

CLEAN UP THE GARDEN

Clear pathways and a neat and tidy lawn will be much more inviting for the kids, STIHL’s BG56 AirBroom will get the job done six times faster than a broom! Don’t tell the kids that though - set the kids to work with a broom on easy to clear areas.

MAKE IT EXCITING

Get the kids involved in designing an interactive garden. Create hiding holes and tunnels, install sandpits if you can, use plants with interesting textures and colours, and give the kids their own area of the garden to dig and plant in. It could simply be a large container or a few pots.

BUY PINT-SIZED GARDEN TOOLS

Give your child their own set of brightly coloured, safe gardening tools – like buckets, trowels and watering cans.

PLANT A VEGETABLE BED

Teach kids to grow and harvest their own vegetables – they might even eat them!

CREATE A HABIT

Encourage your kids to get out in the garden every day these school holidays so it becomes part of the routine. They’ll also get their daily dose of vitamin D.

VISIT DIFFERENT GARDENS

For an outdoor outing over the school holidays or on weekends, take the kids to visit community gardens, botanic gardens and children’s farms for inspiration.

GET THE SCHOOL INVOLVED IN A NEW FREE COMMUNITY PROGRAM Sign your kids’ school up for STIHL’s My Green Wall program, which equips selected Grade 3 classes in primary schools across the country with their very own Green Wall – a vertical garden

fully equipped with seeds and supplies required to grow and nurture plants over time. Visit www.getrealgetoutdoors.com. au to find out more. n

“The flowers are blooming, the air is warming up, so why not get them outside and getting their hands dirty?,” says Andrew Dawson, STIHL’s Product Manager.

Your Fantastic Backyard 93


Turn Your Outdoor Areas into a Stylish Alfresco Living Space • Simple design and easy to install • Shade, protection, privacy • Strong and durable • Sleek and stylish options

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Delivery Australia Wide Call the WeatherSafe team

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Jangar Sheds and Garages Is Your Quality Supplier of Sheds, Barns and Carports.

CARPORTS

FARM SHEDS

Our Range: • Garages and Carports • Rural Sheds • Barn Sheds • Industrial Sheds • Skillion Sheds • Stud Frame Buildings • Gable Carports • Skillion Carports • Patios and Garden Sheds

Request a Quote Call (03) 5967 4514, Visit www.jangarsheds.com.au Email sales@jangarsheds.com.au

STABLES

LAND • HOUSES • VILLAS • BUSINESSES • RESORTS FOR SALE OR RENT IN BEAUTIFUL NORTH BALI

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www.lovinaproperty.com Email: lovinapropertymerri@yahoo.com or lovinapropertydewi@yahoo.com

Your Fantastic Backyard 95


DESIGN DIRECTORY

RUBICAB ECO-CABINS

Confounded by the challenges of creating an eco-friendly caravan park development, Eco-Builders sought to avoid the negative environmental impact of traditional construction processes. “We derived inspiration from the simplicity of a Rubik’s Cube to create our sustainable range of RUBICAB EcoCabins. Along the way we discovered the advantages that prefabricated, modular building systems can achieve for alternative housing, backyard and commercial applications,” says Director of Eco-Builders, Dr Lajos Csiki-Bege. “Temporary accommodation in holiday parks also has many economic challenges. In an industry with many checking-in and checking-out on a daily basis, it is essential to minimise housekeeping costs. We designed our modular Eco-Cabins so our bathrooms,

96 Your Fantastic Backyard

kitchens and other amenities were located in common areas on a regular, easy to maintain schedule. We used urban design techniques to create a sense of community, without sacrificing on privacy or style. In tandem, we ergonomically designed accommodation cabins to minimise the amount of time required to turnover guest rooms.” RUBICAB Eco-Cabins have multiple uses, providing affordable extra accommodation priced from $18,000 to $38,000 +GST, and include a range of luxurious recreational and spa units for relaxing and entertaining at home. The same climate that promotes the Australian outdoor lifestyle can also be harsh and unforgiving. RUBICAB EcoCabins empower you to take advantage of

the Australian landscape and fresh air and to bring the outdoors in. They are constructed using quality materials that are designed to withstand the unique Australian climatic conditions and include the following features: • Energy efficient thermo insulation • Flood and water resistant • Two-hour fire resistance • Termite resistant • Rust resistant • Designed to withstand high impacts. • Affordable and easy to decorate and refurbish • Collect rainwater to optimise water usage • Durable and quality materials For more information, visit www.ecocabins.com.au


DESIGN DIRECTORY

ZODIAC EVO2 LED POOL LIGHT

Dramatic underwater pool lighting can enhance your outdoor living space for evening entertaining and allow you to enjoy a midnight dip on a hot summer’s night. The Zodiac EVO2 LED Pool Lights come in a range of colours, including fixed colour white or blue or multi-coloured. The energy-efficient lights have a rated life of up to 50,000 hours and are run on a system that is extra-low voltage, ensuring safety at all times. Designed for use in concrete, vinyl and fibreglass pools and spas, the Zodiac Evo2 LED pool lights can be easily integrated during the construction phase with their detachable cable. For further information, visit www. zodiac.com.au

Your Fantastic Backyard 97


DESIGN DIRECTORY

Every Arctic spa is engineered for ease of use, strength and carefree maintenance to deliver a lifetime of pleasure and personal satisfaction. Arctic Spas introduced the world’s first spa that can be conveniently controlled from your smart-phone with onSPA™. With both Bluetooth and WiFi capabilities, onSpa™ allows you to operate your jets and lights, change your filtration (and music playlists!), troubleshoot, and seamlessly upgrade your systems via the Arctic Spas® App. Now available in Australia, Arctic Spas are among the most innovatively designed and highest quality manufactured spas in the world, and are highly energy efficient, environmentally friendly, reliable, easy to maintain, service and upgrade, all at the lowest possible price.

ARCTIC SPAS

Arctic Spas are manufactured in Canada by Blue Falls Manufacturing and are designed to perform in the severe Canadian winters. Here in Australia, that translates into your guarantee of economy, reliability, peace of mind and personal satisfaction.

Arctic Spas combine the highest standard of quality, advanced spa technology and world-class construction techniques into their manufacturing processes, which ensures their products are offered with an industry leading warranty.

Arctic Spas Down Under is located in Melbourne, Victoria, and can assist with all your spa (hot tub), sauna and massage chair requirements. To view the complete product range, please visit the Arctic Spas corporate website at www.arcticspas.com. For further information and assistance, visit www.arcticspasdownunder.com.au

BEEFEATER DISCOVERY 1000R BARBECUE New for summer 2013, BeefEater Barbecues has just upgraded its popular Discovery Barbecue. Made from durable porcelain enamel in a stylish jet black, the Discovery 1000R features stainless steel condiment racks, deep storage cabinets, side tables, lockable caster wheels and high quality cast iron burners, providing a stand-out design with fabulous functionality. Four burner, RRP $999; five burner, RRP $1099. Mr Peter Woodland, Managing Director of BeefEater says barbecue design has advanced significantly in the past few years to allow for the increasing popularity of outdoor entertaining, open plan living and the demand for high quality cooking results. “People want to achieve the same results on a barbecue as they can in a kitchen,” he says. BeefEater recently conducted a survey of over 1000 Australians to find out about their barbecue habits. An overwhelming 87.2 per cent said they would love to upgrade their old barbecue for a new one and said that they had suffered ‘barbecue envy’ over a friend’s new barbecue. BeefEater Barbecues exports Australian barbecues to more than 40 countries around the globe. For more information, visit www. beefeaterbbq.com or tel: 1800 356 660.

98 Your Fantastic Backyard


DESIGN DIRECTORY

SOLID SCAPES

With over 10 years’ experience in the landscaping industry, Solid Scapes provides clients with a range of domestic and commercial solutions to all landscaping requirements. Says owner Andrew Fuda, “We are not just another landscape company. With all the right experience, machinery, equipment and the know-how, our dedicated team can turn your ideas from simple concept into the realisation of your dreams. We are about landscapes built to last.” Solid Scapes, based in the Sydney suburb of Hornsby, specialises in pool surrounds and structural landscapes. “Our experience speaks for itself,” says Andrew. “Every step and every minor detail is thought through during our design process to ensure our clients get

the best possible results, whether they have hired Solid Scapes to build a pool, deck or patio, paving, retaining walls, concrete paths and drives or a complete garden.” Horticulturalists on staff can plan and implement all aspects of planting,

plus provide a maintenance service once your garden is complete. Solid Scapes, PO Box 881, Hornsby, NSW, 1630; tel: 0407 784 581; email: info@solidscapes.com.au For further information, visit www. solidscapes.com.au

Your Fantastic Backyard 99


Your Bamboo Fencing Gives You Fencing and Screening Solutions That Adds Value and Lifts Your Home’s Presentation

Natural Jati Bamboo Fencing

Smoked Jati Bamboo Fencing

Natural Jati Bamboo Fencing

How much is your home’s presentation and resale value worth to you? Don’t lose out by putting up with worn-out, unattractive fencing -- simply disguise it with easy-to-install bamboo panels! Suppose you could take an easy step and fix that problem for a third of the cost today with an attractive bamboo fence that’s durable… environmentally friendly, easy on the eye and cost effective? Better yet, YOU get a new look fence without the new fence cost!

Phone 1300 272 660 or Order Online at www.bamboofencingonline.com.au *Terms and conditions apply, to approved customers only. Free delivery is to your nearest depot only, delivery to your door can be arranged for an extra fee.


Italy

May 2014

Call Now 1300 733 323 or visit www.RailwayAdventures.co m

Tours operated by Guidepost Tours, a division of STC Travel in conjunction with Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures T/A Lic 2TA5895


DIY SHEDS

We Give You The Best DIY Sheds in Australia • Australian made of the highest quality materials • Built to withstand the tough Australian conditions • Easy to assemble • Bonus eBooks on Lawn Care & Gardening • All sheds come with a written warranty of up to 20 years

Huge selection of sizes and colours to custom fit your space. See our Red Hot Specials!

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UV Stable Cable Ties For Your Plants and Backyard Wiring Projects

*Free Delivery for orders over $50 or only $5.95 for orders under $50, Australia wide

Cable Ties Direct prides itself on great customer service, quality products and carrying a wide range of high quality nylon cable ties in many different sizes and lengths. Manufactured from quality nylon, our cable ties are extremely durable, strong and have nearly an unlimited range of practical uses. If you’re not thrilled and delighted with the quality of our cable ties simply return them within 7 days for a full refund.

www.cabletiesdirect.com.au Phone 1300 667 399

Visit Us Online

Keep up to date with all that’s happening at Your Fantastic Backyard and subscribe at www.yourfantasticbackyard.com.au Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YourFantasticBackyardMagazine to enter fun competitions and more!



The

Best Hanging Baskets in the World! Seeing is believing and the range of hanging baskets from Bloom Master Australia, has everything you ever wanted in a hanging basket and more. It’s just so simple plant the side holes and the top with your choice of seedlings and before you know it the basket is covered in a cascade of colour, giving you months of blooming pleasure. Your options are endless, Herbs, Strawberries, flowers, all are show cased brilliantly with these baskets and planter boxes.

The Unique Design means potting mix won’t wash out of the holes when watered. Due to the volume and depth of the containers they stay moist longer and the foliage becomes insulating whilst still allowing aeration through the side holes. The product range is made of high quality poly-propylene and is UV treated. Available in various sizes and come complete with wire hanger.

Contact Details: Mon - Fri: 0416 180 983 After Hours: 03 5983 6281 www.bloommaster.com.au Email: info@bloommaster.com.au

94


Australian Made

DIY Cabins & Granny Flats

Easy We ekly Repayme nts Available *

Get MORE Space or Supplement Your Income With an Easy DIY Backyard Cabin Do you need extra space for a grown-up child, elderly parent or home office? Tropical Lifestyle’s range of granny flats and timber cabins is the answer. Choose from a huge range of sizes and customisable options and your cabin will be delivered pre-cut and ready to assemble, with easy to follow step-by-step instructions. There’s never been a more affordable way to solve your living space problems without the expense of home extensions or moving house.

To learn more call 1300 200 763 or visit www.thegrannyflatsuperstore.com.au *To approved applicants only. Terms, conditions, fees, charges and lending criteria apply. Limited time offer. Not valid 91Pty Limited ACN 112 319 632 t/a MyBuy (ACL 386194). with any other offer. Finance provided by Once Credit



Y A D O T BSCRIBE

SU

Subscribe To Your WIN a Gazebo or Bali

*Pictures for illustration purposes only – actual prize may vary from pictures

WIN

Bali Hut

Y WIN

Bali Hut

es, you can go into to the draw to WIN plus you will never miss an issue of your new favourite magazine, Your Fantastic Backyard. By subscribing you not only save money and ensure you receive each edition direct to your post box or email inbox – if you are one of our first 500 subscribers you also go in the draw to win a gazebo for your own backyard, courtesy of Tropical Lifestyle.

ENTERING IS SIMPLE Multisided Colorbond Gazebo

Just go to www.yourfantasticbackyard. com.au, fill out the subscription form and tell us in 25 words or less why your backyard is fantastic. The best entry will receive their new Bali hut or

gazebo delivered within Australia. Avoid disappointment -- subscribe now to be sure you are in the draw to win! Your Fantastic Backyard is also available to you in either print or digital versions. A 12 month subscription (6 issues) of the printed magazine is only $4.99 per issue – a saving of $17.75 on the normal cover price you would pay at the newsagent. Would you rather read the magazine online? A 12 month subscription (6 issues) of the digital magazine is only $2.99 per issue. Don’t forget that a subscription to Your Fantastic Backyard is also a great gift that keeps on giving all year round. That hard-to-buy-for friend or relative will remember your thoughtfulness whenever they receive each new edition.

Subscribe today at www.yourfantasticbackyard.com.au/subscribe 108 Your Fantastic Backyard


Fantastic Backyard & $ .00 Hut Valued at 4,500 12 Month Subscription (6 Printed Issues)

29.95

Printed Version ONLY $

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SEND COUPON NOW: PO Box 3408, Helensvale Town Centre, Qld 4212 ONLINE NOW: www.yourfantasticbackyard.com.au/subscribe EMAIL NOW: admin@yourfantasticbackyard.com.au CALL NOW: 1300 788 850

FAX NOW: 1300 446 714

*Subscriptions will commence with the first available issue. Existing subscriptions will simply be extended. Offer open to Australian residents only. By subscribing, you consent to receive any direct marketing material including emails which inform the recipient of the promoter’s other publications, products, services or events and to receive promotional material from third parties. Please tick box if you do NOT wish us to use this information for the purposes stated above .

Your Fantastic Backyard 109


BOOKS

VISIT YOUR FANTASTIC BACKYARD’S ONLINE BOOKSTORE AT WWW.YOURFANTASTICBACKYARD.COM.AU/ONLINEBOOKSTORE/ TO FIND A WIDE RANGE OF INSPIRING TITLES OFFERING GARDENING ADVICE, LANDSCAPE AND PLANNING IDEAS AND DIY PROJECTS. HERE’S JUST A SAMPLE OF THE LATEST TITLES ON OFFER.

VERTICAL GARDENING: ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUILDING THE PERFECT VERTICAL GARDEN! (eBook) By Maddie Alexander

There is no better time than now to get started with your vertical garden. This updated guide covers the what, when and how of vertical gardening and creative planting ideas to help you create a beautiful vertical garden or green wall and is packed with helpful images and examples.

Salt Grill Fine Dining for the Whole Family (Paperback) By Luke Mangan

Luke Mangan opened his first Salt restaurant in Sydney in 1999 and there are now many Salt and Salt Grill restaurants worldwide. Salt Grill brings together the signature dishes from these restaurants, alongside Luke’s personal favourites. Home cook and kitchen-friendly, with more than 140 recipes, this inspiring new cook book has an emphasis on dishes to share with family and friends.

AQUAPONIC GARDENING: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO RASING VEGETABLES AND FISH TOGETHER (Paperback) By Sylvia Bernstein

Aquaponics is a revolutionary system for growing plants by fertilising them with waste water from fish in a sustainable closed system. A combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, aquaponic gardening is an amazingly productive way to grow organic vegetables, herbs and fruits, while providing the added benefits of fresh fish as a safe, healthy source of protein. Anyone interested in taking the next step towards self-sufficiency will be fascinated by this practical, accessible and well-illustrated guide.

110 Your Fantastic Backyard


VERTICAL GARDENING FOR BEGINNERS: IDEAS FOR GROWING BEAUTIFUL SPACE-SAVING GARDENS INDOORS AND OUTDOORS (eBook) By Amber Norato

Learn how to garden anywhere with the power of vertical gardening. In this book, you’ll discover the benefits of vertical gardening, types of vertical gardening, necessary supplies and how to get started. This guide also discusses vegetable gardening, organic gardening and urban gardening. You can have a thriving garden no matter where you live.

THE ROOM OUTSIDE: DESIGNING YOUR PERFECT OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE (Hardcover) By David Stevens

Look beyond the back door and discover the outdoor spaces that are waiting to be shaped into natural, relaxing extensions of your home. With gorgeous photographs throughout, this inspiring guide immerses you in the aesthetics of outdoor living, from tiled gardens to trellised dining areas. Also included are instructions for building wood and metal archways, sleeper steps, a refilling water chute and a tree house.

TREE HOUSES YOU CAN ACTUALLY BUILD: A WEEKEND PROJECT BOOK (Paperback) By Jeanie Trusty Stiles and David Stiles

Tree houses capture the imagination of the child in all of us, and they have never been more popular than they are today. This inspirational yet thoroughly practical guide shows even the most inexperienced weekend carpenter how to design and build a lifetime of memories for the entire family. The authors outline five basic designs that can be adapted to virtually any set of conditions.

GARDEN LIGHTING

(Paperback)

By John Raine

This resource shows how to achieve outdoor lighting effects that highlight and optimise outdoor spaces. Considerations from aesthetics to functionality are presented for all areas outdoors – the garden, dining area, conservatory or terrace – with seasonal variations and suggestions. Learn how to highlight garden sculptures and how to use accent lighting, silhouettes, shadows and spread lighting to maximum effect.

Your Fantastic Backyard 111



ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

Overwrought.................................... 14 PFS Furniture.................................... 90 RSPCA .............................................. 24

A Total Concept................................ 107 Apex................................................. 90 Arctic Spas........................................ 80 Australian Slate-Crete Supplies....... 90 Beenleigh Tiles................................. 90

Cinajus.............................................. 91 Cheap Sheds..................................... 102 Fleming’s Nurseries.......................... 6 Gardena............................................ 36 Granny Flat Superstore................... 106 Innovation Square............................ 80

Scott McGregor’s Railway Adventures......................... 101 Solid Scapes..................................... 5 Super Bali Hut Store......................... 104 Tropical Lifestyle ............................. 2 /Back cover Weathersafe..................................... 94 Your Bamboo Fencing...................... 100 Zodiac............................................... 81

Beuty Liner....................................... 26 Bloommaster.................................... 105 C4Sun............................................... 115 Cable Ties Direct.............................. 103

Jangar Sheds.................................... 95 Jules Fox Styling and Interiors......... 20 Lifestyle BBQs.................................. 8 Lovina Property................................ 95

Lysaght Living Collection ............... 10 Metalscape...................................... 112 No Grow Lawns................................ 16

Your Fantastic Backyard 113


IN THE NEXT ISSUE

Jamie Durie’s LA Garden

In The NEXT Issue of Your Fantastic Backyard • Jamie’s Durie’s lush LA garden • Poolside luxe – daybeds, cabanas and sun loungers • Summer entertaining with Masterchef star Hayden Quinn • Classic and contemporary outdoor dining settings

Visit www.yourfantasticbackyard.com.au to subscribe and ensure you don’t miss an issue! Like us on facebook at www.facebook.com/yourfantasticbackyardmagazine

Poolside Luxe Furniture

114 Your Fantastic Backyard

Outdoor Dining Settings


Automated Shade Sails by C4sun At C4sun, we create distinctive unique products for those who demand the best and want to stand out from the crowd. Our remote controlled retractable shade sails are made from waterproof material that is of the highest quality available to us today.

Electrically Furling

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C4sun Australia Pty Ltd Unit 1 / 3 Gatwick Road, Bayswater Victoria 3153 National Phone: 03 9761 6537 E: sales@c4sun.com.au

www.c4sun.com.au


Are You Missing Out On an Amazing

Outdoor Lifestyle?

Colorbond Gazebo

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Multisided Colorbond Gazebo Do you get home and look out at a lacklustre backyard? Perhaps, on the weekend, you want to use the pool but have nowhere shady to sit? Or you would like to entertain but lack an outdoor entertaining area. Well, we have a solution for you... Tropical Lifestyle creates amazing gazebos and Bali huts. We have over 21 styles to choose from and one will surely suit your yard. To find out more, you can request a free information package, including our award-winning “How to Select the Right Gazebo or Bali Hut for Your Yard� plus a FREE DVD taking you through everything you need to know to create your very own paradise at home.

To claim your free information package go to www.yourbetterlifestyle.com.au or call 1300 660 229


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