Innehållsförteckning för Issue #47 2025 från Outdoor Design

When you’re planning a new outdoor space — or looking for a landscape professional to help you create your dream garden — award-winning gardens are a valuable source of inspiration. If you want to see what’s possible when you’re dealing with an experienced landscape designer and contractor, sneak a peek at the entrants in the 2025 Landscape of the Year Awards. Presented by Outdoor Design magazine, the Landscape of the Year Awards serve to recognise residential landscape design and construction excellence from around the country. The entered projects run the gamut, from enchanted rustic gardens and lush coastal retreats to expansive resort-style landscapes and compact urban entertaining havens. The winners of each category, along with the overall national winner, will be announced in the next edition of Outdoor Design. For…

When outdoor space is in short supply you need considerable creativity to fully maximise every opportunity. These revitalised gardens, designed by Steve Warner and Callum Rhodes of OUTHOUSE design, convey precisely what can be achieved with a hefty application of ingenuity. “While the internal spaces of this quirky 1990s home functioned well, the landscape was tired and uninspired,” says Steve. “What we have created is clean, modern and an extension of the home’s interior style. The outdoor spaces now have spirit and a look that is contemporary yet timeless. They’re also ‘lock up and go’ to suit the time-poor homeowner who travels frequently. “With any small garden it’s critical to over-scale and create a sense of space. Here we have done this by laying the random-length limestone paving on an…

When Nicola Cameron, Director of Pepo Botanic Design was called in, the property owners were in the process of renovating a Bungalow-style home nestled in Sydney’s Inner West. At the front, the residence was restored to its original heritage form; at the rear, the renovation was decidedly modern — this meant that redesigning the gardens called for a sympathetic approach to balance contemporary and period elements. Of generous proportions, the gardens were very important to the owners and one of the main reasons they purchased the property. They wanted outdoor spaces where family and friends could gather and, as avid gardeners, they wanted productive and ornamental garden beds. To achieve everything they desired, a complete and thorough redesign was needed. “As we were engaged at an early stage, we were…

Growing plants in pots gives you an effective way to introduce foliage and flowers in even the smallest of spaces. Just as importantly, the pots can form part of an outdoor decorating scheme, adding colour, texture and pattern — or, if large, providing design focal points. Spoiled for choice There are many materials to choose between … cast concrete, GRC (glass reinforced concrete), stone, plastic, poly-fibre, ceramic, metal and terracotta, which is a timeless choice — you just need to seal the interior to prevent water loss. Glazed ceramic pots are a popular option and come in myriad shapes, colours and textures, so you can mix and match the pots to your heart’s content. When choosing a pot there are practical considerations, of course, ranging from the eventual size of…

Carefully fashioned to perfectly complement a Queenslander home, this garden’s design, the result of a close collaboration between Brooke Goodwin, Director of Brooke’s Blooms and Design Manager, landscape architect James Mudge, blends modern and traditional elements to create something truly captivating. “The design objective was to preserve the timeless charm of the classic Queenslander architecture while simultaneously infusing the outdoor spaces with a modern look and rejuvenated feel,” says Brooke. “The design also needed to cater for every aspect of life, offering diverse spaces for various activities. Whether it’s enjoying morning coffee out on the deck, spending weekends lounging poolside, indulging in private moments while tending the garden, or entertaining friends and family, this versatile design ensures every space can be enjoyed to its fullest potential.” To improve flow, one…

The epitome of resort-style living, La Scala is an expansive property claiming a canal-side location in the Surfers Paradise suburb of the Isle of Capri. With a lavish home designed for extravagant entertaining, the owners sought tropical-inspired outdoor spaces of similar luxury. “If we can’t go to Vegas, we want Vegas to come to us! That was the brief from the owners,” says Michael Creighton, Director of NEST Landscape Design. “They wanted a dynamic outdoor space for parties, family gatherings and functions, and they needed areas just for their young, growing family.” In Michaels’ tropical resort-themed design, all outdoor living and entertaining spaces relate to the split-level swimming pool with its swim-up bar. This level change also serves to delineate the family living spaces from the wider entertaining terraces. “The…

While space was limited, the family’s expectations were not, so the owners of this inner-Melbourne property turned to Alden Meale and Chris Moloney, Directors of ACM Outdoors, to bring their vision of a lifestyle-enhancing outdoor haven to life. “We were tasked with creating the ultimate outdoor entertaining area; a journey that started with a small backyard and ended with a breathtaking oasis,” says Chris. “The house was nestled on a 535m2 block and we were presented with an underutilised 100m2 area to transform into a joyful space the family could use for entertaining.” MINT Design developed a concept plan for redefining the space that encapsulated the owners’ brief. “A swimming pool and spa was an absolute must, as was the creation of a fabulous entertaining area and an outdoor kitchen,”…

With sweeping curves in all the right places and garden beds awash with pretty pastel blooms, the outdoor spaces that envelope this residence in inner-Melbourne engender a sense of serenity. The layered planting wraps the outdoor spaces in its verdant embrace while the sinuous outlines of the overflowing garden beds work with the earthy tones and textures of the feature rocks and natural stone paving to create a look that is warm and welcoming. Working to a design from Horti Couture Landscape Architecture, Gary Wright and the Envisage Landscapes team were able to bring the homeowners’ vision to life. “What they envisaged for both their front and rear gardens were spaces that would be inviting and peaceful. They needed to be visually interesting and lushly planted but not high maintenance,”…

Capturing breathtaking views of Terrigal Beach on NSW’s Central Coast, this garden is a stunner. “The brief was to design a garden that would draw a young family out of the house and beyond the swimming pool, enticing them to venture further into the steep site,” explains Colin Marchant, Director of Costata Landscape Design. “Following a major home renovation and the construction of a new pool, an empty, ambiguous sloping space was left in the lower third of the site. Excavated clay from the house and pool construction had been battered by the builder into three distinct terraces prior to Costata being engaged. As a consequence, the landform needed to be reshaped to suit our new design.” The site presented quite a number of challenges, one being the steep slope…

Unsure about where your garden beds finish and the grass starts? Is your veggie patch less productive than you would like? Does your garden lack definition and a sense of taking you on a journey as you move from one section to another? If so, Shapescaper’s modular range of steel garden edging and planters can provide a solution for each of these problems, as well as a whole host of other design and layout issues typically encountered in residential and commercial landscapes. Edging and planter systems are a simple and effective way to create a framework for your garden that helps to highlight the colours and textures of your planting palette, but there are many more benefits than you might at first realise. Definition and dimension Steel garden edging is…

Blending Edwardian-era charm with modern outdoor living, this award-winning landscape honours the heritage of the renovated home and offers the owners every contemporary comfort while seamlessly integrating two distinct styles. “The project required a thoughtful approach to harmonise the front garden’s traditional look with the contemporary rear renovation,” says Paul Leesment, Director of Supreme Green Landscaping. “The front garden complements the Edwardian style of the residence, using traditional materials and design elements. In contrast, the rear garden embraces modern living with an alfresco area, outdoor kitchen, and natural timber decking, all designed for entertaining and family fun. The transition between the two styles is smooth and deliberate, ensuring a cohesive design.” The rear garden serves as a sanctuary, with composite screens providing privacy to the pool area. Ferns planted around…

Regarded by many as one of the Sunshine Coast’s hidden gems, Moffat Beach is, without doubt, a picturesque place. It’s also the location for this remarkable property which can claim its own hitherto well-kept secret — a back garden that is, in effect, a private water wonderland. And an award-winning one, at that. The creative mastermind behind this water-worshipping garden is Daniel Taylor, Director of Taylor’d Waterscapes. Designed by Daniel and brought to fruition by his highly experienced construction team, this extraordinary landscape, boasting a natural rock waterfall and a rustic timber outdoor shower, won Best Feature Residential in the 2024 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards. “The property owner was inspired to transform her garden after seeing our work at the Queensland Garden Expo. Unaware of how much could be…

If you’re in search of a versatile cooking option for your backyard or deck, Morsø has the perfect solution. But what to choose? The Morsø Forno outdoor woodfired oven? The Grill ’17, which functions as an outdoor kitchen, or perhaps a Hergom fire pit and grill? Let’s start with the multifunctional Morsø Forno oven. This fine example of Scandinavian design is made from solid cast-iron and will immediately form the centrepiece of your outdoor entertaining area. The only limit is your imagination when conjuring up new and delicious dishes in the Morsø Forno. You can use it to prepare pretty much anything, from crisp pizzas and hot-smoked salmon to exquisite desserts. Optional accessories allow you to easily transform your woodfired oven into a smoker, to smoke or roast that perfect…

Shaderunner® Australia recently completed the installation of the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ Under-Mount Retractable Shade System for a luxurious apartment in the heart of Adelaide’s CBD. Located on the top floor of the exclusive Ergo Apartments, it features a spacious deluxe balcony that now allows the occupants to enjoy the outdoors while remaining shaded from the sun. The client requested a flexible, simple to use, fully-retractable shading solution and the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ ticked every box. It also complements the apartment’s modern design and the 5.6m wide by 2.6m extension provides ample coverage. Designed for easy installation, this system attaches seamlessly to existing structures with minimal support. With its 40mm by 40mm aluminium tracks, it can be mounted to the inside face of any steel or timber support structure. It can…

01 OUTDOOR OASIS The Pompeii Travertine 20mm range, exclusive to Beaumont Tiles’ porcelain paver collection, brings all the classical elegance, enduring style, and luxurious comfort that the sedimentary stone has become known for. With high-grade slip resistance, the Pompeii range of travertine emulation pavers, which comes in Crema, Grigio, Totora, Cenere and Avorio, offers homeowners the perfect tile to use on terraces and around the pool. Catching the eye of renovators, the sophisticated design of this easy-to-install tile ensures a timeless look. beaumontiles.com.au 02 A CUT ABOVE Metal art adds warmth and textural beauty to any garden or outdoor living space. An undeniable leader in the field is award-winning Entanglements. All pieces are designed in the Melbourne studio and the wide range includes laser-cut metal outdoor wall art, sculpture, light…

This outdoor oasis has a relaxed vibe and offers myriad places where the family can unwind or entertain, all thanks to the design virtuosity of John Storch, Director of A Total Concept, a company specialising in landscape architecture and the design of swimming pools and cabanas. Wanting to make the utmost of their outdoor space, the owners of this Sydney property commissioned John to design the pool, cabana, entertaining deck and gardens. The unconventionally shaped pool is a main focal point of the design. Alluring yet understated glass tiles were chosen for the pool’s interior finish and these contrast beautifully with the blond sandstone used for the pool coping and stepping-stone walkway. “Unlike generic stepping-stone walkways, each stone was individually and carefully cut to a radial contour, reflecting the unconventional…

Located amid a majestic stand of protected Corymbia maculata (spotted gum), this peaceful bayside property was acquired as a second home by a retired couple. While the natural setting was undeniably breathtaking, the garden was a tad underwhelming. The couple turned to Costata Landscape Design to give the garden a new lease on life and create outdoor spaces that would better capitalise on the views, embrace the neighbouring bushland, and provide places for relaxation. Top of their wish list was a new swimming pool. They also wanted Costata to design an undercover parking area. “The site, adjacent to a National Park, sloped east to west and displayed many of the features of the surrounding bushland, from the towering spotted gums to the surface expression of huge sandstone boulders emerging from…

It’s important to consider the design of your home and garden holistically. It’s especially important as properties become smaller and homeowners’ expectations for their outdoor areas grow. If you hire an experienced designer, you can ensure your dreams come true within your budget. So, how to choose your designer? Finding a designer Creating a new swimming pool, cabana and landscaped garden is a big investment, so you need to get it right the first time, which in many cases will mean a landscape designer. Most can design a holistic garden but not all will have an intricate knowledge of pools and cabanas, so if they are elements you want to include, look at the designer’s portfolio and ask what they specifically designed. Also, a few simple questions posed in the…

Inspiration can come from surprising places. The owners of this enchanted garden were struck by the muse during a visit to one of Sydney’s most popular cafes, The Grounds of Alexandria. Bewitched by the garden-themed venue’s bucolic beauty and quirkiness, they reached out to Exotic Living’s Mitchell Kushturian, runner-up for Best Emerging Designer in the 2024 Landscape Design Institute’s Design National Design Awards, to recreate the cafe’s charm in their own backyard. “The owners sought to capture the rustic character of The Grounds with an emphasis on the use of recycled and raw materials,” says Mitchell. “They wanted the garden to feel magical, with a fireplace and intimate seating area where they could relax with a glass of wine, and they wanted a glasshouse where they could sit in winter…

The outdoor spaces that wrap this modern home in their soft embrace reflect the owners’ dual desire. “They wanted distinctive outdoor spaces and they sought a landscape design that would mitigate the imposing architecture of their new house,” explains Chris Weiss, Principal Designer and Director of Formation Landscapes. “For the front garden, the owners wanted lush greenery and the soothing sound of running water to create a serene ambiance. The pathway design had to be practical yet contribute to the overall aesthetic, and we had to ensure easy access to the rear of the property, all while taking into consideration the site’s varying levels.” As for the courtyard which flows off the basement-level gym, the owners wanted to use it for entertaining, so this area was designed by Chris to…

With an inviting swimming pool forming its hub, the modern outdoor entertaining zone that graces this contemporary Sunshine Coast home offers the owners everything they need to enjoy a luxurious alfresco lifestyle, and do so in complete comfort. At one end of the pool a spacious sun deck beckons. At the other resides a covered entertaining area with an outdoor kitchen and dining space. Of contemporary, clean-lined design, this sheltered space make year-round outdoor living effortless. The outdoor entertaining area and the concrete pool were built by Outdoor Oasis Landscapes, headed by Director Matt Harding, and are a testament to the use of high-quality materials, precise planning, and construction excellence. This is a project that overflows with standout elements, the custom concrete outdoor kitchen one of the most arresting. This…

Purchased by a pair of down-sizing empty-nesters, the property had much to recommend it but work was needed to turn it into a home that would give them a comfortable indoor-outdoor lifestyle and garden spaces future grandchildren could enjoy. To carry out the building and landscaping works, they looked to Ben Mahony of The Mahony Group. The front garden refresh was all about enhancing the street appeal. “We installed a stunning new entry path and gate as well as a period-style fence, and we repaved the veranda. We also planted out a lush garden oveflowing with lots of colour and contrasting plant foliage,” explains Ben. At the rear, the existing swimming pool was too close to the house, cutting off access to the sunken lawn area. The alfresco area adjacent…

Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is known for its rugged coastline, scenic lookouts, and sun-kissed holidays. Home of the iconic rainbow-coloured bathing boxes, it is a popular destination that has been favoured by generations of Australians. The picturesque peninsula is also home to Cahill Building Group, a boutique construction company known for redefining residential landscapes with spectacular properties such as this one in Mount Martha. The architecturally striking modern farmhouse — designed in collaboration with DX Architects and Studio Griffiths — features an expansive lawn and landscaped spaces, a fully-tiled infinity swimming pool, a spacious 10-person spa, a sprawling pool pavilion, and state-of-the-art water management systems powered by Davey. “Davey’s pool, spa and irrigation solutions were a key factor in bringing this endeavour to fruition for our clients,” says Jonathon Cahill, Project…

Nestled in the scenic Adelaide foothills, this award-winning sustainable residential landscape seamlessly blends natural beauty with functional outdoor living. Conceived by WAX Design to complement an architect-designed home, the landscape was brought to life by Adelaide Landscape Construction, under the guiding hands of co-owners and landscape construction specialists, William Giles and Colin Giles. Overcoming the challenges presented by the steep terrain and limited acces to the site, the construction team created a series of meticulously built, thoughtfully planted outdoor spaces — including a front courtyard and a rooftop garden — that reflect the style of the newly-built home and the owners’ love of gardening and the outdoors. “The project prioritises connection to nature and incorporates stone cobbles and stone steppers, Corten steel retaining walls and edging, raised planters, rock retaining…

There is something about the sight and sound of water that captivates. Whether it’s a tranquil pond or a cascading waterfall, we find water mesmerising. Wylah, an acreage property nestled in Noosa’s hinterland, features an impressive waterfall and eco pond that engage the senses and conjure an authentic coastal-meets-bushland look and feel. Matt McMahon, Principal Designer and Director of McMahon Earth Solutions, worked in close collaboration with the property owners to totally transform this vast sloping site into an inviting landscape with spaces for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying the surrounding views. “The owners had a strong vision for their garden,” says Matt. “They wanted to create a series of functional, usable areas, which was not without its challenges given the block’s steep slope. They favoured a coastal feel and they…

Heating your outdoor space isn’t just about keeping the family toasty-warm in winter or taking the chill out of the air on a crisp autumn evening. With our decks, pergolas, patios and alfresco entertaining spaces now being designed as outdoor rooms, aesthetic appeal is often as important as functionality, ease of maintenance and reasonable running costs. For warmth, ambience and a traditional feel, fire pits are ideal. Unique Fire Pits, established more than a decade ago, specialises in wood-burning fire pits that are made from durable cast iron and stainless steel. The fire pits are fabricated in Sydney and come in a variety of designs and sizes, ranging from 800mm in diameter up to 1500mm in diameter. The fire pits are as much a work of art as a source…

For those in search of a distinctive collection of laser-cut screens, fire pits, sculptures and more, Urban Design Systems (UDS) is the leader in the field. These creative concepts are suited to exterior and interior use and UDS is happy to work directly with homeowners, designers or architects. UDS is passionate about good design and is driven to create products that add value to any outdoor or home project. It offers a selection of robust materials and finishes, which means you can inject some colour into your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth of timber-grained Weathertex, or savour the earthy, rustic elegance of weathered steel. As a breathtaking wall feature, or as an alternative to conventional fencing, UDS laser-cut screening is ideal. Screening can also be used to…

A beautiful garden is top of most people’s wish list — a place to entertain and relax with friends and family; a retreat the kids can enjoy while spending time in nature; an asset that will increase the resale value of the home (for the more hard-headed among us). A Mr Trampoline trampoline ticks all the boxes. It’s a durable, attractively designed addition to your garden; you can use it year-round; and it’s enormous fun. As for the kids, it reduces their screen time plus — and this is a big bonus — it wears them out. Hand-made and hand-painted, this is a premium product that is completely made in Australia. The sturdy frames are constructed from all-Australian steel and galvanised through a hot-dip process that gives each frame many more…

With the ever-rising cost of living, more people are turning to their gardens to grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Not only does this offer a steady supply of healthy produce, it also brings satisfaction and a stronger connection to the environment. Earthlife makes this journey easier and more rewarding with its range of natural, highly effective products designed to support every type of gardener, from beginners to seasoned green-thumbs. Earthlife products make saving resources simple. By improving the water-holding capacity of your soil, Earthlife reduces water usage by up to 50 per cent. With each application your soil retains more moisture, which means less frequent watering. This doesn’t just reduce water bills, it also helps the environment — perfect for those looking to garden sustainably. What’s more, Earthlife products require…

Gardens can soothe the soul and lift the spirits, which is why ‘therapeutic landscapes’ are steadily increasing in popularity. The research into wellbeing and mindfulness is compelling, and when design inclusions in a garden are deliberate and well-planned, the outcomes can be truly remarkable. Immerse yourself For an outdoor space to be uniquely yours, it needs to include elements that reflect your individual personality and goals. For it to be therapeutic, it needs to be an immersive space you can experience. The space needs to transcend the everyday, creating a tranquil escape or an outlet for a passion. And you don’t need a quarteracre block; you just need a space you can connect to personally — a space in which you will feel safe and relaxed. Let’s take a moment…

Designed to ensure a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor living spaces, this garden offers a family of eight a private, plant-filled sanctuary. Working to a design by Eve Valensise of Even Spaces, Andrew Holland, Director of Hollandscapes, and his team transformed this property on Sydney’s leafy North Shore into a warm and welcoming haven in which layered textures and lush planting work hand-in-hand. “For the planting we used a tropical palette which involved selecting plants that would provide a variety of textures, heights, and colours to create a vibrant, multi-dimensional landscape,” explains Andrew. “The infusion of warmth came through the materials' palette with the inclusion of hardwood decking and Australian sandstone complementing the overall design aesthetic extremely well.” The rear deck was built using spotted gum, the same hardwood…

Mount View, an expansive 80-acre rural allotment located in the Gold Coast Hinterland, is nothing short of spectacular thanks to the unique vision of the owners. They aspired to craft a legacy home that blended traditional and contemporary architectural elements — one that was inspired by the beauty of Queenstown, New Zealand. They also dreamed of a property that would seamlessly integrate with the surrounding Australian landscape. To achieve this, they looked to landscape designer Jez Clark, Director of Clark + Granger. “At this project’s heart was a desire to fully embrace outdoor living. For the clients, the garden areas were as important as the interiors, serving as natural extensions of their living spaces,” says Jez. “The owners’ passion for entertaining and cooking was a pivotal factor in the design…

Living in a terrace house in a bustling urban area has much to recommend it, but there can be downsides. Typically, the rear garden will be small and off-street parking options will be nil to negligible. The owners of this property faced this dual dilemma so sought the expertise of Adrian Swain, Director of Ecodesign and The Other Side Landscapes. “They wanted to renovate their dilapidated backyard and create a garden oasis,” says Adrian. “They also wanted to create an on-site car space that could be accessed from the rear laneway. This meant, due to the yard’s limited size, we had to create a multi-use space.” The owners expressed a preference for raw and natural materials, which Adrian happily incorporated into his garden design — a blend of classic and…

Australia’s love affair with Bali shows no signs of waning. Not only does it continue to be a favourite summer holiday destination, the island’s luxuriant gardens are a constant source of inspiration for Australian homeowners eager to recreate a little Bali magic in their own backyards. This lushly planted Queensland garden — a classic Balinese-style tropical design with a modern twist — is a case in point. Designed by multi-award-winning landscape designer Noel Brown, Director of Bioscapes Gold Coast, this is an evocative and colourful garden that captures the joyous spirit of the Balinese while perfectly catering to the way Australians like to entertain outdoors. “The owners are huge fans of Balinese garden design and had travelled to Bali on a great many occasions,” says Noel. “Creating a super-lush, Balinese-inspired…

One of the most sought-after locations on the Sunshine Coast, Eumundi isn’t just renowned for its hinterland hospitality and country charm — it’s noted for its stunning rural properties, many of them lavishly landscaped. The generous grounds of this amazing acreage property, designed by Matt McMahon, Principal Designer and Director of McMahon Earth Solutions, and built by his construction team, is a stellar example. With work completed on the modern new home, the owners wanted landscaped spaces of equal impact. Spaces that would provide a suitable framework for the architecture, foster indoor-outdoor living, and offer multiple places for relaxing or entertaining alfresco. Creating a sense of cohesion between the property and the adjacent bushland was also a priority. “The homeowners had a strong vision for the design of their garden,…

Outdoor living is more than a pastime — it’s a way of life. Whether it’s relaxing on a shaded deck, entertaining friends under the stars, or enjoying a quiet moment in the garden, the outdoor space has become an extension of the home. With this shift, the demand for well-crafted, enduring, and beautifully designed outdoor furniture has never been greater. Enter Cotswold Collections, a carefully curated selection of premium furniture that brings timeless elegance and contemporary innovation to the great outdoors. Understated elegance For those who appreciate the enduring beauty of teak, Cotswold Teak delivers outdoor furniture that epitomises classic craftsmanship and durability. The Hampton Table is a stunning centrepiece, exuding an understated elegance that seamlessly integrates into any outdoor setting. Made from sustainably sourced teak, it is designed to…

Situated in the scenic coastal town of Blairgowrie on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this masterfully built landscape showcases the owners’ commitment to keeping the project local, involving a raft of trusted Peninsula-based professionals throughout the process. The new home, designed by Planned Living Architects and built by KABSAV, needed to seamlessly connect with its surroundings. Julie Crowe Landscape Design conceived a landscape and swimming pool design that complements the modern architecture while staying deeply rooted in the natural beauty of the coastline. In turn, Michael Stephenson, Director of Formed Landscapes, and his team were entrusted with making this vision a reality. “The landscaping begins at the top of the sloping property, where sweeping views immediately capture your attention. As you descend into the garden, the space unfolds through a series of…

Set in the tranquil haven of Mossy Point on the South Coast of NSW, this garden sanctuary is tailored to family-friendly entertaining and relaxation. “The Canberra-based owners sought a serene, coastal-style holiday retreat,” explains Simon Davies, Director of Manuka Gardens. “Designed to reflect the family’s lifestyle, it features a covered entertainment area, a swimming pool, a fire pit zone, and a generous lawn where the children can play.” The first step was to design a sleek rectangular pool that would harmonise with the home’s architecture. Placed along one wing of the home, it forges a close connection to the indoor areas and captures views of the landscaped surrounds. “The pool area has a contemporary, structured design with a strong emphasis on clean lines and natural textures. For a seamless look,…

Somehow, cooking outdoors just makes food taste better — and it seems to be less work. There is something about being out in the sunshine and fresh air that makes preparing a meal much more pleasurable, and with a customised Euro Alfresco outdoor kitchen it really couldn’t be easier. Designed and manufactured in Australia to the highest standards, Euro Alfresco pre-designed outdoor kitchens can be configured to suit your individual cooking and entertaining needs. Via its free design service, Euro Alfresco offers you a choice of barbecues and appliances from Euro, BeefEater and Zeigler & Brown. In fact, Euro Alfresco offers a large, specialised range of alfresco appliances and accessories, from barbecues and wok burners to beverage coolers, dishwashers and tapware. You also have the option of including a pizza…

Having a chiminea or fire pit entices people to gather and relax, and it extends the use of your outdoor living space, creating warmth and ambience year-round. And when it comes to woodfired cooking, well, that’s a surefire way to keep guests coming back for more. Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces specialises in woodfired outdoor heating and cooking products, offering an array of chimineas, fire pits and pizza ovens. “We are a husband-and-wife business that sells premium-quality products that will stand the test of time. What’s more, all of our chimineas are made in Australia — in rural Victoria — and we’re proud to support local industry and manufacturers,” says Andrew Fenton, who runs the business with his wife Liz. The latest addition to the collection is a marine-grade, cast-aluminium chiminea. “This…

Optimising an outdoor living space is one of the very best investments a homeowner can make. To help you maximise the return on your investment, here are two upgrades that are simple to install and will add meaningful value to a deck. The first is to extend your deck life with protective flashing tape. Today’s high-performance deck boards are warrantied to last for decades, but the deck’s foundation could begin decaying within the first 10 years. This is because most substructures are built with timber, which is susceptible to damage from the outdoor elements. When joists and bearers are exposed, water can seep into screw holes and sit on the surface leading to mould growth, rot and rust. Additionally, timber’s natural expansion and contraction can cause joinery to split and…

Whether you need to create a border between a gravel path and lawn, or you want edging for a garden bed, you can’t go past steel. Mild steel garden edging effectively separates myriad garden elements, works well in all soils, and lasts for generations. EverEdge flexible steel garden edging is perfectly suited to landscaping projects of all sizes. Made from 1.6mm mild steel (90 per cent recycled), it’s quick and easy to install — just hammer it directly into the ground using the spikes that are incorporated into each metre length. No extra pins, pegs or joiners are needed. EverEdge will hold a perfectly straight line but, being flexible, it can be easily formed by hand into virtually any curve or angle — no special tools are needed. EverEdge is…

The dream of a thriving garden can sometimes turn into a nightmare when pests invade. Traditional chemical pesticides may offer a quick short-term fix but they can harm beneficial insects, disrupt your garden’s ecosystem, diminish your soil profile, and even pose health risks to pets and wildlife. It’s time to consider a more harmonious approach: harnessing the power of natural insects and Beneficial Nematodes for safe and effective pest control. Chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for pest problems in home gardens. However, their perceived convenience can come at a significant cost. Chemical pesticides don’t discriminate between harmful and beneficial insects. They can severely impact populations of pollinators such as bees and the natural predators that play a vital role in maintaining a balanced ecosystem. Pesticide residues on…