Over six hectic days the front of Chris and Lorraine Kay's house was transformed into a spectacular, low maintenance garden.
The Kays were the lucky winners of a $15,000 garden makeover competition sponsored by Austral Bricks with assistance from The Greenery Heidelberg, Strathayr Turf Systems, One-Stop Sprinklers and Northern Metropolitan College of TAFE. "We're still pinching ourselves to make sure we're not dreaming," Lorraine told the Herald- Sun Home magazine.
The Kay's winning plan set out a three level garden, fully paved on the two lower levels, with a series of raised beds.
Landscaping students from the TAFE college did all the hard work for the Kays (under the watchful eyes of instructors, of course). However you can achieve the same result with the satisfaction of doing it yourself.
Austral Bricks products used in this project:
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Before: | |
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After: What a contrast! The new garden extends over three levels with paving and Linkwall retaining walls and raised beds. | |
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Step 01: Level the three areas. Spread and compact an even layer of crushed rock where pavers are to be laid. | |
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Step 02: Use a grid of stringlines to set boundaries and control levels. | |
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Step 03: Build Linkwall retaining walls between the levels. | |
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Step 04: Use Linkwall blocks for the steps and Corner Units for a neat return. | |
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Step 05: Construct raised beds using Linkwall blocks. Take extra care with the first course and the rest will follow. | |
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Step 06: Place slotted pipe at rear of all Linkwalls to ensure proper drainage. This is also a good time to place a sprinkler system. | |
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Step 07: Spread and compact a thin bed of sand and lay the Designer Series pavers using stringlines for accuracy. | |
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Step 08: Redwood clay pavers create a contrasting edge. Note the capping on the Linkwall raised beds. | |
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Step 09: A paved path cuts through the top level leading to steps. | |
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Step 10: Time for a break and a chance to look at our progress. | |
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Step 11: Almost there! The lower level is paved and the beds back-filled ready for planting. | |
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Step 12: The upper level is back-filled, turf laid and plants and furniture put in place for a spectacular finish. | |
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Finished! | |
