Once upon a time, the Australian dream was a 1/4 acre block in suburbia where the kids could play backyard cricket and footy.
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Times may have changed, but our desire to engage with the outdoors has not. Whether you have a large block with plenty of room for entertaining or a high-rise balcony with a Weber Q, you'll find ways to enjoy the outdoors you do have, and to make sure the exterior of your home is as welcoming and personality-driven as the interior.
Small gardens can be charming and intimate. Larger gardens can be creative spaces for entertaining and working, such a garden studio.
One of the delightul elements to add to a private space is an outdoor shower or bath. Is there anything more beautiful and relaxing than showering and bathing next to nature?
There is also featured here options for pergolas, courtyards, BBQ areas, fire pits and entertaining outdoors.
Plus tips on growing different types of plants, shrubs, trees, succulents, and sustainable gardening and recycling.
Perhaps you have kids and pets so solutions for activity as well as security are required.
You'll find all this and much much more. Security, products to buy, ways to enhance your gardenand add value to your property, and DIY tutorials and step-by-step guides.
Just click on any picture and it will take you to more information.
{Gorgeous Gardens}
Got a small garden or nosy neighbours? Or just want to create some private zones or screen off a BBQ area. Then you'll love these trend-setting screen options - weather resistant and easy to install, like the ones above from Laminex.
Take a dip with some of these indulgent ideas. Of course we'll be featuring LOTS more pools and spas but this selection of luxury pools is worth a look.
Small on space but big on ideas? This article will show you how you can make the most of your small space and also trick the eye into thinking the space is bigger than it is in reality.
Get DIY instructions via photos and video so you can design and build your own edible garden, and enjoy the fruits (and veges) of your labour. Jason Hodges, landscaping expert, shows you how in easy to understand steps.
We love entertaining outdoors in Australia so make the most of a small, or big, outdoor area with cool ideas - plus making the most of your outdoor space in winter.
This stunning home by South African based Nico van der Muelen Architects is a massive statement, and an ode to steel; but it works beautifully
Learn how to grow indestructible plants, grow according to the seasons and tips for easy care gardening
A little bit of quirkiness never hurt anyone, and there are lots of ideas for recycling and quirky garden decor. Image courtesy of Julie Ranee Photography
If you have a small terrace area and not too much privacy, there are still ways to decorate your outdoor area. Image courtesy of Rokefeller Partners Architects
Nunley Remodelling have designed a rustic but elegant outdoor bathroom I love. So how about other ideas for outdoor showers and baths? Yup, we got 'em.
When you can't gather around the pool, gather around a fire pit - warm up, roast marshmellows, warm mulled wine, or even toss in a camp oven. Yum!
There's something very relaxing about running water (except if there's a leak in the tap). A water feature in the garden might be a luxury, but it's a beautiful feature that you'll love. Image courtesy of Kathleen Shaeffer Design