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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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Reader reno: A stunning $350 patio makeover using stencils

Reader reno: A stunning $350 patio makeover using stencils

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How to keep kids busy in the garden

The indoor plant delivery service you need to know about in 2020

The indoor plant delivery service you need to know about in 2020

Women who own indoor plants are happier and live longer

Women who own indoor plants are happier and live longer

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Watch out Woolworths, Bunnings are giving away free seedling kits, too

Watch out Woolworths, Bunnings are giving away free seedling kits, too

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Water restrictions hit Sydney this weekend

Study finds plants and flowers can reduce pain levels

Study finds plants and flowers can reduce pain levels

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The must-see event coming to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens

The must-see event coming to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens

Outdoor heating options

Outdoor heating options

How to grow tulips

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How to transform a brick wall

How to transform a brick wall

How to care for your lawn this autumn

How to care for your lawn this autumn

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How to rid your kitchen of ants quickly

  1. Home
  2. Deck Ideas

Before & after: An incredible patio transformation

Bring home the better days with this backyard restoration. - by Better Homes and Gardens
  • 22 Jan 2021

Does your garden struggle to produce the lush greenery you long for? The reason often comes down to just three things: soil, aspect, and competition for water and nutrients.

WATCH: Graham takes you inside the amazing Highfield Gardens 

The soil in this south-facing garden was compacted, so the solution was to treat it to organic matter. Then, shade-lovers were planted in the garden and used in pots to lush up the deck. 

Patio makeover: Before

Before: Boring and bland

Patio makeover - after

After: Fresh and lush

Chris Jones

Love the new look? Here's how you can get the same look at your place. 

1. Hang it

Hanging plants
Chris Jones

Hang shade-loving Boston ferns in self-watering pots from your rafters. Vary the depth they drop for an informal look that suits your back deck.

2. Bring life to a corner

Plant and chair
Chris Jones

The bridal veil plant (Gibasis geniculata) is a shy little thing, especially with direct sunlight. Put it in a corner and allow it to trail down the steps of your deck.

2. Add scent

Orange jessamine
Chris Jones

Plant orange jessamine (Murraya paniculata) as a small hedge in front of the deck. It's quick growing and thrives even more after a trim, but don't take the shears to it until after the lovely orange-smelling flowers have finished!

4. Set the scene

Patio
Chris Jones

Less is more in a patio garden, where plants shouldn't interfere with your daily activities. Place them high or in corners where they can still be appreciated by you're not always falling over them. Hide a dull view with a vertical timber screen that still lets in light. 

5. Open out

Deck
Chris Jones

By extending your garden to your patio, you enhance your outdoor lifestyle without having to endure hostile elements such as rain or fierce afternoon sun. At the same time, you're making a subtle transition from outdoors to indoors. 

6. Fill the gaps

Garden
Chris Jones

You can plant around thirsty trees with shallow-rooted plants such as black- and red-leafed cordylines (Cordyline fruticosa 'Negra' and Cordyline 'Rubra').

7. Colour up

Plants
Chris Jones

Put patterns in your garden with neoregelias (members of the bromeliad family). The rosettes of leaves can be striped, spotted or freckled and change colour as blooming approaches.

You might also like:

Before & after: A stunning Palm Springs-style makeover

Before & after: an outdoors entertainment area makeover

Before & after: an incredible living room transformation

  • Garden
  • Renovating
  • Deck Ideas
  • Backyard Ideas
  • Front Garden Ideas
  • Landscape Design Ideas
  • Patio Ideas
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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Reader reno: A stunning $350 patio makeover using stencils

Reader reno: A stunning $350 patio makeover using stencils

How to keep kids busy in the garden

How to keep kids busy in the garden

The indoor plant delivery service you need to know about in 2020

The indoor plant delivery service you need to know about in 2020

Women who own indoor plants are happier and live longer

Women who own indoor plants are happier and live longer

{headline}

{headline}

Watch out Woolworths, Bunnings are giving away free seedling kits, too

Watch out Woolworths, Bunnings are giving away free seedling kits, too

Water restrictions hit Sydney this weekend

Water restrictions hit Sydney this weekend

Study finds plants and flowers can reduce pain levels

Study finds plants and flowers can reduce pain levels

{headline}

{headline}

The must-see event coming to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens

The must-see event coming to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens

Outdoor heating options

Outdoor heating options

How to grow tulips

How to grow tulips

How to transform a brick wall

How to transform a brick wall

How to care for your lawn this autumn

How to care for your lawn this autumn

Autumn trees

Autumn trees

How to rid your kitchen of ants quickly

How to rid your kitchen of ants quickly

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