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Create a secret garden

Design a magical place where children can discover the joy of nature. - by Adam Dovile
  • 03 Apr 2020

A hobbit door, nooks and crannies, giant sculptured flowers, weaving frames, a jumping stump pathway, ornate bird cages and masses of tiny, dainty blooms. This secret corner of a community garden in Sydney’s Lalor Park has been transformed from a barren patch with just a tree, a water tank and a few potted bromeliads into an enchanted area for children to explore, create, jump and just have fun.

Get the project sheet

Download the step-by-step instructions to create your secret garden

Shed wall with window box

Every secret garden needs an entrance! It’s made using a simple timber frame clad with recycled timber, so it looks ancient as soon as it’s finished. This simple wall is the perfect way to move through to another world.   

Tree log stepping stones in garden

Invite your children to hop, step and jump over the flower bed on raised tree-stump steps, saving the pansies to bring bold colours all winter long.

Garden art and birdcage planter

A colourful cage isn’t just for the birds. It’s easy to turn a basic birdcage into a plant display that’s a little different. There are no rules when it comes to  garden art, just put together anything that looks good and you’re onto a winner. Add a coat of metallic spray paint for a bit of sparkle.

Get the project sheet

Download the step-by-step instructions to create your secret garden

For more DIY and gardening ideas, pick up a copy of the latest issue of Better Homes and Gardens magazine in selected newsagents and supermarkets or buy online today!

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Adam Dovile
Adam Dovile
You still can’t wipe the smile from the affable chippie who won season 2 of House Rules with his wife Lisa in 2014. They then got married in May 2015, and moved from Melbourne to Sydney to join the Better Homes and Gardens team as their resident builder, it’s fair to say that Adam’s grin isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.

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