A lot of gardening web site tell you that you need to improve all your garden soil before you start planting.
Well in the case of shrubs I take a different approach, which has worked well for me.
Starting
The ground of a typical site following the build is in pretty poor condition.
Little top soil so even the weeds are struggling to survive.
A week before planting I look to kill all the weeds using a weedkiller containing Glyphosate. (If you want a non chemical solution I would suggest using a steam gun) You are aiming to kill the roots , not just the foliage.
I normally follow up with a second weedkiller the day before planting.
Planting
Rather than improve the whole area and give potential weeds a break I concentrate on the area where the weeds will spread over the next 2-3 years.
I dig a hole around 3-4 times the diameter of the shrubs pot and around 100mm deeper and place the plant on a bed of compost in the hole.
I then backfill around the rootball with a mixture of 50% compost and 50% material excavated from the hole.
If you have got a worm farm it’s a good idea to include a couple of trowels of that material, with a few of the worms.
Make sure the backfill is firm so the plant doesn’t move around.
Mulch
Rather than buy expensive wed mat I simply use a layer of newspaper, typically at least 3 sheets thick with generous overlaps.
I then cover the paper with a mulch, either gravel, or bark as in the photo.
If you are doing a big garden don’t buy your mulch by the bag, it’s cheaper to buy it by the cubic metre from a garden supplier.
Did you think about your pets when you planned your new House?
Will the House and garden be safe for your pets when you move?
Here are some things to think about:
Planning
Where will the pet sleep at night?
Where will it have access to during the day?. . . . For instance check out this Cat Lovers House
Where will it food be placed? and a litter tray be for cats? I like to keep the litter tray away from carpets, and anywhere else where I might walk with bare feet.
Are you going to give a dog access to the whole of the back yard or just a run.
Will there be shelter for the dog in the yard? We used to leave the dog bed under the verandah at one house, at another we had a porch at the back door.
How are you going to deal with a wet dog after a walk?. . . a regular reader of this blog told me they have planned an extra large laundry with a shower big enough to wash their two dogs.
When You Move In
Are any fly screens cat/dog proof , , , I would recommend any fly screens that protect doorways have a strong metal mesh.
Are all gates in place.
Do the fences go right down to the ground, and are high enough to prevent jumping. . . . we had a medium sized dog which had never escaped until we moved to a new house and my wife got a job. . . . It then started jumping a 1.5m brick fence.
Is there a risk your pet will try to dig under the fence?
Do you check your plants to check they aren’t toxic to your pets?
We have only had dogs and cats as pets, so there may be other questions for different pets.
One of the most useful tools for the new homeowner is an electric drill.
There are always lots of hooks that need to be put up, the odd shelf, house numbers to fix, etc, etc.
My old drill gave up the ghost the other day after many years hard use so I was round at the ‘Big Green Shed buying a new one.
Just a very basic mains powered drill.
Reasons for my choice
I will bet some of you thought I would be going for one of those expensive ‘professional’ battery powered drills.
Well I have been down that route in the past . . . but no more.
A tradie will be using their drill every day so they are likely to keep the drill on charge and its always ready to use.
For me I might use the drill for half an hour and then not use it for three months, so I’m not going to leave it on charge. . . . the result is that the battery is always flat when I need it.
If you haven’t got an extension cable you will need to pay a few dollars for that, but the total cost will still be cheaper than the battery powered drill.
I know I can’t use it outside in the rain, but then again if it is raining, I put the job off to another day.
What about if it doesn’t last
Well even amongst tradies there are two schools of thought.
One is the traditional – Always buy the best.
Others say the cheapy does OK, but if it breaks within 3 years (In the case of the guarantee for my latest drill) just take it back and get a new one.
Also if someone steals it out of the back of their ute it will only cost $50 to replace, not $200.
There’s no aspect of our lives that is as crucial to our well-being and yet so poorly understood as sleep.
Every health-conscious person will know it all about every diet in the book…how the human body uses food for fuel, what’s good or not…but what do we know about sleep?
I know that I need 8 hours of it…
This is one of the most common misconceptions about a good night’s sleep – crudely reducing it to a number of hours.
In reality, sleep is much more intricate than that. If it wasn’t each of us who gets 8 hours of sleep would be buzzing with energy.
That’s not the case, is it?
The harsh truth is that this clumsy approach to planning our sleep might be one of the reasons so many of us get the hours but don’t get the rest.
How little we understand
Next time you see your MD, ask him a simple question,”Why do we need sleep?”
The response is likely to be something commonplace and generic like, “That’s when our body repairs its cells and replenishes energy…”
That’s the response to the question, “What happens during sleep?”
It’s not that there’s anything wrong with your MD – science is yet to come up with an answer to the basic question about why we sleep.
While we’re waiting for that to happen…
For a person suffering from insomnia or a more delicate sleep disorders that often result in feeling groggy and chronically tired, digging into the nitty-gritty of sleep science won’t help.
Instead, let’s talk about something actionable.
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of planning your sleep environment is the temperatures of the space, so let us dig into the issue.
Because, as we drift off to sleep, the temperature of our bodies decreases. If the room is too warm, the hot air interferes with that mechanism. Even you do fall asleep; your body will struggle to keep its temperature down.
The result is a night of restless sleep – it’s a classic example of getting the hours but waking up more tired than when you went to sleep.
It’s not just about the thermostat
If you have a classic air-conditioning system, dialing down the temperature setting might not be enough.
The air conditioner will measure the temperature using a built-in sensor.
The issue here is that these are usually mounted high on the wall.
As result, the air around you is actually colder than the air conditioner setting so being too cold can interferes with our thermal regulation.
A smarter way to do it
Instead of simply relying on the numbers of the thermostat, place a simple standalone thermostat on your bedside table.
This will be at the approximate height of your sleeping surface and accurately measure the temperature of the air around you.
You’ll be surprised by the difference between the number on your air conditioner remote and the standalone thermostat, especially if you’re sleeping in a large open space.
Are you simply a hot sleeper?
If you’ve ever been told by your partner that it feels like you’re emitting heat, that’s probably good news. It means that you have good circulation and your blood does a good job at carrying that heat to your limbs.
So, yes, it’s good news.
For you, that is. For your sleeping partner…not so much.
Here’s what you can do
If you can relate to the situation above and you’re not the kind of person to just dismiss the complaints of the person sleeping next to you, you do have options.
Let’s look at two of them:
Cooling mattress pads
Cooling mattress pads are designed with this scenario in mind.
They come as thin pads or topper that your dress your bed in.
The best cooling mattress pads out there will allow you to choose if you want to cool down only your half of the mattress.
They are inexpensive and the better ones are so thin you won’t even notice them as they do their work and help you drift off . . . .. you can read more about this nifty cooling gadget here.
Adjustable air beds
Adjustable air beds are the pinnacle of sleep technology. The best air beds will not only give you control over the temperature of the two halves of the bed but will allow you to change the firmness & positions of the mattress.
They are sleep luxury embodied but they do come with a price to match. If the temperature is the only issue, you might want to give the cooling pads a go before you dig this deep into your wallet.
Never wake up sweaty again
It’s the 21st century and technology plays a huge role in our lives. We get excited about video games and new features on our phones.
Yet, somehow, we often oversee the ways technology can make the crucial aspects of our lives easier.
And if proper sleep is crucial, we don’t know what is.
Redesigning your home is an exciting project that can snowball very, very quickly.
It can begin with simply changing the colour of the walls or cabinets and can end up in a complete overhaul of your entire home.
Ideas can grow and develop quickly, until before you know it, you’re pulling up the carpet, reupholstering the furniture and knocking down walls between rooms without any real plan.
Before things get out of control, set attainable goals for your renovation, consider the scale of what you are undertaking and start putting together a realistic plan regarding your timeframe and budget.
Consider the important décor elements of each room in your home and make sure you reach your redesign goals.
Follow our advice and ensure that your home renovations go smoothly and you get the results you’re looking for.
1. Curtains and Blinds Should Complement The Decor
Choosing the right pattern, colour and material for your curtains can go along way to tying a room together.
According to the team at Quickfit Curtains and Blinds, full-length curtains can add a refreshing splash of colour to any space, while a set of well-appointed blinds can add a real sense of sophistication.
Timeless sheer curtains can be an excellent choice for tying together mismatched windows or also work very well in rooms with a lot of patterns, providing some much needed visual relief from busy prints.
2. Fitting Furniture
One element of your new décor that is overlooked far too often is your selection in furniture.
Find furniture that fits the space well and is in keeping with your new décor.
Consider repainting or reupholstering furniture you already own, visit antique shops or try upcycling furniture from second-hand stores.
A unique piece of furniture serves as a new focal point of your space and can give a room a whole new feeling.
In living rooms, incorporate the light into the overall décor, using a combination of table lights, floor lamps and track lighting.
Bathrooms are best lit either very brightly, especially in the vanity area, while bedrooms should feature soft reading lights and a bright light for getting dressed.
Remember, nobody notices excellent lighting, but everyone notices bad lighting, take your time and get it right.
4. Choose the Right Colour Scheme
In conjunction with lighting, both natural and artificial, colours are an integral design element of any redesign.
Your choice of colours can transform any space; give it a different feel and a new lease of life.
Adding bright colours to walls, cabinets or accents can brighten up even the smallest of rooms, giving the illusion of space and light.
Soothing colours like powdery blues look great in a bathroom, while light colours such as pinks, soft yellows and lavenders give an air of tranquillity and restfulness making them fantastic choices for the bedroom.
From elegant to vibrant, soothing to moody, your choice of paint colour is a crucial one in any redesign.
5. Incorporate Mirrors in Your Design
Mirrors can be a fantastic addition to any space as they add an extra element to any room.
A gilded mirror, for example, can easily function as a standout, feature piece of furniture that easily changes the dynamic of a room.
They can be a beautiful addition to any living room, dining room, bedroom and of course bathroom.
Get creative with your mirrors and add some bespoke mirror art to your home and give people something to really look at!
Tying it all Together
There’s no denying that every home renovation comes with its own set of challenges and difficulties.
Depending on your time-frame, budget, space and style, the possibilities of what you can achieve are endless.
Get your project off to the right start by focusing on the five important décor elements discussed above and your redesign will come together more effortlessly than you ever thought possible.
These days I see a lot of Display Homes that feature a built in al-fresco area. . . . . It might seem a good idea when you are choosing a plan, but is it going to be the best solution?
How much are you really going to use it?
Should you commit to something before the build?
Here are some of the problems I see:
Poor Orientation
Have you thought about how it will feel to be out on the Al fresco.
Will it be too hot and have too much glare because its exposed to the afternoon and evening sun.
If it is on the North Side it might keep the warming winter sun away from warming the house
Will it be cold and damp because it faces south.
Will it have a view, or just a view of a fence?
Expensive construction
If you just want an outside covered area a built in alfresco is an expensive way of going about it.
Rather than a lightweight roof and relatively inexpensive paving, you are getting a full tiled roof and house foundation slab standard as a floor.
Fire and Smoke Issues
Because it is under the house roof smoke being trapped against the building can be an issue.
If the barby should catch fire then the problem just gets bigger.
Cost
The display house al fresco may look great . . . but if you look at the one above there are around $10,000 dollars of extras.
Down lights.
Laser cut steel screens.
Extra Roof.
Marble tiles.
Water feature.
Built in barby.
And then the furniture.
Don’t forget when you move in the alfresco is initially going to look more like this photo on the right.
With a big mortgage how long is it going to take you to afford to have to finish your al fresco like the display home?
One of the things that I notice when looking at new display homes is the size of the bedrooms.
My first house had a master bedroom with a floor areas of approximately 15 square metres. . . . and we had room for a freestanding wardrobes and drawers.
Now 20 square metres plus a walk-in-wardrobe isn’t unusual.
So what are you going to do if you have all that space?
Well I would suggest go up a size for your bed.
For me one a big advantages of a king sized bed is if I am restless then I am less likely to wake up my wife with my tossing and turning.
If left untreated, it can lead to structural issues and prolonged exposure can cause structural failings.
There are three main types of common damp problems; Condensation, Rising damp, and Penetrating damp.
Condensation
This is the most common damp problem of them all, and it’s the easiest to spot.
Look out for mould, most commonly in wet areas like the bathroom and be aware of ceilings and corners close to water that do not see much sunlight.
Ventilation problems can also attack tightly fitted laminated flooring and lead to dry rot.
The solution could just be extra vents or extractor fans, but in other cases you may need more wall insulation.
Rising damp
The clue is in the name for this one, it starts below your flooring and then spreads upwards.
The damp leaves patches as it climbs up the walls.
The problem could be a faulty pipe near the bottom of the wall, or a badly draining path, which is causing water to be collected.
Penetrating damp
Tell-tale signs of penetrating damp are fungi on the walls and crumbling plaster.
All sorts of home disasters could be to blame for this type of damp, from roof tiles coming loose to windows not being fitted correctly.
If you have a cellar/ underground garage, you may need special cement sealant treatment which stops damp from making the outside to inside switch.
If you don’t have a cellar and have penetrating damp, you may need new guttering.
It all depends on how the water is entering your home.
Solutions
Here are some solutions you may find useful if you have damp or want to avoid causing damp as much as possible.
If you constantly have to wipe condensation from your windows or notice wet patches at the top or bottom of your walls, you may need to improve the air quality and water structure in your home.
Short term fixes
Some short term fixes to dampness are; ensuring that any washing machine or tumble dryer in your property is ventilated properly.
From just one load of washing, two litres of water is emitted into the air.
If it is possible, try your best to dry clothes outdoors to prevent excess moisture escaping into your property.
If you have no choice but to dry clothes in the home, open doors and windows in the rooms the wet clothes are in.
If you are either cooking, boiling the kettle, taking a shower or running a bath, make sure that your kitchen or bathroom doors are kept closed to prevent the steam from going into colder rooms.
Cover your pans when cooking with a lid to reduce moisture and ensure that you have an extractor fan. Leave it on for 15-20 minutes after cooking to help clear the air.
Try not to overfill your bedroom wardrobes and kitchen cupboards.
A lack of ventilation and trapped warm air are a breeding ground for mould as the air is not able to circulate freely inside.
Also, make sure that your furniture is around 50mm away from the surrounding walls so that air can move around your property.
Long term fixes
Double glazing and loft insulation will help to reduce the amount of heat that is lost from a property.
An adequate amount of heating in your property will improve the internal temperature of surfaces in the house and reduce the likeliness of damp.
Installing insulation will help to keep the temperature of the surfaces inside your property high.
You can also install energy efficient extractor fans in your kitchen and bathroom to improve humidity levels.
Adequate ventilation is essential to allow the moisture to escape from a property before it turns into condensation or causes dampness.
The other option is to employ someone to damp proof your home.
Depending on the cause of the damp, different methods and approaches to resolve and avoid it can be taken.
The surveyors will diagnose the scale of the problem and immediate ventilation will help remove the damp although in some cases, plastering and timber removal or replacement may be necessary.
