Project list
Sign in to your account
With project lists you can...
Please sign in or create an account to use Project Lists
By /
Now is the time to set your garden goals for the year, whether you’re starting from scratch or finessing an existing space. Setting and completing projects will help move things along and make the process more rewarding – whether you are brightening an entrance, starting a vegetable patch or creating a wildlife haven. Horticulturist Matt Carroll suggests starting with a plan, no matter the project size. “Assess your space, sketch a layout, and think about the purpose of each element,” he says. Here are a few gardening tips to inspire. You’ll soon see the possibilities.
Safety tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment. Always store products out of the reach of children and pets.
If you want to take a compact outdoor area from blah to bliss, you don’t have to go through a list of gardening tips to get there. Simply start by adding layers of greenery and inviting decor to create your very own balcony garden. “Large potted plants, hanging baskets or a vertical garden can create a lush atmosphere,” says Matt. If privacy is an issue, wrap the balcony in screen fencing or plant large troughs with palms or bamboo. Comfortable seating with outdoor cushions will make it cosy, while solar string lights or lanterns can add a magical glow for evening relaxation. When trying to drown out noise, a small water feature can create a soothing backdrop.
If your goal is to start a vegetable patch, evaluate your growing environment first, advises permaculture enthusiast and home gardener, Mark Udovitch. “Is it sunny, shady, dry or damp? These qualities will impact what and how you can grow,” he says. If you have sun for most of the day, you can grow just about anything – from fruiting trees and veg to cut-and-come-again herbs and leafy greens. But shady areas will require more care with plant choice. Our top gardening tips for renters or those living in small spaces, such as a balcony or courtyard? Consider portable options where no digging is required and keep it simple, says Steve Bone, Bunnings national buyer for landscape and fencing. “Choose from basic, budget-friendly solutions or go for more premium options with all the bells and whistles to make gardening easier.”
Spend less time watering and more time enjoying your garden with an automated irrigation system. Delivering water directly to your plants conserves moisture and reduces waste from overwatering or evaporation. And you don’t need anything elaborate – simply connect a drip irrigation or soaker hose to a tap timer*. However, if you need to water different areas, like a lawn versus a garden bed, consider investing in a smart controller for tailored control over each zone.
With a variety of systems and D.I.Y. options available, composting may seem daunting but it doesn’t have to be, says Mark Udovitch. “We use a worm farm for vegetable scraps, while our green waste – weeds, garden clippings and excess kitchen scraps – goes into a compost tumbler along with equal parts brown waste, such as chicken bedding, shredded newspaper and uncoated cardboard,” he says. “A tumbler is great for turning compost efficiently: it aerates the mix, which is crucial for decomposition.”
First impressions matter – not just for visitors, but also for creating a welcoming feeling when you arrive home. “A couple of pots filled with seasonal flowers is an easy way to breathe life and inject colour into a space,” suggests Matt. Since the plants are seasonal, our gardening tip is to switch them out for year-round variety. For lower-maintenance options, consider a tree, evergreen shrub or perennial, such as a large jade plant (Crassula ovata), dwarf Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) or a topiary lilly pilly (Syzygium smithii). Also consider upcycling existing pots with a coat of paint.
The side passage of a house is typically narrow and underutilised – but this space can become highly functional, especially if storage is a priority. Consider installing a slimline shed here. It’s a great way to store gardening tools, bikes or items that don’t need to clutter up your garage or undercover outdoor areas, and most can be padlocked for security.
You don’t need to go big to entertain. David Hardie, Bunnings national buyer for barbecues and accessories, says smaller barbecues and pizza ovens are popular due to their light weight and easy-to-use features. “These products are primarily gas, which allows for quicker cooking times,” he says. But if you love to cook, you’ll enjoy a charcoal barbecue or pellet smoker. “While it might take a bit more time to prepare the food, the aromas and taste will definitely impress family and friends,” says David. “Practice on the units a couple of times before entertaining so you get the preparation and timing right.”
If you want to attract birds, bees, butterflies and other local wildlife to your garden to support biodiversity, our gardening tips are simple. “Plant a variety of native flowers, flowering shrubs, and trees to entice birds and beneficial wildlife,” advises Mark. Try grevilleas, correas, banksias, flowering gums, kangaroo paws or emu bush (Eremophila spp). This approach enriches your garden, as native plants, rich in nectar and pollen, also provide shelter for small creatures and are better adapted to thrive in the local environment.
If you’re looking to update your space, check out what’s hitting the mark in the gardening space.
Learn how to make rich nutrients for soil and plants with our video on composting.
Photo credit: Adobe Stock, Ashley St George/Pew Pew Studio, Belinda Merrie, James Moffatt.
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.
