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How to create garden features

A garden with a wooden bench.

Overview

Are you looking to take your garden to the next level with some wow-factor features? We’re sharing some helpful tips and tricks to help you get started. Whether you’re looking to create a backyard getaway, plan for a family barbecue or host a garden party, here’s how to create some incredible feature areas in your garden.

Steps

1Decide on a destination

First things first – which destinations suit your lifestyle? Take into account who will use the space. Do you want to create a space for the kids? For your pets? Or perhaps a cosy outdoor dining area for family and friends?

You may decide a wood fire pizza oven is perfect for your entertaining style, or perhaps your kitchen overlooks your garden, and you’d like to see a peaceful water feature while you cook.

Whatever your garden dreams, get brainstorming and be creative. Measure how much space you have and write down what you'd like to create, keeping in mind how much room is available.

2Work with what you’ve got

Take note of what you’ve already got in your garden so that you can work to either enhance it, or screen it out if you dislike certain areas.

A few ideas for enhancing:

  • Frame certain areas with archways, trees, pillars or pergolas.
  • Create a gravel pathway leading to the area you love.
  • Add pots and plants to match the décor of your home and create uniformity.
  • Adding extra seating under your favourite shady tree.

A few ideas for screening out:

  • Add hedging or other bushes with thick foliage to draw attention away from the area.
  • Add fence extensions.
  • Add garden walls (such as a feature screen or bamboo screening) to create a different feel and hide certain areas.
A garden with a wooden bench and two plant pots.

3Soften with greenery

Greenery is a great way to brighten and soften your garden.

A few ideas for softening:

  • Add trees, plants or bushes behind cooking areas to balance out the harshness of brick, concrete or metal (for example, a pizza oven or barbecue).
  • Add flowers, grasses and plants to mulch areas.
  • Line pathways with greenery to balance out the gravel.
  • Add bamboo in front of fencing to create height and increase privacy.
A person looking at the garden bed.

4Decide on deciduous versus evergreen

Deciduous plants and trees change with the season – this means you’ll get a different look each season. Evergreen trees stay green throughout the year. Take this into consideration when designing your garden.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Deciduous trees let in more sunlight during the cold winter months and still protect you from the sun during hot summer days.
A person feeding a plant at the front garden.

5Light up the night

Nothing transforms a garden like feature lights. Lights provide atmosphere and they also allow you to extend your use of the garden well into the evening.

Try adding outdoor lighting under feature plants or trees so you and your guests can enjoy them when it's dark. You can also get creative and string fairy lights or LED strips around your decking area to change up the ambiance for your guests.

Green Bunnings hammer
Tip: Solar lighting is eco-friendly, versatile and affordable.
A person adding garden solar lights under a tree in a garden.

6Watch the full episode

For more renovation inspiration, watch Episode 2: House facade and garden renovation in our Make It Happen: The House Project series.

Health & Safety

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.