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Easy in-store ReturnsThe best small garden ideas from Bunnings Workshop
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Have a small garden space and not sure what to do with it? Australia’s Best Backyards inaugural best small space winners, Victoria’s Andrea and Jordan, turned their patchy and long-neglected backyard into an inviting oasis.
Their biggest tip? Small garden ideas are born out of letting yourself make mistakes to allow the best backyard designs to blossom. With the help of the savvy Bunnings Workshop community the pair’s narrow backyard is now functional and beautiful. Discover how they did it.
Who won Bunnings Warehouse Australia’s Best Backyards 2025?
- Best landscaping: Backyard design and transformation - Alison, Tas
- Best lawn: Sloping front yard transformation - Michael, Vic
- Best D.I.Y. garden feature: Pond and backyard design makeover - Joanne, SA
- Best outdoor entertaining: Pergola, deck, barbecue zone and fireplace - Toby and Tamsyn, Vic
- Best edible garden: Fruit and vegetable garden - James, SA
- Best small space: Neglected lawn upgrade - Andrea and Jordan, Vic
Tip: Want to see Australia’s Best Backyard entries in more detail? Bunnings Workshop has all of the backyard design projects to pore over.
Who were the judges of Australia’s Best Backyards 2025?
- Mitchell McLean, Bunnings Workshop D.I.Y. Expert: Mitchell is one of the experts guiding Bunnings Workshop community members with tips and info to help them achieve their D.I.Y. goals.
- Steve Cassar, Founder, Ki Carma: With 35 years’ experience as a greenkeeper and at Ki Carma, Steve is passionate about creating and transforming spaces through D.I.Y. projects.
- Tove Berkhout, PR Manager, EUFY ANZ: As an advocate for EUFY’s smart device ecosystem, Tove is always looking for new ways to help consumers achieve a cleaner, smarter home.
- Nathan Briggs, Head of Product Oceania, Kärcher: With more than 13 years of experience at Kärcher, Nathan is a home and garden professional who knows what it takes to make a backyard look its best.
- Lisa Green, Editor, Bunnings Warehouse Magazine: A garden centre is Lisa’s happy place and, as a gatherer and creator of inspiring garden stories, she has a keen eye for well executed outdoor spaces.
Who won best small space in Australia's Best Backyards 2025?
Handy Victorian couple Andrea and Jordan (Workshop member @jordanandrea) turned what was once a neglected strip of lawn into a nature-filled family retreat.
Tip: Always wear the appropriate safety equipment (safety glasses, gloves, ear muffs and a mask, for example) and always follow the instructions for the product or equipment.
Purpose of small space makeover
“We wanted to create something both beautiful and functional out of our narrow backyard – a place that felt like an extension of our newly renovated home. The recycled red brick paving and arbours transformed the space, breaking up the length of the yard and drawing the eye through different zones,” says Andrea of their small garden idea.
How do I design a small backyard that feels bigger?
They painted the arbours, fences and retaining wall in Colorbond Monument – a great backdrop for their new plantings.
What should I budget for when landscaping?
With the reno stretching the budget the pair went for cost effective plant options. “We chose hardy species that could be propagated and repeated to create rhythm throughout the garden. Inspired by the landscape of our local creek, the planting style is semi-structured. The mix of plants has proven to be low maintenance and also a magnet for birds, bees and butterflies who visit daily, which our daughter loves.”
What tools were used on the project?
Along the way, the couple learnt that having the right tools – such as a post hole digger, compactor or paint sprayer – can turn a daunting job into something achievable. “If you don’t have the tools, the Bunnings Hire Shop is a fantastic option – it saves money, storage space and time. And there’s also something deeply satisfying about doing it yourself. Every blister, shovel of dirt and coat of paint gives you a greater appreciation for the space once it’s finished – a true sense of pride knowing you built it with your own hands.”
What the judges say
“I’m so impressed by this garden makeover. The planting approach – hardy and informal – has been hugely successful and the recycled brick paving is a timeless, textural inclusion. Painting the fences and structures dark makes everything else pop beautifully,” says Lisa. Adds Mitchell, “This is a brilliant transformation – welcoming and full of character.”
Small garden ideas top D.I.Y. tip
“Don’t be afraid to make mistakes; even the best gardens evolve through a little trial and error,” the couple says.
Keep in mind…
- Gloves are optional with power tools, but ear muffs and safety glasses are mandatory. If you're in doubt if gloves are needed, please check.
- When using power tools, always protect ears and eyes with ear muffs and safety glasses (gloves and mask are also recommended), follow the manufacturer’s instructions and work in a well-ventilated area.
- Take care when selecting your plants as some can be poisonous to children and pets.
After more small garden ideas?
Check out this guide to space-savvy edible gardening.
Suggested products
More D.I.Y. Advice
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.