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Easy in-store ReturnsHow do I get the perfect lawn in Australia?
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A first-time landscaper shares their backyard design tips for a lush lawn.
- Selecting the right turf for your climate and environment;
- Mindful soil preparation;
- Irrigation planning; and
- Maintenance where required throughout the year and different seasons.
For Australia’s Best Backyards inaugural best lawn winner, Michael, his secret to achieving the perfect lawn is simple: browse through Bunnings Workshop for inspiration on backyard design and makeovers – it offers a wealth of knowledge. Michael shares how he built his own retaining wall and took home the gong with his sloping front lawn transformation.
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 lawn in Australia’s Best Backyards 2025?
Michael (Workshop member @RenoMike) from Victoria was faced with a sloping front yard he levelled out to include a patio and lawn. We find out how he got the most perfect lawn in Australia.
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.
What he did
Built a new retaining wall, which was quite a feat for a first-time landscaper!
What turf was used on the project?
‘TifTuf’ grass.
How do pop up sprinklers work on irregular shaped lawns?
“I wanted to water the new lawn without having to move sprinklers around, so I used the pop-up [sprinklers] from Pope,” says Michael. “The lawn is an irregular shape and they give complete coverage.”
How long did the project take?
“The front yard project was done in three to four months, and all the materials were from Bunnings. I was a frequent flyer for a while!” he says.
Using irrigation when you have pets
“For the back lawn, I also had to ensure the dog, Benji, couldn’t chew the components. The pop up sprinklers are hidden when not needed and, by bringing out the connectors through the sleeper at the top of the wall, the dog can’t get to them!”
What the judges say
“Work smarter not harder is the mantra of this lawn,” says Steve. “I love how this lawn is edged and the irrigation set-up,“ says Nathan.
Top D.I.Y. lawn and retaining wall tip
“Look through Bunnings Workshop for instructions and ideas, and use the experience of the team members who answer queries on the site. They were extremely helpful when I was planning my retaining wall.”
Tip: Want a plan for a new irrigation system but not sure where to start? Discover how with this handy five-step guide.
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.
Always check with your local authority if watering restrictions apply in your area, and adjust timer settings to suit.
Want a lush new lawn for your garden?
Check out this guide on how to lay turf.
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.