Geelong Coast Home and Lifestyle - Spring 2022

AT HOME WITH

Greer Mayberry

When Greer Mayberry and her husband Sam set about renovating and redesigning their home 13 years ago they knew very early on what was important to them.

“For us, it was all about family and people; sharing meals, dinner parties, everyone having a good time,” she said.

“I wanted a comfortable place for people, so that everyone who comes feels comfortable. Everyone knows that we’ll always host an event here; ‘Oh, we’ll have it at Greer’s house!’

“When I’m sitting looking at everyone down the table and they’re all enjoying themselves,

that’s what matters to me. When you’re with family and friends and you have that moment, that’s what I really enjoy.

“And our very first dinner party, Sam was outside on the barbeque and I was in the kitchen, everyone was going back and forth and laughing and having a good time, and we looked at each other and thought, yes, our home is working.”

When the Mayberry’s were looking to buy 13 years ago they fell in love with both the house and the neighbourhood.

“We were looking at buying in Geelong

West at first, but we came to Manifold Heights because we wanted the patch of grass out the front,” Greer said.

“It’s a simple thing, but it felt more green, and with the bigger block size we had a good feeling about it. We loved the old characteristics of the house too. We wanted a bit of character, but something we could put our own spin on as well.

“It was a tiny little shack at that stage, just the front of the current house with a big backyard. We loved the panelling in the front room, the weatherboards; the front garden’s lovely as well, although Sam’s done more to that, too.

■ Greer Mayberry.

Picture: Ivan Kemp

Old-world charm, modern functionality and entertaining family and friends were important to Greer Mayberry when creating her Manifold Heights home. The Geelong-based interior designer spoke to Matt Hewson about using lifestyle priorities as a guide for design.

“It’s a really nice pocket to be in. There are new places popping up on Shannon Avenue, coffee shops and homeware stores, and we can walk down to Pako Street and Sparrow Park.”

Entering the Mayberry’s home for the first time, one is struck by the cosiness of the entryway and the old world charm of the front bedrooms, particularly the master bedroom, in which the old kitchen and lounge area has been converted into a walk-in robe and ensuite.

“I love our bedroom, it’s perfect for a little lay down or cat nap,” Greer said.

“We put the panelling up behind the bed during the lockdowns, it just adds that bit of texture without being too much. It’s the perfect place to curl up with a book.”

But once past the entryway and the front bedrooms, the eye is quickly drawn down a long hallway that leads to a large, open living space and kitchen and a covered outdoor area and beautifully curated backyard beyond.

“A lot of people don’t realise what the house looks like inside until they walk in the front

door and go, whoa!” Greer said.

“It’s quite dramatic coming down that hallway and seeing the house open up. I wanted to let a lot more light into the house, as like many older houses it was very dark originally.

“So we have a big open space and a lot of windows in the back area. We wanted to keep the character up the front but take you on a little journey as you go to the back of the house where it’s a little more modern.”

That journey takes one to the Blue Room, the last stop before the back section of the house. The Blue Room is both wonderfully interesting, with artwork, greenery and a drinks station, as well as comfortable and relaxing.

“The Blue Room was a bit of a sanctuary for me when I first had our son, Hendrix two and a half years ago; it was the most comfortable couch in the house,” Greer said.

“We didn’t have as much furniture in there as we do now. When we added the chairs, the guy at the store warned me off them, saying they’d crack and wear, but I wanted that look to

develop over time.

“The art is there to remind us of when we went to Cuba, we had a great time there, it’s an amazing place. It’s just a really great room to relax and watch the footy in.”

Past the Blue Room are the stairs leading down to the back section of Greer’s home, which is another, unexpected area for socialising.

“We tend to sit on the stairs sometimes during parties here, they remind us of the old house,” Greer said.

“There were back steps that we used to sit on at gatherings and have a chat, so we still do that every now and then.”

The stairs feature tiles on their vertical face, which Greer said made them a point of interest rather than “just another set of steps”.

At the foot of the stairs is the study on one side, tucked away behind open bookshelves, and an outdoor courtyard on the other.

“I love the fact that we’ve put a courtyard there, it opens it up a bit more,” Greer said. >>>

■ The Mayberrys’ Blue Room has a combination of colours and textures that is bold and interesting, but also comfortable and relaxing.

■ Greer Mayberry in her kitchen Pictures: Ivan Kemp

child’s bedroom is fun

functional.

“It gives a window to the outside from the Blue Room, from the office and from the living area.

“I really wanted to open up the study behind the bookcase to have light, as well as to be able to look through the courtyard when I’m working. You can see out through the bookcase, but you don’t really see in from the outside.

“You don’t feel closed off from what’s happening in other parts of the house. I didn’t want to feel like I was locked away in a room.”

The entire rear area of the home is one large, open section that houses the kitchen and dining area, as well as a spacious living room.

Full-size glass sliding doors lead out to a covered outdoor area, complete with chairs, tables and a large barbeque, that looks out over a small but cleanly designed back yard.

“We open all of this up in summer, the grass is beautifully green and it’s a great space to be in, you can walk in and out,” Greer said.

“It’s quite industrial, with concrete benches and everything, but I almost wanted it to feel like a cafe, an area where people congregate, and that’s why we have the chalkboard as well.

“It’s still a little bit of a work in progress. We spend a lot of time with Hendrix here, but once he’s grown up a bit I’d like to make it a bit more homely, updating the living room and reflect what’s in the kitchen on this side as well.

“The lighting was very important to me as well. As well as the natural light from the big windows, I got the cluster that hangs over the kitchen table for dramatic purposes. I really wanted a bit of ‘wow’ over the table. I really like warm lighting.”

With the arrival of Hendrix over two years ago, Greer had the opportunity to reassess her lifestyle as a visual merchandiser for Cotton On group, and with the encouragement of friends decided to pursue a diploma in interior design and establish her own business, Greer Mayberry Design.

“Then Emma at Blush Bar down on Pako Street showed me their outdoor area and asked me what I thought,” she said.

“I told her she needed some vignettes, different heights and areas people can go to have a drink, maybe some greenery and trees too. And two weeks later she asked me if I

wanted to do my first project.

“From there I ended up doing Blush Bar in Torquay, which worked out really well, and from there it’s been word of mouth and I’ve had jobs all over.

“It’s great, I really enjoy the flexibility of working for myself. I still work just as hard, but I get to choose how and when I work. It’s about

making your own decisions and running your own ship.

“I’m still learning the business side of it, but I feel like this is my jam, it’s what I was supposed to do. It’s been amazing how the little steps became bigger steps, and it’s all become a reality.”

●

■ The central corridor runs the length of the home, with a courtyard on the right and an office tucked behind the open bookcase on the left.

■ The courtyard brings light and a sense of openness to the Blue Room, office and rear section, even on a rainy day.

■ The main bedroom

■ This foyer dresser combines style with functionality.

■ Pendant lighting in the kitchen is practical and stylish.

Mirror, mirror on the wall

Mirrors are not only decorative, they also make rooms feel bigger and brighter by reflecting light and creating the illusion of depth.

As the saying goes ‘life is like a mirror’ and the clever use of mirrors in a home can reflect a lot about the lifestyle of the people who live there.

Mirrors come in an endless variety of shapes and sizes.

They can be modern or traditional, big or small, hung or placed on a lean against walls for effect.

As a rule of thumb, rooms with high ceilings benefit from vertical mirrors, while horizontal mirrors work better in long rooms.

One of the first things to consider when deciding where to place a mirror is the reflection.

Stand where you plan to hang the mirror and consider what will be reflected in it.

Mirrors can accentuate works of art or special pieces of furniture that may be placed opposite.

Also, think about where light enters your room. It’s best to position a mirror opposite a window, especially in north facing homes to

make the most of the afternoon and evening light.

If you are going to hang a mirror, consider placing it on a slight tilt that way it will reflect more of the room.

Also consider if the mirror is going to serve a practical purpose or will it be merely decorative. If you want to be able to check your lipstick on the way out the door make sure the mirror is hung at eye level.

To securely fasten a mirror to a wall, each hook on the back needs its own hook in the wall. A cable wire hung across a single hook or nail won’t do the job, especially with large, heavy mirrors.

Mirrors can be used throughout your home.

They add a welcoming feel to a foyer or entry hung above a stylish hall table.

An obvious place for a mirror in older homes is above a mantel. Experts advise positioning the mirror 10 to 15 centimetres above the mantel for maximum effect.

An instant hit of glamour can be added to a bathroom or ensuite by a gorgeous mirror. Look beyond the frameless mirror mounted

above the basin and consider a frame for visual impact.

Dining rooms are the traditional place for mirrors. Think grand Victorian homes with thick gold frames. A mirror in a sleek, modern frame would work just as well strategically placed over a buffet.

Mirrors can also be arranged in groups for added visual impact and character. Take care to ensure the space between each mirror is even, making it visually pleasing to the eye. Play around with different shapes and sizes, or hang a set of mirrors for visual uniformity. Think about a group of mirrors the same way you would a collection of art work.

The style of frame will depend on your individual aesthetic. A modern home will suit sleek, unadorned frames. A colonial or country homestead style home suits a rustic wooden frame, or a period home a more traditional gilt, decorative frame.

Don’t be afraid to use a large mirror in a small space. Designers often use full length mirrors leaning against a wall in apartments or smaller homes. ●

Clean, crisp and contemporary

Every now and then we have a new client approach us at Graham Jones Design with a keen interest in the work that we do, with some hesitation surrounding how modern or contemporary they want their house to look. While most have the experience and confidence to have us design the home of their dreams, some people are concerned about what their neighbours may think, whether council will approve the proposal, or if a contemporary design will truly feel like home, and so they consider settling for a more traditional aesthetic. When it comes to your dream abode, however, there’s no need to compromise, and any great designer will be able to marry your brief with the challenges surrounding site, context, budget and council restrictions.

Whether it be your forever home or a holiday house, everybody deserves a dwelling that reflects their individuality and the way they want to live in the most positive and functional way possible. If you find yourself drawn to a clean and crisp contemporary style then embrace it in all of its glory! Modernist homes have been around for over a century, so don’t fear that it’s an untried or untested architectural approach. While the style continues to develop and evolve over time, a good modern design will remain truly timeless and perpetually transcend any trends that come and go. A contemporary aesthetic offers a sense of drama, sophistication, and elegance to any home – and that will always stand the test of time.

With all of that said, you never want your home to feel too rigid or sterile. When taking a Modernist approach to design, it’s important to consider and implement a sense of texture, of layering and of scale to relate it back to a human experience and retain a feeling of domesticity or homeliness. This means carefully considering your choice of materials, the proportions of spaces and how each element fits together. Our expertise in interior design becomes so important in this regard, where a palette of finishes, fixtures and fittings are selected to compliment and balance the overall design of the home.

Contemporary design also lends itself to more sustainable and environmentally friendly design principals, making it easier than ever to reduce your carbon footprint and live self-sufficiently. From the use of more environmentally friendly materials, efficient running systems and more natural means of lighting, ventilating, heating and cooling the home, a modern design can be a positive choice for the planet. Couple this with inherent qualities surrounding functionality and constructability, and you really can’t go wrong with a contemporary style home.

If you’re still not completely committed to a Modernist aesthetic or you’re concerned about how the house will sit in its context, don’t forget that there are numerous, fantastic ways to reinterpret more traditional design approaches for a contemporary setting. This works well with modern farmhouse designs, for example, where you can take the quintessential silhouette of a classic Australian farmhouse and play with more streamlined architectural elements and

materials. The same can be said for simplifying very ornate, classical styles in favour of a more honest and pure aesthetic with a calming, pared back effect.

We’d encourage any aspiring homeowner that may be questioning a contemporary aesthetic to reconsider attempting to reproduce – often poorly – styles befit of a bygone era, in favour of something more reflective of our time and place. A clean, modern design is a great way to design for our local environment, climate, broader social context and our place in history – whilst also considering longevity and agelessness. Whether you’re in search of a bold, unique design, or looking for a modern interpretation of something more traditional, you’d be surprised what a great contemporary designer can imagine for your site.

Visit grahamjonesdesign.com.au or get in touch with a member of the team via phone or email to learn more. Phone 0477 394 864 or email reception@grahamjonesdesign.com.

The beauty of reclaimed timber

With the temperature rising and the days slowly getting longer, inviting new pieces and experimenting with different looks and styles is front of mind. Instead of reducing in the name of minimalism, we are now exploring spaces filled with pieces that reflect our personality, spaces that can quickly shift from work to play and finally relaxation.

Make the most of the warm weather and style up a sunroom to host unforgettable lunch and dinner parties. A great way to fill your space with dimension is by using furniture

made from reclaimed timber. Designed for the entertainer, OZ Design Furniture’s Southport dining table is a handmade beauty using reclaimed pine salvaged from old building structures. With many unique and imperfect characteristics, this beautiful piece brings its history into any space. Paired with the Cristo Cross Back Chairs and rattan Skye Designer Chairs, achieve a showstopper interior using environmentally sustainable materials.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match your

dining chairs to suit your space. A rule of thumb is to only switch out the chairs at the heads of the table to give a symmetrical look, like OZ Design has done here. Bookending your dining table with armchairs at either end can give your space an added sense of luxury, filling your space with a unique look.

Live in style this spring and discover OZ Design Furniture’s new season pieces that will transform your home into a space that feels like there is no place like it. Shop online or in store today. ●

Connecting through colour

After a chaotic couple of years, many of us feel an overwhelming desire to live more simply and authentically. There has been a conscious stripping away of the unnecessary and superfluous, both in terms of what we surround ourselves with and how we spend our time, to create space for more meaningful connections.

Dulux’s Colour Forecast 2023 reflects a desire to bond with the environment, or communities and the people we love, with warming, earthdrawn neutrals, natural textures and an array of uplifting brighter hues.

The annual Dulux Colour Forecast is based on year-round research into the latest global and local trends that are predicted to influence Australian design and how we live.

The Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 – led by Dulux colour and communication manager Andrea Lucena-Orr in conjunction with Dulux colour forecaster and stylist Bree Leech

– has been informed by seminars, including Future Laboratory London and Colour Hive, Milan Design Week, trend reports and editorials, fashion catwalks, product and design launches, engagement with global and international brands, and customised research through Dulux’s extensive networks in the UK, Italy and France.

“Colour forecasting for interiors is an evolution,” Lucena-Orr says.

“While fashion is an important influencer, the shifts in interiors are more subtle and nuanced. The palettes we can expect to see in our homes in 2023 are predominantly warm and nurturing, with nature continuing to be a key driver of trends. Brighter hues continue, however, they are deeper than last year.”

Sustainability will be another important focus in the year ahead.

“We’re reframing our relationship with

material things – it’s no longer enough that a piece is beautiful, it needs to earn its place in our homes,” Leech says.

“Sustainability is beginning to feel more personal; we don’t just want to know that pieces are made in a way that’s gentle on the environment, but to understand the journey they have taken before arriving in our lives –for example, by choosing traceable fabrics or learning the maker’s story. As a result, there continues to be a renewed interest in the handcrafted and pieces with a story to tell.

“We have all reacted to the upheavals of the last couple of years in different ways – some people crave lightness and whimsy, whilst others seek order and reassurance. The three palettes in the Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 reflect these differing needs, allowing you to create beautiful living spaces that reflect where you are in your life’s journey.”

■ Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Revive palette., Styling: Bree Leech, Dulux colours used: Dulux Lexicon Quarter (Walls), Dulux Breezy Half (Ceiling).

Pictures: Lisa Cohen

■ Dulux colours used: Dulux Lexicon, Quarter (Walls), Dulux Breezy Half (Stripes), Dulux Paper Brown (Stripes), Dulux Pink Chi (Front Door).

■ Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Balance palette., Dulux Pure Blue Half (Lower Walls), Dulux Kimberley Sea (Upper Walls).

Balance

Dulux Balance is a refined palette of serene marine blues, gentle greens and accents of deep garnet that evokes the beauty and fluidity of the ocean and shoreline.

“Post-pandemic, not everyone is craving indulgence, risk and change – some crave the reassurance of structure and rules,” Lucena-Orr says.

Leech says luxe textures, such as velvet and silk, furniture with exaggerated, curved silhouettes, abstract art, and decor pieces with organic shapes and delicate pleating complete the Balance look.

“Balance is very much inspired by a ‘less is more’ philosophy, with minimal detailing and a restrained approach to decorating. Instead, the focus is on immersive colour and the beauty of complex, structured patterns found in nature, such as a simple seashell or fern frond,” she says.

Connect

With its warm, earthy tones of moss, wasabi, sandstone, muddied yellow-green and burnt charcoal, the Dulux Connect palette is all about fostering our relationship with the great outdoors.

“It speaks of calm, comfort and an honest approach to living, and brings in many of the pastimes we experienced during lockdown, such as a hiking, cooking, quilting and gardening.

Muddied yellow-green has something of a nostalgic, country-house feel, cinnamon is grounding, whilst rich, purplebrown adds an indulgent and contemporary twist,” Lucena-Orr says.

Simple, rustic furniture in timber, leather and rattan sits alongside stone flooring and bespoke, modern lighting made from recycled materials for a look that simultaneously speaks of the past, present and the future.

“The Connect palette could look incredible in a cosy dining room or living area of a family home or a country weekender,” she says.

Revive

Filled with playful, uplifting brighter colours, such as rose pink, breezy blue, sunshine yellow, emerald, violet and burnt orange, the Dulux Revive palette is an instant mood-lifter – just what many of us need after the gruelling last couple of years. With unexpected colour combinations, graphic floral patterns and furniture in cloud-like forms, the message is

clear: interiors shouldn’t be taking themselves too seriously in 2023.

“As we emerge from trying times, we’re looking for lightness and a sense of freedom to revive our spirits. So, when it comes to our homes, it’s out with the rule book, and in with the possibilities to create something truly magical,” Lucena-Orr says.

“Pairing retro influences with futuristic features, such as pixel patterns and digital art, the Revive palette cleverly merges the past and present. And with its colourful, look-at-me accent walls and statement seating, it creates the perfect Instagrammable moment.”

So how should you go about incorporating Dulux’s 2023 trend colours into your home?

“There are no rules – just pick up a paint brush and get creative!” Leech says.

“If you’re new to colour, these inspirational images are a great place to get ideas and build your confidence – the curated palettes are designed to be used as schemes for paint, as well as soft furnishings, artwork and decor. See which palette you’re naturally drawn to and then look around your home to work out which areas could benefit from a colour lift.” ●

■ Dulux Terrace White (Archway), Dulux Sea Kelp (Back Walls).

■ Dulux Lexicon Quarter (Walls), Dulux Perplexed (Ceiling), Dulux Day Glow (Feature Back Wall), Dulux Golden Sand (Feature Side Wall).

■ Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Connect palette., Styling: Bree Leech, Dulux colours used: Dulux Whisper White (Ceiling), Dulux Wasabi (Ceiling Beams), Dulux Stilted Stalks (Supporting Arch).

■ Dulux Reservation (Walls).

■ Dulux Colour Forecast 2023 - Balance palette., Styling: Bree Leech, Dulux colours used: Dulux Starfish (Front Walls), Dulux Casper White (Back Walls).

best summer awaits

Fling open your doors and step outside... your best summer awaits! Brax awnings provide shade, reduce glare and can completely transform the look of your outdoor area. Enjoy every moment of summer for years to come.

Extend your summer living

Are you looking forward to enjoying warm sunny days and balmy evenings at home?

Perhaps it’s time to extend or improve your home’s outdoor living area ready for summer?

A Brax folding arm awning can provide a distinctive and functional extension to your outdoor space as well as providing optimal shade protection for your home. Read on… your best summer awaits!

You gain control over the amount of sun entering your home – during the summer simply extend the shade to keep your home cool and provide a shady outdoor area. In winter it can be easily retracted to let in the light and warmth. The cantilever design, supported by strong spring tensioned arms, means that when extended, no other support is necessary. This provides a fully usable outdoor area up to 7 metres in width and up to 4 metres projected from the house.

Brax manufactures these robust folding arm awnings in Geelong using European hardware systems. We offer a range of designs including a full cassette version that encloses the fabric. This keeps it protected when not in use and increases the awning’s longevity.

Fabrics

When it comes to choosing a fabric colour for your new awning, there is an extensive range of colours available - from pastels to bold colours and an array of stripe designs. We recommend using solution dyed acrylic, designed to be both lightweight and durable. The yarn is dyed before weaving, ensuring outstanding fade resistance and ability to stand up to exposure to the elements. While they are also quite resistant to mildew, we do recommend you don’t put them away when wet. If you do happen to need to, then just pop them out to fully dry again as soon as possible.

Installation

One area you definitely don’t want to cut corners on is in the installation of your awning. We cannot stress enough how critical it is for awnings to have secure, solid fixing. When fully extended the awning can be affected by uplift or weight bearing down. If not correctly installed you risk structural damage to buildings. Professional installation is a must.

Operation

Most people think they don’t need to motorise their awnings, however in our experience it is well worth spending the extra money. By

motorising your Brax awning, it means that operating it is really as simple as touching a button… so you are guaranteed to use it more! Retracting it is just as simple. Hit the button and in it comes. All that’s required is an external weatherproof powerpoint.

One key thing to remember is that you don’t always have to fully extend the awning. You control how far out is goes, so if it is a bit windy you can put the awning out a small amount just to shade your windows.

Your best summer awaits - and you don’t even have to leave your home!

Visit Brax at 100 Balliang St, South Geelong. For more go to www.braxwt.com.au ●

Feel natural with rattan

Rattan is having its moment in the design sun as this natural material appears in homes as furniture, baskets, bed heads, lamps and other home accessories.

Traditionally used to construct outdoor furniture because of its durability and weather resistance, rattan is also a great material to use indoors as a way of bringing an elegant natural feel to interior spaces.

The natural beauty of rattan complements many decorating styles such as country, coastal, boho and traditional decor. It can be easily incorporated with other materials, such as glass, stone or wood, or it can be painted to give it a more contemporary feel.

Another advantage of rattan is that it is less expensive than other materials, making it perfect for those who are budget-conscious but want an eye-catching end result.

For an effortless casual feel, rattan is perfect for conjuring a sense of the coast and lazy summer holidays. It can easily be accessorised with throw pillows, rugs, candles, lamp shades and wall hangings created from other natural fibres. And don’t limit rattan to your living areas. Think of incorporating it into bedrooms via a rattan bedhead, side table or bedside lamp.

A striking woven chair can look elegant in an empty bedroom corner. Rattan chairs can also be paired with a timber dining table for a

comfortable yet chic look.

Rattan light fixtures can add a wow factor to otherwise standard lighting.

Think large pendant shades with an open weave to allow light to seep in all directions.

If you want to just dip your toe in this durable design trend start with a few baskets strategically placed where you need them. Rattan baskets are widely available at all price points from home decor retailers.

A rattan tray is another way to add a touch of rattan to your overall design scheme.

Group candles, shells, interesting glassware or any other items you love on a rattan tray for a streamlined rather than messy presentation. ●

Get ready for summer

Want your lawn and yard looking their best now the warmer days have returned? Smash through this list in the glorious sunshine and reward yourself with a cold glass of wine or beer and a barbecue.

Aerate

Don your aerating sandals. Loosen up your compacted soil and allow water, nutrients and air to get to your lawn’s roots.

Barbecue

Dust off the cover. Check you’ve got gas (after your tidy up, you may want to fire your barbie up). Clean the grill and plates. Don’t forget to clean the fat catcher.

Compaction Bonus.

If you’ve already aerated, you’ve taken care of compaction. If not, see aerate.

Decks

Clear them and scrub them. If you’ve got to reseal, then you’ve got a little more work to do.

Dethatch

What’s thatch? If your lawn is really spongy, you’ve got a build-up of thatch. If you can wait (or want to skip a job, because you’re keen to prepare your beef for a barbecue), hold off until the end of spring, as this is the best time to dethatch. Mow low to remove the thatch, but always only on warm season grasses.

Fertilise

If your soil’s consistently above about 14 degrees, then it’s time to give your lawn a feed.

A slow-release granular fertiliser, such as Lawn Solutions Premium Fertiliser is recommended.

Furniture

Knock off the cobwebs. Dampen a rag and wipe off the dust and debris. Your wood furniture may need a reseal.

Leaves

Rake up your leaves and place them in your compost.

Mower

Now’s the time to service or get it serviced. If

you’re doing it yourself, sharpen the blades and discard your old fuel.

Pre-emergent herbicide

If your lawn is free of weeds, good job! To keep it that way, apply a pre-emergent herbicide, such as OxaFert to combat potential infestations of, for example, oxalis or summer weed.

Soil

If you’ve aerated and taken care of compaction, you’re almost done. You can consider using wetting agents or water storage crystals to maximise water efficiency.

Top-dress

If your lawn’s a little uneven, throw a bit of soil on top. Make sure the leaf blades are still poking through. Top dressing helps to reduce thatch and improves drainage, too. You can delay this task, too, as the best time to top dress is in late spring/early summer.

Umbrella

Hopefully you have no more than a little

dusting to do here.

Weeds

If you’ve got any, then pull them out by hand. If you don’t have any, apply a pre-emergent herbicide so you don’t get any!

Water

Water your lawn as little as possible and when you do, water deep. Long, infrequent soaks are better than light, frequent applications.

Zoysia

If your lawn is beyond repair, then take a look at Sir Grange (Zeon Zoysia). It’s great in the shade and drought tolerant too. Or for a more affordable option, consider the ever popular Sir Walter.

Congratulations on making it to the end of the list! Celebrate and get on to sizzling your steaks for your first barbecue of the season.

- Article courtesy Lawn Solutions Australia ●

A slice of heaven

Spring and summer are the perfect months for Mediterranean style cooking and alfresco dining, especially when you have a pizza oven in the backyard.

Pizza ovens are becoming popular additions to Australian backyards alongside the ubiquitous barbecue.Devotees of pizza ovens love the simplicity of authentic Italianstyle pizzas, which can be healthy, quick to make and delicious.

Because the high heat generated in a wood fired pizza oven, food cooks extremely quickly making them great for feeding large groups of people. And only wood fired brick ovens infuse that smokey, charcoal flavour that can’t be replicated in a normal kitchen oven.

There are a number of things to consider when choosing what sort of pizza oven is right for your home. Firstly, what material to use in constructing the oven.

Brick

Brick ovens are fuel efficient, as they retain up to 85 per cent of the heat generated by a wood fire. Bricks are also cheap making them a popular choice .

To get an authentic rustic look, the brick can be rendered in cement with the added benefit of retaining extra heat for faster cooking.

Stone

Stone has very similar heat efficiency to brick but it can be an expensive option. If you like the look of natural stone use it on the facade as decoration rather than using it for the baking chamber.

Cob

Cob is a mixture of natural building materials made from things such as clay, sand, straw, rocks and recycled materials. It is one of the oldest building methods on earth. A cob oven is cheap to construct and fuel efficient. It cooks with all three heating methods: convection, conduction and radiant heat. Be careful to ensure the baking chamber is fired properly or it will crack. There is plenty of advice on the internet about how to construct a cob oven.

Steel

In modern homes stainless steel is a popular choice for pizza ovens. They are low maintenance and can be connected to gas as a fuel source eliminating the long heating time needed for wood fired models.

Portable oven

For those with a small backyard a portable

pizza oven or even a bench top oven may be a better option. Portable ovens can be wood fired or gas powered. They can be moved out of the way when not in use or even taken to a park, the beach or a friend’s house.

The other main consideration is which fuel to use to fire your pizza oven.

Wood

For purists wood is the only way to go. Wood fired is the authentic way of cooking used by humans for thousands of years. It can take up to four hours to get a wood fired oven to the correct temperature for cooking so patience and planning is required if you choose wood.

Charcoal/coal

Wood-fired ovens can also be fueled with either charcoal or coal for a different flavour, though these options are often considered to be less efficient, and less eco-friendly.

Gas/electric

More contemporary in style, a gas or electric pizza oven is a cleaner option, particularly for an indoor or enclosed kitchen. Gas is also faster but they do need to be connect to a mains supply or bottled gas. ●

Geelong comes alive After 5

Geelong Chamber of Commerce (GCC) held an After 5 event to showcase some of the finalists in the 2022 Geelong Business Excellence Awards (GBEA).

In conjunction with GBEA major sponsor, LBW Business + Wealth Advisors, the GCC hosted representatives from businesses all across Geelong at catering specialist Truffleduck’s Fyansford venue to hear from GBEA finalists.

The awards were created to provide a platform to recognise excellence but also provide businesses with constructive feedback from its experienced judges.

GCC chief executive officer Ben Flynn held a Q&A session with some of the finalists, who he praised along with all those in attendance in his address to the crowd.

“It’s just wonderful to see so many members of the Geelong business community being

represented here tonight,” he said.

“After the trials and tribulations of the last few years it’s been remarkable to see so many Geelong businesses focus on growth and supporting their employees.”

The Awards presentation event will take place at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday, October 27, where the 2022 Geelong Business of the Year will be announced. ●

■ Nathan George, Lauren Hogan, Nicholas Katsambiris and Tania Goss

■ Helen Gane (left) and Carly Rose Smith.

■ Karl Morris, Caylene Vincent and Mio Ristic.

■ Tristan Wass and Russell Desa.

■ Tom Brushfield, Narelle Sheahan and Jacqui Mitchell.

■ Leigh Harry, Bill Kerr and David Chaston.

■ Matt Grapsas and Aaron Hitch.

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Women construct their own futures

With Geelong’s construction industry booming, last year a group of women came together to form the NAWIC Regional Committee. NAWIC (National Association for Women in Construction) is all about encouraging women to achieve the goal of educating themselves and then working in the construction sector. They held a networking event at Deakin University Waterfront Campus. ●

■ Kirsten Gilbert from WT Partnership with Dennis Chireshe from Plan Group

■ Jude Wijesuriya (engineering student) and Jessica Kenny (John Lyng Group)

■ Anna Rai (Construction Management student). Lewis Beks (graduate engineer) and Meera Jainlakshmi (architecture student)

■ Agnes Chan (student), David Buysen (John Lyng), Tessa Briese (John Lyng)

■ Sana Fazel (Electrical Engineering student) and Georgia Inness (engineer at Lendlease)

■ Cormac McCoy (Infrastructure Property Dept) and Prof. Sarah McGann (School of Architecture and Built Environment)

■ Kira Motsna, Construction Management student Pictures: Ivan Kemp

Get lost in a good book

There’s nothing like a good book to escape to a new world, live out a fantasy or learn a new skill. Here’s just a few new releases from Allen & Unwin in October to help you while away the hours.

RUNT

Craig Silvey

A funny, beautifully told story for readers of all ages from the bestselling author of Jasper Jones and Honeybee. Runt is a heart-warming and hilarious tale of kindness, friendship, hurdles, hoops, tunnels, see-saws, being yourself and bringing out the best in others.

THE SUN WALKS DOWN

Fiona McFarlane

The colonial Australia of The Sun Walks Down is unfamiliar, multicultural, and noisy with opinions, arguments, longings, and terrors. The moving new novel from the bestselling author of The Night Guest.

UNDER HER SKIN

Sue Williams

The remarkable story of Professor Fiona Wood AM, world-leading burns specialist and one of Australia’s most innovative and respected surgeons, whose groundbreaking research and technology development has changed the lives of burns patients.

IT’S A SHAME ABOUT RAY Jonathan Seidler

This remarkable book asks what defines such men, young and old, and what can’t, as well as how we shape new identities from old tragedies - and whether the answers might be hiding in the best-selling album of 2001.

BOHEMIAN NEGLIGENCE

Bertie Blackman

The celebrated musician’s evocative and intimate memoir of the magic and vulnerability of her bohemian childhood growing up as the daughter of iconic artist Charles Blackman.

SIMPLE FANCY

Two Raw Sisters: Margo and Rosa Flanagan

The Two Raw Sisters - Margo and Rosa Flanagan - are back with a stunning collection of plant-based recipes that are inspiring and easy to make, whether you are entertaining a crowd or cooking for one. Delicious, effortlessly simple meals for every kind of eater. ●

Ray

■ Runt

■ Under Her Skin.

■ The Sun Walks Down