Bunnings Magazine December 2022

Serene forest.

Evoking the deep Australian bush, the dark, grey-green tones of Woodland Grey® bring a sense of depth and serenity to any style of home.

Inspired by Australia’s natural landscapes, COLORBOND steel has the durability to perform in some of Australia’s harshest conditions.

Discover COLORBOND steel’s new and refreshed palette @ colorbond.com/colours

Made by Australia

The COLORBOND® steel colour swatch and image shown has been reproduced to represent actual product colours as accurately as possible. However, we recommend checking your chosen colour against an actual sample of the product before purchasing as varying light conditions and limitations of the printing process may a ect colour tones. COLORBOND®, BlueScope, the BlueScope brand mark and ® colour names are registered trade marks of BlueScope Steel Limited. © 2022 BlueScope Steel Limited ABN 16 000 011 058. All rights reserved.

*The promotional rate of 0% p.a. will apply to retail purchases (excludes Cash Advances) for 15 months from the date your Account is approved. Minimum monthly repayments required. At the end of the promotional period, any outstanding balance on the retail purchases made during the promotional period and any new retail purchases will attract the variable Annual Percentage Rate for retail purchases, currently 19.99% p.a. for a Coles Rewards or a Coles No Annual Fee Mastercard® or 12.99% p.a. for a Coles Low Rate Mastercard®. Interest rates are variable and subject to change. This offer is valid until 31 January 2023. Post this advertised date; NAB reserves the right to continue, withdraw or change the offer at any time without notice. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer and is not available if you have recently closed or currently hold another Coles Credit Card. Payments will be applied to your account as per the Credit Card Terms and Conditions and Other Important Information at www.coles.com.au/mastercard-important-information. Please note that if your balance transfer is processed before you make a retail purchase, payments made during the retail purchase promotional period will be applied to the balance transfer before the retail purchase balance. Coles unsecured credit products are issued by National Australia Bank Limited (ABN 12 004 044 937, AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 230686) (“NAB”) and distributed by Coles Supermarkets Australia Pty Ltd ABN 45 004 189 708. NAB has acquired the business relating to these products from Citigroup Pty Ltd (ABN 88 004 325 080,

T he magazine team

Editor Katrina O’Brien

Associate editors Helen Martin, Caroline Botting (NZ)

Art director Bridie Mahoney

Creative services manager

Katharine McKinnon

Senior designer Carol Baldas

Style editors Matilda Roberts, Samantha Pointon (acting)

Chief subeditors

Catherine Sanders, Frances Pearson

Senior subeditor Lorna Gow

Junior digital producer

Amanda Ghalaini Yacoub

Editorial co-ordinator

Caitlin Olsen-Ludlow

Production co-ordinator

Jessica Ripper

Junior accountant Carina Law

Contributors Judie Siu, Shelley Tustin

National advertising manager

Alek Jovanoski

NSW business manager

Anthony Sullivan

Victoria business manager

Rosanna Costa

Campaign manager

Deanna Kane

Advertising enquiries bunningsadvertising@ mediumrarecontent.com (02) 8114 8900

General magazine enquiries bunningsmag@bunnings.com.au (03) 8831 9777

Managing director

Nick Smith

Chief commercial officer

Fiorella di Santo

Head of sales Annii Hirst

Head of content, Food & Homes

Julie Lee

Head of audience intelligence

Catherine Ross

Digital strategy director

Karla Courtney

Finance controller Leslie To

Every effort has been taken to ensure instructions for DIY projects are correct. However, before you undertake any DIY activity, please ensure that you have the appropriate skills for the task at hand, use the correct tools and that you wear the appropriate safety equipment. Any professional installations must be undertaken by a licensed tradesperson. Editorial content is general in nature and is not intended to be a substitute for legal or professional advice.

Published by Medium Rare

Content Agency Pty Ltd. ABN 83 169 879 921, Level 1, 83 Bowman Street, Pyrmont, NSW 2009 for Bunnings Warehouse, ABN 26 008 672 179, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. © 2022. All rights reserved.

For any queries or feedback, please call the magazine team on (03) 8831 9777 or forward to the attention of Bunnings Magazine Team, Botannica 3 – Level 2 East Tower, 570 Swan St, Burnley, VIC 3121, Australia. Products featured in the magazine are on offer while stocks last. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Colours may vary slightly from images shown due to the printing process. Prices shown are Bunnings prices at the time of publication and some prices may vary in regional areas. Pricing is to be used as a guide only. This publication is not for sale.

Welcome!

What better way to celebrate Christmas than by tucking into a tasty traditional feast, out in the fresh air, alongside the ones you love? That’s why we’ve travelled to the countryside this issue to bring you pages of Christmas decorating, DIY and food inspiration. (Roasting on the barbecue, out of the kitchen, on a hot Christmas day? Genius!) We also have great ideas to keep the kids entertained when

the temptation for a snooze on the couch in the afternoon becomes a little too difficult to resist. See from page 20. And the finishing touch? How about serving up greens and herbs straight from your garden. Not only will you impress your guests, but you’ll save money when you need it most. We also have you covered on the gift front. Check out our lastminute guide (from page 15) with more than 50 pressies for under $50.

Merry Christmas!

DIY DECOR

Tired of old, worn-out baubles? Give your Christmas tree new life with unique, handmade decorations. These new festive kits are a great activity for both kids and adults, allowing you to design and create your own Yuletide items to display on the tree and surrounds, or to give as personal gifts. The range includes air-dry clay, hanging wooden ornaments and paint-your-own plates. And when it’s time to pack up, check out Bunnings’ upcoming range of seasonal storage solutions, designed to keep your tree, decorations and wrapping safely tucked away until next year. 

RIGHT, FROM TOP Boyle ‘Make Your Own’ Christmas advent calendar kit, $25, I/N: 0374117.

Try our festive craft table – turn to page 20

Christmas night market in stores

Block out December 8 on your festive calendar and get ready to release a little inner jolly. All Bunnings stores across Australia are getting into the spirit with a Christmas night market from 6pm to 8pm. Help celebrate the season’s festivities with your community and the little ones, too. Free activities include a kids’ DIY area, games and giveaways, along with a visit from Santa – plus that great Bunnings icon: the sausage sizzle! Contact your local store for more details.

Crafted Christmas ‘Make Your Own’ air dry clay decorations kit, $13.50, I/N: 0375889.

Paint Your Own plaster Santa kit, $8, I/N: 0369829

DISPLAY PIECES

Kit out kitchen and dining zones for entertaining with these beautiful and functional additions

Spector espresso milk frother coffee maker machine, $151.99*, I/N: 0369015

2Salisbury & Co ‘Hemingway’ 14cm x 14cm hammered ice bucket, $14.95*, I/N: 0155831

3

Luigi Bormioli ‘Optica’ 450ml stemless wine glasses, $49.95*/pack of 4, I/N: 0387427

Cellar ‘Premium’ 3 piece luxe cocktail set in Black, $59.99*, I/N: 0397998

Devanti ‘Ice Maker’ 3.2L portable stainless steel ice cube machine in Black, $233.95*, I/N: 0247525

5 4 9

Devanti

70L mini countertop bar fridge, $373.95*, I/N: 0182944

$399.99*, I/N: 0303555

Rescue revamp

Ecology ‘Eden’ 12 piece dinner set in Marine, $69*, I/N: 0362595

Krear 1300W 5L electric kitchen stand mixer in Grey, $149*, I/N: 0388481

Timber moulding Before

With a keen eye for pieces with potential, Bunnings Workshop community member Claire (@claire84) gave an old sideboard enough love to earn her a finalist’s place in this year’s Bunnings #DIYJuly competition. “It was sturdy and strong, had a great look and lots of storage,” she says of the original. Using moulding, paint, magnetic door catches and a bit of effort, Claire made minor repairs, sanded back and stained the top, and painted the rest. She also buffed up the old key handles and glued on Art Deco-inspired moulding to create interest. “Don’t dump the outdated,” advises Claire. “Anyone can upcycle their old furniture to look new again, and it’s a lot less expensive than replacing it with something that may not be as sturdy.” For more inspiring projects, visit workshop.bunnings.com.au.

Money

well spent

Run out of present ideas? A Bunnings gift card is your ultimate go-to! With no expiry date and the whole store to choose from, they’re ideal for the hardto-buy-for. Visit bunnings.com.au/gift-cards. 

Baccarat ‘Damashiro Bodo’ 10 piece Japanese steel knife block with chopping board,

Some tender leafy vegies and herbs need protection from the sun on extrahot days. Erect a 50 per cent shade cloth to help reduce sunburn and moisture stress.

Feed indoor plants regularly throughout the season with a fast-acting liquid fertiliser to boost growth and promote health.

Get the lawn summer-ready by feeding with

a slowrelease, granular fertiliser. Always water it in well to avoid burning the lawn.

Apply a soil wetter to lawns, garden beds and potted plants. It helps break up the waxy layer that often builds up on soils and potting mixes, allowing water to better penetrate down to roots. See from page 85 for more watering tips.

There’s still time to plant greens and fruiting vegies. Turn to page 43

Barbie world

Make summer entertaining and picnics epic with a new barbecue!

Everdure by Heston Blumenthal ‘Cube’ portable charcoal barbecue in Graphite, $180, I/N: 3180829

SUNFLOWER

A bright, cheery addition to the garden. Dwarf forms are available for pots and smaller spaces.

ZINNIA

Blooms in vibrant shades of red, pink, yellow and orange. Give it a spot in full sun with well-drained soil.

Make your garden a magnet for pollinators with summer flowers (below).

1 Coolaroo 3.66m wide 50 per cent cover garden shade cloth in White, $27.40/m, I/N: 3300400. 2 Scotts

Osmocote ‘Pour+Feed’ indoor plants fertiliser, $12.48, I/N: 0162252. 3 Munns Professional

‘Golf Course Green’ lawn fertiliser, $35.31, I/N: 0049344.

4 Richgro ‘Ezi Wet’ soil wetter concentrate, $12.95, I/N: 0135316.

5 Petunia plant. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Jumbuck ‘Rondo’ small electric charcoal spit roaster, $84.90, I/N: 3170973

Matador ‘Conquest’ 153cm 4 burner gas barbecue in Black and Silver, $699, I/N: 0344343

Need help assembling your new outdoor cooker? New barbecues, freestanding pizza ovens and barbecue kitchens bought from Bunnings can be assembled at home for you, from $160*. Contact your nearest store for availability‡.

All power

LEAVE THE BRICK BATTERIES AT HOME AND KEEP A MINI VERSION ON BOARD

COSMOS

Easy to grow, this cottagestyle annual should be mass planted for visual impact. Great cut flowers, too.

Scan the QR code

For more on what to do in the garden during December, go to bunnings.com.au/gardencorner

After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating. If using products to deal with pests, diseases or weeds, always read the label, follow the instructions carefully and wear suitable protective equipment. Store all garden chemicals and products out of reach of children and pets.

Summer holiday alert! Here’s the glove-box essential you never knew you needed: a pocket-sized power bank that will not only jump start your car or boat, but can also charge your phone and portable devices. These Full Boar and Ozito models each come equipped with a built-in torch, cables, adapters and smart clamps for user safety.

RIGHT (from left) Full Boar 600A jump starter and power bank, $199, I/N: 0233360.

Ozito 400A jump starter and power bank, $99.98, I/N: 0287564

for practical advice on growing your own food.

Words (garden corner) Tammy Huynh; Caitlin Olsen-Ludlow, Amanda Ghalaini Yacoub.

Photography Getty Images. *This offer does not include the assembly of Alfresco Plus cabinets and kitchens. ‡Not all services are available in all stores; conditions apply.

There’s no DIY in asbestos

Do things the right way and contact a licensed asbestos removalist for safe removal and disposal asbestossafety.gov.au

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

This summer, enjoy long balmy evenings outside without being bothered by pesky mosquitoes. The mozzie-magnet in your life will love the new portable Thermacell E55 rechargeable mosquito repeller, which provides a 28sqm zone of advanced mosquito protection. Turn it on… mosquitoes gone!

1 ‘XPand’ 30 can back pack cooler, $49.87, I/N: 0373487. 2 ‘XPand’ 42L wheeled cooler, $74.87, I/N: 0373485. 3 ‘XPand’ 16 can cooler, $37.87, I/N: 0373486. 4 ‘XPand’ 30 can cooler, $47.87, I/N: 0373488.

Picnic season is here and with Esky’s soft coolers it’s super easy to transport your essentials. Pop one on your back, over your shoulder, or wheel it along behind you, and enjoy your goodies at your alfresco destination!

Titan DeepFreeze® is a super-cool choice for outdoorsy types who like their beverages well chilled. Even in the hottest conditions, Titan’s highperformance insulation will keep ice for days.

1 Titan Deep Freeze 16 can zipperless soft cooler in Black, $39.90, I/N: 0274178. 2 Titan Deep Freeze ‘HardBody’ 60 can zipperless soft cooler, $99, I/N: 0368831. 3 Titan Deep Freeze ‘Hi-Performance’ 36 can leakproof solid body cooler, $139, I/N: 0368482. 4 Titan Deep Freeze 48 can zipperless cooler, $79.90, I/N: 3240631. 5 Titan Deep Freeze 24 can soft backpack cooler, $39, I/N: 0274176. 6 Titan Deep Freeze 60 can collapsible soft cooler cart, $84.90, I/N: 0367725

From easy, affordable watering solutions to outdoor lights to help you celebrate the festive season, Holman has an exciting range of gift ideas for Christmas.

1 ’Helios’ wi-fi weather station, $399, I/N: 0369866.

2 20m retractable hose reel with spray gun, $99, I/N: 3110524.

3 ‘WX1’ tap timer and wi-fi hub, $99, I/N: 0246021.

4 43mm spotlight value pack in Warm White, $99.98/pack of 4, I/N: 0083104. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Thermacell

E55 rechargeable mosquito repeller in Charcoal, $79, I/N:

Help Santa make your loved ones’ dreams come true with an inspired present from this tempting selection

Lytworx 8 function solar LED fairy lights in Warm White, $19.98/pack of 250, I/N: 0011699. Home Bazar ‘Manhattan’ rattan middle lounges, $429 each, I/N: 0263199†, corner lounge, $449, I/N: 0263197†, and 76cm coffee table, $299, I/N: 0263196† (glass tabletop not shown), and ‘Ulluwatu’ 120cm round jute rugs in White/Natural, $39, I/N: 0367342, and Blonde, $39, I/N: 0367340. Baubles, for similar try Deck The Halls shatterproof Christmas decorations, $25/pack of 70, I/N: 0361531. Cushions, vase and bowl, Adairs, adairs.com.au. All other products, stylists own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

SPRINKLE YOUR HOME WITH HANDMADE TOUCHES TO CREATE A FESTIVE DAY FOR ALL

Words LORNA GOW Photography ALEX REINDERS Styling SAMANTHA POINTON Recipes KERRIE WORNER

Hosting loved ones for a holiday feast needn’t be a formal affair. Take your styling cues from the quintessential Aussie homestead and keep it relaxed with a neutral, natural palette. Fairy lights and baubles provide a touch of seasonal bling while you’ll wow diners with lunch under a glistening DIY arbour. Above all, plan the day so you can enjoy it as much as everyone else! 

To dress our copper arbour, we created a grid for suspending foliage and decorations by wrapping 25mm-square wire mesh around the top centre panel. In keeping with our Aussie farm theme, we used bunches of spinning gum (juvenile eucalypt shoots), bottlebrush and waxflower pushed up through the grid and fixed in place with garden wire.

Marquee

I/N: 0351951,

I/N: 0183684.

I/N: 0233087.

I/N: 0289387.

SAFETY TIP NEVER LEAVE THE ARBOUR UNATTENDED AND MOVE IT INSIDE DURING HIGH WINDS

‘Harbour’ 180cm x 90cm dining table in Brushed White, $339,

and dining chairs in Brushed White, $139 each, I/N: 0351950. Home Bazar ‘Parisian’ dining chairs in Black and White, $129 each,

Marquee cross-back dining chairs in White, $89 each,

Waxworks 15cm citronella pillar candles in White, $6 each,

Tablecloth, Adairs. All other products, stylists own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Copper arbour

A pipe cutter is the only tool you need to whip up this stunning garden structure. Simply position the tool around the pipe then tighten and rotate, adjusting the blade as you go until it cuts through cleanly.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (disposable gloves, mask and eye protection)

n Tape measure and felt-tip pen

n 32mm pipe cutter

n 10 x 1500mm lengths 20mm copper pipe

n Masking tape

n 10 x 20mm copper tees

n Four 20mm copper 90° elbows

n Four 20mm copper straight couplings

n Eight 20mm copper end caps

n 120-grit abrasive paper

n High-strength clear epoxy adhesive

n Tent pegs

1 Leave four 1500mm-long pipes intact. On the remaining pipes, measure and mark four lengths at 930mm, four at 500mm, seven at 300mm, four at 200mm and four at 60mm. Use a pipe cutter to make the cuts, labelling all pieces with masking tape.

2 To form the top of the arbour, join the 930mm and 300mm pipe pieces using tees. Fit elbows on the ends, pointing downwards.

3 To form the sides, join the 1500mm and 500mm pipe pieces with couplings to make four legs. Join the 200mm and 60mm pieces with tees and fit end caps to make four feet, then fit to the legs.

ABOVE Home Bazaar ‘Manhattan’ rattan middle lounges, $429 each, I/N: 0263199†, corner lounge, $449, I/N: 0263197†, and 76cm coffee table, $299, I/N: 0263196† (glass tabletop not shown). ABOVE LEFT Craftright 32mm tube and pipe cutter, $8.90, I/N: 4902185.

4 Assemble the structure to check measurements, then fully disassemble. Use abrasive paper to create a key on the ends of the pipes, then reassemble using epoxy adhesive on all joins.

5 Leave the arbour undisturbed overnight for the adhesive to dry completely, then move into position and secure to the ground with tent pegs.

Handmade touches are not only economical, they also add an extra layer of love to a scene. Take a pair of sharp scissors and put the pages of worn-out paperback books to good use as chic decorations (above centre). Cut out stars (or shapes of your choosing), fold in half and glue together along the folds. Gifts meticulously wrapped in reusable paper and fabrics (above) show you care about the planet, too! Turn to page 35 for more gift-wrap tips. 

If the weather’s fine, encourage the whole gang to work up an appetite with a morning excursion

Devise a deceptively no-fuss menu that adults can help prep as the little ones burn off energy in the garden

ABOVE Bunnings large straw hats, $7 each, I/N: 8510048. Monarch 4L metal paint buckets, $11.35 each, I/N: 1661933. RIGHT Copper arbour, see page 23 for DIY instructions. Marquee ‘Harbour’ 180cm x 90cm dining table in Brushed White, $339, I/N: 0351951, and dining chairs in Brushed White, $139 each, I/N: 0351950. Home Bazar ‘Parisian’ dining chairs in Black and White, $129 each, I/N: 0183684. Marquee cross-back dining chairs in White, $89 each, I/N: 0233087. Waxworks 15cm citronella pillar candles in White, $6 each, I/N: 0289387. Tablecloth, Adairs. BELOW Jumbuck ‘Portland’ 4 burner hooded gas barbecue, $199, I/N: 0348685. Marquee ‘Bayfield’ 3 piece wicker corner sofa set, $399, I/N: 0177356. Esky 52L wheeled hard cooler, $99, I/N: 3240589. Heat Beads ‘Original’ barbecue briquettes, $19.87/7.5kg, I/N: 0029014. Hurdles made using Funsafe ‘Pool Noodle’ 150cm pool toys, $1.98 each, I/N: 0149006. All other products, stylists own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Soft, lightweight pool noodles make great hurdles when the kids giddy up!

Dehydrated orange slices are so easy to make! Just slice fresh oranges as thinly as you can, spread in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and cook in a very low oven for 3-4 hours or until the slices are completely dry and not tacky. Use them to make personalised napkin rings (top) or rustic tree decorations (above).

Lunch: The main event!

BRUSCHETTA

MAKES 12 n 1 baguette n ¼ cup olive oil n 1 garlic clove, crushed n 280g jar marinated artichokes, drained n 1/2 cup whole egg mayonnaise n 2 tsp finely grated lemon zest n 3 tsp baby capers, drained n Salt and pepper n 12 large cooked prawns, peeled and deveined n Chopped chives and lemon wedges, to garnish

1 Preheat a barbecue hotplate or chargrill plate over a medium heat. Cut baguette into 12 diagonal 1.5cm-thick slices. Combine oil and garlic. Brush over both sides of bread. Cook slices until lightly golden on both sides.

2 Place artichoke, mayonnaise, lemon zest and capers in a food processor. Process well until smooth. Season to taste.

3 Cut prawns in half lengthways. Top bread with a spoonful of artichoke mixture. Place two prawn halves on top. Sprinkle with chives. Squeeze with a little lemon juice. Crack pepper over and serve. 

PRAWN COCKTAIL

Delightfully mismatched tableware and linen in shades of pink and amber complement the warm tones of the copper arbour

POTATO SALAD WITH PESTO AIOLI

SERVES 8

n 1kg baby chat potatoes, halved n 2 tbsp olive oil n 100g prosciutto, sliced n 5 green onions, thinly sliced

PESTO AIOLI

n 60g baby spinach leaves n 1 cup firmly packed basil leaves n 2 tbsp pine nuts n 1/3 cup grated parmesan n 1/4 cup olive oil n 2 tbsp lemon juice n 1/4 cup store-bought aioli n Salt and pepper

1 Boil, steam or microwave the potatoes until tender. Cool.

2 For the pesto aioli, place the spinach, basil, pine nuts and parmesan in a food processor and process until finely chopped. Add oil, juice and aioli and process until combined. Season. Transfer to a bowl and cover surface with plastic wrap (see Tip).

3 Heat oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium heat. Add prosciutto. Cook, stirring until golden. Remove from pan and drain on absorbent paper. Reserve some prosciutto for garnish.

4 Combine potato, prosciutto, onions and pesto aioli. Sprinkle with reserved prosciutto. Serve.

Tip: The pesto aioli can be made one day ahead and stored in the fridge.

BEETROOT, FENNEL AND ASPARAGUS SALA D WITH HALOUMI CRUM BLE

SERVES 8

n 1 bulb fennel n 2 tbsp olive oil n 80g haloumi, finely crumbled n 2 bunches asparagus, trimmed, cut into thirds n 100g baby spinach leaves n 400g cooked baby beetroot (see Tip), cut into wedges

DRESSING

n 1/3 cup olive oil n ¼ cup red wine vinegar n 1 tbsp honey n Salt and pepper

1 Trim tops off fennel. Pick green fennel fronds into sprigs and reserve. Cut bulb in half then shave on a mandoline into paper-thin slices. Place shavings in a bowl of iced water while preparing the salad.

2 Heat oil in a large, non-stick frying pan over a medium-high heat. Add haloumi and cook, stirring, for about 5 minutes or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a bowl.

3 To make the dressing, stir all ingredients in a jug until combined. Season.

4 Cook asparagus in boiling water for 1 minute. Drain. Cool in cold water.

5 Scatter spinach on a platter. Arrange beetroot and asparagus on top. Drain fennel, pat dry with paper towel, combine with fronds and place along the salad.

6 Sprinkle with some of the haloumi. Spoon dressing over. Serve with remaining haloumi for guests to sprinkle themselves.

Tip: Find cooked baby beetroot in supermarket vegie sections. 

PORCHETTA WITH APRICOTS

SERVES 8

n 2.2kg rolled pork loin, rind on, scored (see Tip)

n Sea salt and pepper

n 1 cup (185g) dried apricots

n 1 cup apple juice

n 1 tbsp olive oil

n 1½ tbsp chopped thyme

n 2 garlic cloves, crushed n Steamed beans and grilled baby apples (see Tip), to serve n Chutney, relish or gravy, to serve

1 Untie pork if tied, pat dry and place on a tray, rind side up. Sprinkle with sea salt. Refrigerate overnight to draw out moisture. Wipe off moisture and salt with paper towel until rind is dry.

2 Soak apricots in apple juice for 1 hour until soft. Drain apricots. Combine oil, thyme and garlic. Season.

3 Preheat barbecue to 220°C-230°C. Cut a pocket along the meaty part of the pork. Spread thyme mixture all over cut portion, then line with apricots. Roll up and tie firmly with kitchen string at regular intervals. Rub a small amount of oil over rind and sprinkle with sea salt.

4 Place pork on a rack in a roasting pan so pork is well risen from the base of the pan. Place on barbecue grill plate, close the lid and cook for 40-45 minutes until golden and crackling forms. (If crackling is overbrowning on ends, cover ends with foil.)

5 Using an indirect heat method (see below), reduce temperature to 190°C by turning off either one side of the heat or inner burners, leaving only outside burners on. This will depend on what type of barbecue you have. If you only have high or low settings, adjust to medium-low.

6 Cook for a further 1 hour and 45 minutes or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 71°C on a meat thermometer. Remove from the barbecue and allow to stand for 15 minutes before carving. Serve accompanied by beans and grilled apples, chutney, relish or gravy. Tip: Ask your butcher to score the pork across the loin so the string is hidden. We halved Rockit apples, then dipped the cut side in oil and grilled for 3-5 minutes until charred.

Secrets to barbie roasting

n For perfect crackling, always dry pork out in the fridge overnight. If too moist, it won’t crackle.

n Preheat your barbecue with all burners on and lid down for 15 minutes. If you have a lid gauge, let it reach the desired cooking temperature. Take the roast out of the fridge 20 minutes prior to cooking.

n Use a metal tray and elevate your meat with a roasting rack (we used a Jumbuck enamel roasting tray and a Matador grill topper, left).

n Indirect heat is best for roasts: on larger barbecues, leave the outside burners on but turn centre burners off; on smaller models, turn one side burner off and move the meat to that side.

MAN G O, PEACH & PASSIONFRUIT TRIFLE

SERVES 8

n 85g packet mango jelly

n 4 60g packet round double unfilled sponge cake

n 2/3 cup tropical mango fruit drink n 6 passionfruit

n 250g cream cheese, at room temperature, chopped n ½ cup icing sugar mixture

n 2 tsp vanilla bean paste

n 1¼ cups vanilla bean or mango coconut yoghurt

n 300ml thickened cream

n 700g tub peaches in syrup, drained n 1 large mango n 1 large peach

n 8 Raffaello chocolates

1 Prepare jelly according to the packet instructions. Pour into a 2.5 litre trifle bowl. Refrigerate for 2 hours or until firmly set.

2 Cut one sponge layer in half horizontally. (Only one layer is used, so consume the other or freeze for another use.) Place a sponge half on top of the jelly, cut side up. Combine drink with the pulp of 3 passionfruit. Spoon half evenly over sponge.

3 Beat the cream cheese, icing sugar and vanilla bean paste in the bowl of an electric mixer until smooth. Add yoghurt and beat until combined. Pour in cream and beat until firm peaks form.

4 Spread half of the peaches over sponge, spreading some to the edges. Dollop half of the cream mixture on top and spread lightly. Repeat layering with remaining sponge, drink mixture, peaches and cream mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 3 hours or overnight if desired.

5 Remove flesh from mango cheeks and sides and thinly slice. Use a mandoline to shave peach into slices or cut into wedges. Decorate trifle with mango and peach. Place chocolates, some cut in half, over the top. Spoon over pulp from the remaining passionfruit. Serve. 

Jumbuck ‘Astro’ 6 burner barbecue, $549, I/N: 0256468. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Have a wet-weather strategy for afternoon activities: deck out an undercover area as a festive craft station, with lots of supplies to make simple projects. Littlies will love it, but dogs might be a bit bored! STYLE TIP WRAP BALES OF HAY IN A CANVAS DROP SHEET AND SECURE WITH JUTE WEBBING FOR AN INSTANT BENCH SEAT! 30 bunnings.com.au | bunnings |

bunnings

Easy

Pop-stick trees

Fairy-light cards

CLay stars

Ask a grown-up to glue three pop sticks end to end to form a triangle, then snap a 4cm piece from another pop stick and glue it to the back of the base as a trunk. Choose your favourite colourful and sparkly craft supplies then, with an adult’s help, stick them on the trees in cool designs.

Fold paper or card in half. Draw a squiggly line on the front, then tiny squares along the line, with black pen (ask an adult if you need help). Squirt a little of each paint colour into separate saucers. Working with one colour at a time, dip the tip of your forefinger in the paint and dab it on random black squares to look like fairy lights, wiping your finger clean between each colour. These make awesome thank-you cards!

Roll out the clay to about 1cm thick and push the cookie cutter down through it to make stars. Write names by pressing letter stamps into the stars, then ask an adult to poke a hole through the top of each star with a toothpick. Cut enough twine to make hanging loops, then thread through the holes and tie bows (aunties and uncles are good at this if you find it tricky). Let the stars dry for 24 hours.

This is a project for the adults as the wire and tools are sharp! Wearing safety gear, form the wire into a circle (ours is about 40cm diameter), wrapping round a few times, then cut and twist ends to secure. Snip short pieces of wire for ties. Trim waxflower stems to size and, starting at the base, tie stems up and along the wire circle until covered. Cut the wire to form a hanging loop, twist onto the top of the wreath and place in position.

Lytworx Christmas bauble jumbo ornaments, $35/ pack of 6, I/N: 0182495. Large wood storage crate, $18, I/N: 0214210. Sherlock 100L poly tray garden wheelbarrow, $155, I/N: 0043703. Baubles, for similar try Deck The Halls shatterproof Christmas decorations, $20/pack of 50, I/N: 0361532. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

A rural property is a wonderland for kids. Keep their fun safe by ensuring children are under constant adult supervision when on working farms

bunnings | bunnings

TIP

Radiating happiness

Take your backyard barbecue to the next level with the infrared range from CROSSRAY®

Aperfectly seared, juicy steak is the holy grail for many cooks. But achieving this with a traditional barbecue can sometimes, like the meat, be tough. Inefficient, uneven heat can also take its toll on everything else you throw on the barbie, from snags to fish, prawns and vegies. So it’s little wonder the latest innovation from CROSSRAY®, which promises to revolutionise alfresco cooking, is creating such a buzz.

DELICIOUSLY DIFFERENT

Using radiant heat is the technique that can turn you into a barbecue champion. CROSSRAY’s® energyefficient infrared technology results in evenly distributed heat and more precise temperature control (from 130˚C to 350˚C+), as well as faster cooking, essential for retaining moisture. Think of it as like cooking

over red hot coals but without the hassle and with minimal ‘flare-ups’. Impressing friends and family with your incredible outdoor cooking skills has never been so easy!

ALL FIRED UP

Versatility is an important consideration for any backyard chef, and CROSSRAY® barbecues tick all the boxes when it comes to multi-functional outdoor cooking – pizza oven, slow-smoking oven, high-temperature grill for the perfect steak. You name it, these barbecues can handle it, with delicious results every time. There are plenty of options available, too, to suit every home and every outdoor space – choose from complete outdoor kitchens and compact mini kitchens to portable and in-built barbecues, in gas and electric models.

HARISSA CHICKEN

Serves 8. Prep 40 minutes (+ 2 hours marinating or overnight). Cooking 30 minutes

Harissa paste

8 dried hot chillies  2 charred red capsicum  2 tbsp tomato paste  6 garlic cloves, peeled  1 tsp cumin seeds  1 tsp fennel seeds  1 tsp caraway seeds  1 tsp smoked paprika  1 tsp cayenne pepper  1 lemon, juiced  ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil, plus extra

Harissa paste

 8 chicken thigh fillets, skin on

Salt and pepper  4 tbsp harissa paste

Lemon wedges

Handful of parsley leaves, roughly chopped

1 Soak dried chillies in water for 30-45 minutes; wring to remove water. Remove skin, core and seeds from capsicum.

2 Pre-heat a small dry frying pan to high. Add spice seeds and toast until fragrant, remove from heat. Place seeds in mortar and pestle and crush into powder.

3 Combine remaining ingredients in a food processor with spice powder, chillies and capsicum, and blend to a fine paste. If too thick, thin with a little extra olive oil.

Harissa chicken

1 Season both sides of thighs with salt and pepper. In a marinating container, mix 4 tbsp harissa paste with a little olive oil. Add chicken, mix well until coated, cover and marinate in refrigerator for two hours or overnight.

2 Preheat a hooded barbecue to medium heat. Place thighs, skin side down, on griddle until char marks form. Use tongs to turn thighs so char marks form on other side. Move thighs to top rack until cooked through. Or, cook thighs on medium heat on a griddle pan and finish in the oven.

Tip: Thin remaining harissa paste with olive oil and coat thighs while cooking.

3 Serve chicken on a platter with grilled lemon wedges and chopped parsley.

INFRARED BBQ

A GOOD WRAP

BUILD YOUR OWN DEDICATED GIFT-WRAP ZONE AND MAKE GIVING EVEN MORE OF A JOY

Photography CATH MUSCAT Styling SAMANTHA POINTON

The summer holidays mean Christmas gifts for friends and family, but how do you give homemade or bought presents a slick, store-wrapped look? We DIY a wrapping station that keeps paper and ribbon tidy, and a bow maker for adding perfect flourishes. Plus, we share tips to help reduce the impact festivities have on the environment.

WRAPPING STATION

1 Measure and mark the timber to make five 900mm lengths of dowel and two 900mm lengths of dressed pine, and cut using a bow saw, or have your timber cut in store. Smooth cut edges with 180-grit abrasive paper.

2 Measure and mark the centre of the dressed pine uprights at 150mm intervals, then predrill the marks using a 3mm bit to make five holes in each upright. Screw cup hooks into the holes.

3 Decide on placement, then measure and mark the wall, using a spirit level to ensure the uprights are straight. Following the manufacturer’s instructions, apply picture hanging strips to the marked wall and uprights.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Bow saw

n Drill with 3mm bit

n Spirit level

n 16mm round pine dowel• n 42mm x 19mm dressed pine• n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block

n 10 x 18mm cup hooks

n 2 packs large picture hanging strips

DIY TOOLKIT

1

1 Claymark 42mm x 19mm premium DAR pine, $11.23/ 2.4m, I/N: 8401458• . 2 Porta 16mm pine dowel in Clear, $8/1.2m, I/N: 8493962•

3 3M Command large adhesive picture hanging strips in Black, $7/pack of 4, I/N: 3950293. 4 Everhang 18mm brass plated cup hooks, $2.24/pack of 4, I/N: 3930147.

5 Ozito Home 12V drill driver kit, $59.98, I/N: 0018378. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

4 Press the uprights into position on the picture hanging strips, then thread dowel through the cup hooks to hang your rolls of wrapping paper and ribbon.

Photography (background) Getty Images. Projects Samantha Pointon. • Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

NO-TAPE GIFT-WRAP

This method doesn’t use sticky tape, which makes paper reusing and recycling a breeze! The secret is to get your origami on and keep your creases as crisp as possible

1 Roll out your paper, allowing enough to go around all four sides of the gift plus roughly 50mm, then cut neatly.

2 Gently fold the paper over diagonally to form a square, then cut off excess.

3 Place your gift diagonally in the centre of the square and fold the top edge over, gently dragging until the paper covers all four corners of the box, then release.

Scan the QR code

See how to create a sparkling ‘tree’ for those pretty presents! bunnings.com.au/ fairy-light-wall-tree

Watch it!

FABRIC WRAPPING

Be inspired by traditional Japanese furoshiki and use pretty remnants, scarves or napkins to dress a gift that keeps on giving

1 Place a square of fabric on your work surface in a diamond shape. Place the box in the centre of the fabric.

2 Fold the top and bottom corners over the box.

3 Fold in the edges of the sides to create a smooth edge.

4 Gather the fabric and tie in a knot on the top.

5 Press the fold down so that it neatly aligns with the edge of the box, then repeat on the right-hand side. Tip: This forms an envelope-like opening to use later.

4 Fold the bottom corner up and over the box, then run your fingertip along the bottom left fold to create a crease. Lift the left corner by the crease and fold up and inward.

7 Press the paper down over the top of the box, making sure the creases are neatly aligned with the edges.

6 Run your fingertip along both top folds to form creases. Working on both sides at once, fold the edges in and lift up and over the box.

8 Tuck the remaining pointed flap into the opening created in step 5, and fold neatly to secure it in place.

BOW MAKER…

Now you’ve perfected your wrapping technique, achieve beautifully symmetrical ribbon bows every time with a little help from this DIY timber tool

1 Measure and mark the DAR pine to 400mm, then cut to length, using a handsaw and mitre box.

2 Measure and mark the centre of the top surface of the pine at 40mm intervals. Using a 2mm drill bit, drill holes at each mark, then increase the drill bit size in small increments until you reach 12.5mm holes.

… AND HOW TO USE IT

3 Measure and mark the dowel to 100mm and 200mm then, using a hand saw and mitre box, cut two 100mm pegs. Smooth all pieces with 180-grit abrasive paper to remove any breakout.

Tools & materials

n Safety equipment (mask, ear and eye protection)

n Tape measure and pencil

n Handsaw

n Mitre box

n Drill with drill bit set

n 42mm x 42mm DAR pine• n 12.5mm pine dowel•

n 180-grit abrasive paper with sanding block

DIY TOOLKIT

1 2

3 4

1 Porta 12.5mm pine dowel in Clear, $5.50/1.2m, I/N: 8493946• 2 Ryobi RHSS-25M metric high speed steel 25 piece drill bit set, $44.78, I/N: 0056806. 3 Porta ‘Standard & Better’ 42mm x 42mm DAR pine, $12.70/1.2m, I/N: 0021181• 4 Stanley 12" (305mm) mitre box with saw, $28, I/N: 0472669. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Scan the QR code...

1 Decide how wide you’d like your bow to be, then insert the dowel pegs in holes at your chosen width. Wrap ribbon around the outside of both dowel pegs. Cross the right ribbon tail over the left and hold the crossed ribbon firmly.

2 Loop the end of the right ribbon tail under the left, then weave through to the back. Lift the ribbon tail up and over the middle and pull until you see the bow shape starting to form.

3 Tie a knot and pull taut. Lift the bow from the pegs and pull the tails and loops carefully, to tighten and adjust the look of the bow.

.... to our Instagram reel and see how this project helps you to create beautiful bows!

Background photography Getty Images. • Timbers vary by state and territory; contact your local store for further information.

CRAFT TIP FIND INSPIRATION ONLINE FOR WAYS TO CREATE DIFFERENT RIBBON DESIGNS AND EXPAND YOUR SKILLS

feel like a goose?

A gift that grows

Apresent that gets the recipient out in nature is a gift that keeps on giving. Whether you’re wrapping up a pressie for a serious grower or one new to the joys of gardening, a gift that involves the great outdoors is the best sort to find under the tree.

GARDEN GOODIES

If the gardener in your life has been making do with substandard equipment, give them the gift of beautiful, top-quality tools that will last a lifetime. The Cyclone garden trowel, weeder and potting scoop all feature contoured timber handles, leather straps and rust-resistant polished stainless steel at the business end. Gift them separately or together as a complete kit for better

gardening. Round out the ultimate present with a Cyclone foldable seat and kneeler, which takes the back ache and knee pain out of gardening, and even includes a handy holster for up to three tools!

1 Cyclone foldable seat/kneeler with nylon holster, $54.98, I/N: 0149063. 2 Cyclone stainless steel garden trowel $11.50, I/N: 3360998. 3 Cyclone stainless steel weeder, $11.50, I/N: 3360999. 4 Cyclone potting scoop, $13.24, I/N: 0242127.

Perfect for a country-style garden, the Northcote Pottery ‘Irondale’ water feature is a tranquil addition, and the trickle of water is a sound as joyful as Jingle Bells Northcote Pottery ‘Irondale’ 64cm steel water feature, $190, I/N: 0138014 Some products

not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Give your loved ones a practical or pretty garden treasure that will inspire them to get outdoors

Tuscan Path ‘Maverick’ 24cm pot in Mint, $36.28, I/N: 0357843

STYLE STATEMENT

Show the house-proud gardener in your life that you’ve been paying attention, with a decorative item to match their garden look. A beautiful pot is always a welcome gift, either on its own or with a matching plant. The Tuscan Path ‘Maverick’ pot in deep green or pastel-pretty mint is perfect for introducing a shot of colour, while the Tuscan Path ‘Gavin’ bowl pot delivers on-trend texture and a contemporary geometric pattern.

Tuscan Path ‘Maverick’ pots in Green: 36cm, $76.98, I/N: 0357850; 24cm, $36.28, I/N: 0357848; and 44cm, $104.48, I/N: 0357851

Tuscan Path ‘Gavin’ 37cm bowl pot in White, $39.98, I/N: 0357817

LIGHTEN THE LOAD

Want to make it easier for the family member who takes on the lion’s share of the laundry job? The Hills 21m portable clothesline is able to handle up to 30kg of washing and, with 1.8m lines, it’s long enough for sheets and beach towels. Set on wheels, it can be easily moved around, and even has camping peg slots for your next summer trip! Team it with the Hills extra tall premium laundry trolley, with its handy peg bag. Give your loved one’s laundry a style upgrade with a Hills foldable bamboo laundry hamper and matching foldable bamboo laundry basket, both of which look stunning and store flat when not in use.

JUST ADD WATER

Keeping the garden lush despite the summer heat is so much easier with good equipment, like the Nylex premium multi-function spray gun It offers seven water patterns (from stream to mist) within a robust metal unit. Team it with a Nylex 25m auto hose reel, which seamlessly retracts, avoids kinks and twists, and even includes a wall bracket with up to 180 degrees of swivel, so it’s even easier to access all areas of the garden.

For smaller jobs, the Nylex Alpine watering can is perfectly sized for indoor and outdoor watering – plus, in sorbet shades of green and pink, it’ll look cute as a button under the tree.

1 Nylex ‘Alpine’ 1.5L watering can in Green, $10.98, I/N: 0383191.

2 Nylex ‘Alpine’ 1.5L watering can in Pink, $10.98, I/N: 0383193.

3 Nylex premium multi-function spray gun, $32.72, I/N: 0357031.

4 Nylex 25m auto hose reel, $99, I/N: 0358237.

1 Hills foldable bamboo laundry hamper in Navy, $44.95, I/N: 0365551. 2 Hills foldable bamboo laundry hamper in Grey, $44.95, I/N: 0365552.

3 Hills 35L foldable bamboo laundry basket in Grey, $29.99, I/N: 0365550. 4 Hills 35L foldable bamboo laundry basket in Navy, $29.99, I/N: 0365549. 5 Hills 21m portable clothesline in Woodland Grey, $249, I/N: 0194512. 6 Hills extra tall premium laundry trolley, $59, I/N: 0281484.

Tasty pickings

Don’t know where to start?

Try these easy-grow options

BasilHerbs: basil, spring onions, chives, mint, parsley

Salad leaves: lettuce, silverbeet, spinach, rocket

Fruiting vegies: chilli, tomato, eggplant, zucchini

Potted fruit trees: (look for dwarf varieties) lemon, lime, nectarine, peach, apple

Vines: passionfruit, pumpkin, watermelon, kiwifruit, squash

The old saying ‘nothing tastes as good as homegrown’ exists for a reason. You only have to bite into a vine-ripened tomato or inhale the aroma of freshly picked herbs to understand the appeal of growing your own. Becoming your own market gardener also comes with other benefits, like reducing your carbon footprint, saving money and spending more time outdoors. It’s a great activity for the kids, too. So what are you waiting for? Dig in and get your produce patch growing!

Game plan

The amount of sunlight your site gets is vital, says horticulturist Chloe Thomson of Bean There Dug That (@beantheredugthat). “Most vegies need six hours of direct sunlight per day,” she says. “Some herbs and leafy greens can grow with less light [four to six hours] but sun-loving crops like tomatoes and cucumbers are off the menu in shady conditions.”

While sunlight is important, the size of the space is less so. Horticulturist and Scotts Osmocote ambassador Melissa King says size doesn’t matter. “You don’t need a big garden to grow vegetables,”

she says. “Make the most of space by planting a vertical herb garden or fill hanging baskets with cascading tomatoes and edible flowers.” Crops in pots are great, too. “As a guide, vegies with shallow roots, such as lettuce, require a depth of 20-25 centimetres, while bigger crops like tomatoes, carrots and beets need a depth of 30-40 centimetres,” says Melissa.

Getting started

A great place to begin is with the soil, says gardening expert and Greener Spaces Better Places spokesperson Sabrina Hahn. “Good-quality soil is

Rocket

Chilli

Dwarf lemon

Passionfruit

With regular watering, good soil and plenty of sunlight, you can grow herbs and vegies just about anywhere

Photography Gap Photos/Robert Mabic; (basil, rocket, chilli, dwarf lemon, passionfruit) Getty Images; (opposite) Gap Photos/Janet Loughrey, designer Marina Wynton, Olivine Land LLC.

one of the most important aspects to growing healthy plants,” she says. “Improve your soil with plenty of compost, aged manure and slowrelease organic fertiliser prior to planting.” But if there is no ground, or if the soil is difficult to work with or drains poorly, use raised garden beds or pots and fill with a top-quality mix. Compost and organic matter can also be added to enrich the mix, if needed. When starting a new vegetable patch, you can either sow seeds or plant seedlings. It can be very rewarding watching your plants grow from seeds – and a pack of seeds offers great value – but seedlings will provide a faster result.

“Seedlings give you a head start, so they’re quicker to harvest and generally easier and less timeconsuming to grow,” says Melissa.

Care factor

Plants need regular care. To make watering easier, Chloe suggests setting up an irrigation system with a timer. “This automation is a blessing in summer, especially as daily watering – or sometimes twice daily – is required during the peak of the season,” she says. “If this isn’t possible, a retractable hose with a wand attachment is comfortable to use and packs away easily when you’re done.”

And if you’re going away on holiday, turn to page 85 for ways to stop your plants going thirsty. But always check the water restrictions in your area. When you’re watering or tending to your patch, look out for any warning signs of pests, advises Melissa. “It’s much easier to get on top of pest and disease problems if you catch them early,” she says. Signs of attack include

holes in leaves, sickly or stunted growth, and wilting stems and leaves. Take a closer look at the problem plants to identify the issue. “Often you can just remove the pest manually,” says Chloe. “But if you need to spray, look for a certified organic product that’s suitable for use on edible crops.”

Weeds can be a problem, too. “They compete with your plants for precious water and nutrients,” says Melissa. “Hand-pull small weeds and apply a good layer of organic mulch to help keep them down.” The mulch will also help conserve soil moisture and keep the roots cool, too. “Vegie gardening does require some maintenance, but the rewards are worth it,” says Sabrina.

Keep in mind…

n After applying fertiliser around edible plants, delay harvesting for a few days and rinse well before cooking and eating.

n Avoid using weedkillers in vegie gardens or near edible plants.

n Wear gloves and a mask when handling potting mix, mulch and compost.

n Check the water restrictions in your area before setting up an irrigation system.

SMALL-SPACE STARS

Most vegies and herbs can easily be grown in pots in small areas such as balconies and courtyards if they get enough sun. “As long as the space receives at least six hours of full sun, it’s perfect for growing,” says Chloe.

“Small pots are great but tend to dry out fast, so opt for larger pots and group plants with similar watering requirements together.”

If you have sun-drenched windowsills indoors, herbs are a must-grow. Pick the sunniest spot and plant a mix such as basil, chives, thyme and oregano. If sunlight is lacking, Chloe recommends using a hydroponic kit.

“These are great as they fit on your benchtop and you can grow crops out of season,” she says.

“There is something special about growing and nurturing plants from seeds – and one packet can produce many seedlings”

Melissa King, horticulturist

FRESH AND FABULOUS

Celebrate your homegrown herbs with a delicious recipe from Melbourne home cook and content creator Jessica Nguyen

Smashed pea, herb and burrata dip

SERVES 4

n 1 cup frozen or fresh peas

n A few bunches of your choice of herbs: mint, basil, oregano, thyme, etc, reserving some mint leaves for garnish n ¼ cup olive oil, plus extra for dressing n Pinch salt and pepper

n 1 lemon, zested (reserve juice for dressing)

n 1 ball burrata cheese

n 1 tbsp chilli oil, to garnish n 1 baguette (or bread of your choice), sliced

1 If using frozen peas, thaw in warm water for about 5 minutes until soft. Drain. If using fresh peas, boil until tender.

2 Place herbs, oil, salt, pepper and lemon zest in a food processor and blitz into a smooth paste. If needed, add more oil to get a runny, pesto-like consistency.

3 Add half the peas to the food processor and blend to the consistency of a ‘chunky

dip’ – it’s okay to have some of the peas only slightly chopped.

4 Place dip in the centre of a large platter and scatter remaining peas on top.

5 Place burrata on top of dip and garnish with mint leaves.

6 Drizzle over 1 tablespoon oil, juice of half a lemon and chilli oil. To serve, cut burrata so it spills onto the dip. Spread dip onto slices of bread and top with burrata.

1 Holman 12mm hose trigger gun combo, $11.95/set of 2, I/N: 3120650.

2 Veritable ‘Classic’ indoor garden, $299, I/N: 0273902. 3 Gardena 30m roll up retractable hose reel, $252.55, I/N: 0136173.

4 Yates ‘Nature’s Way’ vegie and herb pest spray, $14.49/750ml, I/N: 2961940.

5 Birdies 2200mm x 1300mm x 740mm

6-In-1 raised garden bed in Zincalume, $355, I/N: 3320679† (plants not included).

6 Garden Basics ‘Premium’ potting mix, $4.53/25L, I/N: 0274303 (excludes NT).

7 Holman ‘EzyOne’ mini 6 station irrigation controller, $99, I/N: 0164247. 8 Gardena ‘Classic’ 60cm spray wand, $32.89, I/N: 3120982. 9 Richgro ‘Black Marvel’ garden compost, $9.46/25L, I/N: 0289036. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Photography (recipe) Paloma Soto Photography. † Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk.

Gripping tales

Put an entire toolkit in the palm of your hand with the Gerber Dual-Force

Say goodbye to the days of keeping a multi-tool as a mere back-up or emergency item when you can’t use ‘real’ pliers. Whether you’re on an adrenaline-pumping adventure in the wild or just doing basic repairs at home, the Gerber Dual-Force gives you extreme gripping power with slip-joint blunt-nosed pliers. Plus, it’s bristling with essentials including a saw, knife, file and centre-axis driver.

ACTION PACKED

Thanks to a tough fabric sheath that can be worn vertically or horizontally, you can keep this superhero of a tool on hand whenever you need it. And with 12 functions in one feature-packed unit – including wire cutters, ruler and a chisel edge – you can be sure it will get a lot of action.

FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

Facing a stuck fastener that you need to wrench loose? No need to rummage through your toolbox – just reach

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

for your Dual-Force! Its layered construction gives you double the jaw strength, while its extra-large teeth can apply serious torque to knobs and bolt heads alike.

CENTRE OF ATTENTION

The Dual-Force’s centre-axis driver lets you turn screws as easily and smoothly as with a conventional screwdriver. It’s fitted with a #2 Phillips head bit, but will hold any standard 6mm (1/4") driver bit. Additionally, the tool’s two onboard bit holders come pre-loaded with a #1 Phillips head bit and a medium flat-drive bit.

LOCK IT IN

Staying safe is so important, which is why the frame lock keeps each tool rigidly secure while folded out for use. Whether you’re slicing rope with the 8.25cm knife blade, driving screws or sawing through timber, you can be sure the Dual-Force will stay solidly locked into the configuration you need.

Gerber ‘Dual-Force’ multi-tool, $169, I/N: 0385414

With a 47 per cent narrower footprint in hand, the Gerber Dual-Force boasts maximum power and comfort

Features include a centre-axis bit driver

The two-position slip-joint jaw is adjustable to suit your task

Extra-large teeth make light work of shifting stubborn bolts

Compact and lightweight, it can go with you anywhere!

Beachside bliss

COASTAL COLOURS AND A LAYOUT DESIGNED FOR EASY SOCIALISING MAKE THE ULTIMATE HOLIDAY HOME KITCHEN

Words SHELLEY TUSTIN

Like a 1950s time capsule, this vintage shack on Queensland’s Gold Coast was cute, but due for a face lift. Having engaged interior designer Donna Guyler from Donna Guyler Design to redesign it as a dream holiday home, the owners approached local company Front Porch Properties to make the transformation happen. Their task included overhauling the original kitchen (see picture over the page) that was “tiny, dark and not user friendly,” says homeowner Leith. “We really wanted to open up the space and make it feel more bright and beachy, as well as being a lovely space where we could all gather as a family.”

The Front Porch crew started by knocking down a structural wall and replacing it with a support beam to create an open-plan design. Founder Rachael Turner opted for Kaboodle as an easily customisable solution. “It’s a holiday home, so we were looking for something that was affordable, easy to build, but still looked great and fitted the aesthetic,” she says.

Colour match

Choosing a statement colour for the neutral space was easy – Leith had seen a tile in the ideal pale blue, plus Rachael had a necklace of the same soothing shade. With the Taubmans Coloursmith app, they could match the colour. Fiona Dawson of Taubmans explains, “You can create any paint colour from a picture or surface, either by uploading a photo to the Coloursmith app, or scanning a surface with the Coloursmith Reader [available at Bunnings].”

Photography @villastyling. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings.

Light and welcoming colour palette

Cool blue coastal vibe

BeforeFor the island bench, the customised blue was painted on Kaboodle raw board, and “the injection of colour is just gorgeous,” says Leith. “The brightness and airiness of the space really surpassed our expectations.”

Island life

The island conveys the same chilled-out tone as the rest of the home. “Rather than doing all drawers, we wanted open shelving, which we built using Kaboodle American Oak benchtops,” says Rachael Turner. On the outside, the team created a beach house-meets-farmhouse look with skirting boards around the base and pine battens to make a cross detail.

Bar service

While stone has been used for the work surfaces, Kaboodle American Oak was a more welcoming choice for the island bench, giving it a look more like a dining table. “We just love the timber accents as they add some warmth to the kitchen and laundry areas,” says Leith.

Cabinet meeting

Door and drawer fronts in Kaboodle ‘Alpine’ profile in Macaroon deliver just the right crisp white for a coastal-style kitchen. Keeping the profile low, with base cabinets along the main wall and only a few wall cabinets at the end, creates an open, airy look – and a space that’s perfect for a family after a day at the beach.

Open timber shelves on one side of the island bench provide easy access to kitchen essentials

A moodboard of colours and textures summed up the look and feel the owners wanted for their beach house

Building and construction Front Porch Properties (frontporchproperties.com.au), cabinetry Kaboodle Kitchen (kaboodle.com.au). Paint colours may vary on application.

Fuss-free clean

Cleaning your home need not be a dirty job. Sabco Mop Sets deliver your cleanest-ever floors without getting your hands filthy – no need to touch the mop head or pad! However you like to clean, there’s a Sabco Mop Set for you.

FLAT OUT

Australia loves a flat mop and there’s nothing better for a quick whip around floors before company calls, but the Sabco Rinse N Wring flat mop set delivers so much more. It has everything you love about a flat mop – the ease of use, the machinewashable microfibre pads – with the rinse-and-wring ability of a string mop. The hands-free and hygienic secret is the slender, compact bucket, which contains innovative dual chambers with Power Blade technology – simply drop the mop into the wash chamber, then switch to the dry chamber, where the blades will wring it dry enough for even delicate floor surfaces.

SWISH, SWISH

If a string mop is your tool of choice, it’s time to retire that grey janitor’s mop and clunky bucket, and upgrade to a Sabco SupaDry Gen2 spin mop

This next-level mop system features a new rinse feature, which agitates the mop underwater to flush out dirt from the fibres. Then, swap over to the quality stainless steel wringing chamber, which efficiently spins excess water from the mop head – no more drips all over the floor! Unlike an old-style string mop, the SupaDry Gen2 features a microfibre head, which removes 99 per cent of bacteria with water alone. It’s machine washable and comes with a bonus refill, so you’ve always got a fresh mop ready to go.

SMALL SPACE HERO

Even more compact than the SupaDry, the Sabco Smart spin mop and bucket system rinses the mop clean and spins it dry in the one single-compartment bucket. It works with an ingenious two-level, pump-action tower system: first the mop drops down to the lower level to be thoroughly rinsed in clean water, then the lifting tower raises and locks the mop into place above the water level to spin out all the excess moisture. The microfibre mop removes 99 per cent of bacteria from surfaces, delivering an expert-level clean for those tricky smaller spaces.

sabco.com.au

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Shore thing

Capture a contemporary coastal look in your garden with materials that speak of land and sea, by Tuscan Path

Evocative of beachside holidays, sun-warmed somnolence and sparkling seawater, coastal decor has enduring appeal in our interiors – but it’s a look that works just as well outdoors. To achieve a dreamy, carefree coastal look in your garden, start with a cohesive scheme of beach-inspired materials. Then, for a contemporary twist, swap driftwood rusticity for crisp edges, clean lines and modern textures.

With its natural materials and modern textures, Tuscan Path’s coastal inspired range is an elegant fusion of Scandi and Japandi aesthetics

BEACH BLISS

Sand-toned materials are an obvious choice, but it’s about more than just imitating the beach – the yellow undertones of these materials have the warmth of sunlight, while the pale palette appears to amplify the light, turning even a relatively shady garden into a coastal oasis. Pale gravel, like Tuscan Path’s yellow crushed stone, lends carefree casualness, while Tuscan Path’s garden edging in Dune tames garden beds for contrasting structure. For paved areas, try Tuscan Path’s sandstone pavers – they’re warm and textured like sand, plus reflect the light beautifully without glare.

GOT THE BLUES

A touch of blue is the go-to accent colour for a coastal garden palette, but you can play this any way you like – overt or subtle. A Tuscan Path Gavin planter in nautical navy is an elegant way to express the ocean. Or you can be more subtle still, with Tuscan Path’s bluestone pavers, which are the same cool grey as a stormy sea. These darker and cooler tones act as a counterpoint to the lighter, yellow-toned materials, grounding the scheme and giving it a sophisticated edge.

FRESH AND WHITE

A light frosting of crisp white helps give added brilliance to a coastal landscape design. Introduce it in broad strokes, like a boundary wall or bright white outdoor furniture, or treat it like jewellery, with small but striking statement pieces. A white pot for instance, like the Tuscan Path Gavin planter in White, is always a winner

– pair it with deep green, glossy foliage for a tropical look, or with a strappy palm to give your coastal scheme a Palm Springs spin. Tuscan Path’s decorative quartz pebbles give a dose of white with added sparkle –use them in pot plants, or as part of a centrepiece display of succulents.

OF THE NOW

Often associated with driftwood and greyed timber, this rustic look is only one way to do coastal. To give your coastal garden a contemporary spin, look for materials with a bit more polish. While a sand-and-sea colour palette nails the brief, try sticking to crisp edges and clean lines, like squared off pavers, clearly defined paths and beds, and minimalist detailing. Rather than rough, salt-blasted textures, look for modern finishes and even on-trend geometric shapes, like the ridged pattern in the Tuscan Path Gavin planters.

tuscanpath.com.au

@TuscanPath

@tuscanpath

1 Tuscan Path ‘Gavin’ 35cm planter in Blue, $49.98, I/N: 0357811. 2 Tuscan Path 400mm x 400mm x 20mm sandstone paver, $14.24, I/N: 0129313. 3 Tuscan Path 400mm x 400mm x 20cm bluestone paver, $14.24, I/N: 0129308.

4 Tuscan Path 10-15mm yellow crushed stone, $11.99/5kg, I/N: 0349791. 5 Tuscan Path 150mm x 6m garden edging in Dune, $44.98, I/N: 0238061. 6 Tuscan Path decorative quartz pebbles, $10.99/2kg, I/N: 0349795.

Sandstone encapsulates the coastal look perfectly, thanks to its warmth, texture and hue variations

Tuscan Path ‘Gavin’ 35cm planter in White, $49.98, I/N: 0357816

BathroomDILEMMAS SOLVED

YES, YOU CAN CREATE YOUR DREAM WASH ZONE! WE’VE COME UP WITH A SOLUTION FOR ANY PESKY PROBLEM YOU MIGHT HAVE

Words HOLLY BYRNE

Dulux Tort

Too small, too cluttered, too cold? There are many all-too-common conundrums when talking bathrooms.

If a large-scale renovation seems too daunting, don’t despair – follow these budget-friendly ideas and quick fixes to solve your issues.

Painting a feature wall in an on-trend colour is a speedy way to give a drab space new life

Photography

Dilemma 1

No natural light

A cost-effective way to improve a gloomy room with few or no windows – without compromising privacy – is to fit skylights. Interior designer Annebel Goode (studioluxinteriors.com.au) says they’re an excellent way to introduce natural light and ventilation into wet areas. “Skylights can also improve ventilation if you install an electric one that can be opened and, by reducing condensation, you ultimately reduce mould growth,” she says. Ask at the Special Orders Desk in store about the Skylight Installation service‡. However, if skylights aren’t an option, maximise available light by installing a glass privacy door and large mirrors to reflect it throughout the bathroom.

Dilemma 2

Cold and unwelcoming

With so many hard surfaces, the bathroom isn’t always the cosiest room in the home. But if your space is uncomfortably cold, interior designer Alix Helps (alixhelpsinteriors.com) says there are a number of solutions – especially if you’re able to commit to a larger refresh. “We recommend installing underfloor heating,” she says. “It’s often perceived as a luxury item, however, it’s not an extravagant purchase and relatively economical to run.” But for a more straightforward fix, consider installing a heat lamp overhead and a heated towel rail.

Dilemma 3

Cluttered vanity

Lack of storage can result in countertops overfilling with soaps, hand creams and candles on top of personal products and skincare. A cost-effective way to increase storage in your bathroom is to replace your standard mirror with a cabinet mirror. “Minimal depth is required and you’d be surprised at the capacity within,” says Alix. Available in oval, rectangle or circular shapes to suit your space and style, elevated mirror cabinets can also house items out of children’s reach.

Dulux Casper Half White paint on the ceiling and walls helps light bounce around this room

Dilemma 4

Jumbled cupboards

Are you forever misplacing your bathroom essentials due to a vanity cupboard jam-packed with products?

Think about replacing doors and shelving with large drawers. “If your vanity drawers didn’t come with built-in dividers or sectionals, you can purchase these and fit them afterwards,” suggests Alix. “This can help to maintain some order and keep everything right where you need it.”

Dilemma 5

Unflattering lighting

Lights that are positioned on the bathroom ceiling directly above a vanity can cast harsh downward shadows. The fix? Wall lighting. “Add wall sconces next to your mirrors to elevate the look of your bathroom and also improve the face-level lighting for enhanced functionality,” advises Annebel. “If you prefer a more subtle effect, invest in a mirror with built-in LED lights.”

“Face-level storage is the best solution to keep your vanity surface clean and clear”

Alix Helps, interior designer

Photography Dulux Australia; (opposite top) Caroma on Collins. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. ‡Not all services are available in all stores; conditions apply.

Dilemma

6

Piles of laundry

Busy bathrooms can be overrun with wet towels and dirty laundry on the floor. If your wash area isn’t big enough for a dedicated laundry drawer, help is at hand. “There are loads of stylish freestanding laundry hampers that can disguise the pile,” says Alix. “Try to pick something lightweight with handles for easy transport.”

Dilemma

Hard to clean

7

Some wet zones can be challenging to keep clean, with pre-existing design flaws or poor tile choices often the culprits. “For example, a mosaic tile in a shower area will have lots of grout lines, and the more grout lines the harder to clean,” says Annebel. Be selective where you put your tinier tiles. “Place your smaller feature tiles behind the vanity for an elevated look with less maintenance,” she advises.

Keep little toiletries and other fiddly items together in small containers. Ezy Storage ‘Brickor’ medium trays in White, $1.65 each, I/N: 0279839

Dilemma 8

Dirty mirror

If your mirror always appears dirty and impossible to clean, there’s a good chance it’s actually scratched. “Replacing a mirror is a quick and easy fix and will brighten up your bathroom in an instant,” says Alix Helps. Opt for the biggest you can fit when choosing a replacement, and consider taking the opportunity to increase storage by installing a cabinet mirror in its place.

Dilemma 9

Weak water pressure

Recently enjoyed an overnight stay at a nice hotel and realised how low the water pressure is in your shower? There’s probably no need to call out

the plumber – all you may need is a new showerhead with the right technology. Look for a Methven nozzle equipped with the Satinjet feature, which will deliver more than 300,000 water droplets per second, bringing a hotel shower experience to your home.

Dilemma 10

Poor drainage

Slow-draining showers can increase the risk of flooding, with a build-up of hair, soap and grime the usual suspects. The good news is it’s most likely a quick fix. Try a drain-cleaning product that will clear clogged pipes in no time. Enzyme-based products are less caustic than traditional formulas, however always read the instructions and use safety equipment.

1 Forme ‘Logan’ 1500mm 4 door shaver mirror in Walnut, $933.82, I/N: 0087510†.

2 Methven ‘Maku MK2’ WELS 3-star 9L/min shower handset, $152, I/N: 0307291.

3 Decor8 Tiles ‘Haifu Kenzo’ 296mm x 293mm porcelain mosaic tile sheet in Light Green, $16.90, I/N: 0289540†. 4 Johnson Tiles 500mm x 500mm ‘Jura Stone’ grit ceramic floor tile in Taupe, $34.50/pack of 4, I/N: 6661708†. 5 Green Care drain cleaner, $12.21/1L, I/N: 0231632. 6 Cibo Design ‘Nordic’ 1500mm vanity in White with basins in Pink, $1,875, I/N: 0280690† (tapware not included). 7 Sunfresh 55L laundry hamper in Dark Green, $6.99, I/N: 0254231. 8 Forme 900mm oval framed mirror, $409.16, I/N: 0203594†.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered. Most plumbing work should be carried out by a licensed tradie.

“Opting for drawers over cupboards is key to providing easy access to well-organised spaces”

Alix Helps, interior designer

A wall-hung vanity offfers ample storage, floats elegantly in the space and is easy to clean under, too!

MOULD

Magnets for moisture

Preventing condensation and moisture from gathering around the home is easy when you let clever products do the work for you.

SUPER SOAKERS

DampFree products are filled with moisture-absorbing crystals, made using a non-toxic and septic-safe formula. These moisture magnets soak up humidity and dampness, reducing mildew, mould and fungus, as well as eliminating the musty odours they cause. As the crystals pull in moisture from the air, they simply dissolve, making them easy to discard and top up using the refill crystals or pouches

STAMP OUT DAMPNESS

As the weather warms up, there’s still plenty of rain around. Condensation,

dampness and humidity can cause huge problems in your home, garage, shed or office. Prolonged exposure to moisture can create a breeding ground for mould, musty odours and rust –ruining your precious belongings. The captured liquid in your DampFree units can be used as a tool to indicate when moisture levels in a particular space are increasing, protecting your things and keeping your home fresh!

HIDDEN HEROES

Ever gone to pack for a holiday only to find your favourite bag has been stricken by mould? It’s a common occurrence, especially in more humid climates. Luckily, the DampFree range comes in a range of shapes and sizes to let you cut the condensation in every corner of your home. The hanging

Store products out of reach of children and pets, and always follow the instructions. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

pouch is perfect for wardrobes and other small, enclosed spaces. It’ll last up to 75 days, depending on conditions. For larger areas, such as bathrooms and storage units, the disposable tub unit can absorb more than four litres of moisture over 12 months. For shelves, windowsills and pantries, the neat slimline unit will fit right in; it lasts up to 45 days and can be easily refilled.

1 DampFree refill crystals, $20.29/3.4kg, I/N: 0011485. 2 DampFree slimline refill pouches, $8.99/pack of 3, I/N: 0011484.

3 DampFree moisture absorber refill pouches, $18.29/pack of 4, I/N: 0046285.

4 DampFree 350ml slimline moisture absorber, $5.09, I/N: 0011483. 5 DampFree moisture absorber tub, $25.39/2.2kg, I/N: 4470559. 6 DampFree moisture absorber hanging pouch, $16.29/pack of 3, I/N: 0011488.

Removing moisture and humidity will help keep musty bathroom smells at bay

Help keep mould, mildew and fungus out of your home with the DampFree range of moisture absorbers

Words KYLIE JACKES

As walls often form the largest surface area within your home, what you hang on them can have a huge impact. Stylist Jessi Eve (jessieve.com.au) says that whether you love to display photographic prints, original works or fun decorator pieces, art is one of the most personal aspects of styling your home, and adds a distinctive touch. To inspire your own curated collection, here’s our expert guide on how to choose, plan, prepare – and hang – like a professional.

“Art helps set the tone and palette of a space and is often integral in bringing a home to life”

JessiEve, stylist

Selection

With many choices – from the style to the medium, palette and subject – art selection is very personal, says Jessi Eve. “I always advise clients to pick what they love, but also consider the look, feel and role of a specific artwork.” For example, will it be the star of a room, or add subtle interest as a backdrop?

“If planning a space from scratch, selecting the art first can be a great way to inspire the rest of the scheme,” Jessi says. Scale and orientation are also key. “Above a sofa, bed or dining table, a large

landscape-orientation piece generally works well, or a pair of portraitorientation pieces side by side, to balance the width of the furniture,” she says.

Framing

When selecting a frame, take cues from the piece of art and your room’s style. “A minimal, contemporary space would benefit from art framed in the same colour and style, like a simple black or white straight-edged frame,” explains Jessi. A more eclectic interior often suits a mix of frame styles and colours. If unsure, look at the surrounding furniture and decor. “Are there timber tones you can match or complement, or brass or metallic accents? Allowing existing elements to guide your framing choices will help to achieve a cohesive result,” says Jessi.

Placement

The size and quantity of your artwork and the scale of your walls will influence position. Large pieces require a big wall in a prominent position, while smaller pieces can work as a pair or positioned in

Gallery@Home track picture hanging pack in White, $21.30/2m, I/N: 3930453. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered

For a beautiful and interesting display, think beyond formal ‘pictures’ to pieces such as these woven vessels

“Gallery clusters are great for smaller pieces to evoke an intimate feel”

Jessi Eve, stylist

SAFETY

a slender space such as a study nook or shelf. A general rule is to aim for the artwork’s centre to sit around eye level. “When hanging larger pieces above furniture like sofas and sideboards, you want the artwork to feel visually linked to the surrounding elements,” Jessi explains. “So you may only need to allow 10cm between the top of a sofa and the bottom of the work.”

For a gallery-style hang, plan the placement on the floor. “Once you’re happy with the layout, measure the distances between each piece and replicate it on the wall,” says Jessi.

Timber frames add more warmth to the look of artworks than plain black or white, but can still have a slim, modern profile

Hanging

Before drilling or hammering hooks into a wall, use a stud finder to pinpoint the wall’s framework (or stud). Plus, this means you’ll avoid drilling into wiring or pipes, explains Bryce Bicknell of Gallery@Home.

“For large, heavy artworks it can be beneficial to drill into the stud for extra support,” he says. “It’s important to ensure the artwork’s weight is matched to the capacity of the hooks and wire. For smaller, light artworks you may simply need two angle drive pins to slot D-rings into.”

Embrace a traditional timber picture rail by

FIXER UPPERS

Different wall materials require specific fixings

Plasterboard

For regular plasterboard walls, Bryce suggests angle drive hooks. “They’re a great all-round option, come in a range of weight loads up to 30kg and are designed to be used on timber panelling, too.” See next page for instructions.

Masonry walls

Specialised hooks like Everhang solid picture wall hooks are a great option for brick or concrete walls. “Choose hooks suitable for the wall type, but ensure they can take the weight of the piece you’re hanging,” says Bryce. For heavy-duty hanging, use hooks up to a 45kg capacity. And for a stronger hold, install the anchor into the brick, not the mortar.

Damage-free options

Alternatives to nails and screws include adhesive strips and hooks that can be removed without damage. Command picture hanging strips come in a size that can hold heavy items up to 7.2kg. Filiz Bensan from 3M suggests hanging framed mirrors and pictures where they can’t be knocked off or subjected to external force, and never over beds or cots. As long as the indoor wall they are adhering to is above 10°C, the hooks should stay put. “Their holding power should last indefinitely when used according to pack instructions, and will hold as long as the temperature stays between -5 and 40°C,” she says.

hanging works from it with specialty hooks. Another option for a sophisticated gallery-style display is a track hanging system, where artworks hang by wire cable from a track. “It’s a fantastic way to create

a feature wall as the track, which can be painted to seamlessly match your walls, allows you to hang multiple pieces from a single wire that can be adjusted to different heights,” Bryce explains.

TIP TO WEIGH A LARGE PIECE, HOLD IT WHILE STANDING ON BATHROOM SCALES, THEN SUBTRACT YOUR WEIGHT FROM THE TOTAL

Keep to a monochrome palette while you hone your artistic skills

SHOP 1

2

AFFORDABLE ART

Try stylist Jessi Eve’s suggestions for creating your own inexpensive artworks

Arm yourself with rope, wool, driftwood and dowel to craft a piece. “You can find tutorials and inspiration online featuring these materials which, with some creativity, can easily be customised to suit your space and style,” she says.

Turn a scrap of wallpaper, gift-wrap or fabric into a focal point by framing it in a shadow box. Play around with typography, such as a printed affirmation or personalised name in your favourite font, and set it in a simple slim black frame.

Create your own abstract masterpiece on canvas, using colours that complement your interior. For a textural piece, experiment by adding joint compound to paint and then spreading with a palette knife.

4 5 6

7 8 9

1 Everhang 15kg solid wall picture hanging hooks, $3.50/pack of 3, I/N: 3930091. 2 3M ‘Claw’ assorted picture hangers, $29.99/pack of 10, I/N: 0365609. 3 Stanley 8m tape measure, $11.50, I/N: 5660379.

4 Everhang 15kg load braided picture hanging wire, $4.34/3.6m, I/N: 3930518. 5 Everhang 45kg heavy duty J-hooks, $3.66/pack of 4, I/N: 0046418. 6 Zenith ‘SureHook’ 2-20kg brass plated 61 piece masonry wall picture hanging starter kit, $25.84, I/N: 3930449.

7 Everhang 8kg brass plated picture hooks, $5.40/pack of 25, I/N: 3930114. 8 3M Command large adhesive picture hanging strips in White, $18/value pack of 12, I/N: 3950426. 9 Bear 48mm interior decorator masking tape, $9.53/50m, I/N: 0144254. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

HANG ARTWORK ON PLASTERBOARD

When there is no wall stud exactly where you need it, use an anchor for hollow plasterboard. Remember to check it is appropriate for the weight of the picture.

Tools & materials

1 Use a sensor to double check there is no stud where the picture will hang. Apply tape on the wall along the top of the frame and mark the centre. Pull the middle of the picture wire up with a measuring tape to find the distance to the top of frame. On the wall, transfer this down from the tape.

2 Place the hook on the mark to indicate the hole above it. Put the hook over the anchor, push the point onto the top mark and use a screwdriver to twist it into the wall. Finish with the anchor flush against the wall. Hang the picture, checking the frame is straight with a level, adjusting as needed.

On studs: Pre-drill through the plasterboard and into the timber with a 3.5mm bit and drive in a 10G x 50mm screw, leaving it protruding about 5mm for hanging.

On masonry: Use a hammer action to pre-drill the hole with a 5mm masonry bit, then install a 14G x 55mm masonry screw using a normal drilling action, leaving it protruding.

Steps photography and instructions Natasha Dickins. Photography Getty Images.

Hold fast

Restore order in every zone of your home, with organising and decorating solutions from 3M

KITCHEN AND LAUNDRY

These engine rooms of the home need to function seamlessly, and 3M has everything you need to tame the clutter. Tidy up your brooms and mops with Command™ broom grippers, which can hold up to 1.8kg. Meanwhile Command™ wall hooks are your secret organisation weapon. Use them to hold everything from the dustpan to kitchen utensils – larger hooks hold up to 2.2kg. And with solutions like the Command™ spray bottle wall hanger, you’ll never have to rummage through the cupboards for that cleaning spray again!

Command™ broom grippers, $12.99/pack of 2, I/N: 3962049

Command™ XL picture hanging strips in White, $15.98/pack of 8, I/N: 0403157*

Command™ Jumbo wall hooks in White, $7.80/ pack of 2, I/N: 3950372

LIVING SPACES AND BEDROOMS

Personalise your home with art prints, family photos and even mirrors. Command™ picture hanging strips are ideal for art up to 9kg. Perfect for renters, they remove easily, leaving no residue or holes in the wall! Command™ Jumbo wall hooks are another fantastic damage-free way to hang items weighing up to 3.4kg – great for organising around the home and office.

Command™ XL picture hanging strips in Black, $8.98/ pack of 4, I/N: 0403156*

For heavier loads - think framed mirrors and large paintings - grab a pack of Command™ XL picture hanging strips.

Command™ XL picture hanging strips in White, $8.98/pack of 4, I/N: 0403154*

GARAGE AND ENTRY

Store tools with 3M Claw™ picture hangers – the largest size holds up to a massive 20kg. Add wall organisation for your garage with the super-strong Scotch Mount® extreme double-sided mounting tape Keep your keys handy with the Command™ key rail rack!

3M Claw™ assorted picture hangers, $29.99/pack of 10, I/N: 0365609

Scotch Mount® 2.5cm x 1.5m extreme double-sided mounting tape, $11.42, I/N: 3961938

Command™ key rail rack, $18.50, I/N: 3950383

Command™ value pack of wall hooks in White, $23.50/ pack of 22, I/N: 0180143

Command™ spray bottle wall hanger in White, $7.50, I/N: 0172251

Double-Sided Mounting Tape

Scan here for further inspiration and more information about 3M products, or visit 3m.com.au

SHAKE IT UP

MIX AND MATCH OUTDOOR FURNITURE TO CREATE AN ALFRESCO SPACE THAT SUITS YOUR STYLE

Words

SHELLEY TUSTIN

For an outdoor setting that’s uniquely ‘you’, pick pieces from different ranges – just like you would do inside. As style editor Tilly Roberts explains, “By not being wedded to just one style, you can build an eclectic feel that’s easier to alter as your needs evolve.” Here’s how to become a master (furniture) mixologist.

For all product details, see next page

Photography Sue Stubbs, styling Samantha Pointon and Rebecca Waldron.

BELOW (From left) Marquee ‘Harbour’ timber dining chairs, $139 each, I/N: 0351950, and 180cm x 90cm timber dining table, $339, I/N: 0351951, in Brush White. Marquee ‘Marrakesh’ rattan chairs, $135 each, I/N: 0270613. Marquee ‘Harbour’ timber 1 seater lounges in Brush White, $289 each, I/N: 0256323. Home Bazar ‘Manhattan’ rattan middle lounges, $429 each, I/N: 0263199†, and corner lounge, $449, I/N: 0263197†, and ‘Resort’ 80cm x 40cm rattan coffee table, $99, I/N: 0183694. Grevillea ‘Robyn Gordon’ plants in Northcote Pottery ‘Rupee’ 45cm terracotta planters, $46.64 each, I/N: 0329363 (plants sold separately). Cushions, throws, drinking glasses, vases and tray, Adairs. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Shop for the way you live

The best thing about mixing and matching furniture is you can get exactly what you need for your outdoor room. For example, if you’re putting together a dining setting, a bench seat is a clever space saver – you can pack in more people and, when it’s not needed, it slides neatly under the table and out of the way. Narrow, armless seats are also great for seating more people. It’s then nice to bookend the table with comfier seats – something with a good back, armrests and a cushioned seat is ideal.

For a lounge setting, make sure you cover all functions, whether you’re creating a solo reading nook or a conversation zone for a few. “Think about comfort and accessibility for whoever might be sitting there,” suggests Tilly Roberts.

Identify your key style

To decide on your scheme, it helps to look at what’s already in your home, especially in the interior spaces that open to the outside. Take note, too, of the style of your garden and the materials in the area. This will help you choose the overarching theme of your space (see page 70). The materials you choose will have the most impact on the look you create – for instance, lightweight and easy-to-maintain aluminium creates a contemporary look, while bleached timber captures that beachy boho style.

Stylist Samantha Pointon suggests also considering linking pieces with similar tones or materials – for instance, whitewashed timber and rattan (see above) sit within the same casual coastal palette; aluminium has a crisp, modern appeal that’s sleek and sophisticated. Choosing different items can be a case of trial and error, she says. “Experimentation is your friend. Place pieces alongside each other and take your time figuring out if you like them.” For flexibility, look for modular styles that can be rearranged to suit differing needs such as parties.

“Find product images online and place them side by side to get a feel for how they look together”

Samantha Pointon, stylist

Photography Sue Stubbs, styling Samantha Pointon and Rebecca Waldron; (opposite) Belinda Merrie, styling Shelby George. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk..

Complete the look

COASTAL CHIC

Blond timber, Hamptons white and pale rattan keep key pieces from different ranges cohesive, enhanced by a touch of warmer tones

1 Brilliant ‘Clover’ 142cm large indoor outdoor ABS DC ceiling fan with LED light and remote in Matte White, $394, I/N: 0216740. 2 Mimosa outdoor cushions, $19.97 each: in Solid Shrimp, I/N: 0365196, and Stripe Sunset, I/N: 0365192. 3 Marquee ‘Marrakesh’ rattan lounge, $199, I/N: 0270614. 4 Mimosa ‘Solar’ round coffee tables in White, $329/set of 2, I/N: 0260157. 5 Marquee ‘Cape Cod’ timber chair in White Wash, $110, I/N: 0109209. 6 Cooper & Co. ‘Blush’ 120cm x 80cm canvas print, $199.95*, I/N: 0351422. 7 MyHouse ‘Teddy’ throw in Dusty, $19.99*, I/N: 0362554.

FRENCH PROVINCIAL

Create your own petite Provence by tying textures and accessories together such as pretty wrought iron, tidy topiary and floral prints

1 Cooper & Co. ‘Abbey’ arch iron indoor outdoor mirror in Black, $299.95*, I/N: 0339494. 2

54cm studded pot in White, $114.40, I/N: 2800979 (plant sold separately). 3 Marquee ‘Jolie’ 3 piece bistro

INDUSTRIAL STYLE

in

Green, $149, I/N: 0258236. 4 Marquee ‘Harbour’ 2 seater lounge in Brush White, $469, I/N: 0256324. 5 Mimosa ‘Monterey’ wicker coffee table, $265, I/N: 0260169. 6 MyHouse ‘Daintree’ handpainted cushion, $39.99*, I/N: 0392069, and ‘Dahlia’ cushion, $29.99*, I/N: 0362589. 7 Marquee ‘Bayfield’ wicker sun chair, $165, I/N: 0177369.

Mix sleek, hard-wearing materials with angular shapes in shades of grey to create a modern look with long-lasting appeal

300mm topiary Buxus sempervirens in Northcote Pottery

setting

Light

The New Thermacell rechargeable repeller creates a 28m2 zone of protection against mosquitoes – no messy lotions or sprays. Clean, simple and easy to use, perfect for backyard entertaining, picnics, or travelling.

thermacellrepellents.com.au

Follow us @Thermacellaustralia

The summer sun can be utter bliss – except when it’s too much of a good thing. Keep those rays off your guests, family and yourself, and introduce some welcome relief to an overheated outdoor area, whether you need a permanent solution or the type you can pack up and fold away.

Umbrellas

From the beach to the backyard, for flexibility and portability, a good old-fashioned umbrella is essential.

Lightweight models can be poked directly into the ground. At home, team a solidly constructed umbrella with the heaviest base you can handle for a shade solution you can open at whim, collapse if the wind picks up or remove entirely to store away.

Market umbrellas have a large canopy and can be secured with a heavy base or through a table – ideally both. The downside is that it might not cover the whole table and, as the sun moves, there may be seats exposed. A cantilever model is a good solution, says Danny Collins of Coolaroo. “Cantilever umbrellas are great over table settings and furniture, and let you position yourself directly under the middle of the umbrella for maximum shade,” he says. Plus, you can easily adjust the position of the umbrella when needed.

Be aware that all types of umbrellas can be vulnerable to damage in inclement weather. To keep everyone safe and the umbrella in good condition, Danny says: “Always keep it covered when not in use and ensure you do not use it in strong winds or extreme weather conditions.”

IDEAL FOR: Beach and picnic lovers, and outdoor entertainers looking for an affordable shade solution.

TOP TIP: The vertical tilt mechanism of a cantilever umbrella is a winner when targeting shade where you need it.

Shade sails

From kids’ playgrounds to suburban backyards, shade sails are incredibly popular because they’re so versatile and they block up to 95 per cent of UV

I/N: 3192696,

$1,649, I/N: 0177349,

I/N: 0177354

rays. They are also easy to maintain. Bunnings pool, spa, sheds and shade buyer Koula Guardiani says, “They can be hosed down to remove dirt or debris, and they are mould and mildew proof.” Their breathability means they’re better able to withstand wind, and you’re less likely to suffer a hothouse effect beneath them.

IDEAL FOR: Attaching to existing structures to shade a sun-scorched deck, or install posts to attach a sail in any corner of the garden, creating a protected patio or play zone.

TOP TIP: They offer bang for buck and are a great low-cost option.

3.6m

I/N: 3300345

Coolaroo 3.6m x

square shade sail in Beech, $149,

Mimosa ‘Woolamai’ round market umbrella in Beige, $165,

and ‘Malibu’ corner lounge,

and square coffee table, $189,

“Shade sails come in a range of shapes and sizes, making them suitable for a variety of outdoor settings, from courtyards to large back gardens”

Koula Guardiani, Bunnings shade buyer

Photography (top) Brigid Arnott, styling Samantha Pointon; (opposite) Cath Muscat, styling Tilly Roberts. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. *Check local council requirements for semi-permanent structures.

Marquee ‘Roma’ 3m x 3m non-permanent gazebo, $169, I/N: 3192522, and ‘Troca’ 3 piece steel bistro setting in Grey, $129, I/N: 0260530. Woolly bush plant in Pinnacle 15L metal bucket, $17.89, I/N: 4460519 (plant sold separately). Monarch 1.5m x 1.5m leak-proof canvas drop sheet (used as a picnic rug), $19.80, I/N: 1660397. All other products, stylist’s own. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Gazebos and pergolas

For a permanent or semi-permanent structure that will make a strong visual statement, invest in a gazebo or pergola*. Gazebos generally have solid or louvred roofs, providing more shade and weather protection, and really suit a contemporary space. Pergolas usually have open roofs that are ideal for winding deciduous vines, and are synonymous with rustic, formal or English country-style gardens.

If you’re looking to shade an entire deck or patio, and keep a whole lounge or dining setting out of the sun (so no-one’s getting scorched at a

sun-drenched table), gazebos are among the largest shade options. “Generally, gazebos are at least nine square metres in size, so ensure you have adequate space around it to allow you to move freely,” says Danny.

One thing to remember with gazebos is their open sides. As Bunnings outdoor furniture buyer Nathan Monk advises, “Please remember that winds and rain can enter under the gazebo, so keep your furniture or barbecue covered when not in use to maximise lifespan.”

IDEAL FOR: Using an untapped space in the yard for a stylish permanent or semi-permanent structure.

ABOVE Mimosa ‘Portsea’ 3m x 3m semi permanent louvre gazebo in Lava, $2,799, I/N: 0124007† (also available in White, I/N: 0283059†)*

TOP TIP: Fixed gazebos (as opposed to the temporary tarpaulin kind) are usually made of powder-coated aluminium, which is lighter than steel, making it a relatively straightforward job to assemble and install yourself.

Awnings

Offering the large-scale shade coverage of a gazebo or shade sail with the flexibility of an umbrella, an awning might be the simple shade solution your outdoor space needs. Smaller versions can be installed over windows, to deflect sunlight from the glass and keep inside spaces cool. Larger versions can cover an area of 15 square metres or more and are ideal for creating a sheltered entertaining area. Acrylic fabric mounted on a folding arm system gives shelter from the sun, but when you want to soak up some rays – in winter, for example – it retracts discreetly into a wall- or ceiling-mounted cassette. When choosing an awning, size and

“Most gazebos deliver outstanding weather protection”

Windoware 2100mm x 1800mm sunscreen fixed arm awning in Black, $317.70, I/N: 0013406

colour won’t be the only considerations. Also look for ease of operation –a hand crank is the most common method, but motorised versions can make opening and closing even easier.

IDEAL FOR: Making your home more energy efficient – they keep the heat out in summer and allow the sun’s rays in when tucked away in winter.

TOP TIP: A good option for security –awnings double as a privacy screen.

1 Altamonte ‘Santa Monica’ 1200mm x 900mm tinted premium polycarbonate canopy, $268, I/N: 1010807†. 2 Marquee 3m cantilever umbrella in Charcoal, $89, I/N: 3192300. 3 Marquee ‘Roma’ 3m x 3m non-permanent gazebo, $169, I/N: 3192522.

4 Coolaroo 5.4m x 5.4m square commercial grade shade sail in Stone, $312, I/N: 3300360. 5 Coolaroo 3.9m x 2.1m ready-to-hang rectangle shade sail in Charcoal, $69, I/N: 0369893. 6 Toja ‘Grid’ 3.66m x 3.66m pergola kit with post wall and shade, $1,341, I/N: 0241871†. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

Nathan Monk, Bunnings outdoor furniture buyer

Photography Louise Roche, styling Kylie Jackes. †Available to order online or at the Special Orders Desk. *Check local council requirements for semi-permanent structures.

Beat

Protecting your home from the sun’s harsh rays is one way to keep cool during a hot Aussie summer. Windoware’s outdoor blinds help to keep the heat from entering your home’s interior by providing a physical shield over windows; the suncreen fabric offers the added benefit of UV protection. Plus, you can match your blind with guttering and downpipes, fencing or a pergola for a cohesive, beautifully designed look. They’re all Colorbond colour-matched products, so you’re assured of a stylish choice for your existing colour scheme.

Block out the sun – but not the view – with a Windoware ‘Oasis’ retractable outdoor blind in Paper Bark

DREAM SCREENS

Installing a Windoware outdoor blind is an easy DIY job – there’s no need to call in a professional to keep cool in summer! The Windoware ‘QuikLok’ 3m x 2.4m retractable outdoor sunscreen blind has a channel-guided system that neatly locks the blind in place where you want it, so you can let in as little or as much light as you like – without using any ropes, cords or pulleys.

ON A ROLL

Reducing energy bills and heat gain, plus protecting furniture from the sun, are some of the benefits of the Windoware ‘Isle’ 1.2m x 2.1m outdoor rollup blind. This affordable option provides 90 per cent UV protection and has a pulley rope mechanism, making it easy to roll up and down.

Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

COOL CHOICE

Sun protection doesn’t mean sacrificing your view. The Windoware ‘Cove’ 1.8m x 2.1m retractable outdoor sunscreen blind offers 98 per cent UV protection in a see-through, premium fabric. This versatile blind can be used over windows or to enclose an outdoor entertaining area, just in time for party season. Whatever your situation, Windoware’s stylish and easy-to-install outdoor screens have got you – and your house – covered!

1 Windoware ‘QuikLok’ 3m x 2.4m outdoor sunscreen blind in Night Sky, $493.50, I/N: 0340564

2 Windoware ‘Isle’ 120cm x 210cm outdoor rollup blind in Monument, $53.90, I/N: 0340611

3 Windoware ‘Cove’ 1.8m x 2.1m retractable outdoor sunscreen blind in Black, $141.80, I/N: 0013761

SCAN THE QR CODE

Find out more about how to install Windoware’s QuikLok channel-guided blind

Windoware’s outdoor blinds come in a range of Colorbond colours

With no cords, ropes or pulleys, Windoware’s innovative ‘QuikLok’ channel-guided system means you can neatly secure your blind at any height

©2022 Energizer. VARTA is a trademark of Varta Consumer Batteries GmbH, used under license.

Words GUN ARVIDSSEN

Stock your workshop with a few power essentials, and you’ll never be at a loose end when you need to repair or upgrade something. Whether you’re planning to cut decking, build furniture or take on a large project such as a pergola, a circular saw is the perfect tool for the job.

Cutting edge

Most mains-powered saws for DIYers are in the 184mm class, meaning they take a 184mm-diameter blade. Some specialised saws, such as Ozito’s plunge track saw kit, use a differentsize blade (165mm), while larger units – more often used by tradies – are fitted with a 235mm blade. Cordless circular saws popularly use 165mm blades, but some have smaller blades as well as 184mm blades.

Many saws have a maximum (or no-load) speed of 4000-5800rpm (revolutions per minute). However, a larger blade circumference means the cutting edge travels more quickly relative to what you’re cutting, so high-diameter blades tend to remove more material smoothly and swiftly.

Blades are made from hardened steel, with tungsten carbide teeth. A higher tooth count of around 60 teeth gives the cut edge a smoother finish.

However, it takes longer to cut through than a general-purpose 24-tooth blade. Specialised blades for cutting metal and fibre cement sheet can also be fitted by tradies and expert DIYers.

When changing the blade, Bunnings power tools buyer Daniel Gibney says to always put safety first. “The number one rule is to remove the power source,” he advises. “Unplug the unit or remove the battery. Ensure you follow the manual and check out the many videos online. Finally, new blades can be sharp, so it pays to wear gloves during removal and installation.”

Power and glory

Corded circular saws vary in power from 1200W to 2050W. However, unless you plan to do lots of cutting at maximum depth through thick hardwood, a saw in the 1200-1500W range should be sufficient.

Brushless technology means some high-end cordless saws can operate at similar power levels to 1800W corded saws. But on the whole, cordless saws are designed more for portability and ease of use than to tackle long cuts through the thickest, hardest timber.

Accessorise in style

Mains-powered saws are loud, so invest in a good pair of earmuffs –some feature bluetooth so you can enjoy your favourite tunes while working. Always protect your eyes with safety glasses or goggles, and plug in a portable vacuum to suck up most of the sawdust your tool creates. Even small amounts of fine airborne particles – especially from cutting materials such as MDF, melamine or particleboard – can be harmful to your health, so be sure to wear a dust mask, too.

Keep in mind...

n When using power tools, always wear the recommended safety gear.

There’s no need to be intimidated by all the levers and guides on your saw’s baseplate – as soon as you learn what they all do, you’ll be rocking them like a pro!

The cut-depth control moves the baseplate higher or lower relative to the body of the saw, allowing a greater or lesser section of the blade to penetrate the piece that you’re cutting.

Andrew Murray at Ozito says to set the depth so one or two teeth on the blade will cut through the other side of your timber. “This will ensure the maximum amount of teeth on the blade are inside your cut while cutting, and give you the result and finish you will be most happy with.”

The tilt control allows you to make bevelled cuts at angles up to 45° off the vertical. This lets you cut mitred edges on framing or cladding, as well as creating specialised wall fixings called split battens.

Your saw will also come with an accessory called a rip fence “A rip cut is a cut you make that is long and straight, often along the grain of a length of timber,” says Andrew. “It is not limited to a circular saw, however, it is a very common application for this particular tool.”

The rip fence locks into the baseplate of your saw, and can be adjusted to guide the blade parallel with the edge of the material it is cutting.

CUT-DEPTH

165mm

TALK ESSENTI AL GUIDETool ABOVE Ryobi ‘ONE+’ 18V HP brushless circular saw, $269/skin only (battery and charger sold separately), I/N: 0291681. Ozito ‘PXC’ 18V 165mm circular saw, $99.98/skin only, I/N: 0033141 82 bunnings.com.au | bunnings | bunnings

1

TIMBER TRICKS

Get the most out of what your circular saw can do if you are…

…starting out

MAKE PERFECT RIGHT-ANGLED CUTS

When cutting wide lengths of timber for a shelving project, clamp a rafter square across the board. Run your saw along the edge of the square for a perfectly neat 90° cut.

…stepping up

TRIM THE EDGE OF A FLOATING FLOOR

When laying a floating floor, you will need to cut the last line of boards to fit the narrow gap that remains between the flooring and the wall. Measure how wide you need the boards to be, fit the rip fence to the saw and set it to cut the boards to the required width.

…more expert

CUT MITRED EDGES

If you’re building furniture that includes mitred corners in the design, use your circular saw to cut precise 45° mitres. Tilt the saw to a 45° cut angle and clamp a rafter square to the timber, running the saw along it as a guide to make sure the mitres will match up perfectly.

HUYNH

Now that travel is back big time, we’re likely to be away from home some time during summer. But what about the garden? Without adequate water and care, there might not be much greenery when you return. However, it’s possible to take action to minimise damage from heat stress and neglect, so you can enjoy the break without worrying about your plants.

Be waterwise

Ensuring plants have access to enough moisture is an important part of holiday plant care, says horticulturist Angie Thomas of Yates. “This starts with the soil. To make the most of every drop, treat the lawn and garden with a soil wetting agent,” she says. “It helps break down the water repellent layer that can develop on soil, allowing water to penetrate more efficiently and effectively into the root zone.”

Go undercover

Adding a layer of mulch to pots and garden beds is good garden practice, but if you don’t do it often, now is a good time to start. Bianca Boman of Mr Fothergill’s says mulching reduces soil moisture loss, keeps the roots cool and prevents weeds. “Straw mulch is ideal for the vegie patch,” she says.

ABOVE Just like us, our gardens need water to survive. A sprinkler system with a timer is an ideal way to ensure plants stay wellhydrated in larger areas

LEFT Think of mulch as a protective blanket for your plants to keep essential moisture in – and pesky weeds out

“We wouldn’t leave our pets at home without making sure they’re looked after – it’s the same with plants!”

Angie Thomas, horticulturist

“It breaks down quickly, adding valuable nutrients to the soil, but wood chips or pine bark are better suited for trees, shrubs and perennials.” Mulch can also be spread over bare patches of soil to help suppress weeds, saving you from a huge weeding job on your return.

Turn on autopilot

An automated irrigation system will take your holiday garden care plan to the next level. It keeps your plants hydrated while you’re away and can be as simple as attaching the irrigation system to a timer or a smart wi-fi controller. “High-tech options are available with rain sensors and automatically adjust the watering schedule based on current climate conditions,” says Angie.

For vegetable and ornamental garden beds, drip irrigation or a soaker hose help direct water to the plants’ root zone. For larger areas, like lawns, a sprinkler system works best. If you already have irrigation in place, Bianca recommends a quick run through before you head off.

1 Brunnings 3 in 1 moisture/pH/light soil meter, $16.84, I/N: 0246660. 2 Richgro pinebark mulch, $10.94/40L, I/N: 2980119. 3 Yates ‘Waterwise’ hose-on soil wetter, $17.92/2L, I/N: 2990033.

4 Rain Bird single outlet digital tap timer, $89, I/N: 0091041. 5 Brunnings organic lucerne mulch bale, $20.76/13kg (13sqm), I/N: 0206808. 6 Yates ‘Dynamic Lifter’ organic plant fertiliser and soil improver, $26.07/17.5kg, I/N: 2960278. 7 Holman ‘WX8’ wi-fi irrigation controller with EVIE sensor, $189, I/N: 0233369. Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

“Check there are no blockages, that connections are secure and the timer is working correctly,” she says. “Set the irrigation to water early in the morning or late evening – this gives your plants a better chance to absorb the water before it evaporates.” Be sure to check with your local council for any watering restrictions or rosters in your area and adjust timer settings to suit.

Remember to feed

The garden will continue to thrive in your absence if plants are provided with enough nutrients to maintain strong, healthy growth, says Angie.

“Apply a slow-release organic fertiliser [like Yates Dynamic Lifter] before you go – it delivers small amounts of nutrients to plants over many weeks,” she says. “Sprinkle around garden beds and potted plants, water well and cover with mulch.”

Tend to pots

Outdoor pot plants need a little more TLC while you’re away. “Potted plants dry out much quicker than in-ground plants,” says Angie. “Move them into

a cool, partly shaded position, give the potting mix a thorough soaking and fill the saucer with water, too.” While leaving a saucer full of water is generally not recommended, Angie explains it can be done as a temporary measure: “It gives your plants additional moisture to soak up over a few days while you’re away.”

If holidaying for an extended period, consider installing drip irrigation. Using a soil wetter before departure can help improve water penetration.

Holman weeper/dripping hose, $49/30m, I/N: 3120264

Gardena soaker hose, $49.89/15m, I/N: 3121089

Grunt cotton shop twine, $3.20/75m, I/N: 4310293. (Left) Homalomena ‘Sunshine

Gem’ and prayer plant in Lightly ‘Goblet’ 215mm x 150mm metal pots, $39 each, in Clay, I/N: 0262358, and River, I/N: 0262355 (plants sold separately). Some products are not available at all Bunnings stores, but may be ordered.

HOUSEPLANT HAPPY

Indoor plants may not be exposed to the harsh elements, but they can still suffer from neglect. For short trips (three to five days), there’s no need to worry, but for extended holidays of up to two weeks, here’s what to do.

Move plants to a cool part of the house, like the bathroom or laundry, to prevent potting mix drying out too quickly. Group them together to help maintain humidity.

Ensure the potting mix stays moist. “Place plants in the bathtub or laundry sink and fill with a few centimetres of water to allow moisture to be absorbed through the drainage holes,” suggests Angie Thomas.

Set up a simple rope wicking system to keep soil moist for up to a couple of weeks, depending on vessel size and how many plants it’s watering (see steps, below).

For longer holidays (more than two weeks), ask a friend or neighbour to help with watering. Arm them with a moisture meter so they know when to water.

DIY SELF-WATERING POT

1 Hold twine against the pot to gauge the length needed for the wicking system. Ensure there is sufficient length to bury the twine in the potting mix, with enough slack on the other end to submerge in water.

2 Use a skewer, pencil or similar to push one end of the twine deep into the potting mix.

3 Submerge the other end of the twine into a jar or vessel filled with water, using a weight to hold in place if required. Water the pot to start the wicking process.

Photography Tammy Huynh.

Smells like summer

These hot season bloomers are known for their sweet perfume

Star jasmine

This climber or groundcover has masses of fragrant white blooms through spring and summer. Glossy leaves are an attractive year-round feature. Grows best in warm, frost-free climates, in full sun to part-shade. Prune in early spring or after flowering to maintain shape.

Heliotrope

Clusters of violet, vanilla-scented blooms appear continually through summer, set against a backdrop of dark, crinkled foliage. Prefers full sun, with protection from the harsh afternoon sun. Attractive to bees, butterflies and other pollinators. But all parts are poisonous, so plant out of reach of children and pets.

Sweet alyssum

Small, fragrant blooms smother this low-growing annual or perennial through summer. The common white variety is often described as a carpet of snow when in flower; purple, pink and red cultivars are also available. Position in full sun to part shade in warmer climates and ensure the soil is well draining.

Gardenia

A gorgeous fragrance exudes from the gardenia’s white, waxy blooms. The evergreen shrub comes in prostrate and upright forms, from 0.5m to 2m tall. Popular as a hedge or feature plant, especially near entertaining areas. Ensure a sunny spot and well-drained soil.

Once established, it’s droughttolerant and can quickly cover walls, fences and garden beds.

FOR MORE PLANTS, VISIT bunnings.com.au/plants

Use as an edging plant, groundcover in beds or rockeries, or in pots and hanging baskets.

(Gardenia augusta)

Protect from afternoon sun. From spring to autumn, feed with fertiliser for acid-loving plants.

(Trachelospermum jasminoides)

(Heliotropium arborescens)

A hardy perennial in warm climates, but needs protection over winter in cold climes.

Gardenia

Star jasmine

Heliotrope

(Lobularia maritima)

Sweet alyssum

Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Getty Images.