DIY m.au
home@mypropertyreview.co
Q
I've got an old bricked in garden which is next to my front door and under cover. It's been a garden since the house was built I think (about 50 years) but I'm thinking of doing something else with it. Its about 2m x 2m and the ledge is about 40cm high around two edges, the other
Todd
Ja ade
photo: greg gardner
Dave
From DIY blunders to hints and advice, let Jade, Todd and Dave solve your home project queries before things go horribly wrong. two edges are external walls of the house. Bryan, Alex Jade: This sounds like the perfect space to create an outdoor water feature/pond. This could include a central water feature/statue resti resting in a large goldfish pond. First, you'll n need to empty the space an and remove the contents t garden. Then you'll of the ne need to get an electrician in to get power to the are area so you can run the wate water feature and small light lights. The area will need to be waterproofed and re-lined, which a qualified re-line plumber plumbe or carpenter could do. Once Onc this is done, fill the pond, pu put in the statue and some go goldfish (good feng shui) and enjoy your new statement piece. sta Dave: Hey there Bryan, D
we need to think this through pretty thoroughly mate. As it’s at the front door of your house we need to remember that first impressions count. It’s like a nice warm smile and smiles are important because they’re the front door of your face. So I’m thinking turn the bricked-in garden into a reptile enclosure. Nothing says ‘bugger off ’ to a bloke who rocks up on a Sunday morning waving a Watchtower magazine in your face like a four-metre python... that’s being cuddled by a saltwater crocodile. Protect your privacy Bryan and your right to the ‘quiet enjoyment’ of your premises. Oh, and by reptile enclosure, I mean ‘semi’ enclosure. No need for total containment, no need to be cruel. Todd: Hoy there Bry, you're not on your own with the old 'bricked-in' garden debate. My Uncle Mervyn had the same drama in '84. Actually, this reminds me of a joke he told me about a bloke stranded on an island. He'd been there for several months and one day a female
diver arrived and she said, "How long have you been here?" He replied, "Coupla months." She said, "How long has it been since you had a drink?" He said, "Several months." She unzipped her wetsuit and revealed a hip flask of whiskey and told him to have a drink. He's parched so he took a massive swig and the woman said, "How long since you've had a smoke?" He replied, "Again it's been months." She unzipped her wetsuit further to reveal a packet of cigarettes. He takes one, then the woman said, "How long is it since you played around?" He said, "Good Lord, you haven't got a set of golf clubs in there have you?" Ha. But I digress... as for the garden, do what Uncle Merve did. Seal it, fill it with water and breed sea monkeys. DIY questions solved! Email us your DIY query and if you are chosen you will receive handy (or not-so handy) advice straight from Jade, Dave and Todd. Listen to HOT FM on Friday mornings and have your advice published in MPR. Simply email your entry to: home@ mypropertyreview.com.au to enter. Disclaimer: This information is offered as advice only. Licensed tradesmen should always be consulted. Editor’s note: Dave and Todd’s responses should be considered as entertainment only.
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My Property Review | November 6, 2009
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