Making the most of small yards

Although small yard, landscaping can be a challenge there are various ways to maximise space and create an outdoor oasis. FURNISH WISELY – Multifunctional pieces are ideal for small areas. For example, a sturdy deck box can be used as both storage and seating. Modular furniture is another option as it can easily be rearranged and adapted to suit awkward spaces. • DESIGN VERTICALLY – Growing vines up a wall, fence or trellis is a great way to add greenery to your yard without using up a lot of ground space. You can also hang planters, string fairy lights, install a tree swing and store garden tools on hooks along the fence. • USE CORNERS – Nooks and crannies have a lot of potential, so use them wisely. Increase your seating with a wooden corner bench or take advantage of an unusual angle to highlight a decorative piece such as a sculpture, shrub or fountain. • AVOID BULKY FURNITURE – choose outdoor settings wisely. Opt for smaller chairs and tables, which can be easily moved around, over big outdoor couches and armchairs.. • CREATE DEPTH – If you have a narrow yard, opt for long, thin pavers

rather than square ones to draw your eye toward the back of the yard. MAKING THE MOST OF small yards • Alternatively, create a winding path to make the space appear wider. Place plants with small, dark foliage at the rear of your garden, and choose red, orange and yellow flowers with big, bold leaves for the front. FORGET THE GRASS – Most

As the demand for housing grows, property sizes have reduced with many barely allowing room for children’s play or even to entertain a large family. homeowners still expect to have a natural grass lawn but on small properties with limited access this can be a hindrance. Now, more homeowners are realising natural grass lawns require time and money to maintain and can waste water too. Additionally, the cost of a lawn mower, edger and other lawn maintenance tools is difficult to justify when a small backyard allows for only a tiny lawn. So, why not consider artificial turf which is a far cry from the ‘fake grass matting’ of yesteryear. Installing a small section of quality, synthetic grass will provide an inviting look of natural grass without the ongoing expense and maintenance of a natural lawn. Manufactured grass also provides a level, stable ground cover for play areas and is easy to clean when used as a restroom by pets. New synthetic lawns look like natural grass and are ideally suited to small areas. Finally, in general most items needed to make the most of a small yard can be found at a local garden centre and hardware store with a others available at speciality outlets Look before you buy!

ELEVATE YOUR GARDEN

Kiwis love their outdoor living so it makes sense that you will want your yard looking its best especially when outdoor entertaining is on the agenda.

In cultivating a lush garden, remember to consider its height to provide shade, privacy and a sense of presence.

Here are some tips to help create a garden reminiscent of a tropical paradise:

• Tall plants: Select exotic species with large leaves that grow upward and outward. Ficuses, monsteras, philodendrons and palm trees are all great picks especially in moderate climates such as Auckland. • Climbing plants: Guide vines up walls, along fences and around other structures such as pergolas or archways to expand the reach of your garden. If you want to add a splash of colour, choose flowering species. • Epiphytic plants: Commonly found perched on trees in rainforests, these plants can grow without soil.

To recreate this look, mount orchids, bromeliads and tillandsias to a pergola or trellis. But be sure you’ll have time to care for these delicate plants. • Potted plants: A simple way to add some height to your garden is to fill pots, baskets and hangers with greenery and arrange them on shelves, ladders, fences, tables and other elevated hardscape.

Finally, if you have the room, consider planting one or more mid size trees. As they grow, they’re sure to take your yard to new heights!

Lazy, hazy days…

BY THE POOL!

In the summertime when the living is easy there is no place like a pool…a Donaldson pool! When it’s hot, when it’s fine and especially when cool times are called for, Kiwis know a dip in the pool, their own pool, means they’re enjoying the best in life.

“There’s nothing quite like coming home and jumping into your own pool – particularly on a summer’s day when you’ve been roasting in a hot car queued in congested commuter traffic trying to escape the rat race!” company director, Nigel Donaldson, says.

What’s more, transforming a backyard into a tropical oasis is smooth going for Nigel and his team who have been installing pools of many shapes and sizes for more than 30 years. “Our customers expect a speedy service but they also want quality delivered with expertise and that is something we are sticklers for,” he says. “We produce pools in a wide range of finishes and can work at any time of year. Once structural drawings are completed and we’ve had the permit approved by council, we can agree on a start date.”

Constructed from reinforced spray concrete, Donaldson Pools can be created in any shape or size in order to suit the lay of the land anywhere. “By working with your section, we can tailor a swimming pool to accentuate rather than dominate the site and also ensure it suits the clients’ needs and personal landscaping tastes.”

Usually completed within 8-10 weeks after breaking ground, Donaldson Pools comes in a range of options such as black pools with exposed pebble floors, black marble plaster walls and dark tile bands on the waterlines, through to white marble or New Zealand Pebble Plaster in a range of colours.

“Functionality is important when it comes to cooling off in summer,” Nigel says. “But style is a must so, even in winter, pools can form the centrepiece of a beautiful backyard, a place to relax, unwind and reflect on life.”

Featuring an experienced team of specialists, including Nigel’s twin sons, Andy and Steve, Donaldson Pools has satisfied customers throughout the greater Franklin region as a result of working with each and every one to understand their vision and create a well engineered, stylishly designed pool best suited to their families and lifestyles.

“There’s no need to sit and sweat it out over summer,” Nigel confirms. “Just think you can have your own at home holiday resort in no time at all just take a look at our website (donaldsonpools.co.nz) to get a better idea of the work we do then give us a call on 0274 773 186.”