You can replicate the unique textured landscape of Australia and its muted colours against a big, deep-blue sky in your own garden. It can evoke emotions of calm and tranquillity with a deep, quiet energy. From a bare patch you can create your own laidback landscaped retreat that will be distinctly Australian, with a raised deck with privacy screen, planter boxes and feature trees.
You can totally transform your backyard with our four DIY projects to create an outdoor oasis.
Project 1: How to build a raised deck
This raised deck features a privacy screen, oversized planter boxes and tree rings in gravel garden beds. It’s all built using treated pine, hardwood sleepers and merbau decking boards, and you can get all the materials and tools you need at the hardware store.
Click here to download your step-by-step instructions to build a raised deck.
Project 2: How to build a raised bed
To boost privacy on your deck or block an uninspiring view, you can install a slatted screen. Simply cut primed pine to length, thread copper pipe through predrilled holes to join the slats, then screw it to the deck and posts. Painted black or charcoal it provides a great backdrop to your warm timber deck and the foliage of your native plants. Tall pots in a matching colour, tie the look together.
Click here to download your PDF step-by-step instructions to build a raised bed.
Project 3: How to install rings and edging
Give your new raised deck professional-looking landscaped surrounds. Build extra-long raised beds to flank the sides by joining timber sleepers to make a simple planter box. Painted to match the privacy screen, fill your planter boxes with low-growing natives and trees to create a leafy outlook instantly.
Click here to download your PDF step-by-step instructions to install rings and edging.
Project 4: Install a slatted screen
To finish, create a curving garden bed to go all around your deck. You can easily do this using flexible garden edging whether you have lawn, dirt or a hard surface like concrete or paver. Mark the line of bed, dig out the lawn within, install edging using landscape stakes then fill the bed with gravel or decorative granite.
On a hard surface, mix up mortar and haunch in the edging, then spread the gravel or crushed granite. The edging is rust-look, for that Outback feel and so are the tree rings in your new curved garden bed. They all slot together for the easiest landscaping job you will ever do.
Click here to download your step-by-step instructions to install a slatted screen.
Shop the look
1. Marquee rattan Marrakesh lounge, $199, Bunnings
Shop now at Bunnings
2. Ticking stripe square linen blend cushion cover, from $49.95, Temple and Webster
Shop now at Temple and Webster
3. Kirra dark blue plain outdoor cushion cover, $104.95, from Hard to Find
Shop now at Hard to Find
4. Northcote Pottery 55cm Black Precinct Lite egg pot, $113.40, Bunnings
Shop now at Bunnings
5. Palm Cove blanket in Denim, $149.95, from Hard to Find
Shop now at Hard to Find
6. Northcote Pottery 80cm Black Precinct Lite trough, $134.40, Bunnings
Shop now at Bunnings
7. Eva Solo solar powered outdoor lamp, $385 from Hard to Find
Shop now at Hard to Find
You might also like:
10 inspiring deck ideas to design the perfect outdoor area
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
