The front entrance of this country style house really needed a lift. Don added a new balustrade to the verandah, painted the concrete and steps, and planted the garden bed with fragrant gardenias and cheerful pansies. The result is a warm, welcoming entrance for around $600!

Getting started

The first task was to remove the old, ugly steel verandah post. Don used timber props to prop up the roof, then removed the old post and installed a new 90mm pink primed timber post, which rests on a decorative powder-coated steel base. This was fixed in position using two galvanised dyna bolts. (Tip: when using pink primed timber, it's very important to always prime the cut ends, particularly if they're near moisture.)
The next task was to attach the balustrade. We ordered the balustrade from Halfords Federation Supplies, who will make them to measure, assembled or in kit form. (Tip: it is cheaper to buy the balustrade in kit form.)

New paintwork

Don used a wire brush to clean down the bricks and concrete, ready for painting. The balustrade, handrail, feature slats and bottom rail were then painted with two coats of Dulux Weathershield low sheen acrylic in 'Brunswick Green', and the vertical slats were painted with Dulux Weathershield 'Lime White'.

The bricks were painted 'Brunswick Green' and the concrete painted using Berger Jet Dry Paving Paint, in colour 'EDT Grey'. The green colour was used to match the existing green under the guttering.

Finishing touches

Don wiped out three galvanised buckets with vinegar, then used the end of a crowbar to put drainage holes in the bottom of each. The buckets were then painted inside with Acry Proof Multipurpose Waterproofing, a water-based sealer. Once dry, the buckets were planted with lavender (Lavendula 'Marshwood'), using a premium potting mix. (Tip: as the holes were big we used a piece of Chux cloth to prevent soil from running out the base. An off-cut of shadecloth would also do the job well.)

The ugly air-conditioner was disguised by a hanging basket filled with fishbone ferns (Nephrolepis cordifolia). Note: Fishbone fern is a noxious weed in New South Wales and an environmental weed in Queensland.

Garden bed

Don removed the old weed mat, bricks and other rubbish from the garden. He then dug out the large tree fern (Dicksonia antarctica) and saved it for use elsewhere in the garden. Dicksonias can be moved successfully, although large specimens are very heavy so you may need a friend to help.

The garden bed was then planted out with gardenias (Gardenia augusta 'Florida') and pansies (Viola 'Antique Series').

We chose advanced gardenias because we wanted an instant effect for television, but at home you can save money by using smaller plants.

Cost and availability

Balustrade
Assembled balustrade costs $340, unassembled $164. Available from Halford Federation Supplies, phone: (02) 9675 4100.
Paint
Dulux Weathershield Low Sheen Acrylic costs about $65 for 4 litres.
Grey Berger Jet Dry paving paint costs around $65 for 4 litres.
Acry Proof multi-purpose waterproofing costs about $23 for 1 litre.
Plants
Gardenias are available at nurseries and garden centres. They cost about $60 for a 300mm (12") pot. For a budget option buy 200mm (8") pots which cost about $17.

Further information

This makeover is in the September edition of the Burke's Backyard Magazine, on sale at newsagents and supermarkets for $4.95.

Copyright CTC Productions 2002