Regular Burke’s Backyard viewers might remember our ‘Win Win’ program a few weeks ago. There were lots of exciting prizes, including a visit from Don! The idea was that he would pay the winner a visit and do his best to help out with the garden.

The winner of the ‘Win Don’ competition was Linda Day, from Burwood East in Victoria. Linda has had to face tremendous challenges in her life over the past few years. Her husband died in 2001, leaving her with young twins to raise alone. Her father also died, and her sister, Julie, has recently suffered a stroke. Linda herself suffers from carpal tunnel syndrome and cannot use her right hand.

Site inspection

Don called in and met Linda, her twins Stephanie and Christopher, her sister Julie and her mother, Helmi. Linda showed him around the backyard, which was a real disaster. As they picked their way over the uneven ground, Don commented that all the levels were wrong and that the backyard should have been properly terraced. As well, the back fence was falling down. There were plenty of weeds, particularly in areas where weedmat had been used. Linda also asked for advice on keeping her daphne bush healthy. The plant has sentimental value for her, as daphne was used in her wedding bouquet.

After walking through the property, Don and Linda stood out in front of the house discussing how much he could realistically achieve in one day. He explained that making over the backyard was a huge job, and ongoing maintenance would be required. Linda said that she understood that it was a difficult job. Imagine her surprise as an convoy of vehicles from ‘Jim’s’ turned the corner into her street. She couldn’t believe her eyes as dozens of workers marched in, tools at the ready. Don explained that not only would the backyard be made over and the house cleaned, but the Jim’s team would look after the maintenance of the house and garden for the next 12 months.

Starting work

Don briefed the Jim’s team and they set to work. They cleaned the house, cleaned up the site, repaired the fence, planted fruit trees including an orange, lemon, peach, mandarin and nectarine, and laid new turf. (Greg Kleinitz from HG Turf explained that some exemptions from water restrictions had been obtained so that the turf could be watered until established.) The tyre sandpit was topped up with fresh sand, and a goldfish pond was installed for the twins.

Don thought that the daphne bush (Daphne odora) was in reasonable condition, although it may have suffered from lack of water during recent dry spells. He suggested watering well with a hose or bucket once or twice per week in hot weather. He applied some Seasol to encourage root growth, plus some Yates Anti Rot to help prevent fungal diseases that attack susceptible plants such as daphne, waratahs and proteas.

Further information

Jim’s Group
Website: www.jims.net
For franchise inquiries & job bookings ring the hotline: 131 546

The Jim's Group have kindly donated their services for 1 year to maintain the house and garden for the Day family.

Turf was donated by:
HG Turf
Website: www.hgturf.com.au
Phone: 1800 622 340

Seasol costs about $10 for 1 litre

Yates Anti Rot cost around $15 for 500ml

Copyright CTC Productions 2003