Hawaiian Paradise
Janice and David Carroll’s small triangular backyard has seen little change in the 30 years they’ve lived there. Times have been hard of late with David suffering a crippling stroke two years ago and Janice, despite having a major operation last year, still managing to work fulltime and care for David. The Blitz team sent Janice and David with their daughter Michelle, son-in-law Hugh and grand-daughter Leah for a two day country retreat in Berry NSW.
Knowing Janice’s love for Hawaii, Blitz’s Jamie Durie designed a relaxing mini-Hawaiian paradise in her own backyard. A raised bench style seating area was nestled into a tranquil tropical setting with a reflective pond. The gentle sounds of running water were provided by a highly innovative water feature incorporating a vertical cascade running along hardwood water channels, over a sloped ramp and into a concealed reticulation reservoir. Taking their two grand-children into account, accessible water depths are 50mm max and a sandpit is included in view of the kitchen window. A zig-zag fence feature, painted in 2 different colours, provides a varied background from two different aspects.
What we did:
We cleared out unwanted plants, soil and an old garden shed. The two-toned zig-zag fence was constructed and extensive blockwork provided a backbone for the garden, water feature and Hebel bench seating. Blockwork and existing brick wall were bagged and water feature constructed, powered by a low-voltage submersible pump located in a hidden sump. Hardwood channels, jade green pavers and a reflecting pond completed the feature. Treated pine provided soft edging for the sandpit. Planting was offset by a mulch of Cowra Gold pebbles.
Materials:
Zig-Zag Fence: Treated pine posts (100x100mm), rails (75x50mm), fibre-cement sheeting (1800x1200mm), PVC jointing, quickset concrete (40kg bags), nails, screws, building adhesive, string line, cement paint and surface conditioner for the paint. Tools: Spade (or post hole shovel), Tape measure, square, electric screwdriver, crosscut saw (or chainsaw for flush cuts) spirit level, hammer, caulking gun, fibre cement cutters, knife, paint brush and roller.
Blockwork: Concrete blocks (200x200x400) and capping to suit, brickie’s sand, cement. Tools: Safety goggles, ear protection, dust mask, brickie’s trowel, spirit level, string line, tape measure, wheelbarrow, shovel, larry hoe, angle grinder, lump hammer and bolster.Optional : Cement mixer.
Bagging: Yellow brickie’s sand, off-white cement, lime. Tools: Builder’s sponge, waterproof gloves, bucket, wheelbarrow, shovel, larry hoe.
Hebel Bench Seating: Hebel slabs (3000x600x75mm), Hebel thin bed adhesive. Tools : Tape measure, square, circular saw, safety goggles, ear protection and dust mask.
Water Feature: Retention pit (700x700mm), 24V submersible pump, 25mm hose (length and fittings to suit), 30mm overflow pipe