Penny and Paul Cooke-Russell wrote to Burke’s Backyard to tell us how excited they are about their backyard makeover. Over just a few months, they transformed a barren space in the garden into a wonderful oasis where family members and friends can get together, relax and have fun. Don was so impressed with the letter and photos that he decided to pay Penny and Paul a visit and see the results of their efforts first-hand.
It all started at the end of last year, when Penny and Paul decided to do something about their bland-looking shed, along with the adjoining area of brown grass. In their spare time, they added rustic weatherboard cladding to the side of the shed and a ‘traditional’ Australian verandah. The shed is now used for barbecues, disco dancing and parties. Around the shed they constructed a rambling stream, complete with ponds, goldfish, koi carp and night lighting.
All this was achieved on a very tight budget – and a little help from their friends. Many materials were donated or purchased second-hand, including the timbers for the shed cladding and the rocks for the brook. Penny said that the shed transformation cost $20 and a 6-pack of beer, while the bubbling brook cost $3,000 all up.
Penny describes the finished result as ‘beautiful’ and calls the verandah her ‘little country retreat’. The couple is currently extending the ‘country retreat’ theme to other areas of the backyard.
Freebies anyone?
Penny and Paul are on the look out for cheap or free paint or render. They would also be interested in a free aviary and fibreglass swimming pool, which they’ll pick up from anywhere in Canberra. To contact Penny and Paul send an email to: [email protected]
Further information
You can see pictures of Penny and Paul’s makeover on the web at www.geocities.com/crash2345
