One Hour Makeover
Glenda Walton of Croydon, Melbourne, wrote a letter asking Don for help. Glenda and her husband, Jeff, have lived in the same house for 30 years. They’ve done a lot of work trying to bring the property into the 2003s, but they haven’t been able to solve the problem of the ugly concrete around the front door.
Don surprised Glenda and Jeff with a lightning fast makeover of the front patio. Using paving paint and some attractive potted plants, the transformation took just one hour!
Hey-presto!
- The patio area was cleared and cleaned.
- Quick drying paving paint was applied to the concrete porch and front steps. Don chose Berger Jet Dry textured paint in a grey colour (‘Cannon Ball’).
- Three large, black glazed troughs were planted with English box (Buxus sempervirens). The troughs were placed around the edge of the porch, to enclose the space like a low railing and to create a barrier.
- Two tall, square matching pots were planted with white flowering azaleas (Rhododendron ‘Alba Magnifica’) and placed on either side of the front door, to provide vertical interest and a stunning focal point.
Approximate Costs
- Berger Jet Dry (textured), colour ‘Cannon Ball’, $25 for 1 litre.
- Northcote Pottery Glazed Euro Trough, 59 x 23 x 39cm, $90; Tall Planter, 40 x 98cm, $200.
Both available Australia-wide from garden centres and nurseries. For more information visit: www.northcotepottery.com.au English box, $16 for 200mm (8″) pots. Azalea ‘Alba Magnifica’, $50 for 300mm (12″) pots.
Write to us
If you were impressed by Glenda and Jeff’s makeover, why not ask Don and the Burke’s Backyard team for an hour of their time? Send your letter and photos to:
Burke’s Backyard
PO Box 929
Willoughby NSW 2068
Note: please do not send original photos (unless you have copies), as photos sometimes go astray. Don’t forget to send a stamped, self-addressed envelope if you’d like your photos returned.