Practical projects and tips for the backyard DIY fanatic
Graham’s Place Peter and Claire Graham describe themselves as water people. They love to swim, walk barefoot on the beach and paddle at the water’s edge, and keep an eye on the ever changing moods of the ocean. Every day is like a holiday to Peter and...
Trompe l’oeil is a French phrase meaning “to fool the eye”, and it’s the name of an art-form which is all about illusion, subterfuge and fun. The technique involves using the laws of perspective to create an impression of depth on flat walls,...
Tap Timers Watering is more complex than many people think. Standing out in the garden with a hose is really a very inefficient way of watering your plants. You’d cut down on garden maintenance, save time and waste less water if you installed an irrigation...
Recently, Don asked viewers to send in photographs of any large or unusual vegetables and fruit they
If you don’t have the money to spend on a fully plumbed, luxury outdoor shower, there is an inexpensive alternative. Tara Dennis showed how easy it is to set up a temporary shower, suitable for a quick rinse off on a hot day. Getting started Locate your shower in a...
Scott Cam showed how to stop ‘water hammer’, or pipes that bang, clang and vibrate when you turn off your taps. As well as being extremely noisy, water hammer can cause water heaters, joints, seals and connections to fail, and taps to leak. What causes it? Water...
Tree Lanterns Rita Hill showed how to light up those summer nights and add a festive touch to your garden. You’ll need jam jars wire glass spray paint tea lights Making your lanterns Cut the wire into 50cm lengths. Twist and loop the wire to create detachable...
Updating a Lounge Rita Hill has a good eye for a bargain, so she was very excited when she found a fantastic 1930s-era Club lounge suite by the side of the road in a recent council clean up. Although the suite had seen better days, Rita thought it would be a crime for...
Stylish Photo Albums Use these step by step instructions from Rita Hill to jazz up your old photo albums. You’ll be surprised how stylish they can look! You will need fabric cardboard (Rita used cardboard with a decorative, marbled pattern) spray adhesive strong...
Tile and Bathroom Cleanser – The French Alternative Jackie French recommends this tile and bathroom cleanser. It is simple to make, works a treat and smells divine. Ingredients 6 tablespoons crushed white chalk 1/2 cup Lux soap flakes 6 tablespoons bicarbonate...