Need ideas for back garden makeover

Mazzs

we have moved into an over fifties resort style living. The backyard is a mess. I love gardening. The space is about 12 metres wide and 6 metres from the back fence to the concrete. We want some lawn but we want to have about 2 metres of garden from the back fence. We also have a few larger trees on the other side of the fence. I would like to paint the bottom part of the fence. I would be grateful for some help 

  

EricL

Hello @Mazzs 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your back garden.

You have a great opportunity to transform your 12m x 6m backyard into a beautiful, functional space that suits your love of gardening. A simple layout would include a 2-metre-deep garden bed along the back fence, a central lawn area, and space for edible gardening or even a small chicken coop if allowed.

Along the back fence, consider installing a single-sleeper-height raised garden bed across the full width. This provides structure, improves drainage, and creates a stunning layered planting zone. For screening, plant clumping bamboo (Tiger Grass), mock orange (Murraya), or lilly pilly. Mid-height plants like salvia, dianella, hibiscus, or grevilleas add colour and texture. At the front of the bed, use low-growing options like lomandra, ajuga, native violet, marigolds, or lavender to attract pollinators and soften the border.

In a sunny corner, ideally near the shed, create a small edible garden. Two to three raised veggie beds (sleeper or corrugated) would suit crops like cherry tomatoes, lettuce, spinach, capsicum, basil, rosemary, and thyme. Adding a compost tumbler nearby can enrich your soil and reduce waste.

If permitted, a compact chicken coop could be tucked beside the shed. A 1.5m x 1.5m coop with a small run is enough for a few hens. Use bark or gravel as flooring to help manage mess and odour.

To refresh the look of the space, paint the lower section of the metal fence in a natural tone such as charcoal or eucalyptus green. This helps tie in your garden visually. For extra character, you could add timber slat screening or vertical garden panels to break up the surface and add interest.

Maintain about 4 metres of central lawn for openness and flow. Use low-maintenance turf like Sir Walter Buffalo or Zoysia. Address any drainage issues such as near the existing drain by levelling low spots or installing a small gravel soak well.

Finally, decorate the patio with large pots planted with frangipani, dwarf citrus, gardenias, or cordylines. Underplanting with trailing greenery like creeping jenny adds softness and colour. Optional enhancements include solar garden lighting, a small timber bench, or a pergola for shade and vertical interest.

Here is a link to ideas and inspiration: Top 10 most popular garden makeovers 

Here is a handy guide that will give you more ideas: How to give your garden a makeover by @Adam_W.

Here are some discussions that will give you more ideas:

• Backyard makeover with garden bed and firepit. by @frediynewbie

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric