The BungalowThe attached courtyard was a mess of vines and weeds. We had always dreamed of a green sanctuary which served as an inviting outdoors extension of our home. We cleared the space back to a bare, clean slate. Two garden beds were laid down to border the property and introduce greenery. A pergola was constructed to offer a sheltered area for entertaining. A lattice wall was installed as a backdrop for climbers. Decorative white pebbles were used to add depth, followed by ‘stepping stone’ pavers for a practical, layering effect. Low-profile ceiling fans completed the project for a relaxed, Pacific Island vibe.
Steps
Step 1
Step 1: Cleared space, eradicated weeds and vines and relocated the clothes line to the position of our planned pergola, leaving behind a bare, rectangular courtyard with original pavers, measuring 440x350cm.
Step 2
Step 2: Measured, cut and laid down treated pine for the garden edging. The two completed garden beds measured 505x70cm, and 258x110cm. The wood was double-oiled using Feast Watson Hardwood Outdoor Furniture Oil. This process is repeated every 6 months for ongoing maintenance.
Step 3
Step 3: Measured, cut and constructed a pergola measuring 300x300x245cm. Our home’s back wall was utilised as the support for one end, while two slightly shorter posts were installed on the other end to facilitate a sloping roof for rainfall, with 5x3 overhead interlocking beams. Grey corrugated polycarbonate roofing, cut into sheets, overlap overhead to complete the structure, hanging over the beams by 2cm to allow filtered, natural light and to offer shelter.
Step 4
Step 4: A lattice wall measuring 605x290cm was installed in front of the back fence for privacy. A black screen bamboo roll was nailed onto the back of the lattice wall. Chicken wire was strewn over the top as well as any fencing posts to cat-proof the backyard for Frankie Pants (‘Mr November’ in the Bunnings’ Pet of the Month section of the November 2025 edition - we’re such proud parents).
Step 5
Step 5: Tuscan path white pebbles were used to fill the space between the courtyard and the garden beds.
Step 6
Step 6: Five bluestone pavers, measuring 400x400x40mm, were laid down after digging and levelling out the ground with river sand.
Step 7
Step 7: Two low-profile, 36inch outdoor fans including conduit were installed beneath the pergola roof, attached to one of the supporting overhead beams. A spirit level was vital in balancing the fans due to the sloping roof.
Step 8
Step 8: Luxury tuff synthetic grass was cut to size to fill in any areas of thoroughfare. Off-cuts were used to cover tricky corners and to avoid waste.
Step 9
Step 9: Lytworx Warm White Solar / USB Fairy Lights were strung beneath the pergola and among the branches of two loquat trees. A 160cm timber bar table with six stools was set up for dining/entertaining. As a final touch, sheer curtains were draped from a wire running from end to end of the pergola to create a dreamy, indulgent atmosphere. A handmade sign was hung to officially designate the space as The Bungalow.
