Backyard transformation with pond

thelander09

🖼️

The project:

Bought our townhouse in 2024, we wanted to build something special in the backyard to make it our own.

- Materials:

Sleeper Timber

Aquadeck/Linseed Oil

Merbau

String lights

Pebbles(small, medium, large)

Rocks

Water Pot

Plants

Lots of screws and nails

- Tools:

Drill

Circular Saw

Dropsaw

Hammer

Prybar

Shovel

Entrenching tool

- Step 1:

First thing we did was build planter boxes around the edge of the garden. We used Treated Pine Sleeper's from Bunnings, all precut using the In-Store timber cutting service.

Biggest pain was getting the boxes all flat; so after digging, checking levels, and cursing out hard compact clay, we finally attached merbau posts to the planter boxers to hang the string lights.

- Step 2:

Next came the plants, planter boxes were backfilled with any of the excavated dirt followed by top soil, plants and mulch.

Strategic gnome placement is vital to garden success.

- Step 3:

The pond was next,

The section on the left is approximately a foot deeper to allow for aquablocks underneath the pond liner, creating a creekbed that was also a hidden reservoir. Water pump, hoses and attachements were all bought from Aquascape Australia up in Yandina, QLD - Fantastic shop (no affiliation).

- Step 4:

Now we needed somewhere to sit and enjoy the pond, so we built a deck using recycled pallets. They were laid out in a criss cross pattern on top of pavers, gaps filled in and extra stringers placed underneath to increase stability. The undersides of the pallets were coated with linseed oil to protect them and the deck was treated with Aquadeck

- Step 5:

After enjoying the space, we wanted to get rid of the dry creekbed and expand the total area of the pond. We also added a bog filter into the system which was incredibly effective at cleaning out the water.

- Step 6:

Some other random projects that litter the space.

Cover for the aircon unit.

Custom sized pallets for walkway and platform for the weber.

Built a small shack for the cat because why not.

Small bridge to cover the pump and also a place for the kids to watch the pond.

We're pretty happy with the results :)

JacobZ

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @thelander09, it is fantastic to have you with us.

You have put together a backyard with so much personality. The pond, bridge, layered planting and recycled pallet deck all work together to make the space feel like a private garden retreat and that bright pink bench is a real focal point. The string lights are a great addition too, helping the area feel just as inviting in the evening.

That last photo showing the before and after is really impressive. To fit that much life, personality and depth into a small space is seriously impressive.

I hope you and your family love it. It is a really wonderful space.

Jacob