Courtyard with raised garden beds

[Lanie]

The "Before"

We love our protected back courtyard but the garden above it was in bad shape. So why not redesign an easy maintenance garden of colour, and put in some vege beds while we're at it!

 

 

Materials

Lots of new plants from the Bunnings garden dept 

Also from Bunnings garden shop: garden hoses, sprinkers, timers, etc 

Weed matting and pins: https://www.bunnings.com.au/pillar-3-6-x-50m-black-landscapers-weedmat_p0542242

https://www.bunnings.com.au/strol-230mm-weedmat-pins-100-pack_p0322573

Lovely small blue birdbath: https://www.bunnings.com.au/northcote-pottery-400-x-500mm-blue-balmoral-glazed-bird-bath_p0317980

Corrugated metal garden beds

Outdoor table, chairs and sun umbrella, from Bunnings of course! 

https://www.bunnings.com.au/mimosa-130cm-macedon-round-dining-table_p0583688

https://www.bunnings.com.au/marquee-anthracite-sierra-chair_p0366447

https://www.bunnings.com.au/mimosa-3m-round-koko-charcoal-cantilever-umbrella_p0444263

Existing stone sculptures of lion and reclining buddha 

Tools

New secateurs: https://www.bunnings.com.au/felco-2-original-secateurs_p3358858

Shovel, rake, gloves

Hedgeclippers: https://www.bunnings.com.au/fiskars-powerlever-stainless-steel-hedge-shears_p2971269

Tractor 

Hired rototiller 

Steps

Step 1

All inappropriate plants (not hardy/prickly/wrong aspect) were removed. Then we Rototilled the area where there were weeds and impacted soil. Then rolled out and pegged down the weed matting.

 

 

Step 2

Installed boulders that were sourced on the property 

Blue birdbath offers birds protection under the mature birch trees

 

 

Step 3

Reshaped sloping area near courtyard. Installed 3 raised garden bed frames. Shaped up new steps using stones on site.

 

 

Step 4

Started planting! Things were added slowly, when inspiration struck. The garden is constantly evolving and growing. We're blissfully happy with it.

 

 

 

Step 5

We love having our good friends over. We have great conversations in this relaxing little haven. 

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @Lanie. It's marvellous to have you join us, and many thanks for sharing your project.

What a beautiful transformation! Your courtyard looks like such a peaceful and inviting space now. The raised garden beds and the birdbath are lovely touches, and it’s great to see how much life and colour you’ve brought back into the area. Well done on creating such a relaxing little haven.

Mitchell
 

[Dave-1]

Good morning @Lanie 

I really like how you have used the shape of the land to help with the traced gardens. The thought that has gone into the layout of your hose and sheltered area would be worth its weight in gold! 

As a side question, how is it having plants on your roof? I have ofeten wondered how well it works to regulate temperture as well as blend the house in to the surrounding area.

Dave

[Lanie]

Hi Dave, thanks for the lovely compliments. The rooftop garden is pretty cool. Great views of the surrounding hills, and sunsets. I do wish we'd put an auto sprinker system in when redoing it; things can struggle up there in the heat of summer. My suggestion is to use drought tolerant plants, and definitely no plants with big root systems, like trees, as they will undermine the sealing necessary between the garden and roof underneath. 

[Lanie]

Hi Mitchell

I know the comp is finished, but I have additional photos I wish I'd included before I submitted my entry that further illustrate the finished project. Here's one pic: is it too late to add?

 

[Jason]

Feel free to post as many photos here in the reply section as you like @Lanie. I'm sure the community would appreciate seeing them.

Jason

[Lanie]

More pics to illustrate the gorgeous transformation!

 

 

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Lanie,

It really has all come together into one cohesive and beautiful terrace.

Thank you for sharing the extra photos. 

Jacob

[Lanie]

Thank you, Jacob. Could you tell me how the competition works as to winners, awards, and where to look for most recent updates?

[MitchellMc]

Hi Lanie,

You can read more about the search on the Searching for Australia's best backyards discussion. There are also more details on the Bunnings website. If your project is selected, your handiwork could feature in the February 2026 issue of Bunnings Warehouse magazine. 

Mitchell