Outdoors – Completehome https://www.completehome.com.au Turn your house into a home... Thu, 17 Apr 2025 05:34:33 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.3.2 https://da28rauy2a860.cloudfront.net/completehome/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/24103109/complete-home-favicon.jpg Outdoors – Completehome https://www.completehome.com.au 32 32 Gold rush https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/outdoors-gardening/gold-rush.html Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:21:58 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84828 Autumn’s red and yellow harvest of fallen leaves, once broken down, is a gratis bonanza of mulch and…

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Autumn’s red and yellow harvest of fallen leaves, once broken down, is a gratis bonanza of mulch and compost

Words Jennifer Stackhouse

Every year in mid-autumn, large bags of leaves would turn up stacked in our garage, raked up from beneath the large oak trees in a friend’s garden.

It may seem an odd gift, but my mother’s garden lacked deciduous trees, so she missed out on nature’s valuable annual offering.

When she mentioned it to her friend, who had more leaves than they could manage, the annual gift started to arrive.

Gold Rush, Good Organic Garden

The leaves went into a leaf bin to break down into leaf mould and top up the compost, to be used as mulch straight onto the garden.

The autumn leaves that fall from deciduous trees such as oak, elm, maple, liquidambar and birch are not just colourful but filled with nutrients.

In natural woodlands, leaves fall to the forest floor to form a leafy mulch cover which, as it breaks down, feeds the soil and the organisms that live in it. It also promotes the soil’s moisture-holding capacity.

Bag your own

If you already have deciduous trees in your garden or on the street, don’t let the leaves go to waste — and certainly don’t burn them, as people did in the past.

Leaves can be left under trees to break down naturally but, if they fall on lawns, gravel or paving, rake them up and bag them or toss them into a homemade leaf bin to slowly break down.
Large leaves such as those from liquidambar or sycamore can be put through a mulcher or mowed to reduce their size.

Later in the year, use the decomposed leaves as mulch on the garden or add it to soil or potting mix.

Availability

To add a deciduous tree to your garden, select a tree that’s a suitable size and plant it with enough space to grow upwards and across.

Deciduous trees are sold bare rooted in autumn and winter.

Make a simple leaf bin

Gold Rush, Good Organic Garden

Simply wrap chicken wire around three or four stakes pushed into the soil. An ideal size is around 60cm in diameter and a metre or so high. Locate the bin in an out-of-the-way spot and fill it with leaves. Moisten the leaves if they’re dry and add a little lime to assist the breakdown.

Leaves can also be stored in a garbage bag (put some holes in the base of the bag). Expect breakdown to take six months or more.

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Get the edge https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/outdoors-gardening/get-the-edge.html Wed, 09 Apr 2025 04:27:42 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84893 Add definition and style to your garden with the versatile steel edging from Shapescaper, designed to enhance any…

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Add definition and style to your garden with the versatile steel edging from Shapescaper, designed to enhance any landscape with sleek, modern flair.

Unsure about where your garden beds finish and the grass starts? Is your veggie patch less productive than you would like? Does your garden lack definition and a sense of taking you on a journey as you move from one section to another?

If so, Shapescaper’s modular range of steel garden edging and planters can provide a solution for each of these problems, as well as a whole host of other design and layout issues typically encountered in residential and commercial landscapes. Edging and planter systems are a simple and effective way to create a framework for your garden that helps to highlight the colours and textures of your planting palette, but there are many more benefits than you might at first realise.

Shapescaper

Definition and dimension

Steel garden edging is most commonly used to define pathways and separate lawn areas from garden beds, paving, driveways and more. Depending on the design of your garden, contour-hugging curves or clean, straight edges can be easily achieved, adding further definition and providing a unifying theme as you move around your outdoor spaces.

Higher profile steel edging can also be used around and within a garden bed to help define and separate different planting styles. Or you can use the edging to fashion elevated areas to create a tiered effect.

Better growing conditions

Installing raised steel garden edging and planters is one of the easiest ways to instantly improve growing conditions for your plants. Top-soil preservation, mulch retention, and root barrier control are just some of the benefits Shapescaper products bring. They can also help to control water flow while promoting free drainage, which is a boon in a wide range of applications, from growing edible plants to cultivating flowers for cutting.

More design flexibility

Shapescaper is available in nine profile heights, ranging from 75mm through to 800mm, which facilitates a high degree of design flexibility. The options are legion, from the creation of intricate curved areas to the construction of steps, and right through to the formation of large terraced spaces that help add a real sense of adventure and intrigue to a landscape.

While the Redcor Bluescope steel used by Shapescaper looks amazing once it has fully weathered and developed that classic “rust” patina, products are also available in a traditional Galvanised finish. This has a shiny, spangled appearance which dulls to a lovely, neutral matt  grey that blends beautifully into the garden, allowing the plants — and garden lines — to take centre stage.

Shapescaper

Less maintenance

Steel edging is, by its very nature, extremely sturdy, which means line trimmers and other garden tools can be safely used around it without risking damage to the edging.

Aside from helping to make general garden maintenance easier, over its lifespan steel edging can be seen as an investment, saving you both time and money in the long term. It out performs most other edging solutions, such as timber or plastic, it requires minimal care, and is guaranteed to give a minimum of 10 years of service, even in the most demanding environments.

Shapescaper

Mixing and matching

The modular nature of the Shapescaper range means that a garden design can be completed in stages or adapted as the need — or desire — demands. You can start off using small elements that, over time, can be easily expanded into a complex tapestry of interconnected elements — whether curves, straight lines or both — that help tie the various areas of the landscape together to create aesthetic harmony.

Setting boundaries

The benefits, however, extend beyond aesthetics when the edging is incorporated into a design as a barrier. Such a barrier effectively prevents root invasion while maintaining clear boundaries between different garden elements; it also significantly reduces garden maintenance.

This makes it particularly valuable in commercial applications where long-term durability and low maintenance are vital.

Adaptability and longevity

In addition to its stunning good looks, what sets Shapescaper apart is its unique combination of flexibility and strength. The high-grade steel construction ensures longevity, while its clever design allows for easy manipulation to create both straight lines and graceful curves. This adaptability makes it an ideal choice for projects of any design or scale, from smaller residential gardens undertaken as a DIY project to expansive commercial landscapes.

The professionals’ choice

Professional landscapers especially appreciate Shapescaper’s time-saving, highly efficient installation process. The system’s interlocking components and straightforward method of assembly significantly reduce project completion times without compromising on quality. This efficiency translates directly to cost savings for landscapers and homeowners. For installation instructions or to find the location of your closest Shapescaper retail outlet, visit the Shapescaper website.

For more information

Shapescaper

Phone (03) 8799 2406

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Elevate Your Space with Cotswold Furniture’s Premium Outdoor Collection https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/elevate-your-space-with-cotswold-furnitures-premium-outdoor-collection.html Mon, 07 Apr 2025 23:37:00 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84918 Vincent Sheppard, a renowned Belgian furniture company, brings a touch of timeless elegance to outdoor spaces with its…

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Vincent Sheppard, a renowned Belgian furniture company, brings a touch of timeless elegance to outdoor spaces with its Kodo collection. Crafted from durable materials, Vincent Sheppard’s outdoor furniture combines classic design with robust construction, ensuring resilience against the elements. Whether it’s a charming café terrace or a bustling winery courtyard, the Vincent Sheppard collection adds sophistication and comfort to any setting.

Discover the Kodo Collection

FAST Range: Italian Craftsmanship Redefined

Embrace the essence of Italian craftsmanship with our FAST range of outdoor furniture. Designed and manufactured entirely in Italy, FAST products exude elegance and versatility. Constructed from lightweight yet durable aluminium, these pieces are perfect for creating inviting outdoor dining areas or lounging spaces. With a variety of shapes and colours available, FAST furniture seamlessly blends into any commercial setting, adding a touch of Mediterranean charm.

Cotswold Furniture

Discover the FAST Range

Cotswold Teak

Discover the brand where it originally all began with at Cotswold InOut Furniture!
A-grade teak hand crafted to perfection: our products stand the test of time and are fabulous in your courtyard, garden or public space.

Cotswold Furniture

Discover Cotswold Teak

Made in the Shade: Protection and Style Combined

Shield your patrons from the harsh sun while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your outdoor space with Made in the Shade umbrellas. Crafted from premium plantation timbers and marine-grade acrylic fabric, these umbrellas are built to withstand the rigours of commercial use. Whether it’s a quaint sidewalk café or a bustling resort poolside, Made in the Shade umbrellas offer unparalleled durability and style, making them a staple in outdoor hospitality settings.

Made in the Shade umbrellas

Discover Made in the Shade umbrellas

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Tailored Retractable Shade for Modern Outdoor Living https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/tailored-retractable-shade-for-modern-outdoor-living.html Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:13:06 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84734 Shaderunner® Australia recently completed the installation of these multiple Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ Side-Mount Retractable Shade Systems at a…

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Shaderunner® Australia recently completed the installation of these multiple Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ Side-Mount Retractable Shade Systems at a residential property in Croydon, SA. Designed to provide flexible shading for outdoor spaces, this innovative system enhances both comfort and functionality while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Unlike traditional retractable shade systems, the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ is supported solely by 40x40mm aluminium running tracks, eliminating the need for additional overhead framing. These tracks can be mounted to the inside faces of existing steel, timber, or other support structures using aluminium angles or directly underneath the structure for a seamless integration. This adaptable design makes it an ideal choice for a variety of residential and commercial applications, from patios and courtyards to pergolas and outdoor entertaining areas.

Shaderunner®

The Croydon project featured three separate Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ systems, each custom-designed to suit the space. The largest shade extended 6.4m, while the two smaller units were 2m wide with extensions of 2.2m and 4.2m, respectively. To ensure effortless operation, the system utilises a manual endless cord system with a cleat, allowing homeowners to adjust the shade as needed throughout the day. A motorised option is also available, featuring an RTS motor housed in a slimline powder-coated headbox, with optional wind, sun, or rain sensors for automated control.

Shaderunner®

The retractable canopies were constructed from 95% Vistaweave woven polyester mesh, a high-quality fabric known for its superior UV protection and heat reduction. This material not only enhances outdoor comfort but also extends the lifespan of outdoor furniture by minimising sun exposure. The system’s aluminium tracks and support components were powder-coated to complement the home’s colour scheme, blending seamlessly with the existing architecture.

Shaderunner®

One of the key advantages of the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ is its ability to accommodate various structural designs. The maximum width between side tracks is 4m, while under-mounted installations can achieve spans of up to 6.5m with two tracks or 7m with three tracks. For even greater coverage, multiple bays can be installed side by side. The extension length is only limited by the dimensions of the existing structure, offering a tailored shading solution for any space.

Shaderunner®

Locally manufactured at Shaderunner® Australia’s Flinders Park facility, each shade panel is computer-designed and precision-cut to guarantee a perfect fit. The system is engineered for durability, smooth operation, and minimal maintenance, with stainless steel ball-bearing runner wheels ensuring reliable performance over time.

Shaderunner®

Every Shaderunner® installation is backed by a 10-year manufacturer’s pro-rata warranty on the fabric for UV degradation and a 5-year warranty on workmanship and fittings, providing peace of mind for homeowners. Whether for residential balconies, patios, or commercial applications, the Shaderunner® Trax ‘Mono’ delivers a stylish, practical, and long-lasting shading solution.

For more information

To explore how a Shaderunner® retractable shade system can transform your outdoor space, contact Shaderunner® Australia today.

Website: www.shaderunner.com.au
Email: enquiries@shaderunner.com.au
Free Call: 1800 495 645

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How Crops Ripen https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/outdoors-gardening/how-crops-ripen.html Thu, 13 Mar 2025 05:28:05 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84586 Fruits are either climacteric, which continue to ripen post-harvest, or non-climacteric, which ripen only on the plant —…

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Fruits are either climacteric, which continue to ripen post-harvest, or non-climacteric, which ripen only on the plant — and they should not be stored together.

Words & photos Angelo Eliades

As the growing season ends, fruiting crops may reach their full size but remain unripe, leaving gardeners uncertain about whether to harvest. Some crops can ripen after being picked, while others cannot — but knowing which is which can be a challenge.

By understanding which fruits, vegetables and berries fall into each category, and with some knowledge of the basic science of ripening, gardeners can make informed harvest decisions to maximise yield and avoid unnecessary effort on crops that won’t ripen further.

What happens during fruit ripening?

Botanically, fruiting crops — unlike root, stem or leaf crops — are plants cultivated for their edible fruits, which develop from the fertilised ovary of a flower and house seeds for reproduction.

How Crops Ripen

These crops include fleshy fruits such as cucumbers and apples, true berries such as blueberries and tomatoes, and seed-bearing pods such as beans and peas.

In their early developmental stages, green, unripe fruits grow by accumulating water and nutrients. Once they reach sufficient size, the ripening process begins, marked by changes such as colour development, softening, conversion of starches into sugars and the enhancement of flavour and aroma.

These transformations make the fruit more palatable and nutritious for human consumption while also increasing its appeal to animals, which aids in seed dispersal and ensures the continuation of the plant’s lifecycle.

The two primary processes associated with fruit ripening are respiration and ethylene production.

Respiration is the metabolic process whereby fruits convert stored sugars and starches into energy, consuming oxygen and releasing carbon dioxide (CO2) and water. This energy drives the biochemical changes that alter colour, texture, flavour and aroma during ripening. The respiration rate differs across fruit types.

How Crops Ripen

Ethylene (C2H4) is a gaseous plant hormone that plays a crucial role in initiating and regulating the ripening process in many fruits.

Fruiting crops are divided into two main categories: climacteric and non-climacteric, based on the differences in their ripening physiology, particularly how they mature and whether they produce ethylene gas to regulate the ripening process.

Ripening in climacteric fruits

Climacteric fruits are unique in that they can be harvested when mature but not fully ripe, continuing to ripen off the plant.

During ripening, their respiration rate and ethylene production rise significantly in the early stages before tapering off as ripening concludes.

These fruits produce ethylene gas, which accelerates respiration and hastens the ripening process. Ethylene also activates enzymes that

  • degrade chlorophyll, changing the fruit’s colour
  • break down cell walls to soften the texture, and
  • convert organic acids and starches into sugars, enhancing sweetness.

This self-ripening ability is highly valuable commercially, allowing growers to harvest fruits while still firm and unripe, thus reducing bruising during transport and extending their storage life.

The fruits can then be artificially ripened with ethylene gas before being sold to consumers.

Examples of climacteric fruits include apples, apricots, avocados, bananas, blueberries, cherimoyas, figs, honeydew melons, kiwifruit, mangoes, nectarines, papaya, peaches, pears, persimmons, plums, quinces, rockmelons and tomatoes.

Climacteric fruits continue to ripen at room temperature, becoming sweeter and softer. Peaches, nectarines and plums taste best when juicy and soft, bananas when yellow with brown speckles and rockmelons when slightly soft.

However, these fruits must reach physiological maturity (not necessarily full size) to produce ethylene and ripen fully. For example, tomatoes harvested at the first visible signs of colour change, known as the breaker stage, can continue ripening indoors.

If climacteric fruits are harvested too early, their ability to produce and respond to ethylene is compromised, leading to incomplete ripening.

They may still soften or change colour to some extent but fail to develop proper flavour, texture or aroma, resulting in crunchy peaches, starchy bananas and bland tomatoes.

Harvesting at the right time is essential.

How Crops Ripen

1. Allow strawberries to reach full ripeness for optimum flavour

2. Place bananas in a closed paper bag with some apples to ripen them indoors

3. Goldfinger bananas saved from early winter cold and ripened in the kitchen

4. Wait till the stems dry before harvesting pumpkins

5. Citrus are non-climacteric and need to ripen on the tree, but can remain there for weeks

6. The whole hand of green bananas can be cut when the sharp ridges become more rounded

Ripening in non-climacteric fruits

Non-climacteric fruits, in contrast, need to be left on the plant to ripen fully. Once removed, they won’t continue to mature, sweeten or improve in flavour as post-harvest changes are minimal.

During ripening, these fruits do not rely on ethylene to mature and their respiration rate remains steady or gradually declines during ripening.

Ripening in non-climacteric fruits depends on external factors such as temperature and light while the fruit remains attached to the plant.

These fruits typically ripen and mature simultaneously, so they must be harvested at peak ripeness for optimal quality. For example, pumpkins are ready for harvest when their stems are dry and hard and their skins lose their shine, signalling maturity.

Examples of non-climacteric fruits include blackberries, capsicums, cherries, chillies, citrus, cucumbers, eggplants, grapes, pineapples, pomegranates, pumpkins, raspberries, squash, strawberries, watermelons and zucchini.

Ethylene and its impact on crop storage

Understanding the ripening process is crucial to extending the storage life of produce and reducing food waste.

Climacteric fruits emit ethylene gas as they ripen, which can adversely affect ethylene-sensitive crops.

There are quite a few crops that are highly sensitive to ethylene exposure. These include asparagus, green beans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbages, capsicums, carrots, celery, chillies, cucumbers, eggplant, endives, leeks, lettuce, okra, peas (in pods), raspberries, spinach, squash and sweet potatoes.

When stored alongside high ethylene-producing crops such as apples, apricots, avocados, cherimoyas, nectarines, papaya, pears and ripe tomatoes, ethylene-sensitive produce is at risk of spoilage.

Damaged, bruised or punctured fruits release even greater amounts of ethylene, further accelerating the ripening and deterioration of ethylene-sensitive crops nearby.

For example, storing broccoli, kale, or spinach in the same refrigerator bin as apples can cause these vegetables to yellow and rot within a few days. Cabbage and Brussels sprouts may yellow, crack, or sprout prematurely, while carrots can develop a bitter taste due to ethylene-induced isocoumarin production.

Cucumbers also deteriorate more quickly in the presence of ethylene. Other ethylene-sensitive crops may deteriorate in different ways.

By understanding the physiological differences between climacteric and non-climacteric crops, gardeners can make informed decisions about harvesting and storage, ensuring optimal quality and yields while minimising waste and getting the most out of every harvest.

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Adding Bounce to your house. Making your house a home. https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/adding-bounce-to-your-house-making-your-house-a-home.html Wed, 05 Mar 2025 04:05:40 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84480 Mr Trampoline are all about making a house a home. It’s what they’ve been doing for over 75…

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Mr Trampoline are all about making a house a home. It’s what they’ve been doing for over 75 years. Hand-making, hand-painting, a fully Australian made premium product.

They’re committed to producing an attractively designed addition to your garden. A place to entertain and relax with friends and family; a retreat for the kids to enjoy and spend time outside. One that’s user-friendly all year round. One that’s enormous fun. And importantly, one that adds value to the resale value of your family home.

Mr Trampoline

The frames are made from all-Australian steel, galvanised through a hot-dip process that gives the frame decades of serviceability over its closest rivals. The springs are made from high-tensile galvanised steel according to Mr Trampoline’s specific design, delivering a longer, smoother bounce and decades of performance. The springs are set to ‘quiver’ at rest, which means there’s no ‘dead’ feel to the bounce.

Every component is carefully and exactingly manufactured to be the very best it can be. But it’s the trampoline bed that is the bona fide, ‘piece de resistance’. No less than six specialists handcraft the bounce bed over a period of four days. A single piece of string makes up the entire bed, double-threaded in an open-weave fashion to increase airflow and give a better bounce. Each bed is coated in ultra-violet-stable rubberised paint which ensures long life and elastic flexibility.

Mr Trampoline

Mr Trampoline trampolines have been the preferred choice of Australian families for over seventy five years and come in a variety of sizes and applications: Olympic size, family size and teeny-weeny for the littlies, in-ground, above ground and in-deck. Bespoke models can be commissioned for tricky sites, delivering premium bounce and ultimate flight for the entire family.

 

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For more information

Mr Trampoline

SERVICEABLE AREAS

Australia-wide

CONTACT

MrTrampoline
P 1300 631 130
E info@mrtrampoline.com.au

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Edging Forever https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/outdoors-gardening/edging-forever.html Mon, 03 Mar 2025 21:02:21 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84415 Installing garden edging is one of the most vital parts of any landscaping project. – it is also…

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Installing garden edging is one of the most vital parts of any landscaping project. – it is also one of the few jobs that only needs to be done once! Garden edging ensures that any two elements in the garden are separated and well defined. It permanently creates any curves, angles and straight lines. Garden edging will also control grass runners, keep mulch and soil in place and protect shrub and tree roots. Garden edging will maintain a definitive and long-lasting barrier between any two elements in the garden – lawn, path, bed or pavers.

There are many edging products on the market and a short amount of homework will quickly lead to some obvious conclusions. Plastic is hopeless, it neither lasts long in the ground or stays still. Wood looks good for a short time but is open to rot or termite damage, it is also difficult to bend into curves. Which leaves steel – durable, versatile and long lasting.

EverEdge

Mild steel garden edging works well in all soils, it is easy to bend to any shape and will last for generations. An edge should give the impression that the devoted garden owner has leapt out of bed every single day of the year and enthusiastically wielded the shovel or edger to maintain that perfect border.

EverEdge flexible steel garden edging is perfectly suited to all landscaping projects whatever their size. Made from 1.6 mm mild steel (90% recycled) it is quick and simple to install – just hammered directly into the ground using the spikes that are part of the metre lengths – there are no extra pins, pegs or joiners. It is simple to form any curve or angle by hand with EverEdge , no special tools are needed. EverEdge will also maintain a perfect straight line, since the end of each metre length is slightly offset it means that the next piece slots in completely flush.

EverEdge

EverEdge flexible steel garden edging is perfectly suited to all landscaping projects whatever their size. Made from 1.6 mm mild steel (90% recycled) it is quick and simple to install – just hammered directly into the ground using the spikes that are part of the metre lengths – there are no extra pins, pegs or joiners. It is simple to form any curve or angle by hand with EverEdge , no special tools are needed. EverEdge will also maintain a perfect straight line, since the end of each metre length is slightly offset it means that the next piece slots in completely flush.

EverEdge is available in two different finishes – galvanised and powder coated in black or brown and also in Cor-Ten (the steel that forms the rust finish). In the galvanised and powder coated finish it is available in four different depths – 75 mm, 100 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm. In the Cor-Ten it is available in three different depths – 100 mm, 125 mm and 150 mm. The smaller depths are generally used to edge paths or driveways (where no grass is involved) whilst the larger depths are used for edging lawns and flower beds particularly where grass runners are involved – when 30 mm of the actual edge as well as the spikes is hammered into the ground its creates an effective barrier that will stop the runners invading paths or garden beds.

EverEdge

The galvanised and powder coated finish is very unobtrusive and gives the impression the soil is holding a nice neat edge. The Cor-Ten makes more of a feature of the edging. Cor-Ten steel is designed to rust and it takes about five weeks to form this finish (starting out as a dull silver colour). Once the rust finish has formed the process stabilises and the steel will not change further or deteriorate into a pile of flakes. Cor-Ten steel will also not leach onto white pebbles or pavers.

EverEdge is also available in pre curved rings. Two pieces makes a circle of 600mm diameter and three pieces makes a circle of 900mm diameter. The 900mm diameter curved pieces can also be expanded to make a 1200mm diameter circle (four pieces) or a 1500mm diameter circle (five pieces).

EverEdge

EverEdge garden rings can be used to make a circular edge around trees, statues, water features and garden beds. The rings prevent grass runners invading the area around a tree or shrub; they keep in mulch and provide protection from mowing damage and soil compaction around the roots. The lengths are simply joined together using the coach bolts provided which are then inserted through the pre-drilled holes.

EverEdge

When edging lawn to either garden beds or paths or pavers, it is recommended that the edging is installed so the top of the edging is at the bottom of the blade of grass (so the grass is higher when it meets the other elements). In this way the edging can be mown over. If, where the two meet, the edging is higher then it is not possible to mow right next to the edge so whipper snipping is required. Although EverEdge will not be damaged by whipper snipping, it just adds an extra job to the gardening list.

EverEdge

For more information

EverEdge is available Australia wide via local stockists or through the online shop. All details on the website.

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Rainwater Harvesting: The Benefits of Installing a Rainwater Harvesting Device on your Property https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/rainwater-harvesting-the-benefits-of-installing-a-rainwater-harvesting-device-on-your-property.html Thu, 27 Feb 2025 22:03:47 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84363 Davey, an Australian pioneer in rainwater harvesting since the early 2000s, offers the RainBank system as an efficient…

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Davey, an Australian pioneer in rainwater harvesting since the early 2000s, offers the RainBank system as an efficient water management solution. The RainBank interchange device allows properties to use rainwater as the primary water source while automatically switching to mains water when tank levels are low.

The system provides multiple benefits, including reduced reliance on mains water, long-term cost savings on water bills, and environmental advantages through better natural resource management and reduced stormwater runoff. The RainBank system is versatile, suitable for toilet flushing, garden irrigation, laundry, and agricultural uses.

Rainwater Harvesting Device

Installation is straightforward, with surface-mounted or submersible pump options available. The system features built-in dual check valves for backflow prevention, complying with AS/NZS 3500-1 standards, and includes feedback lights to indicate water source and fault alerts.

Made in Australia since the early 2000s, Davey’s RainBank system was among the first to receive Australian Design Awards. The system adds value to properties while offering a sustainable water management solution. For plumbers, recommending the RainBank system provides clients with a reliable, locally-made product that addresses modern water management challenges while delivering long-term benefits.

For more information:

Davey

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Meet Australia’s Superior Sea Breeze https://www.completehome.com.au/outdoors/meet-australias-superior-sea-breeze.html Mon, 17 Feb 2025 01:19:10 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84251 Introducing Haiku® Coastal, the latest luxury air solution by Big Ass Fans, purpose-built for delivering seaside luxury. After…

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Introducing Haiku® Coastal, the latest luxury air solution by Big Ass Fans, purpose-built for delivering seaside luxury.

After undergoing rigorous testing against salt, wind & rust exposure the Haiku Coastal has set sail to Australian shores this Summer. Available in both a Matte White & Black finish, Haiku Coastal optimises comfort all year around, accompanied by a sleek and durable design suited to all home exteriors, and interiors. The exclusive design mimics that of the iconic Haiku L, which is encompassed with a whisper-quiet motor, sealed electronics and bearings, and is detailed with UV-resistant hybrid resin foils.

Investing in products you can trust is important. Backed by a 3-year warranty, the Haiku® Coastal is purpose-built for coastal conditions, being one of the only fans on the market to include salt exposure coverage.

Tested to the max, the newest fan of the Haiku range withstood 500 hours in a chamber that replicates extreme salt environments with the company creating their own hurricane force-wind testing of Category 5 winds. Providing you with the reassurance you need to relax, all year round.

Big Ass Fans

Alongside investing in quality pieces, making sustainable choices is becoming more and more of a priority for many homeowners and renovators.

“Now more than ever, customers are aligning themselves with brands that practice sustainability in both their product design and their corporate culture. At Big Ass Fans, it’s important to us to build quality products that are designed to withstand the elements and last the test of time, for the benefit of our customers, and our planet,” Managing Director Big Ass Fans Australia, Shaun Brehaut says.

As part of an international initiative, Big Ass Fans has also partnered with 4ocean, a worldwide effort to clean up our oceans. Created by two surfers, 4ocean’s operations have seen more than 34 million pounds of ocean plastic be removed from our waterways since 2017. For every Haiku® Coastal Fan sold, the equivalent weight of rubbish will be removed from our oceans, rivers and coastlines across the globe. Allowing you to sit back and enjoy the seaside, with the comfort of knowing that your purchase is making a difference.

Available online, and in-stores Australian-wide.

Dive into Luxury today!

For more information

Big Ass Fans

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Seaside Haven https://www.completehome.com.au/pools-spas/seaside-haven.html Sun, 16 Feb 2025 22:48:05 +0000 https://www.completehome.com.au/?p=84247 Offering ample choice, this home boasts two elegant outdoor spaces designed for relaxed coastal living. This property located…

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Offering ample choice, this home boasts two elegant outdoor spaces designed for relaxed coastal living.

This property located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches offers to-die-for coastal views from the front, which is why John Storch of A Total Concept located the swimming pool and an entertaining area here. To take advantage of the shade and provide respite from the strong north-easterly summer winds, a second more sheltered entertaining area was located to the rear of the property.

“The secluded entertaining area was set adjacent to the indoor gym and has a strong visual link to the lounge and kitchen,” explains John. “It was designed as a broad sunken area that incorporates both existing masonry walls and recycled hardwood timber palisade walls that act as informal seating. There’s also matching recycled hardwood timber decking, a fire pit, lighting for night-time use and the entire area is surrounded by hardy native gardens.”

Total Concept

From the home, garage and lawn areas, the entertaining space is accessed via wide timber steps which are illuminated after dark by concealed strip lighting. The steps also provide overflow seating and reference the recycled hardwood timber decking.

In the front garden, the existing pool was replaced with a rectangular infinity-edge pool and a paved entertaining area built. Says John, “This is surrounded by simple garden areas that, together with the use of paving in a similar tone to the flooring inside the home, ensure that new and old spaces are well integrated.

Total Concept

“In this part of the garden, the intent was to create an easy flow from the home to the outdoor areas with clean-lined, understated design. It was important that we didn’t detract from the views of Manly and Shelly Beaches.”

The pool is lit with LED lighting that is linked to the home’s smart switching system. “The washes of light and dancing shadows create an appealing ambience and are a strong visual feature that can be appreciated at night when the beaches cannot be seen,” says John.

“The dappled blue of the glass tiles used on the interior surface of the pool is reflected by the sparkling water and contrasts beautifully with the soft greys of the limestone used in the paved entertaining area — also the greys in the foliage of some of the plants,” he adds.

The planting palette is an eclectic mix of robust species that includes bromeliads, a selection of succulents, spineless yucca and Indian hawthorn.

In summing up, John says, “The visual simplicity of the design and the subtle use of quality materials unifies the project and sets the components well into the surrounding landscaped gardens to provide two stunning outdoor rooms and a contemporary new pool. The end result is a beautifully integrated lifestyle and entertaining complex for the owners.”

A Total Concept is an award-winning design and management practice specialising in the integration of beautiful and functional pools, gardens and cabanas.

Total Concept

For more information

A Total Concept

Email: design@atotalconcept.com.au

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