Backyard makeover with garden bed and firepit

[frediynewbie]

Backyard garden

After building our deck last year, it took me another year to finally start and finish our backyard. We have a small space available so I had to utilise every corner to have a fire pit area and a vegetable garden area as well. 

BEFORE

This is our backyard right after we moved in 2 years ago.

Even though we only have a small space, still lots of preparation and planning took place and it took me around 2 months to finish.

AFTER

I've built garden beds for the olive trees and a raised garden bed for my vegetables. I also added a plastic greenhouse I've bought from Bunnings to increase the space that I can use for my plants and vegetables. All dwarf trees (lime, lemon, mandarin, cumquat) are planted in pots to avoid any issues with our fence and to maintain their sizes. I have also laid instant turf (Tiftuf hybrid bermuda)

As for the firepit area, I've built the benches (using treated timber and merbau deck boards). I've built a small 2 tier bench with timber posts for my festoon lights. I added solar lights and plants as well to make the space cozy. 

[MitchellMc]

What an incredible transformation @frediynewbie! You’ve really made the most of the space with the perfect balance between a functional vegetable garden and a cosy fire pit area. The attention to detail with the raised beds and the thoughtful use of potted trees is impressive. The fire pit and bench seating look so inviting, especially with the added lighting and greenery. It’s such a welcoming space now, and your hard work has really paid off.

Well done, and many thanks for sharing.

Mitchell

[Vaz]

What an awesome project @frediynewbie. I am so inspired. Can i ask how did you lay drainage as i am thinking of laying turf and doing a firepit area 

[frediynewbie]

Thanks @Vaz!

Before I started all the backyard works, I dug the ground along the fence where the raised garden bed is and through the closest storm water drain, I put in scoria and socked agi pipe then cover with scoria again on top. I made sure that the level is sloping down towards the drain. this is one of the reason why I didn't plant my dwarf trees directly to the ground. 

  

[Nailbag]

Thats an awesome makeover @frediynewbie 🙌

[Jennie8]

@frediynewbie!  The transformation is amazing! You can see all the hard work has paid off in creating a beautiful space to enjoy your garden in. I'm also thinking of painting my fence black but not sure how to go about it. Would you mind sharing what you used on your fence please? My fence is timber and unfortunately has mouldy patches. Did you have to clean yours beforehand?  And if so what did you use?

Thank you again for sharing.

[JacobZ]

Hi @Jennie8,

A warm welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community, it is fantastic to have you with us.

I have to agree with your kind words for @frediynewbie. 

I'm sure they'll appreciate it and be back in touch shortly with some answers for your questions.

Jacob

[frediynewbie]

Hi @Jennie8 Thanks!!

I used Taubmans Sunproof exterior paint, colour is Monument. I just used a scrub brush with long handle and just gave the whole fence a good brush prior painting