Latest Posts

DIY Moss Poles

September 1, 2024 10:47 am Published by

Climbing indoor plants like philodendrons, pothos (Epipremnum aureum) and monsteras need a support structure to train upwards, like any other…

DIY Firewood Rack

June 30, 2024 1:52 pm Published by

The designer way to neaten up a woodpile is to build a storage box, so why not choose one with…

A Wall of Pots DIY

November 23, 2022 8:42 am Published by

With a few tools, a little reclaimed timber and Woodoc 50, you can make this stunning wall of pots DIY…

kokedama

The Art of Kokedama

May 11, 2022 4:15 pm Published by

In Japan, kokedama is a popular garden art form that sprung from the art of bonsai. This art form is…

easter basket

Easter Basket

April 11, 2022 2:36 pm Published by

Turn your garden bits into an upcycled Easter basket just in time for the children to enjoy hunting for Easter…

Build a Bunny Basket

March 28, 2022 10:58 am Published by

Use your Fragram tools to make an Easter bunny egg basket! You need: Cutting list: 1 x 160mm x 600mm…

bokashi bin

Bokashi Composting

January 11, 2022 9:53 am Published by

Bokashi is an odourless composting system that uses up left-over meat, dairy and other food scraps that you wouldn’t normally…

fly trap

DIY Fly Traps

January 11, 2022 9:37 am Published by

It’s easy enough to make your own fly trap. The only problem is having jars filled with deceased flies hanging…

garden journal

Make a Garden Journal

January 11, 2022 9:22 am Published by

A garden journal is a helpful tool for recording your successes, listing future plants you want to try, adding photographs…

butterfly feeder

Butterfly Feeders

January 11, 2022 8:59 am Published by

Bird feeders are all the rage, but what about our other winged friends? Butterflies are great pollinators, contribute to the…

succulent wreath

Xmas Wreath with Succulents

January 7, 2022 12:08 pm Published by

What You Will Need for your succulent wreath Succulent cuttings with 2cm-long stems. (We used mini aeoniums, echeverias and graptopetalums.)…

bromeliad log DIY

DIY Bromeliad Log

November 30, 2021 1:44 pm Published by

Create a gorgeous centrepiece with a piece of driftwood and some guzmanias, a Vriesea ‘Splenriet’, a string of lights and…

DIY Tiered Wall Pot Holder

October 13, 2021 4:40 pm Published by

Create a wall pot holder with interesting angles to best display your potted plants. Sometimes it’s hard to find space…

carpenter's caddy

DIY Carpenter’s Caddy

September 6, 2021 9:02 am Published by

A carpenter’s caddy, with its classic lines and functionality, can be used for more than just tools. Follow these easy…

DIY Retro Coffee Table

August 11, 2021 2:36 pm Published by

With a slab of live-edge wood and three hairpin legs, you too can make this retro table straight from the…

Picture Frame Greenhouse

August 3, 2021 5:25 pm Published by

This DIY picture frame greenhouse is the cheapest, quickest and cutest greenhouse you can possibly make! It can be used…

stackable composter

Stackable Composter

April 22, 2021 12:49 pm Published by

While composters come in all shapes and sizes, this stackable composter is one of the easiest to use, and it…

Indigenous Bliss

August 31, 2020 12:08 pm Published by

Celebrate the arrival of spring with a delightful arrangement of indigenous spring-flowering plants, all competing for hop honours in the…

Sitting Pretty

August 26, 2019 2:01 pm Published by

Lees in Afrikaans DIY Bench There is nothing more useful than a sturdy little DIY bench in the garden where…

couch-arm table

Custom Couch-Arm Table

July 23, 2019 11:13 am Published by

Lees in Afrikaans This little couch-arm table is pure convenience for your patio couch. What you Need for your Couch-arm…

Tool Charging Station

May 20, 2019 1:27 pm Published by

Lees in Afrikaans Keep your cordless tools organised and recharged with this practical DIY Tool Charging Station. What you Need…

Cool as Concrete

April 18, 2019 1:41 pm Published by

Elegantly showcase your pot plants with this funky concrete pot stand! What you Need for your Concrete Pot Stand Cement…

Easter parade

March 25, 2019 12:04 am Published by

Lees in Afrikaans Why should Christmas be the only holiday to get wreaths? We think Easter deserves them too, and…

spiral garden

Spiral garden

February 18, 2019 8:00 am Published by

Read in Afrikaans The spiral symbol represents movement, usually the movement from outer consciousness to inner awareness and peace. In…

Flower Press

January 21, 2019 8:00 am Published by

Make your own flower press by following these steps. What you Need 3 x 300mm x 300mm x 18mm wooden boards…

Terracotta Composter

November 7, 2018 9:53 am Published by

Composting Made Simple! Scatter a few of these simple composters throughout your veggie garden for convenient, effective composting. What you…

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Mini Greenhouse

September 3, 2018 8:07 pm Published by

Keep your plants warm in style with this DIY mini greenhouse made from upcycled plastic bottles. Fulfil your plant and…

Exuberant sun lovers

February 19, 2018 2:07 pm Published by

We picked a large pot and filled it with some exuberant sun lovers to lead you joyfully through the quiet…

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Shining Pot

February 19, 2018 12:53 pm Published by

Shiny Below and Green and Gold on Top of the Pot What do you get if you combine a striped…

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Potted Meadow

February 19, 2018 12:05 pm Published by

With the rich textures and subtle shades of ornamental grasses, and a splash of exuberant colour from a grass-like indigenous…

Pots of Autumn drama

February 16, 2018 9:42 am Published by

Spring and summer inspire potting recipes that are frivolous, flowery and colourful but autumn and winter are seasons needing a…

Mini Rose Garden

February 16, 2018 9:10 am Published by

It takes less than 30 minutes to create a mini rose garden using one patio rose in bloom and two…

Happy Hot Pot

February 16, 2018 8:49 am Published by

Plant up a pot of succulent heat busters. All you need to plant up a rock-solid potted garden to beat the…

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A tub for a bed

February 15, 2018 1:27 pm Published by

Make a splash in a flower bed by adding an old tub for height, planted up with flowers, herbs and…

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Surprise Spring Pot

February 14, 2018 3:47 pm Published by

July is a great time to plant up pots and containers for a spring pot display of the highest order.…

Fireworks in a pot!

February 5, 2018 2:53 pm Published by

Asymmetrical design helps to create balance in this pot of variegated green and bright red plants that closely mimic the…

Summer Bowl

February 5, 2018 2:11 pm Published by

Get into the spirit of summer by potting a special blend of florals and edibles, put together with love and…

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Indoor Tower Planter

January 24, 2018 11:19 am Published by

Keep your herbs close to the kitchen with this tiered planter, complete with growing lights. What you Need SA pine…

Hanging with the Flock

January 22, 2018 11:32 am Published by

Wooden Bird-Feeder This is the tenth in our Working with Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout the…

Wisdom of three sisters

January 19, 2018 10:19 am Published by

Corn, squashes and beans have been planted together by native Americans for thousands of years. Share in the wisdom of…

Straw-man!

January 18, 2018 2:33 pm Published by

Beware the Straw-Man! Use PVC pipes, glue, your old jeans and some creative energy to build a discouraging decoy for…

Chicken Tractor

January 17, 2018 1:44 pm Published by

Chickens can be a welcome addition to the home food garden, eating pests, fertilising the soil and supplying eggs. Introduce…

Peanut Containers

January 17, 2018 11:25 am Published by

Growing Peanuts in Containers Peanuts are a good novelty plant to grow as they sprout and grow very quickly. They…

Cladded Planter

January 15, 2018 1:59 pm Published by

Let’s be honest – plastic can be a bit ugly in the garden. To get around this we cladded a…

workbench

No Work, Workbench!

January 11, 2018 8:19 am Published by

This is the ninth in our Working With Wood series presented by David van den Bergh. Throughout the series we…

Succulent Seat

December 13, 2017 11:03 am Published by

A retired old chair can be refashioned into a great planter succulent seat with some easy steps and a love…

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Take a Knee

December 12, 2017 11:58 am Published by

Kneeling Pad Do your knees ever take strain and start to ache from the many hours spent on them taking…

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Anywhere Table

December 12, 2017 10:40 am Published by

Ever wanted a table that can be used anywhere and then stored away flat? This table is just the thing.…

Clever Boxing

December 12, 2017 10:20 am Published by

Elegant and useful, this hanging planter will serve you well planted with fruit or vegetables and placed close to the…

Creative Wall Art

December 12, 2017 9:59 am Published by

From some simple materials, you can make your own contemporary creative wall art in a few hours What you Need…

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Flat Pack Bench

December 12, 2017 9:32 am Published by

Make your own bench that is designed to fit together like a balsa wood aeroplane – with no screws and…

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Pebble Bowl

December 12, 2017 8:43 am Published by

Bring zen to your desk with this easy DIY pebble bowl and keep calm through the trials of every day!…

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Pyramid Trellis

December 8, 2017 3:38 pm Published by

This pyramid trellis is an attractive decor item, that elegantly supports climbing plants, and intriguing frames for topiary. Use your…

Slate Water Feature

December 8, 2017 3:16 pm Published by

The sound of bubbling water is a wonderful asset in any garden. In this indigenous garden a slate water feature…

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Stone the Family

December 8, 2017 2:43 pm Published by

In keeping with the miniature gardening trend that has hit the country, we came up with this little stone project…

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Unique Lawn Table

December 8, 2017 1:45 pm Published by

This novel folding lawn table will stand out at any garden party and act as a quant centre piece to…

Garden Birds

December 8, 2017 1:07 pm Published by

Easy garden decor – Create a flock of cement birds for a quirky addition to a flowerbed. What you will…

Modern Planters

December 8, 2017 12:50 pm Published by

Almost any plastic container can be used to create glamorous concrete planters using this easy DIY guide – decorate your…

Garden Reflections

December 8, 2017 11:56 am Published by

DIY Garden Mirror This easy-to-make garden mirror is a feature that reflects the best parts of your garden What you…

Sickle Moon Feeder

December 8, 2017 10:32 am Published by

Make this striking bird feeder out of metal, wire and glass. What you will Need Metal sheeting (see cutting list)…

Spiral Tower Garden

December 8, 2017 9:34 am Published by

Create interest on your patio or garden with this tower planter designed and constructed in a beautiful spiral shape that…

Walking on a Whirl

December 8, 2017 9:07 am Published by

In this great holiday project you make your own spiral pavers and walk on a whirl with these simple steps.…

Hanging Bucket

December 8, 2017 8:46 am Published by

For a different type of hanging basket, try using a galvanised bucket with holes cut out on the sides to…

Frame a Pot

December 8, 2017 8:27 am Published by

What you Need Wood for the frame – we recycled painted pine timber (100 x 35mm) Terracotta pot Pelargonium (in…

Solar Garden

December 7, 2017 1:53 pm Published by

Consol’s Solar Jars are ideal little containers for plants and they make great table decorations or gifts for the festive…

Pot Technique

December 7, 2017 1:23 pm Published by

There are many ways to take a tired pot and give it a new look. Paint is the best thing…

Picture Perfect

December 7, 2017 1:15 pm Published by

DIY Wall Art Take your own pictures and have them printed on canvas, then block mount them for a gorgeous…

Tea Time Feeder

December 7, 2017 12:56 pm Published by

Put a special spin and personal touch on the standard concept of a feeder by using items from your own…

The Seed Snacker

December 7, 2017 12:44 pm Published by

Seed Snacker: What You will Need 20 mm pine Cutting list 1 x base (237 x 126 mm) 2 x…

Splashing Out

December 7, 2017 11:47 am Published by

DIY Pool Paving Give your pool a new look with a round of new pool paving. Hardwearing, long lasting and…

Trendy Retread Tyres

December 7, 2017 11:33 am Published by

Upcycle your old tyres to liven up a garden wall, easily, quickly and to great effect. Recycling takes a stylish…

Sit a little

December 7, 2017 10:43 am Published by

DIY Cement Table and Chairs What you will Need for your DIY Cement Table and Chairs Large wooden board to…

Paving your Patio

December 7, 2017 10:16 am Published by

Recreate Your Patio Recreate your patio with the right choice of paving. And you can do it yourself quite easily…

Roofing Leftovers

December 7, 2017 9:52 am Published by

Make this easy and neat little garden planter with only a few leftover roofing materials, a bit of spare time…

Herb Dryer

December 7, 2017 8:12 am Published by

This easy-to-make herb dryer will ensure you never run out of herbs when you need them. Follow these quick DIY…

Floating Pot Rack

December 7, 2017 8:05 am Published by

Mount this piece close to the kitchen door so you have your herbs on hand, or on an outside wall…

Lava Rocks

November 28, 2017 10:48 am Published by

Creating your own rockery masterpiece has never been made so easy as with this expansive concept and integration of Lava…

Basket of Creativity

November 28, 2017 10:29 am Published by

Concrete basket DIY What you will Need for Your Concrete Basket • Plastic bowl• 3 lengths ½ inch (12 mm)…

Retaining wall and seat

November 28, 2017 8:37 am Published by

Change function into feature by building your own retaining wall and seat, give your outdoor wooden furniture a longer lifespan…

Salad tabletop

November 27, 2017 3:54 pm Published by

Make a concrete tabletop planter for your veggies and you will have a kitchen garden feature to last a lifetime.…

Solar Balls

November 27, 2017 11:24 am Published by

Lighting up your garden beds means that you can enjoy another dimension of gardening after the sun sets. Rather than…

Make your own Pots

November 27, 2017 11:12 am Published by

Designing and creating your own pots makes them that much more special. Use this basic recipe, and let the designer…

Seated in Style

November 27, 2017 10:41 am Published by

Picture yourself seated between two of your favourite shrubs – all cosy together on this unusual bench – while you…

Make a Doughnut Fountain

November 27, 2017 10:07 am Published by

Instead of throwing those old tyres away, why not ‘recycle’ them as moulds for this small ‘doughnut’ fountain water feature?…

Geometric Paver Set

November 27, 2017 9:53 am Published by

Here’s a novel and quick way to make sets of pavers that are pre-arranged in an interesting geometric pattern. Once…

3-D Living Picture

November 27, 2017 9:40 am Published by

Paint a 3-D Living Picture in your Garden There’s a world of exciting, surface-coating products to explore – just waiting…

Sundial

November 27, 2017 9:19 am Published by

Let your Garden Tell you the Time A classical sundial makes the perfect focal point in any garden. What you…

Trees of Life

November 27, 2017 9:00 am Published by

From time immemorial, water and trees have been used to symbolise life. Inspired by that rich tradition, this delightful fountain…

Beach in a Box

November 27, 2017 8:28 am Published by

Sandpit DIY This sandpit has an innovative split lid that folds open into two, facing benches – perfect for a…

Glam Glass

November 24, 2017 2:45 pm Published by

Terrarium DIY A terrarium can make a light and elegant focal point in a room, while creating the perfect, controlled…

‘Petrified’ Log

November 23, 2017 4:01 pm Published by

Make your own ‘Petrified’ log This ‘petrified’ log looks just like a log, but being made of cement means it…

Tool Cupboard Love

November 23, 2017 3:45 pm Published by

Store your trusty garden tools neatly in this easy to build tool cupboard! Shopping List for your Tool Cupboard 20…

Light the Tree

November 23, 2017 3:10 pm Published by

We spend many an evening entertaining outdoors in South Africa, so why not light up the garden and let it…

Easy Peasy Pavers

November 23, 2017 2:34 pm Published by

Set your imagination free this weekend and style your own garden pavers. It’s the small details that stamp your personality…

Gabion Bench

November 23, 2017 1:24 pm Published by

This Bench Rocks! Assemble your own gabion bench! Traditionally used for erosion control on sloping land, gabions are cages filled…

Floating Volleyball Net

November 23, 2017 12:51 pm Published by

Challenge friends and family to a game of pool volleyball this summer. It’s great fun and building your own floating…

Topped With Green

November 23, 2017 10:28 am Published by

Green roof gardening is a fairly new concept in South Africa but planting on roofs for aesthetic and cooling purposes…

Deck in a Day

November 13, 2017 11:21 am Published by

Build a Deck in a Day The lounging about comes later! For now you need to get busy. This 8m2…

Square Foot Garden

November 10, 2017 11:53 am Published by

A Square foot garden is a new way of growing more in less space. A hardware store will have everything…

Growing Gutter

November 10, 2017 8:03 am Published by

Get down to your nearest Hardware store this weekend to invest in the latest gardening trend of GYO in a…

Build a Pond

November 9, 2017 2:51 pm Published by

As the team settled in for yet another busy and exciting year, they decided that they needed somewhere quiet and…

chicken coop

The Chicken House

November 9, 2017 2:41 pm Published by

Chicken Coop DIY Is cutting back on the food bill one of your New Year resolutions? Keeping chickens is easy…

Patio Party

November 9, 2017 1:54 pm Published by

A living screen, tea light tree and festive chandelier for your Patio. A Living Screen Filled with colourful, healthy plants…

A Clear View

November 9, 2017 1:18 pm Published by

Glass Planter Make this easy DIY planter with Glass and add an extra dimension to your interior décor by bringing…

Suited for the Boot

November 9, 2017 12:57 pm Published by

Make a fun boot rack feature to store the family wellies. What to Buy Meranti cutting list: 4 pieces 76…

Step out in Style

November 9, 2017 12:28 pm Published by

Garden Steps Building garden steps down a bank doesn’t need to be a daunting task. Energised by the warmer weather the…

Pallet Planter

November 9, 2017 12:00 pm Published by

Gardeners are an innovative lot, always looking for new ways to grow and display plants. Here’s a way to up…

Make a Sun Lounger

November 9, 2017 11:54 am Published by

This stylish sun lounger and table combo is perfect for long summer days around the pool, and when the cold…

One Hot Table

November 9, 2017 11:18 am Published by

Coffee Table DIY This trendy coffee table does double duty as an unusual heater. Pop down to your local Hardware…

Barn Owl Box

November 9, 2017 10:58 am Published by

Worldwide, the Barn owl is one of the most widely spread of the owl species. Unfortunately, their habits and appearance,…

Rotating Server

November 9, 2017 9:08 am Published by

Imagine sitting on your patio, surrounded by friends and family, with a feast set out and ready to be enjoyed.…

Splash Birdbath

November 9, 2017 8:21 am Published by

DIY Birdbath Every garden needs a birdbath or two, and this one can be made in a flash. This is…

Recycling Bench

November 8, 2017 4:34 pm Published by

Used household items, like glass bottles, aluminium and tin cans, and even paper, are far more likely to avoid ending…

Unique Water Feature

November 8, 2017 4:28 pm Published by

Build your own tiered water feature using pots with the same design, but in three different sizes, for a unique…

Shower Power

November 8, 2017 2:04 pm Published by

It is wonderful to be able to rinse off under a cold shower after a morning spent gardening in the…

Anyone for Cocktails?

November 8, 2017 12:55 pm Published by

This handy cocktail table is built and assembled in pieces, making it easy to move around and even take with…

Digging Box

November 8, 2017 11:53 am Published by

Minimize damage to your flowerbeds by giving your dogs an exciting alternative. Materials Pine planks, as follows Sides: 2 @…

Table Terrarium

November 8, 2017 10:36 am Published by

This table terrarium is a fascinating alternative to a traditional flat-topped table and definitely calls for a new take on…

Festive Water Bauble

November 8, 2017 9:51 am Published by

We’ve got just the thing for you if there’s a place in your garden crying out for a small, sparkling…

A Garden of Many Moons

November 8, 2017 9:37 am Published by

Concrete Half Moons These concrete half moon structures make an intriguing feature in a garden bed. Create an interesting wave…

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All Purpose Workstation

November 6, 2017 3:59 pm Published by

Build this stunning wooden workstation from scratch and have the perfect space to do your garden and DIY work at…

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For the Cats

November 6, 2017 3:30 pm Published by

For the Cats – a DIY Scratching Post Materials 3 pine planks: 150mm wide x 18mm thick (see above for…

Doggie Digs

November 6, 2017 3:20 pm Published by

It’s time to spoil the canine members of the family with a smart new kennel (and cupboard on the side).…

Rustic Relaxation

November 6, 2017 11:06 am Published by

Once you’ve made this rustic lounger and bench set for your patio you’ll always have a place to relax. Their…

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DIY Make a Log Cabin

November 1, 2017 12:15 pm Published by

This is the seventh in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…

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Go modern with proteas

October 16, 2017 12:05 pm Published by

A balanced and rhythmical transition of proteas in an effortless design that can be used in your home or office…

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Dog Kennel

August 2, 2017 9:38 am Published by

This is the fourth in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…

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Planter Box

June 21, 2017 11:48 am Published by

This is the third in our Working With Wood series presented by Greg de Villiers. Throughout the series we will…

Hanging in mid-air

January 12, 2017 8:57 am Published by

Having greenery in an office environment is good for the body and the soul. This quick office DIY is great…

Watering Can Makeover

January 18, 2016 8:48 am Published by

This aluminium watering can was given a makeover in a flash. Inspired by the colours of the flowers in a…

Stop and Stair

January 18, 2016 7:43 am Published by

Light aluminium ladders are taking over from the heavy, wooden variety as the ladder of choice. However, a discarded wooden…

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Transform the trash!

January 18, 2016 7:39 am Published by

There is always something lying around the house or the garden shed, or some ‘trash’ tucked away in the rafters…

The X-Factor Stool

January 18, 2016 6:59 am Published by

Inspired by the 50s X-base design, our Top Team makes versatile stools for an urban patio with this X-Factor stool.…

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Recycled Wine Bottle Torch

September 23, 2015 11:49 am Published by

Add ambiance to your outdoor evenings while you keep mosquitoesat bay with this wine bottle citronella oil torch. What you…

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Inventive recycling

September 23, 2015 11:39 am Published by

This easy-to-build water feature, made from discarded household items, bubbles soothingly in the smallest of spaces and takes recycling to…

Poodle cut your Plants

September 4, 2015 6:21 am Published by

It isn’t difficult to create your own topiary with a ‘poodle cut’ and it’s a lot cheaper than purchasing one…

Planting and Repotting Ferns

September 2, 2015 11:12 am Published by

Ferns are easy to transplant and benefit from regular repotting into slightly larger containers. They can either be planted singly…

Hypertufa Pots

August 25, 2015 8:59 am Published by

Hypertufa, which was invented for use in alpine gardens, is a manufactured substitute for Tufa – the porous rock that…

Pebble Inlay

August 25, 2015 6:52 am Published by

Make this lovely pebble inlay around your fire pit for a bit of added elegance to your garden décor. Follow…

Grouting outdoor paving

July 23, 2015 10:23 am Published by

Using cement for your paver grouting for an outdoor entertainment area makes it long lasting and gives it that finishing…

Festive Chandelier

June 11, 2015 7:55 am Published by

With a few simple products make this stunning chandelier. What You Need 1 split woven edging panel 5 small plastic…

Balcony Planters

March 24, 2015 11:08 am Published by

These new balcony planters in fashionable colours are idea to plant up with easy to grow plants in complementary colours.…

Build a Swing Bench

January 27, 2015 6:58 am Published by

A swing bench is just the thing for lounging around on while you read your favourite gardening magazine. After a…

Build a Concrete Bench

November 26, 2014 8:18 am Published by

A secluded spot, out of direct sunlight, is the perfect place for a garden bench. A well-placed concrete bench invites…

Simply Zen

November 25, 2014 11:32 am Published by

Bamboo Water Feature Make a bamboo water feature in six easy steps that will bring calm and the glorious sound…