AUSTRALIA’S BEST BACKYARDS

6:30pm (G)

This week on AUSTRALIA’S BEST BACKYARDS:

Vic Cherrikoff - NSW

Vik created a pool that looked like a natural lagoon, similar to that of Mataranka Springs in the Northern Territory and it doubles as a dam he uses on his plants. Plus he creates an unconventional ‘Aboriginal ground oven’ to cook food the same as the ancient traditional way of the Aborigines.

Wombarra - NSW

Gaye and John have worked hard to turn a cultivated garden from an overgrown mess where non-native plants had run wild and replaced them with native plants local to the Illawarra area. Gaye is an artist and has also filled the garden with sculptures – some are made from clay and others are made from bark, sticks and stones that are found on the property.

Boardwalk – QLD

Alan built his pool area with his sons in mind - he wanted an area where they can bring their mates, listen to music and play cards and not disturb the rest of the house. The property backs onto a creek and as part of the design they decided to build a man-made creek that flows into the natural one. Best thing about this is the water from the man-made creek actually gets pumped from the natural creek with a boardwalk over the top.

Cairns Culture - Qld

Ross and Colin wanted to keep elements of their original 1960’s home design but update it with a modern feel. Combinations of leaf colours, textures and shapes all work together to create a sculptural look and because of the brightly coloured walls there is no need for flowers. The alfresco dining area is a space used extensively for entertaining both day and night while the pool is a great escape from the tropical heat.

Sorrento Holiday - VIC

When Bernie purchased this property in Sorrento in the mid-90s it was just a vacant block. Now it’s a much-used yard with plenty of areas for all the family to enjoy; including a low-maintenance lawn that doesn’t need mowing, watering or weeding, an in-ground trampoline, a meditation hut and a decked BBQ area.