Whereabouts are you located? That area looks like it would get pretty hot in summer and the soil quality doesn't look wonderful so your suggestion of agaves would probably work.…

If you want something with sufficient height to screen out that house then bamboo is probably the way to go (note: clumping type only so it doesn't take over your…

Possibly a watering issue? My lime tree (also in a pot) lost all its leaves and then grew them back after being deprived of water for a while

Hi all,
I realise I'm coming to this conversation a bit late and unsure if the OP is still around but have you considered pleaching bamboo? (the clumping type, obviously) I…

Little gems are very popular these days but I agree your ones look a bit...ah...spindly lol.
If I were you I'd advertise them on something like Gumtree and see if you…

A quick google search tells me that the tree you have can grow between 2 and 8 metres so it may be a bit large for a small backyard. However…

Could you maybe clarify what you mean by "small to middle size"? Most genuine trees can get quite large thus you may not want them planted right next to your…

As outlined in the Act; the 10 year period relates to the bringing of "building actions" (a lawsuit against the builder for negligence or something similar). That is a very…

Hi Phil,
I really like the look of your block with lots of established trees - will be interested to see the build progress.
With respect to your question, I'd be…

Hi Megara,
Just an idea but my front yard is similar to yours (slight slope, west facing so gets the hot afternoon sun) and I'm also located in Victoria and I…

Yeah I think we all miss Fu I've noted there are not a whole lot of gardeners on this forum; Beatrixkiddo often has some great…

I've got just fly screens on my house and am really happy with them. IMHO having the metal mesh of the "security" door interferes with the view and also how…

I think what you are looking for is called weather seal or weather strip; comes in either foam or rubber and goes around external doors and windows to stop drafts.…

Looking good Steph Why people plant ivy I will never understand! I lived in the Dandenongs (Victoria) as a child and we used to…

Hi Marsh86,
You might get some replies if you specify things such as: where is your house? (suburb/state) Which way does this garden face? (north, south, east, west) and are there…

A jacaranda? I just love their purple flowers and the fern-like foliage is beautiful. But they do grow pretty big - you haven't mentioned how much room you have.
Here's…

I tend to agree with the frost damage assessment. Just because a plant says it is "tolerant" of frost doesn't mean it will survive a winter as cold as the…

This is just my personal view but if I was looking at the house I'd see 2 main issues:
1. The Waterford Rise estate (which I think you are in?) is…

I have to say, if you're thinking about downlights and chandeliers there's probably not much of the electrical stuff you can do yourself. In my home I simply put in…

Hi Alex,
Posting a pic of the garden bed in question might get you a few more replies.
If you want a grass you could try something like a lomandra? (there are…

It might help if you tell everyone exactly how much of a "will not fit" problem you have. For example are we just talking about the fridge being a few…

I suggest you get a quote from your builder and decide what you want/can afford to upgrade (if anything). Just be aware that builders' margin can make upgrades really exy.…

Hmm, I'm not a huge fan of either option but I see you have little choice due to your zero boundaries. Is the meter box able to be easily camouflaged?…

I've been looking at getting one of these for the corner of my front yard - might be a good option for you also? http://www.flemings.com.au/ornamental_d ...…

Taken already but thanks for your interest!

Most nurseries will sell magnolias of one kind or another; especially the "little gems" which are exceeding popular (including as council street trees) at the moment. I personally prefer the…

Hi TashPaul,
I'm not a huge fan of brown having lived through the 80's (mission brown anyone? ) so I went for red bricks on…

What kind of Magnolia are you talking about? (lots of different types in the grandiflora genus) Is there a reason why you don't want to plant them in the ground…

Have a search through previous threads as this topic has been discussed numerous times before. Here's an example to get you started: viewtopic.php?f=7&t=73034&p=1225204

I'll respond using your numbering for ease of reference:
1) all the builder has to supply (to get an occupancy permit) is tiling to wet areas, otherwise floor coverings can be…