The owners of this property wanted their garden to be more usable. With only a very small budget, the challenge was to be creative in reusing and recycling what they had.

The busy working couple wanted to have a low-maintenance, dog-friendly backyard where they could grow a few flowers, vegetables, herbs and citrus trees. Originally, the block was part of a large market garden, so the soil was good and needed only a small adjustment.

After weeding and digging in some horse manure, old hardwood timber that had been stacked against the shed was used to make raised vegetable and herb beds.

The old Hills Hoist that took up most of the backyard was removed. A new folding clothesline was installed against the southern fence, with mandevillas that had previously been languishing in pots planted behind it.

Some old wire that was lying in the shed was attached along the northern side fence for borage and nasturtium to grow up.

Underneath the two frangipanis, small hydrangeas and fuchsias were planted. Cornflowers, daisies, pansies, alyssum and primulas were used to fill the garden with colour while the hydrangeas and fuchsias matured.

A lemon and a lime tree were planted on either side of the raised beds, with potatoes, corn and eggplants planted around them.

Old pots and existing plants were replanted, fed and given new homes around the garden and on the back deck.