After I had finished my Archi Masters I was working for an architecture firm who also did a small amount of work for a volume builder. They were actually a pretty good quality builder and at least got the orientation of their 'pre-designed' plans correct. We had the ability to make minor changes to every job and it pained me to see so many simple to implement passive options not being incorporated. Had most of their clients known that they would be saving MONEY over the longterm by making a few minor changes to suit their site, they all would have done it. The problem is unless someone can sell this idea to them as a financial/lifestyle choice, many just think it is about saving the world. It is a no-brainer if you have in interest in it, but for those who don't know, there is no-one there selling it to them, especially on the lower end of the market.

Hi Sarah DIY can be a great option to stay within your budget and find an agreeable solution to your current dilemma. Window furnishings are generally one of the last jobs required after going through the process of building your house, which means the budget is always tight at this point after all the other 'extra expenses' Therefore you are now potentially starting to look at compromising on the quality that you originally wanted to finish your off your house. Window furnishing can have a fairly visual impact, as well as influencing how the room 'feels', on both the inside and outside of you rooms and home. In the first instance we need to define the difference between a DIY 'Ready Made / Ready to Hang Product' which is what you would purchase from somewhere such as Spotlight vs DIY "Custom Made" products. The difference in quality is significant, however the price points don't have to be. At iseekblinds, we offer genuine custom made blinds, made in Australia. If you visit our website, you can get an instant price online - It would be interesting to see the difference between what you have been quoted and what we can offer. We can turn Roller Blinds around within 3 weeks or sooner if requested and deliver nationally. Everything you need to know regarding measure and installation is on our website and we teach and guide you through the process to ensure you get it right. Please see some of our reviews to hear how our other customers have been surprised at just how easy the installation process has been and are over the moon in regards to the product quality they received. Get Your DIY On! I say. And please don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of any further assistance Cheers, Sally

Wow what a great space to work with - the options are endless and it really depends on your budget. Some ideas:- - paint all the fences to give the area a lift - could also consider putting horizontal timber boards (a bit like decking not sure what you call them) along the fence under the pergola as a feature with a couple of pot plants in front of it or a vertical garden - remove the Hills Hoist and put a large fold down clothesline along one of the fences to open up the area - consider replacing concrete with some pavers if you have the budget and then remove some of the concrete so that you can open up the space with more lawn - plant screening trees along the fence lines to add some more green and keep the space nice and open - in the covered area, the above suggestion is ideal - if you need more light you could consider some transparent sheeting in the roof of the pergola Just some ideas but of course it all comes down to your budget and taste.

Hi Cheryl, What about using Succulents in your vertical garden? Succulents are ideal for areas that are very hot and receive direct western sun in Queensland. They will have the best chance for survival. Some suggestion for plant species to use: Aptenia cordifolia Rhoeo Hawaiian Dwarf Echevaria Species – Assorted colours and varieties Sedum Species – Assorted colours and varieties Senecio Varieties- blue chalksticks Plant in group plantings to give a bigger impact This video may help? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHLyfp8PZ8k From Alison Lead Designer @ CityscapesPoolsandLandscapes