Hi Jase, 1. I would level out the entire backyard salvaging only the tree in the corner. 2. I would then use the bricks from the current retaining walls as pavers for a BBQ area with a pergola.(Looks as though you already have one in photo #1) 3. If you can't remove the existing fence (you should because it looks like asbestos) - then I suggest you straighten it up and paint it (asbestos proof it) then place a lattice in front of it and grow a climber. 4. I would then use the grey cement pavers to create a pathway with mondo grass in between directly in front of that area in #3 leading to the tree in the corner. 5. Using some of the cement pavers I would create a place under the tree for a garden bench and some beautiful pots with flowers. 5.The grass I would use in the newly created space is Sir Walter. Hope this helps - good luck!

It’s a bit difficult to tell from the photos, but it seems the paving is in good condition? Maybe a pressure clean? Against the colourbond fence, maybe establish some shrubs that will eventually get tall enough to screen the next door house, and soften the fence? The back deck and stairs - does that flow from your living room. Maybe if budget allows, extending that with a nice deck with wide stairs could increase the connection between inside and outside, while reducing the overall expanse of paving. There is a sold wall next to the yard where the hills hoist used to be. Which room is this? It would be nicer if that room had windows overlooking the yard, or doors to link it to backyard - but this could depend on the function of the room. If not viable, needs something to soften the blank wall. Turfing the part of the yard where the hills hoist used to be, may make a big difference.

Hi Ms Tash. Lovely house and nice big trees across the road. I think it’s good place to start by figuring out the hardscaping first. Retaining walls for terracing is a part of that, but looking at the block as a whole allows you to do work (incl plantings) in stages and achieve a more cohesive result. Some considerations: What type of driveway is planned, concrete, gravel, asphalt? Do you want pathway to front door? Is drainage required for driveway? Will you have fencing (what type/material)? Outdoor entertainment area, and if so, how do you want to use it (BBQ, dining, spa, fire pit, etc). Do you want grassy areas for children? Do you have pets? Where will clothes hoist be located? Do you want a concrete pad for it? Do you plan a pool in future? How well does the block drain after a hard rain? Where does water tend to pool? Will you also have a retaining wall for sloped area out the back? What material are you thinking of using for this, brick, timber, stone? I know this sounds like a lot, but it’s helpful to sketch out some plans of different ideas (make it to scale) to see how it looks and suits your present and future needs and wants. I’m no expert, just have built and landscaped from scratch several times and learned there are better ways of going about things. A visit to a landscape designer would also be a worthy investment, if nothing more than to have a professional plan to work to. Cheers.

There is nothing more Aussie than a backyard BBQ! We are finding with the estate blocks getting smaller, more of our homes are being customed and personalised to include a BBQ area in the under cover Alfresco space. A beautiful modern take on the traditional Aussie BBQ that is perfect all year round! Photograph from a recently completed PJ Burns Builder home on the Sunshine Coast