Sunflowers are one of the most beautiful plants that you can grow at home. As long as they have enough light, they can shoot straight up in the air with bright yellow flowers that point towards the sun. Before running out and buying some seeds or plants, give some thought to how you’ll grow this flower and make sure that you have the right lawn or garden.
How to grow sunflowers
Sunflower soil
The first thing to know about growing sunflowers is the soil that you need. You’ll have the most success if you have a low to mildly acidic soil. It should have a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Most home improvement and landscaping stores have kits that let you test the acidity of the soil.
If you find that your soil is more or less acidic, consider growing sunflowers in pots. Using pots gives you more control over the soil and allows you to make sure that you have the right soil. You can always move the pots to provide the plants with more sunlight too.
When to plant sunflowers
The sunflower season in Australia typically starts in early January and ends around the middle to the end of March. People come from all around the world to see the fields in bloom.
Planting sunflowers in pots gives your more control over the soil / Source: Shutterstock
How to plant seeds
When you choose seeds rather than plants, you want to plant each seed between .38 and 6.3 centimetres deep in the soil. This distance puts the seeds close enough to the surface that they get the light that they need but deep enough that they absorb the necessary nutrients from the ground. Though you can plant them deeper in the soil, this is the optimum depth.
While a field of sunflowers in bloom can turn heads and create an impressive display, planting the flowers too close together will keep them from growing. The plants fight with each other to get the nutrients they need. As they grow, they will not get the sunlight that they need either.
You’ll want to plant the seeds around 15 centimetres apart from each other to give them enough space. If you’re going to plant a field, use up to three plants per row.
Companion planting
Companion plants let you create a better sunflower garden or landscape. Most lettuces are a good choice because they don’t need the same nutrients and won’t get in the way of the flowers. Lettuce also makes a great ingredient in many dishes. Other companion plants that you can choose include squash, kale, onions and cucumbers.
How long do sunflowers take to grow?
You may want to know how long it takes sunflowers to grow because you want to know how quickly you can enjoy the blooms. These plants take an average of 80 to 120 days to grow from seed. Plants take between 60 and 80 days to bloom.
Looking after sunflowers
Water and sunlight requirements
Sunflowers are an excellent choice for Australian gardens because the plants do not need a lot of water. During the germination process, the seeds need roughly 2.5 centimetres of water every week. Even if you forget to water them daily, they should still thrive.
Once you have sunflower plants, you’ll want to use around 15 centimetres of water per week. When watering the plants, use a nozzle that gives you more control and aim it in the direction of the plants. Add enough water that the top few centimetres of the soil are moist. As the soil absorbs the water, it will reach the roots of the plants.
As sunflowers grow, the flowers start pointing towards the sun. The plants need a minimum of six hours of sunlight every day up to eight hours. If you use pots, you can move the plants into a spot where they’ll get more sunlight.
Contact local gardeners
Pests to look out for and protect against
Certain types of pests can attack the sunflowers in your yard. Many of these are insects that will eat the leaves and flowers as well as the roots and stalks. Beetles and maggots are incredibly common. It would help if you also watched out for caterpillars and some types of moths.
If you worry that you can’t leave the sunflowers alone in your yard, using a pesticide can help. Organic pesticides work well and will not damage any nearby plants.
Staking sunflowers
The biggest problem with growing sunflowers in Australia is that the stalks aren’t strong enough to support the weight of the blooms, which is why you need to use stakes. Choose stakes that are roughly half the height you expect the finished plants to grow to give them enough added strength. Giant sunflowers are much larger and need stakes that are both taller and wider. You can use gardening twine to secure the flowers to the stakes.
Sunflowers are a bright and eye catching addition to a garden / Source: Shutterstock
Harvesting and pruning
You typically want to prune a sunflower plant twice a year. Pruning this often ensures that the flowers have the space that they need and won’t grow into each other. The best time to prune the plants is in late January or early February. You need to remove the leaves growing on the stalks and any smaller flowers sprouting on the sides.
Harvesting the finished plants allows you to create bouquets for your home and others. As long as you have good pruning shears, you can easily remove the blooms on the top of the stalk.
If you want to harvest the seeds for next year, remove the flowers from the stalks. You’ll then want to put the flowers in a dry spot with the seeds facing up and let it dry for several weeks. Once the seeds turn dark brown, use scissors or shears to remove them. You can then keep the seeds safe until the following season.
How to hire a gardener
Licensing and qualifications
You want to look for someone with strong qualifications. The C&G Advanced National Certificate in Horticulture and the Horticulture Certificate from the Royal Horticulture Society are just a few of the certificates that Australian gardeners may have. You can look up a gardener by his or her name or the license number that the person has to make sure that they have the qualifications that you need. Hiring a gardener can cost $50 to $100 based on what you need. They can handle everything from planting your sunflowers to harvesting them at the end of the season. Check on the licensing and qualifications that local gardeners have today to get help with your sunflowers.
• After builders cleaning is a specialised deep-cleaning service that removes construction dust, debris, and trade defects left behind after building work. • This cleaning service is essential for homeowners post-renovation, tenants moving back in, landlords preparing properties for lease, and real estate agents staging homes.
Did you know Australian homeowners spend between $5,000 and $15,000 on average for home renovations? But once the dust settles—literally—many overlook one critical step: professional after builders cleaning.
Renovations can leave behind hazardous debris, including fine construction dust and microscopic particles that can’t be easily removed with standard cleaning. That’s why a thorough post-renovation clean is less a finishing touch than an essential step in making your new-and-improved dwelling truly ready to live in.
This guide explains what after builders cleaning entails, who benefits from these services, and how to approach this essential step that transforms construction sites into liveable spaces.
What is after builders cleaning?
A cleaner getting into the hinges to clean the windows. | Source: iStock
After builders cleaning is a comprehensive service performed after construction or renovation, focusing on removing construction debris, dust, and trade defects. This differs from general house cleaning because it addresses unique challenges left by building work.
Contrary to popular opinion, after builders cleaning is not the same as standard house cleaning. This approach often leads to paying more for inferior results. This is because regular cleaners don’t have the proper training, equipment, or expertise to deal with post-construction messes like after builder cleaners do. Below are some of the things an after builders cleaning tackles:
Heavy construction dust that penetrates every corner and crevice
Paint splatters and concrete residue on windows and surfaces
Grout haze and adhesive remnants
Fine particles that regular vacuum cleaners can’t capture
Trade defects that need specialised removal techniques
Who needs an after builders cleaner?
Moving into a new house. | Source: iStock
After builders cleaning serves several key groups who need to transform construction sites into liveable or sellable spaces:
Homeowners post-renovation
Whether you’ve renovated a bathroom or undergone a whole-house makeover, you’ll need professional cleaning to make your space truly move-in ready. This is especially crucial after major projects like kitchen renovations, home extensions, or wall knock-downs that brings upon significant dust and debris.
Many after builder cleaners frequently address common homeowner questions, such as, ‘Do you clean a new house after handover by builder?’ The answer is typically yes, as even new constructions require professional cleaning to remove all traces of construction dust and ensure the space is move-in ready.
Tenants moving back in
If you’ve been staying elsewhere during renovations, after builders cleaning ensures your home is safe and comfortable for your return. This is particularly important for families with children or anyone with respiratory sensitivities.
Landlords and property managers
Investment property owners rely on after builders cleaning to prepare renovated properties for new tenants. A thorough clean not only meets rental standards but also maximises rental potential and creates positive first impressions on potential tenants and serious buyers.
Real estate agents and property developers
When staging properties for sale or preparing display homes, after builders cleaning is essential for showcasing quality workmanship and helping potential buyers imagine themselves in the space.
Commercial property owners
Office fit-outs, retail renovations, and commercial construction projects all require professional cleaning before businesses can operate safely and present a professional image to customers.
What services are included in an after builders clean?
How much accumulated dust could look like post-construction. | Source: iStock
A comprehensive after builders clean covers multiple specialised tasks that go well beyond standard cleaning:
Core services include:
Complete dust removal from all surfaces, including hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans, light fittings, and air vents
Floor and wall cleaning using appropriate techniques for different materials (timber, tile, carpet, painted surfaces)
Window and glass cleaning, including removal of paint splatters, concrete residue, and protective film adhesive
Polishing and detailing of fixtures, fittings, and newly installed surfaces
Grout cleaning and haze removal from tiled areas
Kitchen appliance cleaning, both inside and out, ensuring they’re spotless and functional
Bathroom sanitisation with special attention to grout lines, fixtures, and tilework
Skirting board and door frame cleaning to remove dust and construction marks
Optional add-ons:
Steam cleaning of carpets and upholstery
External window cleaning and pressure washing
Oven and range hood deep cleaning
Carpet protection treatments
Ongoing maintenance cleaning schedules
Dust removal
Construction dust contains fine particles that penetrate surfaces and air systems, requiring HEPA-filtered vacuums and special techniques for their complete removal.
Professional cleaners understand that construction dust behaves unpredictably—it can float back into the air with movement or airflow, cling to surfaces and equipment through electrostatic charge, and penetrate porous materials.
That’s why they use systematic methods—starting high and dry, progressing top to bottom and clean to dirty—and rely on HEPA‑filtered vacuums and damp‑mopping, which capture and remove dust standard tools often miss, as opposed to regular vacuums that often stir up fine dust rather than remove it.
Professional cleaners handle debris removal as part of their service, though major renovation waste disposal may require separate arrangements.
What are the phases of after builders cleaning?
Professional after builders cleaning follows a structured two-phase approach, though some companies offer a third phase for optimal results:
Phase 1: Initial clean (rough clean)
Sweeping a floor covered with post-construction debris. | Source: iStock
The initial clean, the rough cleaning, is normally performed midway through construction or immediately after major building work, focusing on large debris removal, dust extraction, and clearing construction waste. This phase includes:
Removing construction materials, tools, and large debris
Sweeping and heavy-duty vacuuming of floors and surfaces
Basic dust control in areas where drywall or sanding occurred
Clearing walkways and preparing spaces for final trades
The initial clean also gives builders an opportunity to identify defects in workmanship that can be rectified before project completion. Understanding builder costs and responsibilities helps clarify whether this initial cleaning phase is included in your construction contract or requires a separate arrangement.
The final clean occurs after all construction work has finished and involves the most thorough cleaning stage, focusing on deep cleaning all surfaces and removing construction defects. This comprehensive phase includes:
Precision cleaning of fixtures, appliances, and fittings
Detailed attention to baseboards, window sills, and architectural features
Removal of paint splatters, grout haze, and adhesive residues
Polishing of all finished surfaces
Complete sanitisation of kitchens and bathrooms
This final detail clean is what sets real builders clean apart from regular house cleaning and gives your home that showroom-quality finish.
Contact local cleaners
8 reasons why you should invest in after builders cleaning services
Professional cleaners working at a new home. | Source: iStock
Investing in professional after builders cleaning offers significant benefits that extend far beyond basic cleanliness:
1. Deeper sanitisation
Construction work introduces contaminants that standard cleaning cannot address. According to WorkSafe Australia, construction dust can contain respirable crystalline silica (RCS) particles that can remain suspended in the air longer than typical dust. When inhaled, they can penetrate deep into the lungs.
Professional cleaners use industrial equipment and specialised products to eliminate fine dust particles, chemical residues, and potential allergens that could affect your family’s health.
2. New surface protection
Your renovation represents a significant investment. Professional cleaners understand how to clean different materials without causing damage, protecting your new surfaces while removing construction residues that could cause long-term problems if left untreated.
3. Improved air quality
Construction dust circulates through air systems long after work completion, potentially causing respiratory issues. Safe Work Australia’s workplace exposure standards require that no person be exposed to respirable crystalline silica dust above 0.05mg/m³ as an 8-hour time-weighted average.
Professional cleaning includes air vent cleaning and dust extraction that significantly improves indoor air quality.
4. Time and energy savings
After builders cleaning is intensive work that can take 25–30 hours for a single-storey home. Smart homeowners who plan their renovation budget include professional cleaning costs upfront, saving themselves significant time and effort while ensuring superior results.
5. Professional results and peace of mind
Professional cleaners identify construction defects that untrained eyes might miss, complementing building inspections, ensuring your space is ready for enjoyment or sale. This expertise, combined with insurance coverage, provides peace of mind that the job will be done right.
6. Increased property value and appeal
A professionally cleaned post-construction space maximises your home renovation investment and makes a significant difference in how buyers or tenants perceive your property.
Clean, sparkling surfaces showcase the quality of your renovation work and help potential occupants envision themselves in the space, potentially increasing offers and reducing time on the market. This is helpful for homeowners who plan to sell or have their home rented out in the future.
7. Compliance with safety standards
Construction sites can leave behind hazardous materials like sharp debris, chemical residues, and fine particles that pose safety risks. Professional cleaners are trained to identify and safely dispose of these materials according to Australian safety regulations, ensuring your space meets occupancy standards.
8. Professional cleaners ensure your home is safe for move-in
Most construction contracts don’t include comprehensive post-build cleaning, leaving property owners responsible for the final cleanup.
While no uniform legal requirement exists at the federal level for after builder cleaners, qualifications like the CPP30321 Certificate III in Cleaning Operations are widely recognised and valued in this profession. It covers critical competencies in chemical handling, safety practices, equipment use, and service delivery, showcasing a cleaner’s professionalism, especially in detailed post-build scenarios.
5 tips on choosing a reliable after builders cleaner
Wiping off dust on lamps. | Source: iStock
Selecting the right cleaning service ensures quality results and protects your investment:
1. Verify experience and specialisation. Look for companies that specifically advertise after builders cleaning, not just general cleaning services. One green flag is that when you ask about ‘what is a builder’s clean,’ they can answer by defining what it does, what it’s for, and how it’s different from general cleaning. Ask about their experience with construction cleaning and request examples of similar projects.
2. Check licensing and insurance. Ensure the company holds appropriate licences and comprehensive insurance coverage. This step protects you from liability if accidents occur on your property.
3. Review customer feedback. Read online reviews and ask for recent customer references. Pay attention to comments about punctuality, thoroughness, and professionalism.
4. Understand service scope and pricing. Get detailed quotes that clearly outline what’s included and excluded in their package. Be wary of quotes that appear too good to be true, as they might suggest cost-cutting or the use of inexperienced staff.
5. Confirm equipment and products. Ask about the cleaning equipment and products they use. Look for companies that use HEPA-filtered vacuums, eco-friendly products where possible, and have insurance for their equipment.
Some helpful questions to ask
Before hiring an after builders cleaning service, ask these essential questions to ensure you’re making the right choice:
Do you bring your own equipment and supplies, or do I need to provide anything?
What specific services are included in your quoted price, and what costs extra?
How do you structure your pricing—is it hourly, per square metre, or a flat rate?
How long do you estimate the cleaning will take for my specific project?
Do you offer any guarantees on your work, and what happens if I’m not satisfied?
Can you provide recent references from similar construction cleaning projects?
What safety procedures do you follow when dealing with construction dust and chemicals, and do you comply with Safe Work Australia guidelines?
Should I clear away tools and materials before you arrive, and how should I prepare the space?
From construction to move-in ready
Completing a renovation or new build is exciting, but the reality of construction dust and debris can quickly dampen that excitement. The difference between a space that’s structurally finished and one that’s actually ready to live in often comes down to proper cleaning.
Professional cleaning ensures that your investment is protected and properly showcased, giving you the clean, fresh start in your newly improved space that you deserve. To find trusted after builders cleaners in your area, explore qualified cleaning professionals who can deliver the quality results your project deserves.
FAQs on after builders cleaning
How can I prepare for new home cleaning?
Clear away any remaining tools, materials, and large debris before the cleaners arrive. Protect valuables, remove fragile items, and communicate any specific areas of concern.
Is after builders cleaning different for new constructions vs. renovations?
While the core cleaning process is similar, post-renovation cleaning often involves more contained messes like drywall dust, while new constructions have site-wide debris. Specific services may vary.
What are some common areas that require extra attention during an after builders clean?
Areas like ductwork, appliances, cabinets, and windows often need extra attention to remove embedded construction grime and dust. Specialty after build cleaning may be required for fireplaces or intricate surfaces.
How long does an after builders cleaning usually take?
It takes about 1-3 days to complete a builders clean for a single-storey home if external windows are included. The actual time depends on the size of your property, the extent of construction work, and how clean your tradespeople were during the project.
Note that properties with complex architectural styles, such as Victorian or Colonial designs, often require additional time due to intricate details that require careful attention.
Can I stay in the house while it’s being cleaned?
It’s generally not recommended to stay in the house after builders clean, especially during the initial phases. The cleaning process involves strong chemicals, intensive dust removal, and potential safety hazards. If you must stay, ensure good ventilation and avoid areas being actively cleaned.
Is it different from end-of-lease cleaning?
Yes, significantly. While both are thorough cleaning services, after builders cleaning specifically addresses construction debris, dust, and trade defects using specialised equipment and techniques.
On the other hand, end-of-lease cleaning focuses on general deep cleaning to meet rental property standards and doesn’t typically involve removing construction residues.
Do I need to remove furniture beforehand?
If furniture was covered and protected during construction, it may only need surface cleaning. However, if furniture was exposed to construction dust, it should be professionally cleaned or temporarily removed to allow thorough cleaning of the space. You can discuss this concern with your cleaning service during the initial assessment.
As the world seems to be getting noisier and noisier, most of us are becoming even more determined to keep as much noise as possible out of our living spaces. With increased traffic outside, as well as high-tech stereos and entertainment centres in our homes – not to mention the smaller yards separating houses, it seems as if were more vulnerable than ever to the noises of our neighbours as well as the sounds produced by the rest of the outside world.
Soundproofing with plasterboard
There are three types of plasterboard that are commonly used for soundproofing:
Barrierboard: This Australian-made plasterboard comes from a composite material that reduces outside noise levels by as much as 75 percent. Barrierboard is comprised of two sheets, with a layer of insulation in between. This rigid, 32mm board wont sag or bend, and can be applied directly onto standard walls without having to make construction changes to areas such as doorways.
BoralSoundSTOP: Especially engineered for areas with acoustic walls and ceilings installations. Its used in conjunction with the Quiet Living, CinemaZone and PartiWALL systems produced by Boral. One advantage of the Quiet Living system is that is uses the same width as a standard interior wall, so its compatible with standard window frames, door jambs and other features. Likewise, Borals CinemaZone system is specially designed to protect your home theatre room from outside noises while enhancing and controlling the noise levels from the theatre speakers. Note: Boral SoundSTOP is so effective that loud outside voices can only be heard as a quiet murmur indoors. If more sound blocking is needed, you can add another layer to the wall.
GyprockSoundchek: This 10mm plasterboard is made with a thick, sound-reflective gypsum core thats layered with heavy-strength liner boards. It comes in two levels: STC 45, which can make conversations inaudible, and STC 50, which reduces sounds produced by music.
Enhancing your soundproofing
To enhance your plasterboard soundproofing, you can combine it with either wall or roof insulation to add another layer of protection. You can also apply it to solid doors that have been surrounded with protective door seals. If you have an entertainment centre or home theatre, you’ll want to also install soft carpeting and furnishings that are quiet and don’t creak. Additionally, take steps to ensure that light switches and power points aren’t placed back to back, as sound can leak through the gaps that were created for these installations.
Along with plasterboard, ensuring your home is properly insulated will help reduce noise / Source: Active Vac and Insulation
Soundproof doors
A soundproof door is heavily insulated to block out noise and vibrations from the outside. This reduction in noise is achieved with strong acoustic seals and quality insulation. Acoustic doors are made in accordance with standards of sound resistance and should be certified after testing. They are available in a wide range of materials like laminated steel, galvanised steel and also sheet metals.
Different types
Once you have considered your soundproof requirements, you can choose doors in different sizes and types.
The main doors available include the following:
Double or single sliding doors
Swinging doors, single or double.
Smoke or fire doors.
Magnamatic or electronic automatic doors.
Lightweight or heavy doors.
Soundproof windows
Noise from the street can get in easily through single glazed windows. The glass is thin, but there are also small holes and gaps around the window frame and joints that allow sound to transmit into your home. The sound can also travel through vibration as the noise hits the glass and vibrates through your house. Ensuring that your windows are well-sealed is one step to take, but getting them double glazed provides extra soundproofing.
Double glazed windows
Double glazed windows are completely sealed and do not allow the air to vibrate sound into your home. There are two layers of glass with a small gap between them, which helps to kill the vibration. Additionally, the extra pane of glass means that any outside noise has two panes to travel through before it can break into the peacefulness of your home. Double glazed windows can prevent the transmission of noise by up to 70 percent. New home builds will likely have double glazed windows, however older homes will need to retrofit these.
Contact local glaziers
Other soundproofing tips
In addition to plasterboard, soundproof doors and windows, here’s some other tips to minimise noise where it’s needed; for example a home theatre.
Ensuring adequate insulation throughout the ceiling and walls
Plush furnishing and carpet, as well as heavy window coverings that can absorb sound
Whether you have natural grass, sod or artificial turf, there may come a time when you need to do some maintenance to whip your lawn into shape again. For example, if your lawn has brown spots or is looking worn, it’s probably time to take action. Here we’ll explore whether you should be replacing or repairing your lawn in order to bring it back to it’s full glory.
The best time to work on your lawn
The best time to repair or replace your lawn is between late autumn and spring. During this season, your lawn is starting to hibernate in preparation for the peak growing season.
If you need to repair your lawn, the best time is between late autumn and spring / Source: Old School Landscaping
Signs your lawn needs to be repaired
Signs that your lawn needs to be repaired include:
Bare spots in your lawn
Large areas of lawn that don’t look healthy
Areas of lawn that are burned
There are a lot of weeds in your lawn
Areas of the lawn look old or worn
Pieces of turf are missing or damaged
The best ways to repair your lawn
There are different maintenance techniques that you can use to revive your lawn. Here are some useful lawn maintenance techniques:
1. Aeration
Weeds thrive in arid, dense soil and plants starve from deprived oxygen and nutrients. Aerating your soil is the best way to achieve rapid repair. It breaks through thatched layers, enables roots to breathe and increases water and nutrient penetration.Aeration makes the soil more able to absorb water, and being doing this regularly you’ll likely reduce the amount of water needed to keep your lawn looking healthy all year round.
To aerate your lawn, use an aerating tool to loosen compacted soil during autumn or early winter. After aerating put fertiliser, sand or compost over the grass to give added nutrients to the soil. Be sure to trim your lawn down before aerating in order to get as deep in the soil and root system as possible.
2. Dethatching
Dethatching is a process where you remove a layer of grass stems, roots, clippings and other debris that have accumulated in your lawn. Although having thatch is important, a build-up of debris can suffocate your lawn, causing it to look worn and dull. Too much of thatch can also prevent water and essential nutrients from seeping into the roots of the grass. An easy way to dethatch your lawn is to go over it thoroughly with a rake to remove the debris.
3. Seeding
Spread new grass seeds over your lawn if you have a lot of brown or burned spots. Spread more seeds than you need to make your lawn look thick and lush.
Signs your lawn needs to be replaced
If your lawn is in really bad condition, maintenance techniques won’t be enough to save it. Signs you need to completely replace your lawn include:
The entire lawn is dead
Large areas of the lawn are dead and have not responded to maintenance attempts
The turf is damaged or worn
Sometimes a lawn will need to be completely replaced / Source: All Lawns and Garden
How to replace your lawn
To replace your lawn, you first need to remove your existing lawn. Use a hoe to uproot the entire lawn, including the roots, and rake away all the debris. Then spread rich topsoil as a base for your new lawn. After you have done these steps, you can spread new grass seeds or lay new sod. Be sure to give your lawn plenty of water.
If you are planning to lay artificial turf, you should still remove the old lawn and debris, but you don’t need to lay a rich topsoil, since artificial turf is not alive.
Tips for maintaining your lawn
Feed your lawn
Nourishment is the key to maintaining a lawn that looks good. For a healthy looking lawn, ensure that it has adequate fertiliser. Fertilisers should be added in spring to promote good growth in the summer. Fertilisers can be bought at gardening stores, or in the gardening section of hardware department stores. When buying fertiliser, make sure you buy one specifically made for lawns. Lawn fertilisers may be organic, synthetic or a combination of the two.
Prior to applying fertiliser, make sure that your lawn is free of weeds and is well aerated. To simplify your job, there are a number of fertilisers that come with added weedkillers. Apply fertiliser in even coats. Doubling up the fertiliser may burn the grass. Once you have added the fertiliser, remember to water it in.
Remove weeds
Removing weeds is essential to promoting healthy lawn growth. Weeds grow very quickly and easily and can hamper the growth of your lawn if given the chance to grow. Weeds should be pulled out as soon as they come in. There are special tools that you can use to weed while standing.
Contact local gardeners
Ensure adequate water supply
Lawns need to be watered regularly for healthy growth. Lawns are best watered in the morning before the sun comes out. Make it a practice to water your lawn at the roots. This will promote growth at the deeper root level as well.
Learn how to mow
Make sure you mow your lawn the correct way. Never mow it shorter than 7.5 centimetres. Any shorter, and portions of your lawn may actually die off.
Keep your lawn slightly acidic
Plan to periodically — annually is best — test your lawn’s pH with a soil testing kit. You want it be slightly acidic at about 6 or 6.5. Any higher, and your lawn is too alkaline, lower and it’s too acidic. You can fix acidic lawns by spreading dolomite or garden lime. An alkaline lawn can be repaired by spreading sulphate of ammonia over the lawn. With any of these products, make sure to carefully follow the instructions and water them into the lawn well.
They say the body is a temple, but since most of our modern life is spent working it can be difficult to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. As many of us are now making the shift to working from home, we also have the opportunity to be more flexible with how we approach this balance.
Here are some ideas to help you stay motivated and healthy when working from home.
1. Alignment of values
It’s been well documented that to be fulfilled by their work, people must have an understanding of the company’s strategies, mission, values, and ethics, and align them to their ideals. The product, its purpose, social and environmental impacts should all be considered. If you’re consistently unhappy with your organisation, they may not align with your personal morals.
2. Keep learning
In order to stay motivated with your career, it’s vital that you continue to learn. If your work is starting to feel stale consider enrolling in a short course or take a look for any upcoming seminars or workshops. Sometimes a fresh perspective and meeting like-minded colleagues can make all the difference.
3. Have courageous conversations
Learning to say ‘no’ on occasion can be challenging but is imperative to protecting your health. It’s important to have courageous conversations with others when something needs to be said, but the message is complicated and sensitive. The immediate discomfort will pass, but is preferable to the accumulation of long-term effects of ignored problems being swept under the rug.
4. Take breaks
Taking scheduled breaks, where possible stepping outside for some fresh air, will help break up your day. You should also consider scheduling in regular mini-breaks and getaways will help to de-stress – having something to look forward to on the horizon is almost as fun as the holiday itself.
5. Contributing and adding value
As conscientious employees, people want to contribute to the team (especially when they’re not physically present) and add value to the company. Try volunteering to assist on special projects – within healthy limits. A cohesive, healthy team will celebrate individual and group wins.
6. Ask for help
Sometimes work can get on top of everyone. Pulling together during more challenging times is a sign of a good workplace. Don’t be afraid to call for help when and if you need it. If the company culture is the right one for you, the team will be receptive and supportive.
7. Be understanding
Try to understand people and their real motivations when they act negatively or in an unexpected way. A little empathy can go a long way to diffusing tough situations, and protect you from internalising the negativity of the situation. It’s also important to remember that when communicating via email/chat, the tone of the conversation is very different to in-person, and therefore people can be easily misinterpreted.
8. Ergonomics
Ensure your home office set up is as ergonomic as possible. A healthy posture will help with not only physical wellbeing but can also help you feel alert, focused and confident. Consider furnishing your home office with an up-and-down, standing desk that will promote better health than sitting all day. Stash the spare yoga mat and exercise bag and stretch daily. Wear nice, but comfy clothing and supportive footwear.
Finding a positive outlet for emotions is another excellent way to protect an employee at work or when dealing with work stress from home. What works for some won’t work for others. For example, some might blow off stress by going for a run, while others simply need to step out for some fresh air and sunlight.
10. Know your limitations
When working, a good employee will want to do everything right. They’ll want to be seen as authoritative and will want to be able to do it all. Knowing one’s limitations will help them to avoid mistakes, illness, and breakdowns.
11. Mindfulness
One should practice mindfulness and breathing. Being present, being aware of stresses on the body and focusing one’s attention on the current task is essential. Try a 5-minute lunchtime meditation to calm your mind and help focus.
12. Healthy meal options
Keeping up a healthy amount of vitamins and nutrients is essential for overall well being. Choose healthy lunch options like fresh salads or sandwiches, and snack on high energy foods like fruits and nuts. Try mixing it up with some vegetarian options – it’ll push you to be more creative with your meals, trying things you may not have otherwise thought out.
13. Plan the week’s diet
Even if you’re working from home, being prepared can help make life easier. Prepping weekly menus will keep you from resorting to the convenient, less healthy options because you’re hungry and unprepared.
14. Drink more water
Buy a large drink bottle for the office, and make sure it is filled up daily with fresh water. If you’re not great at remembering to hydrate while working, try setting reminders at intervals throughout the day to coach yourself toward better habits.
Wrap up
In the end, one’s success and happiness are majorly up to them; finding what they need from what they want. Aligning their values with a company’s and choosing a workplace that gives back to their workforce, the external community, and to the planet is increasingly more critical. Having robust, best-practice strategies, like the ones above, promote wellness and can fix or mitigate many potential health risks people face from outside and within. Being kind to others and remembering that the workplace is made up of humans working together, even when using remotely, will make work and life more balanced and better for everyone.
The first step in any new home construction or redesign is finding a professional designer who will help make your dreams a reality. This is not something for the amateurs; you need to go pro if you want to get the most practical, beautiful home out there for you and your family. That means you’ll need to either employ a building designer or an architect. However, this process can be tricky – and it’s not one you can afford to mess up. We’ve put together a guide here that will help you choose which type of designer is best and how to find the right one.
Qualifications
Architects and building designers are both qualified to design buildings, but there are some legal differences between the two. An architect is required to have the following:
Successful completion of required university courses specific to the architectural field
Acceptance and up-to-date membership (with all current fees paid) in the state board of architecture
Necessary insurance licenses and registration/certification documents
Building designers aren’t required to have any of these things, but they do need to be licensed from an appropriate state building board, such as a Building Services Authority, and they have to be fully insured with the requisite policies. These legal requirements are nationwide and were implemented for the protection of consumers.
Although it’s not required, a large number of building designers also join distinguished professional organizations, such as the Building Designers Association or the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. In order to join, designers have to prove their competency, and membership is an added cachet that can help inspire consumer confidence.
Architects and building designers can create detailed renders of your building plans / Source: Artin Design
Who is more competent?
Builders and architects should be judged by their individual competencies and merits. As with architects, many building designers have established a stellar reputation through years of accomplishment and enthusiastic client referrals. Likewise, some building designers or architects may be more comfortable designing commercial buildings rather than residential homes. Otherwise, you should consider the two designations as being completely equal and go from there.
Finding the right building designer or architect
When contacting a building professional, you’ll first want to get their references and credentials. Your builder should be fully insured and licensed to work in the state where your building site is. Look for membership in reputable professional organizations; these are always a plus. Check referrals and ask for photos of similar jobs. If the building designer or architect is new in the profession, ask for copies of preliminary studies and design drawings.
After establishing credentials, discuss your design specifications to determine if this particular professional can accomplish the results you’re looking for.
Contact local building designers
The price of a designer
Odds are that you’ll never find two building designers with the same type of fee structures – they’re usually very dissimilar. They might offer a fixed or an hourly fee, first off, and the cost will be dependent on the varying levels of service they offer. Basic services might only include a consultation, site visit and design and would only include the most bare-bones drawings. More advanced services generally include consultant use and the design of the landscape and interior, along with the electrical layout. Eventually, you’ll likely be charged a percentage of the total price of the project. A rough estimate might come out to 7.5% of the total for full service or around 5% of the total for basic service. Don’t forget to get an upfront look at the fees before you sign any contract.
Outdoor lights serve a practical purpose, illuminating dark spaces, lighting a pathway and securing your home during the night. Along with its functional benefits, outdoor lighting decor can replace a gloomy and uninviting space with an ambient glow in your backyard. Create an idyllic zone in the comfort of your own garden with our stunning ideas to decorate an outdoor space with lights.
The benefits of outdoor lighting
You can use outdoor lighting for functional tasks, or you can use it as a decorative accent. Task lighting should be placed in areas where there is high traffic and activity, such as above the barbecue grill or on pathways. Likewise, accent lighting can be placed anywhere to showcase the porch or an attractive item in the garden, such as a special tree or a beautiful statue. Accent lighting can also divert the viewer’s attention from items you may not want to put on display, such as a weather-worn doghouse or a sagging clothesline in the backyard.
Before you start shopping for outdoor lighting, decide what you want the lights for. Will they be decorative and subtle, or should they be bright enough for high activity areas outside? Do you just want to showcase water features and garden attractions, or will you be lighting up pathways so that you and your visitors can see at night?
Garden uplights
LED uplights are mounted at ground level to focus light upwards and illuminate surrounding plants, showcase the architectural features of your home and create a modern edge to your garden and landscaping. Uplights can update a dull garden wall or add character to a mundane space and are inconspicuous during the day.
Uplights are designed to withstand fluctuating weather conditions and temperature changes and installing a durable copper ground light will further extend the life of your ground light. When adding an uplight, angling the light creates harsh shadows but positioning the light close to the base of a plant, will let the light beam travel upwards.
String lights
For a cafe-inspired vintage look, hang rows of string lights overhead or across a gazebo. String lights can cover a wide range of space and function as a versatile decorating option for a unique outdoor space.
Take precaution and avoid any loose power leads or exposed hooks as you install your outdoor string lights. Secure outdoor leads and chords with electrical tape or clips rather than utilising screws or hooks which are prone to corrosion. String lights are available in a range of colours and styles, but low wattage incandescent lights are popular for its tinge of yellow. Before purchasing a string light, confirm it is fitted with LED bulbs for a longer-lasting alternative in your outdoor space.
Nylon lanterns
Nylon lanterns are finished with a soft lustre and a bright finish and are an eye-catching addition to your garden. Unlike than the traditional paper lantern, nylon lanterns are also wind and water-resistant making it more acclimatised to the outdoors.
Solar lanterns are an energy-efficient alternative, with most solar lanterns equipped with dual LED bulbs, rechargeable batteries and built-in sensors that allow the lanterns to switch on automatically and glow for up to eight hours.
Contact local electricians
Deck lights
Power choices in deck lights
You will need a power source for your deck lights. There are three main types you can choose from. You can opt for hard-wired lights that you can control from dimmers or switches, lights that simply plug into your regular electrical outlets or solar-powered lights. With these options, even a beginner can change the atmosphere of their deck using deck lights.
Pod lights
These lights are very versatile and can be mounted virtually anywhere on your deck. Pod lights offer bright lighting and low profiles that can be used to create dramatic lighting effects. You can also place pod lights in areas with plants to diffuse the light, creating a softer effect. For this type of lighting hard-wiring is usually required since they are halogen or LED-based.
Deck post lights
Deck post lights are the easiest to install and can often be found in solar-powered models. They are designed to simply fit over the top of a deck post and usually only require a set-screw to hold them in place. While solar-powered deck post lights are the easiest to instal and require no outside power source, they may not offer a great amount of reliable light.
Inset lighting
Although inset lighting is the most difficult to install, it can also be the most beautiful type of deck lighting. As the name suggests, inset lighting must have holes drilled in the decking for the lights to be set into, and these lights usually require hard-wiring. If you are not well-versed in electrical work, this may be best left to the professionals.
Inset lighting can be used on deck steps to light them up for safety precautions and used to create a lit walkway up to the main deck area. You can opt for accent lighting with the lights placed strategically around the deck or you can create a more dramatic flair with lights running around the perimeter of your deck.
Lights illuminating the entrance to a property / Source: Super Home Services
Lighting options for your pergola
You may be surprised by just how many options there are for lighting your pergola. Take your time exploring them to find the lighting that best suits you and your home. Some of the common lighting methods are:
Outdoor fireplaces
Solar lights
Fire pits
Sensor lights
Torches
String lights
Chimineas
Candles
Solar lights
Spot/floodlights
Lanterns
Budgeting and lighting
While the costs of the lights themselves are always a consideration when planning your budget, don’t forget the cost of running the lights. Electrical lights are becoming increasingly expensive as the cost of electricity rises, even more so if they are not energy efficient. You might also consider the cost of replacing lights that become damaged by weather or by accident.
More and more people are growing their own vegetables at home as an alternative to buying from the supermarket. There are many reasons for this, not least the fact that it can be quite a considerable saving from your weekly grocery bill. In addition to this, if you grow your own, you’ll know for sure that they haven’t been chemically treated and can harvest them at the peak of their freshness for that extra special taste. You don’t even need a large garden or plots of soil, as there is a large number of vegetables which can be grown in pots.
Choosing which vegetables to grow
Of course, the first consideration when growing your own vegetables is your personal taste, so you’ll want to pick some of your favourite greens. Another thing to consider is the requirements of each plant; most need different amounts of sunlight and water, plus their own pot, but some veg can be grown together, like tomatoes and cucumber.
Potting your vegetables
Any type of pot is usually adequate for growing vegetables, even old buckets or cans, but you’ll generally want to use a clay pot with holes in the bottom so surplus water can drain out. These pots can be sealed to prevent too much water escaping. The colour of the pot is important too; for vegetables that need a lot of heat, you should use a dark pot and for those that need less heat, a lighter coloured pot is preferable. The size of the pot you use will obviously depend on the size of the veg you are growing, with larger greens such as tomatoes and squash needing large pots. The final thing to consider before planting your seeds is the type of soil that the plant will need in order to grow. Usually, this will be indicated on the seed packet, but most pots should be filled with a sterile, pH adjusted soil with fertiliser and water retention granules.
Vegetables and herbs growing in pots / Source: Shutterstock
Growing your vegetables
Once you’ve selected and planted your vegetables, it’s time to let them grow. They obviously need sunlight and water, but care and attention are the most vital ingredients. Regularly watering your plants will keep them from becoming dehydrated and give them the best chance to flourish.
How to grow cucumbers
Cucumbers are classified as fruits as they take well to warm weather and come in a wide variety of types. Nonetheless, cucumbers can be a staple food item and are a great plant to grow in your first vegetable garden with numerous health benefits:
Plant in early spring
Plant cucumbers early in September as a seedling or newly planted seeds.
Pick a spot with lots of nutrients and organic matter
Cucumbers need lots of water while growing so plant seeds in moist, loose soil that’s well-drained.
Give them space
Distance your cucumbers half – a metre apart to give them space to grow.
How to grow potatoes
Potatoes are a versatile vegetable with a wide range of uses. While potatoes can grow from an existing potato, planting seeds from a local garden centre will give you a better yield of crops.
Timing is key
Plant potatoes between late Feb- September and you should see growth within a week to ten days. Potatoes will mature in four to five months. Potatoes should be planted at least 10cm deep and at least 50cm apart from each other.
Additions will help
Loosen up your garden’s soil with additives like manure that provides the needed phosphorus for potatoes.
Keep your crops covered
During the early growth phase, keep potatoes covered with soil and mulch because sunlight can render potatoes inedible. Keep potatoes moderately watered but overwatering can cause rotting.
Harvest when vines die
The ideal time to harvest your plants should be when the lower half of the plan begins wilting, approximately a month after the flowering has begun. Store your harvested potatoes away from the full sun and ensure they’re completely dried before storing them away.
Contact local gardeners
How to grow garlic
Garlic is easy to grow all year round and while it’s a tiny addition to your recipes, a small clove makes a big difference in flavour and seasoning.
Plant in full sun
Choose an area of your garden that receives full sun all day. Garlic doesn’t use seeds and a clove can be planted in a pot or a patch as it won’t harm plants nearby.
Garlic blooms in March
The middle of March when the days are shorter and nights are cooler, make it an ideal time to plant garlic. Plant a garlic clove two to three centimetres under the soil with the narrow end upward facing. Separate your cloves about a fist distance apart in rows that are about 35cms wide. Water garlic generously about twice a week.
Harvest garlic cloves when the leaves die
Simply grab the stalk of the plant and pull the bulb from the soil. Simply brush the dirt off rather than washing a garlic clove.
Pruning herbs and vegetables can encourage their growth / Source: Shutterstock
Growing herbs
Many herbs are seasonal and will only survive until the growing season is over. Basil is a fast-growing herb, and its growth is encouraged by pruning. Try putting this in a window during the summer months. Remove flowers from cooler-climate herbs like coriander and dill, and they’ll last much, much longer. The pruning helps to keep them compact and will help keep the herb yields higher.
A more inexperienced gardener might want to go for herbs like rosemary, sage and thyme. The less attention paid to them, the stronger they’ll be. One thing to watch out for when you start to plant – lookout for pests. They can quickly become a problem. In order to combat insects, be sure to use natural products or solutions to get rid of them once and for all.
Our kitchens are communal spaces for creativity and nourishment. Here are our top kitchen lighting ideas that combine style with energy-saving technology to enhance the culinary experience and create an ambient space the entire family can enjoy.
Three different kinds of kitchen lights
There are three major types of kitchen lights to mention:
General lighting
General lighting illuminates the entire room. Mostly, this will be overhead lighting, which can be either recessed lighting or a hanging light.
Task lighting
Task lighting is that which is designed for specific purposes. It is an essential feature in every kitchen, making it easier to perform tasks in some of the most common areas of the kitchen such as the bench, sink and stove. Don’t be restrained to one central light source but consider the unique way your family uses the kitchen and add a mixture of light sources that will adjust to your specific tasks.
Mood and accent lighting
Mood and accent lighting is key to creating an inviting atmosphere in a kitchen. Without it, any expensive and luxurious features might go under the radar and be missed.
Mood lighting creates an inviting atmosphere / Source: Caliber Kitchens
Light switches
General lighting should have switches at all entry and exit points. Rather than simply using a single switch for all task lighting fixtures, have separate ones for different areas. In U-shaped kitchens, for example, include separate lights and switches on both sides of the U. If there is an island in the middle of the room, it is a good idea to instal a specific light to illuminate it, with a separate switch to the main general overhead lighting in the room. Dimmer switches are important for accent lights to allow you to create different moods when you want.
Space savers
Lampshades and lanterns take up precious floor or bench space in small kitchens but opting for ceiling or wall lighting fixtures can help illuminate the space in a functional and trendy way.
In tight corners, dark pantries or small spaces, illuminate with stylish light alternatives. Rope lights or strip lights are practical, space-saving solutions in those tight, tricky kitchen spots. Adding a row of LED lights to your pantry, cabinets or narrow shelves is a stylish and practical way to brighten dark corners.
Contact local kitchen experts
LED strip lights
LED strip lights are small lights installed on a strip and spaced so that they provide even light. Strips can be used separately or joined together, depending on the length of the area you want to light.
Because of their qualities, LED strip lights are great choices for kitchen lighting. They are functional, modern and good for the environment because they use little energy to run and they do not emit heat. Add in the fact that they resist moisture and are very sturdy, and you have a perfect lighting choice for your kitchen.
They are also extremely cost-effective because the bulbs last so long some last longer than 40,000 hours! No more standing on ladders and changing bulbs LED strip lighting might last longer than your kitchen.
Pendant lights
Pendant lights use space efficiently and accentuate a focal point in your kitchen by positioning pendants over central areas of the kitchen to organise a small space. Avoid oversized pendants in a small kitchen space but opt for pendants with petite shades or sleek edges, rather than a wide cylindrical shape to complement your space. Pendants generally require higher ceilings so consider the height of your ceiling.
Pendant lights can make a statement in a kitchen / Source: Bryce Parker Homes
Sunlight
Sunlight is an ideal source of ambient light that is entirely free. Save space and utilise natural light in your home by removing upper cabinets in exchange for extra window space. Upper cabinets impede incoming light and without the obstruction, natural light will bathe your kitchen space with bright and ambient light during the day.
An electrician can help you pick out the perfect lighting fixtures to help you create the ideal kitchen. In fact, you can even find a lighting consultant to help you pick them out as well. Whatever you choose to do, never overlook the importance of lighting when doing kitchen renovations. They really can make the difference between a boring, ordinary kitchen, and a truly spellbinding one.
Mulching is beneficial for new and established gardens alike. If you want to make your garden look healthy and beautiful, you should definitely consider applying a layer of mulch. Mulching is the application of a top layer of organic or inorganic material over your garden’s soil and can provide so many benefits to your garden.
Mulch benefits
It conserves water in the soil
Organic mulches add nutrients to the soil
It helps prevent soil erosion
It keeps your plants from getting too hot or too cold
It helps prevent weeds from growing
Types of mulch
There are a number of different mulches that fall into two broad categories, organic and inorganic.
Organic mulches
Organic mulches are made from biodegradable plant-based materials, and they fertilise the soil as they break down over time. Common types of organic mulches are:
Barkand wood chip mulches are attractive, stay in place well and don’t blow away in the wind.
Sawdust mulch is inexpensive and it acidifies the soil, so it’s a good type of mulch to use around plants that require acidic growing conditions. However, it’s light and tends to blow away during windy weather, absorbs nitrogen from the soil, so you may have to fertilise more often and does very little to stop weeds from growing.
Straw mulch is even less expensive than sawdust, and it does a great job of keeping weeds from growing.
Mulch will help newly planted plants to grow / Source: Nature Build
Inorganic mulches
Inorganic mulches are made from a variety of non-biodegradable materials. They last longer than organic mulches, but they don’t break down over time and don’t fertilise the soil. On the other hand, they don’t remove nutrients from the soil either. Some common types of inorganic mulches include:
Graveland crushed stone mulches are available in a variety of colours, which allows you to add a bit of colour to your garden beds. To prevent the small stones from mixing into your soil, place a layer of landscape fabric underneath.
Plastic mulch does a good job of keeping weeds from growing, and it helps prevent moisture loss from the soil. Plastic also prevents the soil from absorbing water, so a watering system needs to be installed underneath it. One big disadvantage to plastic mulch is that it isn’t environmentally friendly and can potentially leach toxins into the soil or underground water supply. In addition, pets and wildlife may eat it, which could cause intestinal blockages.
Fabric mulch comes in large sheets of tightly-woven fabric. Fabric mulch is excellent at preventing weeds from growing. Because fabric mulch isn’t very attractive, it’s usually topped with another type of mulch.
Applying mulch
Firstly, when you apply a layer of organic mulch around your plants remember that the best time to spread mulch which is in late winter/early spring. Secondly, remember to never mulch when the ground is frozen. Thirdly, remember to feed the plants before mulching and finally remember that too much mulch will stifle bulbs.
Contact local gardeners
Depth of mulch
If you’re using chunks of cedar, put them about 5-inches below the surface. They’re bigger and need additional time to breakdown. Same holds for other large organic materials like eggshells, banana peels or things that have gone to rot in your refrigerator’s crisper section. Grass clippings should be used only an inch-or-so down. You don’t want to use toxic materials where you’d like to grow good things.
Separate from the plant
Keep the mulch separated from the plant. Putting your plants too close to decomposing materials can breed diseases that could infect the existing growth.
Separate from your house
The wood that’s used to build your house can be severely damaged by termites. Mulch harbours wetness and these wood-eaters love moisture.
We recommend taking an inventory of the soil and the plants and soil where you’d like to mulch. Consider how the drainage is and what type of covering might enhance the growth of the plants. Also, think about whether these plants grow well in acidy soil. Fortunately, most available mulch is pretty neutral and can be applied just about anywhere. If you already have a cover of mulch, rake it to break it up. Avoid mulch that smells sour. Also, be aware that some products can be dangerous to pets. Read the warnings carefully or ask the salesperson if the mulch is animal-friendly. Creating a compost bin will let you make your own mulch. Add wood chips, leaves, bark and wood to the area you’ve set aside. Let it sit for a month, then turn it over. Give it a little more time. Repeat the mixing process and shovel as much as you need into a wheelbarrow. Presto! DIY mulch.
