We’ve completed the early childhood playground redesign that features a timber truck, balance beam, sink area, sand pit and chalk board. It is a great learning space for early learners to explore. The sinks help with the clean up of messy activities. See the end result in our 5th episode of “What are they constructing?”
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Leichhardt Public School Playground Redesign – New Video
We’ve made a new video revealing the gorgeous Leichhardt Public School Playground redesign. Here’s a 1 minute overview of the design and construction features that made this school playground project an award winner. Vote for us in the #NationalAward Australian Landscaper of the Year. Outdoor Retreats Landscaping, Leichhardt Public School (NSW)
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2021 Landscape Excellence Award – Leichhardt Public School Playground
Outdoor Retreats Landscaping has won two awards from The Landscape Association. We won the Gold Award for Leichhardt Public School playground redesign. Out of the pool of all entries we also took out the Best in Category for Commercial and Civil Construction $250,000-$750,000. We teamed up with @outhouse_design, Salken Engineering , Raw Built Projects, and […]
Our COVID-19 Pandemic Policy
We are all making changes to the way we work and live during this pandemic. At Outdoor Retreats Landscaping we are very aware of our obligations to help contain the spread of the virus and to ensure the safety of our team, our clients and the community. For full details of how we are […]
Tips for designing an outdoor kitchen
Once upon a time, it was enough to wheel out a portable barbecue and call it an outdoor kitchen. But nowadays people want something more permanent, more extravagant and more of a showpiece to utilise when they’re entertaining. In fact, outdoor kitchens have become so popular that people tend to use them as their go-to […]
Top tips for landscaping small backyards
Many people have small backyards and that suits them just fine because it usually means they are easy to keep tidy and there’s less maintenance. However, when it comes to landscaping, small spaces can be more of a challenge to work with, especially if you’re not sure how to approach the job. Here are our top […]
5 factors to consider when planning a garden pond
Ponds are worthy additions to any garden. The soothing sound of running water and almost hypnotic movements of beautiful fish can help relieve the stresses of modern day life, which is why many people choose to create a pond in their garden or outdoor space. But before you jump in and start digging out your […]
Top 5 benefits of rubber soft fall
Choosing a surface for a playground or other area where children play and safety is important can be difficult. One option is rubber soft fall. Read on to find out about some of the benefits of this great product. 1. Safety first First and foremost, rubber soft fall is a safe solution to use in […]
How to mow your lawn like a pro
Everyone wants a beautiful, healthy looking lawn. But achieving great results isn’t always easy. Luckily, with our help, you will be well on your way to having that perfect lawn in no time. Here are our top tips for mowing your lawn like a pro: 1. Best time of the day to mow The best […]
5 gardening-related New Year’s resolutions
We’ve reached that time of year when lots of people vow to turn over a new leaf and make a fresh start when it comes to certain aspects of their lives. Many people’s New Year’s resolutions will focus on things like drinking less, exercising more and eating more healthily, but why not kill two birds […]
DIY deck maintenance tips
The great Australian deck is something that allows us to capitalise on the warm climate we enjoy here in Sydney. It’s a place for both adults and kids alike to hang out and make the very most of outdoor living. However, while a professionally built deck will provide you with years of service, it is […]
Top tips when planning a swimming pool project
For many people, swimming pools are top of their list when it comes to outdoor investments. Not only do they provide hours of entertainment for both adults and children alike, but they can also significantly increase the value of your home. But, as with any project, success will largely depend on the planning phase, which […]
Tips to help boost your backyard/garden privacy
As houses get bigger, the size of gardens and backyards inevitably decreases. As a result, we’re living closer to our neighbours than ever before. Add to this the fact that many people choose to extend their houses upwards instead of outwards – which increases the chances of your garden being overlooked by an upstairs window […]
Why we all need bees
It’s estimated that bees pollinate around 30% of food crops worldwide. In other words, these vital pollinators are absolutely essential for global food production and, consequently, global food security. Unfortunately, though, the heavy use of pesticides globally has led to a significant decline in bee numbers. For example, in South West China, pesticide use has completely […]
The easy way to get an immaculate lawn? Fake it with synthetic grass
Even though synthetic grass has been around since the mid-1960s, the stuff that you can buy today is worlds apart from the first varieties that were available. That’s because artificial grass has evolved from a carpet-like turf to synthetic blades that look and feel like the real thing. Here are just some of the reasons […]
3 great outdoor heating ideas for the winter
Even though we enjoy a sunny climate here in Sydney, with mild winters and warm summers, there are times when you might find yourself in need of some additional outdoor heating. Fortunately, there are a number of options available, which let you entertain outside all year round and are pretty stylish to boot. Brazier First […]
Top tips to keep weeds under control
Weeds are an inevitable part of having a burgeoning garden, but they needn’t get you down. By taking a prevention is better than cure approach to weeding, you can ensure you stay on top and enjoy a beautiful garden all year round. Here are our top tips for removing weeds from your garden, without the […]
How to install a French drain
Last week, we showed you how to improve your garden drainage by installing an underground drain pipe. This week, we’re going to show you another garden drainage solution you can install yourself, which is a little more versatile – a French Drain. Unlike an underground drain pipe that takes water from one spot in your […]
How to improve garden drainage with a drainpipe
Hopefully, you’ll have already read our post last week on the importance of good garden drainage. If not, please take five minutes of your time to read it now as doing so will make today’s post much more relevant. Water is obviously essential for plants and flowers to thrive, but too much of it and […]
The importance of good garden drainage
Creating your dream garden is exciting and many people can’t wait to get stuck in. As a result, they begin planting without considering their soil’s structure or how it drains – an oversight that could literally make or break your garden. Unfortunately, on the face of it, drainage isn’t exciting. But the difference it can […]
5 tips to help get your kids excited about gardening
Gardening is a fantastic hobby for kids. Not only does it help develop their social and fine motor skills, but it also expands their learning about the natural world. But with all the distractions of modern life, such as social media and video games, getting kids outside into the garden – especially to do “gardening” […]
5 tips for attracting birds to your garden
Birds are a welcome addition to any garden. Not only are they voracious consumers of insects, but their wonderful songs add something special to the air. However, attracting them and encouraging them to stay can be tricky if you’re not sure what you’re doing. These 5 tips should help you get off on the right […]
How to prune a tree
While pruning trees is an activity that’s usually associated with winter, there will be occasions when you need to do it at other times of the year. But if you’ve never pruned a tree before, knowing what to do so your tree remains healthy and you stay within the law is vitally important. Before you […]
Landscaping 101: Use these 5 pro tips to kick-start your project
Whether your outdoor space needs a bit of a refresh or a complete overhaul, there are a few basic landscaping principles that can help you get your project on the right track from the start. And while many people will still opt to employ the services of a professional landscaping company, these five tips will […]
5 reasons to trust a professional landscaping company
While it’s easy to read the information on professional landscaping websites (like this one) and prepare yourself to undertake a landscaping project at home, the reality is that landscaping – especially large projects – is not as easy as it might seem. With that in mind, we’ve created a list of 5 reasons why you […]
5 landscaping tips to increase your home’s value
Whether you’re looking to sell your home in the near future or just want to add value to your property, undertaking a landscaping project is often win-win. That’s because a modest landscaping investment can result in a significant equity boost for your home. Here are 5 tips to help increase your home’s value with landscaping: […]
5 top health benefits of gardening
As we all find ourselves busier in our daily lives, getting chance or remembering to exercise can become increasingly difficult. It’s something we all know we should do for the good of our health, but we often don’t get round to it for whatever reason. It’s a sad and sobering fact that every year, one […]
Five common Australian garden pests and how to get rid of them
While there are lots of bugs that can be beneficial for your garden, others can be super destructive. If you’ve ever had an aphid infestation then you’ll know what I mean. Fortunately, many garden pests can be controlled using simple, organic solutions. Here are five common Australian garden pests and what you can do to […]
Landscape gardening in Sydney
One of the first things to consider when designing a garden is the local climate. This crucial factor massively influences what work you’ll undertake and what plants/flowers you’ll look to grow. The climate of Sydney is temperate to sub-tropical, meaning we usually get warm summers and mild winters, with rainfall spread throughout the year. As […]
Tips to help you use less water in your garden
Saving water is important. It not only helps the environment, but also reduces your expenses. And when you consider that Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world, saving water here simply makes sense. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of water you use in your garden, Here are 5 to consider: […]
How to grow a greener garden
First of all, when we say “greener garden”, we don’t mean one that’s full of the colour green, but rather one that’s more environmentally friendly – something that is very important today. Adopt one or two (or preferably all) of these tips and you’ll be well on the way to having a greener garden in […]
How to deal with hydrophobic soil
Many things in life get dehydrated – us humans, animals, plants, etc. But did you know that soil can also get dehydrated? Following a prolonged period of dry weather (or a lack of watering) soil can become dehydrated and that can make it actually repel water rather than letting it soak in. This is what’s […]
A (very) brief guide to fertilisers
The role of fertilisers when it comes to growing plants should never be underestimated. They provide extra nutrition, make up for any soil deficiencies and help your plants stay strong and healthy. But should you buy or make fertiliser? The answer to that question ultimately depends on how much time and money you’ve got available. […]
How to create that peaceful garden retreat
There are times when we all need to escape the hustle and bustle of modern living. And the fact that many people’s gardens serve as an extension of their homes, makes them the perfect place to unwind, clear their thoughts and take it easy. Here are our top five tips to help you create that […]
How to take a cutting from a plant
You’ve seen a plant or flower in your friend’s garden and thought, I’d love to grow that in my own garden! So you take a pair of scissors and (with your friend’s permission) you lop off a bit of said plant, take it home, plant it and wait for your plant to flourish. Unfortunately, though, […]
How to get your kids excited about gardening
It can be difficult nowadays to drag kids away from their gadgets and get them outdoors. But while we want our kids to get more fresh air, their safety is always a top concern, which is why our gardens are such a huge asset today. Not only does gardening afford a number of health benefits, […]
How to fix 5 common lawn care problems
Is your once pristine lawn looking like it’s seen better days? It’s not uncommon and even the best laid lawns can develop problems over time. Fortunately, many common lawn problems can be fixed quite easily and you can rejuvenate your grassy areas without breaking the bank. Too much shade Most lawns (depending on the turf grass […]
Three gardening apps to help turn your brown thumbs green
There’s an app for just about everything these days, and gardening is certainly no exception! Whether you’ve got bugs in your garden that you want to identify, want to know what plants to time at a particular time of year or want some tips on the best way to layout your outdoor space, you can […]
5 budget-friendly ways to spruce up your garden
Landscaping your garden is a great way to improve the overall appearance of your home and add value to it. However, not everyone is in a position to call in a professional landscaping company and undertake an extensive project to spruce up their outdoor space. The good news is that not all garden improvements cost a […]
