Weekend Warriors: Landscaping projects

With the holidays drawing to a close and kids around the country going back to school in the next week or so, you may be looking for one last summer project to satisfy your need for weekend DIY. If you've already painted the house, changed your brake pads and pressure-washed the driveway, it may be time to turn your attention to your lawns and garden.

You may think garden DIY sounds like a frilly job, but just because landscaping involves creativity doesn't mean it isn't hard work too. Grab your partner or the kids and get ready to get stuck in, because the more of you there are, the easier the job will be. Having company while working outdoors is never a bad thing either.

Draw up a plan

Usually someone in the family is better at drawing than the rest. Give that person a pencil and paper and start mapping out your garden. If you're going to do a landscaping job, you may as well tackle the whole garden. Doing it piece by piece can result in a hodgepodge of mismatched features and plants.

Make sure to plan where your plants and outdoor features will go, and make sure that there is sufficient means for irrigation where necessary. If you're planning on using plants that require a lot of watering - don't put them too far away from your sprinkler or garden hose.

Rent the gear and buy some fill

If you're going all out, hire a bobcat to spread your fill where you need it. Whether it's sand, loam, gravel or mulch - it'll save your back! A proper foundation is essential to every landscaping project, as it determines how well your soil will drain. This in turn dictates whether your plants will have enough water and also how healthy your lawn is.

When planting a lawn, make sure to talk to your supplier about what kind of drainage is best for that specific type of grass. Also make sure to grab weed mat for the beds and chat to the friendly staff at your local Kennards Hire centre about the best tools for your particular project - they'll be happy to help.