A Melbourne garden in the depths of winter can be a little uninspiring; bare trees, damp underfoot, and not a flower to be seen (not to mention the ever-changing weather) can all add up to a rather depressing visual when you look out the window in the morning and make you wish you were somewhere a little sunnier. Happily, it is possible to establish a vacation vibe in your own backyard by taking inspiration from the landscaping traditions of holiday destinations such as Bali, Thailand, Fiji and the Maldives and adapting them to the Melbourne climate. In this article, we discuss how to bring the tropics to Melbourne.

 

Landscaping tropics style

In terms of layout, a tropical garden doesn’t vary much from other garden designs, the difference lies in the planting technique. Tropical gardens are characterised by a dense wall of luscious, oversized foliage punctuated with colourful flowers. There are no ‘transitions’ between the layers of plants in a tropical garden, so it looks like the plants are all jostling for space, and like they have grown naturally like in a jungle. The backdrop also plays a key role in the tropical garden, as ideally fences and walls should be concealed to give the illusion that the garden extends further back. Of course, concealing your wall with plants is not always immediately possible when establishing a tropical garden. Whilst you wait for your plants to establish themselves, you could consider investing in some inexpensive bamboo or reed screens, plant a fast-growing vine on a trellis, or invest in something a little more ornamental like stylised aged metal panels.

Other key landscaping features often included in tropical garden landscaping are Balinese style huts, outdoor loungerooms and ponds. If you have a pool or spa area, using exposed aggregate as paving achieves a subtle, natural effect and is more cost effective than stones or pavers.

 

Creating a tropical microclimate

Tropical plants tend to grow close together and in layers, protecting one another from the weather and providing nutrients in the form of leaf litter (like a rainforest). Achieving this in Melbourne takes planning, but it isn’t impossible. The ideal soil for tropical plants is nutrient rich and well-draining. To shelter your plants, the first thing you need to do is create a shelter to protect your plants from the city’s chilly winds and encourage humidity. This can be achieved by planting a wall of hardier, wind tolerant plants or by putting up a physical structure. Another way you can protect your plants from the elements is by using green shade cloth. As your plants grow, work to cultivate a canopy of hardier plants that can protect more vulnerable species underneath. Finally, planting near a stone or brick wall which retains heat will help cultivate humidity.

 

Once it’s time to put your plants in the ground, aim to create a dense, green wall of glossy green foliage that is occasionally punctuated with flowering plants or patterned leaves. Planting with density in mind ensures the plants are close enough together to create their microclimate, and it’s simple to remove a few specimens later on if your garden begins to look overgrown. Once the plants are in the ground, they need to be protected with a thick, moisture retaining mulch.

 

Finding tropical plants for the Melbourne climate

A surprising amount of tropical plants are what is known as cold hardy (this is not the same as being frost hardy, tropical plants will not survive in a frost prone area) and can thrive quite happily in the Melbourne climate as long as you provide a canopy to shelter them from the harsher weather. There are four main planting zones you will need to work with in order to achieve that gorgeous, dense wall of foliage. These are: canopy, backdrop, tall/medium fillers and low growers (this includes groundcover). Here are just some of the tropical (or tropical looking) plants which can be used in the Melbourne climate:

Canopy: banana, tall clumping bamboo, Bangalow palms, tree ferns

Backdrop: murrayas, tall gingers, lilly pillies, dwarf clumping bamboos, hibiscus

Tall/medium fillers: New Zealand flax, cordyline, cyads, gold dust, bird of paradise, angel’s trumpets

Low growers: clivias, variegated liriopes, bromeliads, native ferns

Flowering plants: plume flower, canna lily, blue ginger, camellia

Climbers: bouganvillea, mandevilla, climbing bauhinia, scrambling hibiscus, hoya, flame vine, climbing frangipani, Rangoon creeper

Adding the finishing decorative touches

Once you’ve done all of your planting, it’s time to add a few finishing touches. Outdoor entertaining often takes centre stage in tropical landscapes as users seek to make the most of their atmospheric surrounds and the warm climate. As a result, the concept of the ‘outdoor living room’ which incorporates cane or reed lounges decorated with colourful textiles is a common feature in these types of gardens. Water features or small ponds are another common sight, and these have the added benefit of promoting humidity and providing an opportunity to plant flowering aquatic plant varieties like water lilies and lotus flowers. Finally, the addition of traditional Southeast Asian and Balinese carvings can help make your tropical garden feel like a holiday escape.

 

A Better Driveway specialise in exposed aggregate concrete projects around Melbourne. To learn more about our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling

 

 

 

 

 

The job landscape is changing. Along with our day jobs you can earn a little more just by being inventive with your time and space.  What better space is there to start your new side business than your driveway?  In this blog, we take you through some starter ideas to turn your driveway into a cash flow.

Rent out your driving space for parking

Finding a parking space in Inner-city Melbourne can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. Instead of driving around in circles, people are starting to find it easier to pay rent to park in driveways.

 

If you’ve got an empty driveway for the day, you can offer up your driveway space for a driver in need through businesses like Park Hound. You’ll be picking up a little extra cash for a space your not using.

 

 

Offer it as a creative space

You can be a part of Melbourne’s rising art scene by using your driveway as a blank canvas. There are always people looking for interesting spaces to create and inspire. So why not turn your driveway into a piece of art?

 

You can rent your driveway and other parts of your home to painters, street artists, dancers or photographers. Not only will you space we a part of somebody’s art, you will also be paid for it. You can support emerging talent through businesses like Creative Spaces.

 

 

Take you garage sale to the next level

A garage sale is a great way to declutter your house and make a little cash. If you utilise your driveway and front yard space, your Sunday sale will earn you more.  Set out some tables so people don’t have to rummage through boxes and make sure your items are priced clearly.

 

To really take your garage sale to the next level put out some snacks and baked goods for sale. Nothing brings people together like a sausage sizzle.  Also, if you have a green thumb put it to good use, plants will sell like hotcakes.

 

 

Making sure your driveway is tidy and presentable can go a long way in your new venture. If you’re considering a driveway upgrade, you can check out our range of concrete services. Or, if you have queries or you simply want to learn more, contact one of our friendly staff members at (03) 9308 6112.

Gardens are back. Yes, they’ve always been the favourite part of any home but in 2018, we’re going to see a number of exciting garden trends as people pine to spend more time outdoor in the fresh air. From a focus on the small garden to rethinking alfresco dining to creating a sense of enclosure, there are several different design concepts that will dominate this year. To find out what they are, we’ve created a handy list. 

1) Embracing the small garden 

As the population of our world increases, space is at a premium. However, this doesn’t mean that we have to lose the benefits that gardens and outdoor greenery provide! Designers are taking into account the reduced space now common in homes and apartments to make even the smallest of gardens practical and appealing. Although small gardens are not necessarily new, we’re going to see significant progress in creativity and use of space this year. 

2) Alfresco dining: a new approach 

An alfresco dining space is a lovely and highly valued addition to any home – especially in the warmer, summer months. But in 2018, we’re going to see dining spaces being moved out into the garden. This way, the dining experience is fully immersed in lush greenery. You might have to carry your plates a bit further but we’re sure it will be worth it! 

3) Creating a sense of enclosure 

Gardens are typically enclosed with a fence. While fences have obvious practical purposes such as containing pets or preventing intruders, they aren’t always the most attractive solution. What is, however, is enclosing gardens with dense plantings that provide privacy – and an attractive design.  

 

At A Better Driveway, we increase the value of your home by transforming large property features into design elements. From footpaths and entries to driveways and pool decks, we have the knowledge and experience to make your home improvement goals a reality. For a quote or to learn more, please call us on (03) 9308 6112.  

When it comes to the environment, we’ve all got to do the best we can. One of the best places to begin your sustainable journey is in your garden. Switching over to sustainable gardening practices goes a long way to building a garden that you can enjoy, admire and even eat. At the same time, you reduce your environmental footprint, by increasing carbon storage, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to plant and animal biodiversity. In this week’s blog, we’ll be going over some handy tips to create your very own sustainable garden.

Be careful with the chemicals you use

Think very carefully before you reach for that bug spray or synthetic fertiliser! So many good, sustainable alternatives exist — use your compost to help feed your plants, and get worms and insects working for you.

Start your own veggie patch

Not only does this help to reduce the distance your food travels before it hits your plate, but it also helps to save water and fossil fuels. Not to mention, something just tastes better about food you’ve grown for yourself.

Enhance your garden with more trees

In the environmental debate, trees are everyone’s best friend. Planting trees helps to store carbon from the atmosphere into the soil. Trees can also cool your home in summer and let in the winter sun. If you don’t have room for trees at your place, you can also volunteer with a local environmental group.

These tips are all about building a sustainable garden that you (and the planet) can enjoy well into the future. This means you also need to understand the local climate, through understanding the environment, weather and native plants. A Better Driveway are your go-to guys for driveway trends and decorative concrete landscaping solutions such as exposed aggregate, coloured and textured concrete driveways. For more information, get in touch today by calling 03 5783 4746.

As the year comes to a close, it’s time to start considering the future. Our homes represent an important space, where we gather with friends and family in love, community and shared experiences. So it’s little wonder that so many of us want to update, modify or change our homes, including our driveways. In this article, we’ll be giving you an overview of the top three driveway trends for 2018 from the experts at A Better Driveway.

Decorative Textures

One thing to consider when updating, customizing or constructing a driveway is to create a point of interest. Exposed aggregate can be an amazing way to achieve this. With its speckled, intricate appearance, exposed aggregate is durable, with a timeless appeal. By adding in these details of colour and texture, your driveway is sure to transform your house into a home in no time.

Lighting

More than just for safety, lighting is the perfect way to add your own, unique flair to your driveway. The right lighting can create a warm, cosy feel after the sun goes down, and creates the perfect entrance to your home. It’s also a great way to add interest without having to spend too much. Just make sure to choose lighting that works well with the design and colour of your driveway materials, and you’ll be de-”light”-ed!

Landscaping

When added to your driveway, garden elements can really make a difference. From native ferns, to deep green grasses and flowering vines, incorporating a dash of nature into your driveway design is one of the best ways to create a space that’s both functional and visually beautiful.

A Better Driveway are your go-to guys for driveway trends and decorative concrete landscaping solutions such as exposed aggregate, coloured and textured concrete driveways. For more information, get in touch today by calling 03 5783 4746.

 

When creating a patio, driveway or walkway, you want a material that is durable, cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing. With so many options to choose from though, how do you know which is the right choice? Well, textured concrete is a great option with lots of different benefits. In this week’s blog, we discuss the advantages of textured concrete. 

1) Wide selection of colours and textures 

The first advantage of textured concrete is that there are lots of different colours and textures to choose from. This means you’re more than likely to find something that suits your area and design vision.  

2) Easy installation 

The next reason why textured concrete is a great choice is because it can be easily installed. In comparison to other surfaces, textured concrete is far less labour-intensive to install. To install textured concrete, one merely needs to mix, pour and stamp.  

3) Cost-effective 

Textured concrete is particularly sought after because you can create an incredibly luxurious look at a fraction of the price of a more expensive material. Textured concrete therefore offers great value for money in terms of the aesthetic result.  

4) Reduced long-term maintenance and care 

Unlike other materials which can become loose over time, textured concrete never needs resetting or replacing. Loose pavements are extremely problematic and dangerous. The advantage of textured concrete is therefore greater safety. 

5) Requires less general maintenance 

Textured concrete is a durable and reliable material and thus requires less routine maintenance. This is an advantage that will save you time and money.  

At A Better Driveway, we love installing textured concrete inside or outside your home. We have both stencil and slate paving, which come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. To learn more about texture concrete or to receive a quote, please contact us on (03) 9308 6112.

The Australian summer can be brutal on your garden. And with summer just around the corner, its important that you prepare your plants for the harsh Aussie summer. In this week’s blog, we share our top five summer gardening tips.  

1) Care for budding plants 

In summertime, it’s typical for buds and flowers to suddenly fall of as a result of the plants drying out. To prevent this, mulch and water deeply once or twice a week during hot, dry weather. 

2) Keep pots cool 

When the weather warms up, it’s essential that you keep potted plants, especially those in terracotta pots, cool as they are vulnerable to overheating. Ways to do this include lightly mulching the pots and keeping them out of hot western sunshine. Stand them in saucers filled with sand and keep the sand moist; this will ensure the roots stay cool and the plants remain healthy. 

3) Add nutrients to the water 

Incorporating nutrients in your water is a great way to support your plants during the summer months. Some great examples include applying a soluble fertiliser with added seaweed or watering in potash around the base of fruit trees to improve flavour and juiciness.  

4) Keep the water flowing  

Make sure the hoses and irrigation systems are free of holes, which can cause leaks and unnecessary water wastage. Clear debris from the gutters so that each shower funnels extra water into your rainwater tank. 

5) Do the hard work when it’s cool 

A great way to look after yourself and your plants in the summer months is to do the hard work when it’s cool. You’ll be more likely to do a better job in this state. Make sure to drink lots of water, wear sunscreen and sun-protective clothing to look after yourself when gardening.  

At A Better Driveway, we add value to your home by transforming large property features into design elements. For entries and footpaths to driveways and pool decks, we have all the tools to make your home improvement dreams a reality this summer. For a quote or to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us on (03) 9308 6112.  

For extra pizazz and sparkle in your dishes, you can’t go wrong with herbs. More than simply adding a burst of freshness, herbs add a bundle of flavour without adding anything nasty. Natural, healthy and fairly frugal, there’s never been a better time to make yourself acquainted with basil, thyme, coriander, mint, or any of their friends. For those who want to go a little further than simply making friends, we’ll be showing you the top three benefits of starting your own herb garden in this week’s article. Soon, you’ll be one of those green-thumbed individuals, toiling away under the summer sun.

Health

Let’s start with one of the most compelling arguments… herbs are simply amazing for health. With well researched antioxidant properties, herbs are a great source of vitamins and essential oils needed to complete your healthy lifestyle. To really make use of your herbs, consider adding mint to your green tea concoctions, or sprinkling some parsley over your morning omelette.

Low maintenance

For those of us intimidated by gardening, it’s usually because we don’t have much space available to us! Or we’re put off by how much work seems to go into gardening. From fertilizing, to weeding, to pruning, to watering, gardening can seem like an overwhelming task really fast. But with herbs, you don’t have to worry about any of this! After you’ve put in the hard work setting up the garden itself, the herbs will soon begin to flourish on their own. Just make sure to check up on them every now and then, and water regularly- especially in the hot summer!

Cost effective

Let’s be honest; the cost of adding supermarket herbs to your daily meals is going to add up. But with your own herb garden, you get ongoing access to delicious herbs at a tiny sliver of the supermarket price!

Herbs truly are what you could call- low risk, high investment. Try it out for yourself today! All it takes to get started is a planting box, seeds, soil and a little love and care.

A Better Driveway specialise in decorative concrete landscaping solutions such as exposed aggregate driveways. Get in touch by calling (03) 9308 6112 for more information today.

The driveway is one of the first things people see from the outside of your home. So with that being said, it’s important that your driveway is clean. In this week’s blog, we share our top tips on cleaning your driveway. 

1) Clear the area 

The first thing you want to do before cleaning your driveway is to clear the space of any toys, vehicles or other objects which might get in the way. Also, make sure there’s no safety hazards which could hurt you in the cleaning process.  

2) Prepare the hose 

Now, you want to attach the garden hose and the 25-degree nozzle. Turn the hose on and lightly brush your driveway over with the hose to remove loose debris such as sticks, grass, pebbles and any other small leaves or branches. 

3) Apply detergent 

After this, apply detergent to the driveway. It’s crucial that the detergent is driveway friendly. Make sure to research, which driveway cleaners work best with your driveway material and climate. Attach the soaping nozzle at this stage, which is designed to soak the driveway as opposed to blasting it clean. Allow the detergent to soak the driveway for approximately five minutes. This will help remove any tough stains and dirt.  

4) Wash the detergent away 

Once you’ve let the detergent work its magic on your driveway, you need to blast it all away. A surface cleaner attachment is great for this as it will complete the clean more efficiently and effectively. A rotary nozzle is also another great option. Rotary nozzles are excellent for removing stubborn stains as they push the dirt and grime from the surface. 

The driveway should now be clean. Finish the task by giving your driveway a final rinse to remove any remaining detergent.  

At A Better Driveway, we provide distinctive, durable and affordable driveway solutions. From exposed aggregate to coloured and textured concrete, we have a range of styles to suit your aesthetic and budget. Please do not hesitate to call us on (03) 9308 6112 for more information or to receive a quote.  

If the word concrete is mentioned, what do you think of? Do images of cold, grey stone appear in your mind? Is it overly sterile and kind of oppressive? A lot of the time, concrete is the utilitarian choice in building materials – to the point where aesthetics are often left behind. At A Better Driveway, we’re driven by excellence in concrete, so that means ensuring that it’s not only high quality in its function but also in its appearance.

However, when it comes to achieving the perfect colour in concrete, it’s not so much of an art as it is a science. For the overall appearance of a coloured concrete surface, there are a few factors at play, such as cement type, aggregate size and colour, water content, pigment selection, mixing technique and finishing methods. These all affect the final outcome of coloured concrete and that’s why in this week’s article we’re going to be explaining the science and process of it all in greater detail.

The cement

As you may suspect, the lighter the cement, the better it mixes with lighter pigments. That’s why white cement is best used with brighter and more vibrant colours. White cement also allows the colours to remain more consistent – meaning less variation from the original pigment when the final product is unveiled.

If you’re looking for some duller, earthy tones then grey cement is what you should go with. You should note, however, that the undertones of the grey cement can cause the colours you’re going with to alter slightly. So whatever colour you’re aiming for may be moderately offset due to the grey cement.

 

The aggregates

Aggregates generally come in two varieties – coarse and fine. Coarse aggregates – as the name suggests – include harsher materials such as gravel, limestone, crushed stone and expanded shale. Whereas fine aggregates are materials such as rock dust and silica sand.

Both types bring their own unique aesthetic to the table, but their effect is exclusively dictated by the volume of which is exposed on the surface of the final product. Though, the more aggregates that are heavily exposed on the surface, the more it starts to become the exposed aggregate style concrete.

 

The water

This may seem like an obvious point – as water is used to mix concrete – but it becomes a more precise science when colour is involved in the concrete. Water determined the durability, water tightness and strength of the concrete – depending on how much is mixed in to begin with.

These factors dictate the quantity of water that is used. Water is also key to controlling the colour of the concrete and ensuring consistent colouring between batches. The more water used in a mix – the lighter the colour will turn out. This is crucial to note when mixing in your pigments if you want to alter the tone of it – or avoid doing so.

 

The pigments

You might just think that pigments are simply defined as colours – and you’re not exactly wrong – but the science behind it goes much deeper than that. Pigments are actually defined as materials that either reflect or transmit light. This is an outcome of wavelength-selective absorption. It is this reaction that allows colours to be observed – because, at the end of the day, we only see colours because of light reflections.

The pigment particles themselves can actually come in different shapes, such as spheres, rods and other irregular shapes. Different shapes and forms will actually affect the final outcome of the mix differently, so, it’s vital that you test the pigments in smaller sample batches to make sure you perfect the mixture. This way, there’ll be no mistakes or heavy variations between the batches when it comes time for the real thing.

 

Inorganic and organic pigments

Pigments are split into two types. Inorganic pigments are the preferred pigment of choice for when it comes to the industry standard for integral colour in concrete – ASTM C979. Different inorganic pigments achieve different colours – though the majority of them are earthier tones. Some of the inorganic pigments you can use are:

• Synthetic iron oxide – Will give you a variety of earthy tones.
• Chromium oxide – Presents a stable green tone.
• Titanium oxide – This is used for lighter colours such as white and – if used with grey cement – a light grey.
• Cobalt oxide – Cobalt oxide will result in blue and teal tones.

Organic pigments are used in conjunction with inorganic pigments when you want to break the natural barrier and get a bit whimsical with your colours. They are cleaner, brighter and much stronger than oxides and thus allow for deeper colours to be achieved.

Whilst the use of organic pigments with inorganic pigments can allow the creation of colours such as bright violets, reds and yellows – there are some side-effects to using them such as curing time and the amount of water that is needed. This is another reason to test your mixtures in smaller samples before proceeding with large batches.

 

Using the colour in the cement

TCB stands for total cementitious binder. The TCB is made up of the combination of cement and pozzolans– which are mixed to form concrete. Loading rate, is the name given to the amount of pigment that is required to attain a particular colour. To determine the amount of pigment you’ll need to complete a specific job you’ll have to multiply the loading rate by the TCB. This will ensure that you have the correct amount of coloured concrete and that – more importantly – it will hold the same colour throughout with little to no tonal variation.

 

Interested in coloured concrete?

Whether you need your driveway redone or are looking to have something completely new paved – A Better Driveway is here to help. We specialise in coloured concrete and understand the finesse and mastery that comes with the territory. Our friendly and highly experienced contractors will work around your schedule to ensure that the job is done on time and to quality standards. Some of our other services also included exposed aggregate and textured concrete driveways.

If you would like to get in touch with us to know more about coloured concrete or how we can help you with your next driveway job, then please give us a call on (03) 9308 6112. Alternatively, you can also fill out the enquiry form on our website.