The most well constructed driveways last for 20 years or more, so early signs of wear and tear can indicate that your driveway may not have been designed or built correctly. There are certain things you need to be aware of when constructing a new driveway, so we’ve compiled a short checklist to make sure it’s made as well as it can be.

Precipitation

If the subgrade, or base of the excavated driveway, isn’t compacted before the basecourse of your driveway isn’t laid, it can impact the flow of precipitation. This can have detrimental effects on the driveway for years to come.

The Basecourse

The basecourse has to be level. One of the best ways to make sure this happens is to compact 15cm of roadbase or crushed sandstone material underneath with a vibrating roller. With a paved driveway, sand is one of the best materials to use under the basecourse.

Gravel

Two coats of cold seal tar, or bituminous emulsion, should be laid in between the basecourse and a layer of gravel. Nepean River gravel and blue metal can be especially handy for this task, as gravel or aggregate materials that don’t generate dust are essential. Top this layer with another layer of gravel after the final coat of tar, in order to create a sophisticated, polished look.

For other driveway finish materials such as brick, bituminous concrete, concrete rock or pavers, use the same base preparations for the perfect driveway.

Drainage

Another essential factor to consider in the construction of a driveway is drainage. A drainage system with either pits, or sumps (which are pre-cast concrete pits) should be installed in the driveway, with a grate covering. At the bottom of the pits, a 15-30cm plastic pipe should be installed to carry water away to a stormwater drain. Ensure this pipe is raised off the pit, so that water will actually drain away, and prevent fallen gravel from blocking the pipe.

A Better Driveway are your go-to guys for 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.

This week, we thought we’d dispel 4 of the most common myths about garden landscaping.

Concrete is ugly

In traditional garden landscaping, having a lawn and a garden was essential and hardscaping elements such as concreting were used for practical, rather than aesthetic purposes. Over time, this translated to the perception that concrete landscaping is ugly and soulless, whilst grass is the aesthetic ideal. However, concrete is an incredibly diverse material which can be adapted to suit both practical and aesthetic landscaping purposes. An exposed aggregate patio area for example, makes a bold design statement with the colour and texture of the exposed aggregate giving the space warmth and personality.

You need a lot of space to create a beautiful garden

Whilst the idea of having a sprawling backyard is a charming one, lots of space isn’t necessary to create a beautiful outdoor area. The small space gardening movement is gaining momentum in urban areas where outdoor space is scarce, and it’s amazing what can be achieved in a small space with a little creative thinking.

You should always use curved lines in your garden

The reasoning behind this is that because there is no such thing as a straight line in the natural world, straight lines will look out of place in your garden. However, rules like this are meant to be broken and in fact, using straight lines in your landscaping can create an interesting contrast with the organic shapes of the plants in your garden.

You don’t need to plan

The idea of creating a plan for a garden landscape seems strange to some people, as they tend to think that if natural landscapes look beautiful without planning, then garden landscapes should be the same. However, the reality is that a garden landscape needs to be designed around practical considerations such as usage, maintenance and of course budget, and to take all of these things into proper consideration, planning is essential.

 

A Better Driveway specialise in decorative concrete landscaping solutions including exposed aggregate concrete driveways and coloured concrete pathways. To learn more about our capabilities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 03 5783 4746.

If you’ve just bought your first home with an outdoor space- congratulations! Creating your own outdoor living area can be an incredibly fulfilling and enjoyable process. However, if you’ve never owned a garden before, the prospect of landscaping from scratch can be daunting. In fact, many new homeowners end up neglecting landscaping projects as they become overwhelmed by the amount of work that needs to be done and are unsure where to start. In a bid to help landscaping newbies, this week we thought we’d put together a guide on how to begin planning a garden landscape.

Think about what you want to do in your yard

Before you do anything else, take the time to think about what exactly it is you want to use your outdoor area for- entertaining? A play area for kids? A kitchen garden? A relaxation space? A little bit of everything? Once you know what you want to use your outdoor space, it will be easier to make landscaping decisions.

Get to know your garden

Next, take the time to understand the strengths and challenges of your outdoor space. Take into consideration existing plants, trees, landscaping elements and structures as well as how much sun each area of the garden gets and the soil composition. Thinking about these things before you begin planning means that you’ll be working with, rather against the existing landscape.

Do some research

Open your mind to the possibilities of your outdoor space by reading up on the basic principles of landscaping design. Once you know the basics, it will be easier to talk to the professionals about what you want and understand what is possible for your outdoor space (keep in mind though that some of the most creative and exciting landscapes often break from convention). If you want to go one step further, consider looking around for landscape design classes at adult education centres. These inexpensive courses are a great way to receive professional design advice, whilst still staying true to your own creative vision and learning as you go.

Create inspiration boards

Now you are beginning to get an idea about what you want and what is possible for your yard, it’s time to gather up some inspiration. Image sharing platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great places to start exploring different garden aesthetics. Doing a little neighbourhood snooping can also pay off, as it will give you an idea about what grows well in the area as well as how other people have managed the various challenges of your local climate and landscape.

 Draw up a game plan

Next, get some drafting paper and draw up the existing boundaries of your property, your house with its windows and entrances, and any existing landscaping elements. Then begin filling in what you want your garden to ultimately look like. This will give you a better idea of the challenges of the space you have to work with.

Talk to the experts

Once you have a strong idea about the type of garden you want, it’s time to get in touch with the experts. Hardscaping is usually the first thing to go in, as it helps define planting areas and give structure to the space. As concrete contractors who specialise in hardscaping, the A Better Driveway team would be more than happy to consult with you to discuss what is possible and what will best suit your outdoor space. For planting advice, try paying a visit to your local nursery to discuss what types of plants grow best in your area as what varieties are suited to the levels of sun your yard receives. Consulting individual experts in this way can be more cost effective than engaging the services of a landscaper provided you have a clear idea of what you want. However, if you are not entirely confident in the vision you have for your garden or want to explore a few different options, working with a professional landscaper can he helpful.

Think long-term

Unless you have bottomless pockets, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to complete your landscaping all at once. In some ways, it’s a good thing as it means you can spread out the cost and focus on completing one project at a time. It’s also important to keep in mind that plants take time to mature and you need to plan your planting around what will look good and suit your outdoor space when it is fully grown.

 

A Better Driveway specialise in decorative concrete landscaping solutions such as exposed aggregate driveways. To learn more about our capabilities, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling (03) 9308 6112.

 

Retro and antique design trends have been a source of inspiration for interior designers and architects since time immemorial. And although many landscaping designs encompass elements of older trends, you rarely come across a garden that is explicitly inspired by a bygone era. This week, we look at four retro landscaping trends which are begging to be given a 2017 revival.

1. The 1900s-rambling country garden

Edwardian gardeners in the late 19^th and early 20^th century was preoccupied with creasing garden landscaped which struck a balance between the structural and the natural. Garden landscapes in this era were planned in geometric patterns with straight paths, clipped hedges, terraces, pergolas and sunken gardens. It was in the garden beds that the contrasting organic shapes were created with heritage flowers and fruits which were allowed to run wild and self-seed. Because you’re not working against the natural inclination of plants to spread and grow, this style of garden is relatively low maintenance. This trend also favours the creation of natural ‘rooms’ rather than a lawn space which saves on water and creates plenty of quiet, private garden nooks.

 

2. The 1920s-leisurely social garden

In the 1920s, the concept of having a perfectly manicured yard to impress the neighbours with first took hold. Yards in this era were unfenced with sprawling green lawns which were bordered by colourful perennials. A growing interest in the outdoors and leisure meant these open spaces were used for socialising and sports such as lawn bowls, croquet and golf putting. The idea of attracting nature to your yard also took hold during this period, with fish ponds, bird baths and feeders.

 

3. The 1950s-kitsch garden

The idea of having a garden for show reached fever pitch in the 1950s and having a well-maintained landscape was part of the image of domestic bliss and affluence which people aspired to during this period. Large, showy flowers like roses lined manicured lawns and eye catching plastic ornaments such as flamingos and garden gnomes were also popular. Although designing a garden after this style in 2017 would be considered kitsch, accenting a garden with quirky elements or bold plant colours is a great way to add a little personality to your landscape.

4. The natural gardening movement of the 1970s

In the 1970s, people became increasingly disenfranchised with the post war obsession with consumerism and this combined with a growing environmental awareness created an obsession with returning to nature. In garden landscaping, this manifested in the form of a fascination with self-sufficiency, so in the 1970s garden, a vegetable patch, herb garden, fruit trees, or a chicken coop were common sights. This rustic aesthetic was also reflected in the use of raw or natural finish hardscaping elements such as untreated wood and exposed aggregate concrete.

If the winter weather has you feeling a little grey, one of the best way to brighten your mood is by injecting some colour into your life, either through your outfit choices, through interior design, or through your garden. In this blog, we explore a few inventive ways you can make your garden more vibrant.

Invest in an outdoor rug

If you have a concrete patio, a great way to give it a splash of colour is to line it with a vibrant outdoor rug. Outdoor rugs are made from weather proof materials, such as nylon, polyester and polypropylene, which makes them resistant to mould, mildew and UV rays. Outdoor rugs come in many different colours and styles, so you’ll be sure to find one that complements the overall look of your outdoor area.

Create a feature wall

Another fantastic way to inject colour into your backyard is with a feature wall. You may choose to paint or tile the entire wall, or focus on a specific section of it. If you’re feeling really creative, you could even decorate it with a mosaic, paint a mural, hang an outdoor tapestry over your wall or illuminate it with a coloured light.

Experiment with paint

Of course, your backyard wall isn’t the only thing you can colour with a lick of paint. Use your painting skills to transform plant pots into works of art, turn your generic outdoor furniture into strikingly bold centrepieces, and even beautify overhanging eaves and gutters.

All about ornaments

When trying to add colour to your backyard, ornaments and other trinkets are essential ­­– especially to give it a bit of personal character. Choose an overall design aesthetic or theme for your backyard so that your ornaments are not mismatched, and stick to a few key pieces to ensure your outdoor area doesn’t look cluttered. Some classic ornaments include lanterns, water features, ornamental stones and even toadstools.

Coloured concrete

Coloured concrete is a great way to liven up your patio. Whether you want natural looking exposed aggregate, made of many different coloured stones, or smooth concrete in a vibrant brick red, coloured conctrete will make your patio pop.

A Better Driveway are the concrete specialists, building everything from coloured concrete patios and pool areas to stunning driveways and pathways. Whatever your design preference, A Better Driveway will help to brighten up your backyard. For a free quote, call us today on 9308 6112.

 

In 2016, the Danish word hygge was shortlisted by the Oxford Dictionary as work of year and now that winter has well and truly arrived in Melbourne, this hard to pronounce word (hoogah is the correct pronunciation) is being dropped by every interior designer and lifestyle blogger in the city. This week, we thought we’d investigate the art of hygge, and how you can use it to brighten up dreary winter days.

What is it?

Hygge is a philosophical approach to life which has been part of Danish culture for centuries. Roughly translated, hygge means ‘cosy’ but it can be used as a noun, verb or adjective so it’s probably more appropriate to describe hygge as a way living which celebrates positivity and the enjoyment of everyday life. More broadly, hygge is often used to refer to behaviours, rituals or actions which make domestic or daily experiences pleasurable, creating a warm atmosphere, and relishing the relationships you share with others.

How do I get it?

Hygge isn’t really something you can learn, a lifestyle you adopt, or a product you can buy. It’s more of a mental practice which involves being present and enjoying the moment and seeking out simple pleasures to brighten your everyday life. This approach

What are some hygge things to do?

Practicing hygge is a little different for everybody but some of the most common suggestions include:

• Creating a morning ritual where you brew a special mix of tealeaves, and sitting down to drink it in a china cup
• Lighting a candle each night at dinner
• Smiling at a stranger on your commute to work
• Buying flowers
• Cooking and eating a food you relished in childhood
• Sipping wine by the fire with friends
• Pulling on a pair of hand knitted socks and curling up with a new book

Can you create a hygge home?

Whilst hygge isn’t something you can buy, it is possible to design your home with hygge in mind. A few ways to do this might include:

• Installing a firepit in your patio for friendly gatherings
• Create a hyggekrog (a cosy nook) inside where you can snuggle up with a book and a blanket, preferably somewhere with a view of nature
• Favouring natural, textured furnishings such as wood, wool and leather which bring a warmth to your living spaces
• Find a creative way to incorporate treasured memories such as photographs, travel mementos, and children’s art into your interior

 

A Better Driveway can help you apply the hygge ethos to landscaping with our decorative concrete solutions. What could be more hygge than a shared patio space lined with natural looking exposed aggregate concrete where you and your friends can chat around the fire pit on a cold winter’s night?

 

 

As we’ve often said on this blog, having only a limited, paved outdoor area doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the delights of a beautiful garden. This week, we give you a few helpful tips for patio and balcony gardens.

Start with a good base

Having a clean, well maintained paved area to begin with makes it easy to build up a stylish garden. If you own your home or apartment, consider investing in coloured concrete to give your outdoor area an instant lift. Choosing a warmer tone of coloured concrete will instantly make your outdoor area feel more inviting.

 

Evaluate light

One area where balcony and patio gardeners often struggle is in choosing the right kind of plants for the light levels their outdoor space receives. Whilst there are beautiful plant species for virtually every light level, most people overestimate the amount of sunlight their garden gets and struggle as a result. The easiest way to time and record how much light a certain area gets, and then compare this to the definitions on the plant tags in the nursery or look up the light level definitions.

 

Take proper care of your plants

Container gardens can’t fend for themselves the same way that plants in a traditional garden can, so you really need to pick up your game when it comes to plant care. Make sure you buy large enough pots to accommodate the roots of your plant otherwise it will become root bound and struggle. Next, make sure you fill your container up with potting mix and nothing else. Whilst having nothing but potting mix in the container will make it heavier, it’s much better for water retention and will decrease the likelihood of the soil drying out. Because your plants are sheltered from the elements, they are also entirely reliant upon you when it comes to watering, so make sure you follow label instructions and water accordingly. Finally, container gardens don’t have access to any nutrients other than what you give them so it’s essential to use a quality fertiliser or if your outdoor space is big enough, institute a composting system.

 

If you are looking to give your patio area a makeover with coloured concrete, then give the team at A Better Driveway a call on 03 9308 6112. As we specialist in decorative concrete solutions, we guarantee a wide range of colour options, affordable prices, and a positive service experience every time.

The Tuscan garden is one of the most popular design styles of all time. Simple, drought tolerant, and ideally suited to small spaces as well as city living, the Tuscan aesthetic lends itself very well to Melbourne gardens. This week, we examine the essential elements that make up the Tuscan garden.

 Plants

Mediterranean plant species are one of the most important plant features of a Tuscan style garden and as they are adapted to the hot dry summers and cool winters of the Tuscan region, they are perfectly suited to Melbourne gardens. Some of the classic plant choices include:

Italian cypress or Greek bay trees: Rows of these species edging a terracotta or stone pathway or driveway create a classic Tuscan silhouette.

Grapevines, Fig and olive trees: The traditional fruit baring trees of Italy, these species are relatively easy to grow and instantly evoke Mediterranean vibes

Perennials: the intoxicating scent of herbs permeates the Tuscan landscape, so it’s no surprise that perfumed perennials such as rosemary, thyme, oregano and lavender are garden essentials.

Shaded areas

To conserve water, most Tuscan gardens use pavilions or arbours instead of trees as a form of shades. Natural wooden or stone are ideal materials for constructing these and it doesn’t hurt to have a gnarled old grapevine creeping up the outside.

Paving

Instead of grass, Tuscans favour using gravel or paved pathways and patios to create living spaces within the garden. Warm natural tones of orange, red and yellow stone are the traditional choice here and a cost-effective way to achieve this is with either exposed aggregate or textured concrete.

Focal points

The capital of Tuscany is Florence, a city which gave birth to the Renaissance period in Europe, so it makes sense that the classical designs of this era are still echoed in many elements of Tuscan design. Art appreciation became huge during this period and led to sculptural works being included as outdoor décor. Because of this, natural stone sculptures, terracotta urns, and water features are commonly used as focal points in a Tuscan garden.

 

A Better Driveway specialise in installing exposed aggregate concrete driveways in Melbourne. If you’re looking for a durable, cost effective way to pave your Tuscan paradise, exposed aggregate is a great choice. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 9308 6112.

If you’re feeling uninspired by your winter garden, these ten fun facts may reignite your fascination with the art of plant cultivation.

Plants were first domesticated 10,000 years ago

They were cultivated by a Neolithic people in the Fertile Crescent of the Near and Middle East in around 8000 BC. Some of the first plant varieties thought to have been domesticated include wheat, barley, lentil, chick pea and bitter vetch.

 

There are more than 20,000 species of edible plants in the world

Despite this, just 20 species provide 90% of human food.

 

The legendary Hanging Gardens of Babylon were built for the King’s homesick wife

King Nebuchadrezzar II allegedly had the sumptuous gardens constructed because his wife, Amytis of Media missed the mountains and greenery of her homeland. The gardens were supposedly 22 meters high and filled with blossoming flowers, ripe fruit, lush foliage, elegant terraces, gushing waterfalls and exotic creatures.

Let your weeds grow if you want to attract butterflies

As flower varieties continue to be bred for colour and size, they often lose their fragrance and nectar content. Because of this, butterflies often prefer common weeds like dandelions and clover. Growing flowers from heirloom seeds that haven’t been as heavily cultivated is the best way to strike a balance between appearance and butterfly appeal.

The Ancient Egyptians believed the gods loved gardens

To this end, most Egyptian temples have gardens nearby or surrounding them. The Egyptians cultivated quite an impressive array of flowers including daisies, cornflowers, irises, poppies and roses. Egyptians are thought to be the first people to cultivate purely decorative gardens in around 1500 BC.

Spiritualist and gardener Sir Charles Isham started the garden gnome trend in 1847

Importing the gnomes from Germany, he hoped the figures would attract real gnomes which were considered important elemental earth spirits with magical powers, knowledge of underground treasure, and involved in the hidden processes of plant life.

 

The first greenhouses were built to fuel a Roman Emperor’s cucumber habit

In AD 30, Emperor Tiberius wanted to eat a cucumber a day and ordered greenhouses to be built so the vegetables could be cultivated all year round.

During the Dutch Golden Age, Holland was gripped by a tulip mania  

The tulip was an exotic status symbol in Holland during the 17^th century and at the height of the craze, bulbs were changing hands ten times a day and a purple and white striped bulb known as ‘the Viceroy’ could sell for between 3,000 and 4,200 guilders (a skilled craftsman at the time earned about 300 guilders per year).

 

One teaspoon of soil contains more microorganisms than people on earth

These microorganisms play an important role in keeping soil nutrient rich.

 

Plants will grow faster and larger if you play them music

Once thought to be an old wives’ tale, numerous studies have shown that vibrations can encourage plant growth.

 

A Better Driveway are established concrete driveway contractors based in Melbourne. If you need some help giving your winter garden a makeover with a decorative concrete path or patio, give us a call on 9308 6112.

 

 

 

 

A garden nook is the perfect focal point for any garden and is a great way to ensure you’ll spend more time outdoors. Whether you have a big backyard in need of some interesting features, or a small space that could be better utilised, a garden nook is a great and easy way to update your garden.

Experiment with locations

A garden nook doesn’t necessarily have to be in your backyard ­– you could also create one around the side of your house, on a porch or balcony, or, providing it’s safe and flat, even on the roof of your house or shed! Put simply, you can create a garden nook wherever you have space and make it as cosy or as spacious as you like, so long as the area gets a good balance of sun and shade.

Climbing plants/vines

Climbing plants are a great addition to any garden nook, as they make the space cosy, visually stunning, and provide a good amount of shade covering. Climbing plants can be grown up walls, balustrades, and trestles, and will keep your chosen garden nook location cool and private.

Add a pergola

If you still require more shade for your garden nook, why not invest in a pergola? Placing a pergola over your lawn, decking, or concrete patio will immediately make the area more private and protect shade loving plants from the sun.

Hidden Walkways

Small, hidden walkways will add a touch of magic to your garden, and, more importantly they’ll allow you to properly access all your different plants. Walkways can also be used to separate your garden into different sections, which is perfect for making your garden nook feel more secluded. To make your garden walkways extra special, line them trees, flowers or ground lights.

Garden accessories

Since the main idea behind creating a garden nook is making a space to relax and chill out, you’ll probably want to fit it out with some furniture and accessories. Think a small dining table and a couple of chairs or a coffee table with a comfy bench, covered with pillows and throws of course. You may even want to set up a miniature bookshelf or even a hammock amongst the greenery.

Should you want a concrete path leading up to your new garden nook, or a concrete slab to define the area, A Better Driveway can help. A Better Driveway are concrete specialists and can work with you to create a stunning garden.