Australian Outdoor Living

The nights are dark before you've even arrived home from work but don't let that stop you using your outdoor area.

 

Good, Old-Fashioned Candlelight

There are some amazing candles on the market nowadays. You can make an arrangement or use different candles for different areas. There are also great display accessories you can use to enhance the look. Tealights are great on a coffee table, just easing through some soft light through so you're able to see where you coffee is (...or wine!). Pillar candles are a great centrepiece to any table and are often great on walls in ornate hangers as shown below.

 

 

Lanterns

We've all made paper lanterns, however technology has allowed us to create some wonderful looking lights that act more like decorations than anything else. There are still some amazing tissue paper lanterns around, however you can go one step further and create something quite elaborate by choosing patterned tissue paper or high quality handmade paper. Your options are endless! Another fabulous idea is set out here and will create an amazing finish and light up any outdoor area. For extra safety, consider using battery operated candles. They're easy to use and have a great effect (some even flicker!) and are much safer around children.

 

 

Solar Lighting

If you have a long driveway or walkway to your house, you will benefit from some solar lighting solutions. They're very affordable and look great lighting up the pathway to your home. A great idea is to dot them around the garden among shrubs and trees to create light and bring attention to parts of the garden you're particularly proud of. If you have a pool, they are great around there for the warmer nights where you feel like a swim. They create mood and ambience in an otherwise pitch black setting.

 

 

Consider some of these option to brighten up your winter. There's always a way to admire your back yard with a few simple touches of light.

Winter can be a troublesome season when the outdoors gets neglected. Consider a few options below to spend more time outside.

 

With all the rain we've been having around the country, it's not surprise that we want to stay indoors with the heat under a blanket. Winter doesn't always have to be like this so we've come up with some simple ideas to help you make the most of the wet weather.

 

1. Patio Heaters

One of these gems should be top of the shopping list when you're out and about hunting for ideas to withstand the cold weather. While AOL doesn't sell these, we think they're a great addition to all outdoor areas. Nowadays there are many styles to choose from including the classic patio heater as we know it and a few more contemporary designs like the ones pictured below.

 

 

 

2. Patio Area

So you've got a little area outside the sliding doors out the back but there's not really too much from for more than a few people, right? Just tacking on a few more square metres of an undercover entertaining area can make the world of difference to not only your lifestyle but also the value of your home. If you live in SA, AOL can help. We have an excellent team of craftsmen ready to design your outdoor area under which you can put your new patio heater. For those of you in VIC, keep your eyes and ears out for when AOL launches pergolas, verandahs and decking in your state.

 

 

3. Outdoor Furniture

Finding the right furniture for your outdoor setting is often as difficult as picking your indoor furniture, which, let's face it, is used a lot more than your outdoor setting. A lot of the time, you can incorporate a couple of combinations: the coffee table and seating arrangement as well as the dining table for when you have a big knees up with a few friends. Choosing these options makes your outdoor area more versatile for a variety of activities. We can already picture you and your friends kicking back near the patio heater with a couple of drinks and some nice food on a Saturday night.

 

 

4. Outdoor Blinds

We all know that with rain, often comes wind and with the addition of your new patio heater, you need to keep the heat in and the cold out. That's why AOL's Outdoor Blinds have come to the rescue. Not only are they extremely resilient to wind and rain but they don't spoil the view. Our Shade Blinds have tiny breathable holes which allow for airflow but still minimise the blustery winds. If you prefer a cleaner look, consider our Clear/Tinted Blinds that give a seamless transition from outdoors to indoors. Both have amazing benefits and add style to your outdoor setting without completely blocking the positives of an outdoor lifestyle.

 

 

5. Artificial Lawn

This final option will make your life so much easier all year around. As mentioned before, the amount of rain around the country has been incredible and while it's good for our Aussie farmers, it's not so great for those of us who will have to mow the lawn the next time it's dry. Artificial Lawn will not grow - there's no two ways about it! You can sit back and relax in the knowledge that you can finally get rid of the mower. In Summer, you'll have a well covered, prickle-free area for all the family to enjoy in the sunshine and the best part is it has UV protection so won't fade during our intense Summer months.

 

 

We hope these handy tips will provide you with a little light in these gloomy Winter months.

If you would like advice on how you can improve your outdoor area, please don't hesitate to contact your local AOL Branch on 1300 884 690.

With the start of a new month comes new celebrations and this month it's time celebrate your Mum.

 

It's always hard thinking of things to do or buy for Mum especially when she says she never wants anything and you're stuck banging your head against a brick wall for yet another year. We've conjured up a few ideas to help you along the way. Depending on where you live, the weather is set to be a combination of sun and rain around the country so always consider this before making plans!

 

Thyme on your Hands

For this special fiesta, you're going to need a few hours the day before and a free morning on Mother's Day. Taste is a haven for amazing recipes and most are peer reviewed at rated. Always check out the comments for constructive feedback on the recipe as well as ideas for substituting ingredients or shortcuts to a faster meal. 

 

A great idea this year would be to organise a family brunch on Sunday morning underneath your pergola. Come sunshine or rain, your outdoor setting will be perfect and if it's a little windy, remember your outdoor blinds can help keep the napkins from flying away! If the sun is shining, you should definitely make it a backyard picnic and you don't need to worry about how long it's been since you last cut the grass if you have Artificial Lawn! Follow this simple High Tea time plan, you can't go wrong. A few of these amazing mini quiches between a few of you will go down a treat. Don't forget to try both flavours!

 

 

A Trip to the Flicks

Most Mums ultimately want to spend more time with their loved ones on a this special day so if weather permits, why not have an outdoor movie night? If it's a little on the chilly side you can rug up under a blanket together with a beverage and some nibbles (perhaps some leftovers from the high tea!). Les Miserable was a huge hit in the cinemas and it's now out on DVD. Wreck-It Ralph and Skyfall all have great reviews too so there's plenty to choose from for both young and older Mums.

 

 

The Gift of Giving Life

...and we're not talking babies! If you can't think of something to do but your Mum is has a green thumb, what better way to treat her than offering your help planting up the garden and the cost of plants is on you. Alternatively, another great idea is to present her with a herb garden. This will help an avid cook on her way in the kitchen and perhaps you'll benefit too! If you want the best of both worlds, consider starting a veggie patch together.

 

 

 

Australian Outdoor Living is committed to improving people's lifestyles through the use of an outdoor area. If you have any queries regarding any of our products or would like a few questions answered, simply call the number at the top of this screen and one of our friendly staff will be more than happy to assist.

Autumn is one of those seasons why were all prepare to hibernate for the Winter. In a last ditch effort to enjoy some warmer days, consider getting crafty with the kids!

 

The beaming sunshine from Summer has disappeared and the clouds are slowly rolling in complete with some frosty nights. It's time to rotate the wardrobe and get out your coats, scarves and jackets. The kids are whining that it's too cold to do anything outside but we've come up with the best of both worlds to satisfy both young and old.

 

The leaves have all begun to change colour, fall to the ground and roll around with the dead twigs of the season with the help of the wind. These activities will require minimal financial investment but a whole lot of fun will ensue.

 

1. Leafy People

Grab yourself some multicoloured leaves (in the best condition you can find), a few lollypop sticks and some googly eyes. Put them all together and you've got yourself a funny leaf family! You could even colour/paint the lollypop sticks to give them a different outfit each.

 

2. Colourful Pine Cones

There are usually plenty of pine cones around this time of year so take the kids through a local woodland and pick some of all different sizes and shapes. Once you get home, lay down a dust sheet (trust me, you'll need one!) and put out some different coloured paints. Let the kids loose with a paint brush and they will have hours of fun painting the pine cones all colours of the rainbow. When they're dry, place them in a fruit bowl and you have yourself a trendy new centrepiece for the dining room table or fireplace!

 

 

3. Nature Impressions

This website provides a great way to do something a little bit more involved than painting and glueing. Take a walk through the woods and keep your eyes peeled for anything you could imprint on to clay. This isn't a messy activity because all it takes is some polymer clay (available from most craft stores) and the great outdoors. You can even turn the finished goods into jewellery for family members or simply have them in a bowl for people to touch and feel when they visit. If you're talented, you could even make some salt dough to do this with then paint and varnish the impressions to give them some extra character.

 

 

 

4. Autumn Tree

A simple step by step guide courtesy of this website will have the kids occupied for hours! Grab a paper bag, some scissors, PVA glue and some coloured tissue paper and you're set. Check out the finished result below!

 

 

5. Yarn Leaf Mobile

For something a little bit more technical for the grown-ups, this Leaf Mobile is fantastic! This may take you the best part of a day but this will be great for the baby's nursery when you put it up. It'll also be unique to you! This doesn't have to be limited to indoors, hanging the mobile in amongst trees will give Autumn an extra splash of colour where you least expect it.

 

While AOL provides some great products for everyone's outdoor areas, some may find a more natural approach better for their home. Here's some tips on what you can do!

 

It's always great to make friends with your neighbours but you don't want them looking into your garden when you're pottering about in the sun or if the kids are outside playing with their friends. There's always our younger customers to think about with many opting for an apartment lifestyle in an urban setting, often meaning there are limited spaces for gardens.

 

Australian Outdoor Living's range of Outdoor Blinds can provide great shelter from all the elements including sun, wind and rain, however we know that not everybody likes the look they offer. We're not talking towering fences, this is all about taking a trip to the local garden centre and picking out a natural screen.

 

1. BAMBOO

You'll have some fierce competition with the Pandas but bamboo makes the best screen around. If you have the room, you can plant your own and it will grow tall and thin taking up very little space. Make sure it's clumping bamboo otherwise you'll be invaded by the stuff going over every square inch you have. Alternatively, you could try making your own screen with bamboo sticks that are readily available from major garden centres. If you're willing for an extra challenge, you could try making a folding screen like the one pictured!

 

 

2. LILLY PILLY

If you've got a little more space, give a hedge a go! Lilly Pilly is an Australian plant and great for establishing that clear boundary between you and your neighbours. If you're a Queenslander where the weather is often wet, this is perfect. They love a moist soil with a bit of mulch added for good measure. Place the plants in a slightly shaded area and they will blossom into a great hedge. If you have an apartment, put these beauties into plant pots and they'll have the same effect.

 

 

3. MURRAYA

This beautiful hedge plant has raving reviews just about anywhere you look. The pretty white flowers make it stand out as opposed to standard green bushes. This low-maintenance plant will tick many boxes for everyone looking for a screen with a difference. There's no job too small for a Murraya growing up to 3m tall, however you can trim it to keep it at a height more suited to your garden or balcony area. The flowers bloom twice a year: spring and late summer and they smell like orange blossom too!

 

 

4. SWEET VIBURNUM

A Sweet Viburnum is great for screening once it reaches maturity. They're fast growing and all you need to do is give it the odd prune every now and again to maintain your desired shape. Don't forget to assess the area you have available before buying blind!

 

 

5. CAMELLIA

If you love flowers, much like the Murraya, you'll find this lovely plant great for your garden and keep the neighbours twitching their net curtains! Camellias are really hardy and can withstand most weathers. You'll love this if you're looking for something a little prettier than our other suggestions.

 

 

So if you're feeling a little greenfingered, give these amazing screening plants a shot. Many of them are low maintenance, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint and giving the bugs some food and shelter.