RENOVATION TIMELINE

JANUARY 2011: Robyn dreams up the plans for the backyard after scouring magazines and sketches them for Tim. First on the list: a block wall for privacy, along with a selection of mature trees. A creeping fig and star jasmine are planted near the new fences, and these will eventually shroud the walls in greenery.

OCTOBER 2012: On any spare weekend, the couple gets busy levelling the garden and filling garden beds with young plants. A new pool pump house is finished.

APRIL 2013: A timber pergola is added to the side of the house, and wisteria is planted and trained as a living, fragrant cover. Outdoor pillars are bricked over and rendered.

FEBRUARY 2014: The old paving around the pool is updated, and new square pool coping is completed. A magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’ feature tree is planted in the middle of the back lawn.

MARCH 2014: The glass pool safety fence and deck – in spotted gum that is designed to silver over time – are finished. The rest of the yard is prepped for new turf, with a set of paving steppers incorporated as a feature.

APRIL 2014: Pleached mop top robinias and a box hedge are planted alongside the pool fence for shade and extra privacy.