A New Look In Your Backyard

​The best part of spring and summer in Christchurch is enjoying being outdoors. The longer days, warmer nights, and dinner on the BBQ is just fantastic. Coming out of winter, especially when we’ve had a little rain and a little warmth, our gardens need a bit of TLC to get them summer ready. So, what can you do?

Spaceman Gardens in Christchurch

​Because we love supporting local, we asked landscape designer Dave McLaren from Spaceman Gardens for his ideas on transforming your outdoor spaces.

“A simple trick that can make a big difference is moss and mould removal. On concrete, paths, or your deck, one of those moss removal spray solutions can really brighten up your outdoor areas,” says Dave. “Of course, if there are a few raggedy areas on your fence or decking once the moss and mould is gone, going back over with a little paint or wood stain can make them look like new again.”

Sometimes, there’s no substitute for hard work if you’re wanting to clean up your outdoor areas.

“Think of it as an outdoor spring clean. Roll up your sleeves and pull out the weeds and dead plants. Once you’ve done that, spread around a little pea straw to help slow down that weed regrowth. It will give your existing plants a better chance of thriving while reducing the amount of weeding you need to do in future,” says Dave.

Backyard Vertical Gardens

​When it comes to shopping and supporting local, it doesn’t get more local than your own backyard.

“A vertical kitchen garden made from a recycled wooden pallet is awesome for a number of reasons. You can have a fresh herb pantry just outside your back door. Because it stands upright, it doesn’t need a lot of space, plus you’re not bending over to pick those herbs from ground level,” says Dave.

If you’re familiar with Pinterest, you can find inspiration for a pallet garden. But if you’re not so much into DIY, Dave can design and install a vertical herb garden for you.

In the landscape design world, heat pumps have been one of Dave’s biggest obstacles. 

Outdoor Heat Pump Covers

​“It’s difficult incorporating outdoor heat pump units into garden designs. You can’t plant in front of them, because the heat pump needs air and it kills the seedlings anyway. They come in any colour you like, so long as it’s beige. You can’t move them without incurring a fairly hefty cost either,” says Dave.

“I was watching Grand Designs on TV the other night, and the couple had spent around half a million dollars renovating their home. They had a camera on a drone, flying away for a spectacular shot of this sleek black house, all angles and architectural features, and BAM… in the bottom corner this beige outdoor heat pump sticking out like a very sore thumb. It spoiled the whole look.”

Finally, there’s a solution.

Transforming Your Christchurch Home

​If you want to disguise your outdoor heat pump unit, Heatpump Covers can add an extra layer of style to your outdoor area.

“These Heatpump Covers come in just about any colour you want,” says Blair Ashdowne, the boss man of Heat Pumps NOW. “They’re powder coated aluminum, so they’re built to last. Plus, they’ve been rigorously tested and they won’t impact your heat pump’s performance at all.”

“Landscape designers haven’t had a solution for what to do with outdoor units until now,” says Dave McLaren. I wish I’d thought of it.”

Want to know more about Heatpump Covers? Heat Pumps NOW can measure up your outdoor unit, match the colour of your home to the Dulux or Colorsteel colour range, and install the heat pump cover to manufacturers standards.

Your heat pump will blend into the background. Plus, with the option of a hardwood top, it could literally become part of your outdoor furniture. 

For landscaping solutions to transform your outdoor space, getting your home ready for all the outdoor spring and summer weather, check out Dave and Spaceman Gardens. He’s got plenty of ideas to turn your backyard into something special.

If you’d like to know more about Heatpump Covers and making your outdoor unit ‘disappear,’ contact the team at Heat Pumps NOW for a free in-home quote and consultation.

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