The fence and fencing market in Australia is changing as more people opt for security over cost effectiveness. The front fence is now being considered a feature in itself. Customers want want something that looks nice but secures the property as well.

No one style is more popular than any other, but the cost of the fence is a factor for some buyers. Having said that, people today are spending alot more money on fencing than what they were five years ago.

The fence market is also opening up for alternative products such as lightweight fencing. The traditional blueboard products that were previously used to create strong, durable fencing are now being replaced by a products such as Panelrock. Another alternative is Knotwood which offers privacy as well as good looks, and is really popular with modern style homes.

There are many styles of fencing on the market. These styles include:

• tubular fencing
• colourbond fences
• post and rail
• good neighbour fencing
• gates and automated gates
• sliding and double gates
• picket fencing (wood and steel)
• pool fencing (steel and glass)

Pool fencing is special case and you need to be careful when considering what fence to have around a pool. Not only are there legal considerations, but you should be wary of imported products that may not meet the required standards.

All fences, no matter what style, can have security features such as automation and intercoms.

Fencing the Right Way – Tips When Buying A Fence:

• Make sure the fence is appropriate for the area – take into account wind, noise and privacy.
• Seek advice from a fencing specialist before making any decisions.
• Check whether the fence requires local council approval.
• Pool fences need to be certified and meet Australian Standards.
• Ensure the comapny you employ to build your fence uses Australian materials.

Australia’s drought conditions are bringing about changes in the way we landscape our gardens. Attention is now being focussed on drought resistant lawns and drought tolerant grasses and plants. While some people may decide to replace their lawn entirely with drought resistant plants, others don’t want to give up the attractive spread of green which has had its place in Australian gardens for so long.

However in times of drought the kind of lawn we grow is worth considering. A drought resistant type of lawn is much more practical and sensible, requiring less frequent use of precious water and therefore also costing less in water charges.

Drought tolerant grasses are specially developed to withstand hotter drier conditions and to go for longer periods between watering. They are also resilient if they do get starved of water. After even a prolonged period they will usually spring back to healthy, green life after rain or watering begins again. Therefore with most drought resistant lawns there is no need to be too concerned if dry brown patches appear during summer.

You can “train” your drought tolerant lawn to become even more resistant by giving it well spread apart, deep waterings. Once a week is usually sufficient once the lawn has taken hold. Frequent shorter watering does not encourage deep root development and the grass therefore has to rely more on what its roots can reach near the surface.

Some of the varieties of grass recommended for drought resilience are:

Couch

• Very heat and drought resistant
• Needs less water than most other grasses
• Grows well in filtered sunlight
• Inexpensive
• Hardy and resistant to pests and diseases
• Generally non irritating to skin, so good for kids to play on

Buffalo Grass

• Drought resistant and grows well in hot climates
• Hardy and resistant to herbicides and fungus
• Grows reasonably well in shady areas
• Soft to touch, so it is great for kids play areas
• Less invasive into garden beds than some other lawn grasses
• Needs less mowing than some other grasses

Kikuyu

• Very drought resistant
• Grows fast when water available
• Needs regular mowing
• Grows very rapidly in a sunny, warm climate
• One of the least expensive lawn grasses
• Hardy and can withstand heavy traffic
• Spreads via runners

Some grasses do better in shade or full sun than others, so be sure to choose appropriately for your conditions. Soil type should also be considered and the cost varies with different varieties of drought resistant grasses, so make sure you look into this if it is an issue.

Another alternative is artificial lawn. These days there are some quite good, realistic artificial grasses available, and this may be a choice worth considering if no watering or regular maintenance appeals to you.

Check out further information online for details about drought resistant lawns, as well as how to plant and care for drought tolerant grasses.

Landscaped or above ground swimming pools are becoming a common backyard feature. They cost less than an in ground pool and their popularity is due to the fact that they are less of a strain on the budget. You can spend up to $10,000 on an above ground pool, which is quite cheap compared to an inground pool which can cost anywhere from $25-30,000.

An above-ground pool is already in shape when delivered to the owner’s property and can be self-installed, thus keeping costs down even further. Some features previously limited to inground pools are now available for abpove-ground models. These features include deeper ends, built-in lighting, saltwater compatibility and a range of shapes and sizes.

Another defining feature of an above ground pool is its portability. Unlike grounded pools they can be drained, packed up and moved to a new location, making it ideal for people who are renting. Prefabricated pools can be easily worked into an existing outdoor setting, even on sloping sites. Clever landscaping can give an above-ground pool the appearance of being partially or fully in-ground, at a fraction of the price. All the accessories available for an in-ground pool, such as water slides, are also available for above ground installations.

Advantages Of Above Ground Pools

• Easy construction allows the owners to install the poll themselves.
• Can be moved, unlike concrete in-ground pools.
• Compatible with accessories such as ladders, slides and decks.
• Can be placed on slopes, either with supports or partially inground.
• Easily maintained and compatible with replacement pool liners.
• Many different styles and shapes, such as oval, round keyhole, kidney and deep end.