Reserve a section of your alfresco area for the most important part – the entertaining zone. An outdoor lounge setting has plenty of room for a crowd, with a large umbrella so your crew can keep their cool as they chill out.

If your courtyard has good bones but has seen better days, don’t throw up your hands in despair – roll up your sleeves to work on a stunning makeover. Start by clearing out clutter, then use the pressure washer to remove built-up dirt and mould. Add a lick of paint, then use your DIY skills to build benches ideal for work or play, plus a hanging plant frame to help enclose the space. Finish with an outdoor lounge, then sit back and relax – you’ve earned it!

There’s nothing better for relaxing than an outdoor sofa. Plenty of cushions and soft accents mean you can lounge around in style and comfort.

Create a garden work centre and then, when it’s time to entertain, repurpose the benches to lay out a feast for your guests to help themselves.

A fascinating variety of the money plant is Crassula ovata ‘Gollum’. Put it in a pot and surround it with Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ that drips over the edge in a gentle cascade.

A row of lemon-scented myrtles (Backhousia citriodora) creates shade and privacy. This quick- growing native loves a lower-branch prune, making it perfect for showing off ornamental grasses between each tree.

Firesticks or pencil cactus is a fascinating member of the Euphorbia family. In shade it stays green, in sunlight it’s fiery red!

Plants that cope if you forget to water them!

Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ is a winner.

Firesticks (pencil cactus) makes a statement!

Make waves with Crassula undulata.

How to restore your deck so it looks brand-new

Charlie makes a vertical garden with frames

Charlie and Graham's zen garden makeover

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