Imagine creating a family retreat in a yard that’s been called a “treacherous mess of weeds” or designing a wedding-worthy backyard on terrain that’s so overgrown it resembles a jungle. In “Outback Nation’s” final two episodes of 2015, those were the daunting challenges facing Australia-born landscape design expert Jamie Durie. See how Jamie tackled the impressive backyard overhauls using ChoiceDek composite decking.
Finding a Diamond in the Rough
In Episode 8, Trish and Kirk Wingerson’s backyard dream was to have a space where they could unwind and enjoy friends and family, and where their young girls could safely play. With a busy work schedule, their yard quickly got out of hand.
To make the family’s outdoor dreams a reality, Jamie and the Wingersons worked side-by-side to clear out the yard and build an outdoor living room fit for entertaining. They used ChoiceDek’s durable composite deck boards to create a lasting surface for the new kick-back space. Its wood-plastic composite blend captures the look of wood and stands up well in tough environments, assuring the Wingersons they would be able to enjoy their entertaining space for years to come.
But Jamie didn’t stop there. To give function to the outdoor living room, he added built-in composite deck seating with a mid-century modern aesthetic.
And, to turn the backyard into a true outdoor living room, he used the composite decking to design a walkway connecting the various destinations in the yard. As Jamie explained, the boards “define the space, they don’t just get you from space A to B.”
The composite decking hallway also sets off flower beds, creating a space that is as beautiful as it is functional. It’s hard to imagine this thoughtfully planned and refreshing yard started out as one of the most overgrown backyards Jamie had ever seen.
Creating an Outback Wedding
Jamie Durie faced a different type of challenge in Episode 9 of “Outback Nation.” An unexpected series of events prevented the Wentworths from taming their jungle-like yard, and also from getting married.
Jamie used ChoiceDek composite decking to help create a beautiful Bohemian chic outdoor space that Stephanie and James could also get married in. “The deck is a focal point,” said James Wentworth. “It’s the thoroughfare for everyone going into and out of this backyard.”
It ties the backyard to an outdoor sitting area where the Wentworths can enjoy easy afternoons with their boys, free of the weeds and wildlife encroaching on their yard.
And, the composite decking also complements an outdoor kitchen where James and Stephanie can grill using ingredients from their vertical garden.
Most importantly, the deck dovetailed perfectly with the wedding, creating a stunning aisle for Stephanie to walk across during the ceremony. “It’s right out of a fairytale book,” she said.
For more inspiration to create your own unique outdoor space, visit ChoiceDek’s photo gallery.
