A magical backyard makeover in Auckland

The Brief

When Alex moved into her new home in Massey, Auckland, she was excited about the potential of her good-sized backyard. But there was just one problem: it was completely neglected. The fences were mouldy, the retaining walls were unfinished, and the grass was patchy at best. It was a sad, tired space that did nothing to highlight the beautiful views of the native bush along one boundary.

Alex wanted a backyard that was vibrant and inviting, somewhere she could entertain friends with a Saturday night BBQ or just relax with a quiet cuppa after a busy workday. As a busy working mum, she didn’t have time for constant upkeep but knew there was no such thing as a no-maintenance garden. She was after something practical, stylish, and as low-maintenance as possible.

That’s when she called on Grant from The ProGroup. They talked through her ideas, discussed her lifestyle needs, and came up with a creative plan to bring this tired backyard to life.

Project Details

• Project Name: Magical Backyard Makeover – Massey
• Location: Massey, Auckland
• Project Type: Deck and Fence Restoration, Landscaping, and Artificial
• Grass Installation
• Residential Property
• Service Used: Deck&FencePro, GrassPro
• Date Completed: June 2016

The ProGroup Solution

This backyard had loads of potential; it just needed a bit of vision and a lot of elbow grease. We wanted to keep things simple and practical while bringing out the natural beauty of the space. Here’s how we made it happen:

Deck Restoration:

This deck looked more grey than brown; years of sun exposure had left the timber dry and lifeless, covered in a layer of dead lignin that made it look old and tired. We completed a full deck restoration, starting with a thorough high-pressure wash using eco-friendly cleaning chemicals to strip away the dead lignin and reveal the beautiful timber underneath. The deck was then repaired, with loose nails hammered down and a few weathered boards replaced to make everything safe and sturdy.

Fence Makeover:

The fences surrounding the yard were structurally sound but covered in mould and looking rather rough. After a thorough, high-pressure clean, it was ready for a fresh coat of paint. Instead of staining, we opted for a dark charcoal paint that gave the fences a solid, contemporary look while also providing long-lasting protection. The paint finish did an awesome job of covering imperfections while providing protection against future mould growth and sun damage.

Landscaping and Garden Design:

To make the most of the beautiful views of the native bush, we completed the unfinished retaining walls and added bark gardens filled with shrubs and grasses. For the slightly muddy and unsightly bottom area of grass, Alex and Grant came up with a brilliant plan to turn a wasted space into an inspired oasis. They added a pond with a rustic macrocarpa bridge, a natural waterfall feature, and goldfish.

Artificial Grass Installation:

Alex wanted to sort out the utility area, which was often a muddy mess, especially in winter. She wanted to keep the decent-sized washing line but was tired of traipsing through the mud to hang out or bring in the washing.

We suggested hard-wearing residential artificial grass as a practical, low-maintenance solution. The grass was laid over a prepared base to ensure good drainage and a perfectly level finish. Not only did this create a clean, mud-free area, but it also provided a lovely spot for a new spa pool, turning a previously dull and messy utility area into a fun, functional space the whole family could enjoy.

Choose The ProGroup for Your Backyard Makeover

If you’ve got a high-maintenance garden that’s been neglected, a landscaping makeover with a touch of artificial grass could be the solution. Calm, idyllic havens are more achievable than you may think – bring a bit of magic into your outdoor living areas with GrassPro and Deck&FencePro.

Explore our other recent projects to view more of our work, and fill out the form below to request your free quote today.