Adam Rothwell

If you’ve ever caught yourself whispering sweet nothings to your chickens while collecting eggs, or if you’re planning your first backyard flock and wondering how extra is too extra when it comes to coop design… you’re in the right place. A chicken house isn’t just a box with a perch—it can be a garden feature, a productivity

If you’ve ever tiptoed through a chicken coop trying not to knock over a feeder with your knee or accidentally bump your head on a roosting bar, then you know: walk-in chicken coops are a game-changer. Whether you’re raising a few hens in a cozy side yard or planning a full-on backyard poultry haven, having the

If you’ve ever stood outside on a chilly evening, flipping burgers while wishing you had just a little more shelter (and maybe a heater or two), you know the struggle of seasonal grilling. The truth is, most of us design our outdoor kitchen layouts around summer vibes—open decks, sunshine, fresh salads on the counter. Then

There’s something about autumn that makes me crave smoky food. Maybe it’s the crisp air that makes you want to gather around the warmth of a grill, or maybe it’s that feeling of stretching the summer evenings a little longer before winter really hits. Either way, I’ve noticed more families are finding ways to make

There’s something weirdly satisfying about giving old things new life—especially when it’s done on a budget. One of my favourite spots to makeover in the yard is the garden sink area. Whether you’re rinsing veggies, washing little muddy hands, or just need a space to pot your plants, having an outdoor wash station is a

There’s something so grounding about having a dedicated little spot in your yard where you can pot up plants, rinse your garden tools, and maybe even pause for a cuppa while the kids run around. A proper potting bench with a built-in sink doesn’t have to cost the earth. You can make it work on

Winter has a sneaky way of testing our patience. One day you’re flipping burgers under a glowing summer sky, the next you’re standing in your frosty backyard, staring at a lonely grill that looks more abandoned than loved. I’ve been there: the cover half slipping off, tongs frozen to the side table, and a bag

Autumn has a way of sneaking up on us. One minute you’re sweating over a summer BBQ, the next you’re digging out sweaters and realizing the leaves have turned golden overnight. But here’s the thing: just because the temperature dips doesn’t mean outdoor cooking has to hibernate until spring. In fact, autumn is one of

A garden fence doesn’t just mark boundaries — it can be a beautiful backdrop for your plants. Adding potted flowers to a fence is one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to bring life to your garden, no matter the size or style. I’ve seen it firsthand in my mum’s backyard; what was once

An English garden is all about charm — winding paths, bursts of colour, and plants that feel like they’ve been there for years. Adding potted plants is a simple way to bring even more texture and personality into your space, whether you’ve got a sprawling country garden or a small courtyard. From pots that hang

There’s something about a sunken backyard space that just feels… magical. Maybe it’s the tucked-away coziness, or the way it separates one little zone from the rest of the world. But if you’ve ever looked at those dreamy garden photos online and thought, “Looks lovely, but must’ve cost a fortune,”—I’m right there with you. When we

Let’s be honest—most of us don’t have the kind of sprawling backyard that looks like it belongs on a home renovation show. I’ve got kids, a dog, and about 6 million outdoor toys scattered across the lawn (plus a patchy bit of grass that refuses to grow). But even with limited space, you can create a stylish,

Right—let’s talk about autumn evenings in the backyard. You know, those nights when the sun dips earlier, there’s a little mist in the air, and you’re wrapped in your coziest hoodie, flipping burgers like you’re hosting a Michelin-star pop-up (even if it’s just frozen sausages and your sister’s veggie skewers). It’s the season where BBQing

Create Zones for Play, Plants, and Peace When you’re designing a family backyard that includes both a garden and a playground, the key is smart zoning. Think of your space in layers or sections — one for active play, one for garden beauty, and one for relaxing as the grown-ups. You don’t need a massive

Before you build anything, sketch out how your family actually uses the backyard. Is there a sandbox under the tree? A shady corner where grandma likes to sit? A trampoline dominating one half? That’s your starting point. Now imagine a gentle walking path weaving between those spaces—connecting the patio, the veggie patch, the play zone,

We’ve all been there—your child’s school bag is technically full, but when it comes to actually learning at home, everything suddenly vanishes. The pencils are somewhere. The notebooks are half-used. And the actual learning? That’s hiding behind a YouTube tab. But adding a few well-placed teaching aids into their regular school supplies? That’s a parenting move with real staying

There’s just something about lockers. That narrow little rectangle becomes more than a spot to dump textbooks—it’s a space that’s theirs. I remember my own locker: scratched-up metal, one wonky shelf, and a sticky residue where a sticker used to be cool before it melted off in the heat. It didn’t have much going for it… unless you

Let’s be honest—backpacks are basically black holes with zips. One minute, your kid’s pencil case is neatly packed and scented with bubblegum gel pens, and the next minute… a mouldy orange, a missing highlighter cap, and some mystery crumbs that might actually be fossils. I’ve lived it (twice over), and every September feels like déjà

There’s something about a good shed that feels like you’ve got life a little more under control. But when that shed also doubles as a cozy backyard house—somewhere to sneak a cup of tea, store the kids’ chaos, or just sit out of the wind while pretending to water plants—it hits another level. I used to think

Let’s be honest—most of us didn’t grow up dreaming of the perfect backyard shed. But once you’ve got kids, bikes, garden tools, camping stuff, and… whatever that dusty plastic tub is holding (Christmas lights? expired sunscreen? who knows)—it hits you. You need a shed. A proper one. But not one of those giant, boxy monsters

There’s something weirdly satisfying about mulch, right? Like, once it’s down, everything just looks neater. More “together.” Like someone finally brushed your garden’s hair. For the longest time, I was one of those mums who grabbed whatever bag of brown mulch was on sale—no questions asked. Then I discovered black mulch. Game. Changed. I didn’t

A lanai might sound like something out of a tropical resort brochure, but really—it’s just a fancy way of saying a covered patio that blends indoor comfort with outdoor charm. And when you’ve got a family and a backyard that’s begging to be used more, a lanai-style garden patio can totally change how you spend

Designing a yard that feels relaxed and a little tropical (but still low-effort enough for busy family life) is kind of the dream. And Florida flowers? They absolutely nail that vibe. They’re colourful, low-maintenance, and a bit wild in the best way—like your garden’s been touched by a bit of coastal sunshine and coconut-scented breeze.

Backyard patios are supposed to be peaceful, right? A little table, maybe a few string lights, a spot to enjoy your iced coffee before the chaos starts. But let’s be honest—if you’ve got kids, your patio probably looks more like a dumping ground for scooters, half-deflated balls, and chalk drawings that have merged into some