With increasing climatic condition change and prolonged drought conditions in Ausralia, many people are trying to save water and energy on the dryest inhabited continent on earth.
The buildings in which we live, work and play, protect us from the elements but also shape the environment around us. The construction and operation of buildings requires a huge input of resources. The location of buildings and what resources are used affects the ecosystem in a number of ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent people are looking for ways that can significantly decrease this impact and make their homes and offices healthier to live and work in.
Some of the biggest long-term challenges facing our nation are securing sustainable water and power suppliers for our future and reducing the production of greenhouse gases to limit the impact of climate change.
We live on the driest inhabited continent on earth, yet are one of the highest per capita consumers of water. Melbourne is experiencing the lowest level of water supply in many years. Yet we each consume, on average, 400 litres of water every day.
Many people assume that we are in a current state of drought and that when the drought breaks we will have adequate amounts of water to go back to using it like we have in the past. However, this is not the full story. Australia has always had little rainfall and as our population increases so will pressure on water and power. We can all make an individual difference that will assist this nation in its endeavours.
Strategies that can be employed include installing rain water tanks, grey water irrigation systems, solar hot water systems, solar heating and other water and energy conserving means. To assist, the State Governments have included rebates for water saving devices in their strategies.
Sustainable Plumbing P/L is a Melbourne leader in the field of green plumbing and works with other partners such as specialist sustainable landscape architects and designers to achieve aesthetic design with these sustainable water and solar strategies
Jingle have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for landscaping melbourne and great passion and knowledge for landscape design melbourne and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here acmaintenance.com.au
Having a pool in your backyard can be a great recreational avenue for the whole family. Match a beautiful garden to a good swimming pool design and you got yourself a great place to host formal as well as family parties. Since you require no permits to build a swimming pool in your backyard, you can employ any good contractor to build one for you.
A good swimming pool design requires a lot of planning. First, you have to settle on the shape of the pool area. It does not have to be a mundane rectangular shape. You can try out ellipse, circular of free curve styles of swimming pool designs by simply using a long enough piece of rope or garden pipe. Once you have settled on the shape, the next step is the size and distance of the pool. Depending on the maximum number of people you will entertain in the pool and the area that you will require for the garden, you will have to choose the dimensions. The distance of the swimming pool design from your house also matters from the aesthetics point of view. The last step in planning for a pool involves what accessories you will be putting around the pool area. These accessories will require space and so must be integrated into the overall pool and garden design. With all these plans ready you are can now start building your pool.
One secret to having a hassle free garden design Melbourne is to use whatever elements you already have in your backyard to enhance the appeal of the pool area. This can include trees, shrubs and even rock formations. If flowers are natural to your neck of woods, then use this natural element to surround the pool area, if vines are the natural part of your backyard then grow them over the fences and walkway to your pool. Trees are another great beautifier. Remember to plant only those trees that go well with your swimming pool design. This includes trees that do not shed leaves such as Coast Banksia, Yellow Gum and Black She-Oak. Another great garden design Melbourne is to use rocks to decorate the pool surroundings. Large and medium size boulders when used to make rock steps leading up to the pool or by themselves can serve as a unit of the beauty of the garden.
To get a good knowledge of the plants that will survive in the unpredictable climate of Melbourne, you can pay a visit to The Royal Botanic Gardens or to any of the other local community gardens and parks. The trees and shrubs that you find there will definitely live longer than any other type of species in your backyard, as they are indigenous to the city. If you do not want to personally build a garden into your swimming pool design, then you can approach a garden design Melbourne based contractor or landscaper. These people are well versed in the aspects of beautifying a swimming pool area with gardens. Although employing a garden design Melbourne contractor is expensive, the different types of landscape they can provide your pool area with is worth every penny you will spend.
Fritz have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for landscaping melbourne and great passion and knowledge for landscape design melbourne and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here acmaintenance.com.au
Modern courtyards are a great addition to any home and can increase the value of a property while giving you a great area that you can use in many ways. For the best looking courtyards you should look into modern courtyard design ideas so that they look as attractive as possible and make the best possible use of your space.
A modern courtyard will likely be quite minimal in design, which can create a feeling of openness, space and light which is very relaxing for sitting in. At the same time a great minimal design will also be easier to clean as their will be fewer items to get behind and to clean underneath. This means that you can maintain it easily and keep it looking as fresh and slick as it did when you got it installed.
For the ground you will likely choose some kind of tiles which can be a range of materials from marble to concrete. Either way, you should try to use a light colour so that you again create more feeling of space and cleanliness in your space and whites, light greys and beige are always good options as darker or brighter colours can end up feeling more oppressive. You might also want to get your concrete or tiles printed or stained in order to add another element to them, this way you can create marble like patterns which will not only hide dirt and dust, but also make space more attractive and more expensive looking. Shapes stamped onto the tiles, or the use of different shades can be what helps to create interest in your modern courtyard design ideas and this is something you should talk through with a designer.
To maintain this modern looking design you should also be sure to get maintenance for your tiles and this will prevent things like pot holes etc from forming which will make your tiles look untidy and dirty. You can also get underfloor heating for your tiles however to prevent this and this is an aspect of modern courtyard design that is quite practical.
You will also want some form of seating in your courtyard, and you should have somewhere nice to sit while you read your book outside as well as somewhere social for people to gather when you have guests (courtyards are perfect for parties). Try and choose a seat that continues the modern minimalist look but that also offers comfort while being suited to an outdoors location.
Modern courtyard designs also need some kind of feature and there are a range of features you can use here - from a pond to a fountain to a statue or plants and trees. This will make your courtyard more than just an open space and will give something to look at. With a fountain or pond you also get the sense of purity that comes with water as well as the trickling noise and the constant movement which can add a lot to a courtyard. The correct mood lighting, in conjunction with this water, can cast patterns around the whole area. Have sliding glass doors leading onto your courtyard to ensure that you can appreciate it while indoors too.
Angel have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for landscaping melbourne and great passion and knowledge for landscape design melbourne and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here acmaintenance.com.au
Box Hill is near the statecapital of Melbourne and has the honour of housing a famous art community from 1885 to 1888. Many of Australia's most popular artists came to that area to learn from each other and paint the landscape of the town. Today Box Hill has become an outlying suburb.
Australian Landscape Artist, Tom Roberts came to Box Hill after he experimented with impressionist painting in France and Spain. He loved the Australian rural environment and wanted to find a place where he could paint to his hearts content. He and another artist friend named Frederick McCubbin did not appreciate the way students were being taught how to paint landscapes and they decided to go to Houston's Farm in Box Hill to experiment with different techniques. Several other artists joined them. After awhile tourists began to come to see what the artist group was up. This disrupted their peace and quite so the group moved on.
The area's first settler was named Arundel Wright who built a house on some land he came across in 1838. The land he squatted upon was eventually sold and he was forced to leave. The stone from his chimney was used to make the Pioneer's Memorial that is currently in front of the town hall.
The city centre was built up in 1854 and the name of the area was picked in 1860 and was given the same name as an area in Surrey England, the area the postmaster came from. Some say it was actually named after the type of plant that grew in the area called box eucalyptus. The area was slow in growth until the railway was built through town in 1882 making it much easier to travel to Melbourne. A farmers and livestock market was founded in 1895 and was placed close to the rail station and from that day on Box Hill was known for being a commercial shopping area.
Today there is a statue of a horse that stands upon a large pedestal where Whitehorse Road passes through the main shopping precinct. Box Hill has adopted the horse statue as a symbol of its city and it appears in the coat of arms. The temperance movement was a popular platform in the 1800's and both the Presbyterians and Methodists took up the cause with great zeal. Box Hill was known for being an area that supported this movement with much vitality and in fact, there was no liquor sold in the area until 1966.
During the 1950's many shopping centres were opened in Box Hill including Myer Eastland and the nearby Doncaster Shoppingtown. In the 1960's more parking was added by placing the railway line underground. Other stores followed and the area today enjoys the title of the second largest office and retail area outside of the city of Melbourne. There is a large variety of restaurants and cafes some of which serve the best ethnic cuisine in all of Australia.
Box Hill Indoor Sports Centre is a place many go to see games in town. You can see soccer, volleyball and cricket games. The local population loves sports and they have several football leagues, an archer club, and Australian football club. Box Hill Athletic Club has been around since 1932 and was active in the 1956 Olympic Games that were held in Melbourne. Box hill is home to a wonderful golf course that will challenge the beginner and the seasoned golfer. There is an indoor outdoor pool called 'Aqualink', several basketball courts, a gym and tennis courts. You can always find a game at the baseball diamond and football oval. Outdoor sports are a major force in Box Hill.
Andrea have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for landscaping melbourne and great passion and knowledge for landscape design melbourne and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here acmaintenance.com.au
Heading on an travel adventure in the land Down Under soon or in the coming months? There are so many driving routes you can explore in Australia; so you will be totally spoilt for choice. You will come across ancient discoveries, charming heritage towns and villages, wonderful scenery and very interesting travel experiences!
For some of the best driving routes you can take in Australia, please read on for more...
The Savannah Way
The long but rewarding Savannah Way is a magical way to explore the diverse beauty of Australia's Northern Territory. It stretches from Cairns to Broome at over 3,000km. You will be travelling along the Australia Highway 1. One of the most astounding features of the route that you will see here is the diversity of the landscape. You will come across strange rock formations, hot water springs and cliff gorges, together with some magnificent flora and fauna totally unique to this part of Australia!
It is recommended that you take in the Savannah Way throughout the dry season from April to September. The starting point is Cairns, and going along Highway 1 you will pass along the Atherton Tablelands. This is the Queensland Gulf region, and you will come across the wonderful Innot Hot Springs here. After this you will come across Borroloola along the MacArthur River. Another marvellous attraction in this area is Cape Crawford, known as the lost city, with some unique rock formations, and Mataranka Nature Reserve, which is home to some wonderful thermal springs.
Indeed the Savannah Way Route is home to some marvellous National Parks, such as Nitmiluk National Park and Gregory National Park, which covered over 13,000 sq km, and also Keep River National Park. From here you will be travelling into Western Australia through the Kimberley Region and this will bring you to the historic city of Broome, which was a major pearling location through the decades. The white warm sands of Cable Beach are welcoming after a long journey from Cairns.
The Great Ocean Road
If you are in the Melbourne, a trip along the Great Ocean Road is a must! This driving route stretches for over 270 km and is widely regarded as one of the most scenic driving tours in the world, featuring stunning viewing points over the Victoria coastline. The Great Ocean Road begins in Torquay outside Melbourne, and travels to Warrnambool. To get to Torquay, take the Surf coast for 95km from Melbourne, and if you fancy it, hit the waves with your surfboard.
As you leave Torquay you will be hitting the Great Ocean Road. There are sea views on one side of you together with rich green landscapes of the Otway Mountain Ranges on the other. There are plenty of look out points along the route, so take your time, stop and enjoy the views. The primary attractions to watch out for along this route is the magnificent Twelve Apostles, which are a fine collection of wonderful limestone rock formations that lie off the coastline in the sea. These are positioned on the route between Princetown and Campbell so keep an eye out for them! Why not park off here, head down to the beach and see these magnificent rock structures for yourself! You will come across some of the wonderful coves and secluded beaches of the Great Ocean Road so find your very own one!
Pacific Coast Drive From Sydney
If you are based in the Sydney and would like to take in a scenic driving route, then why not take in the Pacific Coast Drive, along the east coast of Australia. Popular with surfers, this route stretches for 950km and travels along the Number 1 Australian Highway, of which this part hugs the Pacific Coastline. As you leave Sydney, head for the Central Coast and travel north to Newcastle, and perhaps drop off at the Brisbane Waters National Park.
Along the way you will come across Lake Macquarie, and you can indulge in some watersports here! What is on offer here range from wind surfing to water sailing so enjoy all of these! After stopping off here, you will come across Nelson Bay, and you could take in the Hunter Valley, a prominent wine-producing region of Australia. Further north is Myall Lake National Park. Coffs Harbour is your next pot of call, and you will come across Kempsey and Hat Head National Park. Coffs Harbour is around 580km from Sydney, and one of the biggest attractions here is the Big Banana. Here, you can enjoy waterslides together with ice-skating.
From Coffs Harbour, travel north on the coastal road and you will reach the Iluka Nature Reserve. You could stop off here or travel to Murwillumbah, and then onto Ballina where you could take in a river cruise. Failing that, you could head on straight to Byron Bay, which is one of the most popular surfing destinations in Australia, and 175km south of Brisbane. After more stunning seascapes along this route, you will come to Brisbane in Queensland.
Explorer Highway Driving Tour
This impressive route will take you from Adelaide to Darwin. You are definitely guaranteed wonderful and diverse scenery and some magnificent attractions! It is also known as the Stuart Highway. The Explorer Highway is over 3,200km in length, so be prepared for this wonderful journey by stocking up with adequate water and supplies! You could do this route in around a week, but you could also spend longer at it!
Again, this route is along a section of the Highway 1 that runs from north to south Australia through Alice Springs. One striking feature of this route is the change in landscape. You will begin in the rolling lush green country areas of Adelaide, heading through the steep vineyards of South Australia, the vast red sand area of the Simpson Desert. When you reach the Northern Territory, and in particular Darwin, you will be astounded by the lush tropical rainforest areas.
Some of the magical highlights of the Explorer Highway include Nitmiluk National Park, Cutta Cutta Caves, the imposing MacDonnell Ranges, and the marvellous Litchfield National Park. The town of Alice Springs, located in the dead centre point of Australia. Whilst here, it is worth checking out the truly spectacular Ayers Rock National Park. At Tennant Creek you will come across the weird and wonderful Devil Marbles, huge boulder and rock formations, deeply immersed in local Aboriginal culture.
Goldfields Region Tour From Melbourne
Travel in the footsteps of the men and women who travelled from near and far to Australia's very own Gold rush in the 19th Century and thereafter. If you are based in Melbourne, you can do this very route by taking the Goldfields Tourist Route. Just follow the golden 'G' signs and you are on your way! All of the main heritage centres, towns and attractions are denoted by said signpost.
The main locations along the route are Ballarat, Creswick, Castlemaine, Bendigo and Ararat. From Melbourne take the Western Freeway and head for Ballarat, a travelling distance of just under 120km. Sovereign Hill Museum is a good place to drop off at and discover for yourself how prospectors lived during these times. The costumes and drama are perfectly recreated. The gold mines at Bendigo are well worth checking out too. The Museum at Central Deborah Gold Mine will allow the visitor to relive times past as a gold prospector.
This route can be achieved as part of a day trip from Melbourne or you could stay for longer by exploring the quaint villages and towns along the region. The choice is yours!
Brooke have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for landscaping melbourne and great passion and knowledge for landscape design melbourne and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here acmaintenance.com.au
With increasing climatic condition change and prolonged drought conditions in Ausralia, many people are trying to save water and energy on the dryest inhabited continent on earth.
The buildings in which we live, work and play, protect us from the elements but also shape the environment around us. The construction and operation of buildings requires a huge input of resources. The location of buildings and what resources are used affects the ecosystem in a number of ways. As the environmental impact of buildings becomes more apparent people are looking for ways that can significantly decrease this impact and make their homes and offices healthier to live and work in.
Some of the biggest long-term challenges facing our nation are securing sustainable water and power suppliers for our future and reducing the production of greenhouse gases to limit the impact of climate change.
We live on the driest inhabited continent on earth, yet are one of the highest per capita consumers of water. Melbourne is experiencing the lowest level of water supply in many years. Yet we each consume, on average, 400 litres of water every day.
Many people assume that we are in a current state of drought and that when the drought breaks we will have adequate amounts of water to go back to using it like we have in the past. However, this is not the full story. Australia has always had little rainfall and as our population increases so will pressure on water and power. We can all make an individual difference that will assist this nation in its endeavours.
Strategies that can be employed include installing rain water tanks, grey water irrigation systems, solar hot water systems, solar heating and other water and energy conserving means. To assist, the State Governments have included rebates for water saving devices in their strategies.
Sustainable Plumbing P/L is a Melbourne leader in the field of green plumbing and works with other partners such as specialist sustainable landscape architects and designers to achieve aesthetic design with these sustainable water and solar strategies
Wina have been writing articles for nearly 2 years. Come visit his blogs more often for tips and advice that helps people with the interest for landscaping melbourne and great passion and knowledge for landscape design melbourne and all the different options & providers available in the market today. Find out for more info also here acmaintenance.com.au
