This was it! The week Scotty had been urging the Blockheads to get a head start on since they arrived; the landscaping that would make their houses look like the homes buyers would love.
And what a range of designs the contestants chose. With giant Japanese arbours, a creek, saunas, ice baths, and more plants than a national park, nobody was leaving anything to chance here.
But would it be a case of too little too late for those who hadn’t started weeks ago? Or were the latecomers going to surprise everyone with their innovation and design?
Emma & Ben (First place)
After a week of chaos with concrete ripped up, design changes and a wine cellar thrown into the mix, just finishing was an accomplishment for Emma & Ben. And what a finish they made, the judges said. “Look at this,” Shaynna said, “Magnificent!”
Following a dark and moody design, with black and charcoal furniture and mostly native plants, the yard shone from the huge amphitheatre deck (with mature tree insert) to the undulating grass, Tuscan steppers, Bromley sculpture, fruit orchard past the Plungie pool, 3D-printed cabana (with steam sauna) and fire pit.
But it was the surprise wine cellar that grabbed attention. Nestled under the southern wing of their home Emma & Ben had created a warm and cosy space with natural light, Black Mango Maggie Solid Elm stools and a magnificent Block Shop Kamilya Lowana White Artwork that won the judges hearts. “This is the perfect chess move!” Marty said.
Get the look: Solid elm counter stool
Robby & Mat (Second place)
With winding twin paths leading from the generous deck to a collection of mature trees (including a centrepiece Boab just ready for a picnic), a Plungie pool and spa with sun shade and well-appointed 3D printed cabana with sauna and the ideal artwork to sum it up – A Perfect Weekend Away by Jo Tilker – this was a yard that led the eye to new places.
Pinterest-worthy, Marty said but not just pretty. The huge Trendz fireplace pumped out the warmth, but did it block the view of the pool? No problem, Darren said, pointing to the Swan security cameras aimed straight at the water. Add in Food Cubes growing veggies and a full-size Pickle Ball court, and this was a yard for relaxing, but one that also did some heavy lifting.
Get the look: Plungie Pool Max
Britt & Taz (Third place)
Given they started earliest, Britt & Taz’s back yard should have been the most complete, the judges said as they walked into the Australia-inspired landscape… and on many fronts it was. “Wowee!” Darren said as he walked under the many arbours separating multiple spaces to take a seat in the outdoor lounge overlooking the Plungie pool/spa area, perfectly placed in front of the Cabana styled as a change-room to entice.
The nearby fireplace, he said, was stunning. The perfect place, Marty added, for weddings! There were games set out, a sauna, hot tub, ice bath, chicken coop and more all selling the idea of a wellness retreat… and even a dry creek bed to paint the Aussie picture.
Was it too much? Possibly, Marty argued, pointing out it was a lot of real estate for something just to look at.
Get the look: Curve bench
Sonny & Alicia (Fourth place)
Simple but effective, Marty said when he walked into Sonny & Alicia’s backyard, taking in the vast expanses of lawn that would make this one of the most user-friendly spaces on the entire Block.
With a Bocce pit behind the 3D printed pool cabana, an arbour milled from local timber with a huge outdoor dining setting on brick pavers to complement the house façade, all in front of the Plungie pool and spa, this was a place just perfect for family gatherings, he added. “If you put a prompt into Google Gemini and asked for the perfect Aussie backyard but luxe,” Darren said, “this is what you will get back.”
Get the look: You, Me and Bubbles | Jo Tilker | Canvas or Print by Artist Lane | Siesta sofabed
Han & Can (Fifth place)
Japanese maples under Japanese Torii gate-inspired arbours and with serene Asian-influenced pockets and TifTuf lawned spaces separated by boulders, this was a garden designed to relax, the judges said. But did it work?
At the round outdoor fireplace, it certainly did, guest judge Dave Franklin said, taking in the view of the 3D printed cabana with outdoor shower, and pool/spa space filled with outdoor furniture and Block Shop’s Cora Wool rug. There was a lot going on, Shaynna said, maybe too much? “Han and Can often seem to put a lot of effort into things that use up resources and time at the expense of finishing their rooms.” Because a lot was unfinished, she pointed out.
Get the look: BOREE daybed
