b'tips and tricksAs landscape designer Nicky Samuel of Elan Design, Te Awamutu, says: Popular nowadays is glass balustrading, which was previously only used on decks and around pools. But now combinations of solid walling with glass panels give the added benefit of retaining views, Overheadstructuressuchaspergolasarebecomingincreasingly sophisticatedwithelectronicallycontrolledlouvredsystemsthatAbove leftScreens can protect from prevailing winds and close at the hint of rain, or that can be adjusted according to theallow a clear view to be enjoyed. This garden was designed by Nicky Samuel of Elan Design. suns direction.AboveChimeneas or Mexican ovens are atmospheric and Other options include shade sails with different UV ratings in a wideeasy to add to an outdoor space. This one featured in a range of colours and levels of permeability. Non waterproof sails areprevious issue of habitat. The walls behind are painted in reasonably priced but waterproof fabric is heavier and will requireResene Grenadier (top) and Resene Sorbus (bottom). stronger anchorage systems, so is more expensive. Good anchorage and tension is important if you dont want to be kept awake at night with canvas flapping and cracking in the wind. Outdoor kitchens have become a hugely popular part of outdoorBelow and rightThere are a range of styles from living, reducing the dependence on the main house kitchen andthe EcoSmart range from adding cooking flexibility and ambience. State of the art outdoorOutdoor Concepts, fuelled kitchens often include a high-end barbecue with possibly a pizzaby bioethanol, including oven, work benches, a sink and storage space. the Stix and the Mini T.While most outdoor kitchens are made from stainless steel in modular form, purpose-built kitchens in plastered blockwork or timber may better suit individual taste. Timber may also be used for benches and work surfaces but needs to be finished with a product like Resene Woodsman wood oil stain or Resene Furniture and Decking Oil. See page 72 for step-by-step instructions on a smart outdoor kitchen to make. Aucklandlandscapedesigner,JenniferInsleyofGardenstoGo, saystheincreasinglycommontrendofincludingoutdoorareas in the original overall design of a home rather than as an added afterthought,ensuresthebestflowandthoughtfulpositioning, maximising year-round use.Jennifer says outdoor heating is much more effective when combined with an overhead canopy for shelter. This may be clear, flat acrylic sheeting over a pergola structure, a stretched PVC canopy, a louvred roof system or an extension of the house roof, she says. words Kathy GoodwinReseneGrenadier 79'