garden party

From habitat highlights - issue 43, gardens

There’s no better place to show off creative flair than in the garden.

Check out these clever garden projects using Resene paints. From bright obelisks to a vibrant Japanese-inspired garden and a bold water tank, these ideas might be just the inspiration you need to transform your backyard into a colourful oasis.

Bright orange garden obelisk painted in Resene Adrenalin
Orange you pretty

French-inspired garden obelisk painted in Resene Gothic
French fantasy

top tip Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat is a versatile primer ideal for timber surfaces inside and out.

Orange you pretty

Mavis and her husband created this striking garden obelisk for their compact Stratford garden which was part of the Taranaki Fringe Festival. “We’d downsized, so I wanted something eye-catching,” says Mavis. Painted in Resene Adrenalin, this structure draws plenty of attention.

Bright orange garden obelisk painted in Resene Adrenalin

French fantasy

Julie’s husband Mike made this beautiful French-inspired obelisk as a birthday gift for her at their rural property in the Pohangina Valley. “He knew I loved that style and found inspiration online," Julie recalls. "Mike chose Resene paint because he’s used it before and trusts its quality and durability outdoors. He used Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat and finished it with Resene Lumbersider Low Sheen in the colour Resene Gothic. The paint’s holding up beautifully and the colour is just perfect.”

French-inspired garden obelisk painted in Resene Gothic

top tip Resene Quick Dry waterborne primer undercoat is a versatile primer ideal for timber surfaces inside and out.

Make your own obelisk

A garden obelisk is a tall, decorative structure designed to support climbing plants. It adds interest and elegance to garden beds or pots. Finish yours with a favourite Resene colour or Resene FX Faux Rust Effect. Visit www.habitatbyresene.co.nz/habitat-tv for step-by-step instructions to make your own.

Take a seat

Amy and Bevan of Gore gave their old table and chair set a refresh with Resene Sublime – a zesty greeny-gold shade that pops in the sunshine. After cleaning the set then preparing it with Resene ArmourX Rust-Arrest, they sprayed on two coats of Resene Sublime. The result? A fresh finish perfect for outdoor entertaining.

Refreshed outdoor table and chairs painted in zesty greeny-gold Resene Sublime

top tip Resene ArmourX Rust-Arrest anti-corrosive primer helps protect surfaces and is especially useful when optimum surface preparation is not practical, such as on wrought iron or metal.

Tank transformation

Artist Brooke Wyn (@bwyn_art) transformed a water tank in Kaukapakapa into a colour-filled mural using Resene paint, celebrating native flora and fauna. “I wanted the mural to blend into the bush and planting around the property,” says Brooke. She chose Resene paint for its trusted reputation and wide colour range, making it easy to bring her vision to life. “The paint is vibrant, smooth to apply and great quality. I know it’ll last in the outdoor elements.” Brooke used a range of greens such as Resene Chateau Green, Resene Bilbao, Resene Coriander, Resene Turtle Green and Resene Clover along with pops of other colours to suit her mural, such as Resene Bullwhip, Resene Energy Yellow, Resene Albescent White, Resene Aquarius, Resene Apple Blossom, Resene Double Friar Greystone, Resene West Coast, Resene Brown Derby and Resene Fandango.

A water tank with a colourful native flora and fauna themed mural by Brooke Wyn

Brooke's mum Jo helps with some of the finishing touches.

Take me to Tokyo

Greytown gardener Kelsey has always loved Japanese gardens, so she brought the look to life using bright plants, upcycled chairs and the brightest red paint she could find – Resene Poppy. Her home is set back from the road but she often gets comments from people who notice it as they pass by. “My parents have always used Resene and now so do we,” she says. “The quality is amazing. I painted this project two years ago and it’s still just as bright!”

Japanese-inspired garden with upcycled wooden chairs painted in bright Resene Poppy

› For more step-by-step garden ideas visit www.resene.com/gardenprojects

Spring clean

After months of wet weather, even the best-kept outdoor spaces can look a little worse for wear. Slippery paths, mossy patios and grime-covered surfaces aren’t just unsightly but they are unsafe too. With a little TLC and Resene products, it’s easy to bring them back to life.

Photos of four helpful Resene cleaning products for spring cleaning outdoor areas

Resene Deep Clean is a slow-release cleaner perfect for targeting mould, moss, lichen and algae on paths, pavers, decks and driveways. Just spray it on and let nature take its course – rain and sun help activate the formula and give surfaces a gentle clean over time without scrubbing.

Resene Bio-Cleaner is a biodegradable, eco-friendly cleaner that cuts through dirt and grime on painted and washable surfaces – use it on fences, decks, outdoor furniture and walls to instantly freshen things up. Perfect before painting or simply to revive tired-looking areas, or you can use Resene Paint Prep and Housewash for instantly fresher paintwork.

If you have oil or stain marks on driveways and garage flooring, clean them with Resene Heavy Duty Paint Prep and Oil Remover.

Colours mentioned in this article