Blog – Nature Mill

What to Know About Perth’s Water Quality and Your Home Plumbing

November 13, 2024October 27, 2024 by Nature Mill

Hey there! I’m John from Plumb It Right, and I’ve been plumbing around Perth for almost four decades now. Over the years, I’ve come to know a thing or two about the impact our water quality has on home plumbing systems. Perth’s water is a unique blend of groundwater and desalinated water, and while it’s safe to drink, the mineral content and other elements can affect your plumbing. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what to know about Perth’s water quality, how it impacts your plumbing, and some steps you can take to keep your system in great shape.

Understanding Perth’s Water Source and Quality

Here in Perth, our water supply mainly comes from groundwater sources and desalination plants. Groundwater tends to be mineral-rich, containing higher levels of calcium and magnesium, which makes it “hard water.” Even though desalinated water is purer, it’s usually blended with groundwater, so most Perth homes are dealing with some level of minerals in the water.

Why this matters: Hard water can cause mineral buildup in your pipes, taps, and appliances, leading to problems like reduced water pressure and clogged pipes. It can also wear down appliances like dishwashers and washing machines faster than you’d expect.

How Hard Water Affects Your Plumbing

The minerals in hard water accumulate over time, especially in areas with constant water flow. This buildup can narrow your pipes, restrict flow, and create extra pressure on your plumbing system. Hot water systems are particularly vulnerable because heat speeds up the mineral buildup. I’ve seen heaters in Perth clogged with calcium deposits, and this can really impact efficiency and even shorten the lifespan of the unit.

What you can do: Routine maintenance is key here. I recommend flushing your water heater annually and having a professional inspect and clean mineral buildup in pipes to extend the life of your plumbing system.

Top 7 Australian Roofing Materials: Pros, Cons, and Costs

October 22, 2024August 14, 2024 by Nature Mill

G’day, mates!

If you’re looking to put a roof over your head – literally – you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re building a new home, going through the home renovation process with your existing property, or just curious about what’s up there keeping the rain out, this guide to Australian building supplies and roofing materials has got you covered.

So, grab a cuppa and let’s dive into the world of Aussie roofs!

Why Your Roof Choice Matters

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of building materials for the roof, let’s chat about why this decision is so important. Your roof is like the hat of your house – it’s not just there to look good (although that’s a bonus), it’s got a big job to do.

I remember when my mate Dave decided to cheap out on his roof. “It’s just a roof,” he said. Well, one summer storm later, and Dave’s living room looked more like a swimming pool. Trust me, you don’t want to learn that lesson the hard way!

Your roof protects you from the elements, helps insulate your home, and can even affect your energy bills. Plus, in the land of extreme weather (hello, Australian summers!), your roof needs to be tough as nails.

The Top 7 Australian Roofing Materials

Alright, let’s get into it. Here are the top 7 roofing materials you’ll find Down Under:

Colorbond Steel
Terracotta Tiles
Concrete Tiles
Slate
Asphalt Shingles
Zinc
Solar Tiles

Let’s break these down one by one, shall we?

Sustainable Rehabilitation: Turning Former Mine Sites into Thriving Ecosystems

August 7, 2024July 9, 2024 by Nature Mill

G’day, nature lovers and mining enthusiasts! Grab your binoculars and gumboots, because we’re diving into the world of sustainable rehabilitation, where former mine sites are being turned into thriving ecosystems faster than you can say “biodiversity hotspot.”

From the red dust of the Pilbara to the lush forests of Tasmania, Australian mining companies are proving that they can not only extract resources from the earth but also give back in spades. They’re not just filling in holes and planting a few trees – they’re creating whole new ecosystems that would make Mother Nature herself stand up and applaud.

So, let’s strap on our safety gear and explore how these moonscapes are being transformed into slices of paradise.

The Boddington Bauxite Mine: From Red Dirt to Green Glory

Let’s kick things off with a ripper of a story – the rehabilitation of the Boddington Bauxite Mine in Western Australia. This place used to look like Mars had a love child with the moon, but now? It’s greener than a Granny Smith apple!

I visited the site and nearly fell over when I saw it. Where there used to be nothing but red dirt and heavy machinery, there’s now a forest so thick you could lose a kangaroo in it. The site’s environmental manager, Shazza, was grinning like a possum in a peach tree as she showed me around.

“See all this?” she said, waving her arm at the sea of greenery. “Ten years ago, you couldn’t find a blade of grass here. Now we’ve got more than 600 species of native plants, and the wildlife’s coming back in droves. We’ve even got quokkas, and they’re pickier than my Aunt Mabel at a buffet!”

Tips and Tricks To Be Stress-Free While Moving House

August 26, 2024May 16, 2024 by Nature Mill

After a big event like moving, there will be new starts and adventures. Emmanuel Transport knows very well that moving can be very hard, though. They do it every day for customers.

Almost a third of people say it’s more stressful than big events in their lives. But don’t worry! Once you know what to do, going through change is as smooth as the sea. Reading these tips and tricks will help you move without stress. Pay attention to both your house and garden.

The key is to plan ahead

`Try not to wait until the very last second to begin planning. Making a plan weeks ahead of time can keep things from getting crazy:

Making a list: Write down the things you need to do and group them together. Like cleaning and paying bills etc.
Moving is a great way to get rid of stuff. You should get rid of, sell, or give away things you don’t need. Not as much stuff is easier to move.

It Does Matter What Kind of Help You Get

Hiring a moving company to help you move can be very helpful.

Look for removalists that have a good reputation, clear prices, and good reviews.
Made-to-Order Service: Make sure they can take care of your home and garden needs, like plants or trees that need extra care.

Being careful with your garden

Gardens need to be moved with care:

Landscape Construction: A Step-by-Step Guide

October 22, 2024March 14, 2024 by Nature Mill

Landscape construction is much more than just an outdoor project; it’s an artful journey that transforms a vision into a vibrant, living space. It begins with a detailed plan, meticulously crafted to reflect your unique style and functional needs.

Each phase, from site preparation to the final planting, is executed with precision, harmoniously blending hardscaping elements like pathways and water features with the soft beauty of plants and greenery.

This process also integrates essential systems like irrigation and lighting, ensuring the landscape is not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable and practical.

The experts at Botanica Landscapes explain that the result is not just a garden but a personalized sanctuary that resonates with life and beauty, a testament to the skill and creativity behind landscape construction.

Initial Consultation: Laying the Groundwork

The first step is always about understanding your vision and needs. This is where you meet with the landscaping team to discuss your ideas, preferences, and desired outcomes.

It’s a collaborative process where your dream begins to take shape. Imagine sitting down with a team of experts, who wanted a native, wildlife-friendly garden. This stage is all about setting the right foundation.

Site Analysis: Understanding the Canvas

Before any shovel hits the ground, a thorough analysis of the site is crucial. This involves assessing the soil type, topography, existing vegetation, and environmental conditions.

5 Financial Benefits That High Pressure Cleaning Creates For Home Owners

December 13, 2023 by Nature Mill

If you decide that you are going to use a high-pressure cleaning service to reinvigorate the exterior of your home, your mind might be focused a lot on how much hiring such a service is going to cost you. We cannot quote figures as every high-pressure cleaning company will have their rates, and the range of services offered by each of them will differ too.

However, it is safe to say, given the need for equipment and the level of expertise the operative will have, that it will cost more than having someone come around to your home merely to clean the windows. Many people lose sight of the financial implications of having their high-pressure homes cleaned.

Their primary thought usually will be that it will cost them money they will never see again. Still, we want you to consider high-pressure cleaning of your home from an alternative financial perspective. That is, rather than something that creates a minus in your finances, high-pressure cleaning of your house will have the opposite impact and can, in reality, be financially buoyant.

Let us quickly point out that we are not suggesting that hiring a high-pressure cleaning company will not cost you anything. Of course, it will cost in terms of the fees you are charged for the service. However, looking at the bigger picture, many benefits of high-pressure home cleaning can have a positive financial impact. DLJ Services has explained five of those to help you better understand this.

How To Choose The Perfect Paving For Your Landscaped Garden

February 20, 2024November 9, 2023 by Nature Mill

When it comes to home landscape design, most designers will include certain elements and features that are the most common, and one of those features that many clients want is paving. Paving provides a solid surface upon which to walk or park the car, and often, this is as much for safety and convenience purposes, such as when the client is elderly, as it is for aesthetics.

One of the most significant advantages of paving is that it can provide as many benefits about practical considerations as it does when thinking about the visuals of a landscaped garden. Of course, maximizing those benefits requires careful consideration of the paving to be laid, and below, we have outlined how you can make the best possible paving choices.

Choosing Paving Types

For most landscaped garden designs, you have two main choices as to the paving you use, namely composite materials and quarried stone. Both have pros, cons, and different characteristics, so careful consideration has to be given to each.

Quarried stone provides the natural option; for many, the beauty of granite or slate, the two main types, outweighs any other consideration. They are strong, stable, and offer timeless beauty.

Composite materials, including precast concrete and brick, are also highly durable and have fewer maintenance requirements. While they might not have the natural aesthetic beauty of quarried stone, they provide a much cheaper option for those with budget constraints.

Multiple Paving Options For Garden Walkways And Patios

July 25, 2023 by Nature Mill

In most landscaping designs, there will be walkways so that those who own the garden and those who use it, such as their family, have a clear and safe means of traversing it. Within many landscape designs, the walkways will be some form of paving rather than decking, for example. Where space allows, paved patios are also an extremely sought-after landscaping feature.

Thankfully, there is no shortage of options when it comes to paving choices. Intreeg Landscapes in Sydney advise both the type of paving materials and the patterns that can be created within walkways and patios. Anyone considering walkways or a patio for their garden should seek advice from their landscapers. Still, we have outlined some of the more popular paving options below to get you started.

Paving Types

Your options for paving types will be influenced by several things such as your budget, the available space, what the paving is to be used for, and the aesthetic goals you have for the appearance of your garden. Here are some of the most popular paving types:

Stone: If you use stone for paving, you are guaranteed that the sizes and shapes of those stones will be unique. There will also be variations in textures and colours too. However, if you prefer uniformity then you can request cut stones whereby the sizes and shapes should be alike.
Bricks: For a simple and inexpensive option for patios and walkways, few paving options fit the bill more than bricks. You can even source second-hand bricks if you want to save even more money. Bricks can be coloured to suit your needs, and the laying pattern can fit in with your garden’s aesthetics.

How Landscapers Can Use Multi-Location SEO To Maximise Local Traffic To Their Website

November 4, 2024May 25, 2023 by Nature Mill

We are sure landscaping is a competitive market, regardless of which town or city you are in. If not, you are the only landscaper for miles; we congratulate you. However, we are certain that most other landscaping business owners reading this do not have that luxury and thus have to compete against other landscaping businesses to attract new local clients.

How businesses compete for new clients will differ from business to business, with some focusing their energies on paid advertising. Others will utilise strategies such as SEO to hope their website gains better rankings in Google’s natural search results. With the help of SEO agency SEO Perth Experts, we will focus on this second strategy, particularly how you can multiply your chances of being ranked using multi-location SEO.

The concept of multi-location SEO is simpler than you might expect, as all it is doing is instead of trying to rank for keywords that include one location, you do so for multiple locations. For example, a landscaping business based in Kingsley in the north of Perth WA might only try to rank when Kingsley forms part of a Google search. However, nearby areas such as Woodvale, Hillarys, and Duncraig might also be locations they work in, so they should try to rank for these too.

As for how a landscaping company would set about trying to rank for multiple locations on Google, they can make both on-page optimisations on their website and off-page optimisations on other websites. Read on, and find out what these are.

The Benefits Of Adding Gravel To Your Landscape Design

July 25, 2023August 31, 2022 by Nature Mill

When asking landscape designers about what options there are for making a landscape design especially unique and eye-catching, a suggestion that is often made is the inclusion of gravel. Whilst many landscape designers from martincuthbert.com.au ensure their landscaped gardens are abundant in plants, garden furniture, and ornaments, the gardens that have gravel are often considered the most appealing.

One of the reasons that some homeowners shy away from having gravel in their landscape design is that they do not know enough about gravel in terms of its use and its benefits to make an informed decision. We aim to change that by giving you an outline of how gravel can greatly enhance landscaping and, in particular, make your garden one of those that people remark upon positively.

How Gravel Can Be Used Within A Landscape Design

One of the most remarkable features of gravel is that the uses it can be put to within landscaped gardens are considerable. For those who know little of gravel, the assumption is usually that all it is useful for is as the surface on a driveway, however, here is a list of other locations where gravel can be used on the surface.

9 Garden Structures And Components You Should Consider For Your Landscape Design

July 29, 2022May 14, 2022 by Nature Mill

A common mistake by those considering what landscapers include when designing a garden is that they think only of the plants such as flowers, shrubs, and trees that might be added to such a design. The truth is, often the landscapers will have been given a remit by their client that the plants are to be kept to a minimum, and that the features and structures are to be given a priority.

This brings us to the fact that landscaped garden designs are not just about what grows in that garden, but also the many other elements that go into creating it such as decking, seating, water features, walls, fences, ponds, and pools. These were but a few of the many structures and features that can be included in a residential landscape design. To give you more detail, here are nine of the most popular of these.

Services Areas: A landscaped garden may still have several practical functions, and this can include bin areas, clothes drying lines, and storage of items such as garden tools, solid fuel and maybe even children’s toys. Ideally, these should have easy access and, where possible, be hidden from the view of the passing public.

Retaining Walls: Retaining walls can serve more than their main function which is to define the boundaries of your garden. They can be made visually appealing based on what materials are used, they can be used for climbing plants, and if strong enough, seating can be mounted on them.

5 Landscaping Design Principles Essential For Residential Garden Designs

May 27, 2022February 5, 2022 by Nature Mill

Whenever landscapers are employed to design, plan, and create a new residential landscaping project, they should do so by following several principles which should be applied to every landscape gardening design. The fact that these principles exist should not surprise you given that the designing of multiple items follows specific design principles, including homes, websites, fashion, and cars.

Obviously, what is being designed will mean that the principles which apply will differ greatly from other design subjects, and that is why those who design and create such items are highly sought after due to their knowledge, skills, and experience. As for landscaped gardens for residential properties, there are several guidelines that landscapers follow, and outlined below are five of the most important of those design principles.

How The Garden Will Be Used Must Be Considered From The Outset

One of the starting points for a residential landscape garden design is the consideration of how the garden will be used. This will differ from home to home, and it may be heavily influenced by the demographics of the client and their family. For example, a couple with young children may want a garden that is enclosed, and where their children can play safely. Alternatively, an elderly couple may prefer a greater emphasis on colourful flowers and it having several seating areas.

The Design Must Compliment The Residential Property

A mistake that many homeowners make when thinking about their landscaping design is they look at it in isolation. This is wrong because, in almost all instances, the garden should complement their home. This means that the finished landscaped garden should look as though it was designed and created in unison with the home and that each compliments the other. Not only is this more visually appealing it can also increase the value of the property by more.

Ideas To Heat Your Landscaped Garden When The Temperature Drops

May 27, 2022November 8, 2021 by Nature Mill

Whilst landscapers will always prefer that the weather is fine when they are installing a landscaped garden for a client, another weather-based consideration that they and their client might consider when originally planning and designing the garden is how to provide heat there when the temperature plummets.

Given the hours of sunshine and warmth in which most Australian gardens are usually bathed, you might think it unnecessary to think about having to heat them using other means. However, despite highs of over 30 degrees centigrade in cities like Melbourne and Perth in the summer, at night it occasionally dips into single figure temperatures. As for winter, both cities can see night temperatures fall close to freezing.

Admittedly, Perth, Melbourne, or indeed most cities and towns in Australia, are unlikely to see long periods of freezing temperatures or have to deal with snow. Nevertheless, it can become cold enough to want to have some means of heating a landscaped garden so it can be enjoyed all year round and in the evenings once the sun has gone down. Read on, you will discover several ideas on how to create that heat.

Outdoor Gas Heaters: One of the biggest appeals of gas outdoor heaters is that they can be portable and can thus be used to heat different areas of a garden as required. There is no cleaning up after their use, and it is easy to adjust the heat output based on how cold it is. Options include a gas bottle for portable heaters or connecting fixed heaters to your domestic gas supply.

4 Crucial Considerations When Including A Pool In Your Landscape Design

October 31, 2024July 24, 2021 by Nature Mill

One of the most significant elements of a new garden that landscapers are asked to include in the design is a pool. Normally it is better to try and use a landscape designer experienced with pool design (obviously). Whether it be Olympic sized in a massive garden or a small paddling pool, a pool is a significant undertaking for any landscaper and one which both they and their clients must discuss at length. Bear in mind, that unlike some features in landscaped gardens, a pool cannot easily be moved or replaced.

It is for that reason that we mentioned the client and landscapers discussing the pool in detail. During these discussions, several factors concerning the pool will be decided. These decisions will normally fall under one of four major areas, which we have detailed for you below to hopefully give you a clearer understanding of what you and your landscaper must discuss.

Concept

For many, this is probably the most difficult to answer. They know they want a pool in their new landscaped garden, but are unsure as to why or how they believe it will enhance the overall design. Note there is nothing wrong with sticking to “I simply want a pool”, and not considering its concept any further.

However, the overall design and finished pool will be enhanced if you can conceptualise what you want your pool area to be. If it is going to be for more than simply swimming and paddling then consider whether you see it as an aid to fitness, relaxation, entertaining, or as a centrepiece to the entire landscape design.

Functionality

Following on from considering the conception of your pool, you now start getting into some specifics and in particular how you wish your pool to function. This starts from choosing the location of the pool with considerations such as having it all in direct sunshine, or partly in shade.

5 Awesome Benefits Of Using Glass Balustrading For Your Balconies

November 28, 2023December 7, 2020 by Nature Mill

For anyone living in an apartment who thinks glass balustrading is not meant for them as it is used primarily for stairs and pools, then we have good news for you. You are just as likely to see glass balustrading used for apartments as you are for houses, with the main reason being that glass balustrading is ideal for creating the surroundings on a balcony; here are five benefits of using glass balustrading in your home.

Benefit #1 – Glass Balustrading Is Extremely Safe

We are discussing the fact that glass balustrading is extremely safe first because when it comes to balconies, the safety of anyone who is standing on one must be the highest priority. Glass balustrading is recognised as one of the safest means of enclosing a balcony, given that the supports and the glass are robust and strong. Specifics include the fixtures at the base, the glass being toughened, and the smooth surface, making it impossible for children and pets to climb.

Benefit #2 – Glass Balustrading Lets In Natural Light

Depending on which side of the building your balcony is and thus where it concerns the sun during the day, having glass balustrading surrounding it on three sides will maximise the amount of natural light that your balcony receives compared to solid materials such as metal. This natural light can make the difference between your balcony is an idyllic spot to relax, have a coffee, or read and it is a dark, dingy, unwelcoming spot that never gets used.

How To Compost Wood Chips Fast

June 3, 2022September 4, 2020 by Nature Mill

Turning Wood Into Compost: How To Compost Wood Chips Fast?

Wood and chipped bark have an extremely slow rate of natural decomposition. Depending on the size of the chips, this can take several months. The chemically complex Lignin present in wood provides a physical barrier against enzymatic decomposition by bacteria and fungi. However, there are ways to speed up the process. Whether it is the occasional rotten fence post or sawdust and wood shavings, with the tips in this article, you will be able to compost wood in no time. So let’s dig right in.

The Natural Decomposition Of Wood

Wood is the most abundant organic matter present on earth. As such, the decomposition and decay of wood is an important aspect of the biogeochemical carbon cycle. Fungi are considered the first agents of wood decay. Common species such as wet rot fungus and jelly rot fungus are known for their role in assisting wood decomposition. These fungi help break down the tough lignin present in wood.

Other detritivores such as bacteria and invertebrates such as beetle larvae, woodlice and millipedes also play a critical role in the process.

In contrast to softer organic matter, the decomposition of wood is tougher and takes longer periods of time. Fungi and bacteria rapidly consume available nitrogen while decomposing wood, which upsets the nitrogen-carbon balance of the compost. This further slows down the decomposition processes and lowers the temperature of the compost heap below optimum temperatures. So, how to compost wood chips fast?

How To Use A Compost Tumbler

May 28, 2022September 4, 2020 by Nature Mill

End Your Backyard Farming Woes By Learning How To Use A Compost Tumbler

Backyard farming using household items is an interesting thing to do. People collect organic wastes, accumulate food scraps, and even buy manure to prepare compost for their backyard farm. However, many of them are still not able to get the desired results. The problem lies with the structuring of the compost pile. If organic matter is not set in layers and turned regularly, the compost will take more time to form. For this reason, using compost tumblers can give better results than conventional compost piles. In this article, let us understand how to use a compost tumbler to prepare high-quality compost.

Types Of Compost Tumblers

With backyard farming becoming popular, manufacturers have started producing different types of compost tumblers. These compost tumblers help in small-scale compost production with limited resources. Three types of compost tumblers are available in the market today.

1. Continuous Compost Tumblers

Continuous compost tumblers are the most suitable for backyard composting. You need to add kitchen waste, yard scraps, and other organic material to the compost tumbler, continuously throughout the year.

How To Compost Leaves

May 28, 2022September 4, 2020 by Nature Mill

5 Simple Steps On How To Compost Leaves: The Complete Guide!

Environmentalists have recommended composting as a sustainable way of life, for many years now. Not only is it extremely beneficial for Mother Nature, but it is a great way of saving money. On top of that, compost is a thousand times better than any chemical fertilizer, to improve the quality of your garden visibly.

Composting also reduces greenhouse gas emissions and infuses the soil with nutrients and minerals. The process includes using a variety of organic materials found in every household, significantly reducing the amount of waste generated by a single home. In our article, we will tell you how to compost leaves, a basic component that makes for excellent compost.

Any person with a respectable garden will have fallen leaves lying on the ground, all year round. While fallen leaves decompose naturally into the soil, they can be collected and put to better use. Dead leaves and twigs are an essential part of any compost; this ensures that no part of your garden goes to waste.

Before we start talking about how to compost leaves, let us take a look at all the substances you can turn into compost. Any compost consists of three major components.

How Does Compost Work?

June 3, 2022September 4, 2020 by Nature Mill

The Science Behind Composting: How Does Compost Work?

Everything organic will inevitably decay at some point of time. This is thanks to the trillions of microorganisms thriving on decaying detritus in every nook and cranny of our environment.

Composting is basically a process that utilizes the inherent abilities of these microorganisms to speed up the process of natural decay. According to the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture), this is achieved by providing an ideal environment for detritus feeding microorganisms to thrive.

If all of this sounds confusing to you, read on as we break down the science behind composting and how every household can use it to pave the way to a more sustainable future.

Why Is Composting Essential?

The United States alone generates approximately 210 million tons of trash (solid waste) each year. Most of this trash gets placed in municipal landfills. These landfills take up a huge amount of space and also release methane, one of the most potent greenhouse gases.

How To Make Compost Tea

May 28, 2022September 4, 2020 by Nature Mill

Brewing The Liquid Gold Of Gardening : How To Make Compost Tea?

Compost tea has been hailed as the liquid gold of gardening, a magical elixir that makes plants grow faster, healthier and more vibrant. Many gardeners swear by these benefits of compost tea. This concoction of organic matter is carefully brewed to give your soil a boost towards optimum health. If you too are intrigued by the concept and want to find out how to make compost tea for your own garden, we are here to help you.
What Is Compost Tea?

Basically, compost tea is a liquid organic fertilizer for your houseplants, flowers, fruits and vegetables. Compost tea carries within it concentrated nutrients and plant friendly aerobic bacteria, fungi and nematodes. The liquid is a nutritionally rich, well-balanced organic supplement made for your plants by steeping aged compost in water.

Compost tea is a great way to love your plants naturally. This mild liquid fertilizer can be used at any time of the year to boost the overall health of your garden. What is great about compost tea is that you can make your own right at home, with some fresh well-matured, finely broken down compost. If you wish to know more about natural composts then you should look at organic composts.