Handyman's 2011 DIYer of the year

Marie Davis wins the Handyman/Ryobi 2011 DIYer of the Year competition with an innovative project

From Handyman, October 2011

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Our 2011 DIYer of the year - Marie Davis Photo: Handyman

For two years Marie Davis walked up the garden steps in her Wellington property wondering what she could do with the space beneath the elevated deck.

‘I’d tried an aviary but got fed up with the maintenance. I took it out and put deck chairs in there but that felt wrong too,’ she says.

The afternoon sun streaming in inspired Marie to make her decision.

‘I envisioned a hothouse for fresh vegies and got to work straightaway.’

Her project wins Marie a choice of $2500 of Ryobi power tools and garden equipment plus $1000 in cash.

GETTING STARTED ON THE BUILD

Laying a fl oor was the priority to give the vacant space form.

‘I’d seen a floor laid so knew the trick was measure often and cut once. I followed that advice and didn’t make a single mistake. I love

working with timber.’

To save money Marie used treated fence palings for the fl oor, internal and external cladding and planters.

‘I don’t work off sketches or plans, it kind of comes together step by step. I start with one element and try to figure out all the ramifications.

‘I take care to lay every board straight as crooked lines offend and it helps to do it right the first time.’

CLEVER USE OF MATERIALS

For maximum heat retention and insulation, Marie used thick plastic sheeting to encase the area with frames made from timber batons to protect against the famous Wellington winds and stabilise the sheeting.

A section of wide trellis provides another growing surface and the doors were a real coup.

‘My daughter was renovating and these sliding doors were lying in the rubbish. I took the milky glass out and knew they would work perfectly.

Every time I walk through them I’m so pleased with the result.’

AN EXPERT DIY BUILDER

Two long beds and full-length shelves provide ample growing room for vegetables and herbs, while Marie added new beds outside for the seedlings that will fl ourish in the hothouse during colder months.

This project is one of many Marie has completed single-handed on her property. ‘It’s been a success in every way,’ she says.

‘I love to do things myself because of course it reduces costs, but also because it keeps the maintenance down. If I made it I know how it works and that means I can fi x it.’