In a riveting Sunday night episode of The Block, our Blockheads raced against time, working meticulously for 24 hours straight to bring their backyard visions to life.
This shift from interior to exterior design was nothing short of momentous, as they faced the challenge of outdoor transformations, complete with swimming pools, lounging areas, and intricate garden designs.
Our Blockheads each faced their own unique set of challenges in the outdoor space. Notably, Kyle and Leslie bet everything on winning this week’s $10,000 prize, leaving them without a safety net for the upcoming front garden challenge.
On the other hand, Kristy and Brett experienced turmoil when their landscaping plans went south due to no-show plants and disappointing mulch. Tempers flared and, let’s just say, their landscaper, Dan, won’t be getting a callback next week.
In an emotional first, Scotty partnered with 10-year-old Jordy, a heartwarming initiative through Make A Wish. Jordy, who battles muscular dystrophy and hails from Adelaide, was given his dream-come-true moment to call “tool’s down” alongside Scotty.
When the dust settled, the judging panel, consisting of regulars Marty, Shaynna, and Darren, was graced by the addition of the renowned gardening guru, Dave Franklin.
First up, House 1 with Kyle and Leslie drew both praise and criticism. Their total spend? A whopping $41,800. The judges weren’t entirely sold, pinpointing issues like the garden’s lack of child-friendliness, especially the pool, and limited grass areas. “This is a front cover!” remarked Dave, impressed by the cohesive design mirroring the home’s interior. However, he also acknowledged the spatial planning flaws, like a too-close pizza oven.
House 2, manned by Leah and Ash, proved to be a showstopper. With a budget of $46,360, the duo’s backyard was universally acclaimed. “Zen, very zen”, Dave declared, praising the architectural BBQ area and the breathtaking pool tiles. Shaynna pointed out the smart balance of adult space that’s still “very kid friendly”.
House 3 presented a twist, with Kristy and Brett‘s backyard actually being at the front! Their expenditure came to $40,649. While initial impressions were positive, Dave Franklin was unimpressed with the design and execution. Marty admired the dual entertainment spaces, but criticisms like a cluttered planting schedule and a puzzling fireplace toolset overshadowed the positives.
House 4 saw Steph and Gian steal the show. They invested a significant $71,704, resulting in a phenomenal backyard that garnered unanimous praise. From the transformative roll-down awnings to the intricate zoning of the BBQ, dining, and pool areas, the judges were enamoured. “It’s like a wellness retreat!”, Shaynna exclaimed. Dave summed it up as “An almost perfect backyard!”
Last but not least, House No.4 with Eliza and Liberty was a letdown. Their $55,893 spend failed to impress, with criticisms ranging from excessive concrete use to poor furniture choices. The judges were unanimous in their disapproval, leaving the pair disheartened.
BACKYARD LANDSCAPING AND POOL JUDGING WEEK
| Darren | Shaynna | Marty | Dave | Total | |
| Kyle and Leslie | 9 | 8 | 8 ½ | 8 ½ | 33 |
| Leah and Ash | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 ½ | 9 | 37 ½ |
| Kristy and Brett | 7 ½ | 7 ½ | 7 | 6 | 28 |
| Steph and Gian | 9 ½ | 10 | 9 ½ | 9 | 38 |
| Eliza and Liberty | 7 | 6 ½ | 6 ½ | 7 | 27 |
When the scores were tallied, both Leah and Ash and Kyle and Leslie chose to save their gnomes for the coveted Ford Mustang challenge next week.
