Credit: Photography: The Block/Channel 9/9 Now
The Block team’s front yards marked the completion of their Daylesford homes. In the episode, Block judge Darren Palmer, pointed out that the front yard landscaping is particulary important in Daylesford because these homes are “garden homes.” Darren even claimed that whoever nails their landscaping may even “win the show.”
So, who made the right choices this week? Keep reading for everything the Block teams got right and wrong about front yard week.
What the Block teams got wrong
Lack of plantings
Britt and Taz has had an extremely successful Block season but their lack of plantings let their front yard down this week.
“It looks like an industrial shed and does not match the level of luxury that is sitting behind these walls,” Marty explained.
While Shaynna loved the timber cladding, she also wished there was more foliage to create privacy. Marty went so far as to describe the area as “kitty litter with mulch.”
Despite this, the couple redeemed themselves with a stunning garage door featuring beautiful Indigenous artworks.
Sculptures and arbours
Han and Can’s decision to install a large Japanese-style arbor over their driveway didn’t quite pay off. The striking structure makes a bold statement, but it feels a little too imposing for a residential home.
Marty explained that the arbor could be off-putting to buyers. “That is what you see the moment you come to this home. It hits you in the face,” he said.
Sonny and Alicia also added a sculptural kangaroo to their front garden. While the judges loved it, it certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.
What they got right
Simplicity
The judges loved the simplicity of Emma and Ben’s front façade, noting how their garage door seamlessly blended with the rest of the home.
“Because the black alpine facade feel is so strong, I love the fact that they’ve picked a very simplistic garage door. Because everything is about the planting of the greenery against that black,” the judges explained.
Similarly, Sonny and Alicia came out on top for the simplicity of their design. While they didn’t use a huge number of plantings, the couple were praised for choosing the right ones.
“I love the rawness of the fence, I love the rawness of the bricks,” Shaynna said, while Darren describing it as a “simple and sophisticated pallate,” and a “perfect Aussie backyard at a luxe level.”
Sustainability
Robby and Mat’s design was described as the “quintessential Daylesford farmhouse,” with their native garden being a highlight of the design.
Landscaper Dave explained that the garden was “probably the most sustainable landscape on the block,” with plenty of native plantings from the local area and a low maintenance design.
While Darren was initially underwhelmed at the junior plantings that he though reflected a “dwinding budget,” he admitted “I can see once it’s done it’s going to be breathtakingly beautiful.”
Inside House 6: Team Home Beautiful’s front garden
This year, Home Beautiful is playing along with The Block and creating our very own (virtual) House 6. For our exterior and front garden, we took inspiration from a beautiful property in the Southern Highlands. With its crisp white façade, covered verandah, side gables and natural cedar shingles, it’s the picture of modern country charm.
Inspiration
Our mood board
Shop the products
- Sonata armchair, $1104 (usually $1,299) from Freedom
- Otto side table, $599 from Freedom
- Davenport planter, $249 from Freedom
- Olive potted tree, $449 from Freedom
- Ceppo stone porcelain ivory external tiles, $109.44 from Perini
- Hanoi rustic subway matt natural clay tiles, $101.47 from Perini
- Old red sandstock pavers, Australian Paving Centre
- Smooth solid brass floating numbers, $99 from Passio Interiors
- Grange letterbox in Pale Eucalypt, $198 from Heatlie Letterboxes
- Single adjustable spike light, $429 from Lighting Collective
- Exterior pre aged box light, $2,200 from Lighting Collective
- Steel double exterior doors, from Doors For Builder
- Jasper paint from Colorbond
- Surfmist paint from Colorbond
Room reveal
For our take on the home and yard, we embraced the crisp white palette of our inspiration picture, while adding some contrast with a navy roof and steel windows. Along with a winding brick path, we added ssteel double doors and a pair of comfy yet stylish armchairs from Freedom, perfect for settling in for that evening glass of wine.
All The Block room reveal images were originally published by Channel 9/9Now on nine.com.au.
In case you missed it…
Week 4: Main bedroom & walk-in wardrobe
Week 5: Living and dining rooms
Week 9: Laundry, Mudroom, Butler’s pantry, Powder room, Garage
Week 10: Alfresco terrace, Stratco shed
House 6: When Home Beautiful joins The Block
Everything we know about The Block 2025
5 fun facts you didn’t know about The Block 2025 teams
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