First-home buyer reveals $50 Bunnings backyard makeover

A Brisbane first-home buyer who brought his dying lawn back to life with a $50 Bunnings purchase is now in the running to win $5000 — money he plans to put straight towards his mortgage. Xavier Farmer, 27, bought his first home in Greenbank last year, but Queensland’s scorching weather quickly took its toll on his backyard. Xavier Farmer mowing his prized lawn at his home in Greenbank. Image supplied. With large dead patches of grass and little gardening experience, Mr Farmer decided to tackle the problem himself rather than spend hundreds of dollars on professional lawn care. Armed with a hose attachment costing less than $50, he managed to turn his struggling backyard green again. His transformation has now earned him a place in the running for the Yates National Gardening League Australian Lawn Challenge, which is offering $5000 to the country’s most improved lawn. And with mortgage repayments already stretching household budgets, the young homeowner has a practical plan for the prize money if he wins. He intends to put the entire amount towards his home loan. Xavier Farmer mowing his prized lawn at his home in Greenbank. Image supplied. His story comes as new figures reveal Aus...