Outdoors and Garden
Protect what lies beneath Soil is not something dead, but a living, breathing ecosystem with a complex structure. When changing levels, carry out the work in dry weather and try to keep traffic over the soil to a minimum. Remove the surface layer – the topsoil – and store it carefully, then reshape the subsoil. Once the desired levels are achieved and any compaction remedied, replace the topsoil. Also avoid tree roots, which are vital to a tree’s survival. Don’t damage or remove roots and also don’t change the level of the soil around a tree, as this could kill it.
10. Clean up ponds Remove leaves and algae from ponds and refill with fresh water. For ponds with fish in them it’s best to leave water in a bucket for a day to allow the chlorine levels to reduce, or better still use harvested rain water. Getting the ratio of water plants to surface area correct is crucial for healthy ponds and the fish that inhabit them. Water lilies are perfect for ponds as their leaves shade the water in summer but become dormant in winter, allowing the sun to penetrate. And of course water lilies look stunning when in bloom and make a lovely cut flower.
Jean Marsh Design Save Email 6. Choose heat-loving tolerant plants With the holiday season approaching using tough, drought- tolerant species is the best way to ensure your garden will still be looking halfway decent on your return. For both garden beds and containers, some of the best heat-loving annuals are Calendula, Kalanchoe, Petunia, marigold and Zinnia. Drought-tolerant perennials include Arctotis, Astelia, catmint, daylily, Dietes grandiflora and Dietes bicolor, many Dianella and Lomandra species. For shrubs try bottlebrush (pictured), Grevillea, lavender, Helichrysum, rock rose (Cistus) and Santolina.
Fenton Roberts Garden Design Save Email Add autumn and winter perfume You don’t have to miss out on scent during the colder months – the sweet box (Sarcococca), pictured on the left, produces tiny flowers but their fragrance is mighty. Sweet-scented daphne is another option, along with many camellias, pink-flowering Luculia gratissima (in frost-free areas) and spicy witch hazel (Hamamelis sp) further south. In late winter or early spring, the delicately scented starry white flowers of the star magnolia (Magnolia stellata) light up the garden.
Guarantee summer scent Roses are the all-time favourite flowers for perfume in summer but if these are not your thing there are plenty of other options. Think about scented waterlilies (Nymphaea odorata), the boronia from the citrus family (Boronia megastigma), gardenia, heliotrope (Heliotropium arborescens), lavender, tropical frangipani, citrus trees, crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica), oriental lilies (Lilium sp), luculia (Luculia gratissima is the most common), Magnolia grandiflora, sweet violets (Viola odorata) and, in cold climates, peonies (Paeonia lactiflora in all its gorgeous varieties). Summer-flowering scented climbers include the enchanting but frost-tender Beaumontia grandiflora, Stephanotis floribunda, the waxy hoya (Hoya carnosa) and the exotic moonflower (Ipomoea alba), which has tubular white flowers that open at night. Star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) has scented white flowers and will tolerate all but heavy frosts. In cooler areas, plant the splendid climbing wisteria (Wisteria sinensis) and perfumed climbing roses, such as Wedding Day and Madame Alfred Carriere.
Plant for spring perfume Spring is, of course, the ultimate season for fragrance in the garden. Start with daphne and follow up with scented bulbs such as freesia (Freesia sp), hyacinth and jonquils (Narcissus sp). Lilac shrubs (Syringa vulgaris, pictured) can be tricky to grow, but provide a delightful old-fashioned perfume. In frost-free areas, the highly scented Australian frangipani tree (Hymenosporum flavum) blooms in spring, as does the loquat tree (Eriobotrya japonica). I also love the Bauhinia species and Cape lilac (Virgilia divaricata), which has pink, pea-like fragrant flowers. Finally, for a garden as encapsulating on the nose as on the eye, consider crab apple, New Zealand native cabbage trees (Cordyline australis) or flowering cherry trees, which produce beautifully perfumed blossom that sings a song of spring.
Grow herbs and edibles for scent When space is tight outdoors we need to make plants work really hard for their position in the garden. If you’re keen to grow edibles that also have lovely scent, think about citrus. They not only produce beautiful fruit and lovely glossy foliage, but also their blossoms have an exquisite scent. In this sunny courtyard the potted citrus is underplanted with geraniums. Technically classified as Pelargonium, these herbs have all sorts of scents, from lemon and rose to apple, mint, cinnamon, peach and other spices. Add more lavender so there’s a triple whammy of fragrance to enjoy.
Monrovia Save Email Plant in shady areas too Daphne (Daphne odora) is one of the most popular scented shrubs for shaded gardens, and the first herald of spring. They thrive in soil that is cool and free-draining, but also moisture retentive. If this sounds too tricky for your liking, try one of the perfumed hostas (the white-flowering Hosta plantaginea), camellia or rhododendron (try the white Rhododendron fragrantissimum or creamy yellow R. johnstoneanum).
Use as hedges in formal gardens Fragrant hedges are ideal for adding scent to gardens, particularly if outdoor space is tight. Here a Murraya paniculata hedge is planted against a stone wall, which enhances its fragrance, making it linger long after the sun has gone down. Other plants for fragrant hedges include Mexican orange blossom (Choisya ternata), lavender, rosemary, sweet box (Sarcococca confusa), dwarf Australian frangipani (Plumeria filifolia), port wine magnolia (Michelia figo), many camellias (some of the Camellia japonica, but also C. lutchuensis and sasanquas), and gardenia.
Plant against a warm wall The fragrance of many aromatic shrubs becomes more intense when plants are positioned near solid walls in a sunny part of the garden. Try lavender (lavandin or Lavendula x intermedia in cultivars like Grosso and Provence and English Lavandula augustifolia have the strongest fragrance), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris, but also try lemon-scented). These heat-loving plants thrive as the sun is absorbed into the stone, brick or concrete walls near the plants to release the scented oils in their leaves and flowers. Intensify the heat even more for your plants by using pavers and rocks on the ground too.
Position fragrant plants like frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum Gold Nugget) near patios, terraces and decks to add a magical, tropical quality to outdoor evenings. Plant as hedges or, if you have limited ground space, try planting them in containers (be sure to use heavy pots, as they can topple easily). For parties, make the setting more enticing by placing smaller pots of scented plants like petunias (try Petunia pendula, an heirloom variety, for the strongest scent), gardenias (Gardenia jasminoides) or, of course, old roses (English or David Austin varieties have the strongest scent) here and there beside seating areas.
Sunset Western Garden Collection Save Email 8. Astelia Silver-leaved plants like New Zealand native Astelia species have a luminous quality at night, beautifully complementing white and pastel blooms. Astelia banksii and Astelia chathamica are the two most commonly grown species in the genus, with new silver-striped cultivars coming on all the time. Most prefer free-draining soil and will grow in full sun or part shade. See more gardens that thrive in full sun
Ganim's Garden Center and Florist, LLC Save Email 7. Phlox Soft colours like mauve, blue and pink take on a ethereal glow in the night garden. Phlox, a cottage garden favourite, is prized for its pastel-coloured blooms and an unmistakeable scent that is released in the evening. Phlox are flowering annuals and perennials that come in many sizes, from mat-forming and dwarf varieties to taller border plants over a metre high. GARDENER’S TIP: Plant in pots in outdoor areas to catch its scent and also near your vegetable garden as phlox attracts pollinating bees, butterflies and many beneficial insects, such as lacewings and ladybirds.
Sweet Dirt Designs Save Email 6. Chilean jasmine Another scented climber with eye-catching white blooms is Chilean jasmine (Mandevilla laxa). This Argentinian native produces funnel-shaped flowers with a gardenia-like perfume all summer, and beyond if conditions are right. Warmth, sunshine free-draining fertile soil are essential. GARDENER’S TIP: Chilean jasmine thrives in containers so plant in pots around your outdoor areas so its perfume can be enjoyed all evening.
4. Petunias Usually grown for their beautiful blooms, petunias wait until night when their favourite pollinators are on the wing to release their most powerful fragrance (although some are lightly perfumed during the day too). Petunias are both annual and perennial plants that love the sun. However, they do best when soil is not allowed to dry out (particularly important for containers and window boxes) and when plants are fed regularly. GARDENER’S TIP: As new petunia cultivars are being bred all the time, talk to your favourite nursery or garden centre about those with the best scent.
1. Spotted gum One of the most commonly used Australian hardwoods, spotted gum, is loved by designers and architects the world over for its beautiful grain structure and attractive markings. I love spotted gum and use it for 90 per cent of my projects. It’s tough, performs well in the unpredictable Australian climate and it’s also a minimal staining timber as it’s less prone to bleed tannins than other species. Generally, I’ll just use a natural timber oil without any tint to treat the decking, as the last thing you want to do is take away from that naturally beautiful appearance. If you’re looking to create that wow factor with your new deck, try using wide board (136 x 25mm) spotted gum screwed down using 14 gauge 75mm stainless steel screws – it gives the appearance of a jetty or wharf and looks absolutely stunning.
14. Provide a permanent water supply Choosing a good spot for a water bath helps to attract birds, says Chan. “To keep predators away, plant a spiky under-storey of plants around the water bath, to prevent predators from hiding (around) them,” she advises. “And use shallow water bowls in close proximity to small shrubs that birds can retreat to if there are predators about,” suggests Tyrrell.
sustainable garden design perth Save Email 13. Locate larger birdbaths near trees If you want birds in your garden, you’ve got to make it a safe place for them to be. For example, Bucknell advises placing a bird bath near trees to allow for a quick escape route. “Bird baths need to be sited near trees so the birds can check if the coast is clear before splashing about,” she says. Chan agrees: “Place the bath away from shrubbery but near trees. When a bird is wet it is vulnerable as it cannot fly as fast
Secret Gardens Save Email 12. Offer a place to stay Most native birds prefer to build their own nests, so if you install a conventional bird box, be aware that you may only encourage introduced species, such as the common myna and starling to your garden. However, there are some Australian birds that do like to nest in hollows, and if offered the right digs they may be attracted to the idea. These include Australia’s parrots (the cockatoos, lorikeets, rosellas and budgerigars), pardalotes, kookaburras and boobook owls. To deter pests and encourage native birds to nest safely in your backyard, these specially-designed nesting boxes are available through companies such as Nest Boxes Australia, Wildlife Nestboxes and Environest.
Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes Save Email 11. Ensure there is plenty to feather a nest with If you have established a garden that has plenty of native and non-native plant, shrub and tree options for feeding and shelter, some birds may decide to take up permanent residence in your garden by way of building a home of their own. “Grasses and reeds are great for providing nesting material, while the hardy bottlebrush (Callistemon) has plenty of good nesting material as well as generally providing shelter,” says Barker.
Contemporary Garden by debora carl landscape design debora carl landscape design Save Email 7. Bring on the bugs According to many bird enthusiasts, the worst thing you can do is to supply ‘artificial’ food, as it can attract one species at the expense of others. “Supplying food to birds does more harm than good and makes them dependent on regular feeding by you,” says Tyrrell. Instead, grow your own bird food, says Barker. “Grevillea (seen here) and banksia are good for nectar and also provide shelter. These plants also attract insects, a great source of food for birds,” he adds.
Seed Studio Landscape Architects Save Email 5. Find firm favourites According to avid gardener Mei Kuen Chan of Gardens in Abundance, some examples of native plants that attract birds are hakea (seen here), grevillea, banksia and acacia. “Also consider native plants with dense, prickly foliage for smaller birds,” she says.
4. Include natives If you are trying to attract birds from further afield, planting species such as the native grasses, banksia and kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) in this garden will help. “Native plants mixed in your garden will help to attract native glamour birds,” says Tyrrell. He also advises that “a range of heights and varieties of local species, from grasses and low shrubs through to large trees, will provide nectar, insects and shelter for most of your local birdlife.”
Build it in Custom-designed, built-in furniture is a great way to bring a beachy feel to your outdoor area, and can be tailored to fit your specific needs. Built-ins tend to blend seamlessly into the decor and, as a result, make an area look less cluttered than a space filled with free-standing furniture. Include storage in the banquettes to stow away cushions and blankets. Build in storage for dedicated plates and cutlery for your outdoor entertaining. TIP: Keep masonry built-ins looking fresh with a good clean and regular painting, but if they are made from timber, choose teak or a tropical hardwood as these require less maintenance.
Tim Davies Landscaping Save Email 5. Deal with the deck Now that summer is on its way out, sweep down the deck with a stiff broom to dislodge dirt and grime, followed by a wash with a solution of mild soapy water, using the broom to give it a good scrub. If the deck is really rough and weathered, consider hiring an industrial sander from a local hardware store. Oiling and sealing the deck protects against UV rays, which can dry out boards and cause them to shrink. Choose a water-based decking oil with UV protection. These oils are easy to apply and are often mould and fungal resistant. Apply the oil with a paint roller and give it plenty of time to dry. Depending on exposure to the elements, you may need to add another coat or two. Well protected decks probably only need this treatment every two years to keep them shipshape.
Pay extra attention There are pests everywhere in nature and one of the best ways to ensure they don’t devastate your garden is to pay close attention to your garden and your crops, and give your plants the energy to resist a major attack. For this, they need to be healthy, that is well fed and properly watered. Plants also become stressed and vulnerable to pests if they are not suited to the conditions of your garden, so pay attention to early warning signs that your plants may not be performing too well, including stunted growth and discolouration. If the site you have chosen for your vegetable garden is too windy, hot, cold or the soil too boggy, these conditions will adversely affect your crops. Do your research and choose plants to suit the environment they are to grow in.
Encourage birds Birds love slugs, snails and caterpillars. Rather than destroy these pests with chemicals consider a bird bath and bird feeder to tempt feathered pest exterminators into the garden. Position bird baths and feeders carefully, ideally beneath or within the tree canopy to ensure birds are safe from resident moggies.
Waterwise Landscapes Incorporated Save Email Avoid spraying with pesticides Butterflies, moths, bees and many other insects are pollinators that we need for fruit and vegetable production. Some beneficial insects such as ladybirds and praying mantis actually help reduce bad pests like aphids and white fly. These good guys can be wiped out with pesticide spraying, not to mention what it does to the soil and to the plants themselves. There are organic alternatives to pesticides available, some of which were mentioned earlier including garlic, chilli and marigold mixtures, though you will still need to be careful with their use as they can also affect the helpful insects you want to keep on side in your garden.
Traditional Landscape by Waterwise Landscapes Incorporated Waterwise Landscapes Incorporated Save Email Plant a variety of flowers Having a diverse range of flower shapes in the garden (ideally blooming at different times of the year) means you’ll have a bigger variety of pollinators visiting. Bees can land on most flowers but butterflies prefer flowers that are flat, open or have rounded heads or flowers clustered on a stem.
Lay on the mulch Weeds will germinate wherever there is bare soil, competing with your flowers and vegies for essential moisture and nutrients. They also make great hiding places for pests. To cover bare spots, think about using an organic mulch such as shredded bark, pea straw, dried grass clippings or fallen leaves. Mulching also keeps moisture in the ground, which is vital for gardeners in the hotter parts of Australia and New Zealand. The mulch layer needs to be at least 10 centimetres deep to reduce weeds and retain moisture. Weed the soil properly before applying mulch and give it a good watering too. GARDENER’S TIP: A layer of thick newspaper or cardboard underneath the mulch will add to its effectiveness.
Keep up the weeding It’s not everyone’s favourite task (though some gardeners find it relaxing) but weeds are much easier to remove if you grab them when they’re small. And letting weeds mature and produce seeds means they’ll take over the garden before you know it. Instead of resorting to harmful herbicides, take a slow walk around your garden every couple of days with a trowel or hoe and flick out the small weed seedlings. After rain is an ideal time to do this. Many gardeners use old-fashioned remedies to kill difficult, deep-rooted weeds such as dock and dandelions. These include pouring boiling water, salt or vinegar into the centre of the plant.
Practice companion planting Companion plants are helpful to the organic gardener in many ways. Once you’ve decided on your main crops, do your research to find out what the best companion plants are for your edible assortment. Some plants, like this nasturtium, are so tasty to many pests they’ll devour these flowers and not your lettuces. Others are said to improve the flavour of certain vegetables when they are planted near each other. Many herbs and flowers produce nectar that lures predatory insects such as ladybirds and lacewings into the garden and their offspring (larvae) then consume aphids, greenfly and other undesirable insects. Marigolds, garlic, chives and many other companion plants have a strong aroma that some pests hate. Plant these liberally around pest-prone herbs and vegies.
8. Backlighting Light can be as much about shade, about the shadow it throws in relief, as it is about the illumination it throws. WHEN TO USE: Backlighting is a powerful visual tool in a garden or courtyard based on sculptural shapes and architectural lines rather than softer planting. Backlighting is all about shape and works most effectively in a contemporary-style garden designed along clean lines. WHAT TO CONSIDER: As it’s use is generally confined to courtyards and other walled areas, backlighting doesn’t usually throw up many practical obstacles. It does, however, tend to throw any faults or disrepair in the area into sharp focus, so it’s worth considering whether the relevant walls and pavers need a little attention before they’re shoved into the spotlight. GET THE LOOK: An astute use of backlighting emphasises the sculptural quality of the scene. Choose sharp, dramatic plants and oversized planters with clean lines for best effect. Choose the background wall with care for best effect. Stone, reclaimed brick and well-maintained rendered walls all work well as a backdrop – the light will bring out texture and pattern as well as colour.
5. Spotlights Everything positively gleams in the well-placed lighting of this sleek, modern garden. WHEN TO USE: Spotlights are a great way to highlight architectural features and landscaping, as well as garden planting. But spotlights really come into their own in possible danger areas, such as poolside or around a split-level patio or deck. Beyond their visual impact, a couple of well-placed spotlights can be a good security measure. WHAT TO CONSIDER: Once you’ve decided what you want to spotlight, and have taken the usual safety questions into account, it’s worth considering whether the situation calls for complementary lighting. When you’re throwing a lot of light in one spot, the areas around it can seem darker. One way to combat the effect is to install little downlights in the corners of the space. GET THE LOOK: Long rectangular gardens can be livened up with the clever use of planting and lighting. Break up a long stretch by spotlighting trees, or architectural features at regular intervals. Turn the spot on mature trees at the end of the garden to add a sense of perspective to the scene.
Contemporary Entry by Eco Edge Architecture + Interior Design Eco Edge Architecture + Interior Design Save Email 3. Rope lights Create a welcoming front path, delineate edges and define the shape of your garden using rope lights. WHEN TO USE: Rope lights work best in gardens where the architecture matters as much as the planting. Walkways, decks, raised beds and stepped areas all shine a little brighter picked out by rope lights. Contemporary landscapes and courtyards carry this look better than a more natural, cottage-style or wild-edged garden. WHAT TO CONSIDER: Rope lights are usually LED and therefore tend to be cost effective and low-energy. There are also solar-powered options on the market. It’s important to look for a robust product – rope lights designed for the Christmas market or occasional party won’t last, so make sure you purchase a model designed for outdoor landscaping use. You might find rope lights listed as linear lights by some suppliers. GET THE LOOK: This is a simple look to achieve and a great way to add instant appeal to a new build. Fill beds with bark or pebbles and introduce fast-growing plants in large planters and, hey presto, a garden. Well, of cou...
1. Uplights for trees Accentuate trees and define the shape of your garden by placing uplights at the base of the trunk, or in adjacent garden furniture. WHEN TO USE: This look works in most gardens, and across most styles. A single, large spotlit tree in a dark sprawling garden will have great visual impact, while a spotlight row might be used to emphasise the ordered geometry of a modern courtyard.
Positive Footprints Pty Ltd Save Email A framework was erected along this east-facing wall, which acts as support for creeping plants. In addition to looking beautiful, the creepers will eventually grow to shade this wall from the brunt of the morning sun.
Start with trees Planting drought-tolerant trees, such as these crepe myrtles, will make your garden cooler so it will need less water. Trees add moisture to the air as their leaves photosynthesise, and they shade the soil, reducing evaporation. Not only will you cut down on water bills by planting more trees in the garden, but you’ll also increase carbon dioxide absorption – it’s a win-win situation. And if you like the idea of using crepe myrtles, check out the recently introduced, drought-tolerant, white flowering cultivar Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Kiowa’.
Surround yourself with stimulating scents While there are scents like lavender and vanilla that induce relaxation and sleep, there are also natural fragrances that make you feel alert and energised. Citrus fruits (lemon, in particular), rosemary, cinnamon, peppermint and eucalyptus are all scents that will stimulate your mind and make you feel less lethargic. Try incorporating these scents and flavours in room mists, spritzes, shower gels and even your morning tea.
Polywood Australia Save Email THE CHAIR Traditional Adirondack chairs are made of wood and have a curved and fanned back, a contoured seat and arms that are generously wide and flat. The real comfort of the Adirondack chair comes from the angles – of the seat to the back, and the legs to the seat. The chair has a deep seat and slanting back and can be paired with a footrest for true lounging comfort. Today, you’ll find the chair with varying numbers of slats, straight backs, flat seats and other slight changes to the design, and it’s available in plastic and other materials too. Adirondacks come as traditional single chairs, rockers, loungers, love seats, two chairs connected by a table, chairs with curved tops, chairs with pointed tops and in a variety of colours.
THE DESIGNER The Adirondack chair (pronounced Ad-i-ron-dack) hails from Westport, New York, east of the Adirondack Mountains, and was developed as an outdoor lounge chair in the early 1900s.
Go natural with a drystone wall: These are the cream of the crop and, again, they come in many forms depending on the chosen stone. For me, there is nothing better than the craftsmanship of a stone mason creating a drystone wall with really tight gaps. A real drystone wall requires a very broad base (one third of the height needs to be the width of the base as a minimum), so as an alternative you could build a reinforced masonry wall and clad it in drystone. Companies are now also calibrating real stone so it can be glued directly to a masonry wall to further save on time and material costs. It adds structural integrity to the wall without as much stone work. These walls are about as expensive as you can get but, when done well, they are probably the best looking.
Use the natural slope: Walls are not always required but they will help create usable spaces on a non-user-friendly slope. Where the site allows, retaining the slope is a solution that is often overlooked; a well-defined lawn slope with the option of an isolated set of steps in the middle (as in this home) or a sloping garden bed can be a beautiful as well as cost-effective method. Utilising the slope also creates a more inviting design feature that opens up the upper or lower areas instead of separating them.
1. Vertical gardens create an invitation to the outdoors Planting a vibrant vertical garden in an outdoor room that’s visible from inside the home is a wonderful way to encourage indoor-outdoor flow. The lush foliage beckons you outside, making even a small routine (like drinking your morning coffee) more likely to happen in the fresh air.
Grow shrubs for late winter colour Now is a good time to check whether your garden might benefit from a burst of colour. A good option for winter colour is Leucospermum (right) with its striking hot orange or red pinwheel flowers. This South African shrub will brighten up even the gloomiest space and blooms last for many weeks in water. To grow them in your garden, remember that Leucospermum like extremely well-drained soil and plenty of air around their leaves. For that reason they do well in coastal gardens.
If you want ground cover Natives often get labelled ‘boring’ – the Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’, however, kicks that unfair label to the curb. Known for its interesting mounding look, ability to grow in the most restrictive conditions, and its fantastic trailing habit, this plant is a must-have in any garden that requires low-lying planting, be it native or not. It can soften hard walls and can cover anything unsightly in your garden (such as pipes) in style! No matter where you plant it – in a pot, between rocks or on the ground to form a blanket of ground cover – this hardy plant will do well and is sure to catch the eye.
Joanne Green Save Email If you want a filler Nothing screams Australian native more than ornamental grasses, and with so many species and cultivars to choose from – within genera such as Dianella, Lomandra, Pennisetum, Poa and Themeda, just to name a few – these grasses are just the answer when you don’t know what to plant. Use them as fillers or even to mass plant out an entire bank. They create interesting texture, colour variation and movement within the garden. TIP: As a general rule of thumb, ornamental grasses should be cut back every one to two years, just before spring. This will allow for fresh growth and will keep them looking fresh.
Arterra Landscape Architects Save Email If you want a tough shrub Westringia practically defines versatility. This Australian native has so many uses, be it tight topiary balls in a formal garden, loosely kept hedges in a more semi formal setting, or left completely to do its own thing in a salty, coastal garden. It is the jack of all trades in the plant world and can basically be used anywhere within your garden! Apart from its sticking silver/grey foliage, it produces a beautiful small flower throughout the year.
3. Use the void for storage Just like the hinged bench seat, cantilevered seats can be used to free up space in the garden by storing items underneath. This picture is a perfect example as it’s used to store firewood for an outdoor pizza oven. Normally the timber would have required its own storage crate – or even a shed – taking up valuable room.
8. Tropical retreat A sumptuous fire pit radiates heat, keeping friends and family warm during chilly evenings. For safety reasons, it’s not suitable to place a fire pit directly on a timber floor, but here, the concrete inset prevents any danger due to flyaway embers.
7. Indoor-outdoor haven An infra-red radiant heater reaches full operating temperature within a couple of seconds and heats an area of 20-25 square metres, making it a cosy option in an outdoor room. Available as electric or gas, it’s highly efficient as the medium-wave beam is unaffected by wind and has no naked flames or gas emissions. This also makes these heaters environmentally friendly, with an option of being fitted with a separate motion se
3. Laser-etched screens Laser-etched screens have been around for many years now, but I’ve recently seen some amazing designs and patterns emerging. I particularly like the designs that feature less metal, like the one pictured here. After all, it’s the negative space that’s the real star. Laser-etched screens are the perfect solution for creating privacy when an aesthetically pleasing background is required. They’re easy to install, manufactured off site and look amazing surrounded by plants. I’ve used both Corten and powder-coated steel for feature screens and many different variations of patterns. Get creative, have some fun and ask your steel fabricator to push the boundaries with what can be done. More: The Seduction of Outdoor Sculptures, Screens and Installations
10. The colourful climber Bougainvillea sp. is the most flamboyant of plants. The smash of colour screams subtropical garden. Its thorns allow it to clamber over fences, walls and pergolas, but it can also be trained as a shrub or ground cover. The dwarf ‘bambino’ variety are perfect for pots and smaller gardens.
. The outdoor kitchen This creative outdoor experience literally extrudes the inside to the outside, mimicking the white and stainless steel materials found in the kitchen within to create an extension outside that would be welcome in any home. With the entire back wall of the house open to the outside, the kitchens appear as one. The durable stone benchtops of the internal kitchen are used outside and the traditional stainless steel oven and cooktop appliances are replicated with outdoor appliances in the form of a barbecue and side burners. Even the cabinetry of the outdoor kitchen takes its design cue from the kitchen cabinets within. What makes this outdoor kitchen/dining area work so well is the integration of all the design components that work well together. The proportions and site lines are carried through from inside to outside and appear seamless.
Wolveridge Architects Save Email 3. The trellis effect This really is a contemporary outdoor room – a modern verandah not lacking character or function and providing space to sit and relax and enjoy the sun. The architects have designed an outdoor room that manages to create a sense of enclosure, while also maintaining a relationship with the outside. No sign of a polycarbonate roof here, but rather a clever use of laser-cut screens to both block and allow sun to penetrate, creating the most amazing geometric shadows. The space is minimal while also being rich in material.
On the outside deck Us Aussies love entertaining outside, so don’t let a lack of powerpoints stop you from throwing a great barbecue! Install some outside powerpoints for extra mood lighting, music or speakers. Outside powerpoints are also needed for those colourful Christmas lights! So remember to install a couple more in time for the festive season.
Be creative No one ever said you have to mow in straight lines. You don’t even have to mow the whole lawn. Make a swirl, make a checker board, make a maze … make it fun! Then, once you get sick of it, change it.
Alternatives Don’t despair if the manicured look isn’t for you. Ornamental grasses provide all the same benefits as the traditional lawn, but without any of the work, and are the ultimate in sustainable gardening. A ‘lawn’ of native grasses ticks a lot of boxes: it provides a habitat for beneficial insects, with very few, if any, pests and diseases, and requires annual maintenance, at best.
Wear and tear Kids and pets can be relentless on lawns. High traffic areas are the first to suffer when the grass simply wears away. By putting in a transitioning area like this, you can reduce the effects of wear and tear, and also help keep your paved areas cleaner.
Getting the right grass There has been a lot of research and development in developing the perfect sustainable lawn variety. The results are grasses that can withstand drought better, need much less water, and survive in full shade and even in salty soils. The trick is getting the right one for you. While there is no one perfect lawn for every occasion (well not yet, anyway) there will be one that ticks most, if not all, of your boxes. Do your research and remember a little time and maybe some extra money spent in the beginning will save you a lot of hassle in the long run.
Maintenance Over-fertilising, over-watering and, in general, over-pampering a lawn is one of the quickest ways to roll out the red carpet and invite all manner of pests and diseases. Wet, over-fed lawns are a paradise for grub and fungus infestations. Follow a regular regimen with a quality lawn-specific fertiliser as per the manufacture’s instructions. Anything more will be a waste of time and money, and will end up costing you more time and money. Avoid watering at all, if possible, or only in the morning as night time watering will encourage fungus disease. Even when a lawn is brown, crunchy and looks horrible, it can still recover with a good downpour of rain. Of course, if there hasn’t been rain for months and months, give the grass a drink.
Dean Herald-Rolling Stone Landscapes Save Email Position We demand more from our backyards than we used to – they also need to be a stylish element in our outdoor rooms. With the outside coming in and the inside coming out, lawns are extensions of our homes. When deciding to put in a lawn or reduce the size of your existing one, always keep access and maintenance in mind. Getting a lawn mower in and out and easily cutting the grass will make the job so m
Never have to cut the lawn again Originally designed for sports tournaments, artificial or ‘fake’ grass has moved into a range of commercial and residential settings to create the sense of a green garden inside and out. Innovations in the design have led to much more natural-looking and softer versions, and it’s even won awards at the Chelsea Flower Show in the UK. So for gardens where lawns just won’t grow or are heavily used, or for areas that need a bit of greening up, artificial grass takes away the need to sow, mow and water.
The fruity variety Podocarpus elatus, a native to the east coast of Australia, which is commonly known as the bush plum, has started to create a following amongst landscapers as a privacy solution for the modern home. When grown on their own, bush plum can reach nearly 30m high as a tree, however, when planted in rows at 15cm centres, they form the perfect hedge for privacy and can be kept to a height of 150cm if required. The great thing about bush plum is that they don’t get too wide, which makes them great for small blocks where every bit of space needs to be utilised. The textured foliage, which resembles fingers, creates an interesting focal point and the perfect backdrop to a garden.
The floral variety The Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ has been a popular plant over the last 10 years as both a feature tree and a screening plant. A new cultivar called Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear‘ is also currently taking the market by storm. The ‘Teddy Bear’ features the same two-toned leaves and the iconic large white flowers. The big difference is the way the ‘Teddy Bear’ tends to form a tighter more dense foliage, making it a great option for screening and privacy. Unlike the other plants listed above, the ‘Teddy Bear’ is great in instances where you want to bring a splash of colour to your garden. The large white flowers are stunning when in bloom and make the perfect perimeter border.
The tall and skinny variety The process of ‘pleaching’ trees (removing the foliage from the lower stem) has been done for hundreds of years, however, in recent years, many landscapers have began to pleach the stems of Bamboo. Pleaching the stems creates a negative space below the foliage that can either be left bare or under-planted with a creeper or low shrub. Bamboo is an excellent privacy solution for the modern home as it grows up to 6m high without the width that comes from most privacy plants, making it perfect for smaller block sizes. While the old running bamboo received a bad reputation for creeping and spreading into neighbouring properties, the new cultivars such as slender weavers (Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’) are what’s called ‘clumping’ bamboos. Clumping bamboos don’t spread like the old style and will only clump and thicken up directly around the base of the plant.
Shape up with curves The shape of a path dictates the rate we move along it. By slowing down our steps, curves create the illusion of space and a sense of unfolding and expectation for what’s ahead. A curve won’t serve this purpose if placed arbitrarily. It should deviate for a reason, so position a feature plant or object on the inside of the curve. This path winds around a concrete water feature on a pebble bed and clumps of wiry grasses.
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