in the GARDEN
r o o d t u o g n i liv creating your own oasis
Sophie thomson gardening media personality
30
The Australian climate means we can garden and entertain outside virtually all year round. Sure, there is hot weather in summer and rainy weather in winter but if you have created the right space, you can enjoy most of the year outside. In summer we want somewhere shady and cool, while in winter we want somewhere that takes advantage of winter sun and is sheltered from the wind.
These two seasonal ideals may be different areas, or they may be two versions of the same space. Entertaining under a vine covered pergola will always be cooler than sitting under a solid structure such as a pergola, as the leaves create a form of natural evaporative air-conditioning. If you choose a deciduous shade tree or vine, winter sun will come through and you will enjoy this space on a sunny winter or early spring day.
