103 IDEAS FOR OUTDOORS
petite retreat 72. Thick plantings of groundcover and shrubs, such as this plectranthus, not only help keep the space low maintenance, but also create the impression of plenty of garden to see, even with narrow beds.
small world
Cute and clever, this compact yard features pretty pockets to suit every purpose words Jane Parbury Styling Adam Robinson Photography Sue Stubbs
73. Pr opping
th e mi rr or , ($ 77 6) fr om Ri va s De si gn , ag ai ns t th e ti mb er ba tt en sc re en co nc ea li ng th e sh ed is a cl ev er tr ic k th at vi su al ly do ub le s th e sp ac e.
71. Break up a narrow garden into several different zones. The seating area at the far end – with its ‘Watego’ sofa ($2497) and coffee table ($399) from Eco Outdoor – acts as a destination to encourage visitors to travel further into the space.
74. The garden is irrigated with a battery-powered drip-feed system, set to operate for 15 minutes every third day, thus minimising maintenance and water waste.
70. Mature trees provide a sense of
scale in a small area. In this Adam Robinson-designed space, a large specimen overshadows the table from Eco Outdoor, while ‘Jak’ chairs from Tait Outdoor add a modern twist.
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Built-in bench
75. seating is a space-saver: “You can squeeze more people along the benches and when they’re not in use, push the table against it to maximise space,” explains Adam. > homebeautiful.com.au {AUGUST 2012} 211
77. A fire pit
creates intimacy on cool winter nights. Find this one at Eco Outdoor, from $1100.
81.
walls in a dark shade (try Murobond Beyond for similar) so that they visually recede, allowing the plants to become the focus.
78. Create
interest
76. Make the most of structures: here, a feature
with quirky items such as this Moroccan screen (from $799) from Eco Outdoor, and team it with colour, such as this pot ($95) from Garden Life.
wall is topped with a bench cushion, custom-made by Adam; Bonnie and Neil cushions (from $120ea) from Tait Outdoor and a throw ($399) from Koskela.
Contact
Adam Robinson of Adam Robinson Design, 0451 299 920, adamrobinsondesign.com.
79. A compost bin (left), like the chic Urban Composter ($55) from Koskela, turns everyday kitchen waste into garden fodder. It breaks down virtually any kitchen waste and turns it into nutrient-rich food your green space will love.
Beautiful
80. garden implements, such as this Sneeboer spade ($170) and fork ($200) from Koskela, add rustic charm when not in use. 212 {AUGUST 2012} homebeautiful.com.au
Paint boundary
82. Bluestone pavers
(try Boral for similar) break up the expanse of stone, creating an informal pathway through the garden. This notion of a journey enhances a sense of roominess in a snug area.
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