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A GARDEN THAT COMPLEMENTS THE ARCHITECTURE OF YOUR HOME CREATES VISUAL HARMONY, INDOORS AND OUT

Ahouse and garden are often looked at as two separate entities when, in fact, they should be considered as a whole. Barbara Landsberg of Landsberg Garden Design (@landsberggardens) says a garden is the setting for a home. “If your garden is in the same style as your home, it will look and feel settled, balanced and at ease,” she says. Homes of certain eras have definitive features and by taking cues from architecture, you can design a harmonious garden. Here are four strong Australian architectural styles and the garden elements that can help them to shine.

Coastal

Australian coastal homes come in different shapes and styles, from the modest weatherboard shack of the 1960s to today’s modern incarnations in timber and glass.

What they all have in common is a relaxed, no-fuss vibe. Landscape designer Johnny Derwent of Site Design Studios (sdstudios.com.au) describes it as a clean aesthetic that evokes the breeziness of the beach. Look to plants that grow well near the coast when planning your garden. “Palms, frangipani and Australian natives are excellent candidates,” Barbara says. Ornamental grasses, such as Carex ‘Feather Falls’, and succulents also work well, with their easy-care nature suited to harsher coastal conditions. “A planting scheme of blues and greys is complementary to the beachy palette,” Barbara adds. The best hard materials? Weathered natural timbers, pebbles and stone. “A recycled hardwood timber deck allowed to grey is a fabulous feature and low maintenance,” says Johnny.

Contemporary

Modernist homes are characterised by simple but strong lines and geometric forms, so it makes sense that the garden should follow suit.

“Use straight or curved lines, but ensure they’re defined rather than organic and indeterminate,” says Barbara.

Exteriors are typically timber, concrete, stone or render, which can be echoed in the garden with pavers, block walls and slat-horizontal or vertical fencing.

To reflect the architecture, the plant palette should be minimal, with a strong focus on striking forms and textures. Feature trees might include the dragon tree (Dracaena draco) or Bismarck palm (Bismarckia nobilis), typically planted singly to highlight the sculptural qualities. As for the understorey, agaves, zoysia, kalanchoe, mondo grass and blue chalksticks (Curio repens) are ideal. “You only need a few groupings of a few plant types,” Barbara explains. Before planting, take soil condition into account. “If soil is poorly drained, grow succulents in raised beds or pots,” says Bunnings buyer Katy Schreuder.

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