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GARDENS OF THE COAST Coastal profusion. Garden designer Peter Nixon’s tropic-inspired space
profusionCOASTAL
Garden designer Peter Nixon’s tropic-inspired space is a sanctuary of plant diversity at Forresters Beach.
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WORDS PAUL URQUHART PHOTOS LISA HAYMES
This small garden is tightly planted with a wide range of soft perennials that are tolerant of those cool days. The density of planting creates a microclimate to encourage plants that love warmth to thrive. Peter Nixon at the propagating bench
Amove from inner-city Sydney inspired the name ‘Sea Changer’, and even though only planted seven years ago it is already a go-to destination for garden lovers.
The reason for the quick growth spurt is two-fold – firstly, good soil preparation and secondly, selecting fast-growing perennials. Nixon likes the term ‘cool tropics’ to describe his choice of planting – and it’s a good one. If you have ever visited North Queensland, you’ll recognise that the most seductive tropical plants will struggle even in the warmer parts of the Central Coast. Nixon has amassed a wealth of knowledge and plants with tolerance for our colder winters.
Take time with soil preparation
Let’s start at the beginning. Nixon moved in August 2014 to a property that was akin to a blank canvas. Straggly old plants and weedy grass were removed, packing boxes were reused as a weed mat and a 300mm layer of organic mix comprising milled cow manure and spent mushroom compost added.
Nixon took great care to note where the shadow lines were, especially in winter, because that is the shadiest and coolest time in the garden and this period governs what will survive and what will thrive. The block is located at the bottom of a slope so cold air drainage meant winter lows down to 6°C. That sounds daunting, but a clever gardener can create microclimates, diverting the cold air and creating warm pockets within the space.
Start by checking how tall your desired plants will grow and noting the position of north and the length of winter shadows. In winter, you need maximum sunshine. Nixon’s plan was to keep a brake on plant height. He opted for 3.6m tops along the boundary. People tend to plant tall shrubs or trees along the fence which, in a northerly aspect, effectively blocks the winter sun.
More sun keeps soil warmer come spring. You should aim to plant by November when growing warm climate lovers. This gives roots a chance to establish before the following winter. If you are » buying plants in say, April, hold them in pots in a warm spot, and plant late spring.
ABOVE The green wall is host to a wide range of begonias, bromeliads and other tropical delights.
ABOVE RIGHT The deck is a comfortable spot for dining with a green wall backdrop to enhance the experience. The nature reed canopy keeps the sun off in summer. The potted plant is Alcantarea ‘White Star’.
BELOW LEFT Repetition of the same pots filled with gold heart leaf Philodendron cordatum underline the green wall.
BELOW RIGHT This unassuming plant is Fuchsia ‘Blutini’ but it flowers for a long time and is followed by dark purple berries. It’s also readily available in major hardware outlets. »
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Alcantarea on the left contrasts with lime green coleus ‘Wasabi’ while a kinetic art piece adds some movement in the sea breezes.
The fun part – planting
Nixon’s advice for new gardens is to ‘plan for a stemless succession around the perimeter to hide fences’. In his case, on his corner block, the existing black PVC mesh disappears when planted out. He also alternated his planting on both sides of the fence to increase foliage density.
The verge planting faces west, exposed to the summer sun, so needs appropriate plant selection to suit the aspect. Existing mature bottlebrushes shaded new plantings at one end but, where there was no protection, he chose sun-loving aloes, an under-utilised genus from southern Africa. Among them are the tree candelabra types, tall growers with impressive flowers such as Aloe thraskii x excelsa and A. excelsa. They grow in pure sand, need no irrigation and have spectacular winter flowers. What’s not to love?
Outdoor living
To provide shade in summer when temperatures may reach 40°C, there are natural reed canopies over the side deck, dining nook, and over an adjacent space for casual seating. A laser-cut screen provides privacy from the street and obscures part of the garden for intimacy and surprise. A ‘green wall’ provides a useful microclimate for orchids, bromeliads and subtropical plants. SEVEN POINTERS TO CREATE INTEREST
Nixon relies on foliage for long-term effects. His seven pointers will help establish all-year interest. 1. Flowers come and go so always aim to have interest at all times of the year. Use long blooming sub-shrubs such as Barleria ‘Purple Gem’ and Golden Plume,
Schaueria flavicoma. 2. Source plants from plant fairs or specialist nurseries. 3. Take particular note of aspect and direction of the sun before you plant. 4. Have a plan. Don’t shop without a goal and avoid
‘plant fever’ shopping. 5. Take a few pictures of problem spots before you go shopping. 6. Seek advice. ‘The better your questions the better the plant selection.’ 7. Select plants for the conditions. ‘What will grow in full shade; will it keep its foliage colour?’; and so on.
Peter Nixon at Paradisus (m) 0418 161513. Instagram @paradisus_sea_change
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