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FROM THE EDITOR

W

hen the worries of the world become too much, why waste time dreaming of escaping to a luxury resort in some far-flung location when you can create a private haven — a place in which you can entertain or relax — in your own backyard? A well-appointed, comfortably furnished outdoor room or alfresco living space can give you a holiday-at-home experience, providing you with somewhere you can unwind in splendid isolation or use as a venue for entertaining friends and family when you feel like just letting loose.

While having deep pockets will get you the very best of everything, you don’t need an unlimited budget to infuse your outdoor living space with the kind of comfort and style you desire — and deserve. Barbecues, outdoor kitchens, woodfired ovens, furniture, outdoor heaters, garden decor and more … there is no shortage of choice across all price points. To help you on your way to furnishing and equipping your garden sanctuary, we take a look at the latest trends in outdoor decor, cooking and heating.

Of course, achieving a comfortable environment is not solely about the decor and fittings; it’s also about getting the basics right, which means a well-designed, well-built space. You can glean some great design ideas from our Expert Guide section where leading Australian landscape architects and designers share their expertise on everything from designing an outdoor room to landscape lighting and planting.

Award-winning gardens can be a great source of design and planting inspiration when you’re planning a new outdoor space or a major makeover. The AILDM National Landscape Design Awards, hosted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers, recognises the very best landscape designs and projects from around Australia. The categories cover the gamut, from rooftop gardens to coastal designs and plantscapes. In this edition, we showcase a selection of winning residential projects from the 2020 awards. We also take a peek at the winning residential gardens from the 2020 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards, South Australia’s 2020 MLSA Awards of Excellence and Western Australia’s 2021 LIAWA Awards of Excellence.

Enjoy!

Karen

Karen Booth, Editor

THE LANDSCAPE A SS O C I AT I O N

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Editor Karen Booth Designer Martha Rubazewicz NSW, ACT & WA Advertising Manager Rosemary Wood Mobile: 0404 306 050 Email: rwood@umco.com.au Vic, SA & Tas Advertising Manager Pilar Danlag Mobile: 0414 468 243 Email: pdanlag@umco.com.au Qld Advertising Manager Tania Pears Mobile: 0411 424 194 Email: tpears@umco.com.au Advertising Production Alex Dalland Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz Subscriptions & Mail Orders Phone: 1300 303 414 Cover photo Garden design: OUTHOUSE design Garden construction: Urban Garden Enrichment Photography: Katrine Mardini

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head office (02) 9805 0399.

Outdoor Design No. 41 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6-8 Byfield Street, North Ryde, NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax:(02) 9805 0714. Melbourne office, Suite 4, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South Melbourne, Vic 3025. Phone: (03) 9694 6444, Fax: (03) 9699 7890. Printed in Singapore by Times Printers www.timesprinters.com, distributed Gordon and Gotch. Distributed in Singapore and Malaysia by CARKIT (FE) Pte Ltd, Singapore. Phone: 65 62821 960. This magazine contains content that is advertorial or promotional in nature.This magazine is printed on paper produced in a mill that meets Certified Environmental Management System ISO4001. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission.

Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) and the Australian Consumer Law. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions.

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CONTENTS REGULAR SECTIONS 16 Landscape architects & designers Professionally designed gardens drawn from around the country 76 Expert guides Renowned Australian landscapers and designers share their advice 106 Landscape projects Landscaper-built gardens, pools, entertaining spaces and more 122 Landscape awards Award-winning gardens from our leading Australian landscapers 182 Design ideas A showcase of outdoor products, from tiles to designer furniture 185 Advertisers’ index

FEATURES

106

86

Design inspiration 2020 AILDM National Landscape Design Awards: see the winners 146 The artistic touch Garden decor and art that will turn outdoor spaces from drab to fab 154 Some like it hot Cooking and heating options that make outdoor entertaining easy

72

ALFRESCO LIVING 150 152 160 162 164 170 174 176 178 180

Garden Decor Outdoor Furniture Alfresco Cooking Outdoor Heating Landscape Lighting Shade Solutions Gardening Products Decking Products Surface Sealers Landscaping Supplies

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88

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LANDSCAPE

ARCHITECTS & DESIGNERS

Australia is home to a vast array of talented, highly skilled landscape architects and landscape designers who can create a unique garden that will be individually tailored to the way you want to live

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NSW

EXCEEDING

EXPECTATIONS

This contemporary outdoor retreat provides a place to entertain, relax with family and unwind after work OUTDOOR DESIGN

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T

hanks to the design expertise and project management skills of A Total Concept, an established company specialising in both landscape architecture and swimming pool design, the owners of this Sydney property have a rear garden retreat that exceeds their every expectation.

“We wanted to create a total concept for them. A contemporary resort-style space incorporating a cabana and pool along with an expanse of lawn and gardens,” says John Storch, director of A Total Concept. “What we have achieved for the owners is a space that incorporates everything a family could want for both day-to-day living and weekend socialising at home.”

This was a project of many parts. “The rear of the property looked outward onto a bushland reserve but had little privacy from adjacent neighbours, so we bounded the entire area with a formal hedge garden. This has created a concealed space in which we were able to develop a stunning outlook from the kitchen and living areas of the home, day and night,” explains John.

The cabana was created to service the pool users of the family. It’s where they can dry off after a swim and relax while watching sport on the wall-mounted LCD TV or share a meal. Adds John, “The owners are great entertainers and love cooking, so the cabana includes an elaborate kitchen with built-in cabinetry, mirrored splashbacks, a Caesarstone benchtop with waterfall sides, an under-mounted sink, stainless-steel fridges, a drawer dishwasher, an eight-burner barbecue and a wok burner. This ensures every whim and desire is catered for.”

The cabana’s skillion roof allows for a very high ceiling, which makes the interior seem bigger, lighter and airier. From this ceiling hangs a fan, to keep everyone cool in summer.

“At night, the poolside cabana is well lit with both concealed strip lighting and LED downlighting for maximum functionality,” says John. “This, together with energy-efficient LED lights in the pool, lawn and garden areas, creates a number of different mood effects with washes of light and dancing shadows creating an inviting ambience.

“In addition, there is a quality underwater sound system that is linked to, and switched with, all other electrical components, including garden lights, irrigation, the pool heater and pool lights. This can be controlled from either the cabana or residence.”

Seasoned second-hand bridge timbers were used in the construction of the cabana, giving it a warm appearance. This is enhanced by the use of sandstone patterned porcelain paving for the poolside areas, cabana and the verandah of the upgraded home. Not

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only does the sandstone-look paving add the softening effect of natural hues, it creates a seamless link between each area.

The pool is ideal for family enjoyment. “The large pool steps and extensive underwater benches act as a safe haven for younger children and double as informal seats within the pool. There is also a heated spa, which provides the perfect place for parents and their children to relax and chat,” says John.

The plants add the finishing flourish. Due to the aspect of the property there is sun most of the day and shelter from winds — perfect conditions for the limited palette of viburnum, gardenias and box. The outcome

is an outdoor retreat in which every element — the home, cabana, pool, lawn and garden areas — are seamlessly integrated to create the ideal space for fun with the family, outdoor entertaining and escaping the stresses of work at the end of the day.

A Total Concept is an established, awardwinning design and management practice specialising in the integration of beautiful and

functional pools, gardens and cabanas for projects ranging from simple family homes to elaborate residential properties; also boutique and resort-style developments. Here, the team at A Total Concept has succeeded in creating a stunning environment for the owners — one that reflects the practice’s philosophy of “A Total Concept” and adds immeasurably to the lifestyle amenity and value of the property.

NSW PROJECT DETAILS Design and project management A TOTAL CONCEPT Address 65 West Street, North Sydney NSW 2060 Phone (02) 9957 5122 Email design@atotalconcept.com.au Website atotalconcept.com.au OUTDOOR DESIGN

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MEET THE DESIGNER

J O H N ST O R C H

TOTAL INTEGRATION For John Storch, landscape architect and founder of A Total Concept, a cohesive design approach is vital What drew you to landscape design? My grandfather was a creative inventor and gardener. When I was a child he was forever talking to me and showing me his ideas and designs, and pointing out shapes, details and plants and how these went together in the world. He taught me how to be creative and to observe, feel and understand good and bad design, both in the natural and built environments. When he passed, his ideas, sketching notes and images became mine and he instilled in me a lifelong habit of collecting ideas and details, sketching and a love of plants. These ideas form the basis of the concept images library that we use when designing a garden. It was my grandfather who encouraged me to become a landscape architect. I now have over 35 years’ experience and a job that I love.

How do you approach the design process?

The image at the top of the page accurately reflects my philosophy on design: simplicity. I

20 | OUTDOOR DESIGN & LIVING

believe that simple design lines, simple shapes and simple colour palettes always work better than complex, intricate designs. They create more peaceful spaces, are more pleasing to the eye and more inviting — and they are timeless. This, together with the use of quality materials and good detailing, ensures a garden project won’t date.

Do you have a preferred style? I believe a good designer should be able to work in any style and not be restricted to a particular design period. For my last home in Sydney, I designed a lush tropical rear garden and opened the back of the house to the outdoor space, integrating the two together. For the front yard, I designed a very traditional garden.

Ultimately, the gardens sold the property. My team and I have always worked on a broad range of projects, both in terms of size and design styles. Such diversity tends to keep you refreshed, open to new ideas, educated and up to speed with all current trends.

Is a holistic approach vital? Using a design company that views a site holistically and can provide good design advice on both the home and the external spaces — and how to link the two together — leads to the best results I believe. If one company looks at everything, the finished project will be designed to flow better and appear more integrated with a consistent design approach and material use throughout. In addition, it allows for better planning of the project to ensure that works are undertaken at the appropriate time, saving on the costs of having to re-work areas, even if the later works are years off.

How do you build relationships? Over the years, I have found that clear and constant communication is the best way to ensure a successful client relationship in the short term. This usually takes the form of weekly progress updates. To ensure client satisfaction in the long term, the answer is to holistically design an integrated space and involve the client in the design process.

Also, to create a design that suits the client’s budget and particular lifestyle, not mine!

A Total Concept atotalconcept.com.au

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URBAN OASIS This lush and inviting outdoor haven is designed to act as the ideal at-home getaway destination

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P

icture this. It’s a sunny Sunday and there you sit in your pool house, nice and cosy on a comfy lounge, refreshing drink in hand.

In front of you, the cool water of the pool and the luxuriant landscape beckon. For one family in the Melbourne suburb of Hawthorn, no imagination is required — this is their reality, summer through to winter, thanks to the design and construction expertise of Erin Green, director of Nature’s Best Landscapes.

“When I was brought on board by the owners, the design was still very much in the early conceptual stage. This afforded me the opportunity to review all the details and fine tune the overall design of the pool house, pool and surrounding garden,” says Erin.

“The design is well structured, with the garden beds, pool and pool house revolving around a large central lawn. The standout features are the sleek, minimalist pool house and the wet-edge pool. The pool house complements, not competes with, the pool.

“The homeowners are admirers of Marc Merckx, a Belgian designer known for his modern, pared down approach. Taking our cue from this, we gave the pool house a clean-lined black facade that contrasts with the striking blue of the pool’s tiled interior surface and the vibrant green of the planting palette. Just as importantly, although of highly contemporary design,

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the pool house sits in perfect harmony with the heritage-listed 1880s house.”

The exterior of the pool house is wrapped in Colorbond Night Sky steel cladding, the dark tones working in complete accord with the polished concrete flooring and the ontrend grey granite pool surrounds, steps and garden paving. “To make entertaining easy, the interior is equipped with an audio system and TV that can be watched from the pool and spa,” adds Erin. “The pool house also has a full bathroom, a gym, heating and mood lighting, making it the perfect, self-contained backyard getaway.”

The planting was just as well considered.

A Ficus hillii ‘Flash’ hedge frames the pool and acts as a backdrop along the rear fence.

A hedge of viburnum embraces the lawn, continuing the structured look and adding to the layered feel. “As you move away from the central lawn, the planting is more relaxed.

Plants include Euphorbia, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’, which spill over and soften the walls, prostrate rosemary and Stachys byzantina, better known as lamb’s ears, for colour and texture. These plants were also chosen to cope with the existing large peppercorn tree that competes for sun and water,” explains Erin.

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The entire project progressed without a hitch, despite the property’s location on a main road. “Given the traffic and trams, entering and exiting the property was challenging, especially as over 600 cubic metres of earth had to be removed, but with careful planning and traffic management, construction took place in a seamless and efficient manner,” says Erin.

As for the end result? Well, that is a lush and picture-perfect urban oasis the entire family and visiting friends can enjoy.

VIC PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design and construction NATURE’S BEST LANDSCAPES Mobile 0411 576 349 Email erin.green@bigpond.com Website naturesbestlandscapes.com.au Photography by Patrick Redmond

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MEET THE DESIGNER

ERIN GREEN

TIMELESS DESIGN Creating something that will stand the test of time is always the goal for Erin Green, Nature’s Best Landscapes’ founder What drew you to designing gardens?

Almost 30 years ago I helped my father to landscape our newly built family home during the school holidays. It was so rewarding and from there I developed a love of working outdoors and creating something from scratch. After completing Year 12, I was delighted to be accepted to study for a horticulture degree at Melbourne University’s Burnley Campus.

Have you a set design approach? Overall, my approach is to always try to achieve something that will be timeless. I start by listening to what the client wants and then I suggest design ideas that will ensure they have a functional, visually appealing space that complements the environment and enhances the existing architecture. By listening to the client, closely observing the surroundings and introducing new ideas, you can achieve something the client would never have imagined was possible.

What are the most important steps?

Plant selection is key and having a degree in horticulture allows me to provide a level

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of plant knowledge that not all landscaping companies can offer. Another important step is establishing the orientation (north aspect) of the landscape and examining the topography. This helps with plant selection and envisaging a hard landscape layout that will guide how you walk through the space, the garden’s destination points and the various viewing platforms.

Do you have any style preferences? There isn’t a specific style I adhere to. In fact, one of the company’s major strengths is the ability to adapt to different styles of architecture and surroundings. Most landscaping projects I work on include building a swimming pool as well as the garden, so I have designed everything from freeform rustic landscapes with cascading poolside rock waterfalls to ultra-formal gardens and highly structured, highly contemporary outdoor spaces.

What range of services do you provide?

My team of 10 employees, some of whom have been with me for more than 17 years, share a common vision and bring a wide range of skills to every project we design and

build. Being registered building practitioners and swimming pool builders, there is nothing Nature’s Best Landscapes can’t handle in-house. We also have an after-service maintenance division that can provide continual advice on how to keep the garden we’ve created in pristine condition.

What are some career highs? A definite highlight was winning the Victorian Landscape of the Year award in 2018. This award covers all aspects, from the design through to the quality of the overall construction. Another high point was having one of our projects featured on the Channel 10 TV show, Australia

by Design, hosted by Jamie Durie, as was appearing on the Your Money business news channel to discuss the project that won us Victorian Landscape of the Year. The thing I’m most proud of, however, is that I’ve been able to build the business on the back of client referrals, which indicates a high level of client satisfaction with how the team and I work and the calibre of the end result we produce.

Nature’s Best Landscapes, naturesbestlandscapes.com.au

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L A N D S CA P E D E S I G N

COASTING

ALONG

Drawing its inspiration from nearby sand dunes, this calming coastal garden has a strong sense of place

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L A N D S CA P E D E S I G N

BEN MCDONALD Director and Designer, Iluka Landscape Developments

T

he world’s best gardens have a sense of belonging. They look and feel as if they naturally evolved in that place. Intertwined with that sense of place are the aspirations and personalities of the owners. Just as importantly, the most successful gardens are places for living. Picturesque views that can be enjoyed from inside the home aren’t enough — the garden has to entice you outside.

This beguiling garden in Rye on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula ticks every box.

It draws on the nearby sand dunes and indigenous coastal plantings for inspiration.

In particular, it employs the existing Moonah trees to frame garden views, blurring the lines between where the garden ends and the undulating dunes begin.

The design was a collaborative effort between Ben McDonald, director of Iluka Landscape Developments, and the property owners. The process began with an open conversation about what the owners wanted

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from their garden and naturally evolved from there. What they yearned for was a garden with a coastal, dune-like feel that would incorporate the established Moonah trees. It was important that feature rocks and stonework be incorporated along with ornamental native grasses to reinforce the by-the-beach look.

In creating this captivating garden, Ben took inspiration from the work of Victorian landscape designer, Fiona Brockhoff.

Having worked with Fiona in the past, Ben had developed a deep appreciation for her signature style of granitic sand, clipped and balled native and indigenous plants, and expert use of coast-loving indigenous grasses. Her gardens also have an easy, completely natural flow and a quintessentially coastal feel, which is precisely what Ben has achieved here. This garden has a look that is typical of the southern Mornington Peninsula where it’s located; one that is in harmony with the back beach dunes and cliff tops but sits within a more formal setting.

All garden works were carried out by Iluka Landscape Developments and the first step on the road to transformation was the removal of the front lawn and the conversion of the space to a waterwise native garden. To complement the native plantings and enhance the natural coastal feel, a brushed front fence and entrance gate were installed. Stage one also embraced the creation of a paved sitting area, a veggie garden and orchard, and the careful siting of feature rocks to ensure they looked as if they had been placed by Mother Nature herself.

The second stage was completed in tandem with KF Constructions’ renovation of the home. This encompassed new landscaping elements and the reinstatement of existing garden areas.

Works included paving, a built-in barbecue, front entrance paths and planting, the construction of retaining walls, and the creation of a courtyard along with a second orchard and veggie garden.

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The outdoor entertaining area is the social hub of the reconceptualised garden.

Limestone, which was laid in a French pattern, was chosen for the paving as it complements the local stone. For maximum enjoyment, there are separate dining and cooking areas, with the latter boasting a barbecue built into a customised structure.

Whether gazing out from the pergolacovered lounge area or tending the orchards, the owners are treated to views of a planting palette largely comprised of native and indigenous species.

The indigenous plants not only help to integrate the garden with the surrounding landscape, they support local fauna. This is also a garden that requires little water or fertiliser while offering high resistance to pests and a high tolerance to the high alkalinity low nutrient soil structure. This it achieves, and more, while paying homage to the threatened Moonah woodland.

VI C PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design and construction ILUKA LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENTS Address Rye Vic Mobile 0414 590 684 Email ben@ilukalandscapes.com.au Website ilukalandscapes.com.au Photography by Patrick Redmond

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A-1212-1020 ©2020 LATICRETE Australia Pty Ltd. All trademarks shown are the intellectual properties of their respective owners.

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TICKING ALL THE BOXES Private and picture-perfect, this alfresco oasis meets all the lifestyle needs of a design-conscious family OUTDOOR DESIGN

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A

lthough a well-designed garden will look as if its creation was virtually effortless, considerable knowledge is required to create a garden that is practical and aesthetically pleasing. For the best result — a garden that will suit your family’s needs now and in the future — you need the guidance of a landscape designer.

Georgia Harper, a multi-award-winning designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design, brought her extensive experience to bear when designing this lush and inviting, family-friendly garden that frames a new home in a seaside suburb.

“The clients love good design and were keen to make the most of the sprawling block, but they wanted to do so without

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going overboard on costs,” says Georgia.

“Their wish list included a swimming pool, tennis court, lawn play area, veggie patch and some fruit trees. And because the property sits on a corner block at a busy intersection, ensuring privacy was also high on the list.

“This was a new-home build, so most of the budget was earmarked for the house, but the clients were smart and started the landscape design process as early as possible.

This allowed us to exploit opportunities to combine or time some of the works to achieve maximum cost efficiency.”

Georgia chose a simplified, clean palette to help control costs. “This naturally lent itself to a Mid Century Modern style, which the clients loved,” says Georgia. “The result is a stylish garden that ticks every box on

their wish list without going over the top on costs. But to achieve all that we did on a strict budget, we had to think outside the box a bit and get creative with construction methods and materials.

“With this in mind, we chose to do all the paving, paths and pool surrounds in plain white concrete with a burnished finish. This was an extremely cost-effective way to cover all the paving required across the block and it ties in beautifully with the pool design. To add some detail, clean saw-cuts were placed randomly along paths and in paved areas.”

The pool, constructed by The Pool Company, was kept simple and its interior finished in a white render with a mother-ofpearl-look glass mosaic waterline tile. Given the size of the block, Georgia was able to keep

the lawn area within the pool zone, ensuring the whole space feels much more open.

The rapidly growing native evergreen Waterhousea floribunda was used to screen the perimeter. Adds Georgia, “Along the main road side, we needed to provide privacy so we planted an olive grove. This gives the area dense coverage while adding the opportunity to enjoy olives picked fresh from the tree. A line of Acer platanoides ‘Crimson Sentry’ flank the path between the tennis court and house, providing a second privacy layer for the home’s living zones.”

Thanks to Georgia’s thoughtful design and The Garden Company’s construction expertise, this outdoor retreat is pictureperfect — and it didn’t break the bank.

VIC PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design GEORGIA HARPER LANDSCAPE DESIGN Address Clifton Hill Vic Mobile 0412 293 247 Email georgia@ghld.com.au Website ghld.com.au Photography by Patrick Redmond

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MEET THE DESIGNER

GE ORGIA HARPER

THE GOOD LIFE For Georgia Harper, founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design, the priority is designing lifestyle-enhancing spaces What attracted you to landscape design?

I’ve had an interest in gardens since working with my grandad in his market garden. I love the energy of a garden: the way it changes through the seasons and the way it can make you feel. After a first career in marketing, I decided to re-train in horticulture and landscape design so that I could enjoy my work every day and make a contribution to people’s quality of life.

Do you have a design philosophy? My philosophy is “gardens are for people”. Every garden should reflect the people who will be spending time in it and enhance that special connection between humans and the natural world — a garden is a wonderful place to connect with other life. A well-designed garden should feel in sync with its owners and work for the people using it, often for a multitude of functions. It should be fit for purpose and the demands of modern life, and suit the owners’ abilities so that maintaining it doesn’t become another unwanted chore.

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How do you build relationships? From the concept stage through to the build process, I prioritise close and constant communication — and getting to know the client well. It is never lost on me that the client has been thinking about their project for a long time; in fact, well before we first meet. This is why it’s important to stop, listen and allow the client to share their ideas with you first. Next, I try to gain an understanding of the family and how they like to live because I can’t design a space unless I know who will be using it and how.

Do you specialise in any particular style?

I specialise in bespoke gardens designed specifically with each client in mind. Every house and site has different requirements, and every client has different needs and tastes, and that’s what I like about my job. I love working in a variety of styles; it keeps the work exciting and fresh.

Are there any trends that interest you? MidCentury style is still popular as it lends itself to clean lines and low-maintenance planting,

but given the current environment I think we will be seeing more gardens with large edible components. I think these two approaches will combine to create landscapes with a clean architectural look and edible garden features.

Families are also looking more inwardly towards home these days, which I believe will lead to the creation of more intimate outdoor spaces.

Can you share some career highlights? I’ve been fortunate to receive multiple awards at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, AILDM National Landscape Design Awards and Landscaping Victoria Awards. My work has appeared in many magazines and I’ve also been featured on the ABC’s Dream Gardens. While these are very nice acknowledgements, my client relationships are what I treasure most. I have many clients who have come back to me over the years as they move house, and many refer me to their friends and family as well. I can’t ask for a better endorsement than that.

Georgia Harper Landscape Design, ghld.com.au

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COASTAL ESCAPE

Embraced by tropical planting and offering a pool and cabana, this is the ideal resort-style sanctuary

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f you’re lucky to call a beachside suburb home, you’ll want to enjoy the full coastal lifestyle experience — such was the case for the owners of this property.

“They wanted me to create a tropical retreat that would capture the essence of what it’s like to live near the coast — and they wanted it to have a resort-style escape vibe,” says Karen Staunton-Ross, garden designer and founder of Outside Living.

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A new house was being built on a battle axe block and, in the process, vehicular access would be changing from the front via a long driveway to the rear lane. “This change gave us the opportunity to really tie the house and pool together,” says Karen. “It also allowed us to convert the driveway into a leafy transitional space that would usher you from the pressures of modern living to a place of seclusion and retreat. At the end of

the journey there are places for friends and family to gather and enjoy being together — a pool area, cabana and an open space.

“I love the way the garden reveals itself to visitors. Each space is quite distinct, but well connected,” continues Karen. “To begin with, you transition along the former drive to the lawn area before you see the cabana and then the pool. The pool forges a seamless connection with the house,

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KAREN STAUNTON-ROSS Designer and Director, Outside Living

something that was made so much easier by constructing both at the same time.

Inspired by the tropics, the planting is the star of the show. “I chose striking plants with bold foliage and textures that make a statement. Together, they provide colour, form and structure. I also tried to include a range of heights, including tall and midsized plants along with groundcovers and lots of leaf shapes and sizes.”

As you stroll around the garden, which was constructed by EJM Paving and Landscape, you will spy Philodendron, Alcantarea, Alpinia, Liriope, Cordyline, Drepanostachyum falcatum, Strelitzia nicolai, Pogonatherum paniceum and both Raphis and Kentia palms.

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are sitting out in the garden. The bamboo works perfectly between the structure and the fence, creating a space that is open and screened at the same time,” says Karen. The plant selection was brought to life with some inspired inclusions by Bamboo South Coast, who supplied most of the plants and helped to enhance the garden design.

The timber boardwalk-style path adds an air of informality, an effect enhanced by eschewing even edges in favour of a staggered approach. The same timber was employed for the deck, thematically

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connecting both garden elements and introducing some visual warmth. Paving was used for the high-traffic areas, which include the pool surrounds.

Despite the peculiar site dimensions, Karen was able to design a welcoming coastal-style garden that is lush and relaxing.

“The new house has generous windows and doors opening to the garden so we had to create something that was not only spectacular to be in but looked wonderful when viewed from inside,” she says. The family now has its dream resort-style escape.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design OUTSIDE LIVING Address 20/12 Phillip Mall, West Pymble NSW 2073 Phone (02) 9440 5451 Email design@outsideliving.com.au Website outsideliving.com.au Photography by Peter Brennan

L A ND SC A PE D E S I G N | PO O L D ES IGN | A P PROVA L C OO R DIN ATI O N | OUT DOOR S TY LI NG

Outside Living has been creating outdoor spaces for our clients to enjoy for more than 20 years. We offer a comprehensive service from design through to managing the project into the assessment phase and all the way to construction. We can help you select finishing touches to complete your outdoor space – ready for living.

Inspiring your life outside PHONE 02 9440 5451 EMAIL outside@outsideliving.com.au

www.outsideliving.com.au

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HEIGHT OF STYLE

This lush balcony garden is an oasis of calm for the owners of a top-floor apartment in Sydney’s bustling inner city

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his inner-Sydney balcony ably proves you can have a luxuriant garden no matter where you live. The homeowners’ brief to OUTHOUSE design’s principal designer Steve Warner and senior landscape architect Katrine Mardini, was to convert their unused, exposed balcony into a place of shelter where they could unwind and socialise.

“With inner-city living on the increase, there is pressure to maximise every square inch,” says Steve. “Also, this amazing balcony was so unique that not taking advantage of it would have been the crime of the century.”

To bring the drab space to life, Steve, Katrine and the team designed a cleanlined modern courtyard-style space that provides a visual sense of unity with the interior of the apartment and features a bespoke pergola to provide protection and shade. “The overhead structure with its Vergola insert is a standout feature,” says Katrine. “It introduces an interesting organic shape that shuns sharp corners and draws you into the wider garden.”

The striking sculptural pergola was custom-designed by PO Box Design to envelop the louvered roof section and cover the expansive entertaining space.

Built using lightweight powdercoated

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aluminium, the colour of the pergola was carefully chosen to match the exterior of the apartment building. “This was a major factor in the design as we wanted to complement the existing development and create a flow from the upper balcony to the lower garden,” says Steve.

“Also, as nothing could be bolted or fixed onto the existing tiled floor, the pergola was employed as the key connecting point to the main building.”

Previously, the far end of the balcony had been covered in white pebbles, making the space unusable and difficult to maintain. The pebbles were replaced with timber decking, complementing the new seating and providing a cleaner, more nodern look.

As the apartment was on the top floor, the OUTHOUSE design team had to contend with limited access for construction. All items had to be dismantled into sections so they would fit in the elevator and then be reassembled on the balcony. The structural engineer also imposed weight-loading restrictions, which the team dealt with by favouring lightweight aluminium for key elements, such as the pergola and planters.

“All key garden beds were raised from the ground using commercial rubber feet to allow for drainage and flow of excess

water into the existing drainage points,” says Katrine. “For sustainability and reduced maintenance, all plants are drought-tolerant and rely on natural rainfall alone.”

Of the plants chosen, she adds, “A clean planting palette was created to deliver strong, bold architectural contrast to the striking overhead structure and side privacy screen.” Among the plants selected are Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’, Dichondra argentea ‘Silver Falls’, Westringia ‘Greybox’, Strelitzia reginae, Cupaniopsis anacardioides and Sansevieria trifasciata.

The upshot is a sheltered, easy-care architectural balcony garden designed for year-round relaxing and entertaining.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design OUTHOUSE DESIGN Address Studio 5/43-53 Bridge Road, Stanmore NSW 2048 Mobile 0415 764 775 Website outhousedesign.com.au

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MEET THE DESIGNER

ST E V E WA R N E R

MAKING A DIFFERENCE Connecting people of all ages to the outdoors is what drives Steve Warner, designer and founder of OUTHOUSE design Why did you choose landscaping? As a young lad, I spent my school holidays in my grandparents’ community garden. They had a keen interest in gardening, a real passion for production and believed in the “paddock to plate” ethos. This ardour for the outdoors and gardening was ingrained in my parents first and then in me. I have always gardened as a hobby, but one day I realised that life is too short not to do what you love, so I enrolled at the Ryde School of Horticulture. I graduated with a Diploma in Landscape Design and was lucky enough to land my first job as a landscape officer in one of Sydney’s largest councils. In 2006, I established OUTHOUSE design.

What is your design philosophy? I believe a well-designed garden has balance, interest and intrigue. It needs to connect with the people who will be using it on a visual as well as sensory level. When creating a space, whether it’s a small courtyard, family garden or a rural

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landscape, it should offer an experience, but it should also be sustainable and approached with a “do it once, do it right” attitude. We also ensure that we plan for change. Our clients’ lives ebb and flow with the journey of life and the gardens we design for them need to be able to support that.

How do you ensure the desired outcome?

You need to spend time getting to understand your client and the outdoor space that you are designing. This is the most critical part of the process and shouldn’t be rushed. I believe a designer’s job is to guide the client and encourage them to be part of the process, if possible. At the end of the day, we are trained to design gardens, but designing a space with your client, rather than dictating the design, is what we should always strive for.

How is your company different? OUTHOUSE design is unique and our team has proven that traditional landscape architecture can be

delivered differently. Our highly skilled, awardwinning team is comprised of specialists who lead projects in the areas of private residential gardens, health and wellbeing, commercial and education, and play and recreation. And that’s what makes OUTHOUSE design different from a generalist landscape architect or designer.

Can you share some career milestones? We have been very fortunate to have many of our projects featured in national design magazines.

We have also been honoured with 22 industry gold medals, including the highly coveted Allan Correy National Award for Design Excellence on two occasions. On a personal note, I have had the honour of becoming a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers, and am a past president of that association. All of these professional milestones have been amazing, but designing the outdoor space at the Sydney’s Children’s Hospital, which I did in collaboration with Katrine Mardini, our senior landscape architect, has definitely been the highlight of my career to date. It’s the chance to make a difference and connect people of all ages and abilities with the outdoors, which is why we do what we do.

OUTHOUSE design, outhousedesign.com.au

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BACK TO NATURE

This low-carbon-footprint garden ably proves that good design and sustainability can go hand-in-hand

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CHRISTOPHER BISSELS Director of Full Potential Landscapes (left) pictured with one of the property owners, Doug Bourne (right)

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his quintessentially Australian garden is an inspired example of what can be achieved when a skilled landscape designer with an in-depth knowledge of permaculture is at the helm. Designed

by Christopher Bissels, director of Full Potential Landscapes, the garden embraces a home located in Mullum Creek Estate, where sustainable, environmentally-friendly design isn’t just preferred, it’s mandated.

“The brief was to design and create a sustainable garden that would produce some of the household’s food,” explains Chris. “One of the clients, Doug, is a very keen gardener and he wanted a garden with lots of space to grow edible plants, but he also wanted the garden to be aesthetically pleasing. The other client, Vanessa, wanted a pool that overlooked the garden; somewhere to relax and enjoy the landscape. We were able to achieve both Doug’s and Vanessa’s visions.”

The eco-estate, east of Melbourne,

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has very strict environmental criteria and promotes the use of upcycled materials and sustainable living. This didn’t present too much of a challenge as Chris specialises in environmentally-friendly, permaculturebased design. He knew his team had the skills and knowledge to ensure the build would be sustainable and have minimal environmental impact.

Most of the materials used by the Full Potential Landscapes’ construction team in this project are eco-friendly — even the concrete was specifically formulated to reduce the environmental impacts of the cementitious binders. All other materials were sustainably sourced, while leftover materials were recycled.

“We used a wide range of upcycled and locally sourced materials to ensure that the construction of the garden had a low carbon footprint,” says Chris. “This included recycled sleepers sourced from the old train line between Healesville and Yarra Glen in the Yarra Valley. These were used to make a

timber jetty that overhangs the water of the frog bog. Located at the lowest point of the property is a meandering dry creek bed that turns into a frog bog where frogs and other creatures, such as dragonflies, can be found.

“The large landscape rocks were also locally sourced — from Coldstream in the Yarra Valley — as was the bluestone used to tile the outside wall of the pool.”

An abundance of edible plants have been expertly interwoven throughout the garden, from the wicking bed veggie patches to the espalier fruit trees that have been used to create a living fence.

“The majority of the other plants are native or indigenous. They not only complement the established Queensland bottle trees, they create habitat and encourage native fauna into the landscape,” says Chris. “This is also a drought-tolerant garden designed to conserve water. The harvested water is either directed to the frog bog or tanks that hold water that can be reused throughout the garden.”

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VIC As for Vanessa’s must-have swimming pool, it boasts a modern negative edge design and uses cutting-edge technology from EnviroSwim to ensure there is no need to use harmful chemicals such as chlorine.

Says Chris, “On a still day you can see the trees reflected on the water and at night,

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it reflects the star-filled sky. Located next to the pool is a deck that takes in a view of the whole garden and looks out over the Mullum Creek bushland.”

The owners now have a garden that is not just productive and a haven for local wildlife, it’s a place they can retreat to and relax in.

PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design and construction FULL POTENTIAL LANDSCAPES Mobile 0434 026 644 Email chris@fullpotentiallandscapes.com.au Website fullpotentiallandscapes.com.au Photography by Patrick Redmond

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RESORT-STYLE

LIVING

Day or night, the front and rear gardens that wrap around this coastal home are utterly captivating

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ood garden design can seem an ephemeral thing. One season, spiky architectural plants are in vogue; the next we’re looking for softer, wispier foliage effects … but that is fashion, not design. A well-designed garden is one with good ‘bones’ and a true sense of place. It fits seamlessly into its surroundings, makes the most of its assets and complements the lifestyle needs of the people who will be using it.

Located in an affluent coastal suburb south-east of Melbourne, this modern home boasts front and rear gardens that epitomise good design, thanks to the expertise and experience of landscape architect and horticulturist, Inge Jabara.

“The brief was to create resort-style front and back gardens using natural materials,

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namely timber and stone. The clients also wanted an outdoor kitchen and entertaining area to make use of the rear-garden space and an overall design that featured a light colour palette,” explains Inge.

“As the inspiration was resort-style living, I wanted to balance the ideas of relaxation and luxury. This extended to the transformation of the dated, existing swimming pool into a light and bright area featuring luxe Carrara interior tiling and tropical plants near the decking to create the illusion of a tropical getaway in a suburban location.”

The light colours of the pool contrast with the tones of the luxe silver travertine stone paving, spotted gum timber decking and natural stone walling. For the planters that embrace the pool and the entertaining

area’s feature wall, Inge opted for texural Earth cladding from the Ledgestone stacked natural stone series.

The outdoor entertaining area offers a space for dining and a custom-made outdoor kitchen from Clayton Alfresco.

Boasting an integrated, extra-large barbecue, sink and double-door fridge along with bench and storage space, the kitchen offers every amenity. Bar heaters were installed under the existing covered alfresco area, a space that was extended by the addition of a white louvred roof.

The planting scheme is well-considered.

“Two statement Xanthorrhoea, commonly known as grass trees, act as focal points.

One is located near the front platform entry to the house; the other rises up from the deck in the back garden — both are living art pieces,” says Inge.

Inge’s planting scheme encompasses a variety of species, including native weeping lilly pilly (Waterhousea floribunda) and bamboo for screening. You will also spy ginger lilies (Hedychium gardnerianum), Nandina ‘Magical Lemon Lime’, catmint (Nepeta x faassenii) and deciduous ornamental pear trees (Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’). “The lush tropical plants are softened by rambling plants that add an air of tranquillity and the palette is predominantly composed of light greens with a pop of yellow,” says Inge.

“I also placed a variety of large minimalist pots from Balcony Gardens around the garden to create sculptural accents against the tropical greenery and, to bring the gardens to life after sunset, outdoor lighting from Gardens at Night illuminates feature plants and paving.” The result is complementary front and rear gardens that are truly delightful, day or night.

VIC PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design and construction INGE JABARA LANDSCAPES Address 900 Glen Huntly Road, Caulfield South Vic 3162 Phone (03) 9046 1966 Website ingejabaralandscapes.com.au Instagram @ingejabaralandscapes Photography by Patrick Redmond

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MEET THE DESIGNER

I N G E JA BA R A

CREATING COHESION Inge Jabara, director of Inge Jabara Landscapes, is a designer and horticultural expert who favours an integrated approach What drew you to garden design? I have always loved plants and gardens from a young age. I started my first business with $50 and began by going around cleaning up gardens in for-sale properties. Those jobs then turned into large landscape design and construction jobs as the people whose gardens I tidied up bought new homes with gardens that needed work. Soon, word of mouth spread about the lady with design and construction services. I didn’t just amass hands-on experience, however.

I also completed a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture and an Associate Degree of Environmental Horticulture.

What is your design process? I start with the major elements and get them lining up nicely; that is, the paving, decking, features in the garden (such as large specimen trees), swimming pool, pergola and barbecue area.

I then fill in with plants. What makes a welldesigned garden? Balance in planting versus

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the hardscape elements, also repetition in planting. It can be many or few, but repeated plants — for a sense of cohesion — are a must.

Good use of colour is important, too, from the colour of the timber and paint used through to the tiles and the flowers on the plants. The colour palette needs to be well thought out.

I also think a strong mixture of summer and winter foliage is essential. The garden needs to be doing something and providing interest 365 days a year or it can become boring.

Do you have a preferred landscape style?

Our design process is a holistic one so the style is determined by how the owners (and their family and pets) intend to use the garden, now and into the future. Also, the architecture of the home or new renovation, the interior styling and the overall look of the project must be taken into consideration. The garden and house should reflect each other and the garden design should flow seamlessly from the front gate through to the back fence.

Are there any design trends you favour?

I enjoy seeing a nice correlation between runway fashion and colour schemes in planting. For example, when burgundy was a big colour in fashion, it was also big in plant selection. And here is a trend alert that combines good looks and functionality: Millboard composite decking. This is unlike conventional composite decking. Handmoulded from natural timbers in a unique combination of resin and mineral stone, it is almost indistinguishable from real wood decking, yet outperforms it. This is the best product on the market today in my opinion.

Can you share some career highlights?

Working on a few seasons of the popular television show The Block was a great experience, and I’ve also enjoyed speaking to hundreds of people over the years about good garden design and how to achieve it.

A definite highlight for me was winning a silver medal at the 2019 Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for our show garden, The Luxe Botanical. This was an in-house design and construction project for my company, Inge Jabara Landscapes.

Inge Jabara Landscapes, ingejabaralandscapes.com.au

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SMALL WONDER With an experienced designer and a creative approach, you can achieve big things in smaller outdoor spaces

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MATTHEW SEARS Designer and Director, Rich Earth

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small garden can have just about everything a larger outdoor space can have — you just need to be creative. Having built a new home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, the owners wanted to make the most of their modestly sized rear garden but they didn’t really know

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what might be possible, so they turned to Matthew Sears, director of Rich Earth.

“They had the desire for a garden that would be low maintenance, beautiful and function as a seamless extension of their home. It needed to be a practical entertaining space for family and friends

and be able to cope with the owners’ large and playful dogs,” says Matthew.

Matthew’s innovative design, which he describes as “relaxed, unfussy and contemporary”, cleverly addresses every element of the brief. To maximise the space and keep the plants from being trampled by the dogs, there are raised beds around the perimeter. These are home to hardy plants that need little attention to thrive.

The Ash granite paving is an easy-care choice; one that looks sophisticated and modern. This is contrasted by the warm, rich tones of the blackbutt vertical batten screening, installed to enhance the privacy of the courtyard-style space.

“To provide somewhere to sit when entertaining, we constructed a built-in, L-shaped bench. To complement the screening, blackbutt was used in the creation of the bench and the cabinet for the custom-built barbecue,” says Matthew.

The barbecue is a feature of the design.

Tucked discreetly into a corner of the garden, it boasts a polished concrete bench top and splashback by Pittorino Designs that works in harmony with the colour of the paving and the in-built planters.

In smaller spaces, where everything is very much on show, great care needs to be taken

when selecting every element, including the plants. The main feature tree is a Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’. This is a compact deciduous tree that provides shade in summer, beautiful pink blooms in spring and, in winter, when its leaves drop, it maximises the amount of sun the garden receives.

The raised beds are also home to Alpinia caerulea ‘Red Back’, a fast-growing plant that’s ideal for use as a narrow screen in smaller spaces, as well as Crassula, Senecio ‘Ice Sticks’ and Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, all hardy but beautiful plants.

Says Matthew, “There is now a lovely flow from inside to out and the owners have an outdoor entertaining area that is lush, makes the most of the available space and keeps every family member happy, including the dogs.”

Matthew brings extensive global landscape gardening experience to every project he undertakes. With more than 15 years’ experience under his belt, he has transformed gardens in Australia, England, Ibiza and France. He has also been involved with several design and builds for the world-renowned, London-based Chelsea Flower Show.

It is Matthew’s passion to help all clients achieve their particular vision and guide them every step of the way along their journey to creating a personalised garden sanctuary.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design and construction RICH EARTH LANDSCAPE GARDENS PTY LTD Mobile 0466 658 964 Email matthew@.com.au Website richearth.com.au Photography by Peter Brennan

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DOWN BY THE SEA Claiming a prized waterside location, this holiday home fits hand-in-glove with its laid-back coastal surrounds

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GERRAD EVERSON Creative Director, Octopus Garden Design

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voking a modern Hamptons beach house vibe, this charming waterside garden in Soldiers Point, a coastal suburb in the Hunter region of NSW, was conceived by award-winning landscape designer Gerrad Everson of Octopus Garden Design.

“The homeowners wanted a beautiful, private garden filled with flowers — one that would change with the seasons,” says Gerrad.

“They favoured modern, clean hardscaping lines to match the home designed by Chris Clout Architects and it was important the garden be constructed with high-quality materials to ensure longevity given the punishing coastal location.

“The home is surrounded by public reserve lawn so no additional lawns were needed. This allowed for more planting and three usable alfresco spaces. The front courtyard is a tranquil, private space for coffee and reading; the central pool area is an oasis on a hot day; and the backyard alfresco dining area, fire pit and sun lounges are for entertaining and relaxation.”

The ground floor of the home comprises the living spaces and has a central hallway leading from the front door to the kitchen at the rear. This level is flanked by floor-toceiling windows looking out to the central pool area and ocean views to the rear.

“Rather than just have views of water to the

L A N D S CA P E D E S I G N east, we designed a tiled concrete pool for the central courtyard and incorporated a pond in the front entry courtyard that is tiled to match the pool. This ensures water views from nearly every room in the house,” explains Gerrad.

“A sunken fire pit area to the water side of the property is surrounded by composite timber bench seating, stone-clad walls and an existing frangipani tree. We used a built-in ethanol fire pit to minimise maintenance. An additional two ethanol burners were installed in the raised garden beds flanking the alfresco steps for visual impact from the home.”

Hardscaping materials were selected to complement the home. Porcelain tiles (a nonslip outdoor version of the interior flooring) were used for the front path, pool surrounds and rear terrace area. The house has several large sliding glass doors, so the tiles help to blur the lines between inside and out. ”We designed the front fence with two overlapping masonry walls. One wall is clad on both sides with Newport stone and has a waterspout that pours into the pond that flanks the entry steps and separates the front courtyard from the entry pathway,” says Gerrad. “Moving to the rear garden, there is a composite timber daybed deck beside the pool with a custom-made white powdercoated steel cabana with operable sides to provide shade and privacy.”

Plants were chosen for their hardiness as well as their foliage, mainly focussing on soft greens, silver and grey, or seasonal blooms. The flower palette was limited to white and purple at the owners’ request and complements the modern white architecture. To soften the look of the firstfloor balcony areas, there are white designer bowls planted with succulents. These are surrounded by groundcover plantings that hang over the home’s parapet.

All outdoor spaces work in accord with the abode, which won a Home of the Year award for Sean Richards Building, and the beach locale. For that, credit goes to Gerrad and the Octopus Garden Design team.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design OCTOPUS GARDEN DESIGN Address 498 The Esplanade, Warners Bay NSW 2282 Mobile 0418 170 090 Email info@octopusgardendesign.com Website octopusgardendesign.com Photography by Atelier Photography

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HOLIDAY AT HOME For one fortunate Sydney family, the dream of having a resort-style outdoor entertaining space has come true

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esigned for a big family that loves to entertain, it was imperative that the outdoor spaces that embraced the new home be spacious enough to cater for large groups of people. It was equally important that the look and scale of the exterior spaces matched those of the home.

Jason Dibble, founder of Fluid Design and its principal designer, created a resortstyle vibe with a rich colour palette that features the earth tones of stone and the warm hues of timber. He also ensured the family would have ample space to entertain, and do so in complete comfort and with every convenience at hand.

“At the rear, the home has a capacious outdoor entertaining area with a built-in outdoor kitchen and adjacent dining space.

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There are also lounge areas overlooking the garden and swimming pool and an outdoor fireplace where friends and family can sit and relax within the garden,” says Justin.

“The pool is very large to feel in balance with the home and to accommodate a lot of kids at family gatherings. Next to the pool is a cabana where adults can relax while watching over their children — this space can also be used as a place of retreat that provides a different view looking back towards the house. To soften the scale of the buildings and expansive outdoor areas, there is lots of greenery.”

For Justin, the pool, with its heated glassfront spa, stepping stones, waterfall and dark grey stone feature wall, is the most exciting part of the project. “It can be seen from all internal living spaces so can be enjoyed from

N SW & QLD

both inside and outside the home no matter what the season. Designing cool and unique pools has always been a passion of mine so seeing how much the family enjoys this pool is really special to me,” says Justin “The main challenge was working with the sloping block of land,” he adds. “To deal with this, the garden has multiple levels with spaces connected by steps that lead you through each. There is the fire pit terrace on the highest level overlooking the pool, then you move down to the pool terrace, then down to the outdoor entertaining terrace.”

For the paving, Justin chose light grey ceramic tiles. For the “floating” pool sundeck and the lounge deck overlooking

the rear garden and lawn, he opted for spotted gum hardwood to provide a change in colour and highlight the spaces.

The planting consists of Magnolia grandiflora ‘Teddy Bear’, used as a backdrop to the fire pit area, and slender weaver’s bamboo behind the pool feature wall to provide privacy from the neighbours.

There are mature cycads to provide impact, ornamental pear trees to soften the scale of the alfresco area, and the lawn garden is bordered by Gymea lilies and a Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’.

The result is a beautiful garden that provides the perfect holiday-at-home resort experience for all the family.

NSW & QLD PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design FLUID DESIGN Address PO Box 517, Paddington Qld 4064 Phone 1300 903 245 Email info@fluidlandscapedesign.com.au Website fluidlandscapedesign.com.au Photography by Natalie Hunfalvay

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DARE TO IMAGINE Of modern design with a Greek Islands’ feel, this is a garden that was made for year-round entertaining

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an you imagine anything better than gathering with friends in the sunken lounge area, the wood-burning fireplace ablaze and the wine flowing? Or perhaps you might prefer to kick back in the poolside cabana, chatting to family members as they cool down in the crystal clear water of the swimming pool. When large-scale entertaining is on the agenda, you’ll definitely be making a beeline for the expansive outdoor entertaining area, with room for both dining and lounging spaces.

Thanks to the creativity of Justin Dibble, founder of Fluid Design, the owners of this outdoor haven have all of these options at their fingertips every day.

Boasting a restrained colour palette and of minimalistic style, the design is very

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modern but with a welcoming Greek Islands’ feel. At the heart of the garden is the large outdoor entertaining area. “This has a roomy outdoor lounge and a dining table that is supplemented with pull-up stool seating to the breakfast-bar-style bench that forms part of the built-in outdoor kitchen,” says Justin.

“The kitchen is equipped with a barbecue, rangehood, sink, fridge and storage cupboards, and there is a weatherproof TV mounted on the wall. Both dining and lounge areas have great views of the pool.”

Directly across from the alfresco dining area, beckoning on the other side of the pool, is the cabana. To the side of the pool is the sunken lounge area. Both provide covered spaces where the family can relax or guests can take it easy after a brisk swim or a delicious barbecued meal.

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The slope of the block did present a challenge, but one that Justin turned to best advantage. “We needed quite high retaining walls alongside the pool but to make the space feel bright and open, we used white render. This adds to the Greek Islands’ vibe, which became an asset to the overall look and feel for the backyard and pool area,” says Justin.

The silver travertine paving used around the pool and elsewhere in the garden adds to the light, airy feel as does the frameless glass pool fencing with stainless steel spigots. This fencing also allows the pool to be viewed from all angles.

The well-considered planting palette includes a Murraya hedge that stretches along the fence line and uplit ornamental pears set into the lawn. In the pool area, on the daybed island, there is a feature dragon tree set in a low white bowl. There is slender weaver’s bamboo behind the pool cabana to hide the neighbouring house to the rear and a mature frangipani set into the raised garden alongside the built-in cantilevered concrete bench seat that borders the lawn.

Pot plants have been used to decorate empty corners in each of the spaces.

This is a garden that shows what might be possible when you dare to imagine.

N SW & QL D PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design FLUID DESIGN Address PO Box 517, Paddington Qld 4064 Phone 1300 903 245 Email info@fluidlandscapedesign.com.au Website fluidlandscapedesign.com.au Photography by Natalie Hunfalvay

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MEET THE DESIGNER

JUSTIN DIBBLE

Photo courtesy of Living Style Landscapes.

PIECE OF PARADISE Creating a holiday-at-home, resort-style experience for families is the aim of Fluid Design founder, Justin Dibble What drew you to garden design? I grew up on acreage and remember spending weekends with my uncle creating gardens and pathways throughout my parents’ garden. I really enjoyed the process of turning something that looked average into something that had a purpose and was enjoyable to explore. When I left school, I worked in a couple of wholesale nurseries and studied horticulture. I then worked at a nursery that specialised in mature plants and installations and I joined the landscape team.

Although I enjoyed the hands-on side of landscaping, I realised my interest was more on the design side of things, so I completed a Diploma of Landscape Design.

What is your design approach? My design philosophy is largely based around wellthought-out layouts and the creation of multiple, seamlessly connected areas with different purposes. It’s easy to tell if a landscape has been well considered … it brings a sense of calm and enjoyment, and it just makes you smile. A well-designed garden, no matter

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how big or small, has a great sense of space, with pockets of interest that catch your eye wherever you look. It is functional, aesthetically pleasing, tailored to the homeowner’s wishes and exceeds their expectations.

How do you build good relationships?

By being nice, open and honest, and always doing what you say you’re going to do. We listen closely to what our clients want, turn up when we’re meant to and follow through with whatever we have proposed to do in a timely manner. We also keep the lines of communication open at all times.

Do you have a preferred style? I always had an interest in designing large-scale resorts, however, I’ve focussed on creating a resort look and feel in smaller backyards for families.

Providing that feeling that you’re on holidays every day when you come home to your own piece of paradise is what interests me. When a client tells you, years after a project has been completed, that their kids wanted to come home from their holiday because they

preferred their pool at home, you know you’re on the right path and doing a good job.

Is good design a good investment? People are really starting to understand the value of getting a landscape designer involved and they are beginning to appreciate that setting aside a healthy budget is a good investment.

A professionally designed outdoor space adds a lot of value — not only to their lives but to the value of the property. The properties that get the record prices upon sale are the ones where time and effort were invested in creating something special.

What services do you provide? Fluid Design is a design only business. We are highly skilled in creating well-thought-out, detailed designs and 3D visualisations that make it easy and exciting for our clients to view and understand. The level of detail in our drawings and 3D imagery sets us apart from others in the industry.

Fluid Design, fluidlandscapedesign.com.au

CleverDeck Composite Decking & EnviroSlat Cladding

Futurewood’s new CleverDeck Xtreme decking suitable for any location!

Futurewood supplies a quality range of environmentally friendly, low maintenance, timber alternative building products including composite timber screening, cladding and decking. Futurewood’s composite timber decking range is one of the largest in the country and the recently released CleverDeck Xtreme “capped” composite decking board is receiving great interest based on the range of colours,performance, quality and value.

Shown here are photos of CleverDeck Xtreme decks inthe colour Riverstone Grey (main image), Limestone Grey, Rustic Merbau and Graphite.

CleverDeck Xtreme is a co-extruded decking meaning that it is made up of 2 separate layers of material. The internal core is traditional composite timber blended from recycled plastic and hardwood sawdust ground in to a powder and mixed together. Over this core we apply a hard, outer shell or cap made from a special mix of virgin polymers that completely encapsulates the core. The Xtreme cap is made from a blend of materials designed to make it super tough and much harder to scratch than traditional composite timber. It is virtually water proof and that means it is very hard to stain and easy to clean. The cap’s virgin polymer blend allows the use of vibrant colour hues with subtle streaking creating a totally new decking “look”.

The Xtreme decking board is available in 7 amazing colours supplied in a scalloped back design to help reduce weight and provide air flow between the joist and the board. The CleverDeck Xtreme decking boards are now finished in a new natural coarse texture pattern offering a neutral low gloss surface (boards finished in the traditional grain pattern can be custom made for larger decks if required).

Also new to the range is an extra wide 185mm CleverDeck Xtreme decking board available in the more popular colours for those seeking an even more contemporary look or wanting to mix and match board widths.

CleverDeck Xtreme is available in either a 138mm wide x 23mm thick x 5400mm long board or a 185mm x 23mm thick x 5400mm long board. Both boards have grooved edges allowing for an efficient, time saving, concealed fix installation. The Futurewood concealed fix deck clip system has 4 different clip types all supplied with selfdrilling screws for either timber or steel joists. An Edge board supplied with one squared off edge is also available in a 138mm x 23mm the 5400mm size that is used as either a vertical fascia or as the first or last board on the deck edge providing the perfect finish to your CleverDeck.

For more information about Futurewood’s composite timber decking range or architectural facade cladding and screening, call 1300 484 308, or email info@futurewood.com.au.

Ph: 1300 484 308 | Email: info@futurewood.com.au |

www.futurewood.com.au

LIFESTYLE INVESTMENT Selecting a designer for your pool, cabana or new landscape

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Words: John Storch

s properties become smaller and homeowners expect more from their external areas, you need to consider the design of your home and garden holistically. If you engage a designer, you can ensure your dreams come true within your budget. To get the design process right, follow these five steps.

Step 1: Research the designer A new swimming pool, cabana and landscaped garden is a big investment. Just like a car or a home, it’s important to get it right the first time.

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There is a very broad range of landscape architectural designers. Most can design a holistic garden but few also have an intricate knowledge of pools and cabanas. You wouldn’t get an architectural designer to design your home without checking on their expertise, would you? The same rules apply for external design and often the truth is they may simply be salesmen. Ask to see their portfolios. When you are shown a beautiful image, ask what they specifically designed.

A few simple questions in the first phone call to a designer will quickly show you how knowledgeable they are. For pools, you can

ask questions like, “Tell me about ionisors and ozonators?” (both are sanitation systems), or, “What are the typical depths of a family pool?” (answer is 900mm to 1800mm). For cabanas, ask, “What is the minimum habitable ceiling height?” (answer is 2400mm), or, “What’s the ideal size for a cabana?” This is a trick question: the answer depends on whether it is to have a kitchen or bathroom and what it will be used for.

Step 2: Make a wish list It pays to read up on the latest technology and design. Once you’ve done a little homework

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and have considered your needs and wishes, you’ll be able to decide what it is you want from your outdoor areas. When you convey this to your designer, they should be able to let you know what is feasible given the size of your property and authority regulations, and provide a broad range of costs.

It’s often difficult to put ideas into words, especially when you need to agree with a partner! Images give your partner and your designer a good sense of what you’re interested in for the pool or cabana design and how you see the surrounding areas.

Step 3: Organise a consultation An initial consultation with a landscape architectural designer is worth the expense.

They will sit down with you and ask about your likes and dislikes, your lifestyle and requirements for your external area. A good designer should listen to your ideas and try to integrate them into a design. If they think your ideas are not suitable, they should also be confident enough to say so, give reasons why and then give alternative ideas. They shouldn’t simply just dictate their own taste to you.

A designer can help you by making suggestions as to what would suit your external area and ensure that how you intend to use the space will work. They may also give you a better understanding of the approval process. At the end of the consultation, the designer would normally provide you with a fee structure.

When you meet the designer, ask to look at before and after images of projects.

These shots are visual proof of ability.

Before

Step 4: Develop a budget Decide what you want to spend on your project. Speak with your designer to get a sense of what your project will cost and if you have a realistic budget. It’s best to know up front as you may have to adjust your expectations or stage your project as funds become available. If so, the order in which works are done is crucial and an experienced designer should be able to help you with scheduling so areas don’t need to be reworked or items are forgotten.

Step 5: Obtain approvals Your landscape architectural designer should have a good working knowledge of the various approval processes and be able to guide you through them. Your designer should also be able to recommend suitable local contractors for the work.

Having gone through all five steps, the result should be a good design that adds monetary and lifestyle value to the property.

Spend the money on a professional landscape architect to ensure your space is designed correctly the first time and that there is a seamless integration between indoor and outdoor areas and all the components.

When great flow, layout and materials combine to make your outdoor living space an extension of your home, you and your family will be able to sit back, relax and enjoy the great Australian outdoors.

John Storch is a landscape architect, swimming pool designer, cababa specialist and principal of the award-winning, Sydney-based practice, A Total Concept. atotalconcept.com.au

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OUTSIDE FAVOURITES

With an outdoor room you can entertain in style and comfort

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Words: Georgia Harper

oday, houses have more open areas and most are designed to flow to outdoor living spaces. To maximise these alfresco areas and give yourself an additional entertaining space, an outdoor room may be the answer.

Room-like spaces and structures work in any style of home garden, but it’s important to ensure that any new outdoor living area or construction is in keeping with that style. For example, you could install a Balinese hut as your main structure in a tropical garden, or a recycled timber and galvanised iron structure in an Australian bushland-style garden.

Dining areas are a great idea if you’re a regular outdoor entertainer and love to cook.

They may or may not incorporate outdoor kitchens, but they’ll at least have a barbecue area. Add interesting light fittings, cushions, potted plants and table decoration and you have a lovely entertaining spot.

A poolside pavilion can really ramp up the glamour and make a pool area a special destination. It can incorporate space for dining, lounging or cooking. Depending on how far away it is from the house, you might also include a small kitchen, wet bar and fridge — even a powder room.

Staged approached Spoiled for choice An outdoor lounge area is a flexible solution as it will suit all members of the household.

Lounge-style spaces are great for reading the Sunday paper, a casual lunch, an after-dinner gathering or use as a teenage hangout. A lounge area can be as comfy as you like and you can build in seating, or there are some terrific outdoor lounge systems and outdoor cushions that make it easy to relax. You might also want to add a fireplace or an outdoor TV.

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You may find the best course of action is to plan long-term but build in stages as the needs of your family change. You can add elements like kitchens later if necessary.

Whatever your approach, it’s important to remember that built structures may need permits and must be constructed by a builder or landscaper who is registered to build structural works. Your local landscaping association is a great place to start your search for qualified and insured people for the job.

Of course, an outdoor room doesn’t have to be a fully structured space, but as it will be a focal point, it needs to have a clear function in the greater scheme of things. Done well, it can revolutionise your outdoor experience and enhance your quality of life.

Georgia Harper is a Melbourne-based, awardwinning landscape designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape design, ghld.com.au

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Photo courtesy of COS Design, cosdesign.com.au.

Highlyte Photography

SEEING THE LIGHT Bring your garden to life at night with the creative use of quality, strategically positioned outdoor lighting

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Words: Sarah Liacos

ransform your garden at night and extend the enjoyment of your outdoor space after the sun goes down with the introduction of lighting. Whether you’re designing for an inner-city courtyard, country garden or coastal escape, you should not underestimate what lighting can do for your landscape.

Incorporating a few simple lighting techniques with the correct selection of light fittings will help achieve the perfect balance between safety and practicality, delivering an outdoor space that exudes ambience and style.

Start planning early Whether you’re lighting for a specific task or for safety, your light fittings and lighting techniques will vary according to your requirements or desired effect. It is important to know that while some tasks

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require direct light, others may require a reflected light from surrounding surfaces.

Start by asking yourself how you will be using the space. You may have an alfresco dining, barbecue or services area that requires lighting. Knowing the angle at which your light needs to be directed and the distance from the object or feature are important considerations. Understanding the surface your lights will be mounted on and, similarly, where your lights will be controlled from, will help you understand your requirements and any accessories needed for easy installation.

Make it fit for purpose Lighting can also help guide how you move throughout your outdoor space. Knowing the layout of your paths and any changes in levels will help to determine the number of fittings required as well as where the lights need to be placed to provide a safe environment for family and guests at night.

To create a soft atmosphere for your entertaining and dining areas, select glare-free lighting. Also make note of the elevation of your pergola or dining area and consider how your guests will move around so lights are installed at optimal height.

Add definition and drama Now that you’ve identified your essential requirements, consider how lighting could enhance features within your space. Lighting boundaries and perimeters can help to create a sense of added depth and space while lowlevel lighting under benches and steps can bathe a space in warm and inviting light.

Reverse the effects of daylight and create contrasts between light and shadow with these simple techniques. Accent lights can be used to emphasise a sculpture or define depth of field for boundary trees. The lights can be adjusted as the plants mature, highlighting changing colours and seasons.

Photo courtesy of Ian Barker Gardens, landscape.net.au. Erik Holt Photography

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night.

Patrick Redmond Photography

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night.

Jason Edwards Photography

A feature tree can be silhouetted by lighting its backdrop at night. In reverse, casting a shadow of a tree onto a surface can create a dramatic effect. A textured wall can be highlighted by ‘grazing’ its surface with the use of in-ground lights, and underwater lighting can create a playful effect in moving water. Linear lighting can also help to define a curved bench seat or edging.

Unleash your creativity Whatever the size or style of your garden, you can achieve spectacular results when you creatively light your space at night.

Always speak with a lighting expert if you require assistance and by using quality noncorrosive fittings, you can be confident your garden lighting will provide a lifetime of use and enjoyment once the sun sets.

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night.

Patrick Redmond Photography

This article was written by Sarah Liacos from Gardens at Night (gan.com.au) on behalf of Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers (landscapingvictoria.com.au)

Photo courtesy of Gardens at Night.

Peter Casameto Photography

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Photo courtesy of Principal Landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Mondo Landscapes.

Photo courtesy of Tim Davies Landscaping.

AN ART FORM How to use plants to paint a living picture in your garden

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Words: Matthew Lunn

esigning gardens has been a big part of my life. As an apprentice horticulturist some 35 years ago, while training with the Royal Horticultural Society in the UK, I had the immense honour of meeting one of the UK’s great garden designers, Christopher Lloyd, at his Edwin Lutyens home at Great Dixter, East Sussex. It was here, during a visit to his famous garden, that my understanding of plant design deepened.

To the novice gardener, plants are very often seen as “just” plants, but when you begin to understand their structure, texture and what they offer, you learn to appreciate that planting really is an art form.

Plant knowledge is key So how can you achieve a great planting plan for your garden? Landscapers who have been professionally trained should have a sound plant knowledge and some of the larger landscape practices may even have a dedicated staff member for dealing with the softscape components.

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A successful planting design is always built around planning. From my experience, spending time on the detail can elevate a landscape to a whole new level with the use of colour, texture and well-thought-out drama. As a garden designer, you work with your clients to reach common ground on what style and planting palette will work best, but it’s not just about aesthetics. You need to consider what will grow on the site and this is where a qualified, experienced and knowledgeable landscaper is worth his or her weight in gold.

Create a cohesive scheme A planting scheme is where you group plants to create a cohesive living picture. Often, to make this easier, you may have a keynote plant that acts as the signature to the design.

For example, in a formal Mediterranean-style garden where hedging is employed, the same plant species will be repeated in different areas to create a sense of uniformity.

Above all else, the planting style or theme should generate harmony. Plants grouped together should look as if they’ve grown

Photo courtesy of Landscapes WA.

there naturally and a good landscaper will know how to replicate the way in which nature would have placed those plants.

Once a scheme has been created, plant selection can begin. This involves an understanding of the local climate as well as the orientation of the site to determine which areas are in shade, semi-shade or full-sun conditions. Plant selection should take into account seasonal interest so that for nearly 52 weeks of the year there is something to enjoy and make your garden pop.

This article was written by Matthew Lunn, Executive Officer, Landscape Industries Association WA. landscaping.net.au

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Call to discuss the perfect solution for your home.

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Engage a Professional Landscape Designer to create your own stunning outdoor space

Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers THE NATIONAL STANDARD IN LANDSCAPE DESIGN Designed by COS Design – Residential Landscape Design of the Year 2020

To find a qualified Landscape Designer in your area visit www.aildm.com.au/find-a-designer

p. 0422 970 618 e. administrator@aildm.com.au w. aildm.com.au

aildm_aus

AILDM

NATIONAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS 2020 Hosted annually by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM), the AILDM National Landscape Design Awards celebrate design excellence. Here we look at some of the 2020 winners

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Wyer & Co, Anthony Wyer: Gold Award, Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2.

DESIGN INSPIRATION National awards celebrate design innovation and excellence

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reat landscapes start with great design. Whether you’re renovating, building, developing or refurbishing, well-designed landscapes add significant value to your property while enhancing your lifestyle and enjoyment of the outdoors.

A qualified landscape designer draws on a wide knowledge and skill set to help you make the most of your outdoor space and create your own stunning landscape. They offer a range of services, including on-site advice and consultations, plant and material selection, styling and product sourcing.

They may also guide you right through the development process — from concepts, design and approvals, to overseeing construction and maintenance.

AILDM, the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers, is the

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national professional body for qualified landscape designers. AILDM members are well-known for their experience in the development of high-quality landscapes.

As specialist designers of external spaces, they combine technical, horticultural and design expertise to create and implement beautiful private residential gardens, as well as commercial landscapes, public outdoor spaces and sustainable gardens.

If you require a landscape design, take time to prepare before you meet with a landscape designer. Think about how you would like to use your outdoor space. Find a selection of images that showcase ideas and styles that you like. Consider a realistic budget for construction and discuss its practicality with your landscape designer.

Invite a few designers to visit your site.

Choose a designer you feel best understands

Fifth Seasons Landscapes, Phil Antcliff: Silver Award, Landscape Design — Rooftop.

Wyer & Co, Anthony Wyer: Gold Award, Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2.

COS Design, Steve Taylor: Landscape of the Year — Residential.

MUSA Landscape Architecture, Ryan McMahon: Silver Award, Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2.

Sticks & Stones Landscape Design, Fiona Ericsson and Kate Robinson: Silver Award, Plantscape Design.

Landsberg Garden Design, Barbara Landsberg and Chrith Piper: Silver Award, Residential Landscape Design 50m2-150m2.

Outdoor Establishments, Trystan Graham and Matthew Hook: Gold Award, Plantscape Design.

your vision. Allow sufficient time to refine the concept and to finalise the plans. It will ensure the quote is more accurate and saves you money in the long run.

The National Landscape Design Awards are AILDM’s yearly showcase of the very best landscape designs from projects around Australia, recognising their members’ ability to professionally interpret a client’s brief and adapt it innovatively to each site’s unique requirements. Entries are judged by a panel of industry experts, with Gold and Silver awards given to those achieving the highest standard. The two major awards given in 2020 were Landscape Design of the Year — Residential Design, and Landscape Design of the Year — Commercial Design.

For inspiration, a selection of winning designs from AILDM’s National Landscape Design Awards 2020 are featured on the following pages. If you’d like to view the full complement, visit the AILDM website.

Whatever you are seeking to create, AILDM’s award-winning designs will no doubt inspire you! To find an AILDM landscape designer, just visit aildm.com.au/find-a-designer.

CONTACT DETAILS AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS AND MANAGERS — AILDM Mobile 0422 970 618 Website aildm.com.au Instagram @aildm_aus

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COLIN MARCHANT Designer and Principal, Costata Landscape Design

BRIGHT AND BREEZY This verdant garden makes the most of the ocean views

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apturing breathtaking views of Terrigal Beach on NSW’s Central Coast, this garden won Gold for its designer, Colin Marchant of Costata Landscape Design, in the Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2 category in the 2020 AILDM National Landscape Design Awards. It was also a finalist for the 2020 Landscape Design of the Year award.

“The brief was to design a garden that would draw a young family out of the house and beyond the swimming pool, venturing further into the steep site. Privacy from an adjacent property and pool was also a requirement,” explains Colin.

“A major house renovation and new pool construction dominated the property, leaving an empty, ambiguous sloping space in the lower third of the site. Excavated clay

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from the house and pool construction had been battered by the builder into three distinct terraces prior to Costata being engaged. The landform, therefore, needed to be reshaped to suit our new design.”

Despite the fact that the site drops five metres over 22 metres, the design called for retaining walls to be kept at an absolute

minimum — this was to enable the garden to flow. Access from the street front above was severely limited. As a result, negotiated access via a neighbour’s property using the street below, was vital.

There was no existing natural vegetation within the site boundaries. The site has a north-north east aspect looking out over

NSW

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the Tasman Sea. Prevailing winds are northeast and salt laden. Sitting just below the ridge offers some protection from southerly winds but solar exposure is high.

“The site offered spectacular ocean views, even at the lower point of the property, so we needed to create not just a reason for the family to make the trek down there, but a reason, preferably several reasons, for them to stay and soak up the vista,” says Colin.

“A fire pit area and a swing set were settled upon as features that would attract adults and children alike, with the swing set designed and built so it could be easily adapted to use as a hammock.”

Sufficient level space for the fire pit zone was created by carving into the slope. The stone bench doubles as a retaining wall,

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allowing the garden to wrap around the fire pit area, drawing it further into the landscape.

The bench is oriented north-east to take full advantage of the breathtaking views. A timber deck is part of the swing set construction and provides valuable extra space during larger gatherings. Both the deck and swing set were built by Crystal Curl Constructions.

The plants, which were supplied by Alpine Nurseries and Windamee Nurseries, were carefully selected to provide rich foliage contrast, cope with coastal hilltop exposure and offer various flowering highlights. At the owners’ request, they were also chosen to be relatively low maintenance.

Frangipanis, bird of paradise and spear lilies share the garden amiably with coast-loving European olives, Chinese junipers, Indian

hawthorns, tuckeroos and hardy succulents.

The thoughtfully arranged drift plantings and carefully orchestrated tapestry of foliage colour and texture creates a calming effect throughout the landscape.

The award judges highly praised the project, calling it: “A well-considered, creative and clever design solution for a difficult site. There is an excellent balance between soft and hard landscaping. The landscape clearly reflects the brief and the fire pit area is a particularly inviting space. The plants have been well chosen for their climate and position and they make a real impact, framing the view beautifully.”

Colin also adds his praises for Moonscape Garden Construction, the company charged with the soft landscaping and stonework.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design COSTATA LANDSCAPE DESIGN Address PO Box 5116, Empire Bay NSW 2257 Mobile 0417 685 541 Email colin@costata.com.au Website costata.com.au Award Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2 — Gold

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CLAUDIA CRAWLEY Designer and Director, Grindstone Landscapes

THE OUTDOOR LIFE This reinvented rear garden caters for a family’s every need

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ith three kids and a love of entertaining, the owners of this property in Sydney’s Gladesville were in desperate need of more usable outdoor space. While the yard was quite large, the lawn was steep and impractical; and although there was a pool, the decking was in a dire state. A total reinvention was required, so the homeowners turned to Grindstone Landscapes.

“The look needed to be fresh and contemporary with the inclusion of timeless elements, hence the Hamptons-inspired touches. In terms of functionality, the owners had quite a wish list,” explains Claudia Crawley, garden designer and director of Grindstone Landscapes. “They wanted a pool house with a bathroom, an

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adjoining dining space with an outdoor kitchen and a cosy fire pit zone.”

Claudia split the garden into levels, providing places where people can gather together or enjoy a sense of being in their own space. “The lowest level is the fire pit area,” says Claudia. “The kids can sit around the fire and toast marshmallows while the adults enjoy a conversation and a glass of wine at the large outdoor table in the pergola-covered entertaining space.”

The pergola features a roof of twin wall polycarbonate sheeting, which enables optimum light filtration while providing shade throughout the day. Nestled beneath that roof is an outdoor kitchen with a barbecue, fridge, pizza oven, sink and storage space.

The pool had been resurfaced a couple of years before, but Grindstone Landscapes

replaced the damaged decking with new spotted gum decking. “We also had to replace the pool fence, which didn’t comply with safety regulations, and re-configure its layout so the family could access the garden without having to walk through the pool section,” Claudia explains.

Connecting the revamped pool area with the entertaining space and pool house is a set of eight-metre-long stairs that double as amphitheatre-style seating. Timeless travertine was used for the stairs as well as the paving and pool coping.

The owners wanted low-maintenance plants with seasonal appeal so Claudia chose a planting palette that mixed different textures and shades of green, silver, purple and soft pink. The family now has a garden they love to spend time in.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design and construction GRINDSTONE LANDSCAPES Address West Ryde NSW Mobile 0420 761 202 Website grindstonelandscapes.com Award Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2 — Gold Photography by Peter Brennan

COLOUR y TEXTURE y BALANCE A great garden design should be balanced, timeless, sophisticated and most importantly suiting the Lifestyle of the people living in them Implementing a Landscape design and constructing a garden requires passion, skill, dedication and good workmanship

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MARK TISDELL Designer and Director, MUD Landscape Design

DOWN TO EARTH A remarkable native landscape with a rustic, earthy ambience

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he designer’s aim was to create a sustainable native garden — one that looked raw and rustic, was low maintenance and featured a bird- and bee-attracting planting scheme. The must-have list presented to Mark Tisdell of MUD Landscape Design didn’t end there, though.

“The owners wanted us to make the best use of the north-facing aspect and bush outlook, incorporate new levels based on the removal of part of the existing retaining wall, create a level turfed area where the kids could play, establish a sitting area, and find space to establish a chicken run and edible gardens. Materials were to be recycled and reused where possible,”explains Mark.

“What we have created is a textural, earthy and organic space that suits the clients’ values and lifestyle. It’s a native garden that responds well to the local microclimate, and it has become the envy of neighbours and guests alike.”

The garden is replete with visual delights, but one of the elements Mark finds most

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appealing is how well the palette of diverse textures, which includes recycled railway sleeper retaining, Corten steel edging and organic-shaped bluestone steppers set amid decomposed granite gravel, works so harmoniously with the existing trees and native planting scheme.

Mark is just as pleased with how well the garden now flows. “Descending the stairs from the rear deck you are met with a welldefined navigation throughout the garden that makes you feel like the entire area is within your reach,” he says. “The flow and interconnection of the spaces is simple and inviting, creating moments where you can take in the borrowed views and leafy outlook.

“Raised edible garden beds positioned on the upper level are easily accessed from the deck and kitchen area. These beds were constructed using the same recycled railway sleepers used in the fire pit and children’s play areas, creating harmony through repetition,” continues Mark. “The fire pit area, which naturally includes seating, is the staging point for the rest of the garden. Once

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you are within this space the connection to all other areas becomes seamless.”

The pared-back planting scheme was created to suit the owners’ budget, as well as to provide suitable habitat for local bird life. “A mix of native plants with a focus on foliage texture provides a muted palette of greens and greys that contrast beautifully with the dark tones of the residence,” says Mark. “Groundcovers and spillover plants soften the look of the retaining walls and add to the earthy, organic look.”

In naming the garden a Gold winner in the Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2 category, the judges said: “This design was an innovative and transformative response to the brief. The landscaping will age well and lets this house sit comfortably in its surrounds.”

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design MUD LANDSCAPE DESIGN Address 152-160 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 Mobile 0401 557 756 Email hello@mud.design Website mudlandscapedesign.com.au Award Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2 — Gold

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MARK TISDELL Designer and Director, MUD Landscape Design

MADE TO ENJOY This family-friendly landscape was designed for all-out fun

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his is a modern family garden boasting clean, simple lines, recycled brick and timber for textural interest, and a multilevel design that turns the site’s natural slope into an asset. Mark Tisdell from MUD Landscape Design was asked to prepare a landscape concept design for the garden that incorporated a swimming pool, level turf areas, a trampoline area, a shade structure to the existing deck, layered gardens incorporating herbs and vegetables, and a smattering of fruit trees.

“The design sought to capture and embrace the essence of the site and blend seamlessly with the architecture of the existing residence,” says Mark. “The goal was to make best use of the available

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space and aspect, increase privacy from neighbours and create a series of different terraces and zones that would be functional, beautiful and enjoyable to use.

“The site has a fantastic north-facing aspect, which allowed us to create an easy, effortless flow from the internal spaces of the home to the deck and entertaining area, with its built-in barbecue and woodfired pizza oven. The flow then continues to the pool, lawn and productive patch.

“Given the great aspect, we installed a retractable awning off the residence,” adds Mark. “This allows winter sun to penetrate deep into the residence during the cooler months for passive heating. In the summer, the awning can be extended to create a shaded, weatherproof area.”

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For the owners’ son, there is a brick “ball wall” flanked by Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ at the end of the garden and a trampoline. The pool, over which extends a cantilevered universal beam structure, is another place for family fun. This structure not only frames the pool area, it was engineered to take the weight of a man so is incorporated into the family’s pool games.

“The contemporary, low-maintenance planting palette incorporates Dichondra repens and Dianella caerulea, which we used to create a green carpet around the bluestone steppers and soften the pool fencing,” says Mark. “Bambusa textillis gracillis was used to the western side of the pool for privacy and to screen the afternoon sun, and to the rear of the pool we planted Strelizia nicolai. In the central garden bed, we planted a feature tree, Acer palmatum ‘Trompenberg’, for its seasonal interest and crimson foliage.”

This project won Gold in the Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m² category with the judges stating: “The designer has created warm, inviting spaces with highly appealing visual elements that are on view from the back of the house.

Carefully chosen features, materials and plants transform this open space into practical and aesthetically appealing garden rooms. The designer has nailed the brief and the result is creative and stylish.”

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design MUD LANDSCAPE DESIGN Address 152-160 Hunter Street, Newcastle NSW 2300 Mobile 0401 557 756 Email hello@mud.design Website mudlandscapedesign.com.au Award Residential Landscape Design More Than 150m2 — Gold

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ADRIAN SWAIN Director, ecodesign

SIMPLY IRRESISTIBLE With its Japanese flourishes, this luxuriant garden is a stunner

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aving commissioned a modern, architect-designed home with Japanese influenced interiors, the owners sought a landscape design to match — one that would have a koi fish pond and no time-consuming lawn to maintain.

Adrian Swain, director of ecodesign, worked closely with the project architect to develop a design that would complement the architectural style of the home and work with the sloping site.

“We explored several different options for creating a strong sense of arrival and facilitating entry to the ground floor of the modern two-storey home. Our goal was

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to create a relaxing journey through the landscape that would take in the front, side and rear gardens,” says Adrian. “As the design progressed, we firmed up the landscape concept with overall layouts for the koi pond, site circulation paths, pavements, landforms and indicative planting composition ready for submission to council for development approvals.

“Following council approval, we commenced the detailed design stage of our documentation. We conducted a host of design team meetings, provided 3D design modelling, and made a total of 24 revisions of the design. Particular focus was given to key elements, including the hard landscaping,

soft landscaping, entry stairs with integrated storeroom, bin and gas storage area, the koi pond as well as the garden lighting.”

The hard landscaping emulates the finishes used in the home’s facade, such as the dark grey (Dulux Raku) acrylic render used on the lower portion of the home and the even darker grey (Dulux Monument) custom-fabricated, powdercoated metal elements. To complement the facade, flamed Black Granite paving flows from the residence out to the landscape.

The soft landscaping evokes a Japanese stroll garden with tufted grasses such as Poa ‘Eskdale’, Liriope muscari, Lomandra ‘Tanika’ popping up through swathes of low

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groundcovers such as Myoporum, Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’ and native violets. Mound plantings such as Rhododendron ‘Kirin’, Strobilanthes gossypinus, Raphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’, Buxus and Loropetalum ‘Burgundy’ were carefully positioned to emulate rock placements.

The boundaries are screened by slender weaver’s bamboo, Timor black bamboo and Viburnum ‘Emerald Lustre’ while views across the garden have been framed — or punctuated — with striking small trees such as Acer ‘Senkaki’ and Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’. Cloud-pruned Acer dissectum ‘Purpureum’ and Pinus nigra serve as feature plantings and are complemented by well-placed accent plantings of Crinum

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edunculatum, Anenome x hybrida, Miscanthus ‘Zebrina’ and Sansevieria ‘Moonlight’.

“The koi pond adjoining the entertaining area is the primary feature and can be viewed from all internal living areas,” says Adrian.

“The pond presented many challenges but the most pressing was the need to achieve pool fence compliance yet maintain a strong visual link between the pond and home. To do this, we used frameless glass fencing.”

The pond is enhanced by LED underwater lighting and strip lighting beneath the floating bench seat located within the koi pond area.

Elsewhere in the garden there are step lights, path lights and uplighting to feature trees.

“Another special design feature is the bin storage area, which incorporates a green roof with shallow soil and low-growing succulent plantings. This was designed to subtly integrate with the architecture of the residence and be viewed from the balconies above,” adds Adrian.

In the 2020 AILDM National Landscape Design Awards, this garden won Gold in the Plantscape Design category. The judges, whose praise was fulsome, said: “Repeated use of silver and grey plants at the entrance and repeated through the garden adds a serene mood. Details around the koi pond are exceptional. This is simply beautiful.”

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design ECODESIGN Address Unit 61, 5 Gladstone Road, Castle Hill NSW 2154 Phone (02) 9680 7712 Email info@ecodesign.com.au Website ecodesign.com.au Award Plantscape Design — Gold

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ALISON WATSON Designer and Director, Outdoor Designs

SENSE OF PLACE This garden is the perfect fit with its natural surroundings

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his beautiful coastal garden, designed for a family that loves to entertain, fits seamlessly into the Mount Eliza Woodland area on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. When the owners approached garden designer Alison Watson, founder of Outdoor Designs,

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they asked her to create a design that would pay homage to the picturesque area.

“They sought a landscape that would have a casual, timeless coastal feel. The front garden was to be welcoming and open to form a connection to the natural surroundings,” says Alison. “They also wanted a rear entertaining space that could cope with busy family living. Plantings were to be low maintenance, unirrigated, and incorporate the owners’ favourite colour, which is pink.

“Additionally, the landscape design was to make sense of the existing levels and retain them in an attractive, practical manner.”

Local stone and gravel was chosen to fill the gabion walls, surface the pathways and build the Quiet Courtyard, a space created to establish a genuine sense of place. “The Quiet Courtyard, with its bold, sculptural feature Corten steel panelling and minimal planting, was designed to create a private and beautiful

VI C view from the clients’ bathroom and dining area. It’s a therapeutic space to be in and to view from inside,” explains Alison.

The alfresco area’s footprint was increased past the eaves of the newly-built home to allow for large gatherings adjacent to the interior living areas. A large fire pit area with built-in gabion bench seating sits opposite the alfresco space and connects to the pool area.

The planting palette mainly features Australian natives supplemented by some Mediterranean species. “In the front garden, matching Brachychiton populneus x acerifolius ‘Bella Pink’ feature trees were placed on either side of the driveway,” says Alison. “These trees feature the clients’ favourite colour — pink — when in flower and put on a beautiful show from the street. Correa alba low hedging frames the bluestone and exposed aggregate front path.

Swathes of Poa labillardieri ‘Eskdale’ and clipped Westringa fruticosa ‘Wynabbie Gem’ provide evergreen structure while interest is provided by seasonal flowering groundcovers.

“In the Quiet Courtyard, planting was selected to tolerate the gravel garden conditions. We used Grevillea rosamarinifolia ‘Scarlet Sprite’ and Euphorbia characias subsp. Wulfenii ; also succulents and a feature Lagerstroemia indica x fauriei ‘Natchez’.”

Planting in the Pink Meadow (side garden) and White Meadow (back garden), provides seasonal views. There is Gaura lindheimeri ‘Belleza Dark Pink’, Agastache ‘Sweet Lil’ and Chamelaucium x verticodia ‘Paddy’s Pink’ in the Pink Meadow; Gaura lindheimeri ‘White’ and Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’ in the White Meadow.

Of the flourishing garden, which won Gold in the 2020 AILDM National Landscape Design Awards’ Rural or Coastal Landscape Design category and Silver in the Plantscape Design category, the judges said: “Excellent presentation of plant choices for the woodland garden the client was seeking. The Quiet Courtyard is particularly lovely and a pleasing contrast to the more densely planted areas.”

VI C PROJECT DETAILS Landscape design OUTDOOR DESIGNS Address Ringwood North Vic Mobile 0414 764 606 Email alison@outdoorgardendesigns.com.au Website outdoorgardendesigns.com.au Awards Rural or Coastal Landscape Design — Gold, Plantscape Design — Silver

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LANDSCAPE

PROJECTS

Here we showcase a range of gardens from around Australia that illustrate the high level of design and construction expertise you can expect from an experienced landscaper

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WORK OF ART

Of innovative design, this visually arresting, modern urban garden is a testament to construction excellence OUTDOOR DESIGN

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aving downsized and bought this inner-Sydney home, the owners had a clear vision for their rear garden. It was to be easy to maintain, so the existing pool area had to be repurposed, and it had to be modern and visually interesting. They also craved an open-aspect entertaining area that would be protected from the sun, an intimate and private entertaining space, and a sense of connection between the garden and the studio above the garage.

Urban Garden Enrichment was charged with building the new garden, designed by Steve Warner from OUTHOUSE design, and Simon Munn and his team set about transforming the space. The first task was to remove the pool and stabilise the area, then the garden was divided into two zones.

Level one is the entertaining and dining area featuring a custom concrete bench for the barbecue and bar fridge, a built-in seat, garden beds and a pergola with a louvred roof.

The area is paved in Andorra limestone tiles as are the steps leading down to the next level.

The second level, its design inspired by a 1970s-style sunken lounge, is a place for cosy gatherings. Spotted gum was used to build the sunken lounge and deck area, its warm tones complementing the lush green planting.

Considerable technical expertise went into the construction of this garden. “To begin with,” says Simon, “the original pool structure, which was not square, filled the majority of the backyard area so it was important to try to retain as much of the existing pool support structure as possible.

Other major jobs included the adjustment of the levels in the back area to allow for paving, the construction of garden beds and the sunken area; also the installation of new retaining walls in the pool area.

“To build the steps, we core-drilled multiple holes into the garden bed retaining walls. We installed heavy-duty galvanised angle bars that spanned the space and concreted the bars in place. Next, we glued the tiles on top of the bars with a gap between the tile and the wall to allow for slight movement on the steps. This evoked a sense of floating down the steps towards the sunken lounge.”

The two spaces feel unified due to the use of the same large-format paving and the single-species (Syzygium australe) boundary planting. For a low hedge around the sunken lounge, there is Viburnum tinus.

Elsewhere, you’ll find Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’, Malus atrosanguinea, Ajuga reptans and Dichondra argentea.

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SIMON MUNN Founder and Director, Urban Garden Enrichment

The garden also showcases the owners’ collection of beautiful art, including various sculptures. The sculpture at the end of the garden, installed on a concrete base for stability, sets the tone for the garden and can be admired from all outdoor aspects.

In the Landscape Excellence Awards, run by The Landscape Association in NSW, this project won Gold for Urban Garden Enrichment in the Residential Construction $75,000–$150,000 category, as well as the prestigious title of Husqvarna Residential Landscape Construction of the Year.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Project management and landscape construction URBAN GARDEN ENRICHMENT PTY LTD Address Annandale NSW Email simon.urbangarden@gmail.com Website urban-garden.com.au Instagram @urbangardenenrichment Photography by Peter Brennan & Katrine Mardini

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EASY ELEGANCE Boasting a fluid design and an elegant ambience, this garden perfectly complements the home

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JASON CHAPMAN Director, Elegant Landscapes

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here are two keys to creating a successful garden: a clearly defined, well-balanced structure and the generous use of a select number of materials, shapes and colours. The proof of this philosophy can be found in the pleasingly proportioned outdoor spaces that wrap around this home on Sydney’s Upper North Shore.

The design brief given to Justin Dibble at Fluid Design was to create a modern yet classic, stylish yet relaxed vibe for the pool and garden areas. Equally important was establishing a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces. Justin’s cleanlined, contemporary design is both stylish and family friendly. Throughout, the emphasis is on quality finishes and the use of greenery to soften the hardscaping elements.

With the design finalised, the exterior works were undertaken by Jason Chapman and the team at Elegant Landscapes, except for the pool, which was built by Construction By Design, the same company that designed and built the house.

“Working to Justin’s design, we continued the monochrome palette of the house into the landscape by laying soft grey concretelook porcelain tiles. To deliver on the owners’ requirement for the effortless integration of indoor-outdoor spaces, the team built a covered alfresco area onto which the interior lounge room opens,” explains Jason.

“The outdoor kitchen in this area features a built-in barbecue and a concrete benchtop, designed to match the internal finishes of the house. There is also a sink and a bar fridge.

To keep the area light and bright, skylight

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windows were incorporated into the roof.

Downlights make the space inviting at night while ceiling fans keep things cool in summer and ceiling heaters warm things up in winter.”

Additional outdoor room-style spaces were also created, including a central courtyard with a waterwall and a cosy, plant-embraced fire pit area. For this space, an EcoSmart ethanol fire pit was chosen and the Elegant Landscapes team constructed a polished concrete bench.

Outdoor styling and decor were important components of the design with the inclusion of a Rivas Design mirror on the wall adjacent to the pool, feature pots from The Balcony Garden and lanterns from West Elm. These add panache to the landscape.

“The pool was located against the house, providing a beautiful view from the home’s internal living space,” says Jason. “At the far end of the pool there is a large, shallow ledge where young children can safely play. Deep charcoal-coloured pool tiles were used to complement the dark features of the home and landscape, ensuring a look of cohesion and a sense of easy elegance throughout.”

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape construction ELEGANT LANDSCAPES Mobile 0402 572 452 Email jason@elegantlandscapes.net.au Website elegantlandscapes.net.au Photography by Peter Brennan

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SENSE OF GRANDEUR The award-winning outdoor spaces that wrap around this Sydney home fuse formal and modern design influences

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ZIGGY KABBOUT Director, Eloquent Landscapes

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ith its carefully considered combination of formal planting and clean-lined hard landscaping, the elegant front garden is the perfect foil to the home’s contemporary facade. The garden, which was constructed by Eloquent Landscapes, working to a design by Myles Baldwin Design, has a sense of old-world grandeur about it yet is decidedly modern.

“The client wanted a contemporary, formal garden to complement his impressive new home, and he wanted advanced plants to ensure the garden had a well-established look from the outset,” explains Ziggy Kabbout, director of Eloquent Landscapes. In the front garden, the carefully thought-out planting scheme includes Buxus ‘Japonica’ (clipped into balls) and three 500-litre Pyrus ‘Burgundy Snow’. The vibrant green of the plants is offset by the sophisticated grey of the bluestone paving and the crisp white of the boundary and raised planter walls.

The project encompassed much more than the formal entry garden, however, and

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significant behind-the-scenes work, along with a high level of construction expertise and attention to detail, was also involved. As an illustration, great precision was required to achieve the cross pattern banding in the front garden paving, while installing the large, heavy pavers that form the path connecting front and rear gardens was a labour-intensive task.

Considerable skill was also needed to form-up the eight planter boxes.

Likewise, excellent planning was key.

“In the rear garden, for example, we had to carefully time the hand excavation of two trenches along the side of the tennis court — one for the Ficus ‘Hilii’ hedging, the other for the Trachelospermum jasminoides,” says Ziggy. “As the tennis court turf was to be installed within a week, the excavation, irrigation and planting needed to be completed within that timeframe so there would be no damage to the tennis court once the turf went down.”

The Eloquent Landscapes’ touch can also be seen in the tiled outdoor entertaining area at the rear of the home — a space that boasts a contemporary cabana. The

cabana is a standout feature of the space, thanks to its cactus-themed, easy-care rooftop garden. Among the plants, some of which cascade over the edge, you will find Raphiolepsis ‘Oriental Pearl’, Santolina chamercyparyssus, Casuarina ‘Cousin It’, Agave stricta, Senecio mandraliscae, Cereus peruvianus ‘Monsterous Green’ and Opuntia microdaysis. “The casual nature of the planting is a nice contrast to the formality of the front garden,” says Ziggy.

The planting really is the star of the show, whether it’s the extensive use of Buxus hedging, neatly clipped into square or round shapes, or the large feature planter in the front garden, which is home to a 500-litre Olea ‘Europaea’ underplanted with Gardenia ‘Radicans’ and Senecio mandaliscae.

In recognition of the high calibre of the work, this project won Gold and Best in Category for Eloquent Landscapes in the Residential Construction Up To $50,000 category in The Landscape Association’s 2019 Landscape Excellence Awards.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape construction ELOQUENT LANDSCAPES Address 2/10 Ash Road, Prestons NSW 2170 Mobile 0412 896 416 Email info@eloquentlandscapes.com.au Website eloquentlandscapes.com.au

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ALEX DEKKER Director, Dekker Landscapes

LEVEL BEST

Carved into four levels, this envy-inspiring garden is a modern, family-friendly outdoor sanctuary

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steeply sloping garden presents an opportunity to create something aesthetically pleasing and unique. This award-winning garden, located in Sydney’s northern suburbs, is a case in point. Designed by Julian Brady of Sitedesign Studios and built

by Dekker Landscapes, under the guiding hand of company director, Alex Dekker, it provides the family with the multifunctional outdoor retreat they desired.

“The goal was to maximise the space, creating a series of level areas that could be safely used by all the family. Outdoor entertaining was high on the family’s agenda and they wanted a garden that had a modern, yet not clinical, look,” says Alex.

“The first level is a deck of hardwood timber that flows from the rear of the house. The next level offers an expanse of lawn and is furnished with children’s play equipment.

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“On the third level, you find the swimming pool, set within a spacious deck, also built of hardwood timber. As this level proves, with a terraced garden you often have the scope for creating a little drama. Having a pool located at such an elevation creates some of the interest — the remainder comes from the retained rock outcrop.

“The upper garden level features a pergola with a solid roof for full sun protection and an outdoor kitchen to make cooking an alfresco meal a breeze. This is where the family does most of its entertaining.”

Wide steps, paved in pale-coloured travertine, seamlessly connect the levels.

The same stone was used as paving for the pergola-covered upper-level dining space. The warm tones of the travertine complement the sandstone capping used on the rendered retaining walls, adding warmth to the overall design.

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The plants play a critical role. Screening plants were introduced for privacy from neighbours, groundcovers were planted to prevent soil erosion, shade-tolerant plants were used next to the lowest-level deck to bring greenery and life into the space, and the rocky outcrop’s bulk was minimised by the use of colourful species “Creating a sense of flow and maximising sight lines during the day was essential, hence the use of frameless glass fencing,” adds Alex. “At night, the garden is a safe and inviting place thanks to outdoor lighting.”

One of the biggest challenges was access.

All materials had to be transported along a 900mm-wide path at the side of the house, making it a labour-intensive job. Thanks to the skill and dedication of the construction team, however, the family now has a modern outdoor retreat that is the envy of all.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape construction DEKKER LANDSCAPES Mobile 0413 800 538 Email info@dekkerlandscapes.com.au Website dekkerlandscapes.com.au Instagram @dekker_landscapes Photography by Peter Brennan

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Phone: 0408 350 184

• landscapetasmania@gmail.com• www.landscapetas.net

LANDSCAPE

AWARDS

Each of the state-based landscape associations hosts a regular awards program to recognise design and construction excellence by members.

Here we look at just some of the latest residential landscaping winners

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LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND

CONSTRUCTION EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2020

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YEAR Winner: Scapex Landscapes Project: Red Hill

RESIDENTIAL UP TO $50,000 Winner: Contemporary Landscaping Project: Maroochydore

RESIDENTIAL $50,001–$100,000 Winner: Living 4 Landscapes Project: Surfers Paradise

RESIDENTIAL $100,001–$125,000 Winner: Definition Landscape & Design Project: Carina Heights

RESIDENTIAL $125,001–$175,000 Winner: Definition Landscape & Design Project: Samford

RESIDENTIAL $175,001–$250,000 Winner: Scapex Landscapes Project: Herston

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Held annually, the Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards recognise the high calibre of design and construction work, both residential and commercial, produced by Landscape Queensland members. Here we show just some of the exemplary winning projects from the 2020 awards.

For complete coverage of all the awards, visit landscapequeensland.com.au

RESIDENTIAL $250,000 PLUS Winner: Scapex Landscapes Project: Red Hill

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCT UP TO $100,000 Winner: Living 4 Landscapes Project: Surfers Paradise

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCT OVER $100,001 Winner: Definition Landscape & Design Project: Carina Heights

BEST LANDSCAPE FEATURE — RESIDENTIAL Winner: Definition Landscapes & Design Project: Front Entry, Corinda

LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT DESIGNED CONSTRUCTION Winner: Harmony Landscapes Project: Alexandra Headlands

SUSTAINABLE LANDSCAPE AWARD Winner: Waterscapes Australia Project: Lake Gkula, Woodford

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HAMPTONS

HEAVEN

The perfect complement to a classic Queenslander home, this award-winning landscape is truly breathtaking

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lthough of generous size, the sloping inner-city block in the Queensland suburb of Red Hill wasn’t being used to best advantage. The owners, Ian and Charmaine, sought a usable, multifunctional garden that would complement the Hamptons aesthetic of the classic Queenslander home.

As is the case with many of the most successful gardens, the design of this spectacular multi-level project was a collaboration, with input from Paul Stein of Seed Landscape Design, David Hatherly of Vee Design, Tim Stafford of Scapex Landscapes and the owners, who were heavily involved and made significant contributions to the design process.

Construction of the project was placed in the safe and exeprienced hands of Tim and the Scapex Landscapes team, with the judges of the 2020 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards being so impressed by the outcome, they named it Queensland Residential Construction of the Year and winner of the Residential $250,000 Plus category.

The success of the garden can be attributed to Tim’s design flair and his team’s expertise and eye for detail. “The project was constructed by our in-house team of landscape professionals, which comprises trained horticulturalists whose plant knowledge is second to none and qualified builders whose capabilities include concreting, tiling and paving, stonework, carpentry and formwork,” says Tim.

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“The brief from the owners was multifaceted,” he continues. “They wanted to create a collection of beautful outdoor spaces throughout the property to maximise the usable area. Privacy from neighbours was vital as was creating an instant garden effect, so using mature tree stock was a must. They prioritised the use of natural products and while the gardens needed to be stunning, they needed to be functional and productive, too. They also asked for herbs and fruit trees. In particular, they wanted to have lemons and limes at hand for a Corona or G&T.” The backyard is a relaxed family garden with an eclectic plant palette reflecting a stylised cottage theme. The front garden has a more formal feel to it and features the repetition of a simple yet elegant plant palette.

“The timber arbour above the main entry was designed to provide a sense of scale and arrival. To dress the structure, we placed a large urn-style pot on either side of the front gate. These earthy pots add balance and a touch of elegance,” says Tim. “In the rear garden there are play areas where the kids can enjoy a game of cricket or rugby, areas for relaxed entertaining by the pool as well as a more secluded space where the owners can enjoy a glass of wine under a poinciana.”

A wide array of plants were used. Mature trees were employed for immediate impact and privacy screening; foliage plants were selected to provide contrast and visual appeal. To maintain a subtle elegance in the floral displays, the palette predominantly focusses on white and pale pink flowers.

Equal care was given to the selection of hardscaping materials, which includes the stone cladding used for the blockwork in both front and back gardens, the individually hand-laid cobblestones (over 8000 pieces), and the spotted gum decking.

The result is a harmonious landscape that complements the Queenslander home and has that highly sought-after Hamptons vibe.

QLD PROJECT DETAILS Landscape construction SCAPEX LANDSCAPES Address 11 Greg Chappell Street, Albion Qld 4010 Phone (07) 3338 8860 Mobile 0421 966 801 Email info@scapex.com.au Website scapex.com.au

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T I M STA F F O R D

FROM THE GROUND UP For Tim Stafford, director of Scapex Landscapes, every home garden needs to be built on good foundations if it is to thrive What attracted you to landscaping?

My grandmother was an amazing and very passionate gardener. Some of my earliest memories are of “helping” her in the garden and listening to her telling me what she was doing and why as she went about her various tasks. That led me to a lifelong interest in gardens and, eventually, a career in landscaping. To make that happen, I went on to qualify as a landscape architect and completed a Diploma in Horticulture.

What is your construction philosophy?

Good landscape construction is about quality: quality design, quality materials and, most importantly, quality people putting the job together. A great landscape talks to, and is respectful of, its surrounds. It also gives the owners the lifestyle they crave and turns a home into a haven. One of the few very positive outcomes from all of the chaos that has been COVID-19 has been is a renewed focus on our homes and the gardens

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that surround them. People are spending significantly more time at home and enjoying their gardens. They are becoming a bit more house-proud and it’s great to see.

How do you build good relationships?

From the outset you need to have a very clear understanding of your client’s vision — this is absolutely critical. Furthermore, you need to make sure you have an open and ongoing channel of communication between yourself and all the stakeholders.

This includes the clients, neighbours, consultants, and the construction team.

Do you specialise in any style? We’re pretty flexible. Our team really enjoys a variety of styles and likes to undertake a mix of different projects and design types.

Irrespective of what the final product is going to be, we still enjoy the challenge of applying our trade skills and expertise to achieve the highest possible outcome for our clients — and for our own satisfaction.

What is key to a successful outcome?

Good communication, being honest, doing what you say you will do, and using only great quality products to get the garden off to the best possible start. Also, we never cut corners. Gardens can only grow on the foundations that they are given when constructed. If poorly put together, they will never flourish. Our approach was rewarded in the 2020 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards when we won Queensland Residential Landscape Construction of the Year as well as the Residential $175,000–$250,000 and Residential $250,000 Plus awards.

What services do you provide? Our team is certainly capable of bringing virtually any landscape creation to life. The skill and attention to detail our team delivers never ceases to impress and amaze me. I try to bring practicality and common sense to the table. I work hard to maintain good communication between all stakeholders and, most of all, I’d say I bring enjoyment and positivity to the table. Once I stop enjoying what we do, it will be time to pack up.

Scapex Landscapes, scapex.com.au

SUPERIOR LANDSCAPING WITH A DIFFERENCE

A fresh solution

Scapex Landscapes is a fresh face in the landscaping scene with a world of experience behind us. Dedicated to building amazing landscapes that achieve above and beyond our client’s expectations we focus on quality, communication and attention to detail to make sure we get the job done. Our business is based on principles of integrity, respect, hard work and professionalism.

(07) 3338 8860 | info@scapex.com.au | 11 Greg Chappell St, Albion Q 4010

Visit our website

scapex.com.au QBCC Licence No: 15092732

L A N D S CA P E Q U E E N S L A N D C O N ST RU C T I O N E XC E L L E N C E AWA R D S

IT’S ONLY

NATURAL

With the help of the experts, you can recreate the look of a natural water feature in your own garden

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here is something about water in motion that captivates us.

Whether a gentle trickle from a meandering stream or a cascade from a waterfall, the sight and sound of water in motion is mesmerising — even meditative. A natural water feature can be created in a wide array of landscapes, as the impressive project pictured on the previous pages, Lake Gkula in Woodford, Queensland — home of the Woodford Folk Festival — proves.

Featuring a waterfall, 125 metres of private beach, an island and large rock placement, Lake Gkula, designed and built by Waterscapes Australia, is a man-made paradise created

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for fun and wildlife protection. It was also the winner of the Sustainable Landscape Award in the 2020 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards.

The Lake Gkula project was built on a 500-acre plot. “The excavation alone took five weeks to complete: three weeks for major earthworks and crude shaping, and two weeks for fine shaping. The ground then had to be raked free of rubble and sharps prior to laying down 9000sqm of Firestone Liner. It needed to be seamed together onsite, with each sheet weighing between 500kg-1.5 tonnes,” explains Patrick Handley, director of Waterscapes Australia.

The lake has a water surface area of 1.4 acres, is 5.5m at its deepest and holds 12 megalitres of water. “Given the size of the project, we had to carefully engineer circulation systems to provide appropriate water flow and chemicalfree filtration to safely support both a budding ecology as well as swimmer loads of 5000 or more a day during an event,” says Patrick.

“We achieved biological filtration through bacteria and positive up flow filtration via the wetlands. The two wetlands also use endemic aquatic plants to support the filtration process.

Aeration and heightened dissolved oxygen was achieved through the use of waterfalls, circulation and NanoBubble technology.”

Working with an environmentally focussed not-for-profit organisation, Woodfordia Inc, meant that the budget was limited, so making best use of onsite resources was vital. One example of this is the use of pre-existing dead trees and logs from the site to create habitats for breeding and territories for fish such as the Mary River Cod. Since the lake was built, the resident Woodfordian mycologist has been recording the different species that started returning to the area. To date, it has attracted many species of frogs, birds and insects that were previously scarce in the area. These numbers and species are expected to proliferate over the coming years.

The design and construction expertise used for this large-scale project can be applied with equal success to home garden projects. Waterscapes Australia specialises in the creation of unique, site-specific natural water features which are filtered, not with chemicals, but with beneficial bacteria that support healthy aquatic ecosystems.

The systems employed by Waterscapes Australia mimic nature — and this extends to recreation or swim pond systems, which were pioneered in Australia by Patrick. With more than 25 years’ global experience, Patrick is a permaculturist, horticulturist and environmentalist who can create anything from the smallest backyard pond to a modestly-sized stream to a large lake with waterfall for an acreage property.

The possibilities are endless. There are ecosystem ponds that can support fish and aquatic plants, pondless waterfalls and streams that range from bubbling brooks to mighty cascades, and recreation ponds, which are built with an accompanying wetland for natural filtration, that can be used for swimming. A recreation pond can also be used to support local wildlife, assist in cooling a property and contribute to a fire management plan — you can even grow food in the wetland.

You can also be assured that every water feature and ecosystem is designed, not just for maximum beauty and functionality, but for the minimal amount of maintenance.

QLD PROJECT DETAILS Water feature design and construction WATERSCAPES AUSTRALIA Phone (07) 5446 8700 Email office@waterscapesaustralia.com.au Website waterscapesaustralia.com.au

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MEET THE DESIGNER

PAT R I C K H A N D L E Y

RETURN TO NATURE

For ecosystem water feature designer, Patrick Handley of Waterscapes Australia, observing nature is the key How did you get your start? I have a background in horticulture as well as sustainable design, and from an early age I enjoyed the relationship between the natural elements of water, plants, topography and contours — and how we interact with all of those. Much time was spent in the natural environment, especially around creeks and rock pools. For me it was a natural progression to then incorporate ecosystem water features and, more recently, swim ponds, into landscapes.

What do you specialise in? We design and build highly aesthetic ecosystem water features throughout Australasia, each one customised to the specific landscape. They might take the form of a more compact system in a home garden that becomes a centrepiece and meeting place for the clients and the native life with which we coexist. Larger bespoke swimming ponds and recreational lakes are also our forte. Each filtration and

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ecosystem is specifically designed for the area’s climate and intended use.

What is your design approach? For me, a garden must have water in it — and ensuring the water feature and land seamlessly meld together is essential. The water feature must feel like it is spilling back into the landscape.

How the water flows is key. If you look at natural water streams, water always finds a way and it doesn’t need much of a drop in height to create sound.

How do you ensure the right outcome?

We do this in two ways. Firstly, by creating a balance that couples the client’s vision with the reality of a successful build. You have to understand how the client wants to interact with the water feature and what their lifestyle is like. You also need to communicate clearly the realities of a budding ecology. It is a functional, long-lasting, resilient ecosystem that supports the aesthetics of any design.

Secondly, by using well trained and trusted

contractors who uphold our values and commitment to provide a quality service.

What design trends excite you? In our industry we see massive interest in natural water features: designs that invoke a return to nature. The use of large rock is key but the placement of that rock must be sophisticated so it looks as you would find it in an undisturbed creek or waterway. Also, the expected form of a pond is no longer a contrived, round body of water. Instead, it has an organic and extended shape with more hidden areas that can be appreciated from different angles of the landscape. A major trend is recreational ponds that are naturally filtered, support the environment and can be used by the family to cool down.

What do you bring to each project?

Years of experience designing and building water elements that authentically replicate the way water naturally moves. We excel at observation, which enables us to make the water feature settle into the landscape so it looks like it has always been there. We also have experience in project management and building ecologies.

Waterscapes Australia, waterscapesaustralia.com.au

L A N D S CA P E AWA R D S

LIAWA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2021 The LIAWA Awards of Excellence are the foremost industry landscaping awards in Western Australia. The winners of the 2021 awards typify the design and construction expertise and professionalism you can expect from members of the Landscape Industry Association of Western Australia. To see all the 2021 award winners, visit landscaping.net.au

CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCT UP TO $75,000 Winner: Tim Davies Landscaping Project: Brompton Road

CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCT UP TO $150,000 Winner: Deep Green Corporation Project: Roscommon Road

CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN & CONSTRUCT OVER $150,000 Winner: Tim Davies Landscaping Project: Saunders Street

BEST DISPLAY HOME PROJECT Winner: Landscapes WA Project: The Amour

CONTRACTOR RESIDENTIAL BEST ARTISTIC FEATURE Winner: Think Green Landscapes & Waterscapes Project: Gnangara Ponds and Stream

LANDSCAPE OF THE YEAR Winner: Deep Green Corporation Project: Carousel Shopping Centre

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Engage the professionals Our members are the professionals in the landscaping business!

We have members that are landscape architects, landscape designers, landscape contractors (residential and commercial), maintenance contractors (residential and commercial), tradespersons, suppliers of landscape materials, nurseries, turf, pots, outdoor furniture and sculptures.

Members can also coordinate spa/pool building.

www.landscaping.net.au LIAWA members will: • • • • • • •

abide by Code of Ethics and Values give you peace of mind that the work and service will be of a high standard present creative and innovative designs advise on waterwise and sustainable gardens advise RQ RSWLPLSLQJ \RXU RXWGRRU LQGRRU ŴRZ DQG VSDFH project manage your landscaping works to a high standard deliver a high level of customer service and support

For enquiries email office@landscaping.net.au

L I AWA AWA R D S O F E XC E L L E N C E

PERFECT PAIRING An holistic approach to design has ensured absolute harmony between indoor and outdoor living spaces

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JULIAN ROSE Director, Deep Green Landscaping

T

he modernist home, designed

by Neil Cownie Architects, exudes a sense of belonging that reflects the beauty of its location and the aesthetic sensibilities of the owners. Located in Floreat, a suburb of Perth that is just a short hop from the coast, the home strikes up an easy conversation with its surrounds while expertly meeting the locale’s Garden Suburb Town Planning requirements.

The landscaping, designed by Plan E in collaboration with Neil Cownie Architects, is an integral component of the project and reflects the holistic approach to design. As a consequence, the home’s robust exterior materials complement the garden spaces and there is an effortless transition between indoor and outdoor living.

Julian Rose and the construction team from Deep Green Landscaping were charged with giving form and life to the varied outdoor spaces, installing the paving and all the soft landscaping, including all the roof gardens.

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“The aim was to create a cool and tranquil multi-level garden that would enhance and complement the modern architectural features of the house,” says Julian. “The owners wanted the garden to have impact and an established look on the day they moved in, so the use of mature trees was essential. As for the planting palette, that was chosen to make the garden as water-wise as possible and give a feeling of lushness.”

The biggest challenge was planning the installation of the mature trees to coincide with the construction of the house. “These needed to be set up on temporary irrigation as each stage of the house was completed, and due to access issues, all mature trees had to be installed by large cranes,” explains Julian.

“Installing the large mature feature tree through the hole in the roof space proved to be especially tricky, as was designing the root zone area using Stratacell modules to ensure the paving could be installed over the root ball of the tree. The other site challenge was designing

and installing the planters on the roof level due to the need for reduced weight loads. For this we used a special lightweight soil mix.”

The exquisite planting palette embraces a diverse array of plants, including a large Gleditsia ‘Shademaster’ planted in the ground-level outdoor terrace and seating area. This is growing up through an opening in the roof structure and produces a display of rich yellow foliage every autumn. The roof gardens are home to a variety of plants, such as Strelitzia reginae, Agave attenuata, Magnolia ‘Kay Parris’, Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ and a Plumeria the owners wanted to retain from the old garden.

The hard landscaping elements, such as the natural stone random crazy paving around the pool, perfectly complement Neil Cownie Architects’ multi-award-winning design. This remarkable project also garnered an accolade for Deep Green Landscaping. In the 2021 LIAWA Awards of Excellence, the project was the winner of the Contractor Residential Design & Construct up to $150,000 category.

N SW PROJECT DETAILS Landscape construction DEEP GREEN LANDSCAPING Address 23 Colray Avenue, Osborne Park WA 6017 Phone (08) 9242 2299 Email admin@dgls.com.au Website deepgreenlandscaping.com.au Award 2021 LIAWA Awards of Excellence, Contractor Residential Design & Construct up to $150,000 Photography by Robert Frith & Jack Lovel

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MASTER LANDSCAPERS OF SA AWARDS OF EXCELLENCE 2020

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN UNDER $40,000 Winner: Hedgehog Gardens Project: Stirling ‘Zen’ Garden

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN $40,000–$70,000 Winner: EnticeScapes Project: Gambia Avenue

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN $70,000–$150,000 Winner: Yardstick Landscapes Project: Lefevre Terrace

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN $150,000–$250,000 Winner: Yardstick Landscapes Project: Glenelg North

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE DESIGN EXCEEDING $250,000 + JUDGES’ CHOICE AWARD Winner: Distinctive Gardens Project: The Avenue, Medindie

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION UNDER $40,000 Winner: Outscape Constructions Project: Glenelg South

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L A N D S CA P E AWA R D S

The Master Landscapers of SA Awards of Excellence recognise the skill, craftsmanship and expertise of MLSA members and encourage excellence in the fields of landscape design, construction and maintenance. The outstanding talent of the residential winners from the 2020 awards is showcased here. To see the full set of winners, visit landscapesa.com.au

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION $40,000–$70,000 Winner: Prospect Contractors Project: Teringie

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION $70,000–$150,000 Winner: Outscape Constructions Project: Dutton Terrace, Medindie

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION $150,000–$250,000 Winner: SA Waterscapes Project: Crafers Aquatic Habitat

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION EXCEEDING $250,000 Winner: Distinctive Gardens Project: The Avenue, Medindie

INDIVIDUAL LANDSCAPE FEATURE Winner: Sphere Project: St Marys

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE Winner: Hills Classic Gardens Project: Clear View

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ALFRESCO

LIVING

Having designed your new garden, the next step is to turn it into the ideal outdoor living space by selecting the right furniture, lighting, heating, paving, shade, decor and more

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THE ARTISTIC

TOUCH

Nestled amid foliage or hung on a wall, a work of art can completely transform a garden or outdoor living space Words: Karen Booth

The bright red Sphere sculpture from Lump Sculpture Studio sits in a sea of white gravel. artingreen.com.au

C

hoosing art and decor for the garden is a subjective thing.

There are guidelines you can follow to get the scale and positioning right, but when it comes down to it, you need to trust your instincts. If you love it, buy it. After all, you are the one who will be looking at it day in, day out.

Outdoor decor and sculpture comes in many forms. Handcrafted metal birds, stone spheres, laser-cut Corten steel wall panels, decorative pots, sculptural fountains … even found objects can be turned into pieces of art, adding character and whimsy to a garden.

Before you start shopping, give some thought to the role you want the artwork to play in your outdoor living area or garden.

Are you looking for something to provide a finishing touch to an outdoor room or a courtyard, or something that will sit at the end of a garden path, beckoning the viewer and acting as a focal point?

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MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE Perspective, scale and size go hand-in-hand and should be kept in mind when selecting and positioning art or decorative elements in the garden. Consider the size of the space where the object will go, any nearby structures or dominant elements and the viewing points.

Scale is all-important and if your sculpture or fountain is too big, or too small, for the intended area, it will look out of place and out of proportion. If buying an expensive oneoff piece or having a piece commissioned, a good tip is to place something of the same dimensions actually in your garden, to get a feel for the impact the artwork will have before committing yourself.

You need to think about where you will be viewing your artwork from and remember that the outlook from the windows of your home is just as important as the views from various points within your garden. Framing an artwork is about both masking things and

Sculpture needs to be well-framed. Here, the artwork rises up from a garden bed. cycas.com.au, lisaelllisgardens.com

F E AT U R E

Outdoor Art

it overhead with an archway, or make a pattern around the base of the work with paving, gravel, low hedging or a perimeter planting of groundcover plants. If you can grow vines along a wall, an interesting technique is to place a sculpture in front of the wall and then cut the leaves away from it, making a reverse frame.

UP THE WALL

The outdoor wall art and screening in this garden were handcrafted using recycled metal. andrewplymin.com

highlighting. Distracting elements as well as nearby eyesores must be blocked out for the artwork to have maximum impact.

LOCATION, LOCATION There are some simple guidelines you can follow to ensure that your new artwork sits in harmony with your garden. The first thing is to keep in mind that a large piece needs space around it to be viewed completely

EXPRESS YOURSELF “Garden art adds personality to a garden — and reflects the personality of the person choosing it — so on one level, there is no right or wrong way of choosing.

However, considering the relationship and connection it will bring to your space is key, so respecting the surrounding structures, shapes and tones will allow one to make an informed decision,” says Katrine Mardini, senior landscape architect with OUTHOUSE design. “Also, consider factors such as access, natural light, shadows, privacy and level of impact — and whether you want it to be a large statement piece or a subtle feature.

“Garden art can be interpreted in many ways and presented in many forms, whether a 3D sculpture, a wall-mounted artwork or a 2D decorative panel,” she continues. “By choosing the right form, colour and size, a work of art creates a great focal point and functions as a key feature in a garden. Art may also be used to enhance depth or add height and layering in a garden, or simply to add an extra splash of colour and interest.

For example, a metal sculpture that is uplit and positioned in a clear sightline from the house creates a visually pleasing view and a sense of connection.”

while a small object will be lost if viewed from a distance. Also keep in mind that straight garden elements can be used to direct the line of sight to your artwork. At the end of a path or through archways and avenues of trees works best.

For added impact, statues or urns can be placed on a mount. Depending on your garden’s style, use a pedestal, plinth, post or tree trunk but make sure the height of the mount is in keeping with the height of the sculpture. Lighting will allow the artwork to still be a focal point at night.

To subtly merge an object with the garden, use a backdrop or frame of plants.

To make a piece stand out, you can frame

Wall art is a clever way to add decorator flair, especially in small gardens, courtyards and balconies as the art sits on the vertical plane rather than claiming valuable ground space.

Popular choices include metal plaques with simple graphic images, laser-cut metal screens and outdoor mirrors.

A mirror gives a small space a whole new perspective. Placed “just so”, a mirror welcomes light into dark corners and gives the impression of increased space and depth. Mirrors can be of any style — gothic, industrial, rustic, shabby chic, highly contemporary. You could even have a mirror designed to look like a gate or window, giving the impression you could step or look through into another space.

When choosing the right spot for your mirror, look at places in your garden that you’d never normally go to see what would be reflected. This enables you to determine whether there are any unsightly things you don’t want attention drawn to. Also look next door — perhaps there is a large and leafy tree canopy you’d like to reflect.

A Corten steel sculpture is the ideal match for this garden brimming with native plants. fpgardendesigns.com.au

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This pair of abstract sculptures acts as a focal point that provides a pleasing view from the lounge area. ingejabaralandscapes.com.au

LIVING SCULPTURE

Two decorative objects, a stone lantern and a traditional Japanese sculpture, sit nestled among the plants. kiharalandscapes.com.au

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“When designers talk about architectural planting, they’re referring to the use of plants with strong structural lines or sculptural shapes. The aim? To use them to make a strong statement or create a focal point. They will vary in size and shape but the one thing all architectural plants have in common is their strong form and the fact that they will definitely stand out,” says Glenice Buck, horticulturist and founder of Glenice Buck Designs.

“Plants considered for architectural planting tend to have spear-like or strappy leaves and their leaves will be strongly defined. The leaves or trunk may also contribute textural interest or the foliage provide colour contrast. These bold foliage plants are grown for their form and habit rather than their flowers, although some do produce beautiful blooms.

“When using these plants in your landscape you need to think of them as living pieces of sculpture and use them where you would use a statue or a piece of art in the garden. They are used as the feature of the garden, to create interest, to give you a strong accent point or to draw the eye to a certain location.”

F E AT U R E

Outdoor Art

SCREEN SCENE The allure of laser-cut metal screens cannot be overstated. There is something uniquely compelling about the contrast between the strength of the metal and the typically delicate-looking, often quite intricate patterning of the laser cutting. Standing alone in a garden, fixed to a fence or backlit to create a magical nightscape, these lasercut works of art can be found in gardens right around the country, gracing all manner of settings, from the highly contemporary to the charmingly rustic.

Laser-cut screens can be made from a variety of different metals and feature finishes of various kinds. Some of the choices include powdercoated mild steel, Corten “rusted” steel, brushed or polished stainless steel, and metals that have been powdercoated in a colour to match your outdoor decorating scheme.

OUTSIDE THE BOX Garden decor can come in many guises.

Pots, fire pits, garden gates, letterboxes — these can all be works of art in their own right, and as they perform a dual function, can be space savers in smaller gardens.

Then there are pieces made out of found, salvaged or recycled materials. Choosing something made from “pre-loved” materials brings all of the visual elements and energy that the material had in its original form.

Wood will have aged and often changed in its look, developing an interesting patina, and pieces made from disused metal objects speak of their history.

Pots are another decorative element you can introduce. These are available in a huge array of styles, materials and colours, including, at the high end, pots that incorporate lighting and those that have been designed to look like modern sculptures. And if you want to delight two senses — sight and sound — add a designer water feature to your garden.

Ultimately, the knack to decorating an outdoor space is to observe it, taking account of such things as viewing points and scale, and think through how you want to use it. Measuring up is important too but once you know what you want and where you want to put it, be confident in your choices and then just sit back and enjoy.

Salvaged timber poles and sculptural cacti have been combined to create a unique art installation. phillipjohnson.com.au

This custom-designed water feature with a metal orb on top, is lit at night for added impact. cosdesign.com.au

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GA R D E N D E C O R

LASER-CUT CONCEPTS

Add a little interest and intrigue to your garden or outdoor room with unique laser-cut decor

I

f you’re looking for a distinctive collection of decorative laser-cut screens, fire pits, sculptures and more, Urban Design Systems (UDS) is the leader in the field. These creative concepts are suited to exterior and interior use and UDS is happy to work directly with residential clients or in consultation with architects and designers.

UDS is passionate about good design and is driven to create products that add value to any outdoor or home project.

It offers a selection of robust materials and finishes, which means you can inject some colour into your space with painted aluminium, enjoy the visual warmth of timber-grained Weathertex, or savour the earthy, rustic elegance of weathered steel.

For an alternative to conventional fencing or a stunning feature wall, UDS laser-cut screening is ideal. Screening can also be used to hide service areas or act as a stylish privacy solution. Moreover, laser-cut screening offers a unique way of covering windows or door frames, whether to block unsightly views, keep prying eyes at bay, or create some intrigue with delightful shadow effects. Inside the home, screens work particularly well as room dividers.

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As well as conventional two-dimensional cutting, UDS creates three-dimensional designs that offer a real sculptural element to a two-dimensional panel. Due to the minimal cut-out density, three-dimensional designs provide almost complete block-out.

Decorative laser cutting can also be applied to the creation of gates, ensuring a striking entrance to your property. Whether for mechanical, sliding or hinged gates, UDS can provide all-aluminium, steel, or steel and timber-framed units, ensuring your gate will be a statement piece.

Another application for laser cutting is the creation of feature artwork, adding ambience to interior and exterior spaces.

What’s more, patterned designs take on a new life when backlit, whether by natural light or with LED lighting, and will transform any environment in which they are used.

The complexity of each design determines the amount of light that will filter into an area and the exact pattern that will be cast, so choose your design carefully and you can create beautiful dappled shade in any space.

The UDS collection of weathered steel sculptures is another popular offering.

These can be used as focal points within a landscape or discreetly positioned to subtly enhance a garden design. To complete your garden design, UDS also produces planter troughs and, to add warmth to an outdoor living space, fire pits and log holders.

You might also like to talk to UDS staff about special or custom products. As well as offering standard designs, UDS provides a customised design service and can custom-cut products to suit your exact requirements. Although UDS is based in NSW, direct supply is available through licensed interstate manufacturers.

AU S CONTACT DETAILS URBAN DESIGN SYSTEMS Mobile 0411 540 162 Website urbandesignsystems.com.au

Urban Design Systems’ laser cut concepts can add that extra dimension of texture, colour and design to your project, whether for your yard, balcony or garden g home interior, courtyard, landscape.

• Landscape screening ing • Privacy screening • Window screeningg • Feature artwork • Fencing and Gates es • Sculptures • Signage • Garden elementss • Custom Design Visit our website to view i more ore screens and products, prod or call to visit our showroom courtyard. www.urbandesignsystems.com.au | sales@urbandesignsystems.com.au | P 02 9982 2828 | M 0411 540 162

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

DREAM WEAVING Enjoy the ultimate in comfort and style with this leading collection of handwoven artisan outdoor furniture

T

he prospect of entertaining or relaxing outdoors has never been so appealing with these stylish, supremely comfortable outdoor sofas, sun lounges, day beds and more from Contemporary Classics. From beautiful dining settings and lounge suites to side tables and pod chairs, there’s a wide variety of outdoor pieces to suit every taste and the quality is second-to-none.

“We specialise in outdoor furniture that has been handwoven by artisans and made with comfort and quality in mind. We offer a diverse range of pieces with the emphasis on classic ‘forever’ designs at affordable prices, ensuring you can find something to suit any outdoor space,” says Grant Furniss, founder of Contemporary Classics.

Product is sourced from five suppliers — Bloom-Outdoor, Sedex, Mazuvo, Skyline and Yamakawa — all well-established, wellknown international brands. As a result, customers can avail themselves of an impressive and extensive choice of shapes,

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QLD sizes, colours and styles. First-class quality is another thing customers can expect.

“Our focus has always been on sourcing handmade products worthy of the most stylish outdoor spaces. Our aim is to provide homeowners with outdoor furniture that is beautiful, timeless, comfortable and longlasting,” says Grant.

“After 30 years of importing handwoven designs, we have the highest standards and source only those ranges that have exceptionally tight, precise weaving and use fibres that will stand up to the harsh Australian environment. In particular, we only use products that have been UVtested using German technology.

Adds Grant, “We can custom-size a lot of the models and single-piece orders can be made. As long-time importers of handcreated furniture, we have forged strong relationships with suppliers, which gives us the flexibility to offer special productions. As for standard pieces, if we don’t have them in stock they can be ordered with lead times of eight to 16 weeks for most products.”

Aimed at the design-savvy homeowner, Contemporary Classics’ outdoor furniture can be used as a feature of a garden or as a starting point for an outdoor design, says Grant. “Why not use the furniture as your focal point and design the background to support it? This can be an easy way to find inspiration for an outdoor design,” he suggests.

“Or you can design your space and then choose pieces, large and small, from our comprehensive range to complement the design and create a comfortable space that people will want to stop and enjoy. Classic woven products continue to be in demand and suit homes of all styles, from modern and minimalist to resort-style and traditional.”

Established in 1990, the New Zealandbased company recently extended its reach to Australia, opening its first store in Surfers Paradise, Queensland. The showroom is open seven days a week, so pop in to see what’s on offer or you can browse the website.

QLD CONTACT DETAILS CONTEMPORARY CLASSICS Showroom 82 Bundall Road, Bundall Qld 4217 Phone (07) 5629 2157 Websites contemporaryclassics.co.nz, bloom-outdoor.com.au

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To save space, a slimline barbecue has been integrated into custom-built cabinetry. altolandscapes.com.au

SOME LIKE IT HOT

Take entertaining to the next level with the latest, most versatile options for cooking alfresco and heating outdoor living spaces

A

custom-designed outdoor kitchen nestled into a lavish poolside pavilion may be what dreams are made of, but for many, a covered area close to the house and a barbecue big enough to feed the gang is all that’s needed to get a party started.

Of course, it’s the barbecue that is the hub of any outdoor cookout, but no longer is a barbecue “just” a barbecue. Never before has there been such diversity of choice.

Today’s barbecues offer greater functionality and flexibility, with many of the things that were once considered an optional extra now often included as standard.

GRILL IT GOOD “Barbecues have evolved in recent years to become an extension of home entertaining in the same way that the old pergola is now

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Words: Karen Booth

an alfresco area that brings the comfort of the indoors to the great outdoors,” says John McGran of Lifestyle BBQs. “A barbecue brings the family together and turns the chore of producing a meal into a joyous occasion. Every important family occasion in my home involves a great meal prepared on the barbecue.”

So what are John’s tips for getting the best barbecue? “Buy Australian-made.

That’s my number-one tip,” he says. “Ask the person you’re buying it from what was their last barbecue recipe. Basically find out if they know the product they are selling.

“Buying a barbecue that won’t get hot enough or one that has a complicated fat drainage system are the two big mistakes that people make,” he adds, “and always go for stainless-steel plates and grills for a better and healthier result. A good warranty is important,

too, and just as important is your confidence that the company will be around to back it up.”

Choosing a barbecue can seem a bit of a complicated business, and it is a major financial investment, so doing your research and considering all the factors — such as fuel, size, materials, design, cooking style, cleaning and add-ons — are vital before making a final decision.

KITCHEN CONVENIENCE One of the appealing aspects of cooking in an outdoor kitchen is that the host doesn’t have to spend all their time shuffling items between indoor and outdoor spaces. It also means that the host stays among the action where everyone has gathered rather than being locked away inside while they cook. So, for frequent entertainers, a fully equipped outdoor kitchen is functional,

F E AT U R E

Cooking & Heating social, and, if chosen well, provides an eyecatching feature within the landscape.

It is important that your outdoor kitchen is well designed for your individual needs and cooking style. It can be a considerable investment, especially if you incorporate hot and cold running water, cabinetry, heating, cooling, lighting and the like, so it is worth spending time with a suitably qualified designer to get things exactly how you want before embarking on the construction.

“An outdoor kitchen can be as simple or elaborate as the space and the budget permits,” adds John.” Measure your available area and prepare a wish list of features you would like, then talk to a company that really knows the business.

If they don’t have an extensive gallery of previous jobs, then you should look for a company that does.”

COOKING WITH WOOD Woodfired ovens are now considered as essential as a barbecue for many families.

“We’ve seen the interest in woodfired ovens steadily increasing over the last 10 years or so, with no sign of slowing down. I think the simple fact is that as Australians, we just love to cook outdoors and there is simply no better way to do this than with a woodfired oven,” says Ben Guilford of The Melbourne Fire Brick Company.

Why are they so popular? “Where do I start?” says Ben. “The food. Oh, the mouthwatering creations I have seen coming out of our woodfired ovens. Slow-roasted lamb legs, suckling pig, shoulders of pork that are just falling apart after being super-slow cooked for 24 hours, crusty sourdough bread, juicy flamegrilled steaks and roast vegetables to die for.

And the pizzas. You will not eat a better pizza than one out of your own woodfired oven.

A fully-equipped, custom-designed outdoor kitchen teamed with a spacious alfresco dining area. ojpippin.com.au

“Then there is the warmth and ambience that a natural woodfire creates. I have not seen any element of a backyard that draws the same amount of attention as a woodfired oven, with the fire gently burning inside.”

THE PERFECT SPOT So where to put your barbecue or woodfired oven, or locate your outdoor kitchen?

“Under some kind of roof is best so you can use it in all weather conditions,” says John. Just remember that covered areas need high ceilings, a chimney, or special barbecue rangehood to vent the very hot, smoky, greasy air. In semi-enclosed outdoor rooms, which don’t have adequate ventilation, energy safety laws usually require built-in gas barbecues to have flame-failure devices on all burners.

With a fully equipped outdoor kitchen (with sink, fridge, prep space and storage) you don’t have to place it close to the house and

WHAT TO CHOOSE? With so many different types of barbecues on the market, how do you know which is the right one for you? “As a first step,” says Andrea Mead of Heatlie, “consider how you will use the barbecue. Do you regularly entertain for large crowds, or will you use your barbecue for everyday family meals?

These factors will determine the durability you require, the size of the cooking area and any extra features you may need, such as roasters and cabinet space.

“Next, think about where your barbecue will sit. A shiny, freestanding five- or sixburner — complete with bottle opener, infrared burners, side tables and a host of bells and whistles — makes a statement in any backyard and may be the right option if your barbecue is going to sit on a patio or deck. If you’re shopping for a barbecue to fit into an outdoor kitchen, consider whether you want a unit that is integrated into the bench or one that slides in from the front.”

Here, the barbecue sits in a bench built of Allure bricks and is screened by breeze block walls. brickworks.com.au

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Cooking & Heating

The Escea EK Fireplace Kitchen comes with everything you need to achieve a smoky meat lover’s feast. escea.com

indoor kitchen because you won’t need to be ducking in and out for plates, ingredients and the like. In this instance, placing it where you will be doing the bulk of your entertaining and alfresco dining makes sense.

Wherever you choose to place your outdoor cooking area, and no matter how simple or sophisticated the set-up, if you plan it well and buy the best appliances you can afford, you’ll have a place where family and friends will want to congregate for many years to come.

DOUBLE THE DELIGHT

This outdoor space features a custom-built concrete barbecue bench and a Dome heater/light. gardenconstructions.com.au

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Some forms of heating can also do double duty as a means of cooking outdoors. You can purchase a grill plate with some fire pits, which will turn them into an easy way to cook up a small meal. Then there is the chiminea. “As well as being a woodfired outdoor heater, a chiminea can become a fabulous woodfired barbecue and pizza oven with the simple addition of a cooking attachment that you place on top,” says Andrew Fenton of Aussie Heatwave.

“A chiminea or fire pit can turn your outdoor area from drab to fab in an instant and it changes the way you use your outdoor area, making it a more inviting and versatile space,” he adds. “It also brings

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The Lifestyle Modular Outdoor kitchen range Visit our website, www.lifestylebbqs.com to see videos of our BBQs in action and get detailed information on how to specify your ideal Outdoor Kitchen. We manufacture in Australia and you buy direct from the factory. Lifestyle BBQs can be shipped Australia wide.

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F E AT U R E

Cooking & Heating The HEATSTRIP portable LPG heater offers gentle, comfortable warmth with a cheery glow. heatstrip.com.au

us back to basics in our stressful hi-tech world. A fire pit or chiminea provides a great activity the whole family can enjoy — it’s like having a camp fire in your own garden.”

Traditionally made from clay, chimineas can also be fashioned from cast iron, copper or aluminium, which continue to radiate heat long after the flames have died down.

Chimineas make sense for smaller spaces where you can’t fit a fireplace. Fire pits are a portable heating (or cooking) solution that can be relocated from the patio to poolside for instant ambience. They can run off wood, gas or bioethanol.

SPREAD THE WARMTH With a contemporary electric heater or fireplace, you and your guests will stay toasty warm while you dine alfresco or relax in your outdoor lounge area. Choose from modern bar heaters, slimline heat strips, panels for larger areas or portable heaters. Slimline electric heaters are very unobtrusive and they’ll blend with any decor. If you like the idea of a fireplace, without the hassle of cleaning up, some electric models replicate flickering firelight. As electric heaters are connected to electricity, you won’t run out of fuel half way through a dinner party either.

Recess your heater into a wall, or go portable, so you can move it as needed.

Strip and bar heaters are fabulous for smaller spaces as they don’t take up valuable floor space. They can be mounted flush with the ceiling, or angled on a wall to create a warm inviting space around a daybed or dining area.

Gas heaters are perfect for when you want instant heat at the flick of a switch. Gas fireplaces can be made to look like woodburning fires with the advantage of clean fuel. Improved technology can produce the effect of dancing flames and glowing embers, and added features can include a remote control to start the fire.

This spacious, award-winning outdoor cooking and dining zone was designed

by COS Design. cosdesign.com.au

SPOILED FOR CHOICE One of the most environmentally friendly ways to stay warm is a bioethanol fireplace.

Bioethanol is a renewable, clean-burning fuel so you won’t be exposed to harmful emissions, and you won’t have the hindrance of a chimney either. Bioethanol fireplaces are prized for their portability.

Without the need for a utility connection, there’s practically no installation involved, and they are very easy to operate. Simply fill the burner with bioethanol and ignite the fuel

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with a lighter, for toasty warm surroundings.

Their sleek metal and glass construction make them well-suited to contemporary outdoor design, and they produce a mesmerising live flame that creates a cosy effect.

Of course, nothing encapsulates the spirit of the outdoors more than a roaring

fire. Wood fireplaces create an inviting focal point: all you need is a lounge chair, a couple of cushions and a throw rug to complete the picture. So, when planning an entertaining space, be sure you can keep guests warm while you’re cooking up a storm with the right cooking and heating solutions.

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ALFRESCO COOKING

ULTIMATE ENTERTAINER

If you want to be the host with the most, an outdoor kitchen opens up a world of culinary experiences

W

ith more and more families embracing the concept of alfresco dining and entertaining at home, either a barbecue or an outdoor kitchen is now an essential component of an outdoor living area. Barbeques and More stocks a broad range of outdoor cooking solutions, from the smallest portable Weber Q barbecue to modular and custom outdoor kitchens.

“Outdoor kitchens are a major part of our business and we have a wide range to choose from, ensuring something to suit all tastes and budgets,” says Garry McFarlane who co-owns the business with his wife, Jennifer. “We offer a custom-designedand-made service for those who are looking

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for a bespoke kitchen as well as modular outdoor kitchens that are easy to assemble and install. We also have a huge range of smokers as well as just about everything you need to have the perfect outdoor entertaining experience.”

Barbeques and More’s Euro Alfresco outdoor kitchen range is especially popular as it offers the choice of a predesigned kitchen or the option to build your own using customised modular solutions. This is a complete joinery and appliance package that avoids the extra micro-management of cabinet makers and delivers something that is manufactured to suit your specifications.

“With Euro Alfresco kitchens you have the choice of three stone benchtop colours

and 10 on-trend laminate colours for the cabinetry, and you have the freedom to change the cabinetry colours in the future if you redecorate your outdoor entertaining area,” says Jennifer. “In addition, you have the peace of mind that comes with having a three-year warranty on all appliances and a 10-year warranty on all cabinetry and stone benchtops.

“We all love spending time outdoors and by adding an outdoor kitchen, you increase the enjoyment you derive and the ease with which you can entertain,” she continues.

“We can show you how to create a stunning outdoor room or alfresco entertaining space and choose the units that will best suit your family’s individual needs.”

QLD

Jennifer and Garry McFarlane established Barbeques and More in 2001. Says Garry, “We have been assisting customers for nearly 20 years, planning and implementing their ideas for outdoor kitchens. Not only do we supply the kitchen, we offer information on how to get the most from your kitchen with cooking and cleaning information.

We have amassed a wealth of knowledge and experience in barbecues and outdoor kitchens and customers are welcome to come in to our showroom and browse or check out our website.”

“As well as barbecues and outdoor kitchens, we specialise in stylish Europeandesigned home appliances. We have an extensive collection of cooktops, ovens, rangehoods, dishwashers, microwave ovens, laundry appliances, refrigerators plus beverage and wine fridges,” adds Jennifer.

“We also provide a free design and quote service. In short, we offer a one-stop solution.”

QLD CONTACT DETAILS BARBEQUES AND MORE Address 48 Browns Plains Road, Browns Plains Qld 4118 Phone (07) 3809 2955 Email sales@barbequesandmore.com.au Websites barbquesandmore.com.au, euroalfresco.com.au

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O U T D O O R H E AT I N G

HEAT IT UP

Discover the next generation of high-performance outdoor heating and enjoy year-round comfort

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s temperatures drop, it might be tempting to retreat indoors — but you really don’t have to leave that beautiful outdoor living space you’ve so lovingly created just because it’s winter. After all the hard work you’ve done to create the ultimate entertaining space, it would be a shame to desert it for a portion of the year.

Bring inside comfort outside with the HEATSTRIP range of outdoor gas and electric heaters, proudly designed and engineered in Australia. In a market filled with unsightly and bulky outdoor heaters, it’s refreshing to see a company so passionately providing innovative, stylish and energy efficient outdoor heating solutions.

From freestanding to wall-mounted, there is a HEATSTRIP for every application.

The new HEATSTRIP Elegance with Remote and App (THER-A) is an elegant heating solution for your undercover, protected alfresco area, balcony, patio and verandah.

It’s also suitable for indoor uses, including

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AU S

garages and bathrooms. Easy temperature and automatic timer control is available via a remote control or smartphone application.

The THER-A app is compatible with iPhone, Android, Alexa and Google Hub. HEATSTRIP Classic is a stylish electric radiant heater that provides even and comfortable heat. With a unique slimline shape and black facade, the unit blends elegantly into any decor and, thanks to its cutting-edge technology, it can effectively heat any undercover alfresco dining or barbecue area, patio, verandah, courtyard or balcony. One of the most energy-efficient heaters available in Australia, HEATSTRIP Max Classic’s running costs start from just 30 cents per hour, which is a fraction of the cost of gas-bottled patio heaters.

HEATSTRIP Max is suitable for difficultto-heat exposed outdoor sites and alfresco areas with high ceilings, such as pergolas and balconies, as well as indoor spaces, such as garages. Using unique low-glow heating technology, the heating element provides a mild and unobtrusive glow as energy is directed towards producing heat rather

than unwanted light. The dual-element design allows for a very compact unit while maintaining maximum efficiency.

Using the latest material coating and heating element technology, Thermofilm, a world leader in electric heaters, recently introduced the first off-white outdoor heater. The new HEATSTRIP Elegance series blends seamlessly with most white ceilings (be they atop a patio, verandah or outdoor room) and is available in three different sizes: 1800w, 2400w and 3600w.

The shorter, more compact design, which means less surface area compared to other products on the market, will transform any area into a stylish, vibrant and sophisticated space, providing more effective heating and a comfortable outdoor living experience throughout the year.

Designed and engineered in Australia, the HEATSTRIP range is built from corrosion-resistant alloy and is suitable for use in most applications, including harsh environments such as coastal areas, outdoor kitchens and around saltwater swimming pools. You can also rest assured

that all HEATSTRIP heaters come with a two-year, full-replacement warranty for residential applications.

With several mounting options available, the HEATSTRIP range can be tailored to your individual outdoor space. Also, the standard bracket will allow both ceiling and wall mounting at various angles as well as suspension by chains, wires and metal rods for use with higher ceilings.

In addition to trade outlets, HEATSTRIP outdoor heaters are available nationally at Bunnings Warehouse, as well as specialty outdoor living, electrical and heating stores.

AU S CONTACT DETAILS HEATSTRIP Phone (03) 9562 3455 Email sales@thermofilm.com.au Website heatstrip.com.au

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L A N D S CA P E L I G H T I N G

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NSW

LIGHT YOUR WAY

With artfully placed landscape and exterior lighting, you can create an utterly enchanting night garden

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L A N D S CA P E L I G H T I N G

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ometimes garden lighting is a bit of an afterthought. A great deal of care goes into choosing the paving, plants and pots, but how much attention is paid to what should be illuminated and what type of fittings used?

Thinking about how you will light your garden during the design stage makes all the difference to how it will look — and feel — at night. Integrating lighting into your original garden design plan means the end result will look intentional rather than like a late addition. Moreover, it can save you money and hassle in the long run.

Finding an exterior lighting expert with horticultural knowledge and landscape design experience is the key to success.

So, too, is choosing premium-quality fittings. Castlight, a company specialising in low-voltage (12-volt) architectural and landscape lighting, ticks all of these boxes.

Company owner Nigel Finnimore has an extensive horticultural and landscape

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design background. “This knowledge is very valuable when selecting what to light and by which method, especially for the planting,” says Nigel. “Designing lighting schemes is an integral part of the service we provide.

We meet clients on site to assess the garden and talk through their needs and, later, we meet with the electrical contractor to mark out on site the exact positions of the lights so as not to compromise the design.”

To help clients make informed choices, they are invited to the showroom to view the Castlight product range and go through the lighting design and specifications. “They can then see how the various effects can be achieved and can view on a big screen some of the projects we have completed over the past 25 years,” says Nigel.

Castlight products are designed and manufactured in Australia and the quality is unmatched. The company is especially known for its brass and cast-bronze ranges, which have been designed to withstand

even the most punishing coastal conditions.

These fittings weather naturally, taking on a beautiful, timeless patina.

There are many standout products in the Castlight collection, but one of the most popular is the Gemini “twin” range, suitable for contemporary and traditional gardens.

You have a choice of five fittings and you can opt for brass, which ages like the cast-bronze, or powdercoated, machined aluminium. The latter is for locations where coastal conditions don’t apply.

“Because we have such a broad range of fittings and accessories it means we are able to highlight structures and plants in a variety of ways, not just by using the standard lighting technique of uplighting,” says Nigel. “And to ensure your new lights will complement your landscape design, we can organise custom colours to blend with outdoor structures such as pergolas.”

The brief for the landscape showcased here was to provide lighting for an upcoming wedding. “The goal was to make the rear garden where the ceremony was to be held look wonderful and to have harmonious lighting from the house, rear terrace and first floor as well as lighting to welcome the guests arriving via the front garden,” explains Nigel.

“We designed the lighting for the project, made a detailed drawing showing all that would be achieved and worked

with the clients to select product from the Castlight ranges. Later, we went through the positioning on site with the installer to make sure nothing was lost in translation.

“Various techniques were employed for lighting the luxuriant lawn area, curved hedging, general planting, feature trees, outdoor dining area and cottage. This was made easier by the broad range of Castlight fittings and accessories at our disposal, which enabled us to highlight different structures and plants in a variety of ways.

“The project was made more memorable as new landscaping and planting had been carried out. This meant more features were available for us to creatively light, further enhancing the atmosphere for the evening of their special day.”

The end result? An utterly enchanting nightscape and the ideal wedding venue.

N SW CONTACT DETAILS CASTLIGHT Address 102 Pacific Highway, Roseville NSW 2069 Phone (02) 9416 8606 Email contact@castlight.com.au Website castlight.com.au

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MEET THE DESIGNER

NIGEL FINNIMORE

LET THERE BE LIGHT Outdoor lighting must complement both home and garden, says lighting designer Nigel Finnimore, founder of Castlight How did you get your start? I began as a horticulturist and segued into designing and creating landscapes. I always thought it was a shame that we lost a great deal of the effect and atmosphere at night by not having suitable light fittings. At the time, mostly only decorative fittings, like coach lights, were available; also bollards and flood lights. I heard about a company in the USA that produced 12-volt fittings especially for the outdoors, so I went there to investigate. That was the start of my search for quality fittings that could provide the lighting I wanted.

What is your approach to design? My design philosophy is that I am “painting with light” and my aim is to recognise the best features, including architectural elements, of both the house and garden. Just as important is knowing which techniques to use to create a wonderful atmosphere without losing sight of the practicalities.

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Can you describe your process? When developing a lighting plan, what’s most important is having a vision and the knowledge to make it a reality. It’s also important that I meet the clients at their property so I can view their garden and home to map out the design, which I then draw up later. During the site visit we discuss the possibilities so the clients have an appreciation of the concept and they can give me input into how they like to live.

What qualities set you apart? The ability to treat each property individually and not “rubber stamp” them. As a horticulturist with a background in landscape design, it’s easy for me to appreciate the subject matter. For over 30 years I have had many satisfied clients, some of whom have engaged my services each time they moved to a new home. Clients involve me with each new property as they know I will ensure their lighting reflects the

architecture of their new house and garden, which may be very different from their last.

Are you influenced by trends? I don’t believe creating inspiring lighting for outdoor spaces involves trends. It’s my experience that the type of ambience clients love involves timelessness — in the effects created and in the appearance of the light fittings. That’s why I only use Castlight fixtures, which are designed and made in Australia. Effective yet subtle results can be created by highlighting architectural and landscape features with the innovative use of shadows, silhouettes and soft mood lighting, extending the enjoyment of the garden long after sunset.

What is the secret to your success? We have a very detailed approach. Through every step of the process our clients really value that they have an open line of communication, from going through all that’s involved during the initial consultation in our showroom to walking through the positioning of fittings with the installer on site. It’s very rewarding when clients tell us the lighting looks wonderful.

Castlight, castlight.com.au

Do it once, do it right!

“TLA members are committed to excellence.

Don’t trust your landscape project to anyone else.”

Matt Leacy, Director Landart Landscapes

Find your ideal TLA Member

www.landscapeassociation.com.au

S H A D E S O LU T I O N S

SHADE ON DEMAND

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Ideal for indoor-outdoor living, this fully retractable sail system offers ease of use, flexibility and total control

he Shaderunner® Retractable Sail System is ideally suited to a broad range of applications around the home, from outdoor entertaining spaces and patios to swimming pools and courtyards. With a wide array of fabrics and colour options available, the Shaderunner® complements all architectural styles, be it a modern suburban home or a traditional country residence.

This contemporary home in the Adelaide beach suburb of Somerton Park is a stone’s throw from the seafront and just a short walk to cafes and bars, providing the ultimate in suburban coastal living. With a

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north-facing outdoor area, the owners of the property elected to construct a pool.

Adelaide’s Urban Oasis was engaged to construct this well-designed courtyard pool that boasts an impressive water feature. To provide welcome respite from the harsh sun, the stylish Shaderunner® Retractable Sail System was chosen, providing practical and controllable shade on demand.

Perfect for shading pools, the versatile Shaderunner® Retractable Sail System can be extended when required to provide swimmers and pool users with UV protection and welcome shade. In the cooler months, the versatile Shaderunner®

can be easily retracted, enabling thermal heating of the pool from the winter sun.

The Shaderunner® was manufactured using Outlook Chalk fabric, which perfectly complements the beach-style feel of the white rendered home. Being near the seafront and in close proximity to the pool, the support frame was painted white using an extrahardwearing three-coat coastal paint system.

The steel support frame was designed to be integrated into the swimming pool’s structure, with the support posts being cast into the concrete shell. Between the posts at each end is a beam to which the running wires and operation cord are connected.

SA

The owners elected to have the manually operated system, which features an easyto-use endless looped cord system with a tie-off horn cleat.

Available with either motorised or manual operation, the Shaderunner® can be supported by a number of structural systems, from an existing or purpose-built pergola, between walls or fascias, or on specially designed posts. The distinctive qualities of the Shaderunner® also make it possible to span and protect small or large areas with minimum support structure.

When designing an outdoor living area, entertaining space or pool, practical shading — in particular, retractable shading — should be considered at the start of the process. The combined effect of reducing the impact of the sun during the summer and making the most of available light and warmth in the winter, not only enables greater use of outdoor spaces, it can also aid with passive solar design strategies.

The Shaderunner® Retractable Sail System is constructed using only the most durable marine-grade yacht fittings and Ronstan ball bearing pulleys, ensuring years of trouble-free shading with minimal maintenance. The Shaderunner® is manufactured using a range of rigorously tested fabrics, from 95 per cent polyester mesh to waterproof PVC. Each fabric is mould resistant and offers protection from glare and the sun’s harmful rays, with a wide range of colours available. The unique attributes of the Shaderunner® enable it to be used for a multitude of applications, from the smallest domestic setting right up to large-span commercial projects, such as aquatic parks and hotels.

With distributors available in each state, the Shaderunner® is available throughout Australia. Why not contact Shaderunner® Australia today to discuss your residential or commercial project?

SA CONTACT DETAILS SHADERUNNER AUSTRALIA Phone 1800 495 645 Email enquiries@shaderunner.com.au Website shaderunner.com.au Photography by Sarah Long

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S H A D E S O LU T I O N S

CUSTOM CREATIONS When you want to shelter your outdoor areas and do it with style, you need an individually tailored solution

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f your outdoor living space requires protection from either the sun or the rain — or, indeed, both — you need a customised solution that will suit your specific location and lifestyle needs.

The experts from Outrigger Awnings & Sails specialise in the creation of high-quality, custom-designed shade products and rainproof fabric structures for residential and commercial applications. Products include retracting, cantilevered and batten awnings, awnings for carports and pergolas, as well as sails and outdoor blinds.

Designed for optimum strength and longevity, as well as good looks, Outrigger awnings are the perfect choice when you want year-round coverage in a high-wind area.

Outrigger’s retracting awnings can withstand winds up to 100km/h while the company’s fixed awnings are rated for winds up to 140km/h.

All awnings are custom-designed and engineered by company owner Andrew Perry and fabricated in the Outrigger factory in Sydney, so you can be assured each product will be specifically tailored to your site and preferred design.

As an example, pictured on the top of the facing page is a custom-made, motorised retracting triangular sail with one support pole. The sleek sail measures 8.5m long on the roller end and extends 5.5m to the pole.

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appeal, too. Their sleek, modern look will complement any architectural design, plus they can be easily extended or retracted.

Installation by Outrigger staff can be arranged within a 200km radius of Sydney and a free quotation and design service is available for clients anywhere in Australia or the world. You just need to supply photos, sketches or drawings of the outdoor area to be covered and the design process will be conducted by phone or email, after which you will receive a written quotation and a drawing. As an engineer who has been designing awnings since 1994, Andrew Perry has the expertise to create the perfect shade or rain solution, just for you.

N SW All Outrigger awnings and sails are made using the highest-quality fabric and fittings, so you can expect them to last 18 to 25 years. Retracting sails are manufactured with a Tri-Radial fabric pattern, which evenly distributes tension throughout the material

and eliminates tensioning along a bias edge.

This greatly increases the strength and long-term durability of the sail.

Outrigger’s retracting awnings and sails are a popular choice as they offer not only strength and flexibility, but aesthetic

CONTACT DETAILS OUTRIGGER AWNINGS & SAILS Phone (02) 9905 8473 Email info@outriggerawnings.com.au Website outriggerawnings.com.au Photography by Peter Brennan

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GA R D E N I N G P R O D U C T S

SOIL SOLUTIONS

Restore life and good health to dry soil with easy-to-use, microbe-rich, premium-quality rock mineral products

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he hassles of gardening in dry, lifeless soils can seem endless. It can almost put us off gardening all together. Plants struggle to grow and no matter how much we water and fertilise, the garden doesn’t seem to come good. We regularly add products like fertilisers but when the dry weather hits, our gardens still struggle.

We can blame the weather but the real reason why the soil is dry is because it is lifeless and that is down to our own gardening practices. People often wonder if adding fertiliser is necessary or beneficial; after all, plants grow in the forest without it. Says Colin Johnson of Earthlife, “In the forest, up to 90 per cent of nutrients taken up by plants are through microbial action.

When we use chemical fertilisers, those soil microbes become redundant and our plants then have to rely on us.

“Some of our common practices like using gypsum, dolomite and wetting agents can adversely affect the structure of the soil and the beneficial life within it. Also, constant or over-use of these chemical

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AU S fertilisers can create toxic zones around the plants, allowing pathogens to grow.

“Fertilisers are added to provide plants with essential elements to support growth, but these elements were determined without regard for the soil or the microbes within it and should be only considered supplemental to proper soil nutrition,” continues Colin.

“Soil conditioning, on the other hand, works on the structure of the soil and its ability to support growing plants, influencing water penetration, storage, drainage and aggregate formation, as well as nutrient retention and availability.

Adding Earthlife Microbial Rock Minerals conditions any soil and helps create an environment that promotes strong, energetic growth, while helping plants with their natural ability to grow without the need for numerous different supplements.

“Think of it like a fish tank where we condition the water so the fish can live happily — we should be doing the same with our soil for the plants. With soil conditioning, our plants can be less reliant on us to care for them.”

Life can be easily returned to all soils with a small range of environmentally-friendly, simple-to-use products from Australian company, Earthlife. Originally designed to restore life to dry, lifeless and heavily compacted agricultural soils, these products are available for the home gardener as Earthlife Microbial Rock Minerals.

All of the necessary soil microbes can be introduced back into the soil, also into compost, with just a couple of handfuls.

Combined with more than 60 minerals, the microbes have all of the elements they need to grow and prosper, which helps them to break up compaction, retain moisture and create a rich, healthy soil that is full of all of the nutrients our plants need to grow.

By introducing Earthlife Microbial Rock Minerals into your garden, the microbes become our gardeners and they look after the life below the ground — we then get to see true life return above the ground with healthier, more resilient plants.

AU S CONTACT DETAILS EARTHLIFE Phone 1800 819 003 Email enquiries@earthlife.com.au Website earthlife.com.au

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DECKING PRODUCTS

F THAT’ S CLEVER! Versatile, eco-friendly composite decking provides the look of real timber without the ongoing maintenance

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uturewood supplies a quality range of environmentally friendly, lowmaintenance timber-alternative building products, including composite timber screening, cladding and decking. Now with two distinctly different composite timber decking ranges to choose from, Futurewood has a product that’s bound to suit your outdoor needs.

CleverDeck Original composite timber decking has been a best-seller because it looks like timber but is more ecologically sustainable and low-maintenance. Finished with a coarse, sanded texture that makes the product look and feel like a timber plank, it is supplied in long lengths with grooved edges that work seamlessly with Futurewood’s concealed fix clipping system. The long boards and easy-to-use clips add further value by greatly reducing installation time and saving on labour costs.

Made from recycled plastic, rice husks and hardwood sawdust, CleverDeck Original composite timber decking has colour pigments running through each decking board, eliminating the need for oiling or painting. It won’t rot, splinter or cup, making it a great option, plus the concealed fixing provides a nice, clean finish with no nails or screws to catch any toes.

With five standard colours to choose from, the 138mm-wide x 23mm-thick x 5400mmlong solid composite timber decking board can be easily matched to any decor.

Futurewood CleverDeck Xtreme is a newly-released “capped” composite decking board. CleverDeck Xtreme is a co-extruded decking, meaning it has a hard outer shell made from virgin polymers that completely encapsulate a traditional composite timber core. The Xtreme cap is made from a blend of different polymers designed to make it super tough and much harder to scratch than traditional composite timber. It’s virtually waterproof, meaning it is very hard to stain and easy to clean. More than that, the cap’s virgin polymer blend allows the use of vibrant colour hues with subtle streaking, creating a totally new decking look.

The latest in the CleverDeck Xtreme range is an extra-wide 185mm board for a

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high-end look. A new coarse-texture finish offers something different to the classic grain pattern and is perfect for texture lovers. The Xtreme board is available in seven amazing colours supplied in a scalloped back, grooved-edge profile in the same board dimensions as the Original range, allowing the Futurewood deck clip system to work seamlessly between both decking products.

Futurewood offers quality alternatives to traditional timber products — and with the new CleverDeck Xtreme range, you now have twice as many reasons to talk to the folks at Futurewood about your next decking project.

AU S CONTACT DETAILS FUTUREWOOD Phone 1300 484 308 Email info@futurewood.com.au Website futurewood.com.au

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S U R FAC E S E A L E R S

GOING DEEP Prep, protect and maintain your natural stone and paving with world-leading impregnating sealers and enhancers

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ith the right treatment, it’s easy to keep even the most porous natural stone and paving, as well as tile and brick, looking great for many years. Treating a porous surface with the right impregnating sealer also makes cleaning easier.

Staining is the most common problem for stone, engineered concrete, paving and steps, but there are other common types of damage. Water can be harmless, but if stone or paving is wet for long enough, mould and bacteria can take hold and the material can be

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softened and weakened. Water also contains minerals (salts) that can leave unsightly residues or stains and even cause major corrosion of unprotected pavers and tiles.

The world-leading STAIN-PROOF™ (formerly Dry Treat) line offers a complete breadth of care and maintenance solutions, including deep-impregnating sealers and long-lasting enhancers for natural stone, bricks, pavers, tile and engineered concrete as well as grout. Additionally, a line of specialised cleaners is available to keep these protected surfaces looking beautiful.

The STAIN-PROOF™ range of highquality invisible impregnating sealers provides many advantages over traditional topical (coating) and impregnating sealers.

“Our modified Silane technology comes down to two basic things,” says STAINPROOF™ managing director, Malcolm Parkes. “Our impregnating sealers penetrate much deeper, up to 14mm, and our special water- and oil-repelling molecules actually chemically bond permanently with the treated material, so you get a very deep and long-lasting barrier of protection.”

The STAIN-PROOF™ range of sealers and cleaners not only protects natural stone, paving and tiles against stains to keep them looking good, it also maintains the slip-resistance of the surface (which is great for poolside areas), retards moss and mildew growth, and makes the surface much easier to clean.

“The reputation of STAIN-PROOF™ has spread to more than 35 countries through a worldwide network of distributors and dealers,” says Malcolm. “Today, STAINPROOF™ premium impregnating sealer protects hundreds of thousands of homes and many well-known iconic public and commercial buildings, including the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Sydney Opera House, the BBC Scotland headquarters, the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium in the USA, city malls, famous hotels and monuments.”

The versatile product line can be used for a variety of indoor and outdoor applications in residential and commercial buildings, including building facades, floors, walls, countertops, showers, swimming pool surrounds, patios, garages, kitchens and entertaining areas. A 15-year performance warranty is available when STAIN-PROOF™ is applied by an accredited applicator, although the simple application instructions make it easy for DIY use as well.

For more product information, or to find a STAIN-PROOF™ dealer or accredited applicator located near you, call the number below or visit the STAIN-PROOF™ website.

AU S CONTACT DETAILS STAIN-PROOF Phone 1800 786 617 (free call) Email sales-australia@ipcgroup.com Website stain-proof.com Photos courtesy of Stonehaus

by

PREP. PROTECT. MAINTAIN.

Stonehaus - QLD, Australia (!*ŏ 0/+*ŏ +*/0.1 0%+* NEW NAME. SAM ME SU UPE ERIO OR PROTECT TION. Introducing STAIN-PROOF®, the new brand for world-leading performance sealers and cleaners previously known as Dry-Treat™. We deliver the same advanced formulas, now with easy-to-understand names and packaging.

Visit stain-proof.com to learn more.

NSW & V I C

L A N D S CA P I N G S U P P L I E S

THE BETTER CHOICE

A concrete mix with impressive eco-credentials that will help you to build a sustainable future

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e’re all significantly more environmentally aware these days. Whether it be furniture made out of recycled timber, solar heating or low-CO2 -producing hybrid cars, we’re making choices that will lead to a more sustainable future.

To meet increased consumer demand for “greener” concrete mixes, Mawsons recently released SelectCrete™ Green.

With this new product, which is aimed at environmentally-conscious homeowners and landscapers, Mawsons makes it easy to build your dream “green” outdoor area.

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SelectCrete™ concrete mixes, which comply with Australian Standards, are available in three options: SelectCrete™ Original, the traditional option for which Mawsons is renowned; SelectCrete™ Standard, for longer-term durability; and SelectCrete™ Green. The Green mix has a 3 star rating under the Green Star system, an internationally recognised sustainability ratings system, and is GECA (Good Environmental Choice Australia) endorsed.

The GECA ecolabel tells the buyer that the product has been independently assessed for environmental performance

across a range of criteria and is considered an environmentally preferable choice.

Buyers can also be assured that with SelectCrete™ Green, they are using a product that contains low-CO2 cement and recycled ingredients.

Whether you have constructed an energy-efficient, 6 star rated home or are planning new landscape works, you can do your bit for the environment and make the better choice by using Mawsons’ concrete options for your driveway, patio, outdoor entertaining area or pool surrounds.

Mawsons has also made the switch to using 100-per-cent renewable electricity in all concrete plants and quarries, reducing the company’s carbon footprint and giving the environmentally-aware consumer another good reason to choose Mawsons.

Mawsons is a business of more than 100 years’ standing and the owner of multiple hard-rock quarries and more than 40 premixed concrete plants. The latter produce everything from the SelectCrete™ range to specialised exposed aggregate and polished concrete mixes suited for indoor and outdoor applications and projects in a diverse array of styles.

Mawsons has both the expertise and resources to cater for all your landscaping needs. In addition to its leading concrete mixes, the company produces feature rock, gabion stone, pebbles, washed sand, pathway toppings and more.

Mawsons operates seven landscape product supply centres in northern Victoria and southern New South Wales, and it supplies its river pebbles to numerous retail outlets throughout Melbourne and regional Victoria, ensuring its quality products are widely available for residential and commercial clients.

For more information on the popular SelectCrete™ range or to find your nearest Mawsons location, visit the website.

N SW & V IC CONTACT DETAILS

MAWSONS CONCRETE & QUARRIES Phone 1800 423 456 Website mawsons.com.au

DESIGN IDEAS 01

GET IN THE MOOD The organic design of the Mood collection,

designed by Studio Segers, and its combination of teak and handwoven backs will immediately create an intimate atmosphere in your outdoor

01

living space. The design of the durable teak frame imbues the collection a warm and friendly tone. The Tricord weave is very soft to touch, but can nevertheless defy all weather conditions.

As for the colours, you can choose from a range

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of nature-inspired shades such as Moss, Linen, Wenge, Earthbrown and Stone Grey. Each of these will blend harmoniously with their outdoor environment. coshliving.com.au

02

LOUNGING ABOUT The rounded Frida lounge chair by

Vincent Sheppard is a real eye-catcher that will look picture-perfect on any terrace, deck or patio.

Thanks to its natural teak frame, Frida will turn into a silvery grey over time, which will contrast beautifully with the Anthracite acrylic rope. Stylish and comfortable, Frida is available at Cotswold InOut Furniture and is just one of many Vincent Sheppard products stocked. Vincent Sheppard is a traditional indoor and outdoor Belgian furniture company that produces high quality furniture with distinctive designs to suit a wide range of decor and settings. cotswoldfurniture.com.au

03

FLICKER OF FLAMES Elegant, simple and ever-so functional,

the EcoSmart Manhattan 50 Fire Table, available in four finishes, is perfect for lively outdoor entertaining spaces or laid-back alfresco lounge areas. With sufficient space to set down food or

03

drinks, the fire becomes a welcoming destination for guests to gather around. With a circular flame at its centre, the Manhattan 50 certainly knows how to grab your attention. EcoSmart products are fuelled by e-NRG bioethanol making them eco-friendly. As it produces no smoke, soot or ash, your clean-burning, bioethanol fire can also be used indoors. mad-australia.com

04

INFRARED INNOVATION A decade of technical innovation and

development has resulted in an unparalleled barbecue experience, all thanks to Crossray’s patented infrared cooking technology that creates efficient and even heat without flareups. Multiple options (gas and electric) and configurations (portable, in-built and outdoor kitchens) are available to suit all budgets and

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DESIGN IDEAS

04

05 rights to the acclaimed Ezarri Glass mosaic tile range and has since evolved to include a variety of products. The pool and landscape shown, designed by ecodesign and constructed by The Other Side Landscapes, features mosaic tiles in a colour created by the homeowners, Karen and Viv Scanu, and ecodesign. The custom colours reflect

06

Viv’s Sardinian heritage. europeimports.com.au

07

LIGHT YOUR FIRE Anyone who has ever had a woodfired

lifestyles. Crossray offers a better way to cook

07

outdoors, with products that are built to last and

food cooked in a regular oven. Lifestyle BBQs’

use only the best materials. They’re great for all

woodfired ovens, which are made in Italy, can cook

food types and cooking styles, from a low and slow

virtually anything, from baked bread to roasted

roast to a quick, scorching sear. crossray.com.au

vegetables, meats and fish in minutes. Because it

05

is essential that the oven floors can withstand and

terrace, folding arm retractable awning with a

This ensures the base heats quickly and cools

fabric beam that spans the width of the awning.

slowly for great fuel efficiency. Install a woodfired

This creates additional clearance under the inner

oven and reap the benefits of this revolutionary,

part of the arm, allowing space for opening doors.

premium quality product. lifestylebbqs.com.au

It also features an aluminium mounting tube,

08

FLEXIBLE SHADE

maintain very high temperatures, the company

The Luxaflex Nordic Series NB is an open

uses volcanic lava for its woodfired oven floors.

reducing the weight of the awning. Folding arm retractable awnings are available in standard

08

meal knows it has a superior taste compared with

and powdercoated colour finishes, making it

DARE TO DREAM The prospect of relaxing outdoors

has never been so appealing with the Cosmos

easy to choose an option that will complement

daybed. The fresh design of the dreamy Cosmos

your home’s exterior. You can also add in a Wind

daybed creates the illusion of flotation. Its upper

Protect System, which significantly increases the

part rotates a full 360 degrees, while the solid

awning’s wind resistance. luxaflex.com.au

base ensures stability and safety. This is the

06

ultimate in comfort and relaxation. The collection

SARDINIAN STYLE

also includes a lounge chair, two-seater sofa,

From inception, Europe Imports has

ottoman and coffee table, all featuring aluminium

mainly specialised in swimming pool construction

frames and a UV-resistant woven shell. The shell

materials and mosaic installation systems for

is available in six colours, including Anthracite

underwater conditions. Over the years, Europe

(pictured). Cushions come in a choice of 16 on-

Imports gained exclusive national distribution

trend colours. bloom-outdoor.com.au

OUTDOOR DESIGN

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COMPLETEHOME

Inspiration room by room

SE E the latest trends and projects from the country’s top designers and creatives

DISCOVER the latest products

ME E T the leading professionals who can help

BEGIN your renovation, no matter how big or small

S can h ere to ch eck i t o ut

C O M P L E T E H O M E.C O M. A U

ADVERTISERS’

INDEX

Amber Tiles ......................................... 27 Apollo Patios .................................... 188 A Total Concept.................... 16, 20, 21 Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers .........84, 86 Barbeques and More ................ 8, 160 Cantaport ........................................... 113 Castlight ............................. 61, 164, 168 Contemporary Classics .............4, 152 Cosh Living ............................................2 Costata Landscape Design ............88 Cotswold InOut Furniture ................11 Cultiv8 ...................................................13 Deep Green Landscaping ............ 138 Dekker Landscapes ......................... 118 Earthlife....................................... 55, 174 ecodesign ............................................98 Elegant Landscapes ........................110 Eloquent Landscapes .....................114 Europe Imports .................................... 6

Fluid Design .......................... 70, 72, 74 Full Potential Landscapes………….50 Futurewood ................................75, 176 Georgia Harper Landscape Design ............................................34, 38 Grindstone Landscapes ...........92, 93 HEATSTRIP.............................. 159, 162 Iluka Landscape Developments ....................................28 Inge Jabara Landscapes .........56, 60 Landscape Industries Association of Tasmania................120 Landscape Industries Association of WA ...........................137 Landscape Queensland Industries ........................................... 135 Landscaping Victoria ....................... 14 Laticrete ............................................... 33 Lifestyle BBQs ................................. 157 Lone Pine Landscapes ................... 40

Lume Outdoor Living..................... 186 Master Landscapers of SA............144 Mawsons ....................................180, 181 Mr Trampoline ....................................83 MUD Landscape Design ..........94, 96 Nature’s Best Landscapes ....... 22, 26 Octopus Garden Design .................66 Outdoor Designs .............................102 OUTHOUSE design…………….44, 48 Outrigger Awnings & Sails ..... 49, 172 Outside Living ............................ 40, 43 Rich Earth Landscapes....................62 Scapex Landscapes .......124, 128, 129 Shaderunner Australia............ 79, 170 Solid Display Systems ......................39 Stain-Proof ................................178, 179 The Landscape Association ......... 169 Urban Design Systems ..........150, 151 Urban Garden Enrichment ..........106 Waterscapes Australia ......... 130, 134 OUTDOOR DESIGN

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www.lumeoutdoorliving.com.au

Explore our gorgeous collections at our Brisbane showroom in Macgregor or online at www.lumeoutdoorliving.com.au We are a Brisbane based family business specialising in unique, quality products at affordable prices, to encourage happy outdoor living at home.

Embrace life’s best moments with furniture and accessories from

sales@lumeoutdoorliving.com.au | 07 3849 3866 532 Kessels Rd, Macgregor QLD | @lumeoutdoorliving

Your dream outdoor space starts with a

free design appraisal

WARRANTY W AR R

YEAR

WARRANTY

TY RRAN WA

15

Y NT

TY AN

WA RR A

from Apollo

WARRANTY

FREE DESIGN SERVICE | ADD VALUE TO YOUR HOME | LARGE VARIETY OF STYLES & DESIGNS 3 CHOICES OF ROOF SHEETING*

Y NT RA

CALL YOUR LOCAL DEALER FOR A FREE DESIGN CONSULTATION:

Patios • Carports • Decks • Screen & Glass Enclosures • Aluminium Louvres & Slats Now you can design your perfect outdoor lifestyle with a custom designed outdoor home addition from Apollo Patios.

Supreme comfort, strength and style all under the one roof is now available with Apollo Patios.

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WARRANTY †

PH: 1800 007 321 QLD • NSW • ACT • VIC

See how our customers are enjoying their Apollo outdoors lifestyle

apollopatios.com.au

†Apollo Durasheen® paint finish with 15 year warranty. “Photos are indicative only – Apollo Home Additions are individually designed and may vary from the photo”. *Only Unilink profile available in cyclonic areas. APA9014.