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From Mexico to the Mediterranean This year’s style trends

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Editor April Ossington Deputy Editor Louise Smithers Contributors Angie Thomas, Matt Leacy, Carrol Baker, Karen Booth, Kylie Baracz Sub-Editor Michelle Segal Designer Michaela Primiano Publisher Martin White Cover Design by Ian Barker Gardens Photo by Claire Takacs National Sales & Publishing Manager NSW, Vic, ACT, Qld & WA Miriam Keen 0414 969 693 mkeen@umco.com.au Advertising Production Alex Dalland Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz

Edor’s Note

S

ummer is over, but in many parts of Australia there is still plenty of warm weather to enjoy outdoors. In Best Of this edition, we take a look at the top play areas and outdoor activities to keep your kids entertained outside.

Now is the perfect time to prepare your backyard for winter, so in

Snapshot we showcase our favourite cosy outdoor spaces — think covered outdoor lounge rooms with a pillowy sofa, cushion and throw in front of a roaring fireplace.

Later, we explore outdoor heating options in a little more detail in our Heating & Lighting feature.

In Fave 5, Angie Thomas shares with us her fi ve favourite citrus fruits. Citrus are maturing their Vitamin C-packed fruit now and they will be ready to be eaten in winter.

As populations increase and property prices soar, big, rambling backyards are becoming less common and, also, less desirable. Numerous city dwellers live in apartments, terraces and townhouses with balconies and courtyards.

Many new builds have one small, flat rectangle of grass and perhaps a pool and paved or decked area. Modern families also don’t have the time nor the desire to spend their weekends mowing big lawns and tending to sprawling gardens, so we are moving away from the huge backyard you remember playing in as a kid. This issue, we chat to the experts about small and vertical gardens and learn the top tips to make the most of the space you have.

April Ossington

8 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

FOLLOW US

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Offi cer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger Subscription enquiries 1300 303 414 Circulation enquiries to our Sydney head offi ce: (02) 9805 0399 Backyard & Outdoor Living no. 57 is published by Universal Magazines Pty Ltd, Unit 5, 6 –8 Byfi eld Street, North Ryde NSW 2113, Australia. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, Singapore. Distributed

by Gordon and Gotch, Australia.

This magazine may have some content that is advertorial or promotional in nature. The opinions expressed by individual writers in Backyard Outdoor Living are not necessarily those of the publishers. 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. *Recommended retail price ISSN 1836-3717/1448-5001 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXXII ACN 003 026 944 umco.com.au

@backyardoutdoorliving Please pass on or recycle this magazine.

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Contents Issu 57

BACKYARD ESSENTIALS 46

Garden care

82

Heating & lighting

89

Small & vertical gardens

OUTDOOR LIVING 55

Balmain Lush private courtyard

62

55

Canterbury 2 Old meets new

69

Turramurra Entertainer's paradise

76

Urban oasis

62

Backyard transformed

REGULAR SECTIONS 12

In the know Innovative outdoor living ideas

16

Favourite 5 Citrus trees

18

What's new Garden tech

22

Snapshot Cosy outdoor spaces

29

Best of Play areas and outdoor activities

36

Inspiration The cream of the crop in landscaping

96

This weekend Products for weekend projects

110

Grow

118

Expert advice

121

Index

114

GROW MUSHROOMS A shroom of your own

118

EXPERT ADVICE International style with Matt Leacy

16

FAVOURITE 5 Citrus trees

1 0 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

R EV IEWS

Book

Club

EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS edited by louise smithers

THE WATERWISE AUSTRALIAN

HOMEGROWN

NATIVE GARDEN

Paul West,

Angus Stewart & AB Bishop,

Pan Macmillan Australia, $44.99

Murdoch Books, $39.99

Join River Cottage Australia host Paul

There’s never been a more crucial time

West in his garden and kitchen as

to drought-proof your garden and to

he shows you how to become more

consider Australian native plants as a

self-sufficient. Homegrown: A year of

key component in your outdoor space.

growing, cooking and eating will give

This award-winning practical volume, from two of the country’s

you the confidence and knowhow to grow, cook and preserve

foremost horticultural experts, offers everything you need to

your way through the year. The book features planting

know about designing and growing a garden that promotes

guides for the most popular vegetables and fruit trees, plus

careful water use and features Australian native plants in the

ideas for garden projects to improve your crop like raising

home garden. The Waterwise Australian Native Garden is a

seedlings and building a mini greenhouse. It also includes a

highly illustrated, comprehensive showcase of the best plants to

year’s worth of simple seasonal recipes, from basics such as

choose and the best gardens from which to draw inspiration. It’s

breads, sauces, pickles and preserves to delicious meals that

a must-have for garden lovers all over this wide brown land.

celebrate fresh produce from the garden.

THE CITY GARDENER

GREEN THUMB

FUTURESTEADING

Richard Unsworth,

Craig Miller-Randle,

Jade Miles, Murdoch Books, $39.99

Thames & Hudson, $49.99

Pan Macmillan Australia, $49.99

A stunningly illustrated practical guide to

Taking on urban spaces big

No one is born with a green

growing, preserving and sharing the food

and small, The City Gardener

thumb, but anyone can grow one!

that grounds us. Whether you live in a city

provides design-driven solutions

Renowned indoor “plantspert”

apartment, in the suburbs or on 20 acres,

and inspiration adaptable for all

Craig Miller-Randle takes readers

the principles of futuresteading offer easy-

garden types. The City Gardener

through the basics of helping indoor

to-understand information and hands-on

demonstrates how inspired design

plants thrive. Green Thumb is filled

ideas. Learn to grow delicious food and

can optimise the space we have,

with advice that Craig has distilled

medicinal plants, share rituals with loved

whether large or small, to create a

in his 40-plus years of experience.

ones through the seasons, feast on healthy

plant paradise. The book explores 20

Whether it’s choosing the right pot,

home-cooked food for the family, nourish

private gardens created by Richard

propagating, watering or getting rid

body and soul with outdoor expeditions

Unsworth and his design practice,

of pests, Craig has all the info you’ll

and moments of rest, and create wonders

Garden Life. Ranging from 38 to

need. There are also photographic

with your hands. Grow, store, eat,

1385sqm, the gardens run the gamut

step-by-step projects, an A-Z guide

preserve and share food that deepens the

of possibilities for revolutionising

to the care of indoor plants and loads

connections you have with your household,

urban home life outdoors.

of styling inspiration.

your soil and those around you.

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 1

In the know News, tips and inspiration SUSTAINABLE & STYLISH With the Australian landscape and native fl ora as inspiration, Utopia Goods has expanded its textile offerings to further its mission of storytelling through ethical and sustainable production. The introduction of Native Threads — the launch collection of robust, UV-resistant woven performance fabrics ( jacquards) — marks the next step in the company’s mission to combine old-world craft and innovative technologies. A design-focused solution to indoor/outdoor fabric specifi cation and a chance to take luxury performance fabrics to the great outdoors, Native Threads is available in two new prints in three colourways. utopiagoods.com

TAKING COVER We all love a blue sky, but here in Australia the sun is notoriously unforgiving. Enjoy the outdoors all afternoon without the danger of prolonged sun exposure using a high-quality Jardinico umbrella available from Cosh Living.

Combining style and functionality to produce a range of umbrellas to suit any home, the Jardinico range is tough to beat. Whether you’re looking for a centre pole or cantilever umbrella, Cosh Living has you covered. coshliving.com.au

1 2 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

IN THE K NOW

ENJOY THE GOOD LIFE The Greenwall Company and founder Mark Paul were pleased as punch to win The Australian Institute of Horticulture Green Space Residential Award 2021. The project, Mark’s family home, is a sustainable haven with the ability to be off the grid in the heart of Sydney. The home features Mark’s innovative designs including greenwalls, greenroofs, Eco Pillows and even removable pond gabions. “There are six large podium planters, with one containing a 12,000-litre wetland and pond over the garage,” explains Mark, who proudly mentions the 140 plant species in the greenwall and 240 species on the roof. “It takes into account amenity, aspect, cultural requirements, view lines and the needs of a family and two boys.” greenwall.com.au

MULTI-PURPOSE OUTDOOR COOKING Roast, smoke, steam or bake — the Gozney Dome is a grill,

STOP BUGGING ME

pizza oven, kamado grill and smoker rolled into one, delivering

Outer, the direct-to-consumer outdoor furniture

a multitudinous experience for Aussie cooks and replacing

company, has expanded internationally and its first

the conventional barbecue and oven. The new one-of-a-kind

stop is Australia. In addition to alfresco furniture, the

cooking gadget sent sales soaring within hours of its launch

company has created a unique range of bug blankets.

by amassing over AUD$10 million in retail sales in just eight

The lightweight throws are enhanced with Insect

hours. With Gozney, Australians can cook restaurant-quality

Shield® technology, based on an insect repellent

Neapolitan pizza at 500°C, close the rope-sealed door to turn

found in plants such as chrysanthemum flowers. The

the Dome into a smoker, or slow-roast meat and then bake

blankets are odourless, EPA-approved and a mozzie’s

artisan sourdough bread using the Integrated Steam Injector.

worst nightmare. liveouter.com.au

au.gozney.com

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 3

THAT’S HOW WE GROW Award-winning gardener and television personality Charlie Albone has teamed up with leading garden power tool brand STIHL to launch “That’s How We Grow”, a podcast designed to inspire gardeners. Released weekly, the podcast allows avid green thumbs to learn game-changing tips for a range of garden projects including creating luscious fl ower and vegetable beds, achieving the perfect lawn, caring for hedges in high temperatures, perfectly pruning trees and much more. Tune in to hear Charlie share his

GET THAT GOLDEN HOUR GLOW

passion and knowledge for gardening along

Enhance your alfresco dining experience with the Golden Hour

with expert advice from a breadth of guests

collection from Kip & Co featuring beautiful tableware and

including renowned Australian

cutlery that celebrate the joy of “nourishing and fl ourishing our

cook Maggie Beer, property

bodies” and sharing that with those we love most. A selection of

expert Andrew Winter from

linen tablecloths is also on the Golden Hour agenda. Sporting

Selling Houses Australia,

original prints designed in Melbourne, the pieces are made

and Joe Rogers of Lawn

from pre-washed linen to provide a more intimate look and feel.

Solutions Australia. To

kipandco.com.au

listen, search “That’s How We Grow” on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or on your favourite podcast app. stihl.com.au

POINTING THE FINGER Point outdoor collections celebrate the joy of living life outside.

Founded in 1920, Point began as a small workshop in Jalon, Spain.

Today, the brand continues to produce elegant, innovative furniture inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle. Pictured here is the Min

PARTY TIME

three-seater sofa with powder-coated aluminium frame. Available to

Unwind beside the pool with the bright and

custom order in eight colours (cream, grey, snow white, sand, oxide,

bold Pool Party beach towel. And if you’re

terracotta, fi cus and sky blue), the sofa is fi tted with a high-resistance

hosting a pool party, why not stock up and

cushion in 35kg polyurethane foam with fabric cover from Point’s

send your guests home with a fun reminder of

sample book. domo.com.au/brand/point

your party prowess. pillowtalk.com.au

1 4 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

IN THE K NOW

BEES KNEES Backyard Bees is the fully revised and updated best-selling beginner’s bee book, now with information on the Flow Hive and bee-friendly planting plus more on native bees. Author Doug Purdie offers friendly, expert advice on keeping happy, healthy bees and harvesting

PICKING THE PERFECT POOL

the liquid gold, including tips on choosing a hive and

As we head out of summer and into the cooler months, now

equipment, and an all-new chapter on the Flow Hive, the

is a great time to consider installing a pool so it is ready to go

innovative beehive design that has taken beekeeping by

by the time next summer rolls around. Pool installation is a

storm. You’ll also find case studies and anecdotes from

significant investment, so you want to be sure to get it right.

beekeepers from all walks of life, and 20 delicious recipes

According to Eddie Lloyd, director at Theralux, there are a

for all that honey, from Toasted Honey Granola to Bees

number of fundamental aspects to consider before purchasing

Knees Cocktails. Not ready to keep bees? This edition

a pool. “One of the first decisions you’ll likely have to make is

also includes new chapters on supporting your local bee

whether you go for an in-ground or above-ground pool,” he

population without a hive, with tips for planting bee-

says. “The primary advantage of an above-ground swimming

friendly gardens and creating habitats and homes for

pool is cost. Without question, an above-ground pool is going to

solitary bees. murdochbooks.com.au

cost less than any type of in-ground pool. Although beware — building a large deck around it could shoot the cost up so much that you could have got an in-ground pool for the same price.”

If you are investigating the idea of an in-ground pool, you will find that some pool builders offer you a choice of either

TERRIFIC TERRACOTTA

concrete or fibreglass. Fibreglass pools are durable, strong and

The Manetti x Interno Italiano Gioi table and Cave

fl exible and unlike others, should not need resurfacing during

stool are a match made in heaven. The Gioi outdoor

their lifetime. They come in a huge array of pre-moulded

terracotta table is composed of just two parts — the

shapes and sizes to meet almost every requirement. One of the

top and the central leg — with a very simple assembly

primary advantages of fibreglass pools is that they arrive on

method: the top fits over the leg and its weight keeps

site, ready to go, and therefore installation is quick. There are

the table perfectly stable. The warm colours of the clay

different fibreglass manufacturers out there, so make sure you

make it perfect for outdoor settings as it completes

choose one that is reputable.

the Cave family of seats, also in terracotta. Cave is an

“Always make sure the manufacturer of your pool is certified

informal terracotta stool, designed for outdoor spaces.

to build to Australian Standards,” advises Maree Voss, marketing

The choice of a natural material like clay, shaped

manager from Aqua Technics Pools. “Obtaining accreditation

to become terracotta, and the completely manual

means being measured and tested by an authorised,

workmanship based on the ancient production

independent auditor. Anyone can say they build to the standard,

technique of orci — jars used in ancient times to

but for your peace of mind always ask for a licence number.”

store foodstuffs and wine — have inspired designer

However, if you’re after a completely custom design, a

Mario Scairato to develop “an object that can exist in

concrete pool can be built to meet any shape or design

symbiosis with nature, tamed or otherwise, but above

requirements. Concrete pools have been around a long time

all can take on charm, ageing and freely braving the

and are reliable and strong, and new pools are aesthetically

elements”. artedomus.com

pleasing with a range of different surface finishes available to suit your taste and budget. “We always recommend installing concrete pools for a variety of reasons,” says Chelsea Watters, designer and project administrator at Outside Signatures.

“You can customise the pool into any shape or size, add any bench, stairs or beach area, and you can even choose from a huge variety of finishes to line the pool. This means the pool can be designed to fit each and every project while meeting council compliance. Every job is different, so every pool needs to be designed differently to get the best out of the backyard.

Concrete pools are also great for sites with limited access — all you need is a small access path so you don’t have to watch a crane carry the pool over your house.” theralux.com.au

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 5

FAVE 5

MY FAVOURITE 5

Crus trees Citrus trees could almost be described as perfect plants. Glossy green foliage, beautifully fragrant white spring flowers and mouth-watering brightly coloured fruit. They tick so many boxes. They’re also versatile, being able to be grown in the ground or in pots, and can be used as a hedge, feature plant or trained into an espalier across a wall. Citrus are maturing their vitamin C-packed fruit during autumn, ready to be eaten in the coolest months.

Here are my five favourite types of citrus to inspire you to get growing at home. words angie thomas

1.

MANDARINS Mandarins are an absolute favourite in our house during autumn and winter. Being able to head out into the backyard and pick our very own fresh mandarins is pure joy. Imperial mandarins begin their peak harvest season in late autumn and have bright-orange sweet and juicy fruit. Slightly later fruiting emperor mandarins are delicious and having puffy skin makes them super-easy to peel (ideal for kids’ lunchboxes). The key to getting lots of mandarins is regular feeding throughout the year. Citrus trees are always hungry! Feed mandarin trees each week with a liquid fertiliser like Yates Thrive Natural Citrus Liquid Plant Food. It will promote healthy green leaf growth and lots of fl owers and fruit.

2.

3.

ORANGES Some of the most popular oranges include winter-

Whether you love making lemon curd, lemon loaf or

fruiting Washington navel and Valencia. The fruit

lemon meringue pie, or just enjoy a fresh squeeze

matures in late winter and into spring and is the

of lemon on your fi sh and chips, growing your own

prime choice for juicing. To fruit at their best,

lemons means you’ll always have them on hand,

oranges, like other citrus, do best in a sunny spot

plus save you a bundle at the supermarket. Some

that receives at least six hours of sunshine a day.

of the most popular lemon varieties include

And well-drained soil is important, as oranges and

eureka, meyer and lemonade. Eureka are juicy

other citrus do not like waterlogged soil. For poorly

and very tart and have their main picking season

drained areas, plant oranges in a raised mound of

4.

LEMONS

in winter, but can also give you smaller amounts of

improved soil or grow a dwarf variety in a pot. New

fruit throughout the year. Meyer are rounded, slightly

citrus foliage is vulnerable to attack by citrus leaf miner,

sweeter golden-yellow lemons and ‘lemonade’ lemons

which results in leaves becoming twisted and covered

are even sweeter. For small gardens and pots, look for

in silvery trails. Protect new spring and autumn leaves

dwarf varieties of lemons, which produce standard-

from citrus leaf miner by spraying with PestOil.

sized fruit on more compact trees.

5.

KAFFIR LIMES

FINGER LIMES

Also known as makrut limes, kaffir limes are mostly

Sometimes referred to as “caviar limes” due to the

grown for their fragrant and unusual hour-glass-

fruit being filled with tiny pearls of tangy juice, finger

shaped leaves that are a star in Thai cooking.

They also produce small knobbly fruit

limes are native to rainforest areas in Queensland and NSW. The fruit, which comes in a rainbow of different

that can be juiced and used for zest.

colours, from dark purple and red to lime green, teams

Kaffir limes need a warm, frost-free

beautifully with seafood and salad but is just at home

spot. I grow our tree in pot on a sunny

in desserts. Growing best in full sun to part shade,

protected deck, making it quick and

these thorny plants can grow up to 6m tall. Feed finger

handy to pick leaves for marinades, stirfries and curries.

limes with Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser, which is safe to use on Australian native plants and provides the lime with gentle, slow-release organic nutrients.

1 6 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

WHAT’S NEW

Tenology in the garden Gardening hacks for time-poor plant parents

D

uring the lockdowns last year, many of us adopted a new hobby, be it painting, puzzling or scrolling TikTok. During that time, a number

of Aussies also experienced the mental and physical benefits of growing their own plants and getting their hands dirty in the garden.

According to a UNSW report*, being in a green space can help ease symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress, positively contributing to overall health and wellbeing.

Now that we’re out and about again, many of us may be in need of some extra help to keep our plant pals happy. The team at Amazon have compiled some top tech tips to help you master the art of horticulture.

SMART PLANT MONITORS There are many plant monitors available that introduce technology to the beginner gardener. Many of these are simply inserted into soil and can take measurements of moisture levels, track light and humidity, and even analyse soil. Examples include the Soil Moisture Meter Smart Plant Detector and Plant Watering Sensor.

Alternatively, indoor smart gardens take the guesswork out of growing your own food or herbs. Most are self-contained systems that provide light, automatic watering, fertiliser and customised heat levels.

1 8 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

Opposite bottom CHILIPULVER Plant watering sensor, green. ikea.com/au/en Left Image courtesy of Getty Images Below Echo Dot (4th Gen). amazon.com.au Bottom right Echo Show 10. amazon.com.au Bottom left Florish app. florish.co

“ALEXA, REMIND ME TO WATER MY PLANTS” Implementing a routine can be difficult for the best of us. If “keep it alive” is your number-one priority to begin with, you’ll want to set a daily reminder to keep your plants watered. To make sure they stay hydrated all summer long, you can set up a watering routine in the Alexa app that enables the AI to share a verbal reminder with you at the same time every day. You will never make the same mistake again and your plants will thank you for it.

DOWNLOAD A GARDENING APP Make plant care simple and smart by downloading a gardening app. Florish, the indoor plant companion app, is designed for those new to indoor gardening who may need help picking new plants for a space.

You can use your phone’s camera to scan the light in your room and understand what can thrive. Picture This Plant Identifi er is there for you when you come across a mysterious sprout as it is able to identify more than 1,000,000 plants.

SERENADE YOUR GARDEN BED Research shows that plants actually thrive when they listen to music that sits between 115Hz and 250Hz, as the vibrations emulate similar sounds in nature. Jazz and classical music are their genres of choice, so be sure to create a customised playlist that your plants will love. Simply ask Alexa to play your “plant playlist” and hook it up to your surround sound using a smart speaker. amazon.com.au *https://newsroom.unsw.edu.au/news/sciencetech/greening-our-way-through-pandemic

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 9

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards

2021 The Ultimate Battle of State vs State!

Every year, Australia’s state-based Landscape Associations hold a prestigious awards gala to showcase the best landscape projects within their individual territories. This year, we are taking it one step further. Introducing the 2021 Husqvarna Champion of Champions – Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards – presented by Futurewood.

The winners from each state, across a selection of categories, will now compete in a State vs State competition for the ultimate title of 2021 Husqvarna Champion of Champions: Australian Landscaper of the Year. We will be profiling the winning projects for you right here in Backyard and Outdoor Living magazine!

VOTE NOW FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN The Husqvarna Automower ® 315X (including installation) Meet Automower® 315X, a robotic mower that will give you the perfect lawn and more free time.

If you own a small or medium-sized garden with up to 1600sqm of grass, Automower® 315X is an outstanding choice. Complex lawns with obstacles, narrow passages and slopes with an incline up to 40% (22˚) are taken in its stride. It’s equipped with the premium X-Line design, Automower® Connect with GPS theft tracking, GPS assisted navigation, LED headlights, front rubber bumper, and is weather resistant. You can also use voice control with Google Home or Amazon Alexa.

HOW IT WORKS Go to landscaperoftheyear.com.au or scan the QR code and view the best landscaping projects from around the country. Then simply vote for who you think should be the 2021 Husqvarna Champion of Champions: Australian Landscaper of the Year in each category.

Your vote will be an automatic entry for the Husqvarna Prize.

Residential Construction up to $70,000 0 Construction $70,000 - $150,000 Construction $150,000 - $250,000 Construction over $250,000

PRIZE VALUED AT

$3399 plus free installation

Commercial Construction up to $500,000 Contruction $500,000 - $1m Construction over $1m

Voting will commence 1st December

LANDSCAPEROFTHEYEAR.COM.AU

PR E S EN T ED BY:

T R A D E PA R T N ER :

S U PP O R T I N G I N D U S T RY A S S O C I AT I O N S Contact your state association to find a verified landscaper in your area for your next project for full peace of mind and professionalism.

THE LANDSCAPE A SS O C I AT I O N

SNAPSHOT

Cosy outdoor spaces As temperatures begin to drop in most parts of the country, it’s time to create a cosy outdoor space you can enjoy well into the winter months and all year long words louise smithers

SNUG AS A BUG Creating a cosy atmosphere is often dependent on your lighting. For the cosiest results, consider pendant lighting, lanterns and firepits. Think outside the square with unique lighting installation such as wine bottle lights or a sprinkling of solar fairy lights available at most hardware stores. Don’t forget to include candles in your lighting plan. They add a subtle, easy-going and romantic ambience. lights4fun.co.uk

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SNA PSHOT

ENCHANTING BALCONIES Smaller spaces like balconies can be tricky to get right, with the line between cosy and cluttered a blurred one. Opt for a few main pieces, like a coffee table and armchairs, and embrace natural materials and potted plants. Keep the air circulating to avoid going from cosy to claustrophobic with a ceiling fan like the Haiku from Big Ass Fans. bigassfans.com

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SNAPSHOT

BACKED INTO A CORNER Turn an underused nook into the cosiest of reading corners. Maybe it’s a spot where you can hide from the kids for a minute, hang out with your partner or catch up on work. However you intend to use the space, don’t skimp on cushions but do decorate with overhead lighting, wall art and personal treasures.

Photo by LA khai-way. unsplash.com

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COLOUR ME COSY You don’t need to make big, expensive changes to your outdoor area to achieve impactful results.

Sometimes it’s as easy as changing your cushion covers! For a cosy approach, choose cushions in warm colourways. Autumn tones like red, orange and brown are ideal, particularly when paired with the flickering orange flames of a firepit. myface.eu

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SNA PSHOT

RUG UP The simplest way to encourage a warm and cosy atmosphere is by throwing down a rug. Opt for outdoor varieties made to withstand whatever weather conditions are thrown their way. Paired with the Outer wicker sofa, this setup is as picturesque as it is durable. The new sustainable living brand Outer has introduced a range of products to make it easier for Aussies to spend more time outside. Examples include its patented Outer Shell ®, designed to protect sofas from everyday dirt, debris and rain, through to the Bug Shield Blanket, a lightweight blanket infused with a natural bug-repellent blanket to protect from pesky bug bites all year round. liveouter.com

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SNAPSHOT

SOFA, SO GOOD A comfy couch will inject your outdoor area with a sense of cosiness, like this stunner available from Cosh Living. A welcome edition to Tribu’s range of celebrated outdoor furniture, the Nodi sofa is capable of looking at home in almost any setting. The frame of the sofa sits lightly on the ground thanks to a solid powder-coated stainless-steel construction. Airy and architecturally appealing, it accommodates users with comfortable Canax woven backrests and super-soft outdoor cushion filling. Adaptability is always a bonus, and with three seating elements and four seat depths, Nodi can be customised to suit the individual specifications of anyone and everyone. Defined by twisted interlaced rope stretched across precise geometric frames, each piece enjoys a minimalist approach and refined proportions, making them ideal for casual, care-free Aussie outdoor areas. coshliving.com

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BEST OF

Best of

Play areas & outdoor activities

Cultivate your kids’ love of the outdoors with a backyard that promises to spark their imaginations and encourage interactive play words louise smithers

01.

CUBBY HOUSE DREAMS Like kids, cubbies come in all shapes and sizes, from a simple wooden fort to a large-scale cubby house with indoor play spaces and exterior swings. Consider adding elements such as climbing structures to encourage physical activity. Image courtesy of Art in Green. artingreen.com.au

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02.

A SPACE TO CALL THEIR OWN From fully constructed, prefabricated models to DIY structures, the allure of the backyard cubby house is enduring. Increase the longevity of your cubby by opting for taller ceiling heights and a larger fl oor plan. This will ensure the space is capable of evolving as your child grows and their interests change.

Image Nikole Ramsay. castleandcubby.com.au

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BEST OF

03.

COOPED UP Children and chickens go together like poached eggs and hollandaise sauce. With more than 60 million chicken-keeping households globally and over 400,000 in Australia alone, the benefi ts of keeping chickens is no secret. Not only are these feathered friends a fairly low-maintenance pet, they will also provide a multitude of educational opportunities, including insight into where food comes from and the need to tend to and care for animals. A secure coop will keep chickens safe from predators at night. The ChickenGuard automated chicken coop door opener is fantastic at protecting poultry. In Australia, the ChickenGuard range includes the Standard, Premium, Extreme and Premium Eco automated door openers, the world’s first Self-Locking Door Kit and Locking Combi Kits. ChickenGuard is available from selected PetBarn and PetStock stores or online at chickenguard.com.au

04.

SLAM DUNK For the sports-oriented family, consider transforming your backyard into a basketball lover’s fantasy with a custom-modified home court. sportsconstructiongroup.com.au

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05.

INTERACTIVE ELEMENTS As well as being physically advantageous (and a whole lot of fun!), playing outside is also crucial to a child’s development. Infuse exciting items (like the slide seen here) into the landscape and watch your child’s enthusiasm for the garden grow. secretgardens.com.au

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BEST OF

06.

BACKYARD CAMPING If a cubby house doesn’t suit your budget or your outdoor space, a kids’ tent or teepee is a fabulous alternative. The advantage of these is that they can be packed up and cleared away to make room for other activities. swingz.com.au

07.

HOP, SKIP & JUMP Outdoor play engages curious minds with the natural world and stimulates mental growth. Something as simple as clever paver placement turns your hardscaping into a playground. All you need is a bit of chalk and a healthy imagination. adbrimasonry.com.au

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BEST OF

08.

FEELING JUMPY Keeping kids entertained in the great outdoors is high on the priority list for most parents. With lockdowns and internet-enabled devices keeping youngsters engrossed and indoors, it can be tricky getting them to soak up their daily dose of vitamin D. However, an in-ground trampoline, like this model from Oz Trampolines, is your surefire ticket to outdoor fun every time. Requiring minimal excavation and boasting significantly reduced installation costs, these trampolines are built with 22cm German steel springs that guarantee excellent bounce and maximum safety while remaining whisper quiet. “Our in-ground trampolines are gaining in popularity among homeowners looking for improved safety and a more attractive part of their backyard landscape,” says a representative from Oz Trampolines. “Additionally, we have a national network of installers ready to help with the installation of your trampoline.” Made with safety in mind, in-ground trampolines are easy to assemble and aesthetically pleasing in any yard. Most significantly, in-ground trampolines have no added height to fall from, increasing the safety aspect for children. oztrampolines.com.au

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Inspiration Get some pointers from the latest outdoor projects

INSPIRATION

Designer Gardens Gather some inspiration for your next landscape project

01.

COOGEE MODERN BEACH HOUSE This sumptuous modern beach house renovation in Sydney’s eastern suburbs is a wonderful example of just what can be achieved with good design, attention to detail and expert craftsmanship. The 25-year-old home has been transformed in a major renovation project by builder Darren Hall from Pride and Passion.

Externally, the home has plenty of street appeal. Darren says they included a carefully considered and sourced blend of materials that complemented each other. “Spotted gum was used to contrast with the stone and cement render surfaces, which created a nice balance of textures,” he enthuses.

The team at Secret Gardens were brought in to transform the outdoor space. In the area pictured, the black and charcoal of the house creates the perfect backdrop for, and contrast to, a wide array of planting.

A cluster of three white pots, each with a different plant, adds a modern edge to this space. A pebbled path leads to Bluestone stepping stones and a firepit, in keeping with the contemporary vibe. The planting really works to soften the space, particularly the edges created by the roof and windows. Photo

by Ben Guthrie. secretgardens.com.au; prideandpassion.com.au

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02.

AMAROO

There’s nothing like the refreshing scent of the ocean. In this expansive Balmoral, NSW, home, the sea breeze dances in the surrounding trees and drifts through the large open windows, reminding the family that they live in a true beachside paradise.

Victoria Dennis from TDDP Architects took one look at this block and knew the house had to be situated in a location where it would enjoy the full potential the setting had to offer. So she got to work with the help of Lawson & Lovell Building Services. Not only was this a beachside block, it was situated in a leafy bush area that felt worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the city. “Site meetings were frequently joined by a local kookaburra that became part of the construction team,” says Victoria.

A large undercover deck is the perfect location for entertaining all year round, with glass fencing allowing for safety concerns without impacting the view. Follow the garden path around the home and get lost in the levels of the retained gardens, resplendent with lush green grass and, of course, the contemporary pool.

The property truly embodies the laidback Australian lifestyle while enjoying the many benefi ts nature has to offer. “Living in a ‘flame zone’ does not mean we cannot have serene and beautifully designed spaces,” says Victoria.

Photos by Adam Hollingworth. northernbeachesbuilders. com.au; tddparchitects.com

WE L VE The pot plant edging around the pool

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INSPIR ATION

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INSPIR ATION

03.

TERRACINA

This four-bedroom family home in Miami, South Florida, designed by SAOTA, is located on a pie-shaped lot in the city of Golden Beach, an affluent and exclusive small municipality on a narrow strip of land between the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Intracoastal Waterway to the west.

The site, at the end of a cul-de-sac, features spectacular views up the wide span of the Intracoastal Waterway to the north-west and extensive water frontage along its radius edge. The house has been positioned near to the boundary line towards the back of the property to maximise waterside frontage.

SAOTA chose a layered approach in which the house mediates a progressive experience that unfolds between a muscular, monolithic, protective screen of concrete panels presented to the street and a light, transparent treatment on the facade facing the waterway.

A spine along the eastern property line accommodates a kitchen and back-of-house functions including a gym. From it, three “fingers” stretch out at right angles in the direction of the waterway, accommodating the living rooms and a series of shaded terraces that peel away from the outlook.

This fragmented scheme not only responds to the water’s edge and the vistas beyond but also breaks down the building mass, allowing the landscaping to interrupt the plan. This porous arrangement creates a rhythmic series of landscaped outdoor “rooms” and covered outdoor terraces that support the kind of indoor-outdoor relationship appropriate to Miami’s waterside lifestyle and climate.

The lightness and delicacy of the interiors is articulated on the water-facing facade with a series of bead-blasted, brassy, lasercut perforated aluminium screens, which contrast with a palette of stucco and unfilled travertine (as a nod to Floridian coral stone).

Lush emerald plantings of broad-leaf Alocasia California and cascading Railroad Vine — including roof gardens — integrate the contemporary building with its setting. Words

by Graham Wood. Photos by Adam Letch. saota.com

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INSPIR ATION

WE L VE The series of lines created by hard- and softscaping at the front of the house

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INSPIRATION

04.

SURRY HILLS COURTYARD Having designed the homeowners’ previous garden, Kev Quelch from inovasis design was briefed to create an inner-city sanctuary for this young family of four’s new home in Sydney’s Surry Hills. A once cramped and cluttered courtyard and garage was completely demolished as part of a major renovation of the home and has been totally transformed into a year-round entertaining space with a studio above the new garage.

There was ironstone below the surface, so Kev had to be creative. He designed a raised garden bed to provide the suffi cient deep soil space required by council, and to allow for the planting of a small Crepe Myrtle tree that provides dappled shade in summer and also allows the winter sun to flood the area. Due to limited space, the raised garden bed provided the opportunity for cantilevered concrete bench seating which complemented the new polished concrete dining table.

A small patch of lawn adjacent to an outdoor fireplace provides a welcome splash of green, and the combination of a large planter with a Blueberry Ash along with custom wall planters suspended from the garage wall provide for additional planting to punctuate and soften the hardscaping.

Firewood storage is accommodated in two fl oating custom-made powder-coated aluminium boxes either side of the chimney.

Black-steel Crittall French doors open up to this limestone-paved courtyard, providing a true indoor/outdoor connection or, in the homeowner’s words, “A green oasis in the middle of the city.” Photo by Dave Wheeler. inovasisdesign.com.au

WE L VE The clean lines of this courtyard

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FEATURE

Back to basics Get a handle on the fundamentals and you can ensure your garden will flourish and be easier to maintain

words karen booth

G

ardening success starts from the

some of the topsoil has been removed. This means

ground up. It’s about how well you

you will have to buy some fresh topsoil. Also

prepare and condition the soil. The

consider buying topsoil if you have moved to a

fertiliser you apply and the layer of

house where the garden has been neglected and

mulch you spread. And it’s about how you water

the soil is in need of rejuvenation. You may have

your plants, prevent and deal with pests, and a

to remove a little of the old soil and you will have

whole lot more. There are books, blogs, online

to incorporate the new soil carefully so as not to

guides and workshops galore that will take you

disturb the roots of existing plants.

through every aspect in great detail, but to give

When digging soil, it is important not to mix the

you an idea of what’s involved in preparing and

topsoil with the subsoil, especially on clay soil. You

then maintaining a healthy, flourishing garden, we

will see the difference between the two — they are

take you through some of the basics.

usually different colours and textures.

KNOW YOUR SOIL

IMPROVING CONDITIONS

Understanding your soil and good soil preparation

Never cultivate clay soil when it is wet as this will

is the first step towards successful gardening.

cause compaction. Adding coarse organic material

For a garden to thrive it requires fertile soil

— sand, animal manure, leaf mould or garden

with adequate organic matter. Organic matter

compost — will break up clay soil and increase

(sometimes referred to as humus) is decayed plant

pore space. The addition of organic matter helps

or animal remains.

break up clay soil and improves the nutrient level

While clay or heavy soils may have plenty of plant nutrients, they may have drainage and aeration

and water-holding capacity of sandy soil.

While sandy soils will not have the drainage

problems in wet areas and are difficult to cultivate

problem of clay soils, they hold water and

because they are sticky when wet and cake when

nutrients poorly. Many of our loveliest native plants

dry. Lighter, sandy soils are easier to cultivate but

grow best on sandy, nutrient-deficient soils. So if

they hold water and nutrients very badly. The ideal

your soil is of this type, you might want to think

soil is “loam”, which falls between the two.

about planting predominantly native species.

If you are on a new house site, it is likely the soil has been excavated to the subsoil and perhaps

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Alternatively, improve the soil by the regular addition of lots of organic matter.

Above The key to a lush lawn and flourishing garden beds isn’t just good design.

Soil preparation and proper plant care are vital. naturesbestlandscapes.com.au Below Healthy, compost-rich soil provides nutrients for plants and the organisms that live in soil and it also has a better water-holding capacity.

WARD OFF WEEDS Most annual weeds in garden beds can be controlled by hand weeding or hoeing.

Pull or hoe them when they are small and before they set seed. Only hoe weeds in dry weather when the weeds will shrivel and die. In wet conditions you may simply shift or transplant them. Unfortunately, hand weeding or hoeing can spread rather than control some weeds. Weeds such as oxalis and onion weed must be dug carefully so that their many tiny bulbs are also lifted.

Leaving them behind will result in the weed multiplying. Perennial weeds may need an application of glyphosate.

Although many can be pulled out manually, there are special herbicides designed for weeds in paths and driveways. Use these with care because of the residual effect they may have on soil in adjacent areas.

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BE WATER SMART An irrigation system is the greatest timesaver a garden owner can use and it saves water, too. They are not expensive and are relatively easy to install and maintain. The easiest time to install a system is while beds are empty, so gardeners starting from scratch have an advantage. Ensure the water outlets cover all areas you intend to plant. It is also possible to install a system into already-planted beds.

Soaker hoses, with small holes about 30cm apart, can be placed in garden beds or alongside vegetable rows for slow, steady watering. There are many sprinkler varieties — choose one that produces a fine spray to give better penetration and less run-off.

Some gardeners claim that only by hand watering do you keep in touch with the garden and each plant. Watering with a Above If watering by hand, it’s best to have an adjustable nozzle. Add a Water Smart Flow Meter to add control and precision. gardena.com.au Below right Proper soil preparation is the foundation upon which any new garden bed grows, whether you’re planting edibles or ornamentals. gardena.com.au Opposite If you don’t want to create a compost heap, you can use a tumbler or static bin. Pictured are the Certa 190L Aerated Compost Tumbler Bin and Certa 400L Garden Compost Bin. kogan.com

The aim of all this digging and incorporating organic matter into the soil is to get what is termed a good crumb structure. A good structured soil lets plant roots spread easily through the soil and ensures that both water and air can move through it. There are a number of products on the market called soil conditioners. Not all of these necessarily add many nutrients to the soil, but they help improve the soil structure, which in turn helps plant roots take up the nutrients in the soil.

A number of these are based on seaweed, which is recognised as a valuable source of organic matter and nutrients for the garden.

Others are microbial rock mineral products.

These are worth investing in and applying if you are rejuvenating a tired soil.

COMPOST COUNTS Compost is a loose earth-like material and is a natural fertiliser and conditioner which greatly improves the water-effi ciency of soil. It also provides nutrients needed by plants and food for the living organisms found in healthy soil.

Homemade compost is the preferred organic choice as you are in complete control of the “compostable” ingredients — it’s also the cheaper alternative.

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hand-held hose is time consuming, but it is a good way of keeping in touch with your plants and is a useful supplement to an irrigation system for plants that need extra water. An adjustable nozzle is essential.

FEATURE

Understanding your soil and good soil preparation is the first step towards successful gardening. For a garden to thrive it requires fertile soil with adequate organic matter

You can think of your compost heap (or rotating tumbler or barrel or bin) as a recycling hub for your kitchen waste (teabags, coffee grounds, potato peelings) and garden waste (lawn clippings, deciduous leaves, annual non-seeding weeds). You will need to build or buy some type of container in which to make your compost as the rate of decomposition depends on the amount of heat generated inside the compost heap.

Creating it from a rubbish heap in a corner of the garden is possible, but materials will be very slow to decompose into compost. You can buy compost bins. Rotating types can be a bit pricey, so you might prefer the plastic barrel type instead — or you can make your own using an old plastic garbage bin or oil drum. You can also buy mulching or shredding machines that enable you to use thicker twigs and prunings that you wouldn’t normally put on compost heaps.

GETTING THE PH RIGHT Another aspect of soil you need to understand is its degree of acidity or alkalinity, which is measured on a scale of pH units. The amount of acid or alkalinity (lime) in the soil affects the ability of plants to take up nutrients from the soil. The pH scale runs from 0 (extremely acid) to 14 (extremely alkaline). Most plants thrive in a relatively neutral or slightly acid soil of around pH 6.0 to 7.0. Most herbs and vegetables like a neutral or slightly alkaline soil and many annuals grow better in a slightly alkaline soil. Most Australian natives prefer a medium acid soil, around pH 5.5-6.0.

It is important to have an indication of your soil’s pH as it will influence your choice of plants. It’s no use growing lime-hating species in alkaline soils. If you have purchased topsoil, this may vary from the norm in your district and will need to be tested.

Getting the soil right can be the hardest thing to judge for gardeners. With this home test kit you will easily and accurately be able to test for pH, (N) nitrogen, (P) phosphorus and (K) potassium. You can then use this information to purchase the most suitable soil amendments to grow healthy, productive plants.

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FEATURE

FEEDING YOUR PLANTS Because all plants are continually using nutrients from the soil, fertiliser usually has to be added to build up depleted reserves.

The amount of fertiliser depends on existing soil conditions and on how much and what type of organic matter you incorporated when preparing the ground or pot for planting.

Plants need a number of different nutrients for healthy growth, but three of them — nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — are particularly important. These are often given the symbol N.P.K. on fertiliser packs.

As you gain more experience, you will learn to understand the different requirements of different plants and the pros and cons of different types of fertilisers. Vegetable gardens, for example, will need a different fertiliser regime to a rose bed. And never feed Australian natives with a fertiliser containing a lot of phosphorus; best to use specially formulated fertilisers, especially slow-release types.

In terms of applying fertiliser, there are a few don’ts. For example, don’t apply in hot weather or when soil is dry. Water the soil before and after application. Even liquid fertiliser should not be applied to very dry soil, especially in pots. Also, only apply the amount specified on the pack. It is better to apply fertiliser in small amounts often than risk harming plants with an overdose.

Apply mulches after thoroughly watering the soil. Apply them loosely as mulches can act as a

MULCH IT GOOD

barrier to the entry of air and water into the soil.

Having improved the soil and put your plants

Pull the mulch back from plants when adding

in, mulch is the next step. Mulch is any soil

fertiliser or if you think plants need a really deep

covering that reduces evaporation. It keeps

watering. Keep mulch away from stems of trees

plant roots and the soil cooler and moister and

and shrubs.

also discourages weed growth. Mulch must be replenished regularly as it breaks down. This is

TAKING CONTROL

best done in spring after fertilising.

When it comes to pest prevention and control,

Some organic mulches, garden compost,

don’t resort to chemicals too hastily. Seek

lawn clippings, lucerne mulch and seaweed,

alternatives to chemical spraying. If you are dead

for example, will also add nutrients to the soil.

against the use of pesticides, avoid plants that

Others such as spent mushroom compost and

are bound to require spraying — for example, do

bark chips may not do this, but are also useful.

not grow modern roses in areas of high humidity.

There are some things to be aware of,

With a few notable exceptions (fruit fl y, black

though. Avoid mushroom compost or check

spot), avoid regular preventative spraying. This

its pH if it is to be used around acid-loving

is wasteful, polluting, will kill beneficial insects,

plants as it is often alkaline. This may also

may result in the development of chemical

be true of home-made compost if you have

resistance and can do more harm than good.

added a lot of lime to it. Freshly added straw,

Learn to tolerate a low level of pest invasion and

on its own or mixed with manure, will rob the

damage — only resort to pesticides to control

soil of nitrogen.

significant infestations.

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Above Match fertiliser to the plant. Never feed Australian natives with a fertiliser containing a lot of phosphorus. fullpotentiallandscapes.com.au

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Below To keep potted plants alive and well, fertilise regularly to replenish nutrients. Slow-release fertilisers are recommended. provenwinners.com.au Right Cleaning and disinfecting tools and equipment can help prevent the spread of pests or diseases in the garden. gardena.com.au Middle right Non-chemical pest control methods are best for your garden and the environment. It also means beneficial insects like bees won’t be harmed.

Bottom right Pest infestation is a fact of gardening life. Prevention is always better than cure wherever possible. Pictured, an aphid-infested plant.

Opposite If you take care of the basics on a regular basis, over the years your garden will grow into a verdant established garden that delights the senses.

POTTED PLANTS The organic material used in potting mixes may become water repellent, especially in hanging baskets.

Liquid wetting agents or water-storing granules can be added to potting mix where they expand to become jelly-like blobs when watered. Although they can be incorporated around the roots of already-potted plants, this isn’t very successful and they are best incorporated into the soil mix when you are repotting. Allow additional space between the top of the soil and the rim of the pot for the crystals to expand. You can also buy premium-grade potting mixes which already have the wetting agent mixed in.

All plants in pots will require regular fertilising to replace the nutrients they have used up. Good drainage and frequent watering accelerates the loss of nutrients.

Slow-release fertilisers (there are a number of special formulations) are the easiest way to feed plants in containers. Apply once or twice a year, according to the instructions on the packet. These can be incorporated into the potting mix when repotting, but remember, a premium brand will have enough in it for some weeks.

Alternatively, sprinkle granules on top of the compost.

Most potted plants benefi t from regular supplementary liquid feeding in the growing season.

Give fortnightly applications in spring and summer. It’s a good idea to vary the fertiliser used, depending on whether it’s a foliage or flowering plant and according to the fl owering season. Always water the plant before applying fertiliser to avoid root burn, and only apply the amount recommended on the packet.

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FEATURE

There are helpful insects in the garden as well as those that are harmful. Bees are an obvious one, so many insecticides should not be used when bees are active. Other beneficial insects include most ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies, praying mantis and parasitic wasps. The presence of such insects is often suffi cient to keep damaging insects within manageable proportions. Pesticides may kill them as well as the troublemakers and upset the ecological balance.

Some non-chemical measures that will help prevent or overcome problems include timing planting and harvesting to avoid a problem.

For example, choose early fruit varieties and aim to harvest tomatoes before fruit fl y is a problem. Planting disease-resistant varieties is a good idea, while others swear by companion planting. Keeping gardening tools and equipment clean is also vital.

GREAT COMPANIONS Companion planting involves grouping plants together so that they help each other to grow better. One way is to use plants that attract beneficial insects. It’s said planting a mixture of fl owers and herbs among veggies and fruit trees encourages a healthy diversity of living creatures to move into the garden. Insectattracting plants include herbs like thyme, coriander, chives and mint, and flowers such as cosmos, calendula, lavender and marigold.

Phacelia attracts useful garden insects such as bees (valuable pollinators) and hoverflies (aphid predators).

Then there are masking and decoy plants.

Masking plants emit an odour that disguises the smell of desirable plants and confuses the insect pests that might otherwise attack them. An example is planting chives, onions or garlic near roses to deter thrips and aphids.

Decoy plants attract pests to themselves and away from their neighbours. Nasturtium is one of the best known decoy plants.

Other plants improve conditions for their neighbours. The best known of these are members of the legume family that have the ability to capture nitrogen from the atmosphere. Plants growing in close proximity to peas and beans benefi t from the nitrogen the legumes have naturally added to the soil.

Now you have an idea of what’s involved in laying good foundations for a healthy garden, and how to keep it in top condition, why not get out there and make a start?

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Outdoor Living Inspirational backyards by talented Australian landscape professionals

OUTDOOR LIVING

Tiny but mighty There are plenty of places to play and rest in this lush private courtyard

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words kylie baracz photos murray fredricks photography

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he typical Aussie backyard has certainly acquired a more modern slant over the last few years, and this lush courtyard is no exception.

Although lacking in square metres, this oasis provides plenty of places for this young family and their adorable dog, Doug, to play, rest and entertain.

“The clients were seeking a design that

increased the visual aesthetic of the area,” says Mark Bell, owner of Bell Landscapes. “We also had to ensure plenty of room for their beautiful children and Doug the Pug to play.”

The central courtyard is highly visible from both inside and outside the dwelling, as the home wraps around it. This provided great potential for the team at Bell Landscapes to create a space with varying levels, fl oor surfaces, plant selection and functionality.

To create a warm and inviting ambience in the space, bluestone paving was laid in a unique “crazy” pattern, providing texture and a hint of fun. “It’s a bit retro with the oversized stone slabs and we love the detail of this with the sandstone, spotted gum and foliage to soften it,” says Mark.

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Sandstone walling was created using existing stone from the site, integrating beautifully with the textural exposed brickwork and bluestone paving. It also provides a subtle nod to the Balmain area.

When initially excavating and clearing the space, the Bell Landscapes team found four levels of paving — pebblecrete, brick, tiles and a concrete slab — all stacked one on top of the other. “Needless to say, that caught us off guard,” says Mark. “Classic Balmain, full of history!”

To soften the featured bluestone, sandstone and exposed brickwork, vibrant native grasses and Viola hederacea, Native Violet, was cleverly planted along the edges of the space, creating height and a feeling of openness. Bambusa textilis ‘Gracilis’, Slender Weaver’s Bamboo, lines the boundary, offering privacy and shade, while other chosen plant species soften, add beauty and create interest to the garden.

“The majority of the plants are Australian natives, so they are perfect for this location and environment,” says Mark. All the plants are watered via a slow-drip tube irrigation system to minimise water use.

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s an inviting, comfortable, family-friendly n with beautiful earthy materials. It has a lovely warmth which is achieved by the selection of natural built materials, together with the layout of the various plant species MARK BELL

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OUTDOOR LIVING

ED'S F VE The balance of hard and soft elements

The elongated Stenotaphrum secundatum, Soft Leaf Buffalo Grass, area was a must for the owners to allow space for play and entertaining, and the perfect spot for Doug to lie out in the sunshine. To create places of rest, floating timber seating was placed along the boundary so the family can relax and watch the children play.

“This is an inviting, comfortable, familyfriendly garden with beautiful earthy materials,” says Mark. “It has a lovely warmth which is achieved by the selection of natural built materials, together with the layout of the various plant species.”

This small but mighty courtyard not only ticks the boxes for this young family, but its lush and open tranquillity provides a relaxing play space for the owners to entertain in for years to come. belllandscapes.com.au

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A timeless marvel This heritage home received a green modern makeover

words kylie baracz photos claire takacs

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his Canterbury house alone is a knockout, with its intricate heritage features and quaint, white weatherboard cladding. However, after Ian Barker Gardens took charge of its surrounding

garden, it has become a vibrant, majestic delight.

Featuring a modern poolside entertaining space, a verdant entryway and Japanese maple canopy, the residence now commands roadside attention.

“The active family of four asked us to transform their tired front, side and rear gardens into areas that shone,” says Ian Barker from Ian Barker Gardens. “In keeping with the flavour of their heritage home, it was crucial that the garden design be classic and timeless, with a contemporary edge.”

Ian and his team cleverly combined cottage and modern garden styles to create a lush, green garden, fit for the home’s stately Victorian facade. The style of the front entrance leans more to the cottage garden aesthetic, with 6m Acer palmatum, Japanese Maples, providing a clear and defined front yard. “Repositioning the 6m-high maples allowed us to create a simple, lush canopy, which gave our clients the clearly defined, direct access to the home they were after,” says Ian. “The sheer stature and maturity of these trees make this front garden a showstopper.”

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itioning the 6m-high es allowed us to create a simple, lush canopy, which gave our clients the clearly defined, direct access to the home they were after. The sheer stature and maturity of these trees make this front garden a showstopper IAN BARKER

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OUTDOOR LIVING

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WE L VE The "living pergola" in the courtyard

Transplanting these monster-sized trees didn’t come without challenges. Ian and his team worked with Established Tree Transplanters to safely relocate them. By using high-pressure water jets to cut around the tree roots cleanly, they signifi cantly reduced the shock to the trees.

“With this technique, the chances of success increased to 98 per cent,” says Ian. “To further increase our chances, we chose to carry out the transplant when the weather was cooler and before the leaves turned.”

Flamed ‘Smokey Grey’ granite was used for the paving, edging and steppers, with ‘Bokhara’ exposed aggregate concrete in the driveway and wide Filetti ‘Endicott’ inlay between the pavers travelling down the side of the garden.

This created beautiful structure and warmth and linked the front traditional garden to the rear.

Around the rear of the home, the garden becomes more modern and contemporary, with lush, green plants offsetting the hard lines of the pool and pool house area, creating a garden that can be used throughout the change in seasons.

The planting palette is simple and understated. Asplenium bulbiferum, Hen and Chickens Fern; Liriope muscari ‘Royal Purple’, Lily Turf; Daphne ‘Eternal Fragrance’; Buxus sempervirens, Common Box spheres, Pyrus nivalis, Snow Pear; and Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Boston Ivy, were planted among older, established trees.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

A living pergola was cleverly created across the courtyard using the deciduous Plantanus orientalis, Oriental Plane.

“Our preference is always to keep or reuse existing plants wherever possible,” says Ian. “They put their trust in [our] judgement to uproot and transplant 20-plus-year-old trees to other areas of the garden. We also brought in an extraordinary 8m-high, 2000L root ball Magnolia grandiflora, Southern Magnolia tree, and positioned it on the adjoining fence line to provide necessary privacy from the neighbouring property.”

Travelling between the home’s classic front garden to the beautiful, contemporary backyard and pool entertaining space is a dream. With gorgeous shade coming from both the Japanese maples and the southern magnolia, entertaining in this rich, green space will be a joy all year round.

“Our favourite part of the space would have to be the Japanese maples in the front garden,” says Ian. “We take such pleasure in watching our gardens grow — and this project is certainly no exception. We are absolutely thrilled with how it’s progressing and are so grateful to our clients for trusting it. It’s a garden that we hope will bring them years and years of joy and tranquillity.” landscape.net.au

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Tiered triumph A classic garden receives a contemporary twist

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OUTDOOR LIVING

words kylie baracz photos lina hayes

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his large family residence on Sydney’s north shore has seen many wonderful celebrations — from grand parties to low-

key events. To honour this grand home, its classic garden received a contemporary makeover, with subtle tiers cut into its existing slopes. Full of repetition and symmetry, this ornamental garden now sits nicely among the north shore street frontages, its rear more relaxed and playful.

“The main driver for the garden was

to facilitate a large family with a love for entertaining, as well as an appropriate space for lots of young grandchildren,” says Trystan Graham, director of Outdoor Establishments.

The design of the garden is timeless, with clean lines and an uncomplicated colour palette ensuring the formal and relaxed garden elements blend seamlessly.

As the site has a significant slope, the Outdoor Establishments team worked in terraced levels which spatially defined the garden. The front yard, swimming pool, rear lawn and alfresco area were all arranged in the split-level design. “With the difference between the formal elements from the front garden to the [relaxed] back, it was great to work on the transition between two garden styles in the one property,” says Trystan.

The dark tones in the granite paving, from Gather Co Australia, blended neatly into the home’s exterior and provided a durable hightraffic area for the front garden. Around the back, limestone pavement from Eco Outdoor matched the home’s traditional look and worked well around the swimming pool.

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With the number of parties and events that happen here, whether it’s 15 or 150 people, we have been amazed by the performance of the space, which always looks fresh the next day T R Y S TA N G R A H A M

“Sydney sandstone is traditionally used in many north shore gardens, but it does not perform well around swimming pools,” says Trystan. “The choice of limestone was to maintain that traditional aesthetic without compromising on performance.”

Classic plantings of Ornamental Pears; Viburnum; Buxus sempervirens, Common Box; and Hedera helix, English Ivy, are beautifully offset with more architectural species of Bromeliad, Furcraea and Agave. A herb garden, placed in the sunny corner of the property, provides the opportunity for further owner engagement in the garden.

Other sustainable garden additions include large water tanks concealed below the back lawn; waterwise exotics planted where possible; rainwater harvesting used for irrigation; and the pool is run on an automated system by Pooled Energy to help it perform more efficiently, using less power. The existing drainage easement in the backyard was also considered in the garden’s initial design.

“As a garden designer, we are there to take in ideas, brief and budgets and turn that into something tangible for them. A good working relationship with our clients is the key to a successful project,” says Trystan.

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OUTDOOR LIVING

WE L VE The varied selection of pot plants

Limestone and sandstone walling by Eco Outdoor match the home’s traditional north shore aesthetic and provide a beautiful contrast to its leafy surrounds. This was both a cost and design-driven decision by the team.

“My favourite spot is the large alfresco area off the back of the house that leads down to the lawn and pool. I love the abundance of space to engage with our family (this home belongs to my in-laws) and friends and play with my young nieces and nephews,” says Trystan. “I personally loved working with my in-laws as clients, alongside the builder, Nathan Jones from Nest Building, who is my brother-in-law. This isn’t something many people get the chance to do and I am very grateful for it.”

With sections for both entertaining and relaxing with the family, this stunning classicmeets-contemporary garden will be seeing many more celebrations in its future. “With the number of parties and events that happen here, whether it’s 15 or 150 people, we have been amazed by the performance of the space, which always looks fresh the next day,” says Trystan. outdoorestablishments.com

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OUTDOOR LIVING

A place of tranquilly A backyard sportsground is transformed into a leafy secluded oasis

words kylie baracz photos patrick redmond

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his fl ourishing sanctuary is far from the barren grassland that was used as a backyard cricket pitch and footy field for the owners’ young sons.

The family was looking for a place where they could relax, entertain and provide a seamless extension of the indoor dining and living areas of the home that face out to the garden.

“For more than 10 years, this garden was a large patch of grass used extensively yearround by the boys for their favourite sporting pursuits of football and cricket,” says Justine Carlile, owner of Justine Carlile Landscape Design. “When the boys finished their school years, a dramatic transformation of the garden was required to create an area for relaxation and entertainment.”

Justine and her team drastically transformed this outdoor wasteland into a rustic, secluded and attractive space full of life and greenery. To create height and interest, a hardwood timber pergola was erected at the rear of the garden for both an entertaining and relaxing space away from the home. The solid structure of the pergola is laced with Vitis vinifera, Ornamental Grape Vine, to provide lush summer shade and a magnificent display of colour in autumn. This makes year-round entertaining a breeze, with shady days in summer and warm sunlight in winter.

A well-considered furniture layout under the pergola allows for zoned entertaining, with bar stools and table at one end and outdoor sofas at the other. The casual timber decking, made using Australian hardwood, subtly joins

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the spaces without overpowering them and blends nicely with the pergola above. “The centrepiece of the garden is the relaxation zones incorporated into the pergola,” says Justine. “They are used constantly by the whole family year-round.”

A clever placement of bluestone steppers creates a lovely connection between the pergola and the home, keeping the existing grass lush and maintained while the plant selection creates a peaceful atmosphere.

Zantedeschia aethiopica, ‘Green Goddess’ Arum Lilies, stand in the shade of the rear of the pergola, providing a continuous production of beautiful fl owers, while the front is bordered by Buxus sempervirens, English Box hedge, to give the space a lush formality.

Cycas revoluta, Cycad, is planted in a stunning concrete bowl between the two entertaining zones to create a central feature with lush underplanting of Murraya panniculata, Murraya hedge, to casually blend it into its surrounds. Pyrus calleryana,

WE L VE

‘Cleveland Select’ Ornamental Pears,

The formal planting palette

planted at each end of the pergola, provide added greenery to the space and feature an underplanting of Anthropodium cirratum, Rock Lily. This is all serenely surrounded by

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well-maintained mature Cupressus, Cyprus ‘Leighton Green’, and Waterhousea fl oribunda, Waterhousea hedges, creating a private, calm and seasonal space for the whole family to enjoy.

By selecting low-water plants, Justine and her team ensured the garden will be sustainable and eco-friendly. Herb gardens featuring rosemary also provide delicious herbs for cooking. And

When the boys finished their school years, a dramatic transformation of the garden was required to create an area for relaxation and entertainment

to keep their sons happy, much of their original lawn space has been retained in case they ever feel the need to bring out their old football.

“The clients are extremely satisfied with the finished product, which is well supported by its constant use by the owners’ sons and friends,” says Justine.

With its new entertaining space and chill-out zone snug under a stunning leafy pergola, this rustic, tranquil garden has certainly found its wow factor. Creating a picturesque view from inside the house, the garden’s unique planted centrepiece will draw its owners outdoors all year round. “From a designer’s perspective, the finished product achieved all the design aspirations and it is particularly pleasing that the clients were entirely satisfi ed with the outcome.” justinecarlile.com.au

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JUSTINE CARLILE

Features Clever ideas and expert advice to help you create the ideal outdoor space

FEATURE

A warm, welcoming vibe Bring your outdoor spaces to life your way with new-look designer heating and lighting

words carrol baker

HEATING OPTIONS

to provide warm ambient heating. They are very

When choosing an outdoor heat source to

versatile and can be used both indoors and out.

keep you and your guests snug, there are some

These are one of the fastest-growing additions

practical ways to narrow down your selection. The

to many outdoor spaces because of their good

size and shape of the space and how it’s protected

looks and versatility. They are available in an

all factor into your decision. Then there’s the

abundance of shapes and sizes.

fuel source. Gas or electric? Wood, charcoal or bioethanol? Each has different benefi ts. Another

A BESPOKE FIREPLACE

consideration of course is budget — if yours is on

Designer fireplaces are also making their mark.

the generous side, there are virtually unlimited

Add a little flair to your outdoor space with a

options available to you.

custom-built fireplace. The inviting ambience of a fire will have you opting for nights in rather

FIREPITS AND FIRE TABLES

that heading out. A stylish fireplace can take

Outdoor entertaining spaces come in all

an outdoor space to the next level of design,

shapes and sizes. If yours is small, a firepit is a

matching harmoniously with your home’s

great solution. They are relatively new to the

interior as well.

marketplace and are one of the most popular

Modern fireplaces can be constructed with

contemporary heating sources. As an added

myriad materials including brick, concrete, metal

bonus, a firepit is portable — move it around as

or stone and can be fuelled by either gas or wood.

needed. Add cosy seating for a pop-up party feel

Storage areas for timber fuel sources are coming

or to create an intimate space. Firepits are ground

into their own — many stackable options add a

height or table height, so they won’t obscure any

rustic designer look.

garden views. Wood-burning firepits also offer

New-look gas fireplaces can run on natural

another way to cook simple foods with a grill plate

gas or LPG. With simple installation, the modern

on top. Your guests will love it. They are portable

open-fronted fireplace means there’s no need for

so you can also store away in the warmer months

a flue. Stylish and tasteful, bespoke inbuilt outdoor

if you choose, but the ambience of a firepit can be

gas fireplaces are very hot right now.

enjoyed all year round.

Bioethanol freestanding fire tables or firepits are environmentally friendly, cost-efficient options

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A suspended fireplace is another beautiful heating source. Timeless and stylish, they add a touch of drama and undeniable aesthetic appeal.

Above Image courtesy of Sculpt Fireplace Collection. sculptfireplaces.com.au Left Image courtesy of Escea. escea.com/au/

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ELECTRIC STRIP HEATERS Slimline, stylish and versatile — mounted strip heaters continue to evolve, adding warmth and ambience to a protected outdoor space.

They are also very discreet. They offer instant heat, so there’s no need to stoke the fire and wait for it to heat up. Some can be controlled with remotes or Wi-Fi and Bluetooth via a smartphone app, giving you the ultimate in control and convenience.

Electric freestanding heaters are another idea in modern outdoor heating options. Some can have the height and angle of the head adjusted to zone in where you need it. Look for one with a tip-over safety switch.

PORTABLE GAS HEATERS This eco-friendly idea is the perfect way to add instant warmth to an outdoor space.

Modern portable gas heaters have more of a designer edge than their previous counterparts. You’ll often find them in commercial alfresco settings, but they can just as easily keep the winter chills at bay at home. Position close to the action to create a warming winter welcome, but not too close to ceilings. An adjustable thermostat means you can get the right amount of warmth exactly where you need it.

TURNING UP THE HEAT WITH AWNINGS AND BLINDS Retractable shades, awnings and shutters will keep out summer heat but also serve to cosy up your home, trapping the heat and blocking chilly winter winds. In outdoor spaces, outdoor blinds can be both stylish and functional. New additions to awnings include options that can completely enclose an outdoor space, creating a separate serviceable entertaining space when it’s cold outside.

LIGHTING OPTIONS Outdoor lighting has evolved over the last few decades. It plays a pivotal role in crafting an inviting ambience for your outdoor spaces. Modern outdoor entertaining areas can contain a clever mix of outdoor lighting including LED garden spike or bollard lights to light the way, in-fl oor deck and stair lighting for safety, wall lighting to provide soft ambient illumination or to highlight a focal point, and lanterns to cast a warm glow.

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Above Image courtesy of Escea. escea.com/au/ Below & opposite bottom Images courtesy of Thermofi lm. thermofi lm.com.au Opposite top right & middle Images courtesy of Beacon Lighting. beaconlighting.com.au

FEATUR E

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Outdoor lighting has evolved over the last few decades. It plays a pivotal role in crafting an inviting ambience for your outdoor spaces

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FEATUR E

TAKE A NOTE If you want to create a beautiful and practical lighting plan for your garden and surrounds, take pencil to paper and carefully sketch out your landscape, including pathways and gardens. Highlight plants, shrubs and trees that deserve special attention through feature lighting. Add in steps, decks, areas where there is garden seating, arbors and water features.

Where possible, draw it to scale so distances and heights are factored in. Once you have a plan, you can chat with a lighting specialist to determine how best to make your outdoor spaces come to life your way with lighting.

MAKE AN ENTRANCE Of course, lighting an entryway sets the tone for the rest of your outdoor space and landscape. This is because your pathway lighting generally leads the way to your Above Image courtesy of Beacon Lighting. beaconlighting.com.au Top left Photo by Randy Fath. unsplash.com Left Image courtesy of Getty Images Below Image courtesy of Lights4fun. lights4fun.com

outdoor areas. Bollard lighting offers safe passage for those walking around pathways at night. Oval stainless and black bollard lighting remains popular.

Wall lights that cast a muted glow are on trend. Some illuminate upwards and downwards, while metals like copper and brass add a touch of contemporary style.

ALFRESCO DINING IN STYLE Alfresco dining has never looked so good.

Source an antique or contemporary candle holder, bunches of flowers from the garden, set a pretty table with some comfortable cushions and throws and gather your friends for a casual late-afternoon gathering under a winter sky. As the sun sets, light the candles to create a romantic look.

Who says pendants are just for home interiors? Not any longer. Pendants in durable wicker, stainless steel and metals are creating spaces that offer elegant dining alternatives to eating and entertaining indoors.

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FEATURE

ADD A SPRINKLING OF MAGIC To create an instant party ambience, festoon lighting is a hands-down favourite. This type of lighting has evolved with a greater variety of options on offer. There are dimmer switches to help control the amount of illumination — some are available in round and pear shapes, others have an industrial vibe to suit many contemporary outdoor spaces. Add some Wi-Fi capability and you control the party your way. Ramp it up early to get everyone in a festive mood, then dial it back later in the evening.

Create a beautiful bespoke look by weaving pretty fairy lights around a trellis in the garden. Or light up a feature tree with garlands of attractive lighting to create a romantic shimmer. Hurricane lanterns placed strategically around the garden can direct the flow of foot traffic and add an appealing aspect.

Lanterns positioned around an outdoor space evoke a soft, gentle glow that is comfortable and relaxing. Beautiful new-look outdoor lanterns made from durable woven materials are popular. Position them on tables at different heights, and experiment to see what works well to cast the right level of gentle illumination.

SAFE AS HOUSES Lighting on steps and decking is designed to provide subtle low-level lighting for safety.

Flexible LED strip lights and deck lighting make navigating your way around an outdoor space far safer. Position along the risers or treads of stairs — it will cast a soft downward glow that won’t overpower other lighting.

Deck lighting is another safety feature with a malleable glow. New innovations in lighting mean colour-changing lights are also on offer. Decks with inbuilt seating can also look fabulous with modern under-cap lighting.

Some new deck lights can sense light levels in a space and automatically switch on when the levels are too low.

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Top Image courtesy of Lights4fun. lights4fun.com Above Image courtesy of Coffee & Cloth. coffeeandcloth.co.uk

Sweet & petite With some creativity and a well-composed planting palette, even the smallest garden can become your own personal paradise

words karen booth

F

or some, a small garden is a challenge. For others, it’s an opportunity to think creatively and produce something that’s perfectly

tailored to the space and the way you want to use it. For most, it’s a bit of both.

“I personally find designing gardens for

small areas both really interesting and a welcome challenge, with the payoff usually being a neatly integrated space with several multipurpose components that afford fl exibility,” says Aaron Worth, landscape designer and owner of Utopia Landscape Design. “The mistake many people make with a compact garden is to fill the space with structural and functional elements and cut back on the planting. This results in hard, sometimes cold two-dimensional or uninviting spaces, making the garden much less inviting to use.

“Do your planning up front and design the space with plants in mind rather than as an afterthought,” says Aaron. “Plants play many roles in the smaller garden. They visually soften the space, add colour and texture, cool wall and fl oor surfaces, and provide an enveloping effect that is very soothing.”

Justine Carlile, landscape designer and owner of Justine Carlile Landscape Design, says there are numerous components to designing small gardens. “A particularly important consideration is when the outdoor space can be viewed from inside the house.

In this case bringing the outside indoors is critical,” she says. “And while limited space might be the initial challenge, other factors such as poor access, lack of direct sunlight, poor ventilation, and restricted areas for Above Built-in raised planters and large pots can help to maximise space and provide somewhere for striking feature plants. pepo.com.au

planting can all impact creating a great outdoor space.”

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THE POTTED GARDEN “Growing plants when you have limited space or no open soil area to plant in can be a little tricky at first, but once you understand your space and conditions, the potential is limitless,” says Glenice Buck, landscape designer, horticulturist, consultant arborist and owner of Glenice Buck Designs. “You can grow a garden in any area whether it be a patio, a deck, a verandah, a balcony, a courtyard or even a windowsill. Where there is no open soil you will just need to use pots or planters.

“Before starting to create your potted garden, you need to get to know the space.

This is the same with any size garden — you need to develop an understanding of the site conditions. Look at how much sunlight the space gets throughout the day: is it under cover or open to the elements, how much wind does the area get, are there any pockets of microclimates, is there a water source in the outdoor space and will the area drain? The drainage of the site is an important factor as when you do introduce plants to a space, they will need watering, which means you need somewhere for the water to drain.”

Once you understand the conditions on your site, you will be able to select the most suitable plants. “Plants are normally labelled in the nursery with their preferred growing aspect: full sun, full shade, part sun/part shade.

The other selection criteria is to look at how big the plant grows — check if the fully grown plant will fi t into your space,” says Glenice.

CHOOSING AND USING POTS The design of your potted garden has the same requirements as a design for an inground garden. Consider where you want the potted plants to sit, how you want to use the total space, if there will need to be room for garden furniture, and if you want other garden features in the space. “In smaller spaces it is usually best to group pots out towards the perimeter so you get the benefit of greenery, but it won’t take up space in the centre area where you may want to sit,” advises Glenice.

Don’t forget that you can think vertically, too. Can you add plantings to the side walls or fences? Or can you have plants on stands or tables? Placing pots at different height levels will add interest and give you a more gardenlike feel. “The size of the pot is very important,” she adds. “I would always suggest that you try to fi t the largest pots you can into the space. This will mean that you don’t have to continually re-pot your plants and they won’t

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FEATUR E

Growing plants when you have limited space or no open soil area to plant in can be a little tricky at first, but once you understand your space and conditions, the potential is limitless GLENICE BUCK

TREES IN POTS “Don’t limit yourself to only using small shrubs, groundcovers and annuals in your pots,” says Glenice Buck. “There’s a variety of tall shrubs and small trees that will work in a potted garden or small space.

Consider the clearance height you have in the space and how large a pot can be to use in the space. A general guide is the taller the tree, the bigger the pot will need to be to support its growth and also act as an anchor to prevent the pot from blowing over. Smaller trees for pots would be a weeping maple or Japanese maple, Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’, golden cane palm, raphis palm, citrus trees, olive trees, fi ddle leaved figs, camellias and bamboo.

“Most of these species will grow best in a pot that has a minimum width and height of 600mm, preferably bigger. You can also grow climbers such as star jasmine in pots that will grow up to cover the vertical space in your garden. Some climbers will need some type of framework to climb on. There are climbers that will cling to walls with their roots (such as creeping fig and Boston ivy); however, these can end up damaging brickwork over time.”

Top Left This small courtyard garden won Residential Design of the Year in the 2021 TLA Landscape Excellence Awards. outdoorestablishments.com Above Use climbing plants to dress a wall in foliage and potted plants to add flourishes of cheery seasonal colour. provenwinners.com.au Opposite Winner of Residential Landscape Construction of the Year in the 2021 TLA Landscape Excellence Awards, this is an urban oasis. outdoorestablishments.com

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 9 1

dry out as quickly. To give a cohesiveness to the space, selecting pots that are similar in colour is always good. I often suggest selecting pots

Above As this design proves, there are many ways to creatively include greenery into a small outdoor space. belllandscapes.com.au Opposite A feature tree can be worked into most small-space designs, framing views and drawing the eye up. franklingroup.com.au

in a variety of sizes and styles, but all in the one colour. Grouping pots in odd numbers is always effective too. Use a single pot or a group of three or five. These can be similar in colour but

FRUIT AND VEG

in a variety of sizes and shape.”

Keep an eye out for dwarf varieties of regular fruit and veggies. Many types of dwarf fruit trees can be grown

UP THE WALL

in a large pot or a sunny corner of a courtyard. Best of

To add more greenery in a small space,

all, they produce full-size fruit. Some of the common

Gerrad Everson, landscape designer and

dwarf fruit trees available are peach, nectarine, mango,

owner of Octopus Garden Design, says you

lemon, avocado, mulberry and apple. These may be

need to “accentuate the vertical. Select tall

available at your local nursery, or they can be ordered

and narrow trees with low shrubs, use vines

from specialist nurseries, which have an even greater

rather than hedges, or use raised pots or

range. Fruit trees of any size need to regularly fertilised,

even elevated planter boxes to rooftops or

watered and pruned so that they’ll fruit well.

windowsills to allow plants to trail down,

When it comes to vegetables, there is a huge

freeing more space at ground level. When

range of interesting and tasty dwarf varieties. Many

adopting a layered planting palette, draw the

of the dwarf vegetables, unlike dwarf fruit trees, do

eye to the farthest point — and upwards —

have smaller edible parts. Miniature veggies include

by using tall-growing plants as a backdrop

beans, broccoli, beetroot, pumpkin, squash, eggplant,

and place a mix of strappy and round shaped

watermelon, carrot, lettuce, onion, potato, sweet corn,

shrubs beneath with low groundcover plants

tomatoes, cucumber, chilli and cabbage. With so much

to the edges,” he says.

to choose from, you’ll be feasting all year round.

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FEATUR E

Growing climbing plants up a trellis or some other type of structure is a time-honoured way to use the vertical space to best advantage and create a cosy environment where you feel wrapped in green. In a really small space, climbers with thorns are probably best avoided, but there are plenty of other options, many of them producing a seasonal flourish of blooms and fragrance.

“In very limited space, a creeper such as climbing fig or Boston ivy will easily cover a wall,” says Justine. “If a little more space is available, then the use of star jasmine trained on vertical, horizontal or shaped wires will provide excellent evergreen wall coverage with a spectacular flower show in the spring or espaliered plants such as citrus or even the consideration of a green wall which are becoming increasingly popular.”

VERTICAL GARDENS “There are three main types of vertical garden systems you can use for growing plants in a courtyard, small garden or on a sunny balcony,” says landscape designer Georgia Harper, founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design. “The first is the modular stacking system. These are bought in units which are then stacked together and attached to the wall with brackets. Each unit is lined with a geotextile fabric that is filled with a growing medium. Holes are cut into the fabric for the plants. These systems allow root systems more space to grow. Geotextile pockets are another option,” she continues. “These usually have a solid backing that has fabric attached over the top of the base board. There are openings or pockets on the face of the unit where plants can be inserted. The other popular method is individual pots on frames. These systems are usually formed by attaching a mesh or framework to the wall and then clipping on individual purpose-made pots. Each pot is planted with an individual plant and when placed all together, they cover the wall. This type of system makes it slightly easier to replace plants as their roots are not entwined with other plants. Some of these systems come with the option of some form of drip irrigation system.”

Of course, there are other ways to go vertical. There are self-watering tower pots, wall-mounted individual pots or sets of pots, collapsible or fold-up tiered planters, or you can make your own and perhaps attach a series of pots to an old ladder or a deck balustrade.

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 9 3

DESIGN TIPS Number of plants: The planting needs to feel lush, natural and warm but not forced or overdone. It’s a fine line but you need to know when to stop.

Plant composition: Select plants of different heights that will add depth and group plants with different textures to add interest.

Groundcovers: Groundcover plants are perfect for small spaces as they add life, greenery and texture without taking up too much ground space.

Feature plants: Even in small spaces, adding one or two feature trees can actually make the space feel larger and add valuable shade and privacy.

Maintenance: Don’t neglect your garden. Every great garden needs TLC to be its best, especially a small garden where everything is easily seen.

Source: Mark Bell from Bell Landscapes. belllandscapes.com.au

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FEATUR E

FOCAL POINTS

REACH FOR THE SKY

Pots and urns: “The addition of a single pot or urn will provide

If you want to put part of your roof to good use,

interest and a focal point in a small garden,” says Justine Carlile.

but not as a space for outdoor living, you can

“Depending on space, the pots and urns can vary in size and may

create what is called a “green roof”. This means

or may not contain plants. Topiary Buxus always work well and

the space is given over to plants.

succulents can be an easy-care option.”

Georgia Harper of Georgia Harper Landscape

Art and decor: “Placing a sculpture within the garden will certainly

Design explains: “Green roofs are created

add animation,” says Justine. “Alternatively, one or more Corten steel

using a system of manufactured layers placed

light boxes will be very effective, particularly when viewed from

over roofs to support growing medium and

within the house. Water features should also be considered … it could

plant life. This creates a blanket of vegetation

even be something as simple as one or more water spouts inserted

that provides a pleasant vista and increases

into a wall directing water into a trough surrounded by vegetation.”

the energy effi ciency of your home, helping to cool it in summer and add insulation in winter. More importantly, it plays a number of essential environmental roles: helping to clean the air, manage storm water, sequester carbon, promote biodiversity preservation and create habitat. Creating a green roof requires the help of experts, but it’s an investment that will pay off in the long run.

“There are several issues to address, such as the roof’s structural load-bearing capacity, drainage, plant selection and maintenance.

Each green roof installation is unique as each site and building is different, but green roofs can be installed on new or existing buildings.”

TRICKS OF THE TRADE There are many ways to help a small outdoor space feel bigger than it is and ensure it can provide what you need. “The first thing is to keep it simple,” advises Gerrad. “Avoid multiple contrasting materials and reduce different plant species. Generally speaking, the smaller the space, the fewer species. But ensure there is contrast in colour, size, shape and texture.”

Opposite top Even the smallest of spaces can provide a beautiful leafy outlook from your home and cater for your lifestyle needs. pepo.com.au Opposite bottom Curved seating and planters soften the look of this small outdoor space. franklingroup.com.au Above Creeping fig clothes the boundary wall, making those who stop and sit feel cosseted by green. lisaellisgardens.com.au Left You need to think creatively. Here, a small tree has been incorporated into a paved area as a focal point. scenicbluedesign.com.au

Next, create depth. “You can create a sense of added depth by introducing angles or partially screening areas,” he says. “You can also stagger trees, planters or features to create a longer perspective within the garden. And if you have the space, introducing a step or two up or down can add interest and create the feeling of different rooms. A change of level can also be an opportunity to incorporate built-in bench seating. Built-in furniture can take less space than chairs and can be utilised for storage.

“To make a space feel less cramped, create ‘shadow lines’ to the base of benches, walls etc to create a fl oating effect. Also, install garden lighting to highlight vertical elements, like a tree canopy, a feature wall, a wall-mounted artwork, or a large pot with a specimen plant in it.”

Having a compact space shouldn’t be regarded as a barrier. You just need to think a bit creatively and learn how to use and maximise the space you do have.

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 9 5

L o o k i n g f o r t h e u l t i m a t e d e s i g n i n s p i ra t i o n F O R YO U R H O M E O R B U S I N E S S ?

Our home and garden magazine range offers the most up-to-date information on the latest trends in the market.

Look no further!

Single issues of subscription deals are available at universalshop.com.au

This weekend Ideas and inspiration for your next garden project

Breaking the clay Stop being a slave to your garden

C

ontrary to popular belief, clay is actually a brilliant base for growing gardens. Once clay is opened up for drainage and aeration, it can

become a thriving playground for beneficial soil microbes. Unfortunately, the advice we are given is to dig in gypsum. The use of gypsum is an old agricultural practice dating back to the 1880s, used to leach sodium from dispersive sodic clay soils, or clay that is highly erosive and that almost dissipates in water.

Gypsum is not technically a clay breaker as it

does not work on hard compacted plasticinetype clays. In fact, too much can create what is known as gypsiferous conditions, which can cause crusting and hardpan compaction.

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THIS WEEKEND

Gypsum is a water-soluble mineral, sourced from the arid and semi-arid regions of Australia where only a small variety of lowgrowing plants survive. Over-application can be detrimental to soil fungi that is necessary for the formation of good soil structure. As a fertiliser it adds only two elements and as a soluble salt it should only be applied if soil is lacking calcium or sulphur, so care needs to be used on acidic soils.

Dolomite is another option often recommended to help break up acidic clay soils. In agriculture, dolomite is only recommended if the soil is below pH 6.2 and definitely not 7 or higher as it can burn plant roots. Dolomite is a water-soluble mineral that has a 2:1 calcium to magnesium ratio which can lead to excess magnesium in the soil, resulting in hardpan compaction.

When we use these products and our plants struggle to grow, they are never blamed as potential culprits, but they clearly could be.

What we need to be adding is water-insoluble volcanic minerals and introducing beneficial soil bacteria and fungi to solubilise those minerals, letting them do the work of breaking up the compaction, stabilising the pH and working with the plants to grow and thrive.

Earthlife has mastered this process by combining pure rock minerals with broadspectrum soil biology. These microbial rock minerals will break up soil crusting, hardpans and any form of clay, helping to reverse damage done by overuse of gypsum or dolomite. Plus, it doesn’t even need to be dug in, meaning it’s never been easier to create a friable, living, breathing soil ecosystem perfect for growing beautiful, healthy gardens.

WANT MORE INFO? EARTHLIFE phone 1800 819 003 email enquiries@earthlife.com.au website earthlife.com.au

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 9 9

Feeling edgy Overhaul your garden and create a customised outdoor oasis with a steel edge makeover

D

efine your garden and create a visually

bound to constantly delight the viewer. Once

stunning centrepiece with quick and

exposed, it will take between four and 16 weeks

easy-to-install steel edging. Whether

to achieve maximum rustic appeal. This natural

it’s large-scale feature terracing or

weathering eliminates the need for painting or

raised planters, steel edging is a simple solution to a variety of outdoor projects. All you need is a weekend and some sunscreen.

FormBoss metal garden edging is made

galvanising, so maintenance is a breeze.

FormBoss is the benchmark in safe, durable, strong and fl exible steel garden edging. Quick, easy to install and available throughout Australia,

locally in Melbourne from high-quality Australian

steel edging creates professional results with

BlueScope steel that is structurally guaranteed

strong, seamless lines. Established as the

for 10 years. One of the company’s steel finishes,

preferred choice in commercial and public spaces,

and one that is growing in popularity, is Redcor.

FormBoss has now become a proven favourite in

Boasting a long life expectancy, the subtle colour

domestic garden design.

variations within the steel make each piece unique.

Steel edging offers precise lines for a formal

Redcor’s protective layer develops over time as it

“designer” look, while also blending seamlessly

is exposed to the elements, revealing a rich patina

with a relaxed rustic setting. This product is very

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THIS WEEKEND

popular for D.I.Y. projects and major backyard renovations due to its versatility, and also for being a product a beginner could work with.

Its fire-resistant qualities have also become an important consideration for many households.

If you’re looking to add something special to your garden, whether that be a veggie patch to supplement the grocery shop, a clear garden path, large-scale feature terracing or raised planters, steel garden edging is a versatile option for many landscaping needs.

What are you waiting for? Mark out those lines and start edging!

WANT MORE INFO? FORMBOSS phone 13 11 37 website formboss.com.au

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 0 1

Shade for days Superior shading is a sure thing with the cantilevered Shaderunner ® Retractable Sail photos chameleon photography

C

reating a functional and usable

To maximise use of this seating area, the

outdoor space is high on the

homeowners opted to install this stunning

list of improvements for many

Shaderunner ® system supported by a custom-

homeowners, where our love of the

designed cantilevered frame. The framework

outdoors and spending time with friends can be

supports the Shaderunner ® with running wires

brought together. The owners of this lovely home

beneath two of the rafters, and the system

in the Adelaide suburb of Malvern have created a

extends out over the seating area as required.

wonderful outdoor seating area near their pool,

The owners elected to have the manually

perfect for relaxing after a swim or spending time

operated Shaderunner ®, which features an easy-

with loved ones.

to-use endless looped cord system with tie-off

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horn cleat. Increasing in popularity is the option to motorise the Shaderunner ® with an RTS remote-controlled Somfy motor housed in a powder-coated slimline headbox.

The Shaderunner ® Retractable Sail provides the ultimate convenience for enjoying outdoor spaces in the Australian climate. Controllable shade enables the user to manipulate the amount of shading required. During summer, the Shaderunner ® can be fully extended to provide maximum shade, UV protection and thermal comfort on demand. In the cooler months the system can be retracted back, enabling winter sun to be maximised, making the most of the available light and solar gains.

When designing outdoor areas and entertaining spaces, practical shading should be at the forefront of the design process. A welldesigned space should consider shading, and in particular retractable shading. 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 enables greater use of outdoor areas.

The Shaderunner ® Retractable Sail System is ideally suited to a range of applications around the home, from outdoor entertaining

WANT MORE INFO?

spaces and patios to swimming pools and

SHADERUNNER ® AUSTRALIA

courtyards. With a wide range of fabrics and

phone Free Call 1800 495 645

colour options available, the Shaderunner®

email enquiries@shaderunner.com.au

complements all architectural styles, from

website shaderunner.com.au

contemporary suburban homes to traditional country residences. The cantilevered frame used in this application shows the wide range of support options available for the Shaderunner ®, which can also be installed between walls, to an existing or purpose-built pergola, house fascias or support posts.

The Shaderunner ® is manufactured from 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. Constructed using only the most durable marine-grade yacht fi ttings and Ronstan ball bearing pulleys, the Shaderunner ® Retractable Sail provides years of trouble-free shading with minimal maintenance.

The unique qualities of the Shaderunner ® enable it to be utilised for a multitude of applications, from the smallest domestic setting up to largespan commercial projects such as aquatic parks and hotels.

With distributors available in each state, the Shaderunner ® is available throughout Australia.

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 0 3

Now that’s clever!

Versatile, eco-friendly composite decking provides the look of real timber without the ongoing maintenance

N

ow with two distinctly different

with Futurewood’s concealed fi x clipping system.

composite timber decking ranges

The long boards and easy-to-use clips add further

and four types of board to choose

value by reducing installation time, which leads to

from, Futurewood has a product to

substantial savings on labour costs.

suit every need.

CleverDeck Original composite timber decking

Made from recycled plastic, rice husks and hardwood sawdust, CleverDeck Original composite

has long been a best seller due to the fact it looks

timber decking has colour pigments running

like timber but is more ecologically sustainable

through the decking board, eliminating the need

and lower maintenance. Finished with a coarse

for oiling or painting. It will not rot, splinter or cup,

sanded texture that makes the product look

which makes it a great option for any garden, plus

and feel like a timber plank, it is supplied in long

the concealed fixing provides a clean finish with no

lengths with grooved edges that work seamlessly

nails or screws to catch any toes!

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THIS WEEKEND

The second option is CleverDeck Eco- Pro. This has all of the features of the Original product but in a scalloped-back, single-sided board to reduce weight and heat. With four standard colours in the Original range and two in the Eco-Pro range, the 138mm wide x 23mm thick x 5400mm long solid composite timber decking boards can be easily matched to any garden decor.

Then there is Futurewood CleverDeck Xtreme “capped” composite decking board. This is a co-extruded board, meaning it has a hard outer shell made from virgin polymers that completely encapsulates a traditional composite timber core.

The Xtreme cap is made from a blend of different polymers that make it super tough and much harder to scratch than traditional composite timber. It is virtually waterproof, which means it is very hard to stain and easy to clean.

The cap’s virgin polymer blend allows the creation of vibrant colours with subtle streaking to create a totally new decking look. CleverDeck Xtreme is available in both a 138mm wide and a 185mm wide decking board — and in up to six amazing colours. The boards are scallopedbacked with a grooved-edge profile. Both boards are 23mm thick and 5400mm long, allowing the Futurewood deck clip system to work seamlessly between either the Eco-Pro, Original or Xtreme decking products.

Futurewood also offers a simple way to transform your backyard entertainment area with its low-height sub-frame featuring aluminium joists and adjustable-height pedestals. Simply combine the sub-frame with one of the CleverDeck composite timber decking boards and create a new deck over an unsightly concrete patio, even if it is close to an internal door height.

Futurewood offers quality alternatives to

WANT MORE INFO? FUTUREWOOD

traditional timber products and the range of

phone 1300 484 308

options gives you plenty of reasons to talk to

email info@futurewood.com.au

Futurewood about your next decking project.

website futurewood.com.au

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 0 5

Feel the heat Innovative, high-performance electric heating technology for outdoor and indoor areas

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he HEATSTRIP ® collection of electric

Joining Elegance in the HEATSTRIP® family

radiant heaters is perfect for the

of products are the Indoor, Classic, Intense

outdoors and hard-to-heat indoor

and Max models. Using the radiant heating

spaces. As there is typically constant

principle, HEATSTRIP® Max DCR can provide

air movement in an outdoor or open indoor area,

effective and energy-effi cient comfort heating

many conventional heaters rely on convection

for outdoor (undercover and open) and indoor

heating that works by heating the surrounding air.

open areas.

This can be quite impractical, as the heated air can easily blow away with natural air movement.

Radiant-style heaters transfer heat directly to

HEATSTRIP ® has successfully enabled many entertainment venues such as restaurants, pubs and clubs to utilise their outdoor dining

objects through infra-red waves. While convection

areas day and night, through all seasons. In

heaters heat the air between objects, radiant

your home, HEATSTRIP ® can provide comfort

heaters heat the surface of the objects themselves.

heating for undercover alfresco dining and

®

HEATSTRIP electric radiant heaters are more

barbecue areas, patios, verandahs, courtyards

effective in an outdoor or uninsulated indoor area

and balconies. For a more comprehensive

because they provide targeted warmth directly to

overview of the entire HEATSTRIP ® range,

the people and objects in their path.

jump online and check it out today.

Years of research and development, along with a fruitful partnership with the coating technology experts at Thermofilm, a world leader in electric heaters, have resulted in a unique composition to produce the new generation of outdoor heaters.

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models thanks to its superior technology and

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unbeatable style.

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THIS WEEKEND

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 0 7

COMPLETEHOME

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SE E the latest trends, inspiration and projects from the country’s top designs and creatives

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BEGIN your renovation, no matter how big or small

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C O M P L E T E H O M E.C O M. A U

GROW

ccent on plums Once you’ve stood under your tree and eaten a ripe, sun-warmed plum, there’s no going back to store-bought ones

words chloe thomson

P

lums are one of the easiest and most

CHLOE’S POSH CHEESE ON TOAST

prolific fruit trees to grow in your

I made jars of plum spread for our

garden. Don’t panic if you’ve missed

wedding guests to take home

the bare-rooted planting season —

using plums from our own plum

you can still find potted plum trees at your

tree. And this is the recipe card

local garden centre or nursery.

I gave everyone. It has become

There are two types: European plums (Prunus domestica), which prefer cooler climates; and Japanese (or Chinese) plums (P. salicina), better suited to slightly warmer areas.

Most varieties don’t self-pollinate;

something of a hit with many people. I hope you enjoy it too.

Toast a thick slice of sourdough or crusty bread. Rub one side with a sliced garlic clove. Spread this same side with a layer of plum

however, some are partially self-pollinating

spread or plum jam (homemade if you can). Top the plum spread

but will produce better harvests with a

with a cheese of your choice (I like aged cheddars for this). Pop it

pollinating partner.

all under the grill until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Cut into

Check the variety you’re planting for its

soldiers and enjoy with a big bowl of soup or as a tasty snack.

most suitable pollinator. As a general rule, the two varieties will not cross-pollinate each other, so try to plant two of the same species if you aren’t sure of the exact variety.

If you’ve not grown plums before, you’re

GROWING Plums need a full-sun spot and will tolerate

missing out on some seriously chin-drippingly

growing in a wide range of soils as long as

delicious fruit. I particularly like the versatility

they’re well drained. Most varieties will grow

of plums — you can eat them fresh; make jams,

to around 4m tall and wide, but they can be

spreads and other preserves with them; dry

kept pruned to a pickable height and there

them or turn them into fruit leathers or even

are varieties grafted onto dwarf root stock

cook them into savoury tagines and stews.

available too.

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Blood plum ‘Satsuma’

PLUM Common name: Plum Botanical name: Prunus subg. Prunus Family: Rosaceae Aspect & soil: Sun; well-drained soil Best climate: Temperate to cool Habit: Small to medium-sized deciduous tree Propagation: Seedlings or rootstock cuttings Diffi culty: Easy

Improve the soil before planting with compost and well-aged manure. While you’re digging the hole, soak the pot in a dilution of seaweed to help reduce transplant shock and encourage new root growth.

‘Green Gage’

Dig the hole twice as wide as the root ball and to the same depth. Make sure the soil at the bottom of the planting hole is loose and fluffed up with compost if needed.

Plant your tree and backfill around the root ball, firming down the soil gently. If you live in a particularly windy spot, adding a stake now is a good idea.

Mulch around the plant to suppress weeds and retain moisture but keep the mulch away from the trunk. Water in well at planting with diluted seaweed solution and provide regular water while the plant establishes.

Plums are best pruned to an open vase shape to aid fruit production and ripening. To make harvesting them and netting them from hungry birds easier, keep them pruned to a manageable height.

VARIETIES Blood Plum ‘Satsuma’ (P. salicina) produces

‘Sugar’

medium-sized dark-red fruit with bloodred fl esh. It’s a sweet fruit with just a hint of tartness, making it delicious fresh or ideal for jams and preserves. Partially self-pollinating but prefers the company of ‘Santa Rosa’, ‘Narrabeen’ or ‘Mariposa’.

‘Green Gage’ (P. domestica) is a very popular European plum with a green to yellow skin and pale-yellow flesh when ripe, great for stewing or bottling. Partially self-fertile and tends to crop heavily every second year.

‘Sugar’ (P. domestica) has extremely sweet fruit with yellow fl esh surrounded by darkred skin. A heavy cropper with small, long, oval-shaped fruit, it loves a cold winter and is perfect for drying or jam making.

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 1 1

GROW

words chloe thomson

T

ake a dive this spring and summer into the world of capsicums and you’ll realise their shapes and colours go well beyond the red, green and yellow

“bell peppers” you’ll find at the supermarket.

For some of the most unusual and heirloom varieties, look for seeds and sow them around the same time you do your tomatoes — or any time throughout spring for a summer and autumn harvest.

It might be a tad controversial, but I find capsicums less fi ddly and fussy to grow compared to their tomato cousins. Capsicums are very “set and forget” in my garden. Many have a neat, compact growth habit and tend to fruit happily with minimal effort.

The capsicum is a member of the nightshade

or Solanaceae family, so it’s related to chillies, tomatoes, eggplants and potatoes. Keep this in mind for crop rotation in your garden.

Many of the compact varieties of capsicum are perfect for growing in pots. Those with fun colours can be used as edible outdoor table decorations. Look out for ‘Candy Stripe’, ‘Mini Sweet Mix’ and ‘Red Cherry’ to brighten up your outdoor entertaining space this summer.

The pole pepper

GROWING Like their solanaceous relatives, capsicums like the warmth of summer in the cool and temperate regions of Australia. In the rest of the country they can generally be grown year round.

Sow seeds into warm soil or seed-raising mix (at least 20–25 degrees) or, if your outdoor soil isn’t yet warm enough, use a heat mat and start them indoors.

Once your seedlings are around 10cm tall, they can be hardened off and planted into the garden leaving 50–60cm between plants (check

Easy to grow and sweet and tangy, the capsicum has none of the fiery hit of its chilli cousins

the packet for directions).

Capsicums prefer a soil that is slightly acidic but also rich in calcium, so if your soil pH is already ideal, apply calcium using gypsum rather than dolomite or garden lime because this won’t alter the pH.

1 1 2 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

Taller-growing varieties may need a stake for support if you have a particularly exposed or windy site. Put in the stake at the time of planting so you don’t disturb the roots later on.

Under-plant your capsicums with pollinatorattracting marigolds, alyssum and basil to create both a pretty and productive patch.

PESTS AND DISEASES Throughout the growing season, keep an eye out for aphid attack on young buds. Treat with a certified organic oil if they aren’t kept under control by predator insects or by hosing them off.

Make sure your plants have good air flow around them by following the plant-spacing directions for each variety. This will help reduce the chance of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.

If a fungal disease does strike, treat with a certified organic fungicidal spray.

The Queensland fruit fl y likes laying its eggs in capsicums, spoiling your harvest. Use wildlifesafe Queensland fruit-fl y netting to keep them off your precious fruit or lay baits and traps for the fl ying adult fruit fl y.

Top ‘Mad Hatter’ Above left ‘Chocolate Beauty’ Above ‘Gilboa Orange’ Left ‘Candy Stripe’

VARIETIES ‘Candy Stripe’ (Capsicum annuum) A sweet capsicum with variegated foliage and striped fruit, it begins white and green striped before maturing to a green-red stripe. However, the fruit can be harvested at any stage and it is particularly delicious raw.

‘Mad Hatter’ (C. baccatum) In warmer climates this capsicum can produce a very mild heat (particularly around the seed membrane), so it blurs the line between a sweet capsicum and a super-mild chilli. But it’s worth including in this list of capsicums purely because of its small, fun, disc-shaped red and green fruit.

‘Chocolate Beauty’ (C. annuum) As the name suggests, this capsicum produces sweet fruit of a deep chocolate-brown colour, delicious raw or cooked. Suitable for container growing.

‘Bull Horn’ (C. annuum) A long, sweet capsicum

CAPSICUM

perfect for stuffing. Fruit can be harvested green

Common name: Capsicum, pepper, sweet chilli, paprika

or red but the red is much sweeter.

Botanical name: Capsicum annuum Grossum Group

‘Gilboa Orange’ (C. annuum) A bright orange

Family: Solanaceae (nightshade)

fruit that’s more pest and disease resistant than

Aspect & soil: Sun to light afternoon shade (warm climates only);

other varieties. Its thick, tasty fl esh is sweet

well-drained soil

eaten cooked or raw.

Best climate: All

‘California Wonder’ (C. annuum) For huge fruit

Habit: Annual to perennial small shrub

in the classic “bell pepper” shape and red or

Propagation: Sow seed or plant seedlings in spring and summer

green colours, plant this heirloom variety.

Diffi culty: Easy to moderate

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 1 3

GROW

A room of your own If you’ve been left in the dark on how to grow mushrooms, let us enlighten you

Mushroom foraging can be fun and rewarding, but only if you know 100 per cent what you are picking and eating. Far too many people are poisoned each year after eating words chloe thomson

misidentifi ed wild mushrooms.

Of the estimated 10,000 mushroom species on the planet, about 30 of them are grown

M

ushrooms belong to the fungi

commercially or in home setups.

kingdom. Neither plant nor animal, they are nonetheless truly

GROWING FUNGI

fascinating and their lifecycle

But how to grow mushrooms at home? Let’s

sounds like something from a sci-fi movie.

The mushrooms we eat are actually the fruiting bodies of a mycelium that grows on a

start by busting the first myth that mushrooms need to grow in the dark.

In fact, mushrooms are best grown in a place

substrate such as straw, sawdust, logs or even

with enough light to read a book by. If grown

used coffee grounds.

in a dark cupboard they will become vitamin D

The growing mycelium slowly colonises and consumes the substrate before the fruiting

deficient and not develop properly.

Choose a spot that has a relatively high

bodies, or mushrooms, emerge from the

humidity (above 70 per cent), indirect sunlight,

mycelium. Once mature, the mushrooms release

fresh air and a temperature that suits the

spores that land on the substrate and begin the

mushroom species you’re trying to grow.

cycle again.

(If you’d like to read about this in more detail,

The easiest way to grow your own mushrooms is to use a mushroom kit. These comprise

the book Milkwood by Australian permaculture

a bagged sterile substrate that has been

experts Kirsten Bradley and Nick Ritar has a whole

inoculated with mushroom spores. You can buy

chapter on mushroom cultivation, including a

ready-to-grow kits for many different species

detailed run-through of the mushroom lifecycle.)

and from a range of suppliers.

1 1 4 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

'Nameko'

Once you’ve got the kit, follow the instructions for the species you’re growing — some like higher temperatures while others prefer it quite cool. Great choices for beginners include oyster, shiitake and button mushrooms.

More advanced shroom growers could try their hands at purchasing the mushroom spores

'Shiitake'

and making their own sterile substrate or even inoculating logs with mushroom spore plugs.

Growing mushrooms on a larger scale for use in your own kitchen doesn’t require overly complex equipment and, once you’ve nailed the processes involved, you can have a year-round continuous supply of colourful, fresh mushrooms.

You can purchase spores, substrate ingredients and other mushroom-growing tools easily from a number of online stores including Aussie Mushroom Supplies, Life Cykel, Little Acre and more. Just make sure you’re buying from an Australian supplier.

SPECIES TO TRY

'Pink Oyster'

Oyster (Pleurotus ostreatus) There are a lot of oyster mushroom species available including Pink Oyster (P. djamor), King Oyster (P. eryngii) and Golden or Yellow Oyster (P. citrinopileatus).

However, beginners should start with the tasty and easy-to-grow Tan Oysters or Pearl Oysters, which tolerate a range of growing conditions and fruit in temperatures of 7–25°C. They are also quick growers and should produce a crop within 2–3 weeks.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) Although shiitake can take a while to fruit (up to 12 months if growing outdoors, but around 6 weeks for indoor cultivation), the wait is worth it and they are easy to grow. These flavoursome mushrooms can be grown from a kit, an inoculated substrate or even an inoculated log.

Nameko (Pholiota microspora)

'Swordbelt'

loves a humid spot with a temperature between 10 and 20°C. This small golden-brown mushroom is popular in Japan and its slightly nutty flavour is beautiful in stirfries. It can also be dried easily.

Swordbelt (Agrocybe aegerita) Also known as Black Poplar or Chestnut Mushroom, this medium-to-large mushroom has a delicious taste; some even say it reminds them of bacon.

It fruits in temperatures of 10–18°C.

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 1 5

GROW

Star power With its unique shape, carambola deserves to be the star of your next fruit salad

words jennifer stackhouse

I

’ve always been intrigued by culinary art, from ice sculptures to radishes and carrots that are cut like roses. It’s all far too complicated for me.

But there’s one fruit that looks as if you’re

It has the habit, known as sessile, seen in

skilled in food artistry when all that’s necessary is

many rainforest species, of producing fl owers

to slice it up. The starfruit or carambola has done

directly from its stem and branches. Clusters of

all the fancy work itself.

pink or mauve fl ower stems arise from the main

This fruit is elongated with prominent ridges so that when sliced horizontally it forms a fi ve-

branches and form the fruit.

The distinctive elongated fi ve-ridged fruits are

pointed green-to-yellow star that looks great on a

around 8–10cm in length, though some varieties

fruit platter.

can be as much as 20cm long. The leaves are

As well as looking good, it also has a refreshing

bright green and grow in pairs along pinkish

sweet/sour fruit-salad flavour (think banana, feijoa

stems. As it is both attractive and productive,

and a hint of pineapple) and a texture like a grape.

starfruit makes a good choice as a shade or

A fruit platter at a special function is where most people will first encounter starfruit but this exotic is also available at most fruit shops and supermarkets.

feature tree in a garden. It is also self-fertile so only one tree is needed for fruit production.

While many starfruit trees are sold unnamed there are some named varieties available from

If you live in a warm climate, you can grow

specialist fruit tree nurseries including ‘Arkin’,

your own. Starfruit comes from Asia, particularly

‘Daleys Sweet Gold’, ‘Giant Siam’, ‘Kembangan’

Malaysia and Indonesia, so it grows well

and ‘Kary’.

northward from northern New South Wales, where it is assured of a warm, humid, frost-

Named varieties tend to be reliably sweeter in flavour and produce good-sized, juicy fruit.

free climate. There are commercial starfruit plantations in coastal Queensland and the

GROWING STARFRUIT

Northern Territory around Darwin.

Grow starfruit by planting a grafted potted tree

Starfruit grows on a very attractive tree, which

in spring or any time they are available. They can

can reach 8m tall and wide but is kept smaller

be grown from seed but starting with a grafted

with regular pruning in order to keep it compact

plant gets you off and running, with a first crop

enough to easily protect and harvest fruit.

within a year to 15 months from planting.

1 1 6 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

This plant is unfussy about soil and growing conditions, tolerating a slightly acid to neutral soil and even minor waterlogged conditions after heavy rain.

It doesn’t like to dry out for too long (particularly while fruit is forming), so water regularly, especially during the dry season.

Select a planting position in full sun but protected from winds.

Fertilise each season using an organic citrus fertiliser and prune in winter to keep the tree to a size that can be easily protected with bird netting.

When pruning, shorten long branches and remove any inward growth to keep the tree open for good air circulation.

HARVEST Starfruit fruits year round in tropical climates but tends to have its main crop through summer and autumn. This means there is fruit available at varying stages of ripeness, so pick only when ripe.

You’ll know the fruit is ripe when its colour changes from bright green to yellow or gold with just the tips of its ridges remaining green.

Expect ripe fruit 60–75 days after flowering.

Once the tree is established, fruiting is bountiful. Well-grown individuals can produce more than 100kg of fruit a year. The fruit is eaten fresh or as juice but is also added to savoury dishes such as curries.

It can be pureed (remove seeds first) and stored frozen or cut into stars and dried in a food dehydrator. It can also be made into chutney.

Top Naturally a designer fruit with its pretty star shape Above The bell-shaped flowers attract pollinators

Because of its distinctive star-shaped crosssection, starfruit is used widely to decorate other foods including salads, fruit platters and desserts. The fruit can be stored in the crisper section of the fridge for several weeks.

As well as looking decorative, starfruit is a good source of vitamins C and B and is also rich

STARFRUIT

in minerals and fibre. As it is high in oxalic acid it

Common name: Starfruit, carambola

should be avoided by those with kidney disease.

Botanical name: Averrhoa carambola Family: Oxalidaceae (wood sorrel family)

AVAILABILITY

Aspect & soil: Full sun; deep, well-drained soil

Look for potted trees at your local supplier in

Best climate: Tropical to subtropical

tropical and subtropical zones or order online

Habit: Evergreen tree

from specialists such as Daley’s Fruit Tree

Propagation: Seed, grafting

Nursery (daleysfruit.com.au).

Difficulty: Moderate

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 1 7

r Inte

national st

yle

wi

th

M at

tL eacy

Overseas inspiration Mexico and the Mediterranean provide inspiration for gardens down under

T

his year, overseas destinations are

Design wise, this look calls for a more

leading the design stakes. We’re

bespoke, custom-built approach to a space,

drawing some of our inspiration

complemented by hardwood furniture and

from Cabo and the Mediterranean.

linen fabrics. Natural materials like recycled

These aren’t necessarily new influences —

timber, tea tree sticks, overhead shade

they’ve been around for a little while now —

structures, fl oorboards and natural stone all

but they are becoming stronger. The popularity

layered with a bit of interest and texture like

of these destination influences may in part be

crazy paving, cobbles and random-shape

because we’ve not been able to travel overseas,

walling that is beautifully offset by soft white

and it’s nice to incorporate elements from

renders are what we predict we’ll see more of

favourite destinations or from destinations that

this year.

are on your bucket list. But I think it’s mainly

Arches and curves and a real softening of

because it’s a gorgeous, stylish look that is well

lines in our designs remain popular, as do

suited to Australia’s lifestyle and incorporates

warm tones. We’re seeing a shift away from

a lot of popular elements such as oversized

the grey, more monochromatic palette we

planters, innovative lighting, multipurpose

have been enjoying for the last 10 or so years.

seating, edible gardens, recycled materials,

We are also using many more earthy colours in

artwork and cabanas.

terracotta, marble and limestone.

The Mediterranean has had an ongoing

The ever-growing popularity of outdoor

influence in Australian design, and recently it

kitchens is also here to stay, with the team at

feels like there is definitely a hint of Cabo too.

Landart experiencing a surge in requests for

This is bringing in more natural materials like

outdoor kitchens of all scales and sizes. These

timber and stone, offset by soft white renders

can include barbecues, ovens, pizza ovens,

and large sweeping curves around pools and

Argentinean grills, coal barbecues, smokers,

garden beds.

fridges, sinks, Zip taps and even beer taps.

1 1 8 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

EXPERT A DV ICE

I think the emphasis and popularity of socialising outdoors will continue to drive the interest in outdoor kitchens, but they have already become such an integral part of Australian entertaining that I’m not sure you could call an outdoor kitchen a trend anymore. They’re more a must-have. Likewise with fireplaces, firepits and pools; the team at Landart are finding these have become a standard request that has been fuelled by lockdown time at home and the desire to spend more time outdoors.

Lounge areas with fireplaces or firepits are really popular, as are pools. Even in small spaces, we’re looking at more and more plunge-sized spa pools as well as those that are on a grander scale — depending on the space, the design and the family involved. Arches and curves appear in most of our designs at the moment. I think this is because we have been through a long period of defined straight, square lines in design, so this feels like a natural progression. More importantly though, they open up so much opportunity with design as they can assist with integrating areas in smaller spaces. There is a definite skill in designing with curves — it’s easy to get carried away so restraint is needed.

Furniture wise, I would incorporate inbuilt seating if space is tight, or if I’m trying to achieve something special like a sunken lounge or cantilevered look.

We recently installed a few outdoor cinemas for home entertainment, and in-ground trampolines are becoming more popular — these look so much better than the monstrosity that is the traditional large kids’ trampoline.

Home offices with a nice outlook have also become a more regular part of our client briefs.

We are designing in new doors or windows so the office can spill out to its own space, or at the very least capture more natural light with an improved garden outlook.

Matt Leacy is a co-founder of award-winning Landart Landscapes. With more than 20 years’ experience, Matt is a qualified structural landscaper, designer, horticulturalist and current board member — and former president — of the LNA Master Landscapers Association.

He was also resident landscape designer on Channel 10’s The Living Room during 2019. landart.com.au

B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G | 1 1 9

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1 2 0 | B A C K YA R D & O U T D O O R L I V I N G

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