GARDEN

weekly GARDEN

There are times when I wish the word ‘style’ had never been invited into the modern design world. It’s often prescriptive and stops you from having what you really want. So the next time you’re inclined to buy a gnome to brighten up a minimalist space, go for it. Easy add - ons! Lee Ann Bramwell GARDEN EDITOR

There’s a lot going on in this courtyard, but because it’s well designed, it retains its modern look. Subtle colours, level changes and a combination of sculptural and soft planting work to make it an inviting outdoor room. In this clever colour scheme, the aggregate under the jigsaw picks up the colour of the stone-edged steps and wall. It’s also used in the beanbag, which in turn features a dark maroon that mimics the foliage of the Leucadendrons.

Star jasmine is one of the best low-growing plants for softening anything. Here, it relaxes the transition from pavers and riverstones to the house. It’s happy to be trimmed too.

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The uncompromising lines of this angular space are softened by a frothy papyrus. Placing minor structures – planters, gabion boxes or seats – in a big, minimalist square will give the space some intimacy.

Someone was looking around our garden the other day and complimented me on my success at softening the hard lines of our front terrace which, if you were being kind, you might call ‘contemporary’.

I imagine he was referring to the shaggy blue rugs outside the French doors which are there solely for the benefit of the dog, and a pile of throws and cushions in hues of blue, green and apricot slung in a corner awaiting transfer to an exterior decorating job.

But in a way he was right – the rugs and cushions did have a softening effect.

It reminded me of a friend who recently moved into a new house and didn’t love the landscaping. She found the materials, design and planting unforgiving and uninviting. She said the whole thing was desperately trendy and made her want to rush out and buy a garden gnome.

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DOES IT HOW TO MAXIMISE MINIMAL SPACE

I really liked it. I’m a fan of straight lines, level surfaces and well-organised square spaces, but the Partner likes a softer, more relaxed look. Happily, marrying the two is easier than you’d think. Here’s how you could do it... • Many designers and gardeners like to use tidy lines of stiff, sculptural plants in a contemporary hardscape and while they do look appropriate and well-organised, it can all seem a bit strict. So, in addition to using some ‘architectural’ plants to complement the architecture, introduce a few relaxed varieties (sasanqua, Lomandra grass, calliandra, small palms, grevillea) for a sense of relaxation and playfulness in the area. • Another way to soften an area is with colour. Suppose you have a large area of concrete paving in its natural hue, you could colour the concrete at the outset –perhaps subtle taupe or dusty grey-green. Look at the other elements in the garden and take your cue from them. Since we introduced timber fencing to our landscape, we’ve decided that when we next re-gravel the driveway, we’ll use an aggregate in very light brown tones. Garden furniture painted just one or two shades lighter or darker than the main colour of your hardscape is another way to add a layer of colour without it looking garish. If your house features concrete, corrugated iron or black cladding, introduce warmth with timber. It could be fencing, built-in bench seating or planter boxes, and you could stain, oil or leave it to weather. • The layout of the landscape can make a space warm or cold. A big square (much as I like them) is a big square and throwing a bit of outdoor furniture into it doesn’t change that. See if you can incorporate level changes –for example, an area of slightly raised decking over the paving where a dining setting could be placed, corner seating around one of the right angles or planter boxes placed not along a wall but at right angles to it. These tricks will enhance the feeling of intimacy and enclosure in the space. • The biggest challenge for some homeowners is adding personality to an area of hard landscaping without messing with its style. However, you can create a focal point without too much of a clash if you choose carefully. We wanted a water feature in our very linear courtyard but had to make one to suit –balls atop basins didn’t work and neither did anything remotely folksy. We bought two absolutely plain, rectangular white troughs, one smaller than the other, placed them alongside one another and hid their water pumps with miniature timber decks. The water, its source unseen, flows out from under the decks and gives us that good splashing noise. Then, the Partner will tell you, I messed it up by wanting a bit more personality and adding miniature diving boards. I am currently waiting for two funky ceramic model divers in 1950s bikinis and goggles to arrive from the UK as we speak. If the Partner says they look idiotic, I’ll be happy. Timber has a wonderful softening effect and in this predominantly grey courtyard it picks up the various shades of brown in the exposed aggregate concrete.

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