TEA IN THE WOODS

OLIVER ASHWORTH-MARTIN

Melbourne Polytechnic

‘TEA IN THE WOODS’ CELEBRATES THE SENSORY EXPERIENCE OUR GARDENS CAN PROVIDE. THE SIMPLE ACT OF CRUSHING A LEMON MYRTLE LEAF BETWEEN THE FINGERS AWAKENS OUR MIND AND DRAWS US DEEPLY INTO NATURE.

The simple act of sitting down and brewing a cup of restorative tea using the surrounding Lemon Myrtle leaves reminds us to stop, connect with nature and awaken our senses.

Modern architectural features are softened by naturalistic and woodland style planting, gifting us a small piece of calm within an ever growing and densifying urban environment. Earthy tones are mirrored throughout the design, while simple window boxes connect inside with outside.

Three ‘Luscious’ water gum trees set the scene for an intimate space, while waxy gum vines climb up weathered posts, creating verticality and movement with lustrous forms.

These also provide attractive native alternatives to the commonly used Magnolia tree and Star Jasmines.

An old salvaged metal tank celebrates rural ‘Australiana’, providing water to the plants during prolonged dry periods, while also feeding a small sculptural water feature that echoes the movement and form of the garden space.

Simple planting with striking flowering tones and a warm pallet creates an enticing green oasis to sooth the senses. In this small space we allow ourselves time to enjoy the humble pleasures of nature; the simple act of brewing a fresh cup of lemon myrtle tea.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

AC Acacia cognata ‘Limelight’Dwarf River Wattle

AF Agonis flexuosa ‘Burgundy’ Burgundy Willow Myrtle

ARE Aphanopetalum resinosum Gum Vine

AR Ajuga reptans ‘Catlins Giant’ Bugleweed

BC Backhousia citriodora Lemon Scented Myrtle

CA Correa alba White Correa

CB Correa baeuerlenii Chefs Hats Correa

DT Dianella tasmanica ‘Tasred’ Tasman Flax Lily

EA Eryngium alpinum Alpine Sea Holly

EG Eremophila glabra Emu Bush ‘Roseworthy ’

FV Fragaria vesca Woodland Strawberry

HM Heuchera micrantha Coral Bells ‘Palace Purple’

IB Ipomoea batatas ‘’Black Sweet Potato Vine

KP Kniphofia pauciflora ‘Limelight’ Red Hot Poker

LL Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’Basket Grass

LP Leptospermum petersonii Lemon Scented Tea Tree

MT Miscanthus transmorrisonensis Evergreen Miscanthus

PA Plectranthus argentatus Silver Spurflower

PT Phormium tenax New Zealand Flax ‘Border Black’

SPONSORS Room to Move

Native Nursery

• Ben Storch

• Inspirational Gardening

• Botanix Plant Supply

• Yarra Edge Nursery

• Kuranga

TL Tristaniopsis laurina ‘Luscious’Water Gum