OUTBACK SHINRIN-ROKU (JAPANESE TRANSLATION, “FOREST THERAPY”)

Laura Van Wensveen Holmesglen

Japanese culture holds nature with high respect, and gardens are often designed to capture the essence of the natural world we live in. Japanese design principles demonstrate a restrained approach, using contrasts of form, colour and texture to create a soothing and reflective space.

‘Outback Shinrin-yoku’ uses these design principles with an achievable and sustainable approach, implementing native plants, natural pathways, recycled timber, and a repurposed wagon wheel as a water feature. This design is simple and practical, using local materials and low maintenance plants that thrive in our temperate climate.

I was inspired by the Japanese garden my parents designed and made when I was young. It was intimate and calming, and I fondly remember the sensations of moss under my fingertips, pebbles under my feet and the sounds of flowing water and knocking frogs in my ears.

The advanced trees in this design were sourced from Speciality Trees and Mt Williams Advanced Trees, and the plant stock from Yarra View Bushland Flora and Mt Pleasant Nursery. Bayside Timber and Truss supplied the timber, and Stone Slate Discounts provided the stepping stones. I want to thank these sponsors for helping this design come to life.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

AC Acacia cognata ‘Mini Cog’River Wattle

AS Adenanthos sericeus Woolly Bush

CG Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’Cousin It

CA Correa alba ‘Compacta’White correa

DR Dianella revoluta ‘Blue Stream’Blue flax-lily

ER Elaeocarpus reticulatus Blueberry aAsh

FN Ficinia nodosa Nobby Club-rush

HL Hakea laurina ‘Starry Night’Pin-cushion Hakea

LO Leptospermum obovatum Tea Tree ‘Starry Night’

SB Scleranthus biflorus Canberra Grass

WR Westringia fruiticosa Native Rosemary

‘Jervis Gem’

Craig Wilcox Rirakkusu

BENDIGO TAFE/KANGAN INSITUTE

A SEMI-SHADE LOVING GARDEN WITH A DISPLAY OF DANCING FOLIAGE FLICKERING IN THE BREEZE PROVIDES A QUIET AREA FOR DEEP THOUGHT, REFLECTION AND TRANQUILITY.

KEYBOTANICAL NAMECOMMON NAME

Ap Acer palmatum dissectum Japanese Maple

Lm Liriope muscari Turf Lily

Ld Ligularia reniformis Tractor Seat

Ah Anemone hybrida Japanese Windflower

Ac Acacia cognata nana Dwarf River Wattle

Am Alocasia macrorrhizos Elephant Ear

My garden is called ‘Rirakkusu’ in Japanese meaning relaxed, which I embody with this design. Designing a landscape where the end user can escape the hustle and bustle of life and unwind and relax in their garden. Using elements of Japanese landscaping without the maintenance of a traditional Japanese design. Using little to no hard lines and incorporating curves and flowing eye lines. The plants I have incorporated into the garden are a mix of deciduous and evergreen species, with colourful and interesting foliage. As the garden transforms over the year it develops and takes on various looks and you can always see something new and different in this garden, with the new leaves on the maples or the striking new flowers coming through in autumn.

SPONSORS Humphris Nursery • All Green Nursery and Garden