Article - Where Land Meets Life

article SUMMER 2016

WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE

The Planthunter Pool Design & Safety Ace Buchan

Getting Kids Outdoors Eva Frengstad Small Space Gardening

ISSUE 01

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SUMMER 2016

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DIVE INTO POOL DESIGN AND SAFETY

THE PLANTHUNTER Georgina Reid

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ARTIST PROFILE: Eva Frengstad

DESIGNER STYLE FOR SMALL SPACES

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The Kitchen Garden of CHISWICK

PRO SURFER ACE BUCHAN’S Coastal life 15

GETTING KIDS OUTDOORS

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR: Matt Leacy DESIGNER / CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Sensory Creative WRITERS: Kylie Edwards + Jasmine Perrin (Cardinal Spin), Matt Leacy, Georgina Reid (Planthunter), Marnie Fletcher (CHISWICK) PHOTOGRAPHY: Jason Busch, Daniel Shipp (Planthunter), Anson Smart (CHISWICK) PRODUCED BY LANDART LANDSCAPES + POOLS landart.com.au

ISSUE 01.

ARTICLE

DIVE INTO POOL DESIGN AND SAFETY

Home-owners in Australia are blessed by our incredible climate – not only for gardening, but for the great luxury of home swimming pools.

With the installation of backyard pools continuing to rise, and drownings also increasing, the Government has introduced new laws to increase pool safety.

The Swimming Pools (Amendment) Act 2012 will come into effect with the coming swim season, and Matt Leacy – founder of Landart Landscapes, has some tips for both existing and future home pool owners to keep pools compliant and safe.

With over 300,000 swimming pools in NSW alone, child drowning is a very serious concern. On average, six children die in pools, each year in NSW alone, with the majority of victims under five years old.

The Swimming Pool legislation was brought into action in September 2014. It stipulated that “all pool owners must be registered with local councils. All pool owners should be aware that their pool needs to be registered at the NSW Swimming Pools Register and will face a penalty of $220 if they fail to do so.”

POOL SAFETY

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Above: Landart’s Pool Design for a Balgowlah Heights Residence.

Photo by Jason Busch

WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE.

To ensure compliance with the regulations, a licensed private certifier will need to check the following:

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Basic safety requirements are that pool

to install a pool. It can be done under Complying development, which speeds the process up and will get your pool ready to go for summer, sooner.

Matt’s top tip, when planning a new pool, is to explore the location of the pool fence first and then design the garden and pool around it, so the pool fence recedes as much as possible.

than 100mm – so little bodies can’t

The swimming pool laws mean that your pool

squeeze through.

fence needs to be well thought-out – not only from a practical safety point of view, but for the

All horizontal rails must be at least 900mm apart – to stop little legs from

aesthetics of your yard, garden or outdoor space.

Says Matt, “Pool fences shouldn’t be a division of spaces, but rather it should seem like the pool

Latches must be 1.5m above ground – to keep little hands out of reach, or be installed on the inside at least 150mm below the top of gate, and not be accessible from the outside.

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to know that you do not have to have a council DA

fences are 1.2m high, with no gaps of more

climbing.

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Those looking to build a new pool will be happy

Boundary fences used as part of the pool safety fencing must be 1.8m high – so little bodies can’t get over.

fence disappears and doesn’t create an obvious barrier between grassed areas, the pool space, and entertaining zones.”

Matt adds, “A lot of customers are surprised that we may start with the consideration of the pool fence when designing pool and garden spaces. But to me, there’s nothing worse than a pool fence that creates an obvious visual barrier that carves up otherwise interrelating spaces. Working around where fences need to go, and figuring out the best way to integrate them into a design, provides the best end result: a space that flows naturally from one area of the yard, garden or outdoor space to the next.”

With a keen eye for form and function, Matt’s design philosophy for gardens and pools is to create spaces that become more and more appealing with maturity.

With a very hands on approach to managing client briefs and requirements at his Landart Landscapes business, Matt also regularly appears as weekly

Above: Landart’s Pool Design for a Castle Cove Residence.

Right: Landart’s Pool Design for a Sandringham Residence.

Photos by Jason Busch

and monthly columnist for major newspapers and magazines, as well as co-hosting Nine’s Garden Gurus and three seasons of Domestic Blitz.

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ARTICLE

The Planthunter

A selection of the wonderful flora Georgina has uncovered in her travels and now stores in her studio

Photos by Daniel Shipp

PLANTHUNTER

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WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE.

Of course, it all comes back to three words. Life, with plants. You see, there’s no human life without plants – we’re inextricably linked. This simple little fact is why we do what we do.

The Planthunter is an online magazine devoted to

The Planthunter is the love child of Sydney based

celebrating plants and the varied ways humans

writer and landscape designer Georgina Reid. It’s

interact with them. Plants have been inspiring,

the culmination of the many years Georgina has

feeding, sustaining and soothing humans for

spent pondering, exploring, and documenting the

aeons. The Planthunter documents and celebrates

various ways humans relate to the natural world

these connections.

as a designer, writer and thinker.

Exploring the world outside our houses, offices,

As well as keeping The Planthunter on the straight

and heads, The Planthunter highlights the ties

and narrow, Georgina writes a regular garden

that bind us to our leafy friends in an authentic,

column for Australia’s most popular design blog,

unexpected, and creative manner. It gently

The Design Files, is the contributing gardening

coerces people to reconnect with plants.

editor for Belle Magazine, does occasional

The Planthunter launched at the end of 2013.

Since then, things have gotten rather hectic for TPH founder and editor Georgina Reid. She had no inkling her little website exploring the connections between people and plants would be read, shared, and loved by so many people.

But it has, and this is something we’re incredibly

workshops with nice people like Work-Shop, is asked to speak at events like Vivid, and is sometimes interviewed by various print and online publications. Or, she’s designing gardens at her design studio, Reid & Friends. But most of the time she’s running around like a mad lady talking, writing, thinking, about life, with plants. And God damn does she love it!

happy about and proud of. In the last two years, The Planthunter has grown from a tiny idea into a rather rampant online publishing venture (a bit like ivy perhaps?!). We’ve now got over 80 contributors, have produced nearly 1000 stories, and have a whole bunch of engaged and excited readers from all corners of the world.

Our content at The Planthunter is organised around monthly issues, each with a different content theme (Check out some of our past issues online). Each week we publish around 3-5 stories relating to the issue theme, and every Wednesday we send out an email newsletter.

It’s the culmination of the many years Georgina has spent pondering, exploring, and documenting the various ways humans relate to the natural world as a designer, writer and thinker.

There are plenty of websites about plants, yet there is no other website like The Planthunter.

It weaves a rich story of connection and respect between humans, culture, plants and environment.

It draws equally from culture and horticulture, from art and science, from beauty and botany. It is

theplanthunter.com.au instagram.com/theplanthunter facebook.com/ThePlanthunter

engaging, authentic and celebratory.

GEORGINA REID

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ARTICLE

Eva Frengstad

The artist, the tools of trade and the amazing results that come out of Eva’s Terry Hills studio.

Photos courtesy of Eva Frengstad

ISSUE 01

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WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE.

We sat down with artist Eva Frengstad to talk about her hard work away from the canvas.

Talking home gardens with Eva, she shares that being outdoors is one of her favourite down times, preferably in the warmer weather.

With Landart set to work on her outdoor area, Eva is looking forward to her homegrown, artistic garden being transformed into the sun soaked getaway of her dreams.

Eva, we noticed your work space is open and bright, do you like to feel a sense of connection with the outdoors as you work?

Ha-ha, yes I guess that is true! Growing up in Norway we were always very outdoorsy. Skiing in winter, lots of walking in the mountains in summer, picking berries in autumn. (In Norway we have a saying there is no such thing as bad weather just bad clothing - meaning even if there is a lot of bad

When describing your garden, what would be the main things you mention?

To begin, my garden is a good size. I wouldn’t say that it is very large, but it is big enough for the kids to play and to have company around. Since buying the house in 2012 I have done very minimal to enhance the gardens look. My bad I know, but that just makes me more excited to have Matt and his team work their magic and make it look amazing!

weather as long as you have the right clothes, you

Another thing about my garden is that it has a lot

go outside). Moving to Australia with such different

of potential, so the planning is essential when it

weather we spend most time outdoors, even how

comes to my gardens upcoming ‘facelift’.

we use the house and garden. We are very lucky where we live with a big back yard backing onto a park, so the kids just jump the fence and in walking distance to the beach. Nature is the best thing for us. We all feel better after spending time outdoors. So growing up with such exposure to

Amongst all of the plants and lawn, our garden includes- two chickens free ranging around, Kernal and Drumstick. Having them free range, it is only a positive that they are on task as they run around and eat everything from ticks to spiders.

the outdoors I feel inspired and refreshed when in

They are very handy I must say!

contact with the fresh air and the sun beams.

Growing an edible garden can be quite challenging for most, are you one to take on the challenge of growing herbs, fruits etc.?

Extracting from your works of art, you translate nature into your pieces, but do you ever do the reverse and incorporate your artwork into the outdoors i.e. a mural or similar on a garden wall?

Not particularly, although my moments outdoors are cherished, I have never spent time on an artwork that is specifically for an outdoor garden area. Although, I have done one mural on a wall that was placed in a house in New York and Public Art is something I have touched on. In 2013 I was

Yes I certainly know the upkeep of an edible garden. I love all succulents and cacti, because well, that is the only thing I seem to keep alive.

Down the back of the garden lives a large orange tree that is picked from very often. That is actually my favourite. Nothing is better than juicing fresh oranges straight from your garden with the kids getting messy in the process. Apart from those and a few herbs, the garden is lacking in the edible garden. This is certainly on the list of aspects I plan to have installed in the outdoor area.

graced with the opportunity to work with Victoria O’Neil at the Manly Art Gallery and Museum, where we installed the word ‘Look’ on the front lawn.

For more info visit evafrengstad.com facebook.com/evafrengstad instagram.com/evafeng

EVA FRENGSTAD

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ARTICLE

DESIGNER STYLE FOR SMALL SPACES

Above: Landart’s courtyard and Pool Design for a Manly Residence. Photo by Jason Busch

As summer rounds the corner and the sun begins to set a little later, the courtyard space becomes a focal point for any home, whether entertaining or simply relaxing. If your outdoor space has been neglected – or perhaps you’re considering installing one altogether - the Landart Landscapes team share their top tips for creating an urban oasis.

SMALL SPACES

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WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE.

“Generally speaking,

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Your courtyard can be a green oasis in

“You don’t need a big space to have a big design

an urban jungle. With the right choice

impact,” says Leacy. “Sometimes smaller courtyard

a welcoming sanctuary

of plants (depending on light, space and

areas can in fact have the biggest impact, design-

to relax and entertain

looks) you can transform any dull concrete

wise. Elements such as flooring and water features

in is the key end goal,”

space in to a living loungeroom.

are magnified in a smaller space, and budget-wise

creating a space that is

you are concentrating your spend on a smaller

says Leacy, whose advice should be taken into consideration

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Focus on design for entertaining: as much as a quiet courtyard with space for one can

by anyone with a

be a comforting Sunday afternoon sitting

smaller outdoors

spot, courtyards can also offer a fantastic

space to play with.

space for warm evening gatherings. You’ve got to agree that plants and fresh air

space to create visual appeal, and functionality.”

Matt adds, “Space-saving design features are also a key focus of our designs, and seating and garden beds that incorporate storage are always popular in small areas.”

enhance almost any glass of wine – so take entertaining and friends into account when designing a courtyard space

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You might want to consider including an outdoors bar area, or an outdoor fireplace – to make sure that your courtyard doesn’t get totally abandoned over the cooler months.

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Pet friendly courtyards mean that you can share the space with your furry mates. That means including a small patch of grass for four legged friends – real or Astroturf!

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Some courtyards will even have space for a plunge pool or a stunning water feature.

You’ll never really know what’s possible until you get a professional in to assess the space.

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Attention to detail – like the materials you choose – can make a courtyard seem professional, rather than awkward and forced. Whether you choose concrete or timber, tile or stone, it will change the feel – and look – of your outdoors space.

Colour, light and sound are all important factors to consider.

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And one of the best things: courtyards are typically low maintenance – they suit water-wise plants that can be a ‘set and forget’ feature, like succulents.

Above: Landart’s outdoor design for a Curl Curl Residence.

Below: Landart’s courtyard design for a Castle Cove Residence.

Photos by Jason Busch

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ARTICLE

The Kitchen Garden of Chiswick

Photos by Anson Smart for CHISWICK Restaurant.

Located in the beautiful Sydney suburb of Woollahra, CHISWICK is a superb casual dining venue co-owned

by Matt Moran and Peter Sullivan. CHISWICK is a neighbourhood restaurant, where the menu is designed for sharing and reflects the simplicity of great produce and changing seasons.

A selection of the beautiful herbs grown in the kitchen garden of Chiswick’s Woollahra Restaurnat

THE KITCHEN GARDEN

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WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE.

The heart of CHISWICK is its kitchen garden where much of the produce for the menu is grown. The approach is something altogether more natural, continually evolving, where the emphasis is on where the food comes from and how it is grown.

CHISWICK’s unique 150 square metre kitchen garden links the kitchen to its beautiful garden surrounds and provides fresh, home-grown produce.

With plantings rotated by season, the garden has a trellised section, potted herbs and garden beds created from natural timber sleepers. CHISWICK has a dedicated gardener who tends the garden and works with the chefs to decide on the best seasonal plantings.

The garden at CHISWICK has allowed Matt to indulge his passion for produce sourced and grown with integrity. With the garden at the heart of the operation, the emphasis is on the food provenance and how it is grown. The menu is truly seasonal, the ingredients fresh - the produce picked in the morning will be on the plate by lunchtime.

A focus of CHISWICK is the seasons, with the menu designed to change accordingly, bringing the best each month has to offer.

Just like Chiswick’s unique backdoor kitchen garden, you to can start your own seasonal veggie garden, not only for entertainment, but to get the family involved in the fresh food process. At the end you will have something yummy to eat - but more importantly everyone will learn how vegetables end up on their dinner plate. And, having grown their own dinner might be an added incentive for the kids to eat the dreaded greens!

At this time of year, Landart suggests starting with some simple lettuce, cabbage and just to be different, purple carrots! Try the ‘Purple Dragon’ variety. The flavour of purple carrots doesn’t differ much from their orange cousins, but may be more delicate.

“These types of vegetables will grow in most types of soil as long as they receive plenty of water and sunshine. And all will thrive at this time of year.”

To start your garden find a patch of land with quality soil, or you can buy relatively cheap above ground veggie boxes from your local garden store.

Plant your seeds in a row, about 25-30cm apart and grouping the same vegetable together.

Matt adds, “If you would like to speed up the process and gives kids something they can see instantly, some vegetables and herbs can be bought as seedlings from nurseries and garden stores, which you then transfer to your veggie patch. And remember to keep things simple, carrots, lettuce and cabbage can all be grown in pots, but make sure there is enough depth in the pot to avoid the carrots curling. If you have more space to play with though involve older children in the design process.” chiswickrestaurant.com.au instagram.com/chiswicksydney facebook.com/CHISWICKRestaurant

Bear in mind, they do take about 10 weeks for harvest, so buying advanced ones would be beneficial, if you want them in time for Easter!

CHISWICK RESTAURANT

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ARTICLE

Ace Buchan Professional Australian Surfer Adrian ‘Ace’ Buchan talks gardens with us. When developing his coastal home, Adrian looked for specific elements that were usable, low maintenance and easy to sustain.

Having a career that entails lots of travel and time away from

A busy lifestyle like Adrian’s is more common than not these

home on the World Surf League world tour it is essential that

days. Coastal, low maintenance plants are a wonderful way to

Adrian and his wife Rebecca, and young daughter Ruby, have

bring colour, texture and hardiness to a garden. The property

a garden that does not rely on daily watering and constant

doesn’t necessarily need to be located on the coast to enjoy

upkeep. Adrian tells us that they primarily use their outdoor

these plants. I like to use a composition of some of the plants

space for entertainment purposes. Hence, when developing his

listed for many gardens of differing styles.

space, Adrian looked for specific elements that were functional, low maintenance and easy to sustain.

Adrian favours succulents, which are housed in large pots, with limited lawn, as his home is located close to Avoca beach. Instead of a backyard they would need to maintain, the Buchan’s use the beach as their back yard. Toddler Ruby has naturally developed a love of the beach, so Ace tells us “I guess that the beach has become a place for her to run around and use, as if the sand was our very own back yard area.”

Growing around the Buchan’s stylish coastal home you will see a range of plants from Star Jasmine to Frangipanis. Adrian has found that Star Jasmine grows rapidly in their area, creating lovely areas of privacy for him and the family. While the frangipanis, planted several years ago grow independently without very much care.

Coastal – low care – plantings: Tall Banksia integrifolia – Coastal Banksia Plumeria (Frangipani) - Frangipani Aloe barberae – Tree Aloe Dracaena draco – Dragons Blood Tree Olea europea - Olive

Mid height Westringia fruticosa – Coastal Rosemary Correa alba – White Correa Leucophyta brownii – Cushion Bush Miscanthus sinensis – Ornamental Grass Adenanthos sericeus – Woolly Bush Raphiolepis – Indian Hawthorn

Low Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’ – Sheoak Carpobrotus – Pigface Agave attenuata – Agave

Above: Ace Buchan hitting the waves.

Senecio serpens – Chalk Sticks Kalanchoe beharensis – Felt plant

ACE BUCHAN

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WHERE LAND MEETS LIFE.

Getting kids outdoors The weather is heating up, and school holidays are ending, but there is no better time to make the most of your surroundings. Act now and entice the kids outdoors for some much needed vitamin D. Incorporate some of these fun family friendly ideas, and your kids will be up and moving in no time!

Above: Landart’s Matt Leacy Photo by Jason Busch

Take action

Let’s move!

Give your backyard an overhaul that is functional,

Green space is good for the mind; add a pop of

fun and creative, making it the ultimate place that

colour or abstract elements to instantly raise

can be enjoyed by both young and old alike.

interest. Matt recommends playing around with

Start by creating the kids a room of their own, by introducing retaining walls outlining boundaries to various areas in the one space.

Natural timber materials and pressure treated

shapes, colours and textures, think tunnels or a fort using metals, plastic or laminated plywood that will create something different to the common urban backyard.

wood are the best form of retaining walls, as

Transform a corner of the garden with a sandpit

the natural and durable aesthetic of timber

or raised garden bed, clear a border of the garden

will easily blend into the surroundings.

and build a square or rectangular frame that is kid

Incorporate a swing set and DIY play area, using a variety of different materials and textures.

Try a chalk board built from recycled wood and chalkboard paint; a quick and cost effective idea.

A small putting green, using synthetic turf cut out with different contours and adding a bit of sand will bring it to life and have the kids entertained for hours. Section the putting green off with some nice glossy plants like gardenia.

A cubby house is a great idea for a little time out.

Use raw natural materials for the exterior with marine plywood and hardwood, which will keep the heat out in the long summer days. Take a different approach with coloured rubber flooring for the interior; it’s hard wearing and super comfortable and will allow you to add a bit of each of the kid’s personality to it.

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friendly, using recycled timber. Create a garden bed that will flourish across different seasons and be easily maintained by the kids. Have the kids plant flowers, such as sun flowers or verbena, which will create scale and contrast.

Incorporating small and interesting additions to your space can encourage the kids to soak in some fresh air, which can be an easier proposition than originally thought. Get out and enjoy!

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SUMMER 2016

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ISSUE 01