9771448500001 ISSUE 60 AUS $9.95* NZ $10.99 (INCL. GST) & OUTDOOR LIVING PLUS OUTDOOR ROOM STYLING TIPS | SPRING CLEANING How to sculptureincorporateoutsidePooldesignperfection spring EDIT outdoor furniture
Worm Buffet An in-ground worm farm perfect for raised garden beds Turn yourinto with the... scraps soil
Start recycling your organic food waste with the Tumbleweed Worm Buffet.
Worms are free range and move in and out through the holes of the Worm Buffet to deposit rich castings directly into the surrounding soil. Your plants will love it!
The Tumbleweed Worm Buffet is an in-ground worm farm that recycles organic food waste into a rich fertiliser for your garden.
Australian Made from 100% Recycled Plastic
Close the loop on sustainability in your backyard by recycling your organic waste into soil to grow your own food.
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Return life back to soils easily with our environmentally friendly and simple to use products. Containing over 30 beneficial soil microbe species and incorporated with over 60 natural minerals, the microbes have all of the elements that they need to grow and prosper, which helps them to break up compaction and improve drainage while retaining moisture, and creating a rich healthy soil that is full of all of the nutrients our plants need to grow.
By introducing Earthlife Microbial Rock Minerals into your garden the microbes become our gardeners below the ground and we then get to see true life return above the ground with healthier, happier and more resilient plants.
to Garden Mate during times of garden stress, as there is no such thing as too much, unlike with many other products which will burn if applied too strongly.
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The other great benefit of Garden Mate is that it is enriched with soil microbes. It is not just plant roots that have drowned in the waterlogged soils, much of the soil biota has also drowned. This includes worms and all sorts of critical microorganisms that bring life to soil and health to plants. Replenishing these microbes is easy with Garden Mate, and can bring life back to the soil very quickly.
The 2021-2022 summer has been exceptionally wet along Australia’s east coast. Ongoing heavy rain resulted in widespread and devastating floods for many, and severe waterlogging for almost everyone. Some plants have loved the wet weather and grown exponentially. Others have struggled in the wet, wilting and dying. According to Brisbane gardening expert, Kate Wall, these sad plants have literally drowned. Kate explained that plant roots need air to breathe. Waterlogging occurs when all of the air spaces in the soil are filled with water. Plants that are dropping leaves and wilting excessively are doing so because they have had root damage and can no longer take up water from the soil. These plants need to be nurtured now if they are to survive. Many people ask if using a garden fork to poke holes into the ground will help get air back into the soil. It can help but by walking over the waterlogged soil you are just adding to the problem of compaction of the soil. I find that by spreading Garden Mate over the soil, I can achieve much more. The high levels of silica in Garden Mate are extremely effective at opening all types of compacted soils, and can do so without the risk of causing any harm if you use too much. Kate recommends that gardeners turn
Earthlife provide a stand-alone range of easy-to-use cost-effective products for strong healthy gardens and lawns.
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Realising just how valuable their product is in combating the effects of flooding in the garden, the makers of Garden Mate, Earthlife, have very generously donated 10 tonnes of Garden Mate to
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Backyard & Outdoor Living no. 60 is published Universal Magazines Pty Ltd, Unit 5, 6–8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113, Australia. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714.
Have you ever thought about incorporating art or sculpture into your backyard but not really sure where to start? Well this is the issue for you.
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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. retail price Copyright1836-3717/1448-5001©UniversalMagazines
pring has sprung and what a fantastic time to get out into the garden — for both work and play. To help get you motivated, our Maintenance feature this issue details how you can get your outdoor space in top shape for the warmer months.
April Ossington
It’s the perfect weather to get back into the pool and to celebrate, we take a look at our favourite pool designs in Best Of.
by
*Recommended
Do you need to hit refresh on your outdoor space? In Snapshot, we showcase this season’s hottest furniture looks. Later in Expert Advice, Justine Wilson from Vault Interiors gives her top tips on how to style your outdoors for spring. Plus, Selling Houses Australia alumni, Charlie Albone, shares his spring gardening tips.
enquiries 1300
In Outdoor Living, we visit a garden in Sydney’s Vaucluse featuring a 16m, three-dimensional, sculptural ribbon — it’s transformed an underused side of the garden into an artistic marvel. Don’t take my word for it, have a look for yourself. Later in our outdoor art feature, we show you how to turn your yard into an alfresco gallery with creative pieces that reflect your personal style.
Edor’s Note
414 Circulation enquiries
Editor April Ossington Writer Linda Baraciolli Contributors Angie Thomas, Kylie Baracz, Karen Booth, Carrol Baker Sub-Editor Michelle Segal Designer Malinda Hadiwidjojo Publisher Martin White Cover Design by Space Landscape Designs National Partnerships Manager NSW, Vic, ACT, Qld & WA Kelly McCann Ph: 02 9887 0635 Mobile: 0414 363 314 Email: kmccann@umco.com.au Advertising Production Shanya Peiris Advertising Art Director Martha Rubazewicz Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Circulation Business Development Manager Mark McTaggart Creative Director Kate Podger
Subscription 303 to our Sydney head office: (02) 9805 0399
Contents BACKYARD ESSENTIALS 31 Cooking 68 Maintenance 76 Outdoor rooms 84 Outdoor art OUTDOOR LIVING 40 Sculptural Soundwave Symphony Scultural ribbon 45 Productive Pizza Potager Food and fun 51 Champion of Champions Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards 2021/2022 We take a look at the winners REGULAR SECTIONS 12 In the know Innovative outdoor living ideas 16 Favourite 5 Flowers for bees 18 Snapshot Spring outdoor furniture 25 Best of Pool designs 90 This weekend Products for weekend projects 104 Grow 110 Expert advice Spring style and gardening IBC Index 64 112 EXPERT ADVICE Spring styling with Justine WIlson 31 60Issue 104 GROW GRAPES Juicy berries FAVOURITE 5 Flowers for bees 16 VOURITEFAVO forbees 10 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
Photo: LtdPtyGardensFootprint
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In the know
Matt Laker, director of Landart Byron Bay, says he is very excited about his move. “It’s awesome that I can continue doing what I love with Landart from a new base in Byron,” he says. “I’m looking forward to helping establish the new office there and working with a great team of locals.”
News, tips and inspiration
Want to add some extra personality to your outdoor decor and garden room?
Merging bold concrete and subtle tactility, the Ossa ribbed oval dining table is the perfect centrepiece for an inviting alfresco space. It’s a match made in heaven with the Ossa ribbed stool that visually presents with bold lines and subtle textures. This is an eye-catching duo in any outdoor space — perfect for sitting poolside while sipping a cocktail, or for seating when hosting your next gathering at home and dining out alfresco style. globewest.com.au
Matt Leacy says they have already been able to create some beautiful bespoke gardens in Byron. These have been for clients they’ve worked with in Sydney who have loved what they’ve done there and wanted to work with them when they made the move north. “Now word of mouth is getting out and we’re getting more and more inquiries from new clients in the area,” says Matt.
The body of Landart’s work spans a variety of styles with the design of outdoor spaces led by client briefs, and the location and architectural style of the house. landart.com.au
COOL AND TEMPORARY
LANDART IS ALSO BYRON BOUND Award-winning Landart — Home, Garden, Beyond is opening a new office in Byron Bay, the first time the renowned design and build business has opened an office outside of Sydney. Matt Leacy, artistic director and cofounder of Landart, says they’re excited to be opening a second office up. “We love the area and I’ve spent a lot of time there working, as well as holidaying with my family,” he enthuses. “It’s something we’d been considering for a while because of the amount of projects we have been asked to do there.” Over the last two years, Landart has undertaken several large-scale garden designs and builds in Byron Bay.
12 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
IN THE KNOW BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 13
There has been an influx of wombats turning up in people’s backyards lately because they’re trying to find somewhere dry to shelter from the recent wet weather. Many have lost their burrows due to flooding. The biggest issue facing wombats at the moment is mange, which is exacerbated by the severe weather. Wombat mange is caused by the sarcoptes scabiei mite. The mite burrows into the skin causing it to go thick and crusty and also causes hair loss. The crusts often grow over the wombat’s eyes and ears, rendering them blind and deaf. If you see a wombat on your property that may be sick or is displaced, contact your local wildlife rescue. Photos by Jeremy Murray Photography. wombatmange.com.au
WOMBAT WOES
Who says watering the garden can’t be fun? The enchanting singing duck watering can is a delightful addition to your gardening tool and accessory collection. It’s sleek and stylish and adds a dash of designer flair. The kids will happily take over watering plants because of the novelty factor. It is also multifunctional. The watering can holds approximately one litre. It can be used as a piece of garden art or a sand-filled doorstop. annabeljames.co.uk
AHOY ME HEARTIES
Kids love connecting with mother nature and what better way to encourage your little ones to be outdoors than with a Pirate Den Kit. It invites children to step into the fantasy world of pirate adventure. Packed full of real tools, the Pirate Den Kit allows children the freedom and autonomy to create and imagine while building their very own pirate’s hideaway in a corner of the garden. Gather the neighbourhood kids together on a sunny afternoon and they’ll have lots of fun sharing tall tales. thedenkitco.com
SAY QUACK
OLLA SMART WATERING
14 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
These whisky barrel oak plant labels tick the box for sustainability. The reusable garden markers are made from reclaimed Scottish whisky barrel oak. The barrels are used to make and age whiskey and after a while they are retired from use. It’s a fabulous way to repurpose a product that looks authentic and very rustic. Some of the labels have a charred thin edge on them from the charring process used in making the barrels. folksy.com
PLANT LABELS WITH PIZZAZZ
The Tower solar small bollard/table lamp with sensor makes a beautiful design statement around garden spaces and the backyard swimming pool. It’s stylish and elegant. Charging time required for the battery is 5.5 hours and when placed on a table, the ideal mounting height for the sensor is 1.2m-2m. There is also a spike included that can be placed in the garden. When darkness falls, a beautiful soft ambient light is emitted, casting a warm glow. Once the sensor is detected, the light will shine brighter and stay on for 50 seconds, then retract back to the standby/ ambient light. beaconlighting.com.au
LET THERE BE LIGHT
The key to effective plant watering is getting each and every drop where it is needed. Olla gardening is an ancient method of irrigation used for thousands of years in ancient civilisations. Burying a porous terracotta waterpot up to its neck in your container or garden bed and filling it with water provides natural and efficient watering right at your plants’ roots as water slowly leaches directly into the soil. It takes the guesswork out of when and how often to water your garden — essential during times of water restrictions, for dry/arid areas, when away on holidays and if you don't have time to stand with a hose. Available in three sizes and watering spikes. upontherooftop.com.au
TRUE LOVE
Feeling fatigued? It’s been quite a year. Gather some cushions together and a cosy blanket, find a shady corner of the garden and spend an afternoon relaxing and being at one with nature. Weaver Green’s gorgeous collection of cushions offer the look and feel of natural fabrics like cotton, linen and wool, but are made entirely from recycled bottles. Soft, easy to clean and hard-wearing, they’re perfect for using around the home and also make wonderful outdoor cushions on a garden chair or sofa. Stain-resistant, machine washable and weatherproof, these practical, fully recycled cushions are also great for pet owners, allergy sufferers and clumsy drinkers. weavergreen.com.au
In the sprawling Jubilee Hills neighbourhood in Hyderabad, India, a private residence has evolved from the creative minds of architectural firm NA Architects. The interior design project was conceived as a gallery‐type space, which involved not only creating clear open areas, but also inviting the light in, particularly from above. NR House became the ideal spot for Boca do Lobo statement furniture. bocadolobo.com/en
RELAX A WHILE
SUSTAINABLILTY IN MOTION
The Romeo and Juliet outdoor bench is made of long, rectangular strips of wood with two round holes in the seat for large flowerpots that can contain your preferred small tree or plant. Just like Romeo and Juliet, the trees are destined to be together without ever being able to touch. When several outdoor benches are arranged in a line, the distance between the trees remains identical, which creates architectural harmony. Naturally, this wooden garden bench is perfectly suited to private gardens or patios. One added bonus is the 10cm gap between the inner flowerpot and the outer flowerpot to which the bench is attached. It acts as a water reservoir, but also offers plenty of “breathing space” for tree roots to prevent rotting. livingedge.com.au
IN THE KNOW BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 15
SUNFLOWERS
BORAGE
Scatter Yates Thrive Natural Rose & Flower Pellets around the root zone of Lavender every six to eight weeks from spring to autumn.
Cosmos is one of my favourite spring and summer flowers, with their colourful flowers sitting atop tall feathery foliage. The blooms are adored by bees, with their wide-open petals allowing easy access into the pollenfilled flower centre. Pink and white cosmos, such as Yates Cosmos Sensation, are popular, however, they are also available in bright yellow and orange. Cosmos are easy to start from seed, scattered over a sunny bare patch of soil directly where the plants are to grow.
MY FAVOURITE 5
Many Australian native plants, including Bottlebrush (Callistemon spp.) will be at their colourful best in spring and provide lots of pollen and nectar for bees. Bottlebrush are hardy plants that range in size from compact shrubs to small trees and come in a range of flower colours, including bright red, white, pink and burgundy. The flowers also attract native birds, so there are lots of reasons to include a Bottlebrush or two in your garden. Feed your Bottlebrush during spring with Yates Dynamic Lifter, which is ideal for feeding native plants.
1. 2. 3. 4.5. FAVE 5 16 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
Spring is the ideal time to think about attracting more bees into your garden. They are vital pollinators for so many delicious veggies we’ll be growing during the warmer months, including zucchinis, cucumbers and pumpkins, as well as fruit like apples, pears, peaches and plums. So let’s grow lots of flowers to bring in the bees! Here are my five favourite bee-attracting flowers.
Borage is an annual plant that grows up to 50cm tall and is covered in pretty blue flowers. They’re perfect to include around the veggie patch if you’re growing tomatoes because — in addition to attracting European honey bees — Borage will attract Australian native blue-banded bees, which are experts in pollinating tomato flowers. Borage flowers are also edible and make a gorgeous garnish on salads and cakes. Yates Borage Seed can be sown during spring and will start flowering in just 12 weeks.
LAVENDER
Available in purple, pastel to bright pink and white flowering varieties, fragrant Lavender is a renowned bee attractor. Lavender is a perennial shrub that does best in full sun in an airy spot with well-drained soil. It also grows wonderfully well in a pot. The key to keeping Lavender growing well is to trim it back each year after flowering by almost half. This helps to minimise the development of leafless woody stems. Lavender will also appreciate regular feeding with a flower food.
BOTTLEBRUSH
Flowers for bees
Another option is to sow Yates Bee Pasture Pollen & Nectar Mix Seed, which contains a special blend of flowers, including Borage, that bees love.
words angie thomas
COSMOS
Tall bright yellow Sunflowers create an impressive garden statement, their happy petalled faces turning towards the sun. There are also dwarf Sunflowers, which only grow to a petite 40cm tall and are perfect for growing in pots. Sunflowers are easy to grow from seed, and when sown in spring will reward you with flowers 8-12 weeks later. Bees love Sunflowers and it’s common for the large flower heads to play host to lots of bees at once. It’s a bee party! Protect young Sunflower seedlings from voracious snails and slugs with a light scattering of OCP eco-shield Snail & Slug Killer.
Create a lasting impression in your outdoor spaces with the latest in designer spring furniture
Spring into aion
COOL AND CLASSIC
The modern yet timeless Navagio outdoor sofa and occasional chair features a strong contemporary silhouette using robust materials, the combination of which creates a balanced alternation of form and functionality. The design boasts low-seated cushioning in all-weather fade and sunproof fabric, reticulated drainage outdoor foam and a frame crafted from ethically sourced A-grade teak. Anthony Spon-Smith, Coco Republic’s CEO, believes that outdoor spaces should be beautiful, if not more beautiful than your home’s interior. “Our new outdoor designs evoke modern design for an alfresco lifestyle. The new Navagio outdoor sofa and occasional chair are standouts; the modern but classic design holds a strong yet contemporary shape with an overall balance of form and functionality,” he says. cocorepublic.com.au
18 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
SNAPSHOT
words carrol baker
HOIST THE ANCHOR
Looking for an innovative on-trend chair that is comfortable and durable? The Extremis Captain’s Chair is all that and more. It is shell-shaped, drawing its inspiration from yacht helm chairs, which gives it a distinctive streamlined look. The chair is very flexible — it can be used in a variety of environments, both indoors and out, thanks to its versatile frame. It was designed with the aim of creating an extremely comfortable seating experience for people of all ages and statures. The final product is unrivalled seating comfort for every body type. To withstand the rigours of outdoor use, the seat employs a water drainage hole so water doesn’t pool on the chair, keeping it clean and dry, even when it’s positioned permanently outside. The comfortable seat cushion has a graceful arc designed to follow the curves of the shell, so it won’t blow away in windy weather. livingedge.com.au
SNAPSHOT BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 19
COMFORT PLUS
Who doesn’t enjoy sitting on a cosy outdoor sofa chatting with friends or curling up with a good read? This sofa does the job with finesse. You can stretch out and while away the afternoon if you need some solo time or, if you have friends over, you can comfortably seat your guests in style. The plush sofa is extremely comfortable and is topped with luxury cushions that are covered in Sunbrella all-weather fabric, ensuring durability, no matter what mother nature dishes up. The Satara stripe sofa collection provides the ultimate in comfort and outdoor style. All of the cushion inserts are removable for quick drying and cleaning. The stunning teak frame is timeless, it will last for many years to come, and it offers a beautiful contrast against the white or black cushion colourways. satara.com.au
SNAPSHOT 20 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
Start planning summer fun now! OUTDOOR RANGE Scan here to learn more! Australia’s biggest range includes: 20mm porcelain pavers Pool Alfrescotilesinside | outside tiles Feature tiles Featured Porcelain Paver: Horizon Light Grey Textured 20mm SPASA Award Winning Pool @outsidedevelopments
TABLE FOR FOUR
Gathering together in the great outdoors is quintessentially what it is to be Australian. The Banksia round dining table sits comfortably in any outdoor space, its elegant good looks working poolside, on the outdoor deck as an alfresco setting, or in an outdoor garden room secluded away for a more intimate space. This classic table features a bold design and will become the centrepiece in your outdoor room. The table has a smooth and spacious top, so there is plenty of room to accommodate catering for meals or afternoon drinks in the spring sunshine. The slatted pedestal base is a beautifully crafted design that works effortlessly with any decorating style. It is constructed from solid timber, so will weather well in an outdoor environment. globewest.com
22 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
Designed by Morten Gøttler in 1997, the MG501 Cuba chair by Carl Hansen & Søn captures contemporary design with its ideal balance of form and function. It also pays a respectful nod to previous masters who experimented with elevating the folding chair concept. The MG501 chair is at home inside and out. The elegant solid timber frame in FSC certified teak folds neatly, making the chair easy to store and move around. The seat and back are made of durable woven rope, available in two versatile colours — sesame or charcoal. It is generously proportioned for outdoors and offers remarkable comfort, as well as the highest-quality Danish craftsmanship and design. It’s the perfect indoor-outdoor seating companion all year round. danishred.com
SNAPSHOT BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 23
STYLE AND SIMPLICITY
When spring is in the air, it’s the perfect time to gravitate outdoors with friends and family. Featuring interlaced bands looped across a powder-coated aluminium frame, the Sorrento collection is ideal for those who love hosting gatherings large or small. The contrasting slatted backrest, slender armrests and wood-like finish culminate in a laidback yet refined look. The resin wood top makes wiping up spills a cinch, while the weatherproof padded seats of the matching dining chairs remain comfy and inviting throughout many hours of alfresco wining and dining under the stars. castlery.com/au
SNAPSHOT 24 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
STAR GAZING IN STYLE
A WORK OF ART
01.
This project in Sans Souci is an innovative space for outdoor relaxation. It features dominant colours in different shades of white and blue to evoke a palpable sense of refined comfort and luxury. With a flooring finish that features travertine, the new build is a showstopper. The pool is highlighted as the focal point in a way that complements the view and sits comfortably within the landscape. From a distance, you can feel the ambience of a relaxing haven that’s intricately designed with layers, textures, spa water and other key elements. As you move closer, you notice the unfolding layers of complexities that speak volumes of expertise, years of experience, talent and exhaustive planning. bluehaven.com.au
words carrol baker
BEST OF BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 25
Best of
Pool dsign
Get in the swim with the latest in innovative pool designs
02.
timdavieslandscaping.com.au
26 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
TAKE THE PLUNGE
Nestled into a hidden Fremantle nook, behind a spectacular heritage home, this landscape and sculptural concrete plunge pool make a beautiful design statement. Entering this space makes you feel as if you’re embarking on a wonderful discovery. The circular shape is echoed throughout the landscape, linking the new space with the home. A moat retained by formed steel and planted with Alocasia negates the need for fencing, preserving sightlines across the garden. The pool is fully tiled and capped with crazy paving. The finishes are timeless, textural and in-vogue. An eclectic yet harmonious blend of textures further contributes to the success of the project.
BEST OF BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 27
03.
ENTERTAINER’S DELIGHT
This generous curved infinity-edge and wet-deck pool features an impressive sunken lounge, accessed over the beach area via five floating-effect steppingstone pavers. There’s also an internal swim-up bar complete with three tiled bar stools and custom green roof pergola. The pool includes an internal seven seater infinity-edge and wet-deck spa with custom rolled seats, each with multiple spa jets. These features provide a high level of luxury and a resort-like atmosphere. The entire design concept plays on the “holiday-at-home” movement. To cater for year-round swimming, the pool and spa reach temperatures of 35 and 40 degrees. They are also highlighted by a unique herringbone red-brick feature wall with six custom water feature spouts. The 1.8m-high infinity-edge pool is finished with rolled sides, allowing for water to gently cascade down the face. strikingpools.com.au
The coping has a custom 80mm drop edge. Aquastone Pools and Landscapes wanted a chunky drop edge to help create luxurious appeal to the pool and surrounds.
This pool and spa combo is the ultimate resort at home. The pool also features many step areas, including a custom-made step that is designed to house the sunken loungers — a perfect spot to relax in the pool and be taken away to a tropical paradise.
The large and functional pool and spa, set on acreage property, is an impressive 15m in length. There are also ample entertainment spaces including the sunken in-pool lounges, heated in-built spa and many ledge areas. The feature lighting and in-floor cleaning make looking after it a breeze. It’s also fully automated, controlled by the touch of a button.
04. 28 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
GRAND STYLE
The fully heated spa is a key feature; the gorgeous black tile contrasts beautifully with the pool interior tile, which is blue. The pool is large enough to seat 10-12 people comfortably and can be enjoyed all year round with gas heating. aquastone.com.au
A STAYCATION VIBE
BEST OF BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 29
05.
Innovation is the name of the game for this project Bluehaven completed for their clients in Castlereagh. It was a challenging project because of the flood zone nature of the site. The vision was to create a pool and spa combination that also evokes the perfect staycation vibe at home. Blue Haven’s skilled team created back-wall barriers to make the design look more impressive, with two sloping sides rather than a straight-line boundary-looking wall. A suspended area was also added to be used as a diving platform. Intricately designed with a Whitehaven interior, travertine surrounds, retaining feature wall, sheer-descent waterfall blades and scum gutter surround, the result is nothing short of a serene and cosy focal point that elevated the overall appeal of the property. This outdoor haven is an extension of a relaxing and fun ambience that’s perfect for house parties and intimate get-togethers. bluehaven.com.au
06.
STAY LIQUID
This pool design is a beautiful backyard oasis that gives Fluid Design's clients the feeling of being on holiday at home every day. The house pictured is the Ilkley Qld project constructed by Living Style Landscapes. Photography by Julien Bastien. fluidlandscapedesign.com.au
BEST OF 30 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
This 12m designer pool has a wet-edge spill-over, an infinity-edge wrap-around on three sides. It is quite unique and was created to maximise a seamless view to the valley below and also from the home’s kitchen. A great pool design is not just about an appealing body of water, but also the pool surrounds, and this stunning project delivers on that too.
The pool terrace ticks all the boxes with a poolside cabana containing a built-in outdoor barbecue and fridge, along with a lounge area. There is a timber bench seat adjacent to the feature fire bowl that provides an amazing ambience at dusk and three water spouts, creating ambient sounds of running water. The elevated timber sundeck provides a very relaxed space to relax with family and friends and houses an outdoor shower too.
ou know that something has gone from trend to must-have when you find it’s become an essential element of every new display home. If you haven’t been in the market for a new home recently and done the rounds of the display villages, then you might not know that an outdoor kitchen (or at least a well-designed barbecue area) and a place for alfresco dining and entertaining is now a feature of every display home at every price point.
TAKE IT OUTSIDE
words karen booth
Above Ribs cooking to perfection on a purpose-designed attachment placed atop a chiminea. chiminea.com.au
Of course, it’s just as much a feature of every architect-designed custom-built home, not to mention home renovation or extension. A welldesigned, well-integrated outdoor cooking zone isn’t a priority for home designers. It’s right at the top of the wish list when homeowners call on the services of a landscaper.
Y
Lifestyle choice
“Outdoor cooking has become an important part of the indoor-outdoor living trend as people want to spend more time outdoor enjoying their new and improved landscapes, as well as having the convenience of being able to cook and entertain close to the house while being protected from the weather, be it rain, hail or shine,” says Justine Carlile, founder of Justine Carlile Landscape Design.
“The whole idea of creating outdoor rooms that mirror the functionality of traditional indoor spaces has continued to pick up steam, especially since spending more time at home due to COVID. Many of us appreciate outdoor spaces at home more than ever before,” says Matt Leacy, founding partner and principal
Get a taste for the good life with a fully equipped outdoor kitchen or a smartly designed space for barbecuing and alfresco dining
BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 31
“Budget will always play a part in prioritising what does and doesn’t make the cut. As a guide, it’s always good to think about how the family use their existing indoor kitchen and dining spaces, and to use this as a reference point when assessing outdoor kitchen priorities. You’ll likely want to mirror what you already do inside, outside. I would also always urge homeowners to think beyond the barbecue. An outdoor kitchen can have cupboards, a fridge, sink and more, or it could be as simple as some cupboard space and a barbecue with a nice servery.
FEATURE 32 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
“If you wanted to do a bit more, you could look at installing a breakfast bar with some stools around it to make it more social and to create a casual space for breakfast, a cup of
“The trend is certainly towards an outdoor kitchen space that is just as sophisticated as the internal kitchen and easy to maintain,” says Claudia Crawley, landscape designer and founder of Grindstone Landscapes. “Instead of the rustic charm of open storage and tiled benchtops and splashbacks, the direction is heading more towards clean lines of seamless stone benchtops and storage cabinets that are essentially the same as internal ones, but made from a PVC product that can withstand the outdoor conditions. We are now spending as much time as possible with family and friends entertaining outside, especially after the last few years, so the requests for functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor cooking areas is as high as ever.”
designer of Landart. “Nowadays, we want to be able to enjoy the lifestyle, entertaining and health benefits of being outside, even while at home — and that’s why outdoor kitchens and cooking spaces are continuing to rise in popularity. Outdoor kitchens are increasingly becoming an expectation rather than a luxury in many of the markets we’re working in. In years to come, we’ll likely see more outdoor kitchens in homes, not just for owneroccupiers to enjoy themselves, but also to boost property value for sale and leasing.”
EQUIP IT GOOD
Matt advises to first establish the type of cooking and entertaining you want to be doing. “There is an opportunity to really create a social hub,” he says. “Pizza ovens, slowcooking options and breakfast bars are a great way to turn the barbecue into a hang-out space that is a real destination. Consider how you have cooked outside in the past and then explore how this could evolve into the future.
Right This nook in the garden is set beneath a vine-covered pergola and is home to a wood-fired oven and barbecue. justinecarlile.com.au
“Anyone looking to buy a barbecue should be considering a few key points,” says John McGran of Lifestyle BBQs. “Access to spare parts is important. Ask the retailer if they stock a full range of parts for the barbecue or if they need to be ordered from overseas, which is very difficult at the moment. That's one reason, among others, that Australian made is best.
“Ease of cleaning is another major consideration. Barbecues really need a full pull-out drip tray that you can line with foil and cover with fat absorbent. Barbecues that channel the fat into a smaller tray end up with the fat congealing on the sides of the frame and making an awful mess.
BUYING A BARBECUE
Above An outdoor kitchen that makes smart use of materials, including brick and wood. Photo by Jason Busch. landart.com.au
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“Finally, you should be looking for a decent warranty from a company that's already stood the test of time — and check the reviews. What do people who already own that barbecue think about it?”
Opposite An outdoor cooking and dining space needs lighting and cooling. For the latter, a ceiling fan is ideal. beaconlighting.com.au
Opposite This sleek, space-smart cooking area includes a Kamado Joe set into a concrete benchtop. landart.com.au
tea or reading the paper. Add to that a more formal dining area with seating and lounge space and you have the makings of the perfect outdoor living and entertaining space.”
INFINITE VARIETY
According to Matt, slow-cooking options, pizza ovens and Argentinean grills are really popular. “If you are considering any of these, it is best to do this at the beginning and not try to add them in later as they can destroy the aesthetic if not considered properly.”
Wood-fired ovens continue to be popular. They come in a variety of materials and there are different styles and shapes. Most, however,
Below The wood-fired oven is perfectly positioned to ensure there are no ventilation issues. grindstonelandscapes.com
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Above A custom-designed and –built outdoor kitchen is the showpiece of this Queensland home. osheabuilders.com
If space and budget allow, Justine advises to opt for variety. “Consider the inclusion of multiple cooking options in your outdoor kitchen such as a barbecue, pizza oven and smoker,” she says. “Pizza ovens and smokers are among the most requested items now,” adds Claudia. “Smokers are not as straightforward as barbecues to build in but definitely achievable with the right ventilation, and they make a great statement piece. You could also consider a built-in Green Egg.”
“
are conical or dome-shaped as this is the most heat-efficient design, says Trent Chilman from The Alfresco Factory.
VERSATILE CHIMINEAS
“You can cook several little dishes to wow your guests and bring variety, but if you want something more substantial, you can also do full legs of lamb, beef, whole chickens etc. Cooking on top of the chiminea is an Argentinian style of cooking — they like to cook away from the direct flame so meats don’t dry out and the result is tender and juicy.”
"With dome–shaped ovens, the heat curls around inside and wood is placed to the side. Ovens that are tunnel–shaped have the fire in the back. It gets very hot at the front of the oven, so they're not as efficient," he says. “Also, choose an oven with a door — this allows you more options for cooking different foods, and look for one that’s manufactured from dense weighty materials for better heat convection. And for flavoursome food, using the right kind of wood in your oven is important.”
While summer may be prime time for alfresco living, cooking and dining outside is something most people want to be able to do whatever the season
The best way to cook on a chiminea is with a barbecue/pizza oven attachment, says Liz Fenton of Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces, a company known for its Australian –designed and –made chimineas. “We designed a two–piece piece cooking attachment that has a cuff that easily slots into the top of the chimney to convert your chiminea into a fabulous wood–fired oven and barbecue. With the hood you cook roasts and pizzas and without the hood, you can do regular barbecue grilling.
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After lighting your chiminea, it’s ready to cook within 15 to 30 minutes, and after you’re finished cooking, it’s pretty easy to clean. “All the fat gets completely incinerated as it drops down the chimney into the fire — no messy drip trays are required,” says Liz. “There are no remnants of any cooking fats and you can even throw your chop bones in the fire and they will be burnt away.”
“It's such a pleasurable way to cook and entertain. People gather around the fire and have drinks. When we use it, we generally start with pizzas, then we might cook some meat or prawn/seafood on skewers, then we might cook some lamb cutlets. Roast vegetable skewers with tofu or haloumi are also delicious.
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You can take it up a notch with something like the quick-heating, cast-iron Firepit Grill by Hergom, which offers amazing heat retention to brown meat and seal flavours. The outer ring comprises four segments, where you can combine two griddles and two grills.
“Australian made is always best,” he adds. “That way you know it’s designed for Australian barbecuing style. By that I mean it will be hot enough to really sear a steak and cook things like prawns and octopus without stewing them. A lot of imported barbecues just don't get hot enough.”
If you like cosy gatherings and grilled fare, a firepit can be just about all things to all men — and women. It can be used to grill fish, toast marshmallows or keep you nice and warm.
Opposite top A super-cool, custom outdoor kitchen zone is a feature of this new build designed by architect Sarah Bryant. Photo by Emily Bartlett. bryantalsop.com.au Opposite bottom The cooking surface of the Firepit Grill by Hergom consists of two hotplates and two grills. castworks.com.au Below left This outdoor kitchen has it all … a barbecue, sink, fridge, plenty of storage and a smoker. ingejabaralandscapes.com.au
For most families, a barbecue is a must. “The barbecue brings people together. Preparing a meal for family and friends on the barbecue is a pleasure rather than a chore. Everyone gets involved and there's always a brother-in-law who knows a better way to cook a steak. It wouldn't be an Aussie barbecue occasion without that guy and it all adds to the laughter and memories,” says John McGran of Lifestyle BBQs.
“Integrate the outdoor room into the
IT’S THE PITS
BARBECUE BLISS
ROOM FOR ALL
Optional attachable stainless-steel grills for cooking on firepits are readily available — some are circular, others come as a half-circle, others are rectangular. You can even get teppanyaki plates designed for use with a firepit.
The next level is a multifunctional option like the height-adjustable, cast-iron Morsø Grill 17 that can go from cooking appliance to firepit. It consists of a bowl, grilling grid and frying plate and has a pair of semicircles that can swivel aside to allow for barbecuing at varying levels. It can be fuelled using charcoal, briquettes or wood, and when you’ve finished cooking, or grilling isn’t on the menu, the bowl can be used as a firepit.
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You need to consider what you need your barbecue to do. Wok burners are popular, especially for stir-fries, says John, but there are plenty of other options available to the frequent or more adventurous cook. Getting the basics right is important, adds Claudia. “You need to consider what size barbecue you really need — a three–, four– or five–burner? Do you want a flat lid or a barbecue with a hooded top? Do you need a side burner and what about the gas supply — natural gas (bayonet) or LPG gas (bottled)? There are many things to think about,” sheAndsays.John has one more suggestion for the die-hard Aussie barbecue lover: a Kegerator. “Imagine standing around the barbecue with steaks sizzling away and having draught beer on tap. That’s heaven,” he enthuses.
Whether it’s a full-blown, customised outdoor kitchen or just a barbecue with some prep space, your cooking zone will be in an outdoor room-style space, be it a covered deck, a pergola or a cabana by the pool. Making the outdoor room where you cook and eat an extension of the house and maintaining flow with the house is important, according to Justine.
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garden and maintain cohesion with the house by using attractive, complementary building materials such as hardwood and bluestone for the walls, and travertine pavers or wide timber deck boards for the flooring,” she says. “Ensuring the outdoor room has plenty of natural light, supplied either by large raised skylights or operable louvres, is important, as is ensuring there is adequate ventilation, particularly in the cooking area.”
Finally, what about location? And does size (of the cooking/dining area) matter? Says Claudia, “The further away from the house the cooking area is, the more important it is to include enough storage and prep space as well as power, a sink with hot and cold running water, and at least a bar or under-counter fridge — this way you don’t have to run back to the house for a glass, plate or “Dependingdrinks.onthe appliances and space available, a good outdoor cooking area can be anything from 2m to 5m in width. It is important to think well about the inclusions as it is difficult to add on at a later stage without it looking like an afterthought. It is also important to consider how the overall space is used; if there is seating to be included, the space will need to be at least 3m by 3m to allow for table, chairs, the cooking station and enough room to move around.
LOCATION, LOCATION
And make it multipurpose. Imagine having an outdoor space that can function as a party zone, cooking space, dining area and a sitting area with TV — think outdoor pizza movie night or watching the game on a Saturday arvo with a sauce-slathered, bun-wrapped barbecued snag in hand.
Left When it comes to cooking alfresco, making pizza from scratch is now a popular way to feed family and friends. Photo by Vita Marija Murenaite. unsplash.com
CUSTOMISE IT
“And finally, if you get your kitchen and dining area right, you’ll very likely add value to your property.”
While summer may be prime time for alfresco living, cooking and dining outside is something most people want to be able to do whatever the season, which means considering everything, including protection from both the sun and the rain, ambient and task lighting, and how you will cool and heat the space.
“If you customise the outdoor kitchen to your needs, you’ll invariably get more use out of it. You’ll tap the lifestyle and environmental benefits of cooking and dining outdoors, and you’ll also have an awesome and fluid space to entertain family and friends — especially in the warmer months,” advises landscape designer Matt Leacy.
“Additionally, outdoor kitchens and dining spaces are great for properties that might have low air circulation. For foodies who love to cook, but don’t have great airflow throughout their property, it can be a challenge to keep the kitchen from stinking out the rest of the house. An outdoor kitchen can be the perfect solution for those who love cooking fragrant food without the long-term smell — ensuring that everything can be cooked outdoors without odours lingering inside for days.
“The size and positioning of furniture, as well as cabinetry and cooking appliances, need to be considered from the start to ensure there is enough space for what you need and everything is to scale.
Inspirational backyards by talented Australian landscape professionals
Outdoor Living
words kylie baracz photos katrine mardini
That happy moment was the recent wedding of the client’s daughter and the music that was played on the day. This beautiful selection of music became the inspiration Steve and his team needed to transform the once overgrown side garden.
“At my first meeting with the client, it was made very clear that ‘wow factor’ was the catch phrase for this project,” says Steve Warner, principal landscape designer at OUTHOUSE Design. “A key question for me was to understand what happy moment in the life of the client stood out.”
By creating a sound wave using the music, we could create a piece of sculpture that has meaning as well as function,” says Steve. “The lower parts of the sound wave create the seating option — providing a quiet space for reflection or chatting — and from here the shape morphs into an organic skeletal structure that modulates along the boundary and then out, creating a connection between the upper and lower garden.”
This sublime garden design takes art into the wild
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arden sculptures usually take the form of a delicate water fountain or friendly gnome, but this epic garden design takes outdoor art to the next level. Featuring a 16m, three-dimensional, sculptural ribbon, the underused side of this Vaucluse home was transformed into an artistic marvel.
Wow faor
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ED'S FVE The impressive sculpture
By creating a sound wave using the music, we could create a piece of sculpture that has meaning as well as function
STEVE WARNER “
Creating this visual treat along the garden wall was no easy feat for Steve and his team. Over 270 individual slices were cut and installed by Polygenic and Urban Garden Enrichment to create the 16m-long structure.
Feature shrubs within and under the sculpture that create year-round interest, flower structure and foliage contrast are Ajuga reptans, Bugle; Ligularia reniformis, Tractor Seat Plant; Viola hederacea, Native Violet; Agapanthus praecox orientalis, Agapanthus ‘Snowball’, Rhaphiolepis indica, Indian Hawthorn; Philodendron ‘Xanadu’; Liriope muscari, Turf Lily; Sansevieria trifasciata, Mother-In-Law’s Tongue; and Crassula ovata, Green Jade.
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Both the sculpture and deck were created using accoya timber, which is dimensionally stable, durable and, most importantly, sustainable. It also creates a seamless connection to the flooring inside the home. The sculpture itself folds around custom planters to support additional greenery, with soft round shrubs planted within.
Before installation, the garden had a makeover, with all existing fences, including battens and rendered walls, painted using two coats of Dulux ‘Luck’. This allowed the planting and sculpture to really pop and unified the whole space. Oversized bluestone pavers were used to create an organic connection from the upper deck to the pool enclosure, which also complements the soft lines of the sculpture and returns of the deck.
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Seasonal colour and interest within the main garden include a feature tree — Cercis canadensis; and boundary screen planting — Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Blueberry Ash; Tulbaghia violacea, Society Garlic; Pittosporum tobira, Australian Laurel; Daphne x transatlantica, Pink Fragrance; Ajuga reptans, Bugle; Ligularia reniformis, Tractor Seat Plant; Viola hederacea, Native Violet; Agapanthus praecox orientalis, Agapanthus ‘Snowball’; Rhaphiolepis indica, Indian Hawthorn; Philodendron ‘Xanadu’; and Liriope muscari, Turf Lily.
The view from the kitchen out to the garden was also vital to the client, so Steve and his team created a smaller version of the sculpture that is seen via the sliced kitchen window, with both pieces lighting up in the evening.
“A key factor for any sustainable space is the correct planting selection in the first place. This ensures minimal maintenance long term,” says Steve. “Less watering, fewer bugs and therefore increased planting performance.”
“I wanted this space to feel like an extension of the internal living space — to engage with us both visually and physically,” says Steve. “So it was simple for me; all I needed to do was create an emotional connection.” outhousedesign.com.au
Food and fun are a must for this lush, green garden
call to the outdoors
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These needs were vast and included creating a lawn that was large enough to play; space in the right microclimate for food production; an outdoor pizza and fireplace; a storage shed; and a garden design that was not only pretty, but also productive.
“This family had a passion for growing their own produce and connecting with nature, as well as having fun in the garden. So the garden needed to encourage a life outside for the complete family,” says Steve Warner, principal landscape designer at OUTHOUSE Design. To create this fun outdoor space for the whole family, Steve had to inject energy and structure into the once-tired garden that had “good bones”.
Heading into the garden, the circular feature lawn with a recycled brick edge creates a visually
rowing produce and connecting with nature are the inspiration for this abundant kitchen garden. Featuring a large lawn for sports (and cartwheels!), a stone pizza oven and a thriving veggie garden, this beautiful backyard is fit for all ages and needs.
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words kylie baracz photos john feder
“We needed to create a space for the family to come together, while still having activity zones and, of course, a trampoline!” says Steve. “A garden for all ages and needs has its challenges, so seeking input from all to ensure everyone’s needs were delivered was crucial.”
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“Within the design, we upcycled and recycled a broad range of materials, from convict bricks in the garden walls to reinforced mesh for the production trellis,” says Steve. “Recycled timbers were used for the pergolas, arbours and raised planters.”
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strong green hub for all sorts of activities. Its shape allows for deep garden borders and connecting pathway/stepping stones. Each key activity or destination point radiates from the centre, making connection as easy as possible.
Featured plants that create the garden’s lush ambience include Cercis canadensis, Forest Pansy and Pyrus calleryana 'Capital' Ornamental Pear Tree for year-round seasonal change; Westringia, Aussie Box; Rhaphiolepis indica, Indian Hawthorn; Philodendron ‘Xanadu’; Liriope muscari, Blue Lily Turf; Stachys
“
The paved patio area with overhead pergola and pizza oven allows for a flexible footprint to support either large family gatherings or a more lounge-style set-up to sit back on those lazy Sunday afternoons.
This family had a passion for growing their own produce and connecting with nature, as well as having fun in the garden. So the garden needed to encourage a life outside for the complete family
Further sustainable features included in the garden are the water tank to capture water from the shed and house to support the garden, and handy compost bins for recycling kitchen waste.
A feature pergola using recycled timber and bricks is the ideal location for year-round barbecues, while scented climbing roses create much-needed summer shade and flexible seating caters for all the family. The same timber is also used for the arbours that create a visual link to the production zones. Raised production beds anchor the connecting arbours, which support both seasonal climbers and production.
STEVE WARNER
byzantina, Lamb’s Ears; Lomandra longifolia, ‘Tanika’ Mat Rush; Myoporum parvifolium, Creeping Boobialla; Grevillea rosmarinifolia, Rosemary Grevillea; Loropetalum chinense, Chinese Fringe Flower; Pittosporum tobira, Australian Laurel; Hebe diosmifolia, Dwarf Hebe; Westringia fruticose, Coastal Rosemary for floral, structural and foliage interest.
“The garden is fun, full of personality and doesn’t take itself seriously,” says Steve. “The feature lawn draws you into the garden and acts as a green hub with activity radiating from its core. It just screams ‘get outside’!” outhousedesign.com.au
For seasonal colour and interest, the following were planted: Sedum spectabile, Stonecrop; Salvia nemorosa, Caradonna; Helleborus orientalis, Lenten Rose; Plectranthus plepalila, Mona Lavender; Anemone x hybrida, Japanese Windflower; Ajuga reptans, Carpet Bugle; Nepeta x faassenii, Blue Catmint; Anigozanthos ‘ruby red’, Kangaroo Paw; Thymus serpyllum, Creeping Thyme; Tulbaghia violacea, Society Garlic; Pennisetum alopecuroides, Fountain Grass; Echium candicans, Pride of Madeira; Rosmarinus officinalis, Rosemary; and Rosa banksiae, Banksia Rose.
The abundance of plants
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ED'S FVE
The winners from each state, across a selection of categories, competed in a State vs State competition for the ultimate title of 2021/2022 Husqvarna Champion of Champions: Australian Landscaper of the Year. Turn the page to see the winning projects.
Champion Championsof
Every year, Australia’s state-based Landscape Associations hold a prestigious awards gala to showcase the best landscape projects within its individual territories. Last year, they took it one step further. Introducing the 2021/2022 Husqvarna Champion of Champions: Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards — presented by Futurewood.
Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards 2021/2022
sponsored by
Located in Brisbane’s inner north, the Herston Quarter offers healthcare services as never seen before. The traditional clinical environment has been done away with, replaced instead with a bright and welcoming setting resplendent with lush greenery and community spaces.
Winner Commercial Landscaper of the Year
CBD (Qld)ConstructLandscapeion
Category Winner Commercial Construction over $1M
Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service building (STARS)
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epresenting cutting-edge medical advancements and gold-standard patient care, The Surgical, Treatment and Rehabilitation Service (STARS) building and adjoining "Spanish steps" is a world-leading development set to change how we experience healthcare forever.
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Set within a precinct combining healthcare, education, housing, retail and recreational spaces, the STARS building is the first building to be completed within the fivehectare development. Medical treatment in the precinct will be focused on providing specialist, patient-focused care for postoperative rehabilitation, elective surgery and outpatientRecognisingservices.therole of greenspaces in patient recovery, the overall design incorporates free and easy access to verdant and calming outdoor areas in the form of tropical courtyards and luxuriant terraces. Patients are encouraged to access and enjoy these areas during treatment and recovery.
The healthy and vibrant plant life was carefully chosen to juxtapose against the concrete-heavy architectural features. Tree and shrub varieties were selected from multiple local nurseries in southeast Queensland with the intention of creating thriving, low-maintenance softscaping.
But all was not plain sailing for the team at CBD Landscape Construction, with a short lead time, highly technical specifications and access to the site being major hurdles requiring a great deal of planning and dedication to overcome.
phone 07 5504 1977 email info@cbdlandscapeconstruction.com.au website cbdlandscapeconstruction.com.au
The precast seating was particularly challenging as vast quantities were required. All components were poured offsite at the CBD yard before being craned into place over multiple visits using 130-tonne cranes. The steep incline of the concrete steps meant 1000 cubic metres of special drainage fill and structural beams had to be installed before delivery of the soil to the tiered garden
CBD LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION
The highly technical aspirations of the stairs, seating and planting were praised as beautifully detailed and well thought out, especially considering the significant site access and time challenges that required planning, supervision, communication and high-level technical execution. The end result is a testament to the overall skills of the contractor and, according to the judges, a very impressive project.
COMPANY
Overcomingbeds.
these challenges, this unique project was awarded the prize for outstanding commercial construction over $1 million, with CBD Landscape Construction also being crowned overall Commercial Landscaper of theTheYear.judges
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felt the STARS building and surrounding landscape achieved the stated brief, creating a light and open environment promoting the benefits of greenspaces in overall health and patient recovery.
Winner Residential Landscaper of the Year Category Residential Construction up to $70k
Thankfully, in this case, the team from Yards were well and truly up to the task, winning in their residential category as well as the overall Residential Landscaper of the Year.
Working collaboratively with the owner, the project's main challenge was adequate plant availability during the height of Covid-19 restrictions and the resulting supply deficit and shipping
planting scheme and palette without the usual plant accessibility required creative thinking and a no-holds-barred approach. Without adequate advance stock from growers and a market awash with plants of inferior quality, new channels were forged out of necessity.Ontopof supply issues, the owner's brief included some non-negotiable items, including olive trees and deciduous plants, in keeping with her familiarity with, and affinity for, southern gardens.
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Yards (Qld)
The owner, an interior designer with a background in architecture and a love of gardens, approached Yards based on a word-of-mouth recommendation. Designing for a fellow designer is simultaneously nerve-wracking and exhilarating, with the potential to be either a career-defining or career-ending moment.
refined, contemporary and minimal garden in Brisbane's riverside suburb of Hawthorne took out the residential category under $70k for a design that perfectly complements the sleek, architecturallydesigned home it surrounds.
Hawthorne
Developingdelays.a
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Inextricably linked with the residence, the gardens create a beautiful, verdant outlook from inside the residence year-round. The outdoor area is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, creating a symbiotic relationship between home andPop-upgarden.irrigation
Compromise was met with the subtle inclusion of a selection of sub-tropical plants, in keeping with Brisbane's climate, to create a well developed and beautiful design providing deciduous foliage that is striking in winter and softening in summer.
COMPANY YARDS
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Fortunately, work on the garden commenced before the house was completely finished, so additional pipework and lighting access could be coordinated with the builder. It also allowed the landscapers to build the ideal soil profile for the lawns, garden beds and podium planters.
Paying off in spades, after just seven months, the carefully selected plants combined with Yards' skillful artisanship and the innovative irrigation system, has created a flourishing garden with an abundance of new growth in a short time.
Showcasing clean lines and perfectly placed planting in a modern residential setting, the judges were impressed by the attention to detail where planting is the main attraction. They commented on the masses of growth since the completion of the project, demonstrating just how well the construction was executed. website yards.com.au
Aptly named "Aruma", meaning happy place, the garden incorporates subtle nods to the owner's favourite colour of yellow, creating a happy feeling for her without overwhelming the palette. A selection of Aloes, Ligularia and Pachystachys fit the bill perfectly.
heads installed on the verges and hedges are controlled by a Hunter Hydrawise WiFi controller, which manages water usage efficiently and intelligently. Ideal for newly established gardens, this smart system makes adjusting the watering amount and time remotely easy.
he first play structure of its kind in Perth, the Catalina Plane Playground pays tribute to the Catalina Sea Planes flown by allied forces in WWII. Situated in the newly built Catalina residential estate in Perth's northern suburbs, this vibrant and unique playground offers an immersive and imaginative play experience for locals of all ages and abilities.
The aeronautical theme was a no-brainer given its location on Aviator Boulevard, which presented LD Total with the extraordinary opportunity to construct a themed playground that was inspired not only from the local estate but also from a unique part of Australian history.
Category Winner Commercial Construction up to $500k
the insight to recreate a replica that honoured the idiosyncrasies of the original aircraft.
LD Total (WA)
T
Catalina Plane Playground
As this project was the first plane-themed park to be constructed locally, finding the right contractors to carry out the work was the first priority. Built in five sections, constant monitoring and modification of the design was necessary to ensure the project was delivered on time, on budget and according to safety standards.
While the plane's main body was constructed in Perth, the wing nets were fabricated and shipped from Brisbane, and third party contractors worked on the net frames and slide simultaneously. Marrying up the various structures was particularly difficult and required intricate planning and much 3D-modelling to ensure the connection points for each separate part were just right.
The eye-catching, fiery red recreation is an accurate representation of the original Catalinas. Researching and sourcing Catalina sea planes from across the Caribbean, the playground's design team, Plan E, initially planned to retrofit an original bomber for the installation in Drimmie Park. Exorbitant shipping, fitting and installation costs made this impossible, but gave the design team
Building a bespoke structure inevitably requires a degree of flexibility and the ability to adapt as the project takes shape. Australian Safety Standards stipulate specific requirements, and this required constant supervision and checking
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After the plane was firmly secured, the LD Total team were free to complete the surrounding playground, including rubber softfall and whitewashed sand to protect from falls and create all-abilities access. Two swing sets, stepping logs, limestone boulders and custom concrete cargo crate steppers were installed to replicate a plane crash site.
along the way. Small details like an additional step into the slide, extra framing between the nets and robust handrails were added to increase safety and ensure compliance.
Softened by plants that also create shade, this award-winning space was praised by the judges of the Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards as a beautiful piece of landscape architecture and engineering. The judges were particularly impressed by the combination of the large play structure and soft landscaping, which provides an excellent area for recreational play and captures the imagination of the young and the young-at-heart.
Once the planning and constructing challenges had been met, the final test was installing the massive 15-metre-long, 14-metre-wide by fivemetre-high plane onsite. Arriving in five parts, on three seperate trucks, each section had to be craned into place over a six-hour period.
COMPANY LD TOTAL phone 08 6436 1111 email admin@ldtotal.com.au website ldtotal.com.au
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Sitting within the greater South Bank Parklands, the thriving green boasts more than 600 square metres of open space. The extensive site has stunning city views and includes a sizeable shaded barbecue pavilion, sunken seating, sprawling green lawn and a lush rainforest-like nook that was unofficially dubbed "the grotto" during construction.
Landscape SolutionsQld (Qld)
evastated by terrible flooding in 2011, Brisbane’s former riverside restaurant precinct in South Bank has undergone a glamorous facelift. From fine dining to leafy promenade, Riverside Green is a world-class open space for locals and visitors to enjoy freely.
Riverside Open Space
Perfect for relaxing with friends and family
Category Winner Commercial Construction $500k to $1M
as you watch the goings-on along the Brisbane River, the site extends the South Bank’s rainforest ecosystem by 650 square metres. It is home to an impressive 10,000 new plants, including 55 mature trees and 80 hanging species.
A makeover that enhances the way visitors experience life along the river, Riverside Green has been designed to amplify the naturally sloping riverbanks. Resisting the temptation to remodel for convenience, the design takes advantage of the bank's angles, incorporating seating and landscaping that nestles into the slopes to create inviting and engaging niches.
Contemporary Aboriginal artist Elisa Jane Carmichael, a Ngugi woman from Quandamooka Country, was commissioned
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The skill and dedication of the team are evident in the final product, which was applauded by the judges as a beautifully constructed and detailed project. They were impressed by the seating, which they described as; “Laying into the slope and cascading towards the river … the landscape areas are inviting and interesting.”
LANDSCAPE SOLUTIONS QLD phone 1300 653 013 website landscapesolutions.com.au
to create a water channel and sculptures celebrating the freshwater streams and richness of the local landscape. Artworks are dotted across the green, making it an immersive and culturally rich space.
All material movement onsite had to be thoroughly planned and monitored, especially when it came to transplanting a number of mature palm trees. In addition, the plans included colourful LED lighting to keep the area safe at night and add atmosphere even after sunlight faded.
COMPANY
Truly a project for the people, Riverside Green has something for everyone, whether you’re after a quiet corner to read, a larger area to play with the kids, or a seat for your morning coffee. This project is a worthy winner in its category for the 2021/2022 Australian Landscaper of the Year Awards.
As the site experiences high pedestrian traffic throughout the day and night, logistics and access were a constant challenge for the team at Landscape Solutions Qld. Although the entire team loved coming to work on such a beautiful location, navigating construction along a busy pedestrian walkway was understandably challenging and required vigilant observation.
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$150k
reating a private garden oasis on a cramped city-fringe plot complete with a dining zone, barbecue area, sun lounge and spa was a daunting task requiring ingenuity, expert design and quality materials to complete.
Urban (NSW)EnrichmentGarden
Showing their true colours on a project requiring millimetre perfect measurements and no room for error, the expert team from Urban Garden Enrichment were able to pull off a miracle garden transformation that satisfied the design brief, despite seemingly insurmountable challenges along the way.
C
Category Winner Residential Construction $70k
Private Garden Oasis, Woolloomoolloo to
Noting the tough site conditions and the outstanding work done, the judges stated, “The attention to detail on this job is incredible. The landscaper has taken the concept design
The harbourside suburb of Woolloomooloo in Sydney features narrow streets, scarce parking and high pedestrian traffic. While the norm for residents, the narrow one-way street leading to the build site of this apartment building complicated matters for the team at Urban Garden Enrichment.
To add to the access issues, the site is 3-4 metres below street level, with no access to lifts. All tools, materials and deliveries had to be lowered into the site and removed via a scaffolding ladder. Heavy materials, plants and preconstructed elements needed to be lowered in via crane. Considering the limited space, materials and tools could not be stored onsite overnight, meaning extra work for the team as they had to be brought in and out each day.
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Expertly showcasing a secret garden path, sun lounge and deck, outdoor spa and shower, barbecue area, dining table and lush greenery, this multi-award-winning, space-defying project really is one-of-a-kind and a testament to luxurious, sustainable inner-city garden design and construction.
Landscape
At just over 36 square metres, you might expect each element to fight for attention in such a small area, but this is not the case. From the paved pathways to the built-in elements that serve as seating and retaining measures, the cohesion and balance on display is a testament to the design and construction carried out by the award-winning team from Urban Garden Enrichment.
This inner-city sanctuary is calming for the soul and a delight for the senses. Tall ferns were chosen to welcome local birds. Lower level planting was designed to encourage insect colonisation, and additional plants were selected to provide as much privacy as possible from the overlooking street and otherHigh-qualityapartments.plants were sourced from various local nurseries, with the highlight being a massive tropical Frangipani tree. Other lush foliage adds to a shaded, rainforest-like feel.
and complexities of the site, which were many, and created an incredible space. Every single aspect of this construction is technical, bespoke and incredibly well done.”
URBAN
phone 0414 541 586 email simon.urbangarden@gmail.com
Designer OUTHOUSE design COMPANY
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GARDEN ENRICHMENT
B
Hawthorn Residence
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Although contrasting and, in theory, mismatched, in reality the synergy created by the juxtaposition of the styles brings into sharp relief the beauty of each. So much so that instead of one detracting from the other, the comparison heightens the merits of both.
Category Winner Residential Construction $150k to $250k
Nature's LandscapesBest(Vic)
ehind the unassuming facade of a Victorian home in Melbourne’s innercity lies a surprisingly minimalist backyard oasis complete with infinity pool, landscaped garden and pool house.
Heavily inspired by Belgium Interior Architect Marc Merckx, the owners of this Hawthorn home were definite they wanted a pared-back, modern entertaining area seemingly at odds with their heritage-listed 1880s home.
“They turned out to be a beautiful yet functional element of this yard’s story,” he claims. Englarging on the theme of old meets new, the pitchers were used to create a small set of steps leading to a tranquil, elevated seating area nestled under a glorious peppercorn tree.
Unusually for a construction project, the entire process from building to planting proceeded with little interruption, despite the property’s location on a main road in an urban area. Exemplifying what residential landscaping can be, the judges felt that the high-quality construction coupled with exceptional softscaping on site were of the best quality and worthy of winning its category.
phone 0411 576 349 email erin.green@bigpond.com
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Aesthetic considerations aside, the owners wanted to create a welcoming, family-friendly outdoor entertaining area appropriate for groups with children to gather and relax. Given the scale of the principal residence, it was essential to create an ambitious enough design to sit cohesively alongside the sizeable main dwelling.
So as not to compete with the main house, the pool house was clad in deep charcoal Colorbond steel to help it blend in with the polished concrete flooring, granite pool tiles and grey garden paving.
COMPANY
The garden is lush and inviting and even features some sentimental bluestone pitchers found onsite by the owners when they bought the property. “At first, I was perplexed as to how I could make this work without distracting from the contemporary design,” says Erin Green of Nature’s Best Landscapes.
The planting was as considered as the construction design, with various hedges chosen to frame the central lawn and back fence. Moving away from the lawn, the garden takes on a more relaxed, layered feel with plants such as Euphorbia and ‘Silver Falls’ chosen to soften the newly built walls, and Prostrate Rosemary and Lamb’s ears for colour and texture.
The overall landscape design is structured and somewhat formal, with the pool, pool house and various garden beds bordering a central lawn. A real design coup is the sleek wet-edge pool that eliminated the need for fencing and further enhanced the minimalist design.
NATURE'S BEST LANDSCAPES
An unwavering passion for sustainable living is evident throughout the project, from the blanket of vegetation that wraps the roof and walls to the eco-friendly building materials used throughout. Domic is the new benchmark for sophisticated, responsible coastal development.
While the green roof and wall system covering the residence in local vegetation helps the one-
The client's brief was for a high-end home that inhabits the site in a considered and respectful way, with a strong link to the neighbouring National Park and endemic flora and fauna. Bespoke designs and innovations were utilised to create a project in sync with both the landscape and the client's desires.
Category Winner Residential Construction over $250k
A
Sunshine Beach Residence
Living LandscapesStyle(Qld)
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spectacular, off-the-grid eco lair situated on the doorstep of Noosa National Park, Domic is a stateof-the-art residence that is both gentle and bold, blending seamlessly into the local landscape and standing apart from it at the sameMeaningtime. "House of Domes" in Russian, Domic is precisely that, a series of domed, cave-like structures that nestle into the sand dunes above the ocean on the Sunshine Coast. Breathtaking views down to a sheltered beach and out across the ocean make this project feel completely removed from civilisation.
COMPANY
Difficulty of access aside, this project was a standout among the other entries for the judges. Recognising the complex logistical challenges negotiating the site, they commented on the pioneering achievements this project exemplifies for residential landscapes. With a seamless visual flow into the natural surroundings that belies the complex underpinning, this project is undoubtedly a benchmark achievement.
hectare large complex blend into the dunes from the outside, the super luxurious internal layout and features are anything but subtle. Complete with six bedrooms, ten bathrooms, seven parking spots, a commercial cinema, infinity pool and outdoor entertaining spaces, Domic really does have it all.
But that was by no means the biggest challenge for the landscapers. Large Pandanus plants that were too large and heavy to be walked into place had to be helicoptered into position once the majority of the build was complete. Taking off from the local airfield, the trees were flown 500 metres out across the ocean and along the coastline before reaching their final destination.
LIVING STYLE LANDSCAPES phone 07 5478 8786 email info@livingstyleco.com.au
An ambitious project from the beginning, constructing a luxurious $20 million residence on a remote block with a shared driveway and little pre-existing laydown, presented considerable challenges for construction and landscaping.
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The team at Living Style Landscapes had to take a creative approach on a site almost exclusively accessible via crane. With 70 percent of the site blocked off from vehicular access, landscaping materials and equipment were bagged up and craned into place instead. At one point, an excavator was even craned in and out of the site to build the retaining walls.
Features
Clever ideas and expert advice to help you create the ideal outdoor space
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No time like the present
“With all of the pressures and distractions of modern life, many people are finding they have less time to spend in the garden than ever before. This is not to say that we don’t enjoy time spent in the garden; it’s just that most of us want this time to be about relaxing with a cool drink and a book rather than fertilising, pruning and pulling up weeds.
Some outdoor chores are about aesthetics, some are about safety. Either way, they can’t be ignored forever because if you do, it could be at your own peril — and I can attest to that. Quite recently, ignoring an ever-growing mossy patch on the paving in my courtyard led to a rather ungainly slip and a hard, painful landing on the concrete. Once my full range of motion returned (and my dignity), cleaning the paving was first on my to-do list.
When it comes to outdoor maintenance and caring for your garden, don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today
Deferring maintenance on anything outdoors may not always lead to danger, but once you do finally get around to doing what needs to be done, the tasks tend to be harder and take longer.
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“The short answer is no. Every garden needs some degree of maintenance. The goal, then, is to create a garden that meets all of your needs while requiring the minimum effort to maintain it. As with anything worthwhile in life, effort is required — and a garden is no different. This is something you just have to accept, but with good planning and the right selection of plants and materials, it is possible to make any ongoing maintenance a lot easier.”
Just like us, when plants get stressed, they are more likely to get ill — and they’re more likely to struggle and waste resources. “The golden rule is to pick the right plants for the space,” says Georgia.
e’re all guilty of it. Turning a blind eye to the peeling paint on the fence, the gutters sprouting sticks and leaves, or the hedge that is so unkempt and snaggly it’s starting to look rather sinister. After all, if it’s a sunny weekend, we have more enjoyable things to do than cleaning the gutters, and if it’s raining, well, best to stay inside all warm and snuggly.
HAPPY PLANTS
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words karen booth
“The popularity of low-maintenance gardens has never been higher. And while there is no denying that more people are making the decision to go ‘low maintenance’, we need to ask ourselves, what does this really mean? In some people’s minds low maintenance means no maintenance, but is this realistic?
“It seems that the days when spending a couple of hours pottering about in the garden was considered relaxing are becoming a thing of the past,” says Georgia Harper, landscape designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design.
ACCEPT THE INEVITABLE
Left App-controlled smart watering systems make garden irrigation easier and more water-wise. gardena.com.au
Above Hardy ornamental grasses and groundcovers are a alternativelow-maintenancetolawn. cosdesign.com.au
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DON’T FAN THE FLAMES
“If a plant is right for the area it’s going into, it should require very little attention. Most plants need a lot of care only if they are under stress, which is usually caused by being placed in the wrong location — for example, a plant that requires sun being planted in the shade, and vice“Mulchversa.is by far the very best tool to keep maintenance in any garden to a minimum. It means less watering, less weeding, and as it breaks down, mulch is an excellent soil conditioner for ongoing plant health. If you also ensure that the soil is properly prepared before any planting takes place, which might mean the addition of nutrients in the form of compost, then your plants will become established faster and be healthier, which means less ongoing care.
As well as instantly improving your home’s appearance and adding value, render has the ability to help prevent corrosion caused by the sun, wind, rain, frost and sea salt. If you live near the ocean, use highperformance acrylic render as it has a membrane base that stops the salt from eating away the mortar. Acrylic render is more expensive, but it is long-lasting and you can also include a waterproof additive to further protect the building.
“It’s useful to have at least some knowledge of how flammable the plants and trees are on your property. Trees that are known to ignite quickly include tea tree, Cyprus, pines, eucalypts and various other natives,” says Matt. “Obviously, if you have a beautiful, well-established eucalyptus tree, which is also an important wildlife habitat,
Render is an easy way to rejuvenate tired or neglected exterior surfaces. Render straightens out walls and gives surfaces a flat finish, so you can instantly change the look of a house — or outdoor structure. As a bonus, a rendered surface requires minimal upkeep. Cleaning can be done with a low-water-pressure cleaner every couple of years.
Render can be tinted to practically any hue and you can opt for smooth or brushed finishes. And aside from raw brick, render can be used to cover painted brick, Blue Board and fibro. If you choose the right colour, much like applying a fresh coat of paint to a home, it can add value to a property.
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RENDER IT
“There’s a multitude of irrigation systems on offer for the time-poor gardener, but drip line is the most water-efficient. By installing a dripirrigation system under a layer of mulch (or a sub-surface system beneath an area of lawn), connecting it to your water supply and linking it all to a seven-day timer, you need never think about watering the garden ever again. Include a rain sensor that automatically switches the system off when it rains and you’ll be low maintenance and water-wise.”
In Australia, outdoor maintenance is not just about happy plants, it’s often about reducing the impact of bushfires. “There’s no way to entirely fire-proof your property, but property owners shouldn’t underestimate how much a good garden clean-up, prune and some clever plant choices can potentially make in reducing bushfire risks to your home,” says Matt Leacy, founding partner and principal designer of Landart. “As much as it may seem an obvious and tedious task, one of the best things you can do is to thoroughly prune and tidy up around your gardens and property. Clean gutters, especially if your house is surrounded by large trees. Also ensure all old dry leaves from autumn and winter are cleared out and away from your property and that dead branches are cut away and trees and other plants are trimmed right back away from your house.
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Below Critical to reducing garden maintenance is to choose the right plants for the location. boldsimplicity.com.au
• Choose the right time: There isn’t a single best time for pruning. Late winter is an ideal time for pruning many trees and shrubs because they are dormant and it is easier to see what needs to be pruned. For most trees, late-winter pruning promotes fast regrowth in spring. Summer is the best time to remove dead branches when they stand out. Prune spring-flowering trees and shrubs right after they finish flowering in spring. Trees and shrubs that bloom during summer and into autumn are best pruned in later winter or early spring as soon as their annual growth begins.
Opposite You can use a rake or broom, but to make quick work of fallen leaves, use a vacuum blower. gardena.com.au
Source: yates.com.au
• Use the right tool: When pruning, always use clean, sharp tools. Select the right-size tool for the branch you will prune to avoid damage to the plant and the tool. Use a pruning saw on branches larger than 4-6cm in diameter. Pruners work best on the smallest branches. Use loppers on branches an inch or so in diameter.
• Make the right cuts: Holding the thinner, upper cutting blade nearer to the trunk or main stem, make a clean cut without tearing the bark. Avoid leaving a stub, which provides an entry point for pests and diseases. Cut just outside the branch collar, the swelling where the branch begins.
Below right Regular mowing is important year-round but in spring, aerate the lawn and add fertiliser. hayter.co.uk
Above Always use the right tools for the job and keep on top of tasks like hedge trimming and pruning. bosch.com.au
PRUNING: RULE OF THREE
SPRING LAWN CARE
Give the grass a boost in spring by aerating the lawn. This will promote new root growth as air, water and nutrients can circulate freely. “Aerating can be done using a garden fork. Dig the fork 10cm into the soil and gently move it back and forth. For larger lawns, save time by hiring an aerating machine from a local hardware store or machinery hire centre,” says Joel.
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Apply fertiliser to the lawn to break winter dormancy and give the lawn a helping hand. A slow-release fertiliser will help the grass grow stronger and healthier in preparation for stressful summer conditions.
“
Most plants need a lot of care only if they are under stress, which is usually caused by being placed in the wrong location — for example, a plant that requires sun being planted in the shade and vice versa
Start by clearing the lawn of any fallen leaves and branches. It is best to do this when conditions are dry as moisture will make leaves and debris stick to the lawn. While a rake will do the job, a leaf blower or vacuum will speed up the process. “Make sure the lawn is clean from anything that’s too large for the leaf blower or vacuum to handle, such as larger branches and sticks,” says Joel Hawkins, Victa category manager, Lawn and Garden Products.
It’s best to get rid of weeds while they’re young and their roots are still weak; at this stage they can be removed by hand. Once weeds have taken hold, they have to be dug up, leaving unsightly, grass-free patches in the lawn. A light application of weed killer is a good idea to prevent further sprouting, but be careful not to overdo it as this can burn the grass.
Mow the lawn at least once a fortnight. “Infrequent mowing can cause a lawn to become stalky and less attractive,” says Joel. “Use a line trimmer for garden borders and hard-to-reach places.” Look out for any problem areas, such as bare spots where new lawn needs to be planted, or high-traffic areas where fertiliser can be used to improve the grass.
Regular checks of swings, slides, cubby houses, tree houses, climbing frames and trampolines is important. Nails that have worked their way loose in a cubby can snag rompers and pierce delicate little fingers, while broken trampoline springs or missing safety padding can be a real hazard for kids of all ages.
“In damp, shady areas, decking may be the answer as it is elevated above ground level. This means rain, leaves and debris can pass through
“Paving instead of garden beds (or lawn) might sound like a great idea, but it heats up, can get slippery and requires maintenance (sweeping and sealing) to keep it looking its best, so choose carefully. Plain, solid-coloured pavers show every mark and leaf drop, and you’ll be sweeping it often to keep it looking good. Natural stone’s irregularities disguise any marks, leaves or debris resting on the pavers and look nice with much less effort,” says Georgia.
Left Seal paving for optimum stain resistance and ensure all timber structures are sturdy. kingslandscaping.com.au
You can prevent most of these things from happening with general, ongoing maintenance. “When your trampoline is not going to be used for an extended period of time, it is best to disassemble and store it in a safe, dry place,” continues Shane. “To protect your trampoline from foreign objects and to keep it clean, use a cover. When cleaning, especially mats and frame pads, don’t use aggressive cleaning products. Trampoline surfaces are best cleaned with mild soapy water and thoroughly rinsed with water afterward. For the best maintenance of your trampoline, also make sure no animals are allowed on the trampoline as they could damage both the frame pad and the jumping mat.”
“If you haven’t used your trampoline in a while, it is always a good idea to check it over — in fact you should inspect your trampoline before each use,” advises Shane Helm of Oz Trampolines. “Things to look out for include missing, faulty or improperly positioned safety padding; punctures, tears or holes in the safety net, tents, roof padding or mats; deterioration of the stitching or fabric of the mat or safety padding; broken or stretched springs and bent, uneven or unstable frames. If you notice any damage, change the parts immediately.”
KEEP A SOLID FOOTING
IT’S NOT ALL PLAY
Above Regular maintenance will give you an immaculate garden and entertainingoutdoorenvironment. ghld.com.au
you won’t want to remove it entirely. But you can prune back any deadwood and maintain it (check with your local council’s restrictions/ guidelines first), as well as control what’s around it to reduce the associated fire risks.”
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ORNAMENTAL ALTERNATIVES
To reduce maintenance, choose the right paint to begin with and properly prepare the surfaces before painting. “Finding a paint that can withstand everything the Australian weather throws at it is very important, which is why we recommend using a high-quality acrylic exterior paint,” says Erin. “When painting the exterior of your home, preparation is the key to success. To start, make sure your surface is clean by thoroughly washing away any chalky residue, dirt, dust or mould from the surface, as the presence of contaminants can cause loss of adhesion to the new paint. Using sandpaper to even out, smooth, degloss or remove existing paint from the surface is another crucial step in preparing for a quality finish.”
Leon Travis, general manager, sales and distribution for Boral Timber, says if you have timber decking, regular inspection and maintenance is recommended to ensure any splits, cracks or unpainted areas are attended to early on. “Any loose or damaged boards should be resecured or replaced, loose nails hammered back in or screws refixed,” he advises. “If the damage is extensive and boards or the entire deck needs replacing, Australian hardwood timber is an ideal choice as it can withstand harsh weather conditions, including rain, humidity, wind, salt and intense heat.”
PAINTING POINTERS
Do regular checks to see what needs work and get stuck in — it's always the better option.
“Cleaning your home’s exterior will help maintain the appearance of your paint finish and remove the build-up of dirt, salt deposits, bird droppings, mould and other contaminants,” advises Erin Porter, Dulux category manager — Exterior & Speciality Coatings. “We recommend washing your painted exterior surfaces annually; not only will this maintain the life of the paint, it will also keep your home looking fresh. The best process for cleaning these surfaces without damaging the paint is by preparing a bucket of warm water mixed with a moderate amount of household detergent and apply to the painted area with a soft bristle brush, broom or soft cloth. Then, before your painted surface can dry, hose it down thoroughly with clean water.”
more easily. Of course, timber decking needs to be oiled and stained to prevent it from going grey. The other option might be one of the decking board alternatives made of recycled wood and plastic, which don’t require anything but the occasional wash or sweep.”
There are so many different ornamental grasses — many of them natives — in such an array of shapes, sizes, leaf form and colour that you are guaranteed to find something suitable to fit your growing conditions … and decorative needs. Consult your local garden centre or plant nursery about what types of ornamental grasses are likely to thrive in your area, but some of the more popular choices include Festuca, Poa, Pennisetum, Carex and Miscanthus. Then there are the grass-like plants such as Lomandra and Ophiopogon japonicus (mondoDesigninggrass).with ornamental grasses can be a lot of fun, but always remember to keep everything in scale and as natural-looking as possible. For impact, you can juxtapose soft grasses with strongly geometric hard-landscaping features such as a rendered feature wall.
Desperately seeking a low-maintenance solution to give your garden texture and colour? Or perhaps a tough, easy-care plant to cover a hard-to-reach slope where lawn would be a nightmare to keep trimmed? If so, ornamental grasses have a lot to offer in these time-poor days.
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Below Choosing the right exterior paint in the beginning and then washing your surfaces annually will maintain the life of the paint. dulux.com.au
Left To keep an outdoor space and garden in top condition, you need to put in the work. desirede ect.net.au
Opposite If you really hate mowing the lawn, go high-tech and invest in a robotic lawnmower. gardena.com.au
W ho doesn’t love a stylish, cosy outdoor space? Somewhere you can make lifelong memories with your tribe or entertain your friends and family in your own bespoke style.
The time-honoured outdoor wood heater never goes out of style. With new technology and stylish good looks, wood-burning fireplaces remain a popular favourite for many. They are available as a built-in feature, a freestanding option or a sculptural pod that is suspended from the ceiling.
Dream team
words carrol baker
Gas heating can be portable, so you can move the heat source with ease, or there are inbuilt models that have plenty of style. Many contemporary gas heaters can mimic the look of wood heaters, with special effects that dazzle. Some models are also frameless to give them a sleek designer edge.
The outdoor watering hole has become a popular inclusion in many Aussie outdoor rooms at home. From a stylish bar cart and bar stools to a complete built-in bar, you can design your bar yourRepurposedway.
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If you are short on space, a firepit or ethanol heater might be just the ticket to keep you toasty warm. Electric strip heating adds a designer edge to alfresco dining.
PLENTY OF SIZZLE
As more of us gravitate to outdoor spaces at home, there is a greater need for storage. Indoors there is inbuilt shelving or storage cupboards that allow you to be organised and pack away items you don’t need, but outdoors it’s often a different story. The good news is, there are plenty of options to allow you to store items to not only protect them from the elements, but to keep your outdoor space tidy. From cupboards to boxes to cabinets, there’s a diverse range of options that are easy on the eye to suit any taste or budget.
CHEERS TO THAT
Designing cosy outdoor rooms is all about adding the right blend of elements to evoke a warm and welcoming vibe
Shelving offers places to display items and also have things you readily use at your fingertips. There are also discrete storage solutions, such as a bench seat with built-in storage and hidden storage compartments, and occasional furniture with built-in storage, like a coffee table with cupboard underneath.
Ramp up the warmth factor at home with a gas, ethanol, electric or wood heater or a firepit. Outdoor living is very much a part of the way we live, but to extend the time and comfort of your outdoor rooms, heating is a must. Not only does outdoor heating add warmth in the chilly months of the year, it also creates a cosy ambience your friends and family will love.
pallets and furniture, as well as pre-loved vintage wine barrels, can look fabulous. Perhaps you’d like your bar to be an extension of your indoor kitchen — you can pull up a bar stool at a bifold window. Other more elaborate bar set-ups can be part of a complete designer outdoor kitchen.
NEAT AS A PIN
Image courtesy of GO Modern. gomodern.co.uk
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CULINARY CAPERS
Lighting often dictates the mood in a space too, so sourcing the right lighting goes a long way to determining the atmosphere in an outdoor room. An outdoor pendant positioned above a dining table introduces a hint of glamour, while lanterns placed in seating areas add a soft romantic glow. Beautiful wall lights generate a soft radiance that is warm andThesubtle.keyto effective outdoor lighting is to get the right blend of lighting which, when layered, creates visual appeal. Along with task lighting, accent lighting adds depth and highlights. For example, it can showcase a piece of art or a feature pot in a space, while ambient lighting offers general illumination to an outdoor space.
SWITCH UP YOUR LIGHTING
Lighting can readily transform a space; it can illuminate light and shadow, brighten up dark corners and make a space feel inviting. Lighting, of course, is essential to shine the light on what the chef is whipping up on the barbecue, or to guide the way down pathways or decks for safe passage.
Of course, if you are serving drinks to your guests, having food on offer is always a smart idea. Contemporary outdoor entertaining is a breeze and there are so many ways you can cook up and serve your guests in style. Backyard chefs across the nation are enjoying the veritable feat of options to cater for outdoor cooking, from barbecues to complete outdoor kitchens, portable gas smokers and pizzaDoovens.yourresearch before you buy and consider what you love to cook, how many you’ll be catering for and how often, to take the guess work out of choosing your outdoor cooking appliances.
From permanent structures like awnings,
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SHADE SAVERS
Above Photo by Sebastian Scholz Nuki. unsplash.com
Left Image courtesy of Coco Republic. cocorepublic.com.au
Top Image courtesy of Space Landscape Designs. spacedesigns.com.au
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Opposite Image courtesy of Narellan Pools. narellanpools.com.au
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Opposite Image courtesy of Beacon Lighting. beaconlighting.com.au
Above Stanmore Project by Stylish Gardens. stylishgardens.com.au
Below Image courtesy of Shadeform. shadeform.com.au
For square, rectangle, hexagonal or triangular shade sails, try overlapping several shades to create a design feature. Alternatively, you can place the sails at different levels to achieve an interesting shape and form.
pergolas, cabanas to flexible solutions such as umbrellas and shade sails, finding a shade option that complements your home and lifestyle has never been so easy.
Umbrellas combine functionality and innovative design. Marine-grade stainlesssteel components offer durability. Cantilever umbrellas can be adjusted to offer shade where it’s needed without a post intruding on the space. Some also have wheels so you can move them as required.
POOLSIDE PLAYGROUND
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Lighting often dictates the mood in a space too, so sourcing the right lighting goes a long way to determining the atmosphere in an outdoor room
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CLEVER CONNECTION
One way to achieve this is through new-look folding, sliding and stackable doors. These continue to impress designers and movers and
Have you ever dreamed of sitting around your own designer pool at home with your mates sipping cocktails, or splashing about with the kids? How about sitting in a soothing spa, relaxing as the day’s stress melts away?
Innovative new-look awnings are a sophisticated and functional shade solution. Many typically have sun and wind sensor systems to allow you more control over the elements, and can become a design feature in your home.
If you are thinking about a pool, start by researching the different types of pools and spas on offer, their shapes and sizes, and where it will fit into your outdoor landscape. Then consider additional extras like water features, ledges that allow you to sit immersed in the water, spa and pool combinations, pool fencing, lighting, pool paving or decking, and garden surrounds to create the look you want. Cleverly integrating the pool into the backyard, working with the shape of the block, using similar paving and materials, and working with a colour palette that harmonises with your home will all help you to create a beautiful contemporary swimming pool.
Finding ways to promote a harmonious indoor-outdoor connection continues to be a strong contemporary trend. That sense of flow between spaces extends internal and external living areas, blurring the lines between them.
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SAFE AS HOUSES — SECURITY SYSTEMS
Finding ways to promote a harmonious indoor-outdoor connection continues to be a strong contemporary trend. That sense of flow between spaces extends internal and external living areas, blurring the lines between them
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shakers in the industry with their versatility and good looks. Doors can be opened fully, partially closed, or fully closed in order to protect you from the scorching summer sun and winter
Doors can be constructed with toughened glass, double- and even triple-glazed. They are energy efficient and many offer quality sound acoustic protection to dampen or block noise.
Below Ilkley (Qld) project. Landscaping by Fluid Design, construction by Living Style Landscapes and photography by Julien Bastien. fluidlandscapedesign.com.au
Opposite bottom Image courtesy of Space Landscape Designs. spacedesigns.com.au
There are many things you can now do to take things to the next level of safety. Stay one step ahead of criminals with in-home security systems including cameras, alarms, sensors and locks. Would-be thieves will think twice if you have a security system and other layers of protection — many will move on to an easierManytarget.modern systems are now more affordable, with improved image quality. You can also keep up-to-date with what is happening in and around your home with automatic alerts on your smart phone.
Left Image courtesy of Living Edge. livingedge.com.au
We all want to protect those we love. Taking measures at home like installing security screening and fencing, cutting back thick vegetation and adding security lights that are activated by motion are good deterrents. Letting trusted neighbours know when you are away on holidays so they can collect mail and rubbish bins also helps.
You can buy a DIY kit that can cover things like smart locks, alarms that monitor and alert and CCTV that records and sends to a smart phone. Or you can opt for a professionally installed one that will cost more, or a fully installed and monitored system.
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Architecturalwinds.stackable glass doors connect you to the outdoors seamlessly. Timber and aluminium products add endless appeal and suit any style of home. These doors can also be automated with the latest in technology.
Outdoor art is a true emphasis of selfexpression, allowing us to create focal points within our landscapes that say “Hello, here I am, this is me”. Helen Neyland, sculptor and director of Entanglements, explains; “Art allows you to express your own personality and support your lifestyle in your outdoor space." Whether that means congregating with family and friends or enjoying personal peace as you watch the sun rise. “Everyone is gravitating towards home and making a haven,” says Helen.
As we face the uncertainty of the future, now is the time to create the outdoor space that you truly want, and to build a sanctuary for you and your loved ones to retreat to in any season of life.
To create a calming space that celebrates nature and art, consider including pieces that depict native scenery, such as wall sculptures, standing sculptures, ornate firepits and water features. Enhance this theme with nature-inspired pots made from organic materials; leave them empty or fill them with lush greenery to further emphasise the feeling of a wild haven. When choosing this type of palette, keep the colours of your art pieces neutral with earthy browns, terracotta oranges and soft creams. Consider using Corten steel for your sculptures and firepits to introduce a deliciously rustic finish and complement the surrounding landscape.
There are so many styles to consider and the limit is, truly, your own imagination. From a peaceful sanctuary to a bold expression of personality, art will add that unique flavour your outdoors has been missing.
words bethany shea
Don’t be afraid to step outside the box and try something bold and daring. A vibrant sculpture crafted from unique materials paired with an artistic arbour can turn your backyard from basic to bold. Sculptures with unique patterns and planters in vibrant colours can really up the style factor in your space. Offset the browns and greens that fill outdoor landscapes with bright contrasting colours such as reds, purples and even gold, to grab the eye and hold it.
pieces — big or small — that you would normally balk at putting inside your home.
An arti ic choice
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For a more classic look, choose pieces that are
utdoor spaces are integral to Australian homes, providing places of refuge, peace, recreation, play and socialisation. As Australians navigate to a life more focused on home living, it is only natural that we are creating spaces that act as a comforting sanctuary, oozing with personal style. One way that this can be achieved is through art.
The first step in finding the right art for your outdoor living space is to decide on the theme or vision that you wish to express. Art is an exhibition of personal expression and the benefit of it being placed outdoors is that you’re not so constricted by furniture placement and pesky walls; you are free to embrace your wild side and choose artistic
Turn your yard into an alfresco gallery with creative pieces that reflect your personal flair
CHOOSE YOUR STYLE
Above It’s not always about the statue. Sometimes using something as simple as reclaimed timber posts strategically placed creates just the artistic focal point you need. bayongardens.com.au
Left Sometimes a sculpture doesn’t have to be the main event, instead it can be just as e ective as a fun accent that enhances the overall vibe.
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An excellent way to add art to your balcony without taking up space is through wall art. A wall sculpture will transform a plain, blank wall and give the space a lively boost. You could even try including a mirror, which is a great way to bring light and the illusion of space to your balcony — and it looks absolutely fabulous, too. Opt for something small for a touch of class or go all out and invest in an ornate floor-to-ceiling affair that boasts a unique design. If you can’t put up large pieces of art on the wall, consider instead small hanging sculptures that can be attached by easily removable stick-on hooks, such as wind chimes or macramé planters.
Opposite right The sacred geometry of this fascinating garden sculpture reflects light from every angle and creates a unique artistic statement. ingejabaralandscapes.com.au
If you have the space, a feature planter that boasts a small tree or shrub can really enhance the atmosphere of a balcony. You can even plant your own little herb or flower garden in fun and stylish pots. Don’t be afraid to try something different and choose bold colours and patterns to really bring the space to life.
Opposite bottom Get in touch with your wild side. This fierce panther sculpture will command the attention of your outdoor space with grace and style. sculptura.com
Do you have an art piece that you’re particularly fond of? Make it stand out by lifting it up a notch. Place it on a deck or construct a plinth to keep it in your line of sight at all times — even better if the plinth is made from a complementary material.
ELEVATE IT
contained within a monochromatic palette in shades of white, grey and black. Consider elegant black pots, silver sculptures in sultry shapes and white accent pieces to create a certain je ne sais quoi that will remain classy and timeless for decades to come.
Just because you don’t have a lush green lawn and endless backyard space doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the joys of outdoor art. With more Australians moving into apartment living, it is only natural that art trends would follow.
At the end of the day, your outdoor space is your own personal haven. Whether it’s a minimalist planter or an abundance of extravagant sculptures, choose art that calls to you and expresses your own individual style.
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Opposite left A contrasting material palette of shiny metal against soft greenery helps showcase the central sculptural element of this stunning show garden. chrisbeardshaw.com
Above Use complementing materials to create a cohesive space like this firepit and screen combo crafted from rustic Corten steel. entanglements.com.au
Your art pieces can also be elevated without literally placing it on a higher surface, with the use of accent pieces. Lights that draw attention, such as backlit wall art or purposefully placed outdoor lamps can be incredibly effective and will enhance the mood of the space. You can also strategically arrange plants around the artwork to make it pop out of the greenery or be a hidden surprise for any garden wanderers.
REMEMBER THE WEATHER
It’s important when choosing an art piece for your space to be considerate of its location and the complications that can follow. If the piece is exposed to long hours in the sun, its colour could fade over time and, depending on the material, could erode. If it is sitting under trees then leaves, twigs and sap could fall on it, damaging the surface. Keep these factors in mind when making the decision to purchase art for your outdoors.
BALCONY ART
KEEP IT SIMPLE
There can sometimes be a thing as too much art. While art pieces can act as an interesting key feature in an outdoor living space, if there are too many it can become overwhelming and cluttered. Remember to be mindful of the space when choosing what to include, and keep in mind how the materials will age over time as this could completely change the look of the piece.
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Ideas and inspiration for your next garden project
This Weekend
According to Brisbane gardening expert Kate Wall, some plants have literally drowned. “Plant roots need air to breathe, but the excessive rain has caused waterlogging with devastating impacts on our gardens. Waterlogging occurs when all of the air spaces in the soil are filled with water, with prolonged waterlogging causing root damage. Plants will drop leaves or wilt when they have root damage and can no longer take up water from the soil. These plants need to be nurtured now if they’re going to survive.”
After extreme weather conditions, it’s time to help your garden grow again
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Garden Mate is a fast-acting clay breaker with no need to dig it in — just add water. It rapidly breaks the hydrophobic crust, allowing water penetration while also improving the water-holding capacity of the soil. The high levels of silica in the product make it extremely effective at opening up all types of compacted soils, without risk of harm to your plants if you use too much. “Many other products
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ith an exceptionally wet summer, particularly along Australia’s east coast that saw devastating floods and severe waterlogging, and a rather cold winter, our gardens are in need of some tender loving care. While some plants have enjoyed these conditions and are now growing exponentially, for many, they will need some additional support to bloom this spring.
Many people think that using a garden fork to poke holes in the ground, or hiring someone to aerate your lawn using a specialised machine, will help get air back into the soil and return it back to normal. While this can help, the action of walking over already-waterlogged soil or using machinery on it can add to the problem by compacting the soil, further reducing the number of air pockets below. Kate says the best solution is a product from Earthlife called Garden Mate.
EASY APPLICATION
Safe for people, pets and your garden, Garden Mate is a 100 per cent natural garden soil and plant conditioner containing more than 60 mineral elements including rare earths and plant available silica, natural rock phosphate, and over 30 beneficial microbe and fungi species. Suitable for organic gardeners, this is a safe and allnatural alternative to gypsum, lime and dolomite, with a lot more bang for your buck. “It’s not just plant roots that have drowned in waterlogged soils; much of the soil biota has drowned too,” says Kate. “This includes earthworms and all sorts of critical microorganisms that bring life to soil and health to plants. Garden Mate can replenish these microbes.”
ALL NATURAL
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can burn your plants if applied too strongly, but Garden Mate gives you peace of mind,” says Kate.
VISIBLE IMPROVEMENT
SAVE YOUR GARDEN
If you’ve been looking at your plants wondering why they’re dying, waterlogging might be the reason. If this is the case, it’s something you need to act on quickly, before the roots are damaged beyond repair. The incredible team at Earthlife have already donated 10 tonnes of Garden Mate to regions impacted by flooding. It’s not magic, but it is science. By applying Garden Mate to waterlogged areas, you can save your garden and keep enjoying it for years to come. Garden Mate can be purchased online and is available in 2.5kg, 12kg and 22kg sizes.
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Improvements can be seen in just two to three weeks after proper application, and for best results, it is recommended the initial application be repeated after four to six weeks, with a lighter application three to four months later. What you will end up with is a softer soil with improved drainage, aeration and nutrient content in a very short period of time. By increasing the mineral content of the soil, it means plants become more robust and better able to withstand future adverse weather events.
EARTHLIFE phone 1800 819 003 email enquiries@earthlife.com.au website earthlife.com.au
rampolines can bring many years of fun for kids and families, but only if they’re built to last. That’s why it’s important to source a trampoline with the highest-quality specifications, and built with the best materials, to prolong the life of the equipment and extend the fun. As a leading supplier of quality trampolines in Australia, Oz Trampolines products are designed to withstand our harsh climate, from freezing temperatures to intense heat and humidity. With quality you can trust and exceptional after-sales service, Oz Trampolines has taken the guesswork out of your next trampoline purchase, making trampolining a breeze. The Australian owned and operated company has shipped more than 70,000 orders since 2007, with thousands of happy customers.
Be in bounce
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Oz Trampolines come in multiple size options to suit any garden or backyard. You can choose from round, oval or rectangular above-ground styles, with the new Europeanmade Orbit Pro model offering superior bounce, while the original Summit model is a long-time favourite. Or you can select an in-ground trampoline for a more appealing aesthetic. Gaining popularity across Australia, in-ground trampolines provide improved safety for kids and offer a better fit for homeowners who like to maintain their backyard landscape with a less invasive but equally fun product. Oz Trampolines’ in-ground trampoline has been carefully designed for easy installation, with less excavation required than other models on the market, cutting installation costs by more than half.
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Keeping up with the harsh Australian climate
PARENT-FRIENDLY
If you’ve ever put together a trampoline, you’ll know it can be a bit of a challenge, but customers say the Oz Trampolines instructions are easy to follow, cutting the time you need to take out of your day. There are also bundle deals that offer value-for-money purchasing, and you’ll get free delivery across most of Australia, as well as transparent delivery times. When replacements are required outside of the warranty inclusions, you can access excellent customer service and fast response times. Throw in a 90-day “Peace of Mind Guarantee” giving you the option to return your item and receive a refund, and it’s no wonder parents are giving Oz Trampolines a five-star review.
address 3/21 Leather St, Geelong Vic 3219 phone 1300 393 004 email sales@oztrampolines.com.au website oztrampolines.com.au
EXCEPTIONAL QUALITY
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OZ TRAMPOLINES
Oz Trampolines products are made with only the highest-quality parts and materials, with UV protection and water resistance, to maintain the look and prolong the life of your trampoline. With a high weight capacity, they can be used by the whole family because bouncing is great for adults, too, with many health benefits. Their European-made in-ground trampolines boast 22cm German steel springs that guarantee excellent bounce and maximum safety, and are remarkably quiet. Oz Trampolines’ commitment to high manufacturing standards translates into an outstanding warranty policy (this varies for individual products), and easy online claims process.
Making home composting easier is part of the solution
AWARD-WINNING DESIGN
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Tumbleweed — a privately owned Australian company with a global presence — is encouraging consumers to reduce, re-use and recycle organic waste with its innovative products, helping you embrace composting at home with minimum fuss.
Tumbleweed is an Australian family-owned business that designs and manufactures products in Australia from 100 per cent recycled plastic. All their worm farms and compost bins are designed for longevity to ensure the product can be passed on through generations. From the very beginning, they have been designing products to recycle single-use plastic to give waste materials that were destined for landfill a new, long-term second life. Tumbleweed strives to make a significant contribution to our earth’s environmental sustainability by making innovative products that encourage users of all ages to re-use and recycle
Tumbleweed’s award-winning Australianmade compost bins are light and easy to use. When used with an ergonomically designed Tumbleweed Aerator or Compost Mate, mixing the compost will be absolutely effortless. Or, you can select a Compost Tumbler, which does all the work for you. Simply fill the tumble bin and turn the unit on its axle every two days to mix and aerate your compost as it decomposes, producing rich fertiliser for your garden.
ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE
organic waste. By purchasing a product from Tumbleweed, you can be assured you’re aligning yourself with a company that has a true passion for supporting environmental responsibility.
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hese days, most people understand the importance of recycling, re-using, minimising waste and being kinder to the planet. For many of us, making a choice about reducing our environmental footprint is important, but sometimes the busyness of life gets in the way of taking decisive action. Composting is one of those things that might be on our altruistic to-do list, but seems just out of reach. It's yet another thing we need to research, purchase and figure out how to use. Besides that, some of us might have not-so-fond memories of old ice cream buckets on the kitchen sink, with foul-smelling contents for the garden. But what if composting were super easy, highly functional, discreet and saved money on fertiliser for your potted plants and garden as well? That would certainly be a drawcard, and a bonus.
Tumbleweed’s product range includes fixed and tumbling compost bins, a range of worm farms (built-in and above ground), and all the accessories you need. More discreet and easier to use than traditional composting, Tumbleweed’s products are designed for Australian households that want to make a difference, so you can recycle your organic waste on a daily basis, simply and easily.
TUMBLEWEED phone 1300 157 356 email sales@tumbleweed.com.au website tumbleweed.com.au
SIZES TO SUIT
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TEACHING THE NEXT GENERATION
Tumbleweed has designed a range of worm farms to suit different households, environments and needs. Each product recycles a different amount of organic waste, making their products accessible for smaller as well as larger households. The company’s new Tumbleweed Cube has made recycling organic waste even easier. Designed to blend with an interior aesthetic as well as the outdoors, the Tumbleweed Cube will fit seamlessly into your apartment, in your kitchen, on your balcony or in the courtyard, giving you more options. Once established, the Tumbleweed Cube will recycle 2-3kg of organic waste per week. With its removable, built-in Worm Tea Bucket, you can easily remove and deposit a rich worm tea that your plants and garden will love. The worm tea is suitable for indoor and outdoor plants, fruit trees and vegetable gardens.
The user-friendly Tumbleweed worm farms and compost bins mean composting and recycling organic waste is something that can involve the whole family, teaching your children important lessons. All Tumbleweed products are supported with guides and information to help make composting fun and easy to execute. The feelgood vibes you get from home composting and worm farming are not just about diverting organic waste from landfill; you’ll also be creating a nutritious fertiliser that will bring life to your potted plants and garden, saving you money and time. If you’re ready to compost like a champion, find out more from Tumbleweed’s website. You can find tutorials there too.
lighting being an essential design statement while remaining delicate,” says Rachel. “Using Legend Sandstone Microtec or Homestone Pearl Microtec can support this look by creating a beautiful transition between indoors and out when laid across both spaces.” Microtec’s smooth slip-resistant quality makes this a versatile range, durable enough for summer storms but with a level of sophisticated softness that appeals to indoor living spaces. Classic traditional is also a great fit for refreshing your pool area. “Near pools
BE WARM AND WELCOMING WITH CLASSIC STYLE
According to Beaumont Tiles Design Specialist, Rachel Gilding, the start of spring is a great time to not just think about, but also start backyard renovation projects to ensure you make the most of your efforts. “Many homeowners wait until summer before they get started, but by then, it’s too late to enjoy the renovated space and the season, and finding tradies can be a challenge,” says Rachel. “Doing a ‘spring clean’ renovation can take your backyard from drab to fab and allow you to put your feet up and enjoy the fruits of your efforts. Whether you’re looking to have summer soirees or just enjoy relaxing by the pool after a long day, having a great outdoor space is a must.”
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For many, figuring out the style for the renovation can be a challenge, but Rachel says the best way is to look at your indoor space and let it flow to the outdoor seamlessly. Once you land on a style, Rachel suggests using tools such as Beaumont Tiles’ “What’s my Style” and “BeVisual” to visualise the look before finalising your purchases. To help you re-imagine your backyard, Rachel shares her favourite signature styles for outdoor areas, and makes some fabulous suggestions for tile choices. With the spatial proportions of outdoor areas a big visual cue, the right tiles will help unify your overall design aesthetic — indoors and out.
Classic traditional is a liveable style with a familiar and elegant feeling that creates an ideal space for a summer barbecue. “Symmetry and leading lines are typical of a classic traditional style, with
Spring into your next renovation with these three looks
Drab to fab
pring has arrived, bringing an end to hibernating indoors to escape the cold and saying hello to warmer weather, the great outdoors, and entertaining friends and family in our backyards. This is also the time when we start turning our attention to outdoor renovation projects to make the time we spend in our backyards as functional, comfortable and relaxing as possible.
use natural stone such as Travertine Almond Milk
Modern styling, which relies heavily on neutral colours and simplicity, creates an ideal haven from life's busyness. Rachel recommends keeping your outdoor improvements minimalist for this style. “For tiles, opt for Cityscape in Grey or Beige, or even an Omni Stone Black, to form a beautiful base for a new outdoor dining table or a lounge to sit back on and survey that freshly grown lawn,” she shares. “The Modern narrative relies on restrained neutral tones, but using a careful splash of colour can be a great idea in moderation. For example, using the vibrant Australian Designer Emerald Mos Glass Gloss pool tile will create a luxurious aesthetic contrast for your backyard with its stunning ocean blue tones.”
NOTHING SAYS THE GREAT OUTDOORS LIKE WANDERLUST
Visit one of the 100+ stores website tile.com.au
Many Australians love the wanderlust style because of its nostalgic focus and connection to adventures and travels across the globe. Perfect for people who love travel or have connections to other countries, or want a unique appeal, it’s a style that offers more bespoke possibilities. “It’s a playful and unique style that uses colours to bring your favourite destinations to your backyard,” says Rachel. “Using the natural stone Warm Ash Tumbled Travertine can allude to visiting historic European places and palaces, while the tile emulation such as Pompeii Travertine Crema Microtec oozes with the classical elegance of Latin cultures.” Rachel suggests blending these ranges with a Niebla Sky Blue Mosaic tile to give a strong sense of the Aegean. “It’s perfect for those warmer months as this style is all about sitting back and relaxing, so choose low-level outdoor furniture for a perfect match,” she says. “Whether you’re having friends over for a shindig or just having some you time, this style is set for peaceful outside bliss.”
Tumbled or tiles such as Horizon Light Grey to get a timeless look,” adds Rachel.
Opposite Paving tile: Travertine Almond Milk Tumbled 30mm 406x610mm
Right Paving tile: Cityscape Grey Microtec Textured 400x400mm
BEAUMONT TILES
MODERN FOR A RESTRAINED OUTDOOR LOOK
Bottom right Paving tile: Pompeii Travertine Crema Microtec Textured 600x600mm
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Escea fireplaces have ultimate flexibility to adapt to your design needs, and even double as cooking appliances
who want that delicious smoky flavour. With all the functionality found in the kitchen, this sophisticated outdoor fireplace features an ember generator, meat hooks, cooking plates, grills and even an optional pizza oven accessory. The EK Series Pizza Oven gives you a large, wood-fired pizza in just five to 10 minutes, with the hooded design directing head down onto the top of the pizza, ensuring evenly melted cheese, with a crispy pizza base. When the cooking is done, the EK Series outdoor fireplace kitchen transforms into a roaring outdoor wood fireplace to accompany you into the night.
Keep cosy outside
The Escea EK Series Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen was made for serious flame-grillers
o step up the sophistication of your outdoor living, an outdoor fireplace is the perfect way to extend the footprint of your home and create better flow between inside and out. A cosy fireplace not only adds ambience to your backyard, but with multi-functionality, it can bring the cooking outside, too. Now that spring has sprung, it’s an opportunity to reconsider the liveability of your outdoor space and prepare it for the summer months of entertaining ahead.
Opposite top Escea EK series. escea.com/EK-Series
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Born in the deep south of New Zealand, where warmth really matters, Escea specialises in modern gas and wood fireplaces that showcase the most sophisticated fireplace technology available.
Constructed with a double layer of 4mm steel, air-cooled fluted stainless-steel back plates, and 25mm-thick firebricks lining the base, this epic outdoor fireplace is built to last.
All Escea outdoor wood fireplaces double as professional cooking appliances, with a range of attachments including meat hooks, grills, kebab holders and pizza oven accessories, giving you even greater options for entertaining and representing exceptional value for money. And because everything should be beautiful, Escea has made sure that being functional doesn’t compromise on aesthetics.
CAMPFIRE INSPIRATION
Above Escea EF5000. escea.com/EF5000
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FIREPLACE KITCHEN
The Escea EP1350 Fire Table brings food, flame and family together in an innovative way. Inspired by the classic campfire, the Fire Table features a cooking ring, grill and a removable kebab holder, and is made for gathering, sharing and marshmallow toasting. Escea’s Vortex Firecore technology gives you the warmth, ambience and flames of a campfire, but with a cleaner burn, you get more flame and less smoke. As a bonus, while
Opposite middle Escea Fire Table. escea.com/FireTable
Opposite bottom Escea EW5000. escea.com/EW5000
Image by Jamie Cobel
For the traditionalist drawn to the calming effect of spark and flame, the EW5000 provides a wood fire you can cook on as well as bask in front of, bringing back the basics of flamegrilled food. The fire features a removeable cooking plate for the ultimate barbecue, which can be placed at three different heights to regulate heat, and then conveniently slotted under the ash pan when not in use, leaving you with just the warmth and allure of a roaring wood fire. Constructed from high-quality 4mm steel, this outdoor barbecue fire needs to be enclosed in non-combustible masonry, stone, concrete or brickwork.
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ESCEA website escea.com
you’re grilling your favourite tapas, the outer ring stays cool. Whether you’re cooking for two, feeding the family or hosting a tribe, the Fire Table offers 360 degrees of social cooking so that everyone can get involved. With three cooking modes to choose from — an inner stainless-steel ring for consistent medium heat, a removable kebab holder and a cooking grill for the perfect tapas — each person can cook their food the way they like it.
Image by Simon Larkin
The EF5000 Outdoor Gas Fire turns on in an instant by the touch of a button, giving you quick convenient heat and a delightful ambience when you want it. This open-fronted fireplace keeps installation simple. With no need for a flue and with a Zero Clearance rating, it can be installed straight into any timber-framed or masonry cavity. With Zero Clearance, the interior wall stays cool enough to handle most materials, so there’s no need for expensive fire-rated wall constructions when it comes to the surrounds.
TRADITIONAL BARBECUE
INSTANT FLAME
Whether you’re a serious barbecue cook or a city dweller who just loves the ambience of an outdoor fireplace, you’re spoilt for choice with Escea. To help you find the right one for your lifestyle and backyard, visit escea.com/ outdoor-fireplaces
Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces specialises in woodfired outdoor heating and cooking, offering a diverse array of chimineas, fire pits and pizza ovens. “We are a small husband-and-wife business that sells premium quality products which will stand the test of time and provide years of enjoyment without any dramas or breakages,” says Andrew Fenton, who runs the business with his wife Liz.
“A chiminea or fire pit can turn your outdoor area from drab to fab in an instant and it changes the way you use your alfresco living area, making
veryone is drawn to fire. Having a chiminea or fire pit in your garden entices people to gather, relax and interact; it also extends the use of your outdoor living space, creating warmth and ambience all year round. And when it comes to woodfired cooking, well, that’s a sure-fire way to keep guests wanting to come back for more.
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Add year-round ambience and create a versatile outdoor living space with a fire pit or chiminea
“Most of our products are made locally in Australia,” he continues. “Our cast iron chimineas are made in Victoria while the Zesti pizza ovens are made in Western Australia, so we’re proud to support local industry and manufacturers.”
The Fentons started the business more than 20 years ago, selling clay Mexican chimineas. They soon progressed to making their own sturdier cast iron version, the Aussie Heatwave Chiminea, which they describe as “a lifestyle on legs”. Explains Andrew, “As well as being a woodfired outdoor heater, a chiminea can become a fabulous woodfired barbecue and pizza oven with the simple addition of a cooking attachment which you place on top.
Fire up!
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Having been in the business for more than 20 years, Andrew and Liz Fenton know everything there is to know about woodfired heating and cooking so can offer expert advice in addition to friendly service. Says Andrew, “We strive to make all our customers feel special and to provide a personalised, enjoyable and memorable buying experience — something that has become all-too rare given the hectic pace of our modern world and in light of the shift towards online shopping.”
In addition to having a showroom in the Melbourne suburb of Oakleigh, Aussie Heatwave Fireplaces has an online shop. “The benefit of dealing with a company that has a physical showroom is that we hold stock, so we can usually supply our products immediately; there’s rarely a wait time,” says Andrew. “Our Melbourne-based customers can come to our showroom, take their chiminea, fire pit or pizza oven home that day and fire it up that night. For everyone else, we deliver nationwide.
Opposite The new Alloy Chiminea
it more inviting and versatile,” he adds. “It also brings us back to basics in our stressful, hitech world and for those staying at home due to COVID-19 restrictions, a fire pit or chiminea provides a great activity the whole family can enjoy — it’s like having a camp fire in your own garden. In these uncertain times, every household would benefit from having a chiminea or fire pit in their garden, or on their deck or patio.”
Top right The Aussie Heatwave Chiminea doubles as a woodfired barbecue
Bottom right Maximise your outdoor living with a chiminea
“We are extremely passionate about our products. It’s great to be in a business that brings people joy and encourages social interaction. There’s nothing better than sitting around a fire listening to it crackle and pop and being mesmerised by the flickering flames.”
o ers a sleek modern look
Their new Alloy Chimineas were developed by the husband-and-wife team to offer more versatility, with all the benefits. More user-friendly and adaptable to your aesthetic, the new alloy chimineas weigh just 35kg as opposed to 95kg in cast iron, have zero corrosion, and offer a more contemporary look in sleek black or grey, for people who want to create a cohesive modern look in their outdoor spaces.
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AUSSIE HEATWAVE FIREPLACES address 41 John St, Oakleigh Vic 3166 phone 1800 331 336 website aussieheatwave.com.au
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Wine grapes are harvested when their Brix levels (a measure of sugar levels in the fruit) reach around 21–25. This region is classed as cool climate so grapes here ripen slowly and aren’t ready to harvest until April. By the time they’re ready, it’s touch and go to get them picked as frost is a real threat to the crop.
104 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
Back at the vineyard, Ray and Deb also put a lot of time into weed control around the vines. Some growers with small vineyards use miniature sheep to keep the grass down.
Whether you want to make wine or just want an edible vine, grapes are generous, long-lived plants. They bear delicious fruit in autumn, which can be transformed into wine (or vinegar), dried or eaten fresh.
e live up the road from a vineyard. It was planted around six years ago on what was open pasture and enjoys a cracking view across Lake Barrington towards Black Bluff and Cradle Mountain in northwest Tasmania.
There are many grape varieties so the one you grow will depend on what you’re planning to do with the harvest.
Soil pH levels are also important for grape production. Last year Ray and Deb limed the soil to raise its pH as most vines prefer a pH of around 6–7 and the local red Tassie soil is more acidic. This has paid off, bringing their best harvest ever this year.
If you like a glass of wine, you probably already have your favourite varieties (think Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc for cool climates and Grenache and Shiraz for hot regions) but check which varieties suit your climate as well as your palate.
Varieties for eating fresh are known as table grapes. There are also varieties suited to drying as raisins or sultanas.
In return, all vines ask for is a hard prune in winter. Ray and Deb spend many months pruning over winter when the vines are dormant. It can be an arduous task, especially if the weather is cold, wet or Whilewindy.the vine’s base can be old, gnarled and thick, the fruiting canes are constantly renewed to maximise fruit production. Winter pruning removes old wood and encourages new, productive wood.
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In the early years after planting, each vine is trained to its desired height and encouraged to form a framework of horizontal growth.
Not all grapes end up bottled — the juicy berries are delicious to eat and the vines can also be merely ornamental
VARIETIES
Fin vins
The vines are now well established and the owners, Ray and Deb McGinty, have just harvested their third vintage.
This year, the ‘Pinot Gris’ grapes weren’t harvested until the end of April when their Brix levels reached 22. The grapes successfully weathered a frost just before harvest.
tolerate all sorts of soils and climates and are drought hardy due to their deepAlthoughroots.
they get by with little care or attention, for a good harvest you need to put in some work to train, manage and care for your vine throughout the year.
From then on, each winter, the previous year’s growth, some 90 per cent of the plant, is cut back to the horizontal framework. Some varieties have more specific pruning needs so it’s important to check on the correct pruning method for the variety you are growing.
Grapevines can survive for a century or more and
If the vine is trained over a pergola, it will also give cool shade right through summer and autumn. If you’ve opted for an ornamental rather than fruiting variety, you’ll also enjoy glorious autumn colour as its leaves colour brilliant red, burgundy and yellow before they drop.
GROW YOUR OWN
The main pests of both vineyards and backyard grapes are birds. In the vineyard, the rows are carefully netted as the grapes begin to ripen.
Grapesresistance.canbeseedless
PESTS AND DISEASES
HARVEST, STORAGE AND PRESERVING
If you have the space and want fresh grapes over many months, select several varieties that ripen between mid-summer and late autumn.
One grape pest is considered of national
A productive, well-trained and pruned fruiting vine can yield 20–40 bunches of grapes. For wine production, many vines of the same variety are needed to provide the quantity needed to press. Those 40 bunches may yield just four bottles of wine!
(that is, with no seeds or very few) or seeded and the fruit can be red (known as black) or green in colour. ‘Pinot Gris’ has small light-brown fruits.
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One of the most dramatic of all the ornamental varieties is the crimson glory vine Vitis coignetiae, which has large leaves that colour to rich tones of red, burgundy and orange in autumn.
They can be removed by hand or sprayed with organic caterpillar control such as Dipel or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), which are suited to edible crops.
Common name: Grape, grapevine Botanical name: Vitis vinifera Family: Vitaceae (grape family) Aspect & soil: Sun; well-drained soil Best climate: Subtropics, Mediterranean, temperate, cool Habit: Deciduous vine Propagation: Cutting (hardwood) Difficulty: Moderate
Grapes that are well managed — watered in spring, left drier in summer — will be less susceptible to disease. Grapes that don’t receive full sun as they ripen may be slow to ripen or ripen erratically.
If your interest in a grapevine lies more in enjoying the shade beneath the vine or adding a splash of autumn colour to the garden, select an ornamental vine and grow it over a pergola.
While you’re waiting for your first grape harvest, the new spring leaves can be used to wrap foods. Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) are a traditional dish made from grape leaves.
Popular varieties include ‘Flame Seedless’ (early to mid-season) and ‘Thompson Seedless’ (opposite), also called sultana (late-season and also used for drying).
Many pests attack grapevines and their fruit, from caterpillars that eat newly opened leaves to birds that decimate ripening grapes. Large pests such as birds can be managed in an organic garden through exclusion methods such as netting over vines or bagging of fruit clusters.
Vines are widely available for purchase in winter but are also sold in spring and summer as potted plants. If buying a vineyard’s worth, wait until winter to buy bare-rooted plants. But if it’s just one or two plants, buy them as needed.
Grapeleaf blister mite and grapeleaf rust mite are microscopic insects that cause blistering damage on leaves. Although the vine may look tatty, fruit will not be affected. To control mites, remove affected leaves and make a note to spray in late winter after pruning with lime Downysulphur.mildew is a fungal disease that attacks grape leaves, causing brown, yellow or red patches on the top of the leaf with patches of white downy growth on the underside.
In warm or humid areas, the heritage variety ‘Isabella’, a table grape, is grown for its disease
If you want to harvest the crop to make wine or for worthwhile amounts of table grapes, it’s necessary to grow the vine or vines on a traditional trellis or fence so they’re easy to maintain, can be protected from birds and are easy to harvest.
As well as selecting the right variety for the right use, there are also differences in ripening times, fruit size, disease resistance or susceptibility and, of course, flavour.
importance. The transportation of grapevines (including cuttings) in grape-growing regions is controlled to limit the spread of grape phylloxera, an aphid-like pest of vines.
GROWING NEEDS
Insect pests need other physical or chemical intervention. The caterpillars of grapevine hawkmoth and grapevine moth feast on grape leaves and can skeletonise leaves and defoliate the vine.
GRAPEVINE LABEL
This is a serious pest that attacks the roots and causes vines to have poor growth. Phylloxera Exclusion Zone road signs should always be observed.
Remove affected growth and use preventative control in winter by applying a Bordeaux mix, a traditional mixture of copper sulphate and slaked lime.
The fruit can be dried and the leaves can be blanched and frozen or packed into brine for storage so they are available later in the season when grape leaves are too coarse to use as wraps.
Grapes ripen in late summer and autumn, the timing depending on the variety and the growing conditions. They are harvested when the fruit is at its maximum sweetness.
Winter chilling requirements are low compared to other deciduous fruit plants at around 150 hours, which is why they suit a wide range of climate zones. However, grape quality and production are best in areas with cold winters and hot but long dry summers.
If there is room for extra tomatoes, throw in some of different colours, shapes or fruit size to add variety to the plate. There are also egg tomato varieties best suited to bottling or making tomato paste.
T
Tall-growing tomatoes are spaced 45–60cm apart. Grow in rows to make them easier to care for and keep the rows at least 1m apart. Use 2–3m tomato stakes for support or grow them against a trellis.Tomatoes do best in a well-prepared bed. Seedlings or grafted plants should be planted deeply, burying the bottom few centimetres of the stem to encourage extra root formation. This not only gives the plant support but can also help it source extra nutrients and water.
In smaller spaces or containers, look for patio tomatoes, which are small, sturdy plants that don’t need large stakes and can grow without support. There are also cascading or tumbling varieties such as ‘Tumbling Tom’ that can be grown to spill over the edge of a pot or raised garden bed.
Regular chores include watering (daily or even twice daily in very hot, dry situations), liquid feeding or applying regular side dressings of organic fertiliser such as blood and bone once flowering begins.
Most tomatoes are tall-growing vines (often called indeterminate) that need plenty of space and the support of a stake, tripod or trellis.
As well as tasting good, tomatoes are packed with vitamins and health-giving antioxidants.
A homegrown tomato picked on a warm summer’s day is hard to beat — and hard not to eat on the spot
Tomatoes offer a dizzying number of choices. While ultimately gardeners grow their favourite varieties, a good approach is to select a mix of early- and late-fruiting varieties to extend the harvest.
Once you’ve narrowed down your planting choices (see box on page 42 for some colourful suggestions), it’s time to get growing.
In frost-free subtropical and tropical zones, tomatoes can be grown year round; however, large tomatoes grow best in these zones in late autumn, winter and spring. For ease of growing, plant cherry varieties to grow in summer and early autumn especially in warm zones.
omatoes are among the most popular and rewarding crops in the summer vegetable garden. While all fruit and vegetables taste better picked fresh from the garden, when it comes to homegrown flavour, tomatoes are in a class of their own.
While tomatoes can be grown from seed, starting with a seedling or a grafted plant in late spring or early summer speeds up production and makes the most of the warm summer growing season.
Tomatoes need full sun and shelter from cold conditions, especially early and late frosts. In very hot climates, plants benefit from a little afternoon shade as hot sun can burn fruit. In very cold regions, they’re grown in glasshouses.
GROW 106 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
GETTING STARTED
Fru of the vine
words jennifer stackhouse
Tomatoes provide lycopene, an antioxidant found in red fruit, along with vitamins A and C and carotene as well as a good amount of dietary fibre. These are all very good reasons to grow your own.
Eco baits are painted onto a stake or board near the plant rather than applied directly to foliage or fruit. Baits need to be protected from rain and water and reapplied regularly to remain effective.
Regular dusting with tomato dust, which contains sulphur, copper and spinosad, controls or reduces many of the other problems you might encounter when growing tomatoes, including caterpillars.
BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 107
Excess growth can be removed by pinching out lateral shoots (new growth from the leaf axil). As the plant reaches the top of the stake, it can be tip pruned to control its size. Without pruning, most tomatoes just keep growing.
If fruit fly continues to be a problem, harvest the fruit before it’s fully ripe and ripen it indoors.
Propagation: Seed, seedling, grafted plants
Once fruit is forming, it’s vital that plants don’t dry out. Water-stressed tomatoes fail to take up enough calcium from the soil and their fruit can be affected by blossom end rot, which causes brown, leathery patches to form at the base of the fruit.
There are two types of organic products used to protect tomatoes as they ripen. Dak.pots, which are pheromone traps designed to attract male fruit fly, are widely used but are not enough by themselves to control the pest. Dak.pots do provide an excellent alert that fruit fly is active.
One of the main problems that beset tomato fruit is fruit fly. These pests, found in all parts of Australia except South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria, can ruin a crop of tomatoes.
Other organic methods to control fruit fly include covering fruit clusters before they ripen with mesh or calico exclusion bags, or covering the vines themselves with fine netting to exclude both insects and other pests such as birds.
In addition, use baits containing spinosad such as Eco Naturalure. These baits lure the female fruit fly to feed on protein before she lays eggs in the tomato fruit. After feeding, however, she dies so the eggs are not laid and the fruit isn’t infected.
FRUIT FLY AND OTHER PROBLEMS
FOR MORE INFORMATION
TOMATO LABEL
As tomatoes grow, bind them to their support using a soft tie so as not to damage the stem. Tie below a leaf stalk or flower cluster.
Common name: Tomato Botanical name: Lycopersicon lycopersicum Family: Solanaceae
Difficulty: Moderate
Also, remove lower leaves so the vine isn’t in contact with the soil and keep the soil beneath tomatoes lightly mulched. This is done to reduce the chance of pests or diseases splashing up from the ground during watering.
Tomato: Know Sow Grow Feast by Penny Woodward, Janice Sutton and Karen Sutherland is an up-to-date reference for growing, harvesting and eating tomatoes with advice, information on heritage varieties, a comprehensive illustrated varietal list and recipes.
Tomatoes may stop flowering and fruiting when temperatures rise above 35°C. Once the temperature drops again, however, they should return to normal productivity.
Best climate: All Habit: Annual vegetable
Aspect & soil: Sun; moist soil
A handy hint for growing in shade is to start out with an established plant rather than trying to germinate seeds or plant seedlings, which may struggle to grow.
If a herb has been attacked by a pest or disease and is struggling to grow in low light, cut it back, give it a liquid feed and move it into a sunnier spot. If you can’t find a position with more sunlight, dig the herb up to give to a friend with a sunny garden, verandah or windowsill.
Shadow cabint
A late sowing had produced lots of basil plants that weren’t large enough to harvest. As the cold nights arrived, she decided to shelter them indoors. The pots of basil have done so well she was able to enjoy homemade pesto in late June.
y neighbour’s sunroom is filled with potted plants. Some are the usual suspects you’d expect to find indoors such as devil’s ivy and ferns, but last winter she moved one of her favourite herbs indoors as well.
Herbs that do best in full sun may become elongated if they are grown in a shaded spot and some may not develop the same intensity of flavour they would in the sun, but they’ll still add flavour and nutrients to a meal and will be something you’ve grown yourself.
choices for shaded spots include parsley, lovage, coriander and lemon balm, but it’s worth experimenting with any herb you really love to see how it performs in part shade.
GROWING TIPS FOR SHADE
GROW 108 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
Love fresh flavours harvested straight from the garden but short on sunshine for herbs? Think again with this shady selection
As well as tolerating some shade, some normally sunloving herbs may benefit from part shade. Herbs such as coriander that often bolt into flower may respond to the lowered stress of afternoon shade by being more leafy andWhereproductive.bothfull sun and space are at a premium, growing herbs in pots allows them to be moved into the sunniest spot even if that space is small or has no naturalWheresoil.spaces at ground level are in heavy shade, look up — there may be more sun just out of reach. If a herb is growing in a pot, for example, it can be elevated on a pot stand or mounted on a wall to allow it to grow in a sunnier
Whethersituation.insun or shade, herbs are not fussy about nutrients and many grow well in poor soils. Once established, many even tolerate dryness and most do best in well-drained soil. One possible exception is mint, which doesn’t like to dry out.
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If the shade is too much for the herb to tolerate, it will tell you. It may become weak and lax in its growth habit or begin to develop pest problems such as scale or white fly.
Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding of all plants to grow and a great place for novice gardeners to start productive growing — even those without much directAlthoughsunshine.herbs seem synonymous with sunshine, many of these adaptable plants can get by on less than full sun while some, such as mint and chervil, prefer the shadyOtherspots.top
Even sun-loving basil can be grown in less than full sun in a warm, sunny room or on a windowsill. My friend’s trick was to keep the plants growing with feeds of liquid fertiliser and to harvest leaves as soon as there were enough to use.
words jennifer stackhouse
My friend's trick was to keep the plants growing with feeds of liquid fertiliser and to harvest leaves as soon as there were enough to use “
BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 109
2. NOURISH YOUR SOIL
Before the growing season commences, it’s important to give gardens a good dose of nutrition. The Black Marvel Garden Compost is a premium mix that will deliver amazing results fast. It is high in potash, which ensures plenty of colourful, healthy blooms as well as an abundance of vegetables and fruit. The added iron helps promote deep-green leaves, strong roots and healthy growth.
pring is the best time to get out in the garden. The winter chill has gone, the days are getting longer and your garden is about to burst into life.
Gorgeous, gorgeous gardens
1. GET YOUR GRASS GOING
Spring gardens withCharlie Alb on e 110 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
3. GROW YOUR OWN — PLANT STRAIGHT IN THE GROW BAG
Spring is the best time to sow seed. You can grow best from seeds during this season and for maintenance, you do not require much
Spring gardening tips
To get your grass going, get out in the garden and fork and aerate your lawn. In early spring, apply a weed killer to remove broadleaf weeds and those pesky bindii. Follow up a few weeks later with lawn fertiliser to keep the grass growing strong and prevent new weeds. The Beat A Weed Natural Weedkiller is a fact-acting weed killer made of natural actives. It works by dehydrating the unwanted plants, burning them from top to bottom.
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EXPERT ADVICE BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 111
As the weather warms up, aphids become active in the veggie patch or on the new growth of roses. Psyllids can also appear on the new growth of Lilly Pillies and need to be controlled to prevent them from spreading. Richgro’s Bug Killa can be used to keep psyllids and aphids at bay on your ornamental plants. For your edible plants, use Richgro Beat A Bug to keep them in check.
It will not only act as an additional storage house for all your tools, but also add more value to your property. Outdoor sheds are the most sought-after storage options in Australia. The structure can store all your valuable items and will extend the life of your tools. Getting the right tools for the job will make the project you’re tackling easier, faster and better for the health of your plants.
6. WATCH OUT FOR PESTS
4. PLANT PERENNIALS
September is a good time to plant perennials. They have about 45 days to establish themselves in the ground during the spring season. This is the best time of the year to plant them, and you will also get them at the best price.
work and can benefit from the sporadic prune post flowering. Richgro’s Tomato & Vegetable Grow Bag has all the key ingredients to help you grow your own tomatoes and vegetables such as cucumbers, capsicums, chillies, peas and beans, eggplants, herbs and salad greens. It is ideal for small spaces and raised garden beds. Plant seeds or seedlings directly into the 25L bag and watch them thrive.
Previously the resident landscaper on Foxtel’s Selling Houses Australia, Charlie Albone is the ambassador for Richgro, a family-operated company providing products in the garden, horticulture, landscape, turf and agriculture industries. richgro.com.au
5. GET A GARDEN SHED AND THE RIGHT TOOLS
flow from your indoor kitchen, whether it’s the cabinetry, the benchtop material or even the pendant lighting. Also look to connect the two zones with the addition of a servery window or big bifold doors so there is good circulation.
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For our Australian weather, hardy lowmaintenance plants are great, such as succulents, agaves or yuccas. You don’t have to have real plants to have the look either
OUTDOOR ENTERTAINING
Outdoor styling tips for spring
Alfresco zones add so much value to your house or apartment, the trick is to find the balance between function and style and ensure the area complements the interior scheme of your home to achieve flow. Below are my top five tips for creating the perfect outdoor room.
FURNITURE
This will depend on the size of your outdoor space. Stackable outdoor furniture is great if you need a multifunctional space as items can be stored. Think pod sets or stacking chairs and fold-up dining tables. Outdoor lounges are very popular as they encourage relaxing. If you have a pool, a sun lounger or daybed is a must to create a resort style feel, and if you have a small balcony, a simple cafe setting with a small table will make the space useable. Also, if you are tight for space, consider a thin bar-height table where the stools stack under for balconies.
Spring styling withJustine Wilson 112 | BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING
An outdoor kitchen is a fantastic addition as it adds more function to the zone. If you don’t have the budget for a custom outdoor kitchen, you can find decent freestanding units or just include a nice-looking barbecue stand-alone.
e often focus our attention on furnishing the inside of our homes, forgetting to utilise the often-neglected outdoor areas. However, outdoor zones such as balconies, courtyards, gardens or decks can be used as an extension of the inside living spaces, and with Australia’s lovely weather in spring, it would be crazy not to make use of your outdoor areas.
hasSpringsprung
GREENERY
Outdoor kitchens with wine fridges and sinks feel top end and will add value if you sell your home. If budget allows, try to tie the design to
When it comes to lighting in your outdoor space, think votives with candles that project nice shadows, lanterns, or add some solar fairy lights. Twinkling ambient lighting will always make a space look pretty and it doesn’t have to break the bank. If you are thinking of renovating, consider how to best highlight your outdoor area with a mix of dramatic, ambient and task lighting. Also think about uplights to highlight feature plants — this can look magical at night.
ACCESSORISE
EXPERT ADVICE BACKYARD & OUTDOOR LIVING | 113
Justine is the director and owner of Vault Interiors. She has a Bachelor of Interior Design from the University of Technology Sydney, not to mention an impressive history of experience over the years in styling and staging homes for sale. She most recently appeared on Channel 9’s Space Invaders. Justine has built a strong reputation in the real estate industry and has styled properties for a number of Australia’s most reputable developers and celebrities, as well as establishing lasting relationships with Sydney’s biggest real estate agencies. vaultinteriors.com.au
LIGHTING
You can create a beautiful outdoor room by adding a pop of colour. Incorporate soft dressings such as cushions or outdoor rugs. Outdoor rugs are much cheaper than resanding a deck or putting in new outdoor pavers, but will give you an instant uplift if your space is tired. Outdoor cushions are an easy and cheap way to inject pattern and interest. Go bold with your accent colour or pattern. Try to select colour tones that are showcased in the interior of your home so there is flow and connection between outside and in. Nice table accessories will also jazz up your outside area and have your outdoor zone ready for summer gatherings.
— consider high-quality Astro turf instead of grass or a fake green wall. They look fab if you’re time poor but want the lush look. Grouping nice pots with big plants at different heights is an easy way to create a visual focal point. Tropical plants such as palms are a big trend now — select greenery that creates a resort-style feel. It’s about the placement and grouping — the right mix will give your garden or patio a well-landscaped look.
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Index Aussie Heatwave ....................................................67, 100 Beaumont Tiles...........................................................21, 96 ShaderunnerRELNOzHusqvarnaGlenviewEsceaEcogrowEarthlifeCastworks.................................................................................6.............................................................................4,90.................................................................................114.........................................................................................98Products.........................................................114...............................................................................11Trampolines.............................................................9,92...............................................................................IFC,94.........................................................................17
Once the flame cooking is done, it transforms into a roaring fire where you can chill right into the small hours.
The Escea Outdoor Fireplace Kitchen comes equipped with everything you need to create a smoky meat lovers feast, giving you the ultimate outdoor dining experience.
Grill, then chill
Learn more at escea.com/EK-Series
