The biophilic design trend continues apace and thus so does our obsession with bringing the outside into our homes as much as possible. Literally surrounded by flora, this Sydney garden was designed by The Greenwall Company founder Mark Paul and it’s just been announced the winner of the Green Space Residential Award in the 2021 Australian Institute of Horticulture Awards.
Mark’s family home is not only a sustainable haven (that has the ability to exist off the grid in the middle of Sydney), but it features an array of innovative landscape features including greenwalls, greenroofs, Eco Pillows and even removable pond gabions.
The winning garden
“There are six large podium planters with one containing a 12,000 litre wetland and pond over the garage. It has greenwalls and greenroofs, rock (lithophytic) and tree plantings (epiphytic). It considers amenity, aspect, cultural requirements, view lines and the needs of a family and two boys who need to understand about vegetable gardens, chickens, fish and tadpoles to name a few,” says Mark Paul of the garden that was built from the ground up. When Mark started the project, the garden had no soil and a sandstone base which makes the end result all the more incredible.
The front of the home features a nature strip of native grasses and hedges that are cut annually. The three front planter beds are mainly planted with natives, in a nod to the adjacent bushland. There are a total of 140 plant species in the greenwall and 240 species on the roof which makes for amazing biodiversity in the one garden.
The gorgeous rear garden
Recognising excellence in the horticulture industry, the Australian Institute of Horticulture Awards had a huge number of entries this year with projects all around Australia and Singapore putting their hats in the respective ring.
“We are thrilled to have received this award and appreciate the recognition of the 30 plus years I have been involved with the AIH, and the work we have undertaken to find new ways to reclaim the built environment by greening spaces.”
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Here’s Jason Hodges’ top tips for preparing your garden for spring to ensure your outdoor space is a thriving green paradise in no time:
Jason Hodges
To help your soil reach optimum levels come spring, fertilise anywhere between every six weeks and every three months for ultimate growth.
Mulch, mulch, mulch! Mulch insulates soil and acts as a buffer from cold temperatures. It also helps to retain water and keep roots moist.
Remove any damaged branches that you can see on your deciduous trees.
Prune your trees and bushes so they have the best chance to bloom in spring.
Pick up fallen leaves regularly so your lawn gets as much sun as possible.
Winter is a great time to start a herb garden. Herbs such as rosemary, thyme, basil and lemongrass are hardy and very easy to grow, whether you have a balcony apartment, quarter acre or acreage. Start with herbs and then add vegetables.
“Start on your garden now and it will be healthy and strong for Spring. Not only are you looking after your environment at home, you’re also looking after our environment as a nation and helping to preserve our most precious resource – water,” says Jason.
Jason is an ambassador for Charlie Carp. Their all-natural fertiliser products are available from Bunnings stores nationally.
While mid-century design influences are evident, this very special Sydney home pays homage to Japanese design and the very specific concept of Shakkei, which centres around the idea of framed views. “The windows create a poetic connection to the rear,” says the home’s architect Ryan Ng of CplusC Architectural Workshop.
Home to a family of five, the house features a repeated circular motif that provides glimpses of the elements beyond. Where most houses looking to create a connection with the outdoors use large sliding glass doors, this house uses feature windows instead. “The circular windows were very intentional and they were designed to create a series of visual surprises,” says Ryan.
BackyardLounge room. Timber beams run from inside out to create a connection with the outdoors.
The home’s multi-level design is a response to the sloping nature of the block. Originally a federation home, the front of the house has been renovated with a new extension to the rear that features a kitchen, dining and living area that flows through to the outdoors.
“The old kitchen really needed overhauling as it was too small and too dark,” says Ryan. The new kitchen features a curved island bench clad in vertical timber strips with Spotted Gum timber on the floor. The dining area boasts a large round burnished concrete element that works to anchor the space.
Kitchen and dining. A large round burnished concrete element repeats the circular motif.
“This is also one of the key elements of the concept. Instead of creating a very separate three spaces (kitchen, dining, living) we wanted a more wholistic approach,” says Ryan. Slate tiles flow from the living room to the sun deck and outdoor dining area.
The master bedroom was expanded with the addition of an ensuite. A highlight of the home, the master features an openable round window that is surrounded by greenery on the exterior.
Master bedroom. The window frame acts as seating for young children.
The master bedroom features a gorgeous green wall on the exterior.
“We were looking for a cost-effective way to cover the existing brickwork,” says Ryan of the metal grating that clads the exterior of the master bedroom. Eventually, over time, it will become a very dense green wall with a round opening. “Almost like if you search for Totoro’s lair which was a green wall with a hole,” says Ryan, referencing another of the home’s influences – the cult Japanese animated fantasy film My Neighbour Totoro.
“The family that live in the home have a very close-knit relationship which is like the closeness that we see in the Totoro story,” says Ryan who adds that fairly lights give the outdoor space a very dreamy feel at night.
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With thousands of award winning garden designs under his belt, and a long list of some of the country’s best gardens under the care of his business Landart Landscape, Matt Leacy shares his top tips for ensuring your garden thrives this spring and summer.
Creating a luscious lawn
One of the best things you can do for your lawn as we come out of winter is to de-thatch. Thatch is an accumulation of dead organic lawn matter or a build-up of roots that can prevent moisture, nutrients and air getting through to the grass roots.
If you’ve got very large lawn spaces, you might consider using a de-thatcher to do the job. Otherwise, a thatch rake or normal garden rake should work, depending on the size of the lawn and how thick the thatch is.
You should also aerate the lawn to help get water and nutrients through to the turf zone. If you’re working with a big lawn, you might look at using a motorised aerator. Otherwise, you can use spiked aerator shoes or a simple garden fork.
Once you’ve removed thatch and aerated, add some coarse sand or top dressing over the lawn – and don’t forget to fertilise with something high in nitrogen, and preferably organic.
Maintenance will set you up for summer
It’s not necessarily the fun side of gardening, but now is the ideal time to get into garden beds and remove any weeds before the weather gets hotter and they really take off. And now is also the as time to prune plants to get them in prime condition for growth in spring and summer.
Ensure that any ornamental grasses like miscanthus are cut to about 100-to-200mm above the ground and that any shrubs such as bottlebrush that like to flower in spring are pruned well before their flowering month.
Mulching is the garden gift that keeps on giving
Mulch is a must when it comes to keeping your garden beds looking great in summer.
Mulch will help your soil retain moisture as the weather heats up – and it’s also helpful for keeping weeds at bay.And mulch can come in a variety of colours that can enhance your garden design.
I like to use an organic compost and a slow release fertiliser. Dig it into the soil by hand where possible, but be wary of applying too close to plant trunks and stems. Excess moisture can cause stems to rot, so it’s generally best to mulch at least 50-70mm thick and to keep the mulch well away from stems and trunks.
As the weather gets hotter, keep an eye on your plants and keep topping mulch up.
Re-design and plant out garden beds and pots
Plants should always play a key part of any outdoor space, whether they’re potted or in a garden bed.
When you’re choosing what to plant it’s always good to consider what is to come – our summers are long and hot so if you’re planting greenery rather than something that will just give you a seasonal burst of flowers consider plants that are water-wise and will hold up well in the heat of the coming months.
Some great water-wise plants to consider include agaves, dragon trees, tree aloes, Nolinas and cactuses. They’re not only low-maintenance, but also bring a lot of form and structure into the garden – as well as being very diverse in terms of texture and colour, which means they can be suited to many different styles of outdoor spaces.
Succulents are a great choice. They are very versatile and water-wise. Some of my favourite succulents include Crassula, Carpobrotus, Aloes, Senecio, Sempervivums and Sedums.
Native Australian species such as Lomandra, Westringias and Casuarinas are awesome if you’re looking to plant on mass for large spaces. Mixing these with some exotic succulents and native ornamental grasses can create some really interesting planting palettes with varying textures and colours.
Grow your own food
If you would like to add a veggie patch to your outdoor space for spring and summer, and we’re finding in these times a lot of people are, planting things like spinach, iceberg lettuce, snow peas and kale as well as zucchini, and cherry tomatoes are always great staples that will flourish close to year round.
Chinese greens will also thrive, and Pak choi (also called bok choy) will be up and ready to eat in only six to eight weeks.
Herbs such as aromatic basil, mint, parsley, thyme, rosemary, chives and chillies are all good choices for summer growing, as well as herbs with known health benefits such as turmeric, ginger, ginseng, Echinacea and maca.
With many of us utilising a limited garden space, using edible plants as part of your overall garden design has become very popular. If you’re keen to look at foodscaping to update your garden for spring and summer I would suggest adding edible flowers, using rosemary trimmed into balls, or using Cranberries or a wild or Alpine strawberry, mint, thyme or oregano as ground cover.
From a design perspective, my tips for creating a space that is bountiful, functional and beautiful include:
Create structure – if you are dedicating a space to growing food then geometry and structure work to maximise space.
Consider colour – opt for heirloom varieties like purple kale and blue cabbage to create a design feature.
Many vegetables and herbs also have lovely flowers and variations in foliage that add interest. Be sure to layer and use the different textures and colours in your garden design.
Screen or create shade with fruit bearing trees – if you need some screening trees look at how you can use trees that fruit. Citrus, apple and pear trees are great options.
Use raised garden beds – build in seating and storage around the edge of your garden bed to make tending to it more enjoyable and to maximise the use of space, and also look at planter boxes, tiered garden beds, pots and herb walls. These are particularly practical for small courtyards or balcony spaces.
Run fruit and vegetables off pergolas and other outdoor structures. Things like hanging strawberries can soften these structures with attractive greenery – and will also save you having to dedicate land space to your veggie patch.
If you’re concerned about the look of your edible garden while transitioning between seasons consider hedging or other structures to conceal beds when they’re not looking their best. And interspersing herbs and vegetables with other plants will help minimise any sparseness that may arise as an edible plant goes out of season.
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Located in Sydney's Woollahra, this rooftop rain garden is super lush
With Australia firmly in the grip of drought, and downpours like the ones parts of NSW have enjoyed recently on the rare side, now is a great time to explore ways of capturing and utilising rain before it gets lost in storm water drains and adds to pollution in water ways.
“A significant amount of precious storm water is lost to us and adds pollution to our waterways as unfiltered rain runs straight into rivers and oceans,” says landscape designer Matt Leacy, co-founder and creative director of Landart Landscapes who suggests creating a rain garden, or storm water-smart garden, to make good use of rainfall. It is estimated that the equivalent of six Sydney Harbours of storm water runoff is produced in Australia’s urban areas each year.
Located in Sydney’s Woollahra, this rooftop rain garden is super lush
“Rain gardens are self-watering, low maintenance, and help to reduce use of water in the garden, as well as filtering and purifying water so that it is then safe to be reused. Not only is a rain garden environmentally friendly and water efficient, but it can also boost overall property value and financial savings on water rates,” says Matt.
Rain gardens can be created in a variety of ways including downpipe diversion, a green roof, in-ground, planter box, tank diversion, swale or vegetable rain garden. “Research and consultation with a landscape designer on what will work best for a particular space is always advisable,” says Matt who shares his top tips for creating a simple rain garden with us today.
Where is the rain coming from? “Firstly, choose where you’re going to capture the bulk of your storm water from,” says Matt. Will it be from a downpipe, driveway or pathway, or from a rainwater tank?
Planter box Secondly, choose a planter box that fits your space, or excavate a trench that leads water to a lower lying point in your garden. “You will need to layer your planter box with gravel, soil and sand, and then a bottom layer of gravel to aid with water filtration, and to allow the water to drain freely at the base into an exit pipe,” says Matt who advises putting a waterproof liner in the planter box to ensure the storm water is captured for reuse.
The in-ground option “If you’re creating an in-ground rain garden, dig the area with a gentle slope away from the house. You will also need to dig a shallow trench that re-directs water to this part of your garden where it can be captured and released, ready to be absorbed and filtered by plants and engineered soil. You will also probably need to plumb in pipes,” says Matt.
What to plant? “Speak to your local nursery to check the best plants to use in your rain garden,” says Matt who is a fan of native plants such as kangaroo paws, native grasses, native rushes and Dianella when it comes to rain gardens. “The main thing is to ensure that whatever you choose is both drought-tolerant and able to withstand heavy rain and water. Native plants tend to be lower maintenance and more suitable than introduced species,” says Matt.
Ongoing maintenance To retain moisture, Matt suggests covering your garden with mulch followed by gravel; bark or straw tend to float into storm water drains. You will also need to make sure you’re weeding until the plants have matured as well as monitoring the rain garden in the first heavy downpours to ensure water is evenly distributed. “You may need to also add plants or some rocks to help control erosion,” says Matt.
And if it doesn’t actually rain when you’re setting up your rain garden (the irony!), you will need to water your plants until they’re established, in compliance with local water restrictions.
Landscape designer Matt Leacy
When to employ a professional? A fabulous alternative to the in-ground or planter box options, a rooftop rain garden can make a strong visual statement despite the added engineering concerns. And whether you’re looking at a rooftop of complex in-ground iteration, you’re best to consult a professional. “Rooftop gardens require a structural engineer to check the roof is properly intact and suitable for the type of rain garden you’re planning to do,” says Matt.
Built-in seating makes great use of a tricky corner. You could add extra storage beneath the bench seats too.
The latest figures from Commsec show that the size of an average house built in 2018/19 is 228.8 square metre; that’s a 1.3 per cent decrease on last year. Often, this steady decrease in property sizes translates into backyard and entertaining areas that are smaller which means we have to be much smarter with our outdoor choices.
Hanging your bike on the wall is a nifty storage solution
With outdoor living a favourite pastime for Australian families, ideas for creating small, but successful outdoor areas are in high demand. Luckily, whatever sized space you have to work with, from vertical gardens to built-in furniture and water features, there are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain, relax and spend time with family.
“You pay good money for land so don’t waste it! Australians love the outdoors but are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve the right balance between indoor-outdoor living, especially when you have less space to play with,” says DIY landscaper and Adbri Masonry ambassador, Jason Hodges who provides his top five ideas below, to maximise the potential of every inch of your backyard.
Get imaginative To get the most out of the space you have, it’s important to use it creatively. Use all available surfaces; look for opportunities to transform walls, unused corner areas and even pillars into features.
Add vertical gardens to any unused walls or wrap columns with decorative lighting or climbers. Green walls can transform a once-dull space into an inviting environment – layering with colour and texture will add visual interest and make the space look even bigger too.
Create space with visual illusions Like a painting, you need to start with the right canvas and the foundation is your flooring. Because it is the largest surface, it’s important to get this part right. Large format pavers work best in small spaces as they give the impression of greater space. Choose a light colour to open up the space and, for a modern and minimalist look, avoid intricate patterns.
Light, plain pavers work best in small spaces
Smart furniture choices In order to make the most of the area you have, choose space-savvy furnishings and clever storage solutions to form a practical outdoor space.
Firstly, when buying these pieces, embrace the small space; don’t clutter what precious area you have with massive outdoor settings. Instead, choose furniture that will suit how you will most often use the space. If that’s entertaining four people, pick a four-person setting – too often people ‘go big’ to accommodate the two or three times a year they have guests over and lose that precious space during the remainder of the year.
The other key idea for outdoor settings is looking for opportunities to create ‘built-in furniture.’ For example, a garden wall with capping stones can also serve as a seating wall.
Built-in seating makes great use of a tricky corner. You could add extra storage beneath the bench seats too.
Create stand out features Just because you’re working with smaller spaces, it doesn’t mean you need to work with small ideas. Consider an area of the yard to create a landscaped feature such as a raised planter area, a water feature or a sculpture that draws the eye.
Another great idea for drawing attention away from the size of your space is planting a beautiful garden. This can even include planting herbs around the edge as a border and installing a small water feature amongst any plants to help distract from the limited space.
A firepit makes a fabulous small-space garden statement
Keep it simple, keep it clean A good clean up and declutter of your garden space can give it a new lease on life. Prune or reorganise plants and get rid of anything that is out of place. Take a look at your outdoor furniture and make sure it is in scale to the rest of the yard. And finally, keep it simple – a clean and simple backyard will give the illusion of more space.
While this year’s bushfire season has already been harrowing in its effects, it’s horrifying to think that we’re only at the beginning. With a brutal bushfire season predicted for the weeks and months ahead, we caught up with landscape designer Matt Leacy, of Landart Landscapes, who shares his top tips for mitigating fire risk around your home.
“I love the Australian bush, and live near bushland myself, so I would never want to seem alarmist in my approach to fire-prepping. However, the reality is that we’re already experiencing devasting fire conditions in many parts of Australia and signs are pointing to a long, dry summer – so we’ve got to be as proactive as possible when it comes to mitigating fire risks to our homes and outdoor spaces,” says Matt, who is also resident garden guru on Channel Ten’s The Living Room.
“While there’s no way to entirely fire-proof your property, 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.
1. Tidy up and trim back “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,” says Matt.
This includes cleaning gutters (especially if your house is surrounded by large trees) and ensuring that all of the old dry leaves from autumn and winter are cleared away from your property. “You should also ensure that dead branches are cut away, and trees and other plants are trimmed right back away from your house,” says Matt.
For some properties, installing fire irrigation on the roof, or some extra hose points, might be worth considering. “If a fire borders your property, it could make a critical difference to be able to wet your house down and put out spot fires from embers from multiple angles,” says Matt.
2. Know what is in your garden “It’s useful to have at least some knowledge of how flammable the plants and trees on your property are – and if you’re unsure and surrounded by lots of gardens and bushland, it might be worth engaging a professional to help inform you,” says Matt who explains that plants that are known to ignite quickly (and some will even explode) include tea tree, Cyprus, pines, eucalypts and various other natives.
“Obviously, if you have a beautiful, well-established eucalyptus tree – which is also an important wildlife habitat, you aren’t likely going to want to remove it entirely. But if you can prune it back and maintain it – especially the branches that are dying off – as well as control what’s around it, you’ll help to reduce associated fire risks,” says Matt who adds that you must check with your local authority as to how much of the tree you can remove each year.
3. Landscaping choices “When introducing new varieties into your outdoor spaces, choose plants that are fire retardant – that is, plants that don’t ignite and therefore make areas less flammable,” says Matt.
Plants that have a high moisture content in their leaves, as well as big thick leaves rather than fine hard leaves, will help protect your home from falling embers. Some of these plants include, saltbush, lavender, hydrangea, white cedar, succulents, grey or silver mulga, wattles, lilly pilly, kangaroo paw, palms, Moreton bay figs, Scaevola – fan flower, Cyathea, Dianella, Hymenopsermum – Native frangipani, Myoporum, Senecio, Syzygium viola and various species of flax and pigface.
Succulents have high water content and are thus more fire retardant
“Keep in mind that if some of these plants dry out, they may then burn. But vegetables (especially if you have a patch bordered by a pathway or pebbles) are also a great option,” says Matt who suggests choosing plants with smooth bark, rather than rough bark, and checking with your local nursery to check which plants are suitable for your area.
“Also, do your best when designing your garden to plant fire resistant trees and plants in a shield format, particularly if your property is bordered on any side by bushland. Lower shrubs and ground covers are a better choice than big tall trees or hedges,” says Matt who also recommends stones, gravel and pebbles as an alternative to ‘fire fuel’ such as wood chips.
“From a design perspective, if you are starting fresh with a new garden, or can adapt what you already have, I’d suggest planting trees at least 10 metres from you house. Also, include pebbled, paved, tiled or concrete pathways to help create fire breaks,” says Matt. And for anybody whose property backs onto a national park, from a pool to a tennis court or large stretches of lawn, it’s a good idea to put something between the bushland and your home.
You should also avoid clumping too many trees together (a tight canopy can carry fire), and avoid having trees that grow over, or onto, your house.
4. Lawns and water provision
“Lawns can act as a physical barrier, if you’ve been able to keep them green during water restrictions and very dry conditions,” says Matt.
Large expanses of lawn can act as a safety barrier for your home
While not possible for everybody, Matt suggests pre-planning for upcoming rainfall and installing water tanks. “When we do eventually get rain, these tanks can be used to maintain a green garden, which can help to ward off the severity of bushfires later down the track,” says Matt.
Sinking a bore, for watering, might be a feasible option too but you must obtain approval and licensing to do so so.“Drip watering systems are also a great, simple and cost-effective way to transport water into your garden in an eco-friendly manner,” says Matt.
5. Help local fauna find refuge “If you’re in the sad situation of being hit by fires (and hopefully it’s just your garden you need to re-build), or you live in an area with bushland that’s been ravaged by fires, look at how you can help support the animals in the area,” says Matt.
You can support local animals by leaving out buckets of water, or incorporating water features with fresh water, or bird baths into your garden. “If you know what animals are in your region, you might look at establishing plants and garden features that wildlife could seek refuge in and use as a food source,” says Matt who suggests purchasing seed to feed birds and other animals in extreme situations.
“Note that if you’re encouraging wildlife into your garden, you should be more vigilant with cats and other domestic pets that may hunt displaced fauna seeking refuge in your outdoor spaces.”
While sustainability is an ever-increasing concern for many Australians, it’s not something you may have thought about with respect to your garden. From choosing your plants with purpose to harvesting seeds and composting advice, landscape gardener and star of Selling Houses Australia, Charlie Albone is back this month with his top seven tips for creating a more sustainable garden.
Charlie Albone
Plant with a purpose “Choosing the right plant for the right spot as per water, soil and sun requirements is key to the success of a planting scheme. Spend time researching what plants are best suited to your garden’s unique environment – the more appropriate the plants, the less intervention and resources they will require to succeed,” says Charlie who likes choosing plants with added benefits too – think produce or cut flowers. “Plants like these will ensure your garden naturally works harder for you,” says Charlie.
Think long term about root growth when potting a plant
“What you see above the ground is only half the picture. Tease out congested root growth before planting so new roots find it easy to penetrate the soil and spread far. I always soak the root ball in a seaweed tonic to remove any dry spots and to supercharge new root growth,” says Charlie.
Know what seeds can and can’t be saved – and harvest those that can for another day “Collecting seeds from your plants is a great way to ensure they live on. It allows you to reproduce the exact plant again and again. It’s also a lovely way to share plants with your neighbours and friends,” says Charlie.
Variety counts! A sustainable garden is one rich in biodiversity.
“Try to create a natural environment for your plants. Start with canopy plants, then move down to understory and ground covers. An example of this in the veggie patch would be tomatoes as a canopy plant, salad leaves in the sheltered understory and finally, trailing herbs such as thyme forming a ground cover,” says Charlie.
Not all composts are made equal
“Compost is one of the best things you can do for your soil as it boosts nutrient and water holding capacity as well as biodiversity in the soil. It’s easy to create your own and you can use almost all your food and garden waste. Just steer clear of meat and bread as they can attract vermin. For best results, dig compost through the bed before planting or apply as a mulch in established beds,” says Charlie.
Revive struggling plants by learning how to identify an issue and nip it in the bud “You would be surprised how resilient plants can be in returning from the brink. In the same way as Nespresso’s Reviving Origins program is working with Zimbabwean and Colombian coffee farmers to help revive their precious farmland through collaboration with the community,” who recommends turning to your local gardening community when faced with an issue in your garden. “Most of the time someone else has dealt with the same problem before and can offer advice on how to overcome it,” says Charlie.
Get children involved
“Whether it’s newfound knowledge or a batch of fresh strawberries, the very best way to make your garden more sustainable is by inspiring others,” says Charlie who loves getting children used to getting their hands dirty in the garden. “Once they first experience the miracle of sowing a seed, watching it germinate and blossoming into a beautiful plant, they will be on their way to becoming lifelong sustainable gardeners.”
Charlie’s tips were inspired by the launch of Nespresso’s Reviving Origins program – an initiative restoring coffee farming communities in regions that have been devastated by conflicts, economic hardships or environmental disasters. Nespresso’s two new single-origin coffees, Tamuka mu Zimbabwe and Esperanza de Colombia, are both from regions where coffee was on the brink of disappearing altogether.
With a slowing property market, Aussie home ownership trends are changing with people choosing to stay put and renovate rather than relocate, according to the 2019 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey.
“It’s clear the current market conditions lend themselves towards people staying put for longer. The 2019 survey findings support research showing that home ownership ‘hold time’ has been on a steady increase for over a decade. In 2004 the average time in a home was 6.8 years compared to 10.5 years in 2014 and our survey shows this is increasing to 20 plus years,” says Adbri Masonry marketing manager Karl Wood.
The flow-on effect of staying put means people are concentrating on home improvement projects and, given the Aussie propensity for outdoor entertaining, the backyard is high on the list. “We don’t just reside in the one place for longer, we grow in it, and it’s important that our home and backyard grows with us. A backyard that is perfect for your family today is unlikely to meet your needs in 10 or 15 years and must evolve as your family’s lifestyle does,” says landscape designer and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador Jason Hodges.
“Outdoor projects represent great investments – not only do they provide you with a brilliant asset at sale, but these areas give back to the family every day. The best part is, outdoor projects have a low whole-of-life cost because they use specialty products that are designed for outdoor use to last long term. The pavers you put in your new courtyard today will still be there long after you leave the home. You might renovate your kitchen and bathroom twice in 20 years, but the outdoors can be done just once if you do it well,” says Jason who shares his top backyard future-proofing tips below.
Do it once, do it well Unlike kitchens and bathrooms, styles in the backyard last longer. Like any project, there is an obvious up-front cost but when you consider the whole of life cost, the investment in hard wearing materials stacks up. Long after the price is forgotten, the quality remains so consider concrete pavers, by design they are thicker, stronger and built to last outside. Informal seating walls that double as garden beds offer extra seating and long-term good looks and if you’re looking to treat yourself, choose a feature outdoor piece of quality furniture.
Prepare for the future Try to accommodate the fact your ideas and needs will change for your outdoor area over time. So, for example, don’t block access to parts of the yard you may need later – perhaps you will want a pool or a BBQ area. It’s much more economical to think ahead rather than having to build and rip elements out at a later stage.
Have a transitional mindset At all life stages, everyone wants a really nice outdoor room. Our enviable climate and love of the great outdoors make enhancing our outdoor living areas a top priority for many homeowners. As your life changes think about how you can change the backyard space to meet your needs. An example of this is building a sand pit for the kids while they are little and then converting it into a vegie patch as they grow. Once the perimeter and foundation are built, minor cosmetic enhancements will allow the space to grow with you. The children’s sandpit becomes the veggie garden, and later on in life you can repurpose the sandpit by converting it to a fire pit which is the perfect finish to an entertaining area that’s served your family for life.
This hopscotch area can become a veggie patch when the kids have grown
Take your time Have a game plan. For more than half of those surveyed, cost is a barrier to renovating. It pays to create an overall picture of what you would like to achieve and then break it down into manageable chunks of your time and budget.
Summer is finally here which means long, lazy days in the backyard relaxing and entertaining friends. Few people know more about creating beautiful outdoor areas than landscape gardener and star of Selling Houses Australia, Charlie Albone.
“Now is the perfect opportunity to do up your outdoors as most people have a bit of extra time off to both enjoy their outdoor space and finish off reno jobs. Just plan ahead to ensure you can get the necessary tradesmen in so you’re not left with a half-finished yard,” says Charlie of the pre-Christmas push.
One of the most essential components for a great outdoor space is paving. Charlie has some great tips about paving, tiling and making the most of your indoor and outdoor spaces.
“Paving sets the whole tone for a project, it can dictate the style and quality of the garden space. It’s often difficult to replace if you do it last and instead choose all your furniture, plants, screens and so on first. So it’s important to get it done right first time around – spending some time on your paving choice will pay off in the end,” says Charlie.
What is your best advice for creating an inviting deck or patio area? “Make sure you have the proportions you need for the amount of people you have in the garden. Nothing is worse than being cramped or feeling like you’re too small for the space. Spend time planning to ensure you get all the items you want in your garden rather than jumping in without considering the space as a whole,” says Charlie.
What hard surfaces would you recommend for paving? “Porcelains are huge at the moment. Amber Tiles’ Urban Surface range is super hard-wearing and comes in a variety of colours and sizes. A new trend we are seeing is wrapping the paving or tiling down into the pool for a continuous streamlined look – this can be done with a porcelain. Limestone is also a great timeless hit if you are after something that won’t age and will always look top notch,” says Charlie.
What are the best ways to create shade if there is none? “I love a pergola with a deciduous climber such as wisteria as this lets in winter sun but people also like a fixed structure such as a roof. Just make sure it’s got good ventilation and lighting. Retractable shade sails are also nice as they offer some softness and can be pulled back in winter, and umbrellas are a cheap, flexible alternative,” says Charlie.
How should you light the space? “Natural light is the best option as it’s the most relaxing. However, for night-time drama, up or down light features are great. Try to think of garden lighting as creating shadows rather than lighting for practicality. Staggered cross lighting down a path also looks much nicer than a flood light. However stronger lighting for certain areas such as a barbecue, can be used. You don’t want to end up burning anything because you can’t see properly!” says Charlie.
How do you work out what amount of outdoor space is best for green planting? “When it comes to planting, I always say more is more but realistically you should have as much space for planting that you can successfully maintain. A large poorly kept garden is much worse than a small well maintained one,” says Charlie.
What furniture would you recommend for entertaining? “You get what you pay for in outdoor furniture and flimsy won’t cut it. Not only does outdoor furniture have to contend with all the rigors of life, it has to put up with UV and all sorts of weather conditions. Consider how you want to use the space and dress it accordingly whilst remembering you’ll need to leave enough space around the furniture to move so it doesn’t feel cramped,” says Charlie.
Are you a fan of outdoor wall art or garden features? “It all depends on the garden and the actual feature. If it’s not considered as part of the design then it can often look like a cheap add on which I’m definitely not a fan of! If the garden is set up to make the most of a feature with considered sight lines and complementary planting then it can look fantastic,” says Charlie.
Charlie his wife, interior stylist Juliet Love, are both brand ambassadors for Amber Tiles.
When you’re a leading light on the Australian landscape scene, it makes sense that greenery is the hallmark of your home. Located in the Perth seaside suburb of Scarborough, this recently renovated home houses exterior stylist and landscaper Ascher Smith, her husband Dylan and their two young sons Hudson and Parker.
The home’s lush courtyard
“The design brief to our architect was to for them to design a modern addition, with the use of natural timber and black steel elements on the exterior with a crisp, minimal interior design so we could create a style in the interior that was a reflection of us. We had fun decorating with all of our collected pieces over the years, and it always feels like home because of it,” says Ascher of her home that was originally a simple single storey residence and now boasts a second floor that takes in sweeping ocean views.
Lounge room
“I’d say our style was mid-century modern, with a dash of industrial. I’m obsessed with black and white clean lines but need the timber, natural stone or greenery to soften the look. We know we are a couple that don’t do things in halves and both have very creative and artistic families, so when our quest began to create our dream home, we knew that the end result would be unlike most other houses you see,” says Ascher.
Master bedroom – now that is commitment to greenery!
The master bedroom boasts a fabulous fire place too
“When we renovated, we stayed within the footprint of the original home and added extra space by extending over out courtyards with hallways and a west-facing balcony. This way, we could keep our existing renovation downstairs and both courtyards and garden spaces, which were so important to try and maintain throughout the build,” says Ascher.
Greenery pops against timber throughout the home
“Our back courtyard has been the forever changing room in our house. The once ugly unusable space has been an enchanting, secluded, lush green room that we can entertain or relax in no matter what time of year it is. Seen from almost every room in our house, we have recreated a little Italy out there,” says Ascher referencing the pizza oven that takes pride of place. “Dylan makes the best pizzas in town right here in our backyard and my constant itch to redecorate, paint or move pot plants and furniture around allows this courtyard to change dramatically day to day,” says Ascher.
Pizza oven
Large glass stacker doors connect the indoors with the outside and the courtyard features travertine paving and lush greenery. “The gardens are mass planted and provide us with year round screening, greenery and colour in the courtyards. We furnished the area with only a large teak sofa, some casual seating and the blue Tuscan pizza oven made by Dylan himself. We were careful not to clutter the area with furnishings as they are still small spaces and you need places to rest the eyes,” says Ascher.
Kitchen
“We love how homely our house feels, even after our extensive modern renovation. There is always a comfortable chair to sit in, delicious food aromas that lead you through the front door, cheerful artwork and family photos in every room. I want our house to feel ‘homely’. It’s what we both grew up with and it’s so important that our friends, family and children feel welcomed and comfortable in our space too,” says Ascher.
With shrinking land sizes across the country, it’s no surprise that the majority of backyard design and gardening advice focuses on achieving great style in small spaces. However, thoughtful planning and design is just as important in large backyards where the extra space can be transformed into stunning landscapes that will add value to your home.
The 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey has revealed that 56% of respondents have a large backyard with plenty of room for entertaining and gardening. Yet, large backyards are often under-appreciated or lacking landscaping which results in big, boring spaces.
“With a little research, inspiration and planning, dull backyards can be converted into feature areas for eating, entertaining, relaxing and gardening,” says landscape expert and Adbri Masonry ambassador Jason Hodges.
Gardening and landscaping expert Jason Hodges
Jason’s tips for utilising space in a large backyard
Set the scene
Arguably the most important part of a landscaped garden is the place where you’ll sit back and appreciate it – usually this is the paved courtyard or patio area. The patio will usually come directly off the house and represent the transition point from indoor to outdoor living. While this is practical, large backyards provide the opportunity to get creative!
If the facade of your home needs work and looks dated, consider taking the focus away from the home by having a path off the house, leading to a feature courtyard in the centre of the space. This design draws attention away from the home and shows off the size and depth of your yard.
When it comes to thinking about the surfaces of your patio or courtyard, pavers are a great option for stepping stone paths and the entertaining pavement. “While I love stepping stones separated by pebbles or turf for paths, the foundation pavement should be a solid area which can house your dining and relaxing furniture as well as any shading or barbeque equipment,” explains Jason.
Build a children’s playground
If you have children, a large backyard provides an opportunity to create a space where kids can play safely, so take advantage and start planning your kid friendly yard.
“Try building a cubby house or teepee that can be used in summer as a shaded play area or as a mini campsite in winter,” says Jason. “I also love the idea of placing pavers in a hopscotch pattern and letting grass grow in between. The pavers will act as a pathway for your garden, as well as a fun activity for your children.”
Incorporate an entertaining area
There are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain and spend time with family and friends. Building a dining area with built-in seating helps to give the area structure and utilises available space. You can achieve this using Adbri Masonry’s Versawall blocks, which create vertical retaining and garden walls whilst doubling as bench seating.
“Alfresco areas tend to feature on the front cover shots of real estate listings and signboards – this is because they’re an asset that adds value to a home and where buyers picture themselves enjoying the home with family,” explains Jason. “In larger backyards, these entertaining areas can be multi-functional with cooking equipment, dining settings as well as breakout garden beds or bench seating around a feature fire pit.”
Change levels with a sunken patio
Add depth and dimension to your backyard with a sunken patio that will become a private retreat. Whether your backyard is flat or slightly sloped, you can create a sunken a patio – either DIY or with the help of a professional landscaper. Level changes immediately increase the aesthetic appeal and intimacy of a space. Try introducing steps, garden walls, terraced retaining walls or go the other way and create a sunken patio.
Beat the heat with a swimming pool
A large backyard is a great canvas for a swimming pool and creates an opportunity to value the space around it – whether it’s sunbaking, entertaining or relaxing.
“Avoid dominating the area with a large pool; try taking cue from the Island of Gods, with a Bali-inspired plunge pool that is small and cleverly landscaped. Pave the boundary with Adbri Masonry’s Euro Classic or Euro Stone that will give your pool a sleek finish, whilst providing a safe, slip resistant surface,” suggests Jason.
While a permanent holiday is out of the reach of most Aussies, plenty of us are doing our best to recreate travel experiences in our backyards according to the latest research. The 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey has revealed that our most popular backyard designs are inspired by the popular holiday hotspots of Bali, Japan and America’s Hamptons.
“Aussies love to holiday abroad. In the past, photos and souvenirs were enough, but more than ever we’re bringing back inspiration and styling ideas for the home. It can be surprisingly cost effective to recreate your favourite holiday destination in your yard to enjoy all year round,” says landscaping expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador Jason Hodges.
Japanese Zen inspired garden
Japan The Japanese Zen garden is a popular backyard choice. Beloved by minimalists and those looking for calm (the Japanese love to meditate), key features include manicured landscapes, ambient water features, deep greenery, low maintenance plants, gravel, stepping stones and feature rocks. In fact, the Japanese position rocks of various shapes and sizes around the garden to symbolise mountains and natural water elements – as a bonus, they add texture, depth and layers to a space. Combine them with rich greenery and a pond or water feature for instant tranquility.
The Japanese Zen garden is ideal for those wanting a private retreat that encourages disconnection from technology too. And arguably, the best thing about this style of garden is that it’s super low maintenance.
Bali
The immense popularity of the Indonesian island as an Australian holiday spot means the Bali villa aesthetic has crept into our backyards. Design signatures include heavily landscaped gardens with lush tropical natives, private plunge pools and paved alfresco areas for outdoor entertaining.
Balinese inspired garden
From tropical plants to water features, pools, ornaments and a Bali hut, you can incorporate as many elements as you like. Greenery is paramount with leafy plants essential and Jason has some alternative suggestions to Balinese natives. “Agave plants add a bold and rich look, whilst plants such as cordylines, crotons and frangipanis help to bring the tropical picture to life,” says Jason.
“Bamboo screens, trellis or brushwood are great options for adding texture to the backyard and double as a privacy screen until all the plants have fully grown also,” says Jason.
Hamptons
Compared to the Balinese garden, Hamptons inspired backyards are relatively new in Australia. And while property prices often preclude the large expanses of green that characterise the look, you can still create it within the confines of smaller spaces such a courtyard, pool area or alfresco room. Structured details including borders, hedging and layers are central to the look that is often completed with chic outdoor furniture.
Hamptons style front yard
“For lush green turf invest in some new Sir Walter or if you’ve already got lawn, create a beautiful leafy outlook with sculpted hedges. Buxus balls are great and will allow you to create different heights and levels in your garden. For classic flowers, think hydrangeas, orchids and gardenias,” says Jason. Hedging is a non-negotiable and not only does it delineate areas in the yard it offers privacy too.
Renovations are expensive. Very expensive. And by the time you get to landscaping, it’s fair to say your budget has well and truly dried up. So when there’s an opportunity to cut down on costs but not sacrifice on quality or style…well, I’m all ears!
ModularWalls is a smart DIY option which has the look of a rendered brick wall, for just a fraction of the price. ModularWalls can be used for boundary fences to pool walls, or even to retainup to 750mm of soil; perfect for pools, sloped blocks and garden beds. Plus, no engineered footings or trades needed!
Made specifically for harsh Australian conditions, they are super durable and also reduce noise; ideal if you live on a busy road. But best yet, they’re fully customisable! You can add aluminium or timber slats, gates, lighting and letterboxes, or finish it with tiles, cladding, or paint in any colour of your choosing.
So they’re stylish, versatile and good quality. Tick, tick and tick. But what about the installation? How easy can it be to install a wall yourself?
Turns out, very. Installation is simply a matter of digging some holes, concreting the posts into position, sliding in the panels and finishing the fence as you desire — check out the video below if you don’t believe me! It can easily be done in a weekend, with no DIY experience required. The walls don’t even require council permission when they’re under 1.8m high, making the installation even simpler.
Still hesitant? Don’t be. ModularWalls provides tailored advice on style and materials, easy-to-follow installation guides, videos and 7-day phone support. But if DIY is still not for you, they also offer professional installation via their national network of Trade Partners.
Need some inspiration? Below are some of our favourite ModularWalls looks.
White and bright: Let the plants do the talking by using a solid, white backdrop. This helps bring a fresh, bright look to your garden and the colourful blooms will look amazing.
Drama, drama: A dramatic look, having a dark wall showcases your garden’s spectrum of colours and lends a modern feel to your property.
Keep it natural: A fence in natural tones perfectly complements the plants and creates a look that is simple and subtle. Suitable for all styles, the earthy wall colours blend beautifully with any garden.
Be bold: Feature panels can be a fun way to juxtapose materials and give your garden splashes of colour and depth.
Step it up: If your block is sloped, retaining walls can create the perfect tiered garden. Not only are they a good use of space, the gravity-fed irrigation system makes maintenance so much easier.
Three years ago, snakes were regular yard guests at Nikki and Luke Hobbs’ newly purchased five-acre Gold Coast Hinterland property. The overgrown yard, once towering in lantarna and tobacco trees, had been ‘let go’ by previous tenants.
Rather than start with the interior of their new home, the couple decided to tackle outside first. And they had a great incentive; wanting to get married in their own (substantial) back yard!
After watching back-to-back episodes of River Cottage Australia, three years and a lot of hard yard work passed, and the couple– a builder and a stylist– were ready to unveil their landscaping while they said ‘I do’ from the comfort of their home.
Here, Nikki shares theirtop five ‘River Cottage’ makeover tips:
Work with the unique shapes, contours and quirks of the existing parcel of land (ours was once a hydroponic tomato and strawberry farm boasting flat paddocks).
BEFORE Veggie garden
AFTER Veggie garden
2. Hire in the heavy machinery to do the grunt work (ours included countless excavator bookings and eight semi-trailer loads of forest mulch).
BEFORE Back yard
AFTER Back yard
3. Plan your landscaping for success by considering the types of plants currently thriving in your surrounds. (We also opted to hire Ryan from nearby Canopy Wholesale Nursery for expert advice and a killer yard map).
4. Naturally humans are drawn to water including creeks, dams and man-made features and therefore it was important to us to create a space we could enjoy daily (think sunset vino, morning yoga rituals and a wedding ceremony deck).
5. Highlight the natural assets such as river rocks and large established trees. For example, our two DIY rock pillars (now filled with white annual blooms) draw the eye from our house to the backyard creek.
BEFORE Creek
AFTER Creek
“Learning the ropes of acreage living including operating septic systems, petrol generators and large machinery has been incredibly rewarding,” Nikki says. “Our landscaping and renovation plans for Platypus Valley Homestead will continue to evolve as we now kick off our interior renovation.”
–Country stylist Nikki Hobbs and builder husband Luke, run Hobbs Building & Interiors, an award-winning sustainable home builder located in the heart of the Scenic Rim, Queensland.
Sydney just had its hottest September day on record! So on this side of the world, it sure feels like winter is over. During those dreary, cold months it’s safe to say your outdoor space had a bit of a beating, which means now is the time to bring your timber back to life and ensure your garden is ready for the change in temperature and all the entertaining that goes on in the warmer months.
Photo credit: Peter Campbell-Lloyd, Deck-Max QLD
The Australasian Timber Flooring Association share their tips and tricks for maintaining or building with timber this season:
Make sure your timber is properly maintained so that it can withstand the exposure to the sun during the warmer weather.
Check to ensure you deck is free from termite activity, decay and that fixings are not corroded. Any loose decking boards should also be refixed.
If you’re thinking of installing a deck in your backyard there’s a few things for you to know. Firstly, it’s important that you choose the right timber, based on your design and location to ensure a lasting performance.
If you’re planning on an elevated deck ensure that the area is cleared of vegetation, proper foundations are provided and that appropriate drainage is also provided. In addition, it is important for your deck to be structurally strong enough to carry people walking across it.
Photo credit: Peter Campbell-Lloyd, Deck-Max QLD
If you are wanting a deck close to the ground it’s important to ensure that the deck still has adequate ventilation and drainage.
To protect the timber against decay and termites it is necessary to choose the appropriate timber species and appropriate preservative treatment.
If your timber deck is near your pool or ocean be cautious of potential corrosion that may occur with the fixings due to the increase of salt in the air. It is recommended that stainless steel or silicon bronze fixings are used to prevent corrosion.
Unfortunately, if you live in some areas of the countryside with summer comes the risk of bush fires, check if your area is prone to fires before installing your deck as this will affect the type of timber you may be able to use.
Lastly, it is important to maintain your outdoor decking all year round, and simple steps like the ones listed above will ensure your decking lasts for many summers to come.
For further advice visit the Australasian Timber Flooring Association’s website.
Looking for a weekend reno project that’s perfect for the cooler months?
Look no further than this DIY fire pit! There’s nothing quite like sitting around a smouldering fire, toasting marshmallows or enjoying a glass of something a little bit stronger. There are plenty of ready made fire pit options on the market but an inbuilt DIY fire pit adds a little extra something.
It could be said that the fire pit is the new water feature. A functional landscaping feature that transforms your outdoor area into a cosy and inviting space – perfect for those winter evenings. “The ambience a fire pit brings is worth the investment alone, providing an enjoyable feature for the backyard and a natural gathering spot for socialising and entertaining,” explains landscape expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador, Jason Hodges.
Here’s how to create your very own DIY fire pit in a weekend.
Build your own DIY fire pit
Materials required:
AB® Courtyard York Blocks x 56
AB® Courtyard Caps x 28
Tube of Masonry Adhesive x 2
Metal Fire Ring (opt) x 1
20kg Bags of Crushed Rock x 10
20kg Bags of Decorative Rock (optional) x 6
How to:
1. Excavation – After you determine the location of your fire pit, you will need to excavate the area. Lay the first course of Adbri AB® Courtyard York blocks so you can mark the location of where the blocks will be. Remove the blocks and dig a level trench 75mm deep and 178mm wide or excavate the full circle.
2. Creating The Foundation – Fill the trench with a weak mix of sand and cement, about 6:1 (6 parts sand and 1 part cement). Take your time to ensure the foundation is level. Place 4 x AB® Courtyard blocks at the cross points of the circle and use a straight 2×4 and a level to check the entire trench is level. Make adjustments by adding or removing the sand and cement screed.
3. Laying The First Course – Place the base course of blocks on the foundation pad, check the levelling each time a few blocks are laid to ensure that they are all level from front to back and side to side before placing the next block. This will ensure a level base course.
4. Second Course – Stack the next course of blocks, making adjustments as necessary. Once installed, remove sod/vegetation from the centre of the fire pit area. Lay approx. 6 x 23 kg bags of clean rock within the circle to cover the bottom of the fire pit. Then using a shovel, rake smooth.
5. Finish With Wall Caps – Place AB® Courtyard Caps on top of the fire pit, securing them with a tube of masonry adhesive.
6. Finishing Touches – Install decorative rock to line the interior of the pit. Place a steel bowl or metal fire ring in the centre to contain the flames and get the marshmallows ready.
Renovating your backyard doesn’t have to break the bank. Whether your lawn needs a refresh or a paved area is looking old and tired, there are budget-friendly ways to update the look and feel of your outdoor space with DIY and smart design choices.
According to the 2017 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard Survey, more than 30 per cent of Australian homeowners are planning to improve their outdoor area within the next 12 months. Here, landscape expert and Adbri Masonry Ambassador Jason Hodges, gives some quick and easy tips for spicing up your backyard.
1. Enhance the look of the lawn
Replacing old or damaged turf is a great way to enhance the look of your backyard. Healthy turf will bring a bright, fresh appearance to your outdoor space and this simple project gives a great finishing touch. Aerate the lawn with a garden fork and remove any debris. Fertilise if required and sprinkle grass seeds over any bare spots. For a cleaner, well defined finish, separate the lawn from the garden bed using a neat edger like Adbri’s Lawn Edge – lay it either way up to suit your desired edge height.
2. Update your paved areas
Paving is the perfect way to freshen up the backyard and create a low maintenance, multi-function area that can be appreciated by the whole family and enjoyed day and night. Whether you’re looking to create a feature zone for dining or entertaining, building a garden path or completing a poolside area, pavers are a clever and effective way to make the best use of any space. For time-poor home owners looking for practical ways to bring the family together while showcasing their personal style, go with a large format paver in a lighter colour like Adbri’s Quadro® pavers, to create the illusion of increased space. If you’re looking to transform existing paved areas, try pressure cleaning. Not only is it a quick and easy way to improve its appearance, but you may also remove any oil or moss and restore the slip resistance of the surface.
3. Side yard pathway
There is a shady side to every house. These areas normally receive very little sunlight and can be prone to dampness. This can inhibit grass from growing and means that the area can turn into a mud pit every time it rains. A feature stepping stone path is not just aesthetically appealing, but it activates a generally unused space and ensures that muddy floors are a thing of the past. For an added ‘wow’ factor, lay the pavers offset in a stretcher bond pattern and fill the voids with decorative stones or greenery. Large format pavers are recommended to achieve the designer look.
Backyard need more of a professional makeover? Enter Australia’s worst backyard competition.
Adbri Masonry is giving away a premium backyard transformation designed by celebrity landscaper, Jason Hodges. Whether you long for a better space to entertain your family and friends, or are have a backyard that is old and tired and in much need of a refresh, Adbri want to hear about it. One lucky winner will receive a backyard makeover valued at $15,000.
