Table of contents for Issue#15.3 2017 in Backyard and Outdoor Living

Like many metropolitan cities around the world, Sydney is facing the challenges of an increasing population. Rising property prices mean a substantial number of people can’t afford to buy houses and so for many, apartment living is the norm — not just for single people and couples, but families as well. This is unfortunate for those who have always dreamed of having a backyard to call their own, but it’s not all doom and gloom. It’s still very possible to create a flourishing garden on your balcony, but there is another way to satisfy your green thumb if you live in an apartment. An increasing number of communities around Sydney are turning patches of vacant land into community gardens where residents can grow their own produce. In Designer Gardens this…

Karel Vine and Anne-Louise Dampney share a passion for gardening but come from quite different life perspectives. Karel is an experienced counsellor, registered psychologist and clinical hypnotherapist. She started the garden in 1992 and recalls, “In the beginning there was only clay, weeds and building rubble.” Anne-Louise has been an enthusiastic gardener since she was a child and has always had a passion for nature, art and design. She has a very practical approach to finding creative solutions to difficult problems and has a keen eye for the unusual, whether it’s quirky plants or unique artworks. With an excellent working knowledge of horticulture, landscaping and garden design, she runs her own business, InsideOut. Anne-Louise started working in the garden, Krackatinni, in 2005 and the rest, as they say, is history.…

We know the benefits of a beautiful garden for our homes, but what about at work? An increasing number of companies are going that extra mile by supplying a beautifully landscaped outdoor space for their employees to enjoy. One such example is this rooftop garden at Pentana Solutions, an automotive software company in Melbourne’s Mount Waverley. The team at Ian Barker Gardens were commissioned to design and construct a relaxing, social space for the company’s staff to utilise while at work. “This was a fantastic creative opportunity for our design team as this garden just happened to be situated on a rooftop, offering the chance to create something truly spectacular and a little quirky,” says director, Ian Barker. “The brief was to take an ugly, disused roof space and transform…

After building their dream home in Northcote, Victoria, this family wanted a backyard that matched the modern grandeur of their new abode. The homeowners’ ideal garden was a seamless indoor/outdoor living environment that was spacious and reflected the contemporary lines and modern style of their new home. The homeowners wanted a beautiful and elegant backyard but they didn’t want it to be boring; it had to be a space that had personality and a subtle pizzazz. Landscape designer Nicholas Goff and Apex Landscapes were hired to turn the homeowners’ dream into reality. “The owners wanted us to design and construct a pool and landscape that tied in with their newly built home,” says Nicholas. “They wanted a kid-friendly space that flowed from the house to create seamless indoor/ outdoor entertaining…

With an enviable climate, sunkissed beaches, lush tropical rainforests, vibrant cosmopolitan cities and a relaxed vibe, it’s no wonder Australia attracts hordes of tourists to her shores. We’re also getting pretty good at creating our own beautiful outdoor living spaces at home. From contemporary to cottage, coastal to industrial, rustic to French provincial, there’s a diverse range of styles popping up in suburban backyards across the nation. Putting a unique stamp on an outdoor space begins with defining the look and feel that you’d like to create. STYLISH OUTDOOR LIVING Gathering friends and family together at home is one of life’s simple pleasures, and it’s part of the Aussie way of life for many. Whether you like to cater for a crowd, enjoy more intimate gatherings, or just want a…

Greenhouses are designed to provide a controlled horticultural environment where you can adjust the temperature and humidity. This allows you to grow plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, and flowers and herbs with ease. The beauty of greenhouses is that whatever you grow is protected from the harsh summer sun, drenching rains, cool frosts and high winds. Within the structured environment, seedlings sprout faster and you can grow a more diverse range of plants than you might otherwise be able to in your climate zone Sproutwell Greenhouses is a family business that has enjoyed helping gardening enthusiasts and commercial growers alike to achieve their vision of an efficient and flourishing garden. Based in Victoria, it has two display locations in Geelong and Officer, though interstate customers can view its range of…

Earthlife rock mineral products create conditions that allow plants to grow as they are meant to. First, the products break up the water-repellent crust that forms on all soil types, then they open up and condition the soil. Finally, they create a pool of nutrients in the soil. As a result, less watering is required for upkeep, fewer chemicals are needed, and you no longer have to stock up on different fertilisers for different plants. Most of the advice given regarding garden health and maintenance revolves around composting, mulching and fertilising, both soluble and slow-release. Little mention is made of minerals and the important role they perform. Combined with the necessary microbes, the minerals in the soil are the foundation upon which everything else is built. If your soil has…

Do you think you have no space to grow your own food? Perhaps it’s because your yard is shady or small. Or maybe you’re in an apartment, with no yard at all. Not to worry! Growing your own mushrooms could be the perfect project to add a little home-grown goodness to your diet, no matter where you live. Mushrooms are the fruiting bodies of fungus and typically they pop up either on the soil’s surface or on the food source the fungus has been eating. Different mushrooms have different nutritional and medicinal properties, some of which even increase after harvest. Shiitake mushrooms, for example, have the unusual quality of increasing greatly in vitamin D content when dried in the sun. Depending on the type of fungus, you can cultivate mushrooms…

The golden rule of skincare is easy: never put on your skin (including scalp) anything you would not put in your mouth. In other words, if you can’t eat it, don’t wear it. The one exception is essential oils, which are lovely for fragrance but are used in only very tiny amounts. Most commercially manufactured beauty and personal care products on the supermarket and pharmacy shelves break that rule big time. Many people think that using a substance externally means it doesn’t enter the body. That’s understandable, because there are a lot of products out there that say something like “for external use only” on the label. The thing is, many substances, both helpful and harmful, are absorbed efficiently transdermally (through the skin) and go straight into the bloodstream. In…

LOOKS AND LONGEVITY OUTDECO’s modular screens offer good looks, longevity and versatility. Screens can be adapted to any purpose: think partitions, arbours, gateways, fencing and bench boxes. Also think decorative panelling to dress up or mask a dull garden wall, or screening to conceal a shed, water tank or pool equipment. Made in Australia from compressed hardwood board, OUTDECO screens can be easily framed or finished in various ways. They can also be painted any colour you like, sealed with decking oil or left to weather naturally, so no matter what the style of your project, there’ll be a finish and pattern to suit. Pictured here is the Mahjong screen. outdeco.com LOCK AND KEY Kellock Trading’s new Geo Rok range of glass-fibre-reinforced cement pots embodies timeless design and attention to…

It all began three-and-a-half years ago with a small veggie patch and a large area of concrete. In 2005, I decided to add two ponds and a small bridge to my garden to create a more relaxing, aesthetically pleasing landscape. I later installed a water tank linked to my toilet to cut down on our water usage. Little did I know these were the first steps in a long journey toward the creation of a sustainable and productive garden. I wanted to reap more from my land. I was tired of buying tasteless supermarket produce and not being aware of where it came from or what chemicals it had been treated with. Plus, given my full-time workload, I needed and wanted to establish garden beds that did not require an…

“Inner-city sustainable is how I would sum up this garden. It is contemporary and rustic while not being too precious” In one of the hottest and driest summers in Newcastle’s history, this terrace home in Cooks Hill underwent a major transformation. When it came to redesigning the home’s courtyard, the biggest challenge was that it had to be self-sustainable. Mark Tisdell from MUD Design was employed to reimagine this small space and create a warm and wholesome spot with functional elements, including an area to wash off after the beach, hidden storage, space to entertain friends and family, and a self-watering, permaculture ecosystem that supported local wildlife. To achieve all of this in a tiny terrace courtyard wasn’t going to be easy, but together with builder Anthony Ferguson from Green…

For many of us struggling with hectic day-to-day lives, sustaining a highmaintenance garden is out of the question. While we would all love a backyard resplendent with roses and seasonal greenery, gardening doesn’t always make its way to the top of our to-do lists. The owners of this garden are no different, but that doesn’t mean they were ready to concrete over the entire space. They wanted to reinvent the backyard into something they could use every day and link it with the interiors to create space for outdoor entertaining. This meant the designers at Lifespace Landscape Design had to remove the large retaining wall at the rear that suffocated the space, making the already low, narrow, sloping site even more closed off. The designers used the vertical space and…

With backyards diminishing in size and apartment life on the increase, many people seek out a touch of green for their living spaces. With little need for lots of room, vertical gardens can offer the ideal solution. Some vertical gardens are freestanding, while others are fixed to a permanent structure such as a fence or wall. There’s a diverse range of styles, types and kits you can buy with everything you need, including integrated watering systems and drip feeders so just the right amount of moisture reaches the plant. Or you can DIY your own unique take on a vertical garden by hanging unusual pots and objects, like wooden pallets or bottles, in an outdoor space. So what can you grow in a vertical garden? Just about anything that will…

Have you ever taken a bite from an organic or homegrown vegetable and thought how different it tastes from the produce at the supermarket? There’s no doubt commercial fruit and vegetables have lost flavour and quality over the years, but you don’t have to settle for an inferior product. You can grow quality fruit and vegetables in your own backyard that simply burst with flavour without using chemical fertilisers or bug sprays Seagold is a soluble seaweed extract made from fresh seaweed (algae) such as Ascophyllum nodosum, Sargassum and Laminaria, which are rich in micronutrients and natural hormones. Put away all those chemical fertilisers with technical names that you can’t even pronounce and smell like they would be more at home in a paint factory, and take the first step…

Looking for a one-stop shop for all of your gardening needs? We might just have the solution. Enter Holman Industries, a proud Australian and family-owned business that specialises in watering, gardening and plumbing products. Its major products include retractable hose reels, GreenWall vertical gardens, tap timers, sprinklers and raised garden beds. Constantly innovating and keeping their finger on the pulse of the gardening world, Holman has recently released a tap timer operated via Bluetooth. Its new range of Bluetooth-integrated watering and gardening products keep the company ahead of the pack. Holman’s products utilise the latest technology and are manufactured for the Australian market and weather conditions. The modern and stylish product designs stand out in the crowd. The company prides itself on designing products to complement the homeowner’s garden using…

Scale, mealybug, aphids and whiteflies are closely related sap-sucking, honeydew-producing insects. Sweet, sticky honeydew oozes from these pests as they suck the juices from various plant parts. One problem for the garden is that, wherever the sugary honeydew solution lands (on leaves, fruit or stems), sooty mould can take hold. This fungus can cause unsightly, sooty-looking fruit. It does not infect plants but can interfere with photosynthesis, thus affecting plant growth and causing leaf drop. Citrus scale are small insects that suck plant sap and are the most common pest affecting Australian citrus. There are two types: • Hard (or armoured) scale: produce a hard waxy cover that protects the soft body. Some of these insects inject toxins into the tree as they feed, which causes dieback of twigs, branches…

There is nothing like making something with your own two hands, particularly when you know it will be used by you and your family for years to come. Outdoor furniture is expensive to buy, so why not make some yourself? The rustic style will look great in a garden setting so take up the challenge this weekend. For more information on the tools used in this demonstration, visit bosch-pt.com.au WHAT TO DO WHAT YOU NEED • 6 x pre-cut slabs of camphor laurel timber (2440mm long, 50mm thick, and 400mm wide) • 35 x 4in Bugle Batten screws (stainless-steel) • PKS 18 LI Bosch circular saw • Tape measure • PSM 18 LI Bosch cordless multi-sander • PSR 18 LI-2 Bosch lithium-ion cordless two-speed drill/driver • AKE 30 LI —…

PRETTY PASTELS Nothing says spring more than pretty pastel shades in soft pinks and minty greens. There are shimmering crystal glasses catching the warm spring sunshine to be filled with bubbling pink lemonade, delicious delicate pastries and treats laid out on a soft linen tablecloth to be nibbled and enjoyed. This spring, the picnic is under a leafy tree adorned with sculpted bunting. The table is decorated with cut-glass vases and bottles with a selection of spring blooms to celebrate the season. Why not have your next springtime get together under the shade of a tree, surrounded by pretty pastel things, yummy sweet treats, a beautiful view and maybe even a glass of sparkling — or two. design-3000.de CHICKEN DANCE If you’ve ever thought about keeping chickens before, spring is…

JUMP IN There’s no doubt the Australian backyard comes in all shapes and sizes, and a perfect example is this residence by Emma Mitchell Architects. Located in Anglesea, a town situated along the Great Ocean Road of Victoria, the residence, known as A Postcard Home, features two deck areas. The “plunge pool deck” is orientated to catch the lateafternoon sun and has ground access. The family use this space to get together at the end of a long day and have a few drinks before dinner. Made by Australian Plunge Pools, the pool is heated, which is essential in Victoria as the family wanted to enjoy it year-round. The north-eastfacing “morning deck” on the other side of the house sits higher to take advantage of the superb coastline views. The…

There is no doubt that in Sydney, space is a commodity, so it can be rather frustrating to see vacant or misused land. Of course, with the increasing population and property prices, there is also an increase in apartment living. This is why a growing number of communities around Sydney are trying to make the most of the space they have available. Located on the Lower North Shore of Sydney, the Kurraba Point Community Garden was built in a neglected sloping area adjacent to the reserve at Kurraba Point that overlooks beautiful Sydney Harbour. There are lots of people in the area who live in unit blocks and don’t have their own space to garden, and there are others who simply want to meet people in the local area. Therefore,…

In a country famous for its outdoor lifestyle, having a seamless transition from inside to out is an essential factor for many Australian homeowners. However, for the expert team at GOODMANORS Pool + Garden, this latest project had an extra layer of difficulty with issues concerning a small outdoor space and neighbours who are too close for comfort. “The existing site included decking and some masonry raised planters around the boundary and towards the rear,” says GOODMANORS’ Raoul van de Laak. “And it had no inviting elements or privacy from the neighbouring properties.” Both designed and built by GOODMANORS, this free-flowing outdoor area has dealt with the issue of space so well that it doesn’t even seem a factor. Rather, a brilliant layout and expert planting create an immediate sense…

Spring is the perfect time for lavender. Use of the herb dates back more than 2000 years and historically it has been used in mummification, perfumery, cooking and bathing. In fact, it’s believed the name lavender comes from the Latin word lavare, which means to wash. Because of its popularity, lavender most likely spread throughout Europe during the early years of colonisation and trading. It is now common in the Mediterranean region and grows wild in many areas. In Australia today we commonly garden with three different types of lavender: Spanish lavender, French lavender and English lavender. These common names have very little to do with where these species originate, but they are generally used Australia-wide. Spanish lavender (Lavender pedunculata) and its hybrids are tough, drought-hardy perennials that thrive on…

When it comes to garden edging, you need a product that is strong, versatile and weather resistant — and you can’t get anything that fits the bill better than steel. Greenlines Gardenware’s FormBoss range of low-maintenance steel garden edging lets you be the boss of your own garden design. Greenlines Gardenware offers a large array of easy-to-install domestic and commercialgrade steel edging solutions ranging from flush edges to 400mm-high retaining walls. You also have a choice of galvanised steel, ZAM (exclusive looking and ultra durable) or Corten steel (that boasts a weathered finish), and various gauges to ensure the edging is the appropriate strength for your project. FormBoss edging systems allow you to create curves and angles with ease and, thanks to the rounded top edge and hidden stakes and…

Explore the world of radishes (Raphanus sativus) and you’ll discover that there’s a whole lot more to this fast-growing root vegetable than the cherry-red variety with crisp white flesh most of us are familiar with. Take Black Spanish Round, for example, with its decorative black skin and pure white flesh. Radish Watermelon is another unique and tasty variety. Slice through the pinkish root and you’ll reveal a white outer ring and pink flesh. Bite into it and you’ll recognise the familiar spicy radish flavour. French Breakfast is also attractive, with finger-like red-and-white radishes, or you might like to try the aptly named White Icicle with elongated snowy-white roots and crisp flesh. But, if you like growing truly unusual things, look out for Heirloom Mix, a collection of radishes in a…

When a plant has the official seal of approval in the pharmacopoeias of 26 countries for its effectiveness in treating many ills, you can be certain it has a lot going for it. Chamomile has a long and illustrious history as a folk remedy, though mostly it’s enjoyed as a calming tea these days; in fact, it’s easily the most popular herbal tea in Western countries. With its pretty little daisy flowers, chamomile is a beautiful addition to the herb patch or, indeed, anywhere in the garden. The common types will flower most times of the year (except winter) and their leaves have a lovely apple scent. Chamomile was known in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome for its health benefits. In fact, its name, which comes from Greek via Latin…