Table of contents for Issue#16.2 2018 in Backyard and Outdoor Living

“When they discovered the northwest of Tasmania they realised it was a place where you could grow practically anything. They loved the mild climate and rich red soil” It was a cold, blustery day when I visited the Damen family at their small organic farm in Tasmania’s northwest. Lauran Damen quickly ushered me into the large old country kitchen where it was warm, comfortable and pleasantly fragrant with home baking. As I settled at the wooden kitchen table, Henriette appeared with offers of tea and home-baked quinoa and apricot muffins. Lauran and Henriette’s eldest son, Peter, who had been working in the paddocks, joined us. The 23-year-old has completed an agriculture degree at the University of Tasmania in Hobart and now works full-time on the farm. “He’s in charge of…

Gardens, whatever their size, are a luxury in the city. Take Drummoyne, a harbourside peninsula just 6km west of the Sydney CBD. Like its affluent neighbours, Balmain and Rozelle, Drummoyne has undergone gentrification over the years with many of its fine old homes replaced by waterfront apartments and modern townhouses. Local residents Cate and Carlos Valpiani have always known the value of a garden. They had no intention of filling their 9m×11m backyard with lawn and concrete — every inch is overflowing with foliage and bright, blossoming edibles growing at various levels, from planter boxes and raised beds to hanging pots and green walls. They’ve also made room for three worm farms, two compost bins and a 4000-litre water tank. Little wonder then that this is the second consecutive year…

A modern home needs an equally modern garden — or does it? The owners of this architectural masterpiece in Toorak, Melbourne, were looking for a garden with a lush and diverse planting palette to soften, yet complement, the strong structural lines and off-form concrete of their expansive home. When designing their dream outdoor space, the owners and their architects wanted to create “a poetic garden of structured chaos”. They hired landscape architects T.C.L (Taylor Cullity Lethlean) to achieve this design feat. “That notion was really wonderful,” says Lisa Howard, director of T.C.L. “We were excited to explore what that meant from an elemental design perspective, and also from a species selection perspective.” As the outside space was surrounded by neighbouring tennis courts, privacy for the family, both inside the home…

“You don’t have to splurge on expensive play equipment to turn your backyard into an adventure wonderland for your children” You don’t have to splurge on expensive play equipment to turn your backyard into an adventure wonderland for your children. You can stimulate their imagination, encourage learning and generally get them to spend time outside in myriad ways, from using a felled tree trunk as a climbing frame to building a simple sandpit in a shady corner of the garden. First, make the most of what nature has given you and any existing elements you can convert into child-friendly features. If you have established trees with low branches, attach a swing or rope ladder. If you’re handy with a hammer and the tree lends itself to the proposition, you might…

The major drawcard of a home greenhouse is the control it gives you. Any plants you grow in your garden have to be able to handle the prevailing conditions — the daily temperature fluctuations, the available light, the changes in season, the amount of rainfall — or lack thereof. In a greenhouse, you get to control temperature, light, water and humidity, enabling you, among other things, to grow plants you might not otherwise be able to. A greenhouse can be used for many purposes. It can be a place to store tender plants during the chilly winter months, or you can use it to raise seedlings and propagate plants. You can grow edible and flowering plants out of season, enjoying freshly picked produce or blooms at a time of year…

Australian summers can be extreme. Some gardens remain hot and dry while others are inundated with rain. Whatever conditions summer deals out, we all crave some simple solutions to help grow fantastic, healthy gardens and lawns and, best of all, minimise the effects adverse weather conditions have on our backyard. Earthlife, a company based in Toowoomba, Queensland, has developed a range of products that combine the action of first breaking the water-repellent crust that forms on all soil types, then effectively conditioning that soil while creating a pool of nutrients for plants to access. Earthlife microbial rock mineral products create a landscape that allows a light amount of rain to penetrate or excess rain to drain, giving plants the opportunity to utilise water more efficiently. Most of the advice regarding…

Timber provides a way to enhance any home or garden; also any commercial or retail property. Hardwood timber can be used to create comfortable, attractive and flexible features ranging from internal flooring to outside decking and beams. When renovating a home, you eventually come to that pivotal point in the design process when you have to choose your flooring and decking. Enter Abbey Timber. Trading since 1976, Abbey Timber is a family-owned Australian business with more than 40 years’ industry experience. The company specialises in the supply of timber products and building materials, including timbers for decking and flooring. With the largest range of decking timber available on the east coast, Abbey Timer offers more than 25 different types of timber in several sizes and grades, so you’re certainly spoilt…

I always say that healthy soil equals healthy plants. But what about when things go wrong despite our best efforts? Your plants may be looking unwell, not thriving and even — heaven forbid — dying. You then look to see what pest or disease is attacking your beloved plants. Sometimes the perpetrators may not be visible — mites, for example, need to be seen through a microscope. And what if the issue is underground? There’s a multitude of pests and diseases that affect plants, but here a few that are the most commonly seen in our backyards and are tricky because none of them can be seen with the naked eye. ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES (MELOIDOGYNE SPP) Sometimes called eelworms, these microscopic worm-like creatures are not all pests. There are some 20,000-plus…

We’ve all heard the old story that eating carrots can help you see in the dark. Carrots won’t give you superhero vision but they are a good source of vitamin A, which is important for eye health. Studies have shown that if your diet is deficient in vitamin A, eating carrots may help to improve night vision. Beyond their health benefits, carrots are easy to grow and deliciously crunchy. They can be used in everything from carrot and ginger soup to carrot cake. Many of you would have grown up eating long pointy orange carrots but when you explore the world of heirloom varieties, the assortment of colours and shapes gets a whole lot more exciting. Try unusual purple carrots like ‘Purple Haze’, which is packed with disease-fighting antioxidants, or…

TOP OF THE LINE To make sure your patio or backyard space is on point and ready for the good times, you’ll want to give it an upgrade. From modern and luxe to classic and rustic, the Noosa collection from GlobeWest offers chic outdoor furniture that will give your backyard the perfect lift. We’re in love with the laid-back designs with a minimalist vibe. globewest.com.au SPRUCE IT UP With winter in full swing, there is no better time to get stuck into the garden to give it a good clean-up. Enter the Victa Swift-Start 45CC 18in chainsaw. Lightweight and finished in steel and durable plastic with 1.95kW of power, this impressive tool is easy to manoeuvre in all environments. Requiring minimal maintenance, the Victa Swift-Start 45CC features an onboard tool…

OUT OF AFRICA In February, the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney officially opened the Southern African Garden, the start of transformational changes planned for the redesign of the garden. This new space includes critically endangered flora from South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho, Swaziland and Zimbabwe. The Southern African Garden makes use, of and expands on, the 1850s plantings of African cycads by the Botanic Garden's then director, Charles Moore. “The Royal Botanic Garden Sydney has an extensive collection of Southern African plants, but they were scattered over the entire landscape and never presented as a curated theme. The new Southern African Garden is an exciting addition that visitors can enjoy,” says Dr Dale Dixon, curator manager of the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney. The Botanic Garden has 33 per cent of the…

Collaborations are not, by any means, a recipe for success. Take Apple’s iTunes partnership with U2 a few years ago, for example. One of the few exceptions to this rule is in home design, where architects, landscape designers and builders regularly work together to create striking and cohesive indoor and outdoor spaces. As a rule of thumb, the best homes and gardens are those that are designed in harmony. Located in Adelaide’s eastern suburbs, the Beaumont Residence is a case in point. The landscape designers from Wax Design have created outdoor spaces that reflect the new building’s modern aesthetic, reference the leafy natural surrounds and possess undeniable wow factor. “The pool seems to both artfully fade into its environs and command attention as a statement feature” The relationship between home…

Less is definitely more when working with smaller spaces, which is why this garden, with its pared-back outdoor room and sleek swimming pool, is such a resounding success. Through the judicious use of a limited palette of materials, colours and plants, this minimalist Melbourne garden looks and feels a lot bigger than it actually is. Maximising the space was imperative, says Steve Taylor of COS Design, and one of the ways this was achieved was by modifying the property’s boundaries and turning them into features in their own right. To mask the boundary walls, Steve specified the use of stained hardwood screen boards. In the section that runs behind the outdoor room, there is an inset feature wall of natural stone while alongside the pool, the screen sits behind a…

We all love outdoor living. There’s something very relaxing about spending time in the backyard. But even for diehard nature lovers, outdoor decorating can sometimes be challenging. And let’s face it, for many of us, our yards could benefit from some TLC. If you’ve been thinking about adding space to your home but an extension would be too costly and take up too much garden space, Sproutwell’s Entertainer range of products could be just what you need. They will add living space while also making the most of your garden and adding value to your home, for much less than the cost of an extension. Sproutwell Greenhouses is a family business that has enjoyed helping garden enthusiasts and commercial growers bring their vision to life. “Our products have definitely diversified…

Trampolines have become increasingly popular and are frequently purchased by parents wanting to keep their children fit and occupied. However, many people are unaware of the health benefits a trampoline offers adults, too. If you’ve ever passed on a trampoline workout because you thought it looked too enjoyable to be beneficial, think again. Trampoline exercises are simple and painless, offering a host of health and fitness benefits. What can we say? It really works! Enter Oz Trampolines. Founded in 2007, the Australian-owned and family-operated business specialises in high-quality trampolines and trampoline replacement parts, with free delivery Australia-wide. The Oz Trampolines brand was born from the frustrations of Ann-Marie and Richard Haby, who were unable to find good-quality trampoline parts that not only looked great, but could withstand the harsh Australian…

“Individual circumstances will determine the level of aggression, but owners of new birds can anticipate some henhouse unrest for the first few days and even weeks” New chooks! So exciting. But long-term inhabitants of the henhouse are never as welcoming as the happy owner. Fowls, waterfowl, guineas, turkeys and especially quail view new arrivals with suspicion and go through a period of hostility and bullying before accepting the outsiders. Could this be an exaggeration? Individual circumstances will determine the level of aggression, but owners of new birds can anticipate some henhouse unrest for the first few days and even weeks. PECK ORDER Poultry keepers quickly learn there is a rigid social hierarchy in flocks, whether numbers are three birds or more than 30. There is always a dominant female and…

SEASIDE SANCTUARY The outer Melbourne suburb of Edithvale is known for its pristine beach, so it’s hardly very surprising that seaside building lots are highly prized. When Jarchitecture was engaged to design a pair of beachfront townhouses, maximising the connection to the sea and creating inviting outdoor living spaces was key. A firepit zone was created in the rear garden of this townhouse, a fence providing protection from the salty wind yet not completely blocking the view of the foreshore scrub. A Corten-steel firepit rests in a bed of pebbles, the blending of the rust patina and earthy tones the ideal complement to the beach setting. Like the materials palette used on the exterior of the dwelling, the plants adjacent to the firepit are robust and well suited to the…

FEEL-GOOD VIBES If your backyard needs a facelift, check out this example of an outdoor oasis for some inspiration. From the get-go, the unique design of this home and garden, nestled in Gordons Bay, a secluded spot north of Sydney's Coogee Beach, is apparent. The well-designed patio provides an instant invitation to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether used for cooking, dining, relaxing, entertaining or gardening — or all of the above — this outdoor space brings together exceptional design with sublime alfresco living. We love the statement tree that provides the perfect focal point. madeleineblanchfield.com CAN IT GET ANY BETTER? Cleverly designed and extremely functional, the garden that embraces Grand Designs Australia’s North Bondi Urban Cliff house is an idyllic setting. It offers a stylishly decorated personal sanctuary surrounded by…

With their home renovations complete, the owners of this luxury residence turned their attention to the outdoors. The house has expansive windows, so it was crucial that each aspect of the garden renovation was pleasing to the eye. Landscape designer Justine Carlile has created a beautiful leafy landscape that is etched in formality, but at the same time it’s a lifestyle garden, with plenty to keep the family entertained. “The owners wanted us to integrate clean crisp lines into the hardscape where possible,” says Justine. “The family’s boys are sports enthusiasts, so a tennis court, tennis pavilion and swimming pool were essential requirements.” The manicured front garden features an oversized chessboard and it’s not just for show; there is ample seating so the family can indulge their passion for a…

While apartment living is on the rise across our cities, having access to a green space remains essential for many. Julia Treuel and Sasha Wright-Neville decided to capitalise on their apartment’s city views when they created an outdoor space — an alfresco kitchen, dining and lounge area — in just one week. “Bright-green cushions add a pop of colour to the area, which overlooks the city” The terrace is generous in size and is only steps away from the indoor kitchen. Julia and Sasha opted for a neutral colour scheme, with varying shades of grey tiles laying the foundation of the space. A complete outdoor kitchen features luxury Gaggenau appliances, which are the ultimate in sophistication. The dining space serves as a buffer between the kitchen and the lounge area,…

Trees contribute to height and structure, and add a focal point to your backyard, plus they encourage wildlife and help the environment. Trees should provide fruit, either growing in a standard way or against walls or fences, and should create shade and privacy in recreational areas of the garden. When it comes to trees, a decision made in haste can lead to a lifetime of regret. Many trees grow more beautiful generation after generation. Others have the potential to create decades of trouble, dropping messy fruit or bothersome sticks. So take your time and select the tree that offers the best combination of qualities. It’s no wonder Fleming’s Nurseries is the top choice for quality fruit and ornamental trees in Australia. Comprised of three production wholesale nurseries, Fleming’s is a…

Do it tough and do it right — that’s how the team at Tufright gets things done, with a superior and environmentally friendly range of composite decking and cladding. As well as loving the Earth, Tufright products are durable, non-slip and they're resistant to moisture and termites. In addition, there’s no need for oiling, painting or resealing and even less concern about warping, fading and chipping. What could be easier? Tufright can use either an existing or new decking frame to lay its low-maintenance composite boards which, once installed, require little more than the occasional sweep and hose-down to keep them looking fresh and new. Guaranteed not to split or crack, and with no exposed nails to trip you up or split your toes, composite boards are the hottest trend…

Australian gardeners tend to despise dandelions. They are seen as weeds to obliterate from the lawn rather than a truly clever crop that deserves respect. For kids, though, dandelions are magical — their spherical cloud of parachute seeds grants wishes or helps tell the time. And the bright yellow flowers are always there to pick or mash up into imaginary dishes for the dolls’ tea party. In Europe and North America, dandelions are grown as crops to harvest for salad greens or to concoct exotic beverages such as dandelion wine or dandelion coffee. We may need to experience a disaster that prohibits the import of coffee before truly appreciating dandelion coffee, but dandelion wine and dandelion leaves are worth a try. As dandelions are deep-rooted plants they concentrate nutrients drawn…