Table of contents for Issue #54 2021 in Backyard and Outdoor Living

SWEET PEAS I love burying my nose in a bunch of sweet peas. Their sweet fragrance is intoxicating. Whether you cover an entire fence with tall sweet peas, grow them up a tepee or fill a window box or hanging basket with dwarf varieties, they’re the perfect way to welcome spring. Sweet peas are easy to grow from seed, which should be sown in mid-late autumn. Put a note in your gardening diary for next year! The key to a long and fabulous spring sweet pea display is feeding every one to two weeks with a high-potassium fertiliser such as Yates Thrive Roses & Flowers, regularly removing spent flowers and controlling powdery mildew, a disease that appears like a dusting of white powder over the leaves. WISTERIA If you have…

It will hardly come as a revelation that we Aussies love spending time outdoors, especially in our at-home alfresco spaces. For some that will mean a family-sized backyard, but for many others the reality is more likely to be a courtyard at the rear of a townhouse or a balcony flowing from the living area of an apartment. With high-rise outdoor living and gardening in mind, many new apartment buildings are being designed with better-oriented balconies and built-in shading or privacy screening. While there are some exceptions, apartment balconies and terraces tend to be of modest size, so you need to make the most of the space you have and ensure your “garden in the sky” is as inviting as possible. Space, or the lack of it, isn’t the only…

01 TIKA LANTERN BY VINCENT SHEPPARD From security to accent lighting, spotlights to statement illumination, it ’s often tricky knowing what combination will be right for y our space. One option that will work in almost any setting is the solar -powered Tika lantern. A vailable at Cotswold InOut F urniture, the hand-wo ven synthetic r attan shell cr eates stunning shadow play by casting diff used light into the space surrounding it . Perfect for pool ar eas, patios and practically ev ery other outdoor spot , Tika is your ticket to a glowing backy ard. cotswoldfurnitur e.com.au 02 FIL DE FER AND UOMO DELLA LUCE Statement outdoor lighting can elevate the mood of your alfresco space and create interesting vistas, such as these twinkling bulbous emitters of illumination.…

For many families who juggle the demands of a busy lifestyle, it’s important to create go-to spaces at home where family members can refresh and recharge. Oliver Sizeland, founder and managing director of Growing Rooms Landscapes, says in this project, the owners wanted to create a comfortable area in which to entertain family and friends. It’s a beautiful contemporary space that the family can enjoy no matter what the season. “The Growing Rooms team used a collection of natural finishes, curves and garden beds filled with a lush planting palette all covered with an operable louvre system to allow for the change of seasons and establish a peaceful atmosphere,” says Oliver. The outdoor space is warm and inviting, a sublime retreat to escape life’s stresses and find relaxation. It’s located…

The Pool Haus at Port Hacking is picture perfect. Designed by Vos Brothers, this was a DIY build by interior designer Shannon Vos. Featuring a bespoke underwater mural, the pool is like a piece of modern art, with everything around it chosen to complement its hero status. Low maintenance, eco-friendly and Australian supporting materials and elements were all vital components in the construction of this bustling family pool area. Of utmost importance was the selection of materials that would not involve arduous upkeep and constant cleaning. This is where Trex composite decking came in. “I didn’t want to spend weekends sanding or oiling a timber deck,” explains Shannon. “The fact that each Trex board is made of 95 per cent recycled content — including reclaimed saw wood and recycled plastic…

Designed for Australian conditions, DecoDeck combines the natural beauty of timber decking with the strength and durability of aluminium. A first in aluminium decking systems, DecoDeck replicates the form, feel and appearance of natural timber decking with the marine-grade Super Durable DecoWood wood-grain finish, which is robust enough to withstand coastal environments. As any self-respecting deck owner will tell you, low-maintenance options are king. Requiring no sanding, painting or staining, DecoDeck promises to give you a whole lot of enjoyment while asking for very little in return. The termite-proof boards resist twisting, warping, rotting and splintering, and are available in narrow (94mm width and 25mm height) or wide (134mm width and 25mm height) profiles. DecoDeck boards and extruded accessories are manufactured in 6.5m lengths, however, due to the process of…

STABLES RIERA OJEDA, VICTOR DEUPI RIZZOLI | $110 A richly illustrated and elegant volume showcasing beautifully designed stables by contemporary architects and designers the world over. From a ranch in the US and a Finnish farmstead to a Spanish hacienda and Australian outback home, Stables is a celebration of horses and their extraordinary lodgings. International in scope, ranging from traditional to contemporary in flavour, these stables — built of timber, metal and stone — are examples of the finest taste in design. The book also explores indoor and outdoor arenas, paddocks and gardens. CONTEMPORARY GARDENS OF THE HAMPTONS CHRISTOPHER LAGUARDIA MONACELLI PRESS | $79.99 Presenting the work of Laguardia Design Group (LDG), a highly regarded landscape architecture firm specialising in contemporary residential design in the Hamptons, this monograph is not…

The best gardens — those that have enduring appeal and look as if they were meant to be — sit in harmony with the environment that surrounds them. They have a sense of place and look as if they evolved naturally rather than being contrived by man (or woman). Plants that are naturally adapted to the climate and location will not only thrive, they’ll give a garden a real feeling of belonging, and this is where native or indigenous plants step in. Australia has an incredibly rich palette of native plants from which to draw, making it much easier than many people realise to create a variety of garden styles. A native garden does not have to be a bushland-style garden; it could be tropical or coastal, modern or formal,…

This garden project holistically encompasses good design and is a mix of both traditional and contemporary styles. Daniel Rawson, design manager at Ian Barker Gardens, says the homeowners wanted to create a garden that paid homage to the home’s history. “Our clients wanted the garden’s structure to hark back to a period when the property was initially established,” he says. The gardens, designed by Daniel Rawson and constructed by Greener Visions, were designed for an active older couple who love to garden, and also their visiting grandchildren. They are a stunning example of how traditional and contemporary style can work in harmony. The front garden exudes a formal and structured aspect that is modest by design so as not to overshadow intricate details on the front façade. “Much consideration was…

01: HONEY, I BLEW UP THE SWAN First designed as a limited-edition sculptural piece cast in heavy polyurethane resin, the David Shrigley Swan has been blown up. The “Ridiculous Inflatable Swan-Thing” is arguably an ugly duckling, devoid of the graceful curves a natural swan possesses. However, it is this quirky twist on the “cutesy” pool inflatables trend that makes it so refreshing. The swan’s hand-drawn blank expression and erect white neck are hard to look away from. A pool-ready piece of art that will start conversations and keep users afloat, this charismatic character deserves an invitation to your next pool party. thirddrawerdown.com 02: GEOMETRIC DINING Degustations by the pool are heartily encouraged around the Rafael dining table. Comprising a statuary marble or enameled lava stone top above a teak frame,…

The past 18 months have seen an explosion in the demand for low-maintenance, functional outdoor spaces that can accommodate the needs of families who are spending more time at home. When creating these new spaces it is important to select the right treatments and protective products to ensure your investment continues to look great years into the future. As a leading formulator and manufacturer of specialty coatings, ICP Group Australasia has a range of products suitable for many applications in both the commercial and residential sectors. With a portfolio of international brands including well-known labels such as California Sports Surfaces, Rebound Ace and Plexipave for hard and cushioned sports surfaces, there’s something for almost any application. STAIN-PROOFTM stone and masonry sealants and cleaners are also part of the ICP stable…

Hero plants in the garden will enhance a property just as a great artwork or statement furniture will boost your interiors. Incorporate a main signature plant into a garden design for maximum impact. A hero plant is the one that draws the eye and captures your attention, whether it’s in a front yard, backyard, a courtyard or on a balcony. It centres your garden design and adds scale and interest. You should always consider the size of your space and how your chosen plant will fill it when fully grown. How you intend planting your hero plant — whether it’s in a large pot on a balcony or in a garden bed in a yard with under-planting — should also help determine what you choose. While there are myriad considerations…

01: COMO COMEBACK Como Reimagined is the revitalisation of an iconic Melbourne heritage site. Australia’s preeminent garden designer, Paul Bangay, has been commissioned by the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) to revitalise the stunning garden of Melbourne’s most glamorous stately home, Como House. Situated in the heart of South Yarra, Como House is in the midst of significant restoration and conservation works to preserve its structures and garden so that future generations can enjoy the estate’s beauty. Established in 1876, Como House boasts more than two hectares of lush gardens originally designed by William Sangster in 1855, and further updated by Ellis Stones in 1965. Simon Ambrose, CEO of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), says he is delighted to see the revitalisation of such a significant heritage site. “Como…

Modern Hamptons gardens are reminiscent of English country style, subtly imbued with a little French flavour. It’s a style that ultimately embraces symmetry and order, but there’s also a softer side, with striking elements drawn from nature. Designer Jessica Derrick, from Style n’ Simplicity Landscapes, describes this modern Hamptons offering as lush and green with a relaxed tranquil feel. “Being surrounded by so much greenery provides a sense of calm for this Portsea beach house,” she says. Jessica has created a soothing oasis that can be enjoyed both indoors and out. “When inside the house looking out, you really feel connected to the garden,” she says. The gardens aren’t just about straight lines. Jessica has introduced some curves that change the ambience of the space. “The view out the back…

01: STONE THE CROWS Caesarstone’s Outdoor Collection takes the luxury and durability the brand is famous for and applies it to outdoor entertaining with three beautiful new UV-resistant quartz surface designs. Designed and tested by Caesarstone’s research and development team, the collection melds all the enduring qualities of Caesarstone with the latest in weather- and UV-resistant technology. Outperforming other common outdoor materials in standardised testing, the collection brings beauty, strength and durability to outdoor kitchens and contemporary backyards. Inspired by the tactile nature of polished concrete, these covetable new designs have a lightly textured concrete finish. It’s a captivating embodiment of nature and industrial design. caesarstone.com.au/outdoor-collection-by-caesarstone 02: COCKTAILS WITH FRONDS Need a pick-me-up? Send yourself (or a special friend) a Cocktails With Fronds gift pack. It’s packed with a pot…

The geniuses at NASA’s Journal of Applied Physiology claim that “rebounding” exercise is up to 68 per cent more efficient than jogging. If it’s good enough for astronauts, it’s good enough for us! And turns out, it’s good enough for Oz Trampolines, too. Specialising in high-quality, durable in-ground and above-ground products with extended warranties and the best after-sales service, the team at Oz Trampolines will look after you from the very beginning to the bouncy end. One of Oz Trampolines’ most popular models is a European in-ground trampoline designed for easy installation. Requiring minimal excavation and boasting significantly reduced installation costs, these trampolines are built with 22cm German steel springs that guarantee excellent bounce and maximum safety while remaining whisper-quiet. “Our in-ground trampolines are growing in popularity among homeowners looking…

The team at Shaderunner® Australia are currently experiencing their busiest year to date, and with distributors in every state, the Shaderunner® Retractable Shade System is fast becoming the market leader in retractable shading throughout Australia. Proudly Australian-made, this increasingly popular retractable shading system is custom-made to exacting standards and precision manufacturing to suit the individual setting, ensuring a perfect fit and years of dependable shading on demand. The Shaderunner® is easily extended using the simple endless cord system to position the fabric as required, and while the majority of systems are ordered with manual operation, they are also available with Somfy remote-controlled operation for the ultimate convenience. Constructed using only the most durable marine-grade yacht fittings and Ronstan ball bearing pulleys, the Shaderunner® Retractable Shade System ensures years of trouble-free…