Table of contents for Issue 14.1 2016 in Backyard and Outdoor Living

As we head into winter, it’s important to maintain our outdoor areas so it doesn’t become a rush to get them ready when spring comes around. So how do you give your backyard the TLC that it deserves during the cooler months? Our Maintenance Guide this issue is a great place to start. Learn how to freshen outdoor furniture, care for pavers, revive timber surfaces and change your cladding in no time. Plus, put away that take-away pizza menu, as we’ve got something better in store. Nothing beats the flavour (and smell) of a delicious wood-fired pizza and the process of making it in your own backyard is just as special. We take a look at seven wood-fired and pizza ovens that are not only handy at making a gourmet…

Ashley and Jason Bartner kicked off a three-month Italian food adventure with planned cooking and produce classes on farms, nonnas and artisans to visit and secrets to be gleaned from great Michelin chefs, who were allowing them into their kitchens. In their first week, they headed to the country. The moment they pulled off the rural lane and arrived at La Tavola Marche, with its beautiful 300-year-old stone farmhouse, they knew instantly they were in for a treat. They were welcomed by the happy hosts’ beaming smiles and “buongiorno” said with such Italian-sounding accents that they almost forgot they were Americans. The couple spent their honeymoon in Italy and fell in love with the country and everything about it. “Not only was Italian food not what we expected, but tomatoes…

Tasteful, charming and easy on the eye, this enchanting modern garden in Sydney’s inner west is a pure delight. The first thing you notice when you step into the space is the sense of quiet welcoming and calm that the garden exudes. Many elements within the space are understated, warm and simplistic. It is also a very versatile garden that serves many functions — such as productive garden and entertaining area — and has plenty of lush, grassy lawn, providing a feeling of spaciousness. According to landscape designer Steve Warner from Outhouse Design, with the homeowner’s children growing up, the existing garden needed an overhaul to reflect their changing lifestyle. “It was goodbye cubby house and welcome entertaining space,” he exclaims. “This change also enabled our client who is a…

“The manicured hedging reinforces the formal style of the space and ties in with the existing garden, ensuring a consistent look” Desiring a cool and tranquil garden to inhabit during the summer months, these Balwyn, Victoria, homeowners commissioned the team at Canterbury-based landscape design company Ian Barker Gardens to redesign their rear and front gardens. “This property already had an existing formal layered planting scheme in place, which was inherited from a previous owner, so we had to make sure the new garden stayed true to this and integrated seamlessly,” says director, Ian Barker. In the rear garden, the clients were after an outdoor area that was both beautiful to look at from within the house and that would entice people to go outside. “This family love being outside in…

WESTRINGIA Grey Box TM  Westringia fruticosa ‘WES04’ PBR (white flowers from September to May), grows to 30-45cm, and Aussie BoxTM Westringia ‘WES08’ PBR (mauve flowers throughout spring/summer), grows to 70-95cm, are excellent choices for hedges, borders, containers and mass planting in coastal gardens. They are also great alternatives to exotic box plants, as they have faster establishment and low water requirements. Note: in Queensland and Northern NSW, Aussie BoxTM can grow up to 50 per cent larger in good free-draining soils, so pruning is recommended. LOMANDRA Nyalla TM  Lomandra longifolia ‘LM400’ PBR and Lomandra longifolia ‘Katrinus Deluxe’ PBR have a high tolerance for salt-laden winds. Nyalla’s foliage looks like a grass tree but it’s trunkless and has beautiful blue-grey foliage with small, yellow flowers and grows to 80-90cm. ‘Katrinus…

Australian summers are scorchers so it’s imperative we have adequate shading in our yards. Not only does this provide relief from the unforgiving heat, but it also helps us maintain a cooler temperature inside our homes. However, with more shade in our yards comes the drawback that our plants may not be getting the required sunlight they need to survive. Luckily, there are varieties available that are not only beautiful, but also thrive in the shade. Little Phil TM  Philodendron ‘PHIL01’ PBR is a newer form of Philodendron that is far more compact than other varieties and only grows to approximately 35cm high and 35cm wide. The leaves of the Little Phil plant do not elongate like other Philodendrons, meaning they fare better than others in low light levels.…

Whether you’re in need of supplies for a small garden project or a major garden overhaul, Menai Sand & Soil is the place to visit. This landscape and building supply yard is set on two acres in Lucas Heights, southwest of Sydney, and has more than 60 bins of bulk product, including a great variety of garden mulches, soils and sands that are always in stock. On average, Menai Sand & Soil sells more than 1000 tonnes of bulk products each week, so you can be assured the company has your needs covered. You can either have delivery arranged, using one of the available trucks, which can transport three to 30 tonnes, or you can have your trailer or truck loaded by one of three on-site loading machines. Menai Sand…

Mulch is not compost and compost is not mulch. There, I’ve said it. That said, compost technically can be used as a mulch, but there are a few drawbacks, such as lack of weed suppression because the compost creates a water-absorbing base for weed seeds to bed into and germinate. Another catch is that during heavy downpours it won’t really slow the rain down and there will inevitably be erosion caused by rain and wind. Compost is best applied to garden beds before your mulch of choice is spread. Then the compost can feed your plants while breaking down and adding vital organic matter to your soil, rather than be washed or blown away. THE BENEFITS OF MULCHING Mulching in the home garden is just re-creating the natural fall of…

WATER SUPPLY Keep your best friend hydrated all day long with the state-of-the-art Torus water bowl, which replenishes its water supply each time your pet takes a drink. Available in 1L or 2L varieties, each bowl has a hidden reservoir of water that automatically dispenses water without a power source or batteries. This is particularly useful on those long, hot summer days when pets need a constant supply of water. Now you can have the peace of mind that your pet will have access to fresh water, even when you’re not around. The Torus bowl is available at PETstock stores nationally. petstock.com.au WORK IT Perfect for the DIY enthusiast, the Worx WX373.2 20v brushless hammer drill is the solution to all your hand-held drilling needs. This impressive drill boasts a…

DO IT YOURSELF Renowned online furniture retailer Milan Direct has recently launched its new online DIY store, MD Finishings. As well supplying a wide range of interior items from shower heads to wallpaper, the website supplies a variety of outdoor finishings including raised garden beds, pet enclosures, fencing, solar lighting and sandpits, perfect for that backyard renovation or DIY project. Pictured is the Glowpear self-watering urban garden planter, which comes with a convenient built-in water reservoir and can be wheeled indoors at night or when the weather is a bit wild. mdfinishings.com.au VIVA MEXICO Mexican-inspired birthday parties, baby showers and weddings are fast becoming a trend. As the culture is so full of life, colour and flavour, it’s little wonder that people are using its style to create a fun…

A rare, heritage-style garden with a jewel-like presence, Wendouree is situated in the heart of Camberwell’s “Golden Mile”. My company, Tom’s Secret Garden, has managed this large-scale ornamental garden since 2009, including the implementation of a completely organic and sustainable approach that ensures all of the plants are maintained in superb health with minimal intervention outside their natural growth habits. I was recommended to the owners of the property, the Hunt family, to bring to life the environmentally sensitive planting scheme and to also develop an organic kitchen garden. Both ornamental and edible garden areas are now flourishing — so much so that the owners won the Sustainable Gardens Category Gold Award in Boroondara’s Sustainability Awards, 2011. Tom’s Secret Garden also received the Landscape Management and Maintenance Award 2011 at…

In this day and age, garden design has become more about making the most of the space you have available. “Waste not, want not” as the saying goes; there is less of a focus on having that large sprawling lawn and more on making each space useful. When a space has a purpose, you are more likely to use it and thus you can truly appreciate every inch of it. When something is appreciated, you are more likely to take care of it and so a beautiful relationship with your garden begins. Your garden can provide you with many years of joy and play host to a whole range of activities from family gatherings and parties to relaxing mornings with the paper and a cup of tea. This courtyard garden…

“Stone has an organic and timeless look which fits into most outdoor areas,” says Amber’s natural stone manager, Ryan Adams. “The natural variation in stone also gives an individual feel over time, particularly as stone develops a natural patina. Stone will generally have a non-slip finish, which makes it a practical choice for outdoor areas.” Geographic location is an important factor when choosing stone, which can be eroded by salt if not sealed properly. Stone surrounding a saltwater pool also requires specialised sealers to address erosion risk. When looking for the most ideal surface for a path, Ryan recommends multi-sized pattern stones. “Selecting a French or Roman pattern can give your path another point of interest and will also help accommodate any curves,” he advises. “When it comes to pools,…

Selecting the right outdoor lighting to suit your budget and style can often be an overwhelming process. For this reason, it is not uncommon to find that exterior lighting frequently falls by the wayside when budgeting for a landscape design. Brisbane-based designer Nick Moore says outdoor lighting is extremely important as it can add dimension to a seemingly flat and dull exterior. While architectural lighting is predominantly used along pathways or staircases, decorative lighting adds to the overall atmosphere of a space in addition to casting practical illumination. “The availability of good landscape lighting products has exploded in the last few years,” says Nick, emphasising that it “doesn’t require massive expenditure to get effective landscape lighting”. In saying that, it is essential that quality is not compromised in favour of…

Enjoying a range of different cuisines outdoors with friends and family is a great Australian pastime, and what better way to enhance this experience than with a state-of-the-art, yet affordable, outdoor kitchen? And for those who enjoy the taste of wood-fired pizza (and let’s face it, who doesn’t?), a wood-fired oven will make the perfect addition. Australia’s premier wood-fired oven specialist, The Melbourne Fire Brick Company, offers the eager home entertainer and avid cook several options, but one of the most popular is the company’s complete wood-fired oven installation service. The installation arm of the business has been steadily growing, and for good reason. Australians spend a lot of time on their decks or out in their backyards and they need to know that their new wood-fired oven not only…

If you’re considering introducing a water feature into your garden, or any decorative element for that matter, it’s important you select something that works with the existing landscape. To do this there is much to consider, including size, scale and sight lines, so you need expert advice. Water Features Direct, a Melbourne-based business, has been supplying water features Australia-wide for more than 10 years. The range is extensive and includes water walls, tower water features as well as architectural bowl and pot fountains. While integration within the overall composition of the garden is the goal, a water feature should be the hero of a garden space, drawing the eye. This is why placement is so important, as is the careful selection of materials and finishes. Water Features Direct’s products are…

Many of us already know what we need in terms of garden tools, but let’s go over the basics for those starting out. If you’re like many gardeners, you probably already have a few hand-me-downs and various bits and pieces. But, just as every good cook equips their kitchen well, the same applies to gardening. The range of tools now available is enormous, so the choice is somewhat daunting. Try to source the best you can afford. Be frugal, though, and buy only what you need. Tools need to be well constructed, durable and ergonomically designed. Good-quality tools can be quite expensive but with proper care will be around for many decades and won’t be damaged under pressure like cheaper ones. There are wooden-handled tools and more lightweight aluminium types,…

Trees are tall, handsome and spreading and most need a bit of space to reach their full splendiferous potential. Fruit trees, particularly, like a bit of room around them to spread their branches, grab sunlight and produce bountiful crops. If space is scarce, though, or a dull wall needs dressing up, espalier is the way to go. Trees can be espaliered whether they are evergreen or deciduous, but here we’ll focus on taming fruit trees and show you how to create a beautiful edible espalier. The technique of espalier is thought to have started with the Romans. During the 17th century, it was widely used in Europe to produce fruit along courtyard walls. Of course, the espaliering techniques have been used in viticulture (grape growing) for centuries. In horticultural terms,…

MEXICAN FLAVOUR Fitting hand in glove with its coastal location, this enchanting garden on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a testament to creative design and canny plant selection. Reminiscent of a Mexican adobe, this unique pizza oven is like a work of art. Under the guiding hand of designer Clive Abben of Abben Art Garden Design, the pizza oven and outdoor seating area were built by local craftsmen and the structural steel panels made by a local artist. As sustainability was a major focus of the design, the pizza oven doors were taken from an old wood-burning stove and recycled pier timbers were used to build the seating area. “The homeowners’ brief was for a relaxing getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Somewhere they could use for entertaining…

A garden can really add character to a home and can sometimes even become a local landmark or point of interest. Every once in a while, a garden comes along that is truly special; one that completely transforms a space and impresses from every vantage point; that leads visitors on a path of discovery and inspires them. Located approximately 12km east of the Melbourne CBD in the suburb of Malvern East, this project by Lisa Ellis of Lisa Ellis Gardens is a beautifully balanced fusion of contemporary and quirky styles. With a keen appreciation for art and sculpture, the clients were keen to invest in their garden to add further enjoyment to their home life. The brief was for a modern garden that would incorporate their existing sculptures — a…

“Achieving a sense of balance and proportion was integral to Mike’s design, as was the creation of engaging colour contrasts” From the front garden with its lush garden beds to the poolside deck at the rear, this home is embraced by inviting outdoor spaces that entice the eye and soothe the senses, no matter what your vantage point. Designed by Mike Cass, director at Mike Cass Creative, and built by Design-It Landscapes, the gardens have a look that is modern and fresh. They are also multifunctional and abound with all the features the family needs to make spending time outside a pleasurable experience. “As there was limited usable area, the plan was to reclaim space through terracing and retaining,” explains Mike. “We also wanted to provide for a mix of…

Coastal landscapes can be tranquil and striking — places of ethereal, wild beauty that are home to a rich diversity of plant life. Australia’s rugged coastline is also where most Australian’s choose to live; in fact, 85 per cent of us live in locations that either hug the coastline, or are within cooee of it. The plants that grow beachside are resilient and low to the ground, or naturally wind pruned. They often have small, leathery or furry leaves, to withstand salt spray, and tapered or gnarly trunks. Thanks to Mother Nature, salt, sand and high winds make designing your own coastal garden a challenge. However, Myles Baldwin, award-winning horticulturalist, landscape designer, and author of Australian Coastal Gardens, says with the right mix of elements, it is possible to design…

It's no secret that the backyard is at the mercy of all the elements, from the unforgiving summer sun to lengthy periods of rain. Here, a little bit of TLC certainly won't go astray. The following tips will keep your outdoor areas looking great for years to come. PAVING To ready outdoor areas for alfresco living, Boral recommends spring-cleaning paved areas to wash away the remnants of winter and protect pavers during summer. “Prevention is best when caring for pavers,” says Charlie Condo, national general manager of Boral Masonry. “Regular maintenance helps keep pavers in top condition and protect against damage from summer outdoor activities, such as drips and spills while barbecuing.” EXPERT TIPS TO CARE FOR PAVERS •Sweep paved areas with a stiff-bristled broom to remove leaves, dust and…

Although perhaps not critical in the short term, there are those jobs in the garden that make a big difference long term. And while we gardeners usually have the essentials covered — water, weeds, trimming etc — we’re often so busy with the here and now that we forget to step back and take stock. What follows is designed to help us do just that, to spot what is and isn’t working and how to fix it. MESSY EDGES By messy edges, we’re talking along paths or where lawns are meant to end. If you’ve noticed that too much of your time in the garden is spent sweeping garden debris off the paths or tidying the edge of the grass after mowing, then it’s time to do something to sort…

g rowing your own food can, at times, be hampered by forces beyond your control. It might be prevailing weather conditions, such as wind or frost, or marauders, such as birds or rabbits. And, of course, the pests and diseases some plants endure from time to time cause angst. Frost can cause considerable damage to crops but there are steps you can take to prevent the problem. And in the summer months, you can use similar methods to protect crops from heat, sun, wind and wildlife. Many Australian gardens, particularly those inland, experience frost. It forms when liquid water cools into solid ice crystals, usually when the weather is calm, the ground is moist and overnight temperatures fall to 0 ° C or lower. In Australia, a mild frost occurs…

There would hardly be a person in Australia who hasn’t eaten garlic in some form or another. It is an inexpensive and popular herb that is available year round. Some love it, some find it far too strong and there is the odd person who is allergic to it. It’s one of the oldest cultivated plants with reports of it being grown around 7000 years ago. It has become a major ingredient in the food of nearly all cultures and there are myriad health benefits and numerous anecdotes and claims about its powers. The plant is a monocot and is in the genus Allium, which includes onions, leeks and chives. It is in the family Alliaceae, though there is still some debate on this. Allium is the Latin word for…