Table of contents for Issue14.2 2016 in Backyard and Outdoor Living

In the middle of winter, many people stay indoors to keep warm and the backyard is completely abandoned but that needn’t be the case. Just as you put a doona on your bed, reach for the throw or turn on the heater to make things a little more comfortable inside, it’s well and truly time to gear up that outdoor heating as well. In many parts of Australia the weather is mild enough that there is no need to retreat to the indoors through winter anyway. The latest technology in outdoor heating means we can enjoy our outside areas in the cooler weather, making the most of our favourite space year-round. Our heating guide showcases a range of modern outdoor heating solutions that will add warmth as well as style…

Jennie and John wanted their inner-city garden to be both ornamental and productive, as well as beautiful to look at, but like many people they sought help with setting it up and ensuring it followed organic principles. In our organic garden-care business we are approached more and more often by people like this couple, who want to retain elements of their existing formal garden but also understand the importance of having edible plants and herbs. Our mission was to transform Jennie and John’s garden into an aesthetically pleasing and functional space, which included an edible makeover. In Jennie’s words, “We wanted an ornamental garden and to retain some existing elements but have vegies, fruit trees and herbs as an essential part of the greater garden scheme.” Despite the constraints of…

“Mim’s want-list was huge: a cottage-style garden, herbaceous borders, a herb garden, vegie patch, small orchard and chicken coop. She also needed a working hub where she could propagate and pot plants” I’ve visited many inspiring gardens and their remarkable creators over the years, but once in a while I walk into something truly special, even mesmerising — a space that arouses all senses. That was the case when I opened the gate to the garden belonging to Mim and Neville Burkett. I met Mim and Neville at the Australian Garden Show Sydney in 2014. I strolled into their stand after I noticed the interesting and eclectic potted specimens amassed on tables. As soon as I spoke to them I knew a friendship and garden bond were bound to happen.…

Creating a living green screen not only gives you privacy, but it can add a whole new dimension to your garden. Ahhhh… the serenity. Your home really is your little Aussie castle in the burbs. Just like the Kerrigan family in the iconic Australian movie, The Castle, we all want to enjoy our own little slice of urban paradise. But with smaller housing lots and bigger homes plonked on them, creating a sense of privacy is becoming increasingly challenging. This is where the clever use of garden screening comes to the fore. Screening can offer you privacy from prying eyes, help to shade outdoor spaces, create garden rooms, and hide unattractive necessities such as sheds. Leafy screening brings with it a natural beauty, colour, texture and life. A sweet-smelling screen…

Plants with beautiful red and purple foliage are able to provide your garden with a sensational burst of colour for most of the year, contrast amazingly with evergreen plants and give your garden a real richness. Today you are able to walk into any retail nursery and find these in abundance but, unfortunately, a lot of them are short-lived. So what are some plants that will provide your garden with copious amounts of colour and stand the test of time? Every now and then a truly revolutionary plant comes along, and Obsession™ Nandina domestica ‘Seika’ PBR is just that. As with common nandina plants, it will provide a full flush of vibrant red new growth in winter but the Obsession™ plant goes further than that. On average it will provide…

So you have your dream home but you can’t escape the feeling that something is missing. A fence not only provides security for your home but frames it visually and creates a cohesive look for your property. If you’ve ever dreamed of having a white picket fence like those in the movies, now you can without the ongoing maintenance. Polvin Fencing Systems manufactures and distributes a variety of Australian-made PVC fencing products and accessories that are designed to withstand harsh Australian conditions. As opposed to traditional materials such as timber, a Polvin PVC fence won’t rot, rust, peel, flake or splinter. With increasing concerns over chemical exposure, it’s also important to note that they are non-toxic and environmentally friendly. They are also impervious to termites and will never need a…

No baked dinner would be complete without the humble pumpkin and, with miniature and bush varieties, growing them does not have to take up masses of space in your backyard. However, if you have room, why not try growing your own pumpkins for soup, biscuits, bread, chutney, muffins or desserts such as pumpkin pie and cheesecake? They grow during the warmer months and are usually picked in autumn when the vine dies down and the stalks have turned brown. Larger pumpkins are ready to harvest if they sound hollow when tapped. Leave a stalk of at least 5cm attached when you harvest them and let them cure in the sun for one or two weeks to prevent them going mouldy. Once picked, they will store in a cool, dark place…

TIME TO REFLECT The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS) wowed industry professionals and garden enthusiasts alike in its 21st year. People flocked to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens to witness the first-class show gardens and striking floral exhibits on display during the five-day event. “Over the years the show has continued to become more accessible to a wider audience and that’s one of the best things about it. No matter who you are or what your knowledge of gardening is, you can pop along and take away lots of inspiration,” says MIFGS event manager Kathleen Rushford. Congratulations to Ian Barker Gardens for taking home a Gold Show Garden Award. The garden titled, Reflection, encouraged visitors to stop for a moment to reflect and bask in the…

Living in Bondi comes with many perks — great restaurants, a positive vibe and, of course, the famous beach. But if dodging tourists and spending time on a crowded beach doesn’t appeal to you, creating your own private oasis is the perfect plan B. Masterminded by Iconic Landscaping, this Bondi home boasts the ideal space to unwind and spend lazy summer days outside. With a body of work including a pool, entertaining/dining area, barbecue and pavilion, there’s no need to leave home for a sunny day by the water. Armed with a brief to create an area that’s family friendly, director of Iconic Landscaping Nathan Boutros says the project had two purposes — to be “family friendly, where the kids had their area and [where] the adults could have an…

Whether you’re building a complete border around your home or simply need to add a little privacy to your outdoor space, there are plenty of screening and fencing solutions for every style and purpose. As the name suggests, privacy screening is perfect for offering seclusion in smaller areas in your outdoor room and is also useful for dividing rooms within your space. Perhaps you want to offer a little privacy to an outdoor showering area or cover a structure such as an old garden shed? Many people use screening to section off their outdoor areas into rooms, which could include an entertaining area, alfresco kitchen, pool area or utilities space. Privacy screening is also useful for homes that are on a slope or surrounded by high-rise apartments where neighbours are…

“Many people use screening to section off their outdoor areas into rooms, which could include an entertaining area, alfresco kitchen, pool area or utilities space” ECO CHOICE Recycled timber cladding and screening was used in the Hunters Hill Textural House from Grand Designs Australia series four. Made from salvaged spotted gum, this screening adds warmth and an element of privacy without obstructing views to the garden.…

The appearance of your deck is important but with Australian weather so unpredictable and, at times, extreme, it’s just as important to ensure that your decking solution is as durable as it is stylish. From the unforgiving sun to flash flooding, Aussie weather can have a detrimental effect on building materials. While timber has traditionally been the go-to for builders, over time it is prone to warping, splitting and deteriorating due to wild weather and constant temperature changes. If you have been looking to build a new deck or want to renovate an existing one, Futurewood’s CleverDeck may be just what you’re looking for. No one wants to spend their spare time maintaining their homes but there are also the ongoing costs of maintenance to consider. For families, in particular,…

The Earth Summit in 1992 revealed something concerning about the quality of soil around the world. In Australia, soils were at least 50 per cent mineral-depleted. This means that the fruit and vegetables grown in Australian soils contain much less of the essential vitamins and minerals than they did years ago. Many people who grow their own edibles do so to obtain fresh produce that is superior to those available at the supermarket. They seek food with better flavour, fewer chemicals and often, a higher nutrient content. It’s not only about edibles, though. An avid gardener will know the importance of quality soil to the appearance, health and yield of ornamental plants. So how can the home gardener ensure that they are doing the best for their plants? This is…

The accepted wisdom these days is that people of the developed world are far and away better fed than we’ve ever been. But is it as simple as abundant food = well fed? Even leaving aside all the unhealthy modern foods such as fast food, processed foods etc and focusing only on so-called fresh food, the answer to the question is ... not necessarily. According to the Real Food Campaign, now known as the Bionutrient Food Association, “The nutrient content of commercially produced fruits and vegetables has been dropping since records were first taken ... You would need to eat five apples today just to get the same nutrients from eating one apple in 1965.” That’s certainly food for thought. Organisations like this one say that, instead of the perfect-looking…

ECO CHIC This round dining setting is part of the EE-I-EE-I-O collection from Think Outside. Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, the dining settings are made from recycled 44-gallon drums. Each setting has its own unique character as well as being environmentally responsible and beautifully handmade, the way only Think Outside knows how. Designed by Aaron Jackson, a leader in the decorating field, EE-I-EEI-O is an eclectic collection of furniture and sculpture that captures the imagination of young and old. This year, Think Outside charmed judges and viewers alike on the top rating television program The Block. If you are looking for a fun, good quality statement piece for your garden, this is for you. thinkoutside.biz NOW SCREENING House of Bamboo® specialises in outdoor products made from renewable materials, such…

With an outlook over Julian Rocks jutting out of the foaming Pacific, this Wategos Beach garden in NSW is a haven by the sea. The garden is part of the Wing House, as it’s known, and was designed by architect Peter Stutchbury. The palatial home is tucked into the rear of the sheer block, with the Byron Bay Lighthouse Reserve as its backdrop. The dramatic wing-like 27.5-metre span roof is an architectural feat and allows warm natural light to filter throughout the home, which is constructed from steel, timber, concrete and glass. With the house positioned to the rear of the steep block, designer Matthew Cantwell from Secret Gardens worked with the natural landscape to subtly blend and layer additional plantings. “The slope is steep and the house is positioned…

Imagine heading out to the backyard and retreating to your garden studio — a peaceful home office, hobby room or man cave away from the rest of the house and family. When guests stay, rather than having them squeeze into an already crowded house, they could enjoy their own private accommodation in your garden. “The possibilities for your backyard room are endless,” says Tony Atkinson, director of InOutside. “With space to escape from everyday stress, our fully functioning, highly efficient work or lifestyle studios offer a secure, warm winter haven or a cool summer retreat. I like to call them office studios, as they are not restricted to one area alone. They are for a range of uses: home office, teenage retreats and craft/art studios.” Tony has seen the popularity…

AN ALTERNATIVE Vertical gardens and fences made from plants are right on-trend, however they are not always appropriate for dry climates or drought-stricken areas. A realistic-looking alternative, ReadyLeaf green screens, walls and hedges are made from UV-stabilised, recycled polyethylene. This recyclable material is chemical-free and has been tested for heavy metals such as cadmium and lead. As they don’t require water, these products are maintenance-free and retain their appearance over time. greenscreens.co.nz…

Have you ever wondered where new plant varieties come from? More often than not, new plant releases that you find at a nursery or garden centre have been imported from overseas. Often they are from countries that have completely different climatic conditions to what we experience here in Australia. The Paradise brand is renowned for developing and promoting outstanding varieties that are bred and grown in Australia to suit our unique and often challenging conditions. From the thousands of hand pollinations that occur every year at Paradise Plants’ trial gardens, only the very best plants are selected and offered for sale. Located on the beautiful Central Coast of NSW, Paradise Plants’ trial gardens offer the perfect environment for breeding and testing plant varieties. Heat tolerance, survival under humid conditions, drought…

Purely functional and sometimes even ugly, there’s not much to be said about the common downpipe. Luckily there is a solution that is not only practical but will add beauty and charm to your space as well. Used in Japan for hundreds of years Kusari-doi, or rain chains as they are commonly known in Australia, are an attractive alternative to the traditional downpipe. They can transform a downpipe into a visual delight and be added to any part of a gutter. Rain chains are typically a collection of metal cups with holes at the bottom that are chained together. Rainwater from the roof is dispersed from the gutter downward through the rain chain. CREATE A FEATURE While they are primarily decorative, they still effectively serve the purpose of channelling water…

There are many variations of the compost “bin”. We have always used the three-bin system, which we like for several reasons: • Ease of use. • Contained and controlled. • Tidiness. • A good project for the home handyman to enjoy If possible, we try to build ours out of available materials but, unless you’re a compulsive hoarder, it’s highly likely that some items will need to be bought — or scrounged. You will need: • Eight posts, hardwood or H4 ACQ-treated pine (which is arsenic-free) at least 1.5 metres long. • Sides and back: corrugated iron, timber boards or panels, compressed cement sheeting etc. These need to be solid as they will get battered by shovels and garden forks. Additionally, the organisms of the compost heap will happily include…

If you want to net a crop for just a few weeks or months, an effective enclosure can be created in quite a short time. It will keep out birds and rodents but deterring possums may need extra work. Once you've created it, the netted enclosure is quite easy to dismantle and you can pack the pieces away for use on another crop at a later date. If netting is not left out for a long period, it will last many seasons. Keep bird netting off the ground as it can trap lizards, snakes and other creatures. Over the summer growing period, our nets move around the garden as berries, fruit and beans become tasty targets for our local birds and rodents. We’re lucky not to have possums but, from…