Backyard Garden Design 125 [PDF]

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AUSTRALIA’S BEST-SELLING GARDEN DESIGN MAGAZINE

backyard & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS Summer sizzle Your guide to modern barbecues and grills

Best dressed

Pizza perfection

Designer furniture for discerning homeowners

Why a pizza oven is an outdoor kitchen must

Blissful bathing Outdoor areas you won’t want to leave

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EDITOR’S LETTER Editor Karen Booth Email: [email protected] Designer Doreen Milo Sub-Editor Anastasia Casey Sales Managers National Sales & Publishing Manager (NSW Sales) Emil Montibeler Mobile: 0411 424 335 Email: [email protected] Vic, WA & Tas: Pilar Danlag Mobile: 0414 468 243 Email: [email protected] SA: Sandy Shaw Mobile: 0418 806 696 Emil: [email protected] Qld: Antonia Bewley Mobile: 0418 424 410 Email: [email protected] Qld: Kizziah Fieldes Mobile: 0449 810 957 Email: [email protected] Advertising Senior Designer Martha Rubazewicz

From the editor

Advertising Production Anna Cindric Publisher Janice Williams Subscriptions & Mail Orders Phone: 1300 303 414 Cover Photo Garden design: COS Design Construction: Apex Landscapes Photography: Tim Turner

Chairman/CEO Prema Perera Publisher Janice Williams Chief Financial Officer Vicky Mahadeva Associate Publisher Emma Perera Associate Publisher Karen Day Circulation Director Mark Darton Creative Director Kate Podger Editorial Production Manager Anastasia Casey Print Production Manager Lilian Ohanessian Prepress Manager Ivan Fitz-Gerald Marketing & Acquisitions Manager Chelsea Peters Backyard & Garden Design Ideas Issue 12.5 is published by Universal Magazines, Unit 5, 6-8 Byfield Street, North Ryde NSW 2113. Phone: (02) 9805 0399, Fax: (02) 9805 0714. Melbourne office: Suite 4, Level 1, 150 Albert Road, South Melbourne, Vic 3025. Phone: (03) 9694 6444, Fax: (03) 9699 7890. Printed by Times Printers Pte Ltd, Singapore. Distributed by Network Services, Phone: (02) 9282 8777. Singapore & Malaysia Distributor: Carkit (F.E.) Pte Ltd, 1 Charlton Lane, #01-02, Singapore 539631, Phone: +65 6282 1960, Fax: +65 6382 3021, Website: www.carkitfe.com. This magazine may have some content that is advertorial or promotional in nature. This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study, research, criticism or review as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part may be reproduced by any process without written permission. Enquiries should be addressed to the publishers. The publishers believe all the information supplied in this book to be correct at the time of printing. They are not, however, in a position to make a guarantee to this effect and accept no liability in the event of any information proving inaccurate. Prices, addresses and phone numbers were, after investigation and to the best of our knowledge and belief, up to date at the time of printing, but the shifting sands of time may change them in some cases. It is not possible for the publishers to ensure that advertisements which appear in this publication comply with the Trade Practices Act, 1974. The responsibility must therefore be on the person, company or advertising agency submitting the advertisements for publication. While every endeavour has been made to ensure complete accuracy, the publishers cannot be held responsible for any errors or omissions. Environmental statement: This magazine is printed on paper produced in a mill which meets Certified Environmental Management System ISO4001 since 1995 and EMAS since 1996. Please pass on or recycle this magazine. www.universalmagazines.com.au * Recommended retail price ISSN 1448-5001 Copyright © Universal Magazines MMXIV ACN 003 026 944

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ne of the best — and most enjoyable — ways to garner some design ideas for your own outdoor project is to visit a garden show. The 2014 Australian Garden Show Sydney proved a wellspring of design inspiration with display gardens from some of this country’s most innovative and well-respected garden designers. This year, the show added two new garden categories — Balcony Gardens and City Gardens — in acknowledgement of the fact that many of us only have small outdoor spaces in which to garden or establish an alfresco living area. While gardens with outdoor living and relaxation areas remained a main theme, many of the show gardens demonstrated an increased interest in planting, proving how a garden of any size or style can be a lush and leafy space. We sent photographer Peter Brennan along to capture the most impressive display gardens and his stunning photos form the focus of our special 2014 Australian Garden Show Sydney feature, starting on page 92. Another pleasurable way to gather some design inspiration is to look at the winning gardens from the annual Landscape Design Awards, hosted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM), a respected national association of qualified landscape design and management professionals. These

awards, which encompass everything from design to plantscaping and environmental management, acknowledge the expertise of Australia’s flourishing garden design community. To see the winners of the 2014 Landscape Design Awards, turn to page 100. If you’re looking for ideas to enhance your outdoor cooking and entertaining experience, we have that covered too. In this edition of Backyard & Garden Design Ideas, we take a peek at the latest offerings in barbecues, grills and outdoor kitchens (starting on page 70) and find there is something to suit every budget, and every outdoor space, regardless of style or size. We follow this with a close-up look at pizza ovens, which are rapidly becoming a musthave inclusion for those who love to cook, eat and entertain outdoors. To find out more, turn to page 78. Enjoy!

Karen Booth Editor P.S. If you’d like the chance to win a Heatlie barbecue in time for summer, turn to page 82. All you have to do is sign up for a year’s subscription to Backyard & Garden Design Ideas and you will go in the draw to win either a Heatlie Island Gourmet Elite barbecue with a hood and cabinet or a Heatlie black powder-coated barbecue with a splashback and side tables, each valued at more than $5000!

We are a member of

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BACKYARD ESSENTIALS 70 78 84 88 92

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Contents DESIGNER GARDENS 8 14 20 26 32 36 44 50 56 62

Secret revealed Luxuriant backyard sanctuary Day and night Modern outdoor entertaining Garden symphony Well-composed garden design From the ground up Blank canvas to work of art Well connected Fun for every family member Destination living A courtyard-style makeover Seeking sanctuary A place of peace and retreat Mix and match A fusion of plants and more Old meets new Period charm, modern living Points of view A design covering all angles

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100 REGULAR SECTIONS 76 96

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98 102 104 110 130

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Summer sizzle Modern barbecues and grills Pizza perfection New way of cooking alfresco Call of nature Designer outdoor bathrooms Setting the trend The latest furniture trends Design leaders 2014 Australian Garden Show Sydney display gardens Winning ways Winners of the 2014 AILDM Landscape Design Awards

Style File Outdoor cooking accessories Design Solutions Melding function with form Designing With Plants Using herbs in garden design Off The Shelf Gardening and project books What’s In Store From hoses to designer pots Design Source Barbecues, screens and more Advertisers’ Index Stockists and contacts listing

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Interior and Exterior Inspirations...

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ecret revealed

Offering a contemporary take on traditional Palm Springs-style living, this garden is a design treat

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From the lawn to the outdoor entertaining areas, this garden was designed for all ages to enjoy.

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RIGHT The rooftop garden features clean white outdoor furniture and potted plants around the perimeter.

WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Nicholas Watt lthough this property is just a stone’s throw from one of Sydney’s most popular beaches, it sits at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac. Home to landscape designer Matthew Cantwell, Rochelle Abood and their three children, the garden provides all the peace and privacy the family needs to escape from the workaday world. Matthew and his family were not only drawn by the property’s location, they also loved the fact that every room in the house looked onto the main garden or an internal courtyard. The established trees, which provide afternoon shade in summer, were another drawcard, as was the property’s aspect, which ensures both house and garden are warmed by the winter sun. Opting for a modernist Palm Springs-inspired design, Matthew set about transforming the outdoor spaces that wrap around the house. The swimming pool, which appeals to adults and children alike, hugs one boundary wall and is a magnet for friends and family during the sultry summer months. At the end closest to the house there is an integrated spa; at the other end, which is above ground level, the pool has a wet edge with black spill-over walls. Light-grey tiles were used for the outdoor areas around the home and the pool. These reference the concrete floors inside the house, enhancing the flow between inside and outside spaces. Concrete pavers in a complementary colour were used for the stepping stone path that leads past the glass pool fencing to the set of steps that connect the upper and lower lawn terraces. A variety of relaxation spaces can be accessed when the sliding glass doors of the home’s living room are pushed back. This includes a space for dining and a serene side courtyard furnished with simple, modern white chairs set against a backdrop of pleached bamboo. In another part of the garden, there is a private deck area furnished as an outdoor lounge room, with comfy furniture and leafy potted plants. A new garage was built on the property’s boundary and a roof garden created on top of it. This is a space meant for relaxation. Family and friends can sink back into the deep seats of the lounge furniture or the comfy contours of the retro Acapulco chairs and enjoy the view of the surrounding tree canopies and potted rooftop plants. 

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OPPOSITE PAGE From the deck created on top of the garage, you can look back over the garden and the pool. ABOVE The pleached bamboo softens the look of the white garden wall and adds a sense of serenity to the space. LEFT Making excellent use of the shade, the imported Leaf swing hangs from one of the established eucalypts.

“The garden provides all the peace and privacy the family needs to escape from the workaday world” Here, the colour scheme is primarily white, accented with fresh blue scatter cushions and contrasted with the warm honey tones of the timber decking. In designing the garden, Matthew made sure to integrate two existing eucalypts, a large banksia and a kentia palm. Several new plants were introduced, including banjo figs and frangipani; also some striking architectural plants such as Nolina nelsonii. Most of the plants grow in pots, with the planters and troughs chosen to reinforce the simple modernist garden design. Not surprisingly, this is an award-winning garden. Matthew’s company, Secret Gardens, took out top honours in the 2014 Landscape Design Awards, hosted by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers & Managers (AILDM). It won Best in Category in the Residential $150,000 division plus the Allan Correy Award for Design Excellence, which is AIDM’s highest accolade. T

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ay and night

A family-friendly outdoor room and swimming pool designed for year-round entertaining

The outdoor room was designed so that it provides a pleasing view through the glass doors of the home.

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ABOVE The modern pool, built by Serenity Pools, boasts a spa clad in black tiles that create a mirror-like effect.

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ith its modern, open-plan design and high-spec finishes, the new outdoor room has made it possible for the owners of this Melbourne home to enjoy the ultimate in indooroutdoor living. The brief didn’t stop with the well-appointed outdoor room, however. Steve Taylor of COS Design was asked to design a new swimming pool and spa, a playroom, an office with an outdoor bathroom and shower, a large lawn, garden beds as well as a patio and new pathways. The owners wanted something funky, contemporary and stylish and, while the outdoor room needed to look modern, they didn’t want anything that would date. What

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Steve has given them is a cutting-edge design with clean lines and an overall look that is both elegant and timeless. The outdoor room, with its combined dining and cooking space and adjacent lounge area, is the new social hub of the home. The lounge area is oriented to face a wood-burning Jetmaster fireplace set into a feature wall clad in bluestone. To one side of the fireplace sits a recess where logs can be stored and displayed. The outdoor kitchen, with its glass-fronted bar fridges and slimline, integrated Electrolux barbecue, features a cantilevered bench that extends, in part, over the dining table. Both the table and the kitchen cabinetry are in fresh, crisp white, which is nicely contrasted by the black Volley chairs from Tait and the Breeze sofa, also from Tait, that takes pride of place in the lounge area. Providing pops of colour, there is a Tait Box pot in vivid orange, planted with Sansevieria, and orange-patterned scatter cushions on the sofa. To enhance the outdoor entertaining experience, speakers were fitted in the

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ABOVE From planting to paving, this landscape, built by Esjay Landscapes, shows great attention to detail. LEFT From the dining table, you can see past the lounge area and into the playroom with its television.

“A cutting-edge design with clean lines and an overall look that is both elegant and timeless” outdoor room and a television placed in the playroom, which can be viewed from the lounge area or when enjoying a soak in the spa. Running alongside the outdoor room and past the lawn is a series of bluestone steppers, which lead to the new pool. The interior of the pool is clad in white glass tiles while, for stark contrast, the elevated spa is tiled, both inside and out, in black, creating a mirror-like reflection pond. Adding to the well-orchestrated symphony of colours in the pool area is the white polished concrete slab and grey bluestone paving. Ensuring a coordinated look, the bluestone was used for the paving in the outdoor room and the patio that runs along the back of the home. For partial shade and to create visual interest, lasercut Ink Blot screens from Lump Sculpture Studio were incorporated into the pergola roof that covers the patio. V

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Providing a pleasing outlook during the daylight hours, the planting palette is an engaging mix that includes a border hedge of dwarf lilly pillies, mondo grass, birds of paradise and Buxus spheres. For night-time appeal, lighting was installed throughout the outdoor room, the patio and the rest of the landscape. Now the owners have the modern outdoor retreat they craved and a space that takes them effortlessly from day to night. T

ABOVE The patio is paved in large-format bluestone pavers and sits beneath a chic pergola boasting a patterned roof. TOP LEFT Wide bluestone steppers lead through the lawn, past the new outdoor room towards the swimming pool. LEFT The look is clean and contemporary, from the custom-designed kitchen to the new playroom and large pool.

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Architectural by nature

13 Waugh St Chinderah NSW p 02 6674 1516 www.dragontrees.com.au

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arden symphony

The confident blend of colours, textures and materials works to create a harmonious whole

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The design is contemporary with an Asian-inspired twist provided by the bamboo and Japanese maples.

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WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Tim Turner he warm, natural tones of the timber and the rich greens of the foliage are offset by the cool grey of the concrete table and the rust finish of the wall art and firepit. The result is a harmonious symphony of materials, colours and textures. Of modern style, this rear garden is proof positive that you can inject some industrial chic into a garden design and still have a space that is extremely welcoming. Designed by Steve Taylor of COS Design and built by Matt Seymour and the Apex Landscapes’ construction team, this multi-levelled outdoor retreat strikes just the right note whether entertaining friends or relaxing with family. Says Matt: “The main goals were to create a multi-functional outdoor entertaining area, which would include a swimming pool and alfresco dining area, turn the change in backyard levels into an asset and make the space much more private.” While this garden is replete with exemplary features, perhaps the most arresting is the floating concrete dining table and barbecue benchtop. The benchtop, into which a streamlined Electrolux teppanyaki-style barbecue has been integrated, overlaps the table, making the most of the space and referencing the various layers of the garden design. Adding to the urban styling, there are several items of décor boasting a natural rust finish. This includes the laser-cut wall panel that draws the eye to the dining area, the sculptural planters placed nearby and the shallow bowl-style, wood-burning firepit. The firepit is the focal point of the conversation area located on the next level down from the dining space. This area features a built-in timber bench topped by cheery custom-made seat cushions. The bench along with all the other timber elements were built using merbau timber. The warmth of the timber contrasts the cooler tones of V

T TOP The floating barbecue benchtop makes it possible for the cook to socialise with guests while barbecuing. ABOVE The sculptural polygonal planters feature a rust finish and are from the Boulder collection by Hive. OPPOSITE PAGE A sunken planter with a glass wall was cleverly incorporated into the design of the pool.

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“This multi-levelled outdoor retreat strikes just the right note whether entertaining friends or relaxing with family”

the custom-cut bluestone paving and pool coping. Bluestone was also used for the vertical feature panel in the wall above the pool, the raised planter box beside it, and the platform upon which the firepit stands. For privacy, a mix of vertical timber screens, rendered walls and stands of mature bamboo were employed. The planting, which also includes feature Japanese maples (one of them in a planter box located next to the pool steps), gives the garden an Asian-inspired ambience which is accented, for contrast, with cycads and succulents. As with many gardens, the clean lines and tranquil feel of the end result belies the complexities and hard graft involved in its construction. “As the property is in a flood zone, we spent a lot of time before the construction process could begin dealing with council building surveyors and engineers,” explains Matt. “Once we did get to the construction phase, we had access issues to deal with. All materials had to be brought in using wheelbarrows, and a crane was needed to bring in the bluestone pieces for the firepit area.” Clearly, the considerable effort expended was well worth it as the family now has a contemporary garden that makes entertaining a breeze. T

LEFT The garden design features a variety of seamlessly connected levels and distinctive outdoor rooms. ABOVE Matching beanbag-style outdoor chairs and an ottoman provide a comfy place to sit on the deck.

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rom the ground up

This family-friendly garden has gone from a blank canvas to a contemporary work of art

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Bifold doors fold back to create a seamless indooroutdoor connection that is ideal for entertaining.

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“Of modern, open-plan design, the garden makes optimum use of space” WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Tim Turner reating a garden from scratch is a pleasure for a landscape designer. When there is a blank canvas to paint upon and no existing structures or plantings to contend with, the designer can give full rein to their creativity. Working to a design devised by Nathan Burkett Design, Sam Collie of Esjay Landscapes was tasked with building the new garden, quite literally from the ground up. Of modern, open-plan design, the garden makes optimum use of space. This it does by introducing levels to create a sense of greater depth and dimension, building in some elements and taking full advantage of the contemporary home’s bifold doors to create a wonderful indoor-outdoor flow. To ensure this flow is as seamless as possible, timber decking was used to complement the timber flooring inside the home. Spotted gum timber, a quality Australian hardwood, was used for the outdoor dining area and the elevated deck by the swimming pool, with timber battens used to screen the storage shed. Timber-look tiles were laid on a back terrace. These give the area a softer, warmer feel, an effect enhanced by cladding one of the walls in the same tile. Attached to this wall is a sleek “floating” stainless-steel bench featuring a flush-mounted barbecue. Right by the bench sits a contemporary dining setting and on the next level down, there is a modular lounge that can double as a daybed. A second lounge area is located next to the compact, fully tiled pool. This claims pride of place atop a raised platform, which is accessed by an impressive set of steps. On the side of the pool closest to the home’s interior lounge room is another dining setting with a patio heater close by for chilly evenings. In both cosy outdoor living zones, the rendered walls and planter boxes were painted a charcoal colour. The darkness of the walls helps make them seem to recede a little into the background, making the overall space appear just a tad larger and it allows the plants to come to the fore. To complement the wall colour, bluestone paving was used for the pool surrounds. As the garden was built from scratch, it was possible to install a 20,000L underground tank to supply water for pool top-ups and garden irrigation. To make watering the plants an easy and waterwise proposition, an irrigation system with rain sensors was installed. Now the family has the easy-to-maintain garden they dreamed of. T

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ABOVE A reflection pond was built to one side of the house. It is traversed by random bluestone steppers. TOP Sophisticated bluestone paving was used for the surrounds of the tiled, solar-heated swimming pool. RIGHT Timber-look tiles add warmth to the back terrace and contrast with the stainless-steel bench.

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ell connected

Thanks to its well-considered design, this garden is now the family’s dream entertaining space

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The area around the new pool was paved in tumbled travertine and is offset by the blue pool tiles.

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ABOVE The upper-level deck was extended so it could be used for larger gatherings.

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WORDS: Georgia Harper PHOTOS: Patrick Redmond lthough the backyard accounted for roughly a quarter of the block, it was rarely used as it felt removed from the house. With three young children, the owners of this Melbourne property wanted to create an area where they could spend time with family and friends, and a swimming pool was at the top of their wish list. The existing outside entertainment options were few. On the upper level, a cramped deck off the house had

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seen better days and was not up to group entertaining. Also, the deck was almost 2m off the ground, so it was hard for the adults to keep an eye on the backyard action from inside the house. On the lower level, a cramped bricked courtyard, featuring overgrown shrubs, could only really fit a small trampoline and a chicken coop. The design brief was to get a usable swimming pool in, make the most of the outdoor areas, improve sightlines from inside the house to the backyard and create better flow between the garden and the house. As visibility was a key issue, we decided to “lift up” the pool area so that it would be seen from inside the house. To do this, we built the pool up about 600mm. The spa was elevated another 500mm so that its warm water would flow into the pool, creating a water-feature effect

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ABOVE The lounge area sits beneath a pergola made of white powder-coated laser-cut steel. BELOW The spa, which is clad in mosaic tiles, sits above the water level of the swimming pool.

“A luxurious outdoor lounge area with in-built seating was created next to the new pool” and extending the use of the outdoor area to year-round. The paved areas surrounding the pool and spa are in tumbled travertine, laid in an ashlar pattern. This pattern makes the space seem bigger than it is, and the travertine stays nice and cool underfoot. A luxurious outdoor lounge area with in-built seating was created next to the new pool, with a bar fridge to keep drinks cool and a pergola custom-made from powder-coated steel. This throws patterns across the area and looks incredible at night. As entertaining is very important to this family, we extended the deck area to be able to accommodate family and friends. Glass balustrading keeps everyone in sight and building the new deck allowed us to install a change room underneath it. Now when the kids’ friends come over for a swim, they can get changed here and leave all their stuff out of everyone’s way. T Georgia Harper is an award-winning Melbourne-based landscape designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design.

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estination living

This multi-level, multi-dimensional garden meets the needs of every member of the family

Nestled into a back corner of the garden, the vine-entwined pergola is a peaceful place where the family can relax.

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LEFT Stepping stones lead across an area of lawn, past a water bowl, to the sundeck and swimming pool. BELOW Steps lead down from the spacious elevated entertaining deck to the lower part of the rear garden.

“What started as a blank canvas finished as a vibrant multi-dimensional landscape”

WORDS: Erina Starkey PHOTOS: Peter Brennan hile it’s true a construction site of hardpacked clay and rubble would be an eyesore for most, for Mark Bell from Bell Landscapes it was a blank canvas full of exciting potential. Taking full advantage of the open space allotted for the garden, Mark decided to divide it into multiple destinations. Areas were designated for entertainment, relaxation and play so there was something for everyone: parents, children and dogs. Leading out from the home’s back door, a raised barbecue deck was created, the first of many social hubs. The burntumber timber used for the entertaining deck is a recurring design element throughout the garden, where it has been

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fashioned into paths, fences, stairs, retaining walls and benches, visually tying together the various garden spaces. A long cantilevered timber bench, which hovers over a pebbled pathway, marks the second point of rest, offering an informal place to relax and a great view of the swimming pool. A second path, of basalt concrete steppers, leads through the lawn, via a wooden decking platform, to the pool area. This deck, placed just outside the pool’s glass fence perimeter, features dramatic purple New Zealand flax in white planter boxes and a pair of sunloungers. To the right of the pool, an expansive turf area has been created for the enjoyment of the dogs and children. In the back corner of the garden, a pergola sits in comfortable seclusion beneath an overhanging gum tree; its roofless, vine-covered frame ensuring the space is naturally lit. This is an intimate space for two that has been furnished with round woven wicker chairs and a coffee table in earthy shades. A black firepit gives the space a feeling of Zen-like calm while a white ceramic water bowl adds an air of tranquillity. An uplit Buddha V

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ABOVE A pebble-filled fire bowl and an uplit Buddha statue add a feeling of Zen-like calm to the pergola area. LEFT Each garden zone, from the swimming pool and sundeck to the lawn, flows seamlessly into the next.

statue sits serenely in the garden to the side of the timber pergola, reinforcing the overall sense of serenity. To soften the garden’s various built elements, Mark put considerable thought into the planting palette. Some plants were chosen for screening, others for garden borders and yet others to define garden zones. Some were used for mass planting and visual effect. A stroll around the garden reveals cordylines, liriope, Chinese fringe flowers, magnolias and golden cane palms, among others. A range of succulents (such as agaves, flapjacks and crassula) was used for their architectural appearance and contrasting form while native violets were used in some areas as a groundcover, eliminating the need for mulching and retarding weed growth. A rainwater tank was installed for irrigation, however many of the plants are hardy enough to comfortably survive on rainwater alone. The landscape was built with great care. This includes the comprehensive lighting scheme comprised of lighting to the stairs, paths, plants and various ornamental elements. Such attention to detail, which can also be seen in the paving and decking, adds a level of sophistication that ensures a welcoming space both day and night. Thus, what started as a blank canvas finished as a vibrant multi-dimensional landscape with spaces for everyone and every occasion. T

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Be truly competitive in every price range Deliver proven quality that others try to emulate Increase the value of your investment through outstanding design Include the best as standard, without charging the earth for it Be professionally run, streamlined, ethical and risk free Truly transform your lifestyle

Others will try and say they do the same, but the proof you need to look for is in the independent awards that we consistently win across every price range, style and skill category. Year after year, these awards are public proof that we deliver on our promises, and our consistency proves our longevity. At Majestic, we know that our standard of quality should be the minimum you should expect from your hard earned money, regardless of whether you’re looking for a basic pool or something more elaborate. When that value is available with us at every price range, you just can’t afford to take the risk. Visit one of our showcase centres, or contact us to arrange a free consultation. Let us show you how we “Transform Today’s Dream into Tomorrow’s Lifestyle”.

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Whether you’re building, renovating or extending, Majestic Constructions is your one stop shop for quality and value construction, and has experience in: / / / / /

Home extensions & renovations Patios, gazebos, decks etc New project homes Commercial construction Commercial landscaping

.SPASA GOLD AWARD / UNDER $50,000

SPASA GOLD AWARD / UNDER $30,000

SPASA GOLD AWARD / OVER $130,000

`SPASA GOLD AWARD / UNDER $50,000

SPASA SILVER AWARD / UNDER $50,000

SPASA SILVER AWARD / LIGHTING FEATURE

SPASA GOLD AWARD / UNDER $30,000

SPASA GOLD / PRESIDENT’S CHOICE

HEAD OFFICE & SOUTHSIDE SHOWCASE CENTRE 38 Devlan Street, MANSFIELD QLD 4122 07 3245 2111 / PH 07 3245 3977 / FAX

LEADERS IN OZONE TECHNOLOGY, IN-FLOOR CLEANING SYSTEMS & SUSTAINABLE BACKYARDS We invest heavilly in the industry’s leading technologies, and have packaged a suite of products to provide you with Australia’s most environmentally sustainable backyards.

Majestic Pools & Landscapes Pty Ltd trading as “Majestic Constructions” .

NORTHSIDE OFFICE & SHOWCASE CENTRE Relocating to Southside Head Office (QLD) 07 3264 4803 / PH 07 3422 2775 / FAX

PURE DESIGN SERVICE We design worldwide. Call our head office to talk to the largest specialist design team in the industry.

NOW DESIGNING IN SYDNEY & MELBOURNE 02 9962 9959 / SYD 03 9483 0013 / MEL

MAJESTIC GROUP OF COMPANIES The wider Majestic Group is active in a range of industries including the general construction, outdoor leisure & technology industries, including: / Majestic Pools & Landscapes Pty Ltd / Majestic Constructions Pty Ltd / Image Pools & Landscapes Pty Ltd / Everclear Water Technologies Pty Ltd

44312 / QBSA 56 874 900 198 / ABN [email protected] / EMAIL www.majesticpools.com.au / WEB ACCREDITED

[07] 3245 2111 NORTHSIDE / [07] 3264 4803 SOUTHSIDE /

DESIGNER GARDENS

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eeking anctuary

As this award-winning garden proves, you don’t need masses of space to make a big impact

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The garden, built by Peter Yorke Landscapes, features a subtle level change and abundant planting.

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DESIGNER GARDENS

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DESIGNER GARDENS

LEFT A stone path paved in porphyry cobbles wends its way through the backyard and leads to the carport. BELOW The broad steps that link the garden levels also provide casual seating when the owner entertains. BELOW RIGHT The chosen plants provide a mix of colours and textures. They also soften the built elements.

WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Peter Brennan lthough a novice gardener, the owner of this Sydney property was keen to develop a green thumb, so having lots of plants, including edibles, was just as important as having places to unwind. Anthea Dunlop, the landscape designer who had transformed the owner’s previous property, was called in to create what she describes as “an informal sanctuary for a busy professional who is keen to do a little gardening on the weekend and grow some vegies and herbs”. “My brief was to create an inviting and usable informal

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garden,” says Anthea. “This involved making the long narrow space appear larger, screening the fences, improving the access from the existing deck to the garden and creating spaces for casual barbecues and larger gatherings for people of all ages.” Anthea put the block’s gentle slope to good use, introducing two levels linked by broad steps that can be used as informal seating. On the lower level there is an area that flows off the garden path which is perfect for relaxed entertaining. Featuring a firepit, this area has become a favourite place to gather on a winter’s night. Additional casual seating was provided in the form of a red wall that draws focus to the upper level. Guests can sit on the wall and chat as the homeowner tends the barbecue. This level, which catches the winter sun, also features a large date palm, which was retained from the V

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DESIGNER GARDENS

ABOVE Pops of bold colour are provided by the red wall, garden sculpture and the statuesque canna lilies.

“A garden needs to take you out of the fast-paced world that we live in and provide a connection to nature” original garden. The palm was close to the deck and did block part of the garden view from the house, but it was turned into an asset when a low timber retaining wall, which doubles as seating, was built around it. The porphyry paving is another feature of the new design. “This is a very hardy, dense stone that doesn’t need sealing and doesn’t show stains. Also, the colour variation in the stone is subtle and the tones warm,” explains

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Anthea. Crazy paving was used for the firepit zone and cobbles for the upper garden level, the border around the firepit area and for the garden path that provides easy access from the house to the carport. Anthea’s complementary planting palette relies on low maintenance plants with interesting textures, colour and forms. “My approach to planting in a small space is to have a variety of colours and textures without being too hectic, and to use the plants to achieve a balance between softness and structure,” she says. Top to bottom, this garden epitomises Anthea’s fundamental design philosophy. “Gardens need to be a sanctuary,” she says. “A garden needs to take you out of the fast-paced world that we live in and provide a connection to nature, somewhere to sit and relax or to entertain friends.” This is a philosophy that not only appealed to the owner of this property, but also to the judges of the 2014 Landscape Design Awards, held by the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers & Managers. For the design of this garden, Anthea won a silver award in the Residential Under $50,000 category. T

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DESIGNER GARDENS

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ix and atch

This garden is a mix of new and old materials as well as edible and ornamental plants

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DESIGNER GARDENS

The circular shape of the steel planters is mirrored in the shape of the custom-built garden seat.

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DESIGNER GARDENS

WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Peter Brennan ore and more Australians are now discovering something that our parents and grandparents always knew: there really is nothing like the taste of freshly picked, home-grown produce. A few years ago, people may have wanted a few herbs in pots but today’s garden designers are being asked to integrate edible plants into their backyard designs in increasingly clever and creative ways. Sydney designer Adam Robinson was given just such

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a task when he was called in to design this rear garden. “The owner loves to entertain and spend time in the pool, so I was asked to create a stylish garden with different enjoyment zones and a smooth, easy transition between each of them,” explains Adam. “The owner also wanted an area for growing edible plants so there would be a ready supply of fresh produce for cooking.” Adam’s design is clean and contemporary but never hard edged. By making excellent use of contrasting materials and textures, he has created interest and helped to define the various zones, which includes the productive area of the garden. And while each area is distinct, the flow between them is seamless, as is the flow from inside the house to the garden. A series of wide steppers lead from the house, past the lawn to the kitchen garden tucked into a back corner. A feature of this area is the collection of raised Corten steel planters which are home to a medley of edible plants.

DESIGNER GARDENS

LEFT The pool area was modernised by replacing the old terracotta tiles with sophisticated bluestone. BELOW Thanks to a thoughtful design, each zone within the backyard flows seamlessly into the next. BOTTOM The recycled-brick paving adds a rustic element and contrasts against the Corten planters.

“A garden that shows how ornamental and edible plants can work together” Referencing the shape of the planters, a rustic seat wraps around a feature frangipani. This seat was built using Australian hardwood timber and Corten steel. Recycled bricks were used to pave the productive garden area and recycled timber to fashion a boardwalk connecting it to the swimming pool. In contrast, bluestone was used for the stepper-style path and to replace the old terracotta paving around the pool. “Plants were used to soften the structured design,” adds Adam. “This includes the screening plants and the many flowering plants which add seasonal interest and ensure something is always in bloom.” Green Rooms Gardens and Landscapes, the company charged with building the garden, also installed an irrigation system to ensure the plants are watered in the most efficient way possible. Whether you’re sitting, standing on the back verandah or relaxing by the pool, this garden provides a visual treat. It’s also a garden that shows how ornamental and edible plants can work together, as can new and recycled materials. T

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DESIGNER GARDENS

After sundown, the lighting in the outdoor room, pool and garden beds paints a magical nightscape.

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ld meets new

This breathtaking outdoor retreat fuses traditional and contemporary design elements

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DESIGNER GARDENS

OPPOSITE The deck on the house side of the pool incorporates two space-saving lift-up back supports. ABOVE Matching sunloungers sit on one of the decks. This deck is backed by a wall with espaliered roses. RIGHT Quality Australian bluestone was used for the paving and to build the fireplace hearth and mantle.

WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Tim Turner hile owning a magnificent Federation-style home is to be envied, creating a garden that complements the architecture yet caters for the demands of modern-day outdoor living can be tricky. When the owners of this property decided the time was right to update their rear garden, and in the process, create their dream outdoor entertaining space, they looked to designer Steve Taylor of COS Design. The rear garden did have a swimming pool but it was outmoded, as were its surrounds, so both the pool and the poolside areas needed to be updated. This was to include two new sundecks and a new spa. But that was only part of the design brief. The owners yearned for a lavish outdoor room with a fireplace, fridges, an outdoor television and a state-of-the-art sound system. Although they wanted all the mod cons, the owners were clear from the outset that the design of the outdoor room had to keep faithful to the integrity of the architectural style of the home. Cleverly, Steve created a design that meshes the traditional look and feel of the old with the modern, clean undertones and technology of the new. The luxurious outdoor room is now the family’s dream space for entertaining and relaxing. They can gather on V

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chilly nights around the wood-burning fire and watch their favourite shows on the large plasma television that has been flush-mounted into the bluestone fireplace. Or on sunny days, they can grab a cool drink from the undercounter commercial bar fridges after a dip in the pool. To complement the outdoor room, a large stainlesssteel barbecue, built into well-crafted cabinetry, sits to one side of the structure. There is also L-shaped built-in timber bench seating in the barbecue area, providing somewhere to sit while enjoying a casual barbecued meal. Timber was also used for the screening behind the barbecue and for the sundecks that sit either side of the modernised pool. On one side, the deck is home to a pair of matching wicker sunlounges. The deck on the house side of the pool also makes provision for lounging about, but in a decidedly different way. This deck features two built-in panels that can be lifted up, locked into position and used as backrests. For the paving and other stonework, Steve opted for bluestone. This high-quality natural stone, which was quarried in Victoria, was custom-cut to order (from the special 80mm-thick pool coping to the fireplace hearth and mantle) with millimetre precision. To complement these meticulously cut pieces, the raised garden bed wall features bluestone off-cut strips. For the planting palette, Steve employed a mix of traditional-style plants and old favourites, including Buxus clipped into spheres, winter-flowering hellebores, fragrant gardenias and ‘Teddy Bear’ magnolias, crepe myrtles and climbing ‘Gold Bunny’ roses. To slake the thirst of the plants, COS Design installed a 30,000L underground tank with a rain sensor-controlled drip irrigation system, making this a garden that is simultaneously sustainable and stylish. T

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“The luxurious outdoor room is now the family’s dream space for entertaining and relaxing” ABOVE The mosaic-clad raised square spa was located close to the outdoor room for quick access. BELOW A feature urn with an aged patina sits beneath a timber arbour where it acts as a focal point.

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DESIGNER GARDENS

Every centimetre of space, including the deck that doubles as a sunlounge, has been put to good use.

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DESIGNER GARDENS

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oints of view

From courtyard to pool, these modern outdoor spaces guarantee a pleasing outlook

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DESIGNER GARDENS

WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Tim Turner s the property sat on a block with a severe slope, a skilled landscape designer was needed to come up with a plan to transform the near-unusable outdoor spaces that wrapped around the contemporary home. The call went out to Steve Taylor of COS Design. The variance in levels proved more of an opportunity than a challenge to Steve who decided to carve the outdoor areas into clearly defined zones, the largest being the area containing the new swimming pool. As the pool area is in full view from inside the home, it had to present a pleasing outlook at all times. Steve introduced a random bluestone retaining wall that creates interest, adds texture and incorporates a sheer descent water feature. This complements the bluestone pavers and cobbles and contrasts with the

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“A subtle Asian feel that softens the clean lines of the overall garden design” fresh white tiles of the pool’s interior. Then there is the timber sundeck that seems to “float” over the pool and a cosy dining space tucked into in a timber-enclosed nook right next to the house. A few short steps away, a courtyard beckons. This area, designed for alfresco dining, features a built-in timber bench and timber-slat privacy screening. The timber sits in contrast to the bluestone paving and picks up on the warm tones of the rust-effect, wall-mounted light box. From the entertaining courtyard to the walled front garden, there is the repeated use of a limited palette of materials. This ensures each area has a common look and feel. The emphasis is on natural materials (stone,

DESIGNER GARDENS

LEFT A laser-cut metal light box with a natural rust finish is the focal point of the courtyard area. BELOW The leaf sculpture rises up from a clean-lined planter surrounded by striking succulents.

river pebbles and timber) with decorative elements, such as metal artworks with a natural rust finish and shallow feature planters, used as design accents. Plants play an essential role in the reinvention of the various garden spaces. Steve decided upon an interesting mix of plants that includes bird of paradise, assorted succulents, cycads, mondo grass, dwarf magnolia, crepe myrtles and liriope. As feature plantings, Steve used ornamental pears and Japanese maples, giving the outdoor spaces a subtle Asian feel that softens the clean lines of the overall garden design. Also worthy of mention is the fact that 20,000L of water storage was installed under the paving. These tanks collect rainwater from the roof and feed it into the drip irrigation system. Burying rainwater tanks like this is a great way to introduce an eco-aware and sustainable element into a landscape without marring the look of the space, and it’s something that can be considered whether you’re building a landscape from scratch or you’re embarking on a major garden renovation. T

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Backyard Essentials V BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

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BARBECUE GUIDE

Summer sizzle Want to impress your guests? Choose a stateof-the-art barbecue and give it top billing WORDS: Erina Starkey hat better way to enjoy a meal than in your own backyard with the aroma of barbecued food in the air and the sound of friends and family coming together set against a backing track of hissing sausages or sizzling prawns? No matter how humble or sophisticated the fare, a barbecue promises to create fond food memories, which last long after the coals have cooled. While the act of flame-grilling is as old as civilisation itself, a new generation of barbecues has introduced greater diversity of design and functionality. Whether you’re in the market for a sleek compact model for your courtyard or a fully equipped modular kitchen, there’s a backyard barbie perfectly suited to everyone’s lifestyle and budget. Before you make your final selection, one of the most important points you will need to consider is what fuel source will be best suited to your needs. While you can find electric barbecues, the two most common types of barnecue are solid fuel-burning and gas fuelled.

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Cooking with wood Solid fuels such as wood, charcoal and briquettes create that irresistible aroma and authentic smoky barbecue taste that so many people love. A bed of smouldering hot coals also creates a bonfire ambience ensuring you and your guests stay warm and cheerful on those chillier evenings. For a richer more sophisticated flavour, try adding flavoured wood chips such as hickory, pecan, cherry or maple to your barbecue. While a barbecue that uses solid fuel offers the traditional experience, the cooking process is more time-consuming and laborious than with its gas-fuelled counterpart. A charcoal barbecue needs to be lit by hand, and requires the skill and patience to coax the coals into a pleasing glow before every meal. As you won’t be able to regulate the heat, you’ll also need to pay special attention while cooking, turning and moving food around to ensure it is cooked to your liking (and not accidentally cremated). Also be mindful that if it’s a scorching summer day and there’s a fire ban, you won’t be able to use your barbecue.

Expert tip Heat output is an important consideration when choosing a gas barbecue. Consistent, high heat that starts instantly at the push of a button is a must as it helps seal in juices and flavours to achieve the best cooking results.

BARBECUE GUIDE

Size does matter “If you are an apartment dweller, you need to choose a barbecue that is small and portable so it doesn’t take up too much space and so you can take it with you if you move (if renting),” advises Peter Woodland, managing director of BeefEater Barbecues. “If you have more space and are a frequent barbecue entertainer, consider a mobile barbecue. These come with a moveable stand and feature up to six burners (including side burner) so you can easily cook a fabulous meal from entrée through to dessert. “If you have plenty of space in your back garden or outdoor room, and you take your barbecuing very seriously, you could consider an outdoor kitchen,” adds Peter. “These modular systems have become increasingly popular as they extend your living space and add value to your home. BeefEater’s new Artisan outdoor kitchen, for example, comes with a choice of modular units to suit your space and features a four-burner Signature 3000 barbecue, a sink, a fridge and storage cabinets.”

ABOVE Crafted of stainless steel and heatresistant porcelain, the Eva Solo table grill offers an interactive cooking experience. LEFT Of sleek design, the Eva Solo stainlesssteel gas grill comes with a domed lid and cuts a contemporary, streamlined figure. OPPOSITE PAGE TOP A built-in barbecue is a feature of this modern outdoor kitchen. The garden was designed by Outside In. OPPOSITE PAGE BOTTOM Available from Until, the black + blum Hot Pot looks like a plant pot but it actually conceals a grill.

Cooking with gas If charcoal seems a little impractical, then gas may be for you as it offers a much simpler and more convenient solution. While you won’t need to buy wood or lighter fluid to get started, you’ll always need a full tank of gas (unless you have a natural gas supply), but storing a spare bottle will ensure you’re never left high and dry. Unlike charcoal-fuelled barbecues, gas barbecues are straightforward to start and operate. They generally come with individually controlled burners, which allow you to create a full and varied menu. Two to four burners are ideal for family use but for larger gatherings or events, you may want to consider six burners, or more. Cleaning a gas barbecue is also an easier task as there are no hot coals to dispose of. Safety is always something that needs to be considered. Look for a unit that comes standard with flame failure, which shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, has auto-ignition and is available in either LPG or natural gas. V

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BARBECUE GUIDE

You’re spoilt for choice Barbecue models can be grouped into four main categories: kettle, flat-top, hooded and modular outdoor kitchen-style systems. Each has its own merits:  Kettles: Kettle barbecues are a smaller, round barbecue traditionally fitted with a curved lid. Due to their light weight and compact size, they are ideal for confined spaces, allowing you to move them around your backyard so you can take advantage of the ambience in different areas. By keeping the lid on the barbecue, heat is forced underneath to circulate, trapping in the moisture and letting your food slow roast like it would in a convection oven. Look for models with heat-resistant handles, a holder for the lid when it’s not in use and an in-built thermometer. You can also purchase compact models with detachable legs so you can pack them in the car for picnics, beach barbecues or camping trips.  Flat-tops: While flat-top barbecues won’t allow you to slow roast, they often boast a much larger cooking surface area as well as various grills and hotplates, which makes them well-suited for bigger groups and multipurpose use. Flat-tops typically sit atop a trolley or wheeled cart, which ensures they can be easily moved and then stored out of the way after use.  Hooded: A hooded barbecue offers you the best of both worlds, allowing you to convection cook while also catering to a larger crowd. Hooded barbecues also come with additional workbenches and V

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“A barbecue promises to create fond food memories, which last long after the coals have cooled”

ABOVE Resplendent in red, the Red Centre Metro four-burner barbecue, from Home Timber & Hardware. ABOVE RIGHT The Red Centre Indulgence Deluxe four-burner barbecue, from Home Timber & Hardware. BELOW The Master Forge outdoor kitchen, from Masters Home Improvement, has a sink and ample storage.

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BARBECUE GUIDE



storage spaces so you can keep your marinades and condiments close by. If space is an issue, you can find models with collapsible benches. A heat-proof glass window on the hood is a worthwhile addon, allowing you to see what’s going on inside without lifting the lid and losing heat. Modular: There’s no denying that a fully equipped outdoor kitchen barbecue is appealing. In this set-up, a barbecue is built in to a unit, which also houses cupboards, drawers, a sink and fridge and sometimes other mix-and-match modular components. Built-in barbecues come with four or more burners, which have automatic ignition and are usually hooked up to a natural gas line for ease of use and practicality. Modular outdoor kitchens create a dedicated entertaining space, which becomes the focal point when entertaining. Also, with a complete outdoor kitchen, you won’t need to dash in and out of the house for forgotten items while your dinner is left unattended.

The long-term view Take some time to consider what add-on elements you might want. The range seems to grow each year, promising to add variety and creativity to your usual repertoire. Consider whether you need a rotisserie, wok burner, sizzle plate, smoke box or teppanyaki plate for a more exotic culinary experience. It’s also important to keep in mind that a barbecue is a long-term investment so ensure it’s made with quality construction materials. Look for commercial-grade stainless steel or

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porcelain-coated enamel surfaces and ensure the grates are heavy and durable for optimum heat distribution and retention. While skill and mastery certainly come into play when barbecuing, the most important tool is a dependable, high-quality product. Familiarise yourself with your barbecue model, keep it clean and well-maintained to ensure a sensational sizzle every time. By doing this you can be sure to keep your friends well fed and your neighbours green with envy. T

ABOVE Available from Barbeques Galore, the Turbo Elite Island outdoor kitchen features travertine benchtops. BOTTOM The cutting-edge Zeigler & Brown barbecue is compact and portable. Available from Barbeques Galore.

Questions to ask  How do you plan to use your new barbecue? Do you regularly entertain large crowds or will you mainly be using your barbecue for everyday family meals? These factors will determine the durability you require, the size of the cooking area and any extra features you may need, such as roasters and cabinet space.  Where will your barbecue be located? A shiny, free-standing five- or sixburner barbecue (with bottle opener, infrared burners, side tables and a host of bells and whistles ) makes a statement in any backyard, and may be the right option if your barbecue is going to sit on a pergola or deck. But don’t forget to provide protection, such as a weatherproof cover, as even stainless-steel units will rust if exposed to rain and moisture.  How easily can the barbecue plate be cleaned with a flat scraper? Also consider the amount of flat areas compared to grills and other added features. They may look good on the showroom floor, but they are notorious for collecting fat and grime that can be difficult to remove.

Island Gourmet Elite Ideal for outdoor kitchens Ready to install into any benchtop, including timber, MDF and granite Sleek and modern stainless steel design Easy to clean and maintain LPG or natural gas Solid, durable and Australian made Hood and freestanding cabinet also available

For more information and stockists visit:

www.heatlie.com.au or email [email protected] Ph 08 8374 1999

STYLE FILE

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We love

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Dreamfarm’s Scizza pizza cutter, available from Everten www.everten.com.au

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Backyard chef Cook up a storm with these stylish barbecue and pizza accessories 6

1 The stainless-steel Bodum Bistro pizza wheel from Peters of Kensington www. petersofkensington.com.au 2 Dreamfarm’s dishwasher-safe Scizza pizza cutter in charcoal from Everten www.everten.com.au 3 Made out of matt steel, the Brabantia flame lighter from Everten www.everten.com.au 4 The Art+Cook pizza wheelie with stainless-steel blade from BeyondCool www.beyondcool.com.au 5 For avid barbecue cooks, the Art+Cook meat tenderiser from BeyondCool www.beyondcool. com.au 6 Featuring extra-long handles, the Wiltshire Bar-B tongs from Masters www. masters.com.au 7 Dreamfarm’s click-lock, sit-up barbecue Clongs from Gifts for Blokes www.giftsforblokes.com.au 8 Sagaform’s stainless-steel barbecue marinade syringe from RoyalDesign www.royaldesign.com.au 9 The Bodum Fyrkat four-piece black-handled grill set from Peters of Kensington www.petersofkensington.com.au 10 Dreamfarm’s Chopula is both a spatula and cutting tool, from Gifts for Blokes www.giftsforblokes.com.au 11 Stainless-steel barbecue tongs with built-in comfort grips from Weber www.weberbbq.com.au 12 Stylish and hard-wearing, this threepiece barbecue tool set is from BeefEater www.beefeaterbbq.com

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3 cookers in one: The Ultimate BBQ Experience GRILLING Over 700 degrees for quick grill.

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PIZZA OVENS

Pizza perfection If you’re looking for ways to enhance your outdoor entertaining, consider a pizza oven WORDS: Carrol Baker rom traditional European wood-fired ovens with rustic charm to sleek and compact contemporary models, the not-so-humble backyard pizza oven looks set to revolutionise the way we all cook outdoors. And it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a die-hard foodie or just a lover of outdoor entertaining, the delicious taste and mouth-watering aroma of sizzling homemade pizza is a hands-down winner with everyone, young and old. It doesn’t matter if your goal is to enjoy family pizza nights where the kids create their own style of pizza or you want to put on your chef’s hat and whip up a gourmet-style pizza for friends, once you experiment with temperatures, flavour combinations and toppings, your signature pizzas will taste bellissimo!

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Enjoy the benefits Pizza ovens are specialised ovens designed to cook, roast, bake and fry foods at intense

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heats. They’re mostly built from a range of sophisticated, refractory and insulating materials that create a thermal blanket to trap and retain heat. But for those who love outdoor entertaining, pizza ovens offer far more than that. Mark Perriman of Mark Perriman Landscapes says their increasing popularity is linked to the rise of the outdoor kitchen. “If people are building an outdoor kitchen, the pizza oven is definitely something that comes into play,” he says. “There’s also the social aspect, the ambience of the fire and the fact that a pizza oven offers an alternative to cooking outdoors on the barbecue.” Without a doubt, a pizza oven is a value-add to your home and lifestyle. For this reason, Ben French from Yards Landscaping suggests that before you make a purchase, you do your research and ask yourself such questions as: Do I want a fixed oven or the flexibility of one I can move around? What style appeals to me: something sleek and modern or brick-built and rustic? Do I want a wood-fired oven or a gas-fuelled one?

ABOVE This well-integrated wood-fired oven from The Melbourne Fire Brick Company is an entertaining asset. OPPOSITE PAGE Your wood-fired oven can be custom built to suit your garden. Photo courtesy of Ian Barker Gardens.

Make a clean sweep Traditional wood-fired pizza ovens (these are the ones that are built from clay bricks or refractory materials) don’t require that much cleaning, although it’s important to clear out the ashes regularly (just make sure the ashes are cool first). “If cooking directly on the base of your oven, care should be taken to ensure the base remains as clean as possible,” says Bruce Thomas of Innovative Metal Products, a company that manufactures wood-fired ovens. “The ovens reach such high temperatures that this usually acts as a self-cleaning mechanism and spilled food, grease, bacteria and bugs will burn off. Simply sweep up the cool ash with a natural bristle or wire brush and dispose of it.” To keep your oven as clean as possible, place a cap on the flue and close the oven door when you’re not using it.

PIZZA OVENS

“The not-so-humble backyard pizza oven is revolutionising the way we all cook outdoors”

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Range of styles Pizza ovens are available in many different styles, sizes, colours and finishes including rendered, brick, stainless steel and powdercoated steel. Some have oven doors, others viewing windows, so you can keep an eye on what’s cooking, and some have both. With a huge range available, you’ll be guaranteed to find one to match your taste and decor. No matter which style catches your eye, the oven itself is only part of the story. You can’t simply pop a clay or brick oven on the table as some can weigh up to half a tonne! Pizza ovens can be fitted onto a specially designed stand, positioned into a purpose-built base, in-built into a wall or integrated into a benchtop. You can also find free-standing ovens that come

on a wheeled base so you can move them if desired. Personal preference, available space and budget all factor into what will work best for your outdoor entertaining needs.

An array of choices The range of pizza ovens now available to the design-savvy homeowner is broader than you may think although they all fit into one of four main categories:  Pre-built: All you need to do is fire it up and, before you can say “pizza’s ready”, dinner is served. Some ovens are designed to stand alone, others to be integrated into an outdoor kitchen. Prices and styles vary so shop around to find one that harmonises with the rest of your outdoor enter-

taining areas and fits comfortably in your budget. One example is the gas-fuelled Gasmate stainless-steel pizza oven that comes either on a stand or as a benchtop model. Another is the standalone woodfired Festiva stainless-steel pizza oven, available from Masters. DIY kits: For the home handyman, a DIY kit cuts installation costs. Check that everything you need is part of the kit and that you’re given detailed instructions. Also ensure after-sales support is provided. Some oven companies also offer pre-cut materials and pre-mixed renders to make construction even easier. The Melbourne Fire Brick Company sells an Italian-style brick oven DIY kit, which comes with all of the bricks cut to size, as well as the formwork and special tools required to assemble the oven. Custom built: A bespoke oven designed to your specifications can be a showpiece. “The flexibility you can get out of building a pizza oven in situ is that you can build whatever you like,” says Mark. “The colour range is virtually unlimited in terms of render and you can finish it off with cladded stone or mosaics to individualise it to match your outdoor areas.” Barbecue attachments: If you’re short on space, there are optional pizza oven attachments that can fit onto some barbecues. BeefEater Barbeques, for example, offers a porcelain-enamel pizza oven (that comes with a pizza paddle, stone and cutting wheel) designed to fit on the company’s four- and five-burner barbecues. Then there is the BakerStone Pizza Oven Box, available through Bunnings stores, that can be used on three-burner and larger gas grills. This has a stone baking chamber and enamelled steel housing.

Wood or gas? The traditional wood-fired pizza oven brings with it a warm ambience. People like to gather around the fire and share in the cooking. With a wood-fired pizza oven, you’ll need a good supply of wood and somewhere to store it. In the past, wood-fired ovens took many hours to 

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PIZZA OVENS

Expert tip Before buying your oven, you need to consider things such as available space and location. Close to your entertaining area or kitchen is ideal but not close to combustible surfaces. For woodfired ovens, good ventilation is essential.

reach optimal temperatures, were far too big for many entertaining areas and were expensive. Advances in construction methods and materials have heralded a new age in the wood-fired oven. Gas pizza ovens are the new kid on the block. They reach peak cooking temperatures quickly (some take only 10 minutes), so they’re great if you’re having an impromptu pizza night, and some models are also quite compact. If you want to purchase a gas oven but don’t want to miss out on that unique wood-fired infusion of flavour, you can rest assured as some gas models are fitted with wood chip smoker boxes. At the other end of the spectrum (and price range) are plug-in, compact electric pizza cookers you can sit on a bench.

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Create diverse menus Today, the range of pizza ovens available for the backyard chef is just as diverse as what you can cook in them. This ranges from sizzling roasts to crispy, flavoursome breads ... even tempting desserts. Ben says that with a pizza oven, you can cook virtually anything your imagination can dish up. “Pizza ovens are effective as an oven, slow roaster, char-griller or as a rotisserie,” he says. “They can be used for far more than just pizzas.” Of course, there are some practicalities to consider, such as location. Position your pizza oven so there is easy access to your kitchen and make sure the area is well ventilated, says Mark, but make sure it is away from combustible surfaces, out of the wind and a sufficient distance from neighbours. “If you’re installing a wood-fired oven, you also need to allow room around it as you’ll be using a shovel and you’ll need space for wood storage. And, no matter what type of pizza oven it is, you will need space for preparation,” he adds. T

TOP When designing your outdoor kitchen, consider including a pizza oven. Photo courtesy of MyAlfresco. ABOVE The Gasmate pizza oven, shown here with the optional stand, can cook up to three pizzas at a time.

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*Subscriptions will commence with the first available issue. Existing subscriptions will simply be extended. Free gifts arrive separately to the magazine subscription and are sent as soon as possible. Free gift offers do not apply to subscribers currently on the Easy Payment Plan. Offer open to Australian residents only. By subscribing you acknowledge that you understand that ‘tip-ons’ and gifts or bonus issues that may be available with non-subscriber copies of this magazine may not be provided to subscribers and is at the discretion of Universal Magazines Pty Ltd. The Promoter shall not be liable for any loss or damage which is suffered or sustained (including but not limited to, indirect or consequential loss) or for personal injury which is suffered or sustained as a result of taking part in this or any other gift offer. By subscribing, you consent to receive any direct marketing material including emails which inform the recipient of the Promoter’s other publications, products, services or events and to receive promotional material from third parties. Please tick the box if you do NOT wish us to use this information for the purposes stated above. Prize value includes GST and delivery to the prize winners address in Australia. It does not include installation or set-up of either barbecue. Winners will be drawn 1st December, 2014, from all entrants that include subscribers of Backyard Garden Design Ideas, Outdoor Rooms, Outdoor Design & Living and Home Design magazines.

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OUTDOOR BATHROOMS

Call of nature

Expert tip

Add some resort-style luxury to your outdoor space with an external bathtub or shower WORDS: Carrol Baker here’s nothing quite like taking a cool, refreshing shower under a sun-drenched sky, or slipping into a warm bath to soak away the cares of the day surrounded by the beauty of nature.

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Stylish and practical Outdoor showers and tubs have many uses. Some sporty homeowners install showers to cool down after a jog. Sun and sea lovers use them to rinse off after a swim. For those with pets, an outdoor shower or bath keeps muddy paw prints outdoors. For that matter, they’re also a useful option to clean up the kids after they’ve been playing outdoors! When creating your outside shower or bathroom, draw inspiration from your external entertaining spaces so the design flows. The most simple of outdoor showers is a basic nozzle attached to an outdoor tap, with simple screening. Then there are lavish baths and shower stalls, with decorative splashbacks, vanities, seating and accessories. Outdoor bathtubs and showers can, of course, be plumbed for hot or cold water. If you’d like to use your bathtub or shower as an alternative to your indoor bathroom, the initial outlay will be well worth it.

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Flooring needs to be non-slip, stay cool on hot days, be easy to clean and, most importantly, feel pleasant under bare feet. It’s best to avoid fine gravels that will stick to wet feet, or large pebbles as they’re tricky to walk on.

Making a splash Natural stone and pebble splashbacks offer an earthy, natural look. Use living green walls as your shower splashback and surround the space with leafy plants. For a fresh, vibrant look, include a mosaic splashback, or you could have a free-standing stainless-steel shower with no splashback at all. Some feature straight poles, others angular, curved poles. There are also many different showerhead and tap fittings to choose from to give your outdoor bathroom a unique look. For a fully equipped bathroom, invest in some optional extras. Include shelving for rolled towels and personal bath products. Add a cosy seat, a selection of candles and soft cushions around the space, and lighting for night-time showering or soaking in the tub.

A private place Your shower or bathtub can be either exposed or enclosed, the choice is yours. You may be fortunate to have a secluded space for installation but, more often than not, you’ll need to factor in ways to make the space more private or run the risk of putting on a show for your neighbours. Either way, the idea is to create privacy without blocking sunlight. Some suggestions include:

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Create a leafy screen with lush vegetation, such as clumping bamboo  Build the shower within an existing nook or under an overhang  Use slatted privacy screens, made out of durable composite wood or woodgrain aluminium, for a contemporary look  Fit side roller blinds to your bathing area and use as needed  Add a low stone retaining wall or large potted plants for privacy  Erect bamboo screening, which comes in colours ranging from honey to black. Your choice will be influenced by the location of your outdoor bathing area and the style of the overall landscape and any nearby structures.

Get the look In terms of style, you have as much choice with an outdoor bathroom as you do with

OUTDOOR BATHROOMS

any bathroom inside your home. In fact, you probably have a greater choice. Here are just a few style suggestions:  Bali bliss: A gentle stream of flowing water, bamboo screening, hanging lanterns and the fresh scent of flowering tropical plants will give your outdoor shower or bathing area a resort-like, tropical feel.  Go rustic: Shower splashbacks clad in stone or pebbled tiles look earthy. Or you can use exposed pipes with a large shower rose in a corrugated iron shower stall.  A touch of romance: A deep clawfooted tub screened by trailing blooms such as climbing rose or jasmine (with a chandelier fixed to a pergola above) creates a romantic touch.  Clean and uncluttered: A deep curved bathtub, or a shower surrounded with smooth glass screening, creates a modern look. Team with dual washbasins, a vanity and robe hooks.  Zen space: A square bathtub or timberslatted shower stall, bordered by textured 

“Use living green walls as your shower splashback and surround the space with leafy plants” Things to consider  A waterproof cabinet in weatherresistant exterior laminate is a great way to store towels, as is a timber or wicker stool for your robe. Also, make sure the mirror is properly sealed for outdoor use. Install small LED lights at floor level and through a nearby tree, or add some scented candles for a romantic night bath.  Tapware needs to be good quality, so avoid any with plastic tap bodies. Some manufacturers recommend 304 stainless steel or 316 marine grade steel. Another option is bare brass, which can be left to develop a lovely aged patina.  Planting is an essential part of an outdoor bathroom experience. Avoid plants with spines or sharp-tipped leaves. Extra-large, glossy green leaves always look wonderful with either polished or textured surfaces, and the gentle arch of bamboo canes will add an exotic touch

ABOVE This bathroom is perfect for romantic evenings. Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone Landscapes. TOP In this Phillip Withers-designed outdoor bathroom, there was ample space for a vanity and basins. OPPOSITE PAGE Accessories make all the difference. Photo courtesy of Landscape Constructions WA.

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evergreen plants and teamed with a stone bench seat, stone lanterns and a Buddha statue adds an eastern influence. A general rule is to coordinate the design to complement the overall style of the garden and if the outdoor bathroom is set off a bedroom, then you, of course, need to pay heed to your interior design and decor.

Practical matters To ensure your shower or bath meets local council regulations regarding construction and drainage, check before you begin installation. It’s important to also make sure your shower is in a well ventilated area to inhibit the growth of mould and mildew. Here are a few more things to consider:  Practical plumbing: A shower or bathtub located in close proximity to your home can tap into existing plumbing and can therefore be more cost effective than plumbing an outdoor bathing area that is positioned down the backyard in a leafy or screened alcove. Your outdoor shower or bathtub can be plumbed with both hot and cold water but if it’s just a quick rinse you’re after, cold might be adequate.  Down the drain: Most outdoor showers simply drain away into soil and garden beds. However, you may need to add drainage, depending on the location of the shower. For example, if it’s positioned

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in a paved area and there is no lawn run-off. To ensure your shower meets council regulations regarding run-off and drainage, check with your local authority before you begin installation.

Outdoor showers When thinking about the style of shower you envision in your outdoor living space, consider the architecture of your home and the surrounding outdoor areas. Choose fixtures that will weather the elements well, that will survive harsh sunlight, sand, mildew and, of course, are rot resistant. Some materials, such as marine-grade stainless steel, are going to be more durable in outdoor shower environments than others. Timber, whether used as a post for a shower or as screening, will, for example, need some ongoing maintenance. Before choosing a location for your shower, you need to decide if you prefer a freestanding shower, portable shower or a wallmounted design. Free-standing can, of course, be located virtually anywhere, including on paving or decking around a pool or spa. A wallmounted shower needs a solid structure such as a garden or pool cabana wall onto which it can be fitted. The beauty of an outdoor shower is you don’t need a lot of space. With sufficiently high walls, a shower head and adequate drainage, you can be showering outside in no time. T

ABOVE Take inspiration from this outdoor bathroom at the Chandra Villa in Bali: www.chandrabalivilla.com TOP This outdoor shower area can be found at the Chandra Villa in Bali: www.chandrabalivilla.com

Transform your garden into a private paradise! Thinking about a no-fuss improvement to your front or backyard? Want some privacy in your personal space? Looking for ways to remove unsightly views from your garden while broadening your space? Want to do all the above in a cost-effective and low maintenance way?

We bring you high-quality, specially-treated, low maintenance bamboo panels to allow you to achieve your dreams of a private and serene garden quickly and easily. You do not need special skills. A few hours on a weekend and you can sit and relax in your own personal resort paradise. No more watering hedges, no fallen leaves, no prunes.

For more information on how you can use bamboo panels to achieve your beautiful garden dreams instantly, visit our website on: www.infinitypanels.com.au

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

Setting the trend From wicker lounge suites to timber dining settings, you really are spoiled for choice WORDS: Kate McKee utdoor furniture has come a long way from the days of timber picnic tables and plastic lawn chairs. Now, not only is there an extensive array of furniture types available but also a vast selection of materials and styles to choose from. When it comes to selecting outdoor furniture, there are several essentials elements to take into consideration before you make your big purchase. According to Clare Knaggs, buyer for Masters Home Improvement, when looking to purchase new outdoor furniture, functionality, size and comfort are key. “Think about how many people you will be entertaining and the size of your household as this will guide you to the right size of setting. Testing the comfort of the setting in store before purchasing will also help you make the right decision,” says Clare.

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Room to move Before you select your furniture, take a long, hard look at the space it is going to fill. Is it on the smaller side, or is there lots of floor space? Is it exposed to the elements, or is it undercover? How you answer these questions will influence your final selection.  Large spaces: If you have a large open space with lots of room to move, your

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options will be broader. That said, large areas can sometimes look cold, sparse and unwelcoming, so creating zones within that space can really help to create an inviting atmosphere. You might like to have a dining area and separate lounge area with warm soft furnishings. Small spaces: On the other hand, if you are a little short on space, furniture that can be extended or folded and tucked away can be a saviour. Also look at furniture with double uses. For example,

ABOVE Ideal for by the pool, the steel-framed black Egg seat is available from Masters Home Improvement. BOTTOM The handcrafted Kwila sunlounger from Lujo, pictured here in Dark Taupe water-repellent fabric.

bench seating that doubles as storage. “Tall tables and bar stools are spacesmart options for small courtyards and townhouses, and foldable dining settings can be easily stored away when not in use to maximise your space,” adds Clare.

Lifestyle choices Before heading to the furniture store, ask yourself how do you specifically use your outdoor space? If you mostly use it to entertain, ample bench seating and ottomans that can

OUTDOOR FURNITURE

double as seating are a good idea. So too are stools if you have a kitchen bench or bar that people can sidle up to. If you like to use your outdoor space to relax, then comfy, deepseated lounges and a daybed might be for you. For those who enjoy dining alfresco, a dining table and chairs will be needed. You just need to make sure there is enough room for people to push their chairs back and walk around. If you have toddlers or small children, white fabrics and sharp, modern edges may not be ideal. Have a good think about how you want to use your outdoor setting and who will be using it before making your selection.

Quality always counts Now, let’s get down to the nitty gritty and work out what material is best suited to your lifestyle and climate. Johanna MacMinn, outdoor stylist for My Verandah, recommends hard-wearing materials such as timber, metal and stone, and emphasises the importance of quality. “If you wouldn’t dream of buying your indoor dining table from a low-quality store, why buy your outdoor furniture from one?” says Johanna. Metal furniture (aluminium, stainless steel) is ideal for contemporary settings and can be cleaned with just a damp cloth. But if you

Expert tip Although advances in technology have given us durable treated timbers and man-made materials such as synthetic rattan, most outdoor furniture will benefit from some sort of protection from the weather, be it an awning or umbrella.

live on the coast, keep in mind that salt is not a great friend to metal. Teak and merbau are suitable options if you prefer timber as both are durable and weather well. It will need to be treated, and staining or oiling is advised so that it retains moisture and doesn’t crack or split.

Weave some magic Cane and rattan furniture can look the part in a tropical or resort-style setting or, for a sleeker look, consider synthetic wicker, which is made from resin or vinyl that has been made into thin strips and woven over a lightweight frame. It has the look of natural woven fibre but is low maintenance and highly durable. Stone outdoor furniture weathers well but once it’s in position, it’s too heavy to move around. An alternative to natural stone is composite stone that uses such materials as fibreglass and crushed stone to give the look of the real thing without the weight. Having chosen your furniture, enhance your sense of comfort with weather-resistant marine-grade outdoor slipcovers, cushions and complementary floor rugs. “There is such an amazing selection of outdoor fabrics now available, the possibilities to create fabulous spaces are endless,” says Johanna.

Style considerations

ABOVE Prato three-piece timber bar setting and taupe cantilevered umbrella from Masters Home Improvement. TOP The Malaga seven-piece dining setting from Masters Home Improvement adds a flourish of vibrant colour.

If you have a particular style in mind for your outdoor living area, certain materials and shapes will suit some styles more than others. Stainlesssteel-framed furniture with strong clean lines is perfect for a sleek, modern look. Wrought-iron furniture is great for a cottage-garden look, or V

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OUTDOOR FURNITURE

“Style and aesthetics are important but so too is comfort and practicality” Made to last

for a tropical-style outdoor space, consider cane or synthetic-weave furniture. Colour is an important element of any decorating scheme and choosing the right colour for your outdoor furniture is vital. “Outdoor living areas offer a great opportunity to experiment with colour to inject a fresh, young look to your home,” says Clare. “Playing with colour is an essential part of any outdoor scheme. Whether you choose bold-coloured furniture or bright accessories, a pop of colour will instantly liven up your outdoor space,” says Clare. Style and aesthetics are important but so too is comfort and practicality. As Johanna says, “form follows function”. It’s important that your furniture is as functional as it is easy on the eye.

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The latest looks According to Clare, this year’s outdoor furniture is all about new takes on traditional timber settings and bringing colour into outdoor living spaces with cushions and accessories. “Timber settings with coloured metal frames and brightly coloured cushions, and furniture in materials such as resin, bamboo and wicker are proving to be extremely popular across Europe and are certainly trending in Australia,” says Clare. Outdoor lounge settings and tall dining and bar settings are also on the hot list. “Whatever you choose,” adds Clare, “great outdoor furniture can transform an outdoor space into an outdoor room and provide the perfect atmosphere for entertaining.” T

Your environment comes into play when selecting outdoor furniture, as dining tables, chairs and sunloungers are usually exposed to the elements. Even if your outdoor space is undercover, tough and durable outdoor materials are a must. This includes the framework and the seating fabric. Exposure to sun can fade materials and dry out finishes while exposure to rain or sea air can cause mildew or rust. Choosing UV-resistant, waterproof fabrics and materials will save you money in the long run as you won’t need to carry our much maintenance or to replace furniture as quickly.

TOP The Alu five-piece dining setting from Masters Home Improvement is crafted from synthetic wicker. LEFT The Tahiti table and armchairs, available from Masters Home Improvement, pictured in chocolate, .

D E S I G N E R S

&

M A N U F A C T U R E R S

Casablanca Cane has been designing & manufacturing quality-split-cane furniture for Australian Interior Designers and Architects for the last 30 years. Now our quality and service is being made available to the public and interested traders. Casablanca Cane is a family owned business and we pride ourselves on our commitment to create and provide a quality product at a reasonable price.

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AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW

Design leaders

GARDEN Open Woodland, designed by Myles Baldwin of Myles Baldwin Design. AWARDS Best in Show, plus a Gold medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.

The 2014 Australian Garden Show Sydney showcased the work of some of this country’s most exciting garden designers. Here we take a look at some of the most inspiring display gardens PHOTOS: Peter Brennan

GARDEN Refugium, designed by Adrian Swain of ecodesign. AWARD Bronze medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.

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GARDEN Tread Lightly, designed by Christopher Owen of Christopher Owen Landscape Design. AWARD Silver medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.

AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW

GARDEN My Garden Studio, designed by Andrew Davies of the Banksia Design Group. AWARD Gold medal in the City Gardens category.

GARDEN The Balcony Garden, designed by Josh Harrison of Harrison’s Landscaping. AWARDS Best City Garden, plus a Gold medal and Best Landscape Construction Award in the City Gardens category.

GARDEN The Pavilion, designed by Peta Donaldson of Natural Design. AWARD Silver medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.

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AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW

GARDEN Effortless Balance, designed by Kate Grace. AWARD Gold medal in the Balcony Gardens category.

GARDEN The Edible Balcony, designed by Indira Naidoo. AWARD Silver medal in the Balcony Gardens category.

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GARDEN My Island Home, designed by Phillip Withers of Phillip Withers Landscape Design. AWARDS Bronze medal in the Inspirational Gardens category plus the People’s Choice Award.

AUSTRALIAN GARDEN SHOW

GARDEN Learning Garden, designed by Penny Hand and Kate Low, Northern Sydney Institute of TAFE. AWARDS Best Landscape Construction Award plus a Bronze medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.

GARDEN Zest City Garden, designed by Kevin Quelch of Inovasis Design. AWARD Silver medal in the City Gardens category.

GARDEN The Unexpected Garden, designed by Andrew Fisher Tomlin from the United Kingdom. AWARD Bronze medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.

GARDEN Revelation, designed by Kim Earl of Candeo Design. AWARDS Best Balcony Garden plus a Gold medal in the Balcony Gardens category.

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DESIGN SOLUTIONS

Form and function For a garden to be used and loved, it needs to be as functional as it is pleasing to the eye WORDS: Adrian Swain hat function does your landscape serve? Does it provide you with food? Is it an extension of your home where you can entertain and barbecue? Is it a place of childhood wonderment or is it a space for pure relaxation at the end of the working week?

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Garden legacies As a landscape designer, I visit home gardens every day of the week. Sometimes I find a blank canvas, yearning to be painted upon. Sometimes I find an overgrown mess, hopefully concealing hidden gems waiting to be rediscovered. On other occasions, I see what the result of best intentions gone bad: huge amounts of effort but no cohesion. Such garden legacies offer new owners the greatest opportunity to add significant value to a property. Usually, there are straightforward modifications that can be made to ensure the garden works and is brought up to date, things that will also add to your quality of life. As a designer, my primary task is to make a garden functional but enlivening a landscape to make it more appealing is imprtant too. Normally, clients want to make better use of their gardens, enhance their outdoor lifestyle and add value to their property.

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Coordinated approach The selection of materials and the arrangement of spaces are important considerations. If you use inappropriate or poorly installed materials, you will create a legacy that no one will want. Similarly, if the design is disjointed, it will be neither appealing nor easy to use. When I see a garden for the first time, it is usually very obvious what is needed. Also, the client will have a design brief or wish list. This list may include things such as an entertaining area, swimming pool, a place for the kids to play or somewhere to grow vegies. Sometimes a less-is-more approach can reap the most rewards. Concentrating your efforts on a solid, covered entertaining area or just levelling out the yard to consolidate the space can have the most impact.

The value of design When space is at a premium, a skilled designer will be able to introduce multifunctional items. For example, if a retaining wall is 500mm high, it can also be used as seating. Similarly, why not plant a hedge of fruit trees to give both privacy and a source of fresh fruit? A garden designer will also think of things the homeowner may not. When I look around a garden, I keep an eye out for overlooking

neighbours or great plants that can be recycled as features or filler plants. An expert designer will also assess the soil, the garden's aspect and the various microclimates. Ultimately, your garden should be like an oasis, adding to the quality of your life. It also represents a significant investment and by increasing both its aesthetic appeal and functionality, your new garden will increase the value of your home. T

Find a designer Looking for professional advice to help you design a garden that will satisfy all your lifestyle needs and work in harmony with your home? Look to the Australian Institute of Landscape Designers and Managers (AILDM). AILDM is a national association of qualified landscape design and management professionals who have a sound knowledge of landscape design principles, plants and environmental management. To find out more about AILDM or to view a list of current members, visit: www.aildm.com.au

ABOVE A family garden that’s both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional. Photo courtesy of Secret Gardens.

AILDM

AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS AND MANAGERS

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WHATEVER STYLE YOU LOVE, A DESIGN BY A MEMBER OF AILDM MAKES A GARDEN THAT CALLS YOU HOME.

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AILDM designers • have formal qualifications in landscape design • know how to ‘read’ your site and understand your needs to create a unique garden design, just for you • create the right spaces and places in a garden, designing paving, decks, retaining walls and water features with accurate documentation for council approval and construction

Designs Pictured Above: 1. Arthur Lathouris 2. George Adams 3. Russell Wyatt 4. Steven Warner 5. Matthew Cantwell

• really know their plants. Choosing the right plants creates a lush and delightful garden, filled with life and colour but still easy to maintain • show by being a part of AILDM that they are true professionals, committed to design excellence, sensitive environmental management and continued professional development

G O O D G A R D E N S s t a r t w i t h G R E AT D E S I G N E R S For a water wise garden design contact your AILDM member.

w w w . a i l d m . c o m . a u

Visit our website to find an AILDM designer near you. Toll free: 1300 131 280 Fax: 02 8080 8173

DESIGNING WITH PLANTS

Herbal havens Fragrant and flavoursome, herbs can play a key role in the design of your home garden WORDS: Glenice Buck erbs don’t have to just be restricted to a specific area of your garden labelled “the herb garden”. They can be integrated into any part of your garden, perhaps as groundcovers, lower-growing perennials or shrubs. And, of course, many herbs do just as well as potted specimens as they do planted in garden beds. Herbs have been used for centuries to flavour food, for their medicinal properties and for their fragrance (in perfumes, scented lotions and the like). They can also add life to a garden because they come in so many different forms, textures, colours and shapes.

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Life expectancy When designing your garden to include herbs, the most important factor to understand is the lifespan of the herb. You need to know how long it will survive in your garden. Some herbs, such as coriander and basil, are annuals. This means they will only last a season in the garden. Basil does best in summer; coriander can be grown year-round, but lasts longer in winter. There are some herbs that are considered biennial, which means they will last about two years. These include parsley and chives. Then there are perennial herbs, such as rosemary and thyme, which will last numerous years.

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Planting palette Here are just a few herbs that can be deisgn assets in your garden:  Basil, coriander and dill are summer annual herbs that will add interesting foliage texture and fragrance to the garden. They prefer a sunny location. These herbs are not long lasting so it’s best to use them among perennial plants and where you can easily access the garden without damaging other plants if they need to be removed.  Thyme and oregano are perennial herbs that will need a sunny location with welldrained soil. They will grow as low, dense groundcovers. They can be used in the fronts of garden beds, as under-planting to more open-growing shrubs such as roses or they can be planted in between pavers. Both of these herbs have delicate edible white, pink or mauve flowers at various times through the year.  Common mint and its close relatives, such as spearmint and peppermint, will spread out and can be quite invasive so it is best to use them in a contained location such as between paved areas or in a pot. Mint does prefer part-shade so if it is planted in a warmer, more exposed spot, it may need additional watering.

Expert tip Although we most commonly use the foliage of culinary herbs, the flowers of some are also edible. This includes rosemary, thyme, chive, basil and sage. Lavender flowers can be used for flavouring biscuits.

ABOVE Many herbs do well in pots, such as sun-loving thyme, which is a hardy, drought-tolerant plant.. TOP Long-lasting herbs such as lavender can be used to great effect as informal aromatic garden borders.

DESIGNING WITH PLANTS

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Chives and parsley will make excellent border plants for a period of time. You can use both of these plants en masse in areas where you might use flowering annuals as a border. As an edible border, they will be a point of interest. Sage is a perennial low-growing shrub with textured silver leaves. It is also available in variegated and purple forms. This herb makes a lovely feature plant in well-draining soil. The foliage colour and texture give this plant excellent ornamental qualities. Mass plant or use as a specimen plant. Rosemary is a hardy long-lived perennial that can be used in many forms. It lends itself to being pruned into shapes or used as a hedge. This shrub is drought tolerant and frost hardy. The most common species is an upright-growing form but there are also prostrate-growing varieties that can be used a groundcover.

Care and harvesting Most perennial herbs need trimming to keep them in shape and confined to their allotted space in the garden. This is because they tend to become woody at the base if not pruned. These and many annuals also need to be cut to prevent them from going to seed. Regular pruning also promotes more flavoursome growth. This can

usually be done by harvesting the herb. Only pick a small amount of a plant at any time and give the it time to re-grow before cutting again. Cut sprigs carefully with secateurs or scissors rather than trying to break them, as tugging can uproot the plant. And if you want to harvest herbs for drying, do so just before they are coming into flower, as this is when they have the strongest flavour. T

Herbs in pots Many herbs grow well in containers and troughs. Use large rather than small pots and a good-quality potting mix instead of garden soil. Thyme, parsley, bay, chives, basil and tarragon all do well in pots. As these are all herbs you will want to pick frequently, it is worth having them growing near the kitchen. Although herbs can be brought into the kitchen in pots and grown on a sunny window sill, this should be done for the winter season only rather than permanently as herbs do best outdoors. Herbs in pots need regular applications of liquid fertiliser in the growing season. RIGHT Upright-growing rosemary is ideal for use as garden hedging, and it can be trimmed into shapes if desired.

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LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS

Winning ways The Australian Institute of Landscape Designers & Managers (AILDM) is proud to announce the winners of the 2014 Landscape Design Awards WORDS: Glenice Buck

Residential Under $50,000

Residential $50,000-$150,000

BEST IN CATEGORY: Valley Garden Landscapes, Alex Haskey COMMENTS: This inner-city split-level courtyard, with its custom-made planters, built-in fireplace and unique water feature, was designed with an eclectic mix of old and new materials and styles. Where possible, existing materials were reused to keep the costs down and planting was introduced to soften the boundaries, provide interest and, most importantly, create a private sanctuary in which the client could relax and unwind.

BEST IN CATEGORY: Landart Landscapes, Matt Leacy and Justen Hess COMMENTS: To give privacy to this rear garden, a sunken entertaining area was created. This area includes timber bench seating and an openstyle cantilevered pergola surrounded by lush plantings. The swimming pool was raised to the turf level to provide the illusion of more space. The planting palette consists of strap-leaved plants such as liriope mixed with leafy architectural plantings of cordylines, birds of paradise and palms.

Landscape Management: Environmental

Plantscape Design BEST IN CATEGORY: ecodesign, Adrian Swain and Kieren Hills COMMENTS: Based on a logarithmic spiral, this residential garden design has a strong planting style. There are productive plantings of fruit, herbs and vegetables, nectar-producing trees to attract birds as well as other fauna-friendly species chosen to improve biodiversity in the garden. The stunning ornamental plantings have a strong purple foliage theme to tone in with the bluestone brick used in the retaining wall.

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BEST IN CATEGORY: ecodesign, Adrian Swain and Michael Doak COMMENTS: This complex is located next to a riparian zone so before design work started, a flora assessment and vegetation management plan was completed. This determined the site’s constraints regarding vegetation removal and also formed the basis for ongoing vegetation management and rehabilitation. The presence of the riparian zone and the endangered ecological community meant a predominantly indigenous planting palette was chosen.

LANDSCAPE DESIGN AWARDS

Residential $150,000 Plus + Allan Correy Award for Design Excellence BEST IN CATEGORY: Secret Gardens, Matthew Cantwell and Robert Finnie COMMENTS: This unusually shaped block meant the designers had to consider three different aspects: privacy issues, established trees and the fact that the garden is both the family’s living space and the front entrance way into the house. The modern garden and entertaining area revolve around the swimming pool with its sleek lines. A pleached bamboo hedge offers a hint of formality and fiddle leaf figs add a relaxed tone.

Commercial: Category A BEST IN CATEGORY: ecodesign, Adrian Swain and Michael Doak COMMENTS: The University of Sydney’s Camden campus required a design that would integrate the dominant built form into the landscape. The planting scheme was to utilise plants that attracted native birds or were from the Cumberland Plain’s endangered ecological community. A key element was a billabong-type swale system that collects stormwater run-off prior to it flowing into the natural drainage lines in the landscape.

Commercial: Category B

Landscape Management: Amenity Horticulture

BEST IN CATEGORY: Outhouse Design, Steve Warner COMMENTS: This garden, which is part of the RSPCA’s head office in NSW, had to provide an area where pets could interact with humans and be displayed for education purposes, and another area for reflection, hence the design of two distinct yet cohesive spaces. The curved stone walls provide a sense of enclosure and encourage contemplation while the bright hutches, oversized seating pebbles and grass mounds create a sense of fun for visitors.

BEST IN CATEGORY: ecodesign, Adrian Swain and Andrew Morrison COMMENTS: The ecodesign landscape management team was engaged to survey the trees located in Macquarie University’s Central Courtyard. They were required to document the trees’ condition, ongoing health and structural integrity. From these results, they had to formulate a tree management plan. This management plan provides a clear and effective tool for the University’s property managers to allocate maintenance resources over the next five years.

Pro Bono BEST IN CATEGORY: The Gardenmakers, Daniel Kavanagh and Fiona Temple COMMENTS: The Kidsafe playground was tired and in need of refurbishment. The space, which is used to display various playground surfaces, such as organic mulch and synthetic products, also needed to provide areas for exploratory play, active play and quiet play. As the space acts as a demonstration area, it was important to illustrate safety standards, attention to detail as well as giving kids an opportunity to be challenged. It was very important to make the most use out of the planting areas to add a range of colours, textures and forms. The plants also needed to be resilient and drought tolerant. A playground is one place where a mixture of materials and plants can be justified.

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OFF THE SHELF

Off the shelf Meredith Kirton Published by Murdoch Books, rrp $69.99

Karen Hall and Peter Cooper Published by Murdoch Books, rrp $59.99

Wychwood

Dig Deeper

Connected

More than 22 years in the making, Wychwood, which sits in the Meander Valley in Northern Tasmania, has been a labour of love for owners Karen Hall and Peter Cooper. The garden at Wychwood, which is open to the public each year through the Australia’s Open Garden Scheme, combines country charm with a more clean-lined Scandinavian design aesthetic. It is renowned for its many charms. Some are manmade, such as the labyrinth; others natural, such as the trout stream that flows through the back of the property. This book tells the story of the garden’s creation in a very personal way, showing, through Peter’s photos, how it changes from season to season.

The emphasis of this book, the latest offering from Meredith Kirton, is on sustainable seasonal gardening. The book is divided into four chapters (one for each season, starting with spring), and each chapter is divided into five sections: Overview of the season; Annuals, perennials and bulbs; Grasses, groundcovers and climbers; Shrubs and trees; and Herbs, fruit and vegetables. Dig Deeper, a follow-up to the author’s popular Dig, published a decade ago, includes the latest information on pest control plus a whole host of water-wise, eco-friendly gardening practices. Each chapter is filled with easy-to-follow, step-by-step projects, gardening tips and information on unusual cultivars.

Winner of the highly coveted Best in Show award at the 2013 Chelsea Flower Show, not to mention a slew of local design and environmental awards, landscape designer Phillip Johnson is known internationally for his distinctive natural designs. For Phillip, sustainability is key, as is creating habitats for indigenous animals and plants. He is also known for his integrated sustainable water management systems and his stunning natural billabong-style, chemical-free swimming pools. In this, his first book, Phillip showcases 19 gardens, including his own as well as his award-winning Chelsea garden. The other featured gardens range from sprawling rural properties to innovative inner-city spaces.

Selina Lake Published by Ryland, Peters & Small, rrp $39.96

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Phillip Johnson Published by Murdoch Books, rrp $59.99

Don Burke Published by New Holland, rrp $14.99

Josh Byrne Published by Hardie Grant Books, rrp $34.95

Heirloom Vegetables

Kids’ Garden Adventure

Small Space Organics

If you have an interest in kitchen gardening, then you have no doubt heard about heirloom vegetables. Unlike the homogenous tomatoes, pumpkins and cabbages you buy in the supermarket, heirloom vegies have unusual shapes and the range of flavours is diverse. Heirloom vegetables are vegetable varieties that have been handed down through families or communities for generations, most of them dating from before the Second World War. This book tells some of the stories about heirloom vegetables and their family affiliations. Part One looks at what an heirloom vegetable is, Part Two explores the history of each vegetable and Part Three provides practical advice on growing heirloom vegetables.

Whether you want to engender a life-long love of nature and gardening or you just want to get the kids outside and enjoying a creative activity, Kids’ Garden Adventure is a useful how-to book to have by your side. This is a projects-based book that covers the gamut, from how to plant seedlings and strike cuttings to decorating plant pots and making a scarecrow. Other projects include making little birds from sticks, leaves, nuts and seed heads; creating a living moss garden; making a mini garden in a jar; growing plants from kitchen scraps; and pressing flowers. The projects were developed by qualified horticulturists and each is accompanied by clear instructions and step-by-step photos.

If you’re serious about sustainability and trying your hand at organic edible gardening, then Josh Byrne’s latest offering is for you. By describing the step-by-step development of his own sustainable garden (created in the grounds of a semi-detached cottage), he provides readers with the information they need to set up and maintain their own organic, water-sensitive edible garden. The book is divided into seven chapters: House, site and hardscaping; Water systems; Food systems; Garden habitat; Soil building, plant nutrition and recycling; Maintenance; and, finally, Propagation. Each takes an in-depth look at a different area of organic gardening and provides a plethora of practical advice.

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

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WHAT’S IN STORE

What’s in store From designer hoses to sleek Danish vases and edgy urban planters, here’s what’s in store now Set in concrete Made to last

This handmade solid concrete planter from Zin + Bert will add an element of urban chic to your decorating. Standing 10cm high, each planter is sealed, has a goldinked bottom and comes with its own individual characteristics. All Zin + Bert homeware products are wrapped in custom-designed packaging, which is made from recycled and sustainable materials. Bowls and candle holders are also available. For more information: www.zinandbert.com

With spring in full swing, it’s time to get ready to water. The Pope Brass Gun features an ergonomically designed smaller front trigger that can help prevent the feeling of tired hands. With quality brass construction and a spray nozzle that can be adjusted from a fine mist to a powerful jet stream, the Pope Brass Gun will suit most watering applications and last in tough conditions. For more information: www.popeproducts.com.au

Designer decor

Coasting along Trivet Coasters, made from a composite of recycled cork and rubber, are designed to be utilised as a modular system. On a dining table, they can be used individually for placing glasses, clustered together to form a larger coaster for placing a vase or quickly arranged to form a trivet for a hotplate. Trivet Coasters come in a set of 10 and are stored in their own white, red or black stand. For more information: www.utedesign.com.au

With our gardens full of spring flowers, what better way to dress up an indoor or outdoor dining table than with a stylish vase brimful of freshly picked blooms? Pictured here is one of the new-season vases from Danish company Bloomingville, widely known for its designer decor. Made of black ceramic and featuring a cork base, this is a sleek vase that will suit most modern decorating schemes. For more information: www.roomandbloom.com.au

Hanging about Hangi With the Christmas holiday period app fast approaching, many people are already looking for ways to add some ambience a to their outdoor enterta entertaining. And, if you’re planning ni a night-time gathering, there is n nothing like candlelight to set the mood. The Tuvo hanging tea light holder measures 16.5cm from the top of the chain to the bottom of the holder and can be easily hung from low tree branches. F For more information: www www.amalfihomewares.com.au

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Garden glamour Made in Sweden, the Garden Glory hose adds a touch of glamour to your gardening. But don’t let its good looks fool you; the hose is, indeed, sturdy and flexible. The latter is due to the knittingreinforcement around the inner tube, which allows the tubing to be pliable. The UV-protected, 20m-long hose comes with a five-year warranty and is available in black, white, grey and gold. For more information: www.designstuff.com.au

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SPRING INTO ACTION

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DESIGN SOURCE

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Classic cane Quality cane furniture that combines classic, timeless style with contemporary comfort

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onjuring up images of grand, tropical resorts and long, leisurely days spent languishing on the porch or by the pool, cane furniture has enduring appeal. Placed beneath a window on a covered verandah or deck, a cushion-topped daybed or comfy sofa can be used as both a focal point and a place of repose. And if you want to create a nook on a patio in which to share a cool drink with a friend, there’s nothing more appealing than a cane table with chairs for two. For more than 30 years, Casablanca Cane has been producing a beguiling range of highquality, Australian-made split-cane furniture.

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Owned and operated by the Blewer family, Casablanca Cane has a long and proud tradition of supplying designers and architects around the country. It also has a solid reputation for using only the best-quality materials and insisting on the highest-quality craftsmanship. While the range pays homage to the classic designs of the 1920s and ’30s, the furniture is made to cope with the demands of modern living, starting with their daybed collection. By simply choosing a frame colour that complements your outdoor space and dressing it with cushions that reflect your decorating scheme, a Casablanca Cane daybed will look

right at home in any setting, modern or classic. Another popular choice is a Casablanca Cane lounge chair, ideal for those looking for a comfy piece of furniture that will allow them to stretch out and relax in style. Then there are the tableand-chair combos, which range from the Tub dining setting for four to the cosy Club dining setting for two. For comfort combined with classic beauty, you can’t go past Casablanca Cane’s Queenslander lounge setting, complete with a two-seater sofa, matching chairs and footstool. To add the final touch to any outdoor setting, Casablanca Cane also has coffee tables, available in a variety of styles.

DESIGN SOURCE

The complete range is available in Gold Oak, Tortoiseshell or Lime White finishes. Customdesigned pieces are available upon request. T

For more information Casablanca Cane 474 Hume Highway, Yagoona NSW 2199 Phone (02) 9796 3663 Fax (02) 9796 1590 Website www.casablancacane.com.au

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Fare with flair If you love to cook great food, then a wood-fired oven is a great addition to your outdoor kitchen

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here is nothing like the aroma, let alone the taste, of food cooked in a wood-fired oven. When you cook with wood, the flavours you create are mouth-watering and the range of food you can cook is endless, everything from pizzas to roasts, casseroles, bread and even steaks just taste better when cooked in a wood-fired oven. The Melbourne Fire Brick Company specialises in the supply and construction of wood-fired ovens, which range from beguiling, brick-built ovens to more modern though no less charming pre-cast ovens. The company’s pre-cast wood-fired oven (pictured) has a dome that is made of one solid piece of refractory concrete rather than individual bricks. “The pre-cast oven comes complete, which means the customer doesn’t have to lift a finger,” says company owner, Ben Guilford. “We deliver and install the oven, leaving it ready to be fired up straight away.” Another popular choice is the company’s Italian-style brick oven DIY kit. “We have a lot of customers who want to build their own authentic brick oven but prefer to work to a tried-and-tested design and have the hard work of cutting the bricks done for them,” explains Ben. “For those customers, we have our pre-

cut brick oven kits, which come with all of the bricks cut to size, as well as the formwork and special tools required to assemble the kit. All the customer has to do is put it together like a big jigsaw puzzle.” Ben, who completed a double degree in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University, drew on his technical knowledge to create a superior brick oven kit. During the design phase, the oven was fully 3D-CAD modelled to determine the optimal size and shape of each brick and to achieve the tightest possible joints on the inside face of the oven. “The end result is an oven that is easy to assemble, looks great and, most importantly, works well,” says Ben. If you have your own design in mind, The Melbourne Fire Brick Company can also supply you with all the materials you need to build your oven. This includes fire bricks, hightemperature insulation and refractory mortar. Whatever option you choose, there is no denying there is something about cooking with fire that draws people in, taking us back to simpler times. It also engages people – when you throw a wood-fired pizza party, it gives everyone an opportunity to participate, making their own pizzas just the way they like. T

For more information The Melbourne Fire Brick Company Factory 11, 167 Princes Highway, Hallam Vic 3803 Phone (03) 9703 1758 Email [email protected] Website www.melbournefirebricks.com.au

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Lifestyle choice Add some sizzle to your entertaining with this stylish range of Australian-made barbecues

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ith an Australian-made barbecue or outdoor kitchen from Lifestyle BBQs, you’ll get all the heat control and cooking performance you need. This means you’ll be able to cook something as delicate as a pancake on low heat on the stainlesssteel hotplate for a leisurely family breakfast, and then crank it up to high at night to cook marinated prawns in a minute or two. If a thick cut of Porterhouse steak is on the menu, turn the heat down low under the grill and close the roasting hood for a restaurant-quality result. The Lifestyle BBQs modular outdoor kitchen range, which is aimed at the avid entertainer, is one of the company’s best sellers. Of sleek, contemporary design and made from commercial-grade stainless steel, a Lifestyle outdoor kitchen is a beautiful addition to any home. More importantly, it is durable, functional and good value for money, which is exactly what the modern Australian family is looking for. In addition to the outdoor kitchens, Lifestyle BBQs has an extensive range of built-in and free-standing barbecues. All products are made using 304-grade stainless steel and the electropolished stainless-steel plates and grills ensure a professional result when barbecuing, making burnt snags and chops a thing of the past. Lifestyle BBQs’ products can be purchased direct from the manufacturer and shipped Australia-wide and, for the right advice on the

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best barbecue or outdoor kitchen to suit your needs, you can feel free to call Lifestyle BBQs and speak to an expert. You can also peruse the website and view videos of an experienced chef cooking up a storm on Lifestyle BBQs’ top-quality outdoor kitchens and barbecues. So why not enjoy the experience of cooking on a world-class barbecue and, at the same time, bring together family and friends over a relaxed alfresco meal that has been cooked to complete perfection? T

For more information Lifestyle BBQs 113A Fairford Road, Padstow NSW 2211 Phone (02) 9773 6245 (Sydney) Toll Free 1300 849 790 (country and interstate) Email [email protected] Website www.lifestylebbqs.com

DESIGN SOURCE

Three in one A multi-featured ceramic barbecue designed to offer eager outdoor cooks the maximum versatility

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everton Outdoor, a leading supplier of specialist outdoor heating, is now the exclusive Australian distributor for Saffire Grills, manufacturer of the US’s bestselling Kamado-style ceramic barbecue. “The extraordinary feature about this style of cooking is the variety of foods that can be presented from one unit,” says Kevin Smith, managing director of Keverton Outdoor. “The heavy-duty ceramic construction allows perfectly controlled cooking. From high-heat seared steaks to slow-cooked roasts and smoked fish or ribs, the Saffire Grill will handle it all. No longer do you require a separate pizza oven, smoker unit and barbecue. It is all here in one unit.” Due to the ceramic construction and tight

gasket seal, the Saffire will slow cook for up to 12 hours on one load of charcoal. With less airflow than an average barbecue, moisture is maintained in your food with minimal shrinkage of meats. The internal temperature can be controlled from 200—700°C simply by adjusting the airflow from the stainless-steel top and bottom dampers. Once the charcoal has been preheated, close the lid and reach 700°C in just 20 seconds. The Saffire Grill comes with many features. The high-quality stainless-steel grill has a hinged door built in, which allows access to the fire without removing the cooking grill. The cart, band and springs are all made from the highest-grade stainless steel.

Unique to the Saffire Grill is the Smoking Chip Feeder. This allows you to add your favourite smoking wood chips to the charcoal fire without having to remove the cooking grill or open the lid. With the Saffire Grill, you get three cookers in one (a grill, a smoker and a pizza oven) at a fraction of the cost of buying three separate appliances. You also have a choice of two colours: Onyx Black and Jasper Red. T

For more information Keverton Outdoor Phone (03) 9889 6542 Website www.kevertonoutdoor.com.au

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Gourmet style A barbecue designed for use in all outdoor kitchens, both contemporary and traditional

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omemakers and avid cooks looking for a stylish, well-made barbecue for their outdoor kitchen should consider investing in an Australian-made unit, such as those made by Heatlie. “Designed specifically for outdoor kitchens, Heatlie’s Island Gourmet Elite is the only barbecue on the market that can be installed directly into any benchtop, be it granite, stone, timber or engineered stone,” says Andrea Mead, owner and manager of Heatlie. “This is because the barbecue’s design deflects heat away from the bench. It’s a big plus, as it means you don’t need to have a custom-built bench.” Andrea says it pays to invest in a durable, locally made unit that will go the distance, rather than settling on a cheaper import that

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may only last a year or two. “Many cheaper units don’t age well, they’re difficult to clean and they cook food unevenly,” adds Andrea. “A solid-steel hotplate, in combination with steel ribbon burners, like those featured on our Island Gourmet Elite model, provides a great base for cooking, preventing charring, eliminating hot and cold spots and ensuring food is cooked evenly,” she says. Andrea also recommends that you look for a barbecue that is easy to clean. “Our unit features a lift-out plate that can be pressure-cleaned or scrubbed then easily replaced for your next barbecue. The removable fat container can also be cleaned, eliminating the risk of a flare up from dripping fat,” she explains. “Safety features are also important. Our unit

comes standard with flame failure, which shuts off the gas if the flame goes out, has autoignition and is available in LPG or natural gas.” The sophisticated stainless-steel Island Gourmet Elite has an RRP of $1595, with an optional roasting hood available for $475. A quality two-door cabinet is also available. For details of your nearest retailer, visit the Heatlie website. T

For more information Heatlie Phone (08) 8374 1999 Website www.heatlie.com.au

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Complete package Find everything you need to complete your project in the one handy location

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hether 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, south-west 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 it has your delivery needs covered. You can either have delivery arranged, using one of the company’s 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 & Soil not only carries all your general landscape and building supplies, but the company also specialises in the supply of pebbles. This includes a fully imported polished range of pebbles, as well as the company’s exclusive Super Grey pebble. This pure grey pebble has proven to be a very popular option, complementing modern home and garden designs. In all, Menai Sand & Soil stocks more than 20 types of pebbles, in different colours and sizes, ensuring you will be able to find a product to suit your needs. When you visit the supply yard, don’t forget to peruse the display of pavers and retainers, as well as the company’s granite pillars, large feature rocks and sandstone products. And, if you need a new pot for your yard, Menai Sand & Soil has a range that is versatile and ever-growing. No matter what your needs, experienced staff members are always on hand

to provide expert advice and assistance. So whether you’re merely contemplating your next project or ready to begin, Menai Sand & Soil will supply the products to take you from start to finish. T

For more information Menai Sand & Soil 124 New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW 2234 Phone (02) 9543 5333 Email [email protected] Website www.menaisandsoil.com.au

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Design diversity Quality concrete paving, coping and walling for both classic and contemporary gardens

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he modern Australian family spends a lot of time by the pool or in the garden so it makes sense to choose paving and walling products that can stand up to the wear and tear of daily use. Good looks are, of course, important but durability, strength and ease of maintenance are essential. Ticking all the right boxes, Customstone SA produces a high-quality range of contemporary concrete paving and coping products with

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complementary walling. Each product is hardwearing, of consistent size, thickness and finish, and comes in a variety of colours and finishes. For safety in the garden or around pools, spas and water features, the pavers have slipresistant surfaces. If you live in a coastal area or have a saltwater pool, you can take comfort in knowing that the pavers are salt-resistant. For design flexibility, Customstone SA’s large-format pavers are available in five

sizes (400mm × 400mm, 450mm × 450mm, 500mm × 500mm, 600mm × 300mm and 600mm × 600mm). These can be teamed with the driveway pavers (300mm × 300mm and 400mm × 400mm), coping (400mm × 400mm, 500mm × 500mm, 500mm × 350mm with corners to match) and the mortared walling (500mm × 250mm × 200mm). Straight pool coping (800mm × 400mm) and some radius coping are also available. By using Customstone SA’s large-format pavers, you can make a small outdoor space appear larger. This is because of the reduced number of join lines, which ensures an

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uncluttered look. Replacing sections of lawn with easy-care paving can also help reduce your water use and time spent on garden maintenance. Whether you’re planning a contemporary or classic outdoor project, there are many colours and finishes to choose from so you can be assured of finding something of a complementary tone and texture. For paving and coping, various custom and honed finishes (where the aggregate shows through) are available. While the exposed-aggregate finishes are particularly popular at the moment, the smoother finishes are still in demand. To ensure a fully coordinated look throughout your outdoor areas, most Customstone SA products, which are all made to order, are available in the company’s complete range of colours and finishes. T

For more information Customstone SA 1-3 Bayer Road, Elizabeth South SA 5112 Phone (08) 8252 9633 Email [email protected] Website www.customstonesa.com.au

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Stylish sandstone Richly coloured sandstone has completely transformed this classic country mansion

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his impressive home needed something very special to set it apart from the rest. After looking through the Cinajus range of quality natural stone, the owners decided on this lightly banded sandstone. Sandstone can be used for both internal and external walls as well as external paving. As it stays cool underfoot, sandstone is extremely well suited to paving and pool surrounds. It can be used around a saltwater pool but must be pre-sealed before installation. Ideal for pavers and balconies as well as outdoor entertaining areas and pool surrounds, sandstone complements both contemporary and traditional designs. Cinajus carries a wide range of sandstone products, available in different colours, formats and finishes. Tiles, pavers, cladding, 40mm bullnose coping and step treads are all available. Cinajus sandstone will ensure the paving and pool surrounds will last the distance and maintain a look of timeless elegance. Professional builders, landscapers and

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designers demand variety as well as quality, which is why so many of them turn to Cinajus. This family owned, Sydney-based company provides more than 100 different types of natural stone products to the Australian home construction and landscape industries and works closely with architects, builders, landscapers, developers, government organisations and individual owner-builders to deliver first-quality results, each and every time. Cinajus specialises in providing beautiful natural stone products for all classes of residential and commercial projects. The company has consistently been at the leading edge of natural stone suppliers due to its dynamic product range and depth of knowledge in stone selection. At Cinajus, you will find a team dedicated to offering honest advice on a range of quality products and, although based in Sydney, Cinajus can supply landscaping and home building projects right around the country. T

For more information Cinajus Pty Ltd 32 Bryant Street, Padstow NSW 2211 Phone (02) 9773 5677 Email [email protected] Website www.cinajus.com

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Beauty of bamboo Whether used for fencing or as a decorative backdrop, bamboo screening is ideal

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ooking for a natural, eco-friendly way to mask unsightly views or add privacy to an outdoor entertaining area? Then look to Bamboo Habitat’s extensive range of bamboo screens. Bamboo Habitat offers comprehensive choice, including its new easy-to-manage 1.2m-wide screen, and endless versatility. Screens can be seamlessly joined and used for long fences or to line ceilings, cut down and used for smaller applications, such as gates, or they can be framed to give a more structured appearance. Especially popular is Bamboo Habitat’s Smoked range. Produced using traditional firing methods, which give the bamboo screens a wonderful earthy scent and a scorched woody-brown tone, this range is the perfect natural backdrop for plants or art. If you prefer a more traditional look, there is the Natural Delta style. This range can be left to weather to a soft blonde/grey tone or the light colour can be enhanced with Bamboo Habitat’s exclusive UV-resistant tinted Bamboo Honey marine varnish. The Delta is available in three heights (1.5m, 1.8m and 2.1m) and both Natural and Smoked colours. As well as having a choice of width and height, you have several pole thicknesses to choose from. You can also be assured of quality as all screens are made from full, round bamboo poles (not split) and are strung internally with 3mm galvanised wire. This ensures the screens remain structurally

sound for around 15 years, even near saltwater or in sandy and windy environments. Whether you choose the Smoked or Natural Delta style, the screening can be used in a wide range of applications and the expert staff at Bamboo Habitat will be happy to recommend the best screening solution for your needs. For customers in the Sydney metropolitan area and on the NSW South Coast, Bamboo Habitat offers an installation service, and for those unable to collect their screens from the company’s Sydney warehouse, door-to-door delivery can be arranged. To complement your new bamboo screening, you will need the right decor, which is where Bamboo Habitat’s sister business, Tropical Habitat, steps in. It is located on the holiday island of Bali, where you can avail yourself of a buy-direct-and-save service. You can buy direct from the website in the comfort of your own home or, in person, via an organised shopping tour. T

For more information Bamboo Habitat Phone (02) 4294 1385 Email [email protected] Website www.bamboohabitat.com.au Tropical Habitat Website www.tropical-habitat.com

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Instant appeal If you like the tropical or resort look, then black bamboo screening is for you

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or instant tropical appeal, it’s hard to go past the allure of bamboo screening. Whether you’ve gone for a Balinesethemed backyard or just want to add a touch of the exotic to your garden, bamboo screening is the ideal choice. Bamboo screening can be used in a multitude of ways: as cladding on an existing fence, to screen out neighbours, as an architectural feature or as the perfect backdrop to tropical foliage plants or a garden bed full of flowers. And if you’re looking for a backdrop for a sculpture or water feature, bamboo screening is perfect for that too. Infinity Panels specialises in high-quality, lowmaintenance black bamboo screening panels. Black bamboo adds a richness of colour to a garden and is ideal for tropical or resort-style outdoor settings as well as garden spaces created for relaxation or contemplation. “Our bamboo panels are an attractive addition to any backyard, whether used as a fence or a feature. They look great behind a pool or spa or as screening around a thatched gazebo or Bali hut,” says Infinity Panels’ manager, James Cha. “You can also use our bamboo panels to instantly transform a messy garden with unsightly walls into a relaxing space where you can unwind or entertain in private.”

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Bamboo offers more than good looks, though. It is an extremely strong and durable material, which means you can be assured that Infinity Panels’ black bamboo screening will be long lasting. You can also be assured that only the best-quality mature bamboo is used in the construction of the panels and that all bamboo goes through a stringent, quality-controlled treatment process. “Another benefit is that bamboo panels are quick and easy to install. You don’t need any special skills, which means the average homeowner can erect the panels themselves, saving money on installation,” says James. “And for those looking for an environmentally friendly screening or fencing solution, bamboo is perfect.” Bamboo grows very quickly so plantations are easily replenished and it is a high-yielding plant. It is said that one hectare of land will deliver 60 tonnes of bamboo but the same land planted with trees will only yield 20 tonnes of timber and those trees will take many more years to reach maturity. If you live in the Melbourne area, Infinity Panels can arrange for delivery along with affordable installation if you prefer not to go down the do-it-yourself route. The company can also organise Australia-wide delivery. T

For more information Infinity Panels 13 Tarnard Drive, Braeside Vic 3195 Mobile 0411 1188 58 Email [email protected] Website www.infinitypanels.com.au

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All decked out Create a low-maintenance entertaining area with timber-look aluminium decking

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f the look of natural timber appeals but not the ongoing maintenance, the answer is Knotwood’s timber look-a-like extruded aluminium decking. “Knotwood’s aluminium decking will give you a deck that looks as if you installed it all in one piece,” says Knotwood’s Brendan Galway. “And when you use extruded aluminum to create a deck on the second or third storey of your home, you have a deck that doesn’t have any gaps, which means the area underneath is perfect for storage or for a car park.” There are many reasons why aluminium is the perfect decking material. To begin with, it is lightweight, easy to install and stronger than wood so can hold heavier loads. It is also impervious to insect infestations and you don’t have to worry about splitting or rotting. “Even in the coldest temperatures, it does not get brittle and crack, so you will have a deck that will last you a lifetime. In addition, aluminium decking simply does not rust or rot, which means it won’t cost you a fortune to keep it looking as new, and it is mildew resistant so you don’t need to use special cleaners to

prevent the build-up of mould,” says Brendan. “Aluminium decking stays cool in the summer,” he continues. “You won’t burn yourself when you touch it during the hottest part of the day. This is because the properties of aluminum allow for the maximum dissipation of heat, which means the deck won’t dry out.” Extruded aluminium is also ideal in fire-zone areas. Choosing metal building materials will dramatically affect the survival rate of your house in the event of a bushfire. As metal is non-combustible, it cannot ignite so it will not provide fuel for a fire. Knotwood aluminium decking and all its components are made from non-combustible materials and comply with Australian Standard BALFZ. T

For more information Knotwood Phone 1300 KNOTWOOD Email [email protected] Website www.knotwood.com.au

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Matter of trust Premium-quality architectural plants from a specialist nursery you know you can trust

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lants are critical to the success of any landscape design and they represent a sizeable portion of your budget. To be assured of the best-possible quality, you need a supplier you can trust. Dragon Trees Australia has built a reputation within the landscape design industry for supplying plants of the highest quality and is the trusted name when it comes to dragon trees. As Australia’s leading dragon tree supplier, Dragon Trees Australia has worked with many of the country’s top landscape design firms and is known for its high level of professionalism. Although Dragon Trees Australia has supplied plants for many high-end residential and commercial projects, the company can also

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cater for all landscape styles and budgets. A specialist nursery growing architectural plants from around the world, Dragon Trees Australia has a management team comprised of qualified horticulturalists with more than 40 years’ combined experience, so they are well placed to recommend the right plants for your project and your price point. As you might expect, the dragon tree (Dracaena draco) is the most popular tree in stock, with the tree aloe (Aloe barberae) a close second. These two trees are fast becoming the must-haves in modern landscapes, along with blue nolina (Nolina nelsonii), desert spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri), red hesperaloe (Hesperaloe parviflora) and giant hesperaloe (Hesperaloe funifera).

Dragon Trees Australia doesn’t just focus on plants of eye-catching form; its emphasis is on plants that require little maintenance and make a strong visual impact. With the rise in popularity of the outdoor room, the need for plants that will provide a focal point and complement the room’s design and decor has escalated, as has the need for easy-care plants. Dragon Trees Australia provides a doorto-door delivery service and, because the company carefully tapes and shrink-wraps stock onto pallets, you can be assured that plants will leave and arrive in the same condition. To view the range or order stock, visit the Dragon Trees Australia website. T

For more information Dragon Trees Australia Phone (02) 6674 1516 Email [email protected] Website www.dragontrees.com.au

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Winner’s circle If you want to protect your investment, choose a multi-award-winning pool company

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ajestic Pools & Landscapes is this country’s most-awarded pool company, winning a slew of state and national industry awards across every price bracket each year. In the 2013 SPASA Queensland Awards of Excellence, for example, Majestic Pools won a total of 22 awards in a broad range of categories. Industry awards reveal a great deal about a company, especially one such as Majestic Pools, which routinely wins awards for everything from pool design and construction to lighting, water features and sustainability. Awards tell

potential clients that the company’s design prowess and construction excellence are of industry-leading standards, which is precisely what you need to know when making a major investment in a new pool. Looking for a company that wins across diverse price ranges is important, too, as this demonstrates the company’s competitiveness and its ability to successfully deliver projects of every size, style and budget. What’s more, a company with a track record of consistent award wins is proof of that company’s strength and longevity. V

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Queensland-based Majestic Pools takes great pride in its ability to design and build a pool or spa to each client’s individual needs. While the company specialises in the design and construction of concrete swimming pools, building hundreds of pools each year, the Majestic design team is renowned for its diversity, so can tackle any project, no matter how big, how unusual or how challenging. Another significant advantage is the company’s ability to deliver the total pool and landscaping package. By designing and constructing both your pool and landscape, which might extend to a poolside hut, covered deck or beautifully planted garden beds and feature trees, you are assured the end result will be exquisitely coordinated and perfectly tailored to your individual needs. When dealing with Majestic Pools & Landscapes, you also have the reassurance that comes with dealing with a privately owned, family-run company of more than 20 year’s standing, and it’s a company with an unblemished record for quality, client satisfaction and for delivering design excellence across all price ranges. The company builds along the Queensland coast, from the New South Wales border to the Sunshine Coast and as far west as Toowoomba and Kingaroy. It also designs for clients in both Sydney and Melbourne, as well as America, the Middle East and throughout Europe. T

For more information Majestic Pools & Landscapes Brisbane (Southside) Showcase Centre: 38 Devlan Street, Mansfield Qld 4122 Website www.majesticpools.com.au

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INDEX

Contacts & Stockists Advertisers’ Index

Designer Gardens  Adam Robinson Design

www.adamrobinsondesign.com  Anthea Dunlop Design www.antheadunlopdesign.com.au  Apex Landscapes www.apexlandscapes.com.au  Bell Landscapes www.belllandscapes.com.au  COS Design www.cosdesign.com.au  Esjay Landscapes www.esjaylandscapes.com.au

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 Georgia Harper Landscape

Design www.ghld.com.au  Green Rooms www.greenrooms.com.au  Nathan Burkett Design www.nathanburkett.com.au  Peter Yorke Landscapes www.peteryorkelandscapes.com.au  Secret Gardens www.secretgardens.com.au  Serenity Pools www.serenitypools.com.au

Anthony Tesselaar Plants 41 Ausgrass Supplies 49 Australian Institute of Landscape Designers & Managers 97 Bamboo Habitat 61, 121 Casablanca Cane 91, 110 Cinajus 2, 120 Doggie Rescue 108 Dragon Trees Australia 19, 124 Ecodesign 130 Eco Timber Group 30, 118 Heatlie 75, 116 House of Bamboo 6 Infinity Panels 87, 122 Keverton Outdoor 77, 115 Knotwood 54, 123 Lifestyle BBQs 73, 114 Majestic Pools & Landscapes 42, 126 Malibu Pools & Landscapes 66 Menai Sand & Soil 103, 117 Motyaj 132 Permathene 131 Rolaway Underground Hose 99 RSPCA NSW 105 S’Wonderful 25 Space Concepts Australia 105 The Melbourne Fire Brick Company 81, 112 Toro 5

ARCHITECTURAL    

photo courtesy of SD Studio

Retaining Walls | Benches | Planters | Garden Seating Water Features | Mail Boxes | Terraces | Pizza Ovens Fireplaces Noise Barriers | Residential & Commercial

P E R M AT H E N E

Architectural Gabions

Aki™ Architectural gabions are made in Australia to the highest standard. We stock galfan plus, stainless steel 316 marine grade, black/grey pvc coated. DIY friendly, available in kitsets. We ship Australia wide.

Ph. 02 8338 8879 | www.permathene.com.au

MOTYAJ

since 1979

At Motyaj we love our product We continually travel the world sourcing and developing new and interesting planters /pots, homewares for indoor and outdoor use

2 New Showroom Locations

Sydney Showroom UNIT 4 / 17 -21 BOWDEN ST ALEXANDRIA NSW 2015 Ph: 02 8399 3708 E: [email protected]

South West Sydney Showroom UNIT 3/15 KERR RD INGLEBURN NSW 2565 Ph: 02 9618 1817 E: [email protected]

www.motyaj.com.au