Tuesday, September 23, 2025

Landscape

Panoramic print of Yarralumla Nursery (Image: Weston Family Papers, ACT Heritage Library) Panoramic print of Yarralumla Nursery (Image: Weston Family Papers, ACT Heritage Library)
HistoryLandscape

The man who planted Canberra

Gabrielle Stannus 109 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Gabrielle Stannus

Many of us would remember learning in school about the pivotal role that American Walter Burley Griffin played in the design and development of the Australian national capital. However, author Robert Macklin says that another man deserves more credit for his role in transforming the Limestone Plains into the thriving garden city we now know as Canberra, and for laying the foundations for modern Australian horticulture.… Continue reading

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L-R: Heidi Mikulic, David Hay, Oshadi Jayasinghe and Priyanka Patil from Thomson Hay Landscape Architects (THLA) celebrating their win at the recent AILA Awards dinner (Image: Thomson Hay Landscape Architects) L-R: Heidi Mikulic, David Hay, Oshadi Jayasinghe and Priyanka Patil from Thomson Hay Landscape Architects (THLA) celebrating their win at the recent AILA Awards dinner (Image: Thomson Hay Landscape Architects)
LandscapeRevegetatation

Time anchors a regenerative landscape

Gabrielle Stannus 316 Views 0 Comments

By Gabrielle Stannus

How many young landscape architects can say that they have worked on a project for ten years? Heidi Mikulic can, and she says it was time well spent. Heidi started on the Stonehill Gully and Escarpment Regeneration project in 2014, around the same time that she joined Thompson Hay Landscape Architects, the design practice undertaking this work for the site’s developer, Devine Pty Ltd.… Continue reading

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The new rear garden includes a hardy lawn area of TifTuf grass, pool and cabana, framed by rows of Waterhousea floribunda (weeping lilli pilli) around the boundaries of the garden to ensure privacy The new rear garden includes a hardy lawn area of TifTuf grass, pool and cabana, framed by rows of Waterhousea floribunda (weeping lilli pilli) around the boundaries of the garden to ensure privacy
Garden DesignLandscape

In the swim

By Lynne Testoni 260 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Lynne Testoni

This elegant and classically designed garden proved to be an award winner for Inspired Exteriors.

An engaged, design-conscious client is always a plus, as landscape designers Inspired Exteriors found when they were engaged to create this beautiful garden in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.… Continue reading

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When green infrastructure projects are designed with maintenance in mind, we are one step closer to success (Image: Michael Casey) When green infrastructure projects are designed with maintenance in mind, we are one step closer to success (Image: Michael Casey)
Green InfrastructureLandscape

Designing with confidence:

Michael Casey 181 Views 0 Comments

Eliminating fear of green infrastructure in the built environment

By Michael Casey

In recent years, green infrastructure has become a buzzword in our industry and for good reason. I believe plants, with their remarkable ability to deliver multiple benefits, will be one of our most effective tools in mitigating the impacts of climate change.… Continue reading

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The new Laak Boorndap Head Gardener, Russell Larke, in action at the Test Garden (Image: MAP Co). The new Laak Boorndap Head Gardener, Russell Larke, in action at the Test Garden (Image: MAP Co).
Green InfrastructureLandscape

Naturalistic planting takes centre stage

Gabrielle Stannus 450 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Gabrielle Stannus

The Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reimagine that city’s cultural hub. Encompassing The Fox: NGV Contemporary, the major refurbishment of Arts Centre Melbourne’s Theatres Building, this major infrastructure project will also oversee the creation of Laak Boorndap, a new 18,000m2 urban garden.… Continue reading

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The stunning pool renovation surrounded by hedges, the purple hues of lavender and the successfully transplanted frangipani tree (image supplied by The Landscape Association) The stunning pool renovation surrounded by hedges, the purple hues of lavender and the successfully transplanted frangipani tree (image supplied by The Landscape Association)
Garden DesignLandscape

Backyard renovation with a difference

Lynne Testoni 285 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Lynne Testoni

This rear garden was completely updated to create a generous open space and new pool for a busy family.

A renovation is the perfect time to refresh the existing areas of a home, including the backyard. The owners of this suburban family home, in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire, engaged Corey Fox Landscaping to oversee a complete renovation of their rear garden with the ‘Kirrawee Coastal Project’.… Continue reading

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The Stones – a garden with heart (Image Patrick Regnault) The Stones – a garden with heart (Image Patrick Regnault)
LandscapeLandscape event

Exploring excellence: Visiting gardens of the Macedon region

Patrick Regnault 538 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Patrick Regnault

Before the Australian Landscape Conference 2025 was held in Melbourne recently, Outlandish Ventures organised a tour of various gardens in the Mount Macedon region and the surrounding district. We visited five very different gardens, and each garden provided food for thought.… Continue reading

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Dahlia x hybrida 'Sincerity Rose Bicolour' (Image: Syngenta flowers) Dahlia x hybrida 'Sincerity Rose Bicolour' (Image: Syngenta flowers)
LandscapePlant of the Year 2025

2025 Plant of the Year winners 

Gabrielle Stannus 657 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Gabrielle Stannus

Nursery and Garden Industry Victoria (NGIV) launched its inaugural Plant of the Year awards late last year, with the winners announced during the annual Australian Horticultural Trials Week in December. I spoke with the breeders and growers behind these plants at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, where their award-winning cultivars were receiving much attention from those in attendance, to find out their landscape uses.… Continue reading

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The ‘ǝ’skāp’ Show Garden at MIFGS 2025 (Image: Ludovic Vilbert, Inwardout Studio) The ‘ǝ’skāp’ Show Garden at MIFGS 2025 (Image: Ludovic Vilbert, Inwardout Studio)
LandscapeLandscape Design

Early planning planted the seeds of ǝ’skāp’s MIFGS win, part one

Gabrielle Stannus 1156 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Gabrielle Stannus

Designed by Rob Cooper from Distinctive Gardens in Adelaide and constructed by Yergan Landscape and Desert Flower Landscaping, show garden ‘ǝ’skāp’ took out the City of Melbourne Award of Excellence for Best in Show, as well as a Gold medal, at the recent Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show (MIFGS).… Continue reading

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Paths need to be designed for practicality, whilst still being aesthetically pleasing (Image: Patrick Regnault) Paths need to be designed for practicality, whilst still being aesthetically pleasing (Image: Patrick Regnault)
LandscapeLandscape Design

Seeking inspiration

Patrick Regnault 483 Views 0 Comments ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  ,  , 

By Patrick Regnault

Designing a garden requires a multiskilled approach. Plant and soil knowledge, an understanding of the influence of topography and geology on weather patterns, an ability to observe the local fauna and flora, a good grasp of engineering and construction, planning and scheduling proficiency, communication skills, and basic financial comprehension are all needed.… Continue reading

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