Habitats develop in layers of repeated resource accumulations: niches where moisture and nutrients are captured between inanimate and living structures (Image: Erik van Zuilekom)
By Erik van Zuilekom
The polarised debate over native versus exotic species frequently misses the fundamental question: does the landscape function as an integrated ecology, or merely as a collection of isolated individuals?¹ Plant failure in professional landscapes may occasionally stem from poor species choice, though it most frequently emerges from inappropriate ecological integration.… Continue reading
Read MoreBy Prue McGruther
In landscape design, our attention often falls on flowers, foliage, bark, or branch structure. Roots, especially aerial, are rarely considered for their visual appeal, yet under the right conditions, figs (Ficus spp.)… Continue reading
Read MoreBy 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)
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
Read MoreBy Lynne Testoni
This lush coastal garden has allowed the homeowners to expand the entertainment space in their holiday house.
The owners of this holiday house have created a coastal haven designed for entertaining and relaxing. Located on the NSW South Coast, this was a large and ambitious project for the owners, who wanted a beautiful space where they could escape from the daily stresses of life, relax, and have their children play.… Continue reading
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The Floral Clock at Queen Victoria Gardens, Melbourne (Image: Stefan Schäfer, Lich via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0).
By Gabrielle Stannus
Bedding out is temporary and labour intensive. So why should we do it? What are the pros and cons of this type of design and the plants used to fulfill its intent? Jeremy Critchley from The Green Gallery took time out of his busy schedule overseeing the construction of a new, large, high-tech wholesale production nursery at Mangrove Mountain north of Sydney to answer my questions.… Continue reading
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A new lawn provides space for children to play, along with a clear line of sight from the house to the new pool in this backyard designed for privacy (images supplied by the Landscape Association)
By Lynne Testoni
This Palm Springs-inspired design includes plenty of space for children to play and adults to relax.
The design of this beautiful backyard on Sydney’s northern beaches combines beauty and practicality. Inspired by mid-century modern architecture and the iconic homes of Palm Springs, the house is a contemporary version of these early homes with a minimalist façade.… Continue reading
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3D visualisations showing the integration of an architecturally-designed glasshouse into a modernistic residential design in rural Tasmania (Image: Ludovic Vilbert, Inwardout Studio)
By Gabrielle Stannus
How to incorporate a greenhouse into a building design? This is the unusual request my partner received from a client who requested a glasshouse to be integrated into their new home in rural Tasmania. The structure was to be their home’s focal point and entertaining hub, linking two building wings whilst also providing a space to overwinter lemon trees.… Continue reading
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A new sandstone water feature and pool lounge area is flanked by a large eucalyptus tree, white agapanthus and clipped hedging
By Lynne Testoni for The Landscape Association
This beautifully maintained and classically planted garden is an elegant accompaniment to the traditional home it surrounds
One of the challenges when creating a traditional garden is how to plant and maintain it so it looks established and in keeping with the existing architecture and plantings.… Continue reading
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2024 show garden ‘Mother Ocean’ by Althaus Landscape Designs and constructed by Klaycon Landscape Construction (Image: Allie Claire)
By Daniel Althaus
My journey into the world of show gardens has been nothing short of transformative. As a landscape designer, I’ve always been fascinated by the intricate relationship between nature and design. However, stepping into the competitive arena of show gardens was a step into the unknown.… Continue reading
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