Every garden has its own unique set of challenges. However, incredibly strict council regulations saw landscape designer Georgina Martyn pull out all the stops to create this masterpiece in a new estate. Marcelle Nankervis explains Using contrasting plants of various heights, textures and colours has given the garden depth and created a sense of privacy. Opposite page: The strong architectural lines of the house are softened by the billowing nature of grasses and other strong foliage plants.
PHOTOGRAPHY GARY CHOWANETZ natural inspiration Your Garden Winter 2007 67
Anyone who has recently built a house would be familiar with the rules and regulations stipulated by both the estate itself and local council. Your house must be so many squares your roof can only be one of three choices But one estate in Melbourne s suburbs has had to go a step further they needed council approval for the front garden! While this may deter some people, Georgina Martyn of Bold Simplicity Garden Design relished the challenge and set about creating the perfect garden compromise. Georgina Martyn and Fran Warner enjoy the native colour. The estate itself has a strong architectural influence, so it s no surprise that there were a list of regulations that had to be followed. These included no front fences, no square fronts to the street (eg. no straight edged garden beds), and the garden had to look natural and preferably be planted with natives to complement the surrounding landscape. The clients, Fran and Ross Warner, had their own requirements, too. They wanted to define their home s entrance and their property s boundaries. They also wanted to enjoy the colours and textures of plants, while providing a garden that their grandchildren would enjoy and could play in safely. Pulling it all together Georgina blended all these requirements to create a seamless garden that everyone applauded. Sweeping curves of billowing foliage, natural gravels underfoot and a blaze of native colour from flowering kangaroo paws set the scene for this modern Australian garden, while still complementing the overall theme of the estate. For me, says Georgina, garden design is about working with the earth and with nature. I m naturally drawn toward organic forms and shapes like circles, curves and serpentine margins. This is ideal when designing native gardens, because curves are more common in nature than straight lines. This also works well when designing gardens for children, as they prefer to run in circles. I used this principal when designing the Warners front garden. Simple curves of contrasting foliage give the garden depth, while the inclusion of a sculptural representation of a fence ties the garden back to the home. The illusion of depth helps to create a sense of privacy and protection from any foot traffic passing by. Left: Anigozanthos Bush Dawn brings a blaze of native gold to the garden. Right: Hebel seed heads sit atop rusted wire stems to tie the sculptural elements of the front fence back into the natural landscape. 68 Your Garden Winter 2007
Simple curves of contrasting foliage give the garden depth Georgina Martyn
C. Tropicanna Pattersonia occidentalis, purple flag iris Anigozanthos Bush Dawn
Adding texture While the plants themselves are responsible for creating the mood of the garden, the use of hard landscaping materials is also critical. I used the same gravel in various grades (sizes) to bring even more texture to the garden, says Georgina. By using the same material in different sizes you are able to tie together all the surfaces, so even though the result is textured it looks balanced and natural. Georgina offers all her clients the option of having a Feng Shui consultant come in to work with her during the design phase. Although not all clients accept the offer, Georgina herself follows the same principals. I am very intuitive in my designs, says Georgina. Sometimes a certain foliage colour in the right spot will just make the entire space feel right. Although I don t necessarily need the Feng Shui consultant, sometimes it helps clients to feel more positive about their space, and that is the most important thing. 5 design steps Georgina s philosophy of garden design follows five key steps: 1 Look at the entire garden but consider each space individually to create a strong ground plan. 2 Soften the area with various foliage textures. Anigozanthos Bush Noon 3. Incorporate different ground textures, too, like using the same gravel in different sizes. 4 Add sculptural elements and focal points where suitable to add strength to the garden throughout the seasons. 5 The space should feel soulful and complete, as a garden needs to be a peaceful retreat. Top left: A contemplative place to enjoy your garden helps to bring your surroundings to life, giving you the opportunity to appreciate the beauty you have created. Birdbath by Folko Kooper, Rural Design, call (03) 6268 0385 or visit www.koopertasmania.com Bottom right: Birdbaths are the ideal inclusion in many gardens and virtually mandatory in native gardens. Clean and top up water levels regularly to prevent any build up of residue. There is a huge range of birdbaths available. Look for them in your local garden centre. Your Garden Winter 2007 71
A cleverly incorporated aquarium complete with fish forms the central focal point of the pond. The water feature was designed by Bold Simplicity Design. Split over three levels to match the house, it s more than a water feature, it s a living piece of art.
Small space water features The rear garden is a direct contrast to the front yard, with the only limitation in the courtyard being space. Ross really wanted a pond and room to sit outside at a table, says Georgina. So one side of the rear courtyard is the water feature, which incorporates an aquarium, while the other side offers just enough room for outdoor entertaining. In this small area it was essential to follow the strong square lines of the house and it has really worked well to create a space that is both tranquil and beautiful. Preferring natural flowing landscapes to strict formal designs, Georgina enjoyed the challenges of combining council s requirements, the clients needs and her own philosophies. You can always turn a negative into a positive, she says. By stretching yourself, you push your creativity and your imagination to a whole new level. Under those circumstances, it s wonderful to see what you can achieve. U care of water plants Water depth: The types of plants you would like to feature will determine the depth of your pond. For example, water lilies prefer water between 30 40cm in depth. The pot remains submerged while the flowers and foliage float on the surface. Oxygenation: If you do not have a running water feature, it is important to incorporate some oxygenating plants such as water ribbon, streaked arrow grass or parrots feather. Fish: Fish require protection from feathered visitors. Floating leafed plants such as water lilies and water milfoil help to provide them with suitable shelter from ravenous birds. Surrounding concerns: Your pond is part of your garden so consider this when spraying for weeds or pests. Many herbicides and pesticides can poison the water and your fish, so be careful in and around your pond. Regulations: Check with your local council regarding depth and fencing requirements for your pond. Each state has different regulations covering ponds and aquatic plants. Sculpture is an important element that owners Fran and Ross Warner feature in their garden. Below: Moving water creates atmosphere and keeps the water oxygenated and clean for fish and plants. Garden design Georgina Martyn, Bold Simplicity Garden Design, Camberwell, Victoria. Call 0417 055 847. Construction by Sammy Borg 0419 876 235. Your Garden Winter 2007 73
Take one idea Form follows function Functional elements in the garden can be decorative. A fence acts as a barrier, yet there are many ways to create a physical barrier without bricks and mortar. Get creative and turn some functional elements of your garden into beautiful focal points. Glass-fronted fishpond A glass fronted fish pond makes fish viewing easy. Made from plate-glass to withstand pressure from the weight of the water, this aquarium follows the same principle used in constructing an indoor glass aquarium: the corner joints must be sealed with a non-toxic silcone sealant. It is possibly a job for an experienced DIYer, but most professional landscapers experienced in pool construction will be able to install one for you. FISH AND POND FACTS For each centimetre of fish allow about five litres of water, whether the tank is aerated or not. Once the water is added, leave it to stand for about one week (check with the sealant manufacturer if instructions are not included). This allows the silicone to cure, as well as any gases such as chlorine added to tapwater to dissipate. Add aquatic plants in the pond to remove nitrates and phosphates excreted by the fish. These only promote algal growth if unchecked. Don t add fish until plants have settled in and the water is clear. A UV filter will maintain a clear pond. These run on low voltage electricity and are quite safe if properly installed. Aquarium supply shops can advise on the best choice. 74 Your Garden Winter 2007
Idea 2: Hebel sculpture Hebel is such an easy material to work with that many craft schools offer courses in sculpting wtih Hebel. These ovals are freeform and quite abstract but more traditional shapes and forms can be carved. It all depends on practice and skill levels! HEBEL HOW TO Hebel is an aerated concrete product used in construction but also increasingly useful for arts and crafts applications. The round and elongated balls fitted to the top of the galvanised fence posts are carved from Hebel, and their irregular shape gives them a handcrafted appeal. Unlike stone, Hebel is lightweight and easy to move. Hebel can be carved using conventional wood and stone carving tools or it can be sawn using a special saw. Achieve a smooth shape, like that on these balls, with a file or smooth it using a small piece of the same Hebel material. This is also the technique used to remove scratches from sandstone. Moisten and rub with a circular motion to clear any bumps. Waterproof finish Apply a waterproof finish to the surface for outdoor placement to keep the material looking fresh and clean. It is a very porous product and may need a few coats to keep it looking good as new. If a weathered finish is desired, this is not necessary. Ideas are everywhere. Let inspiration take hold and adapt them to suit yourself. U WORDS BY PAUL URQUHART