Backyard Garden Design 125

AUSTRALIAS 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
wont want to leave
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Basalt
EDITORS LETTER
Editor
Karen Booth
Email: kbooth@bigpond.net.au
Designer
Doreen Milo
Sub-Editor
Anastasia Casey
Sales Managers
National Sales & Publishing Manager (NSW Sales)
Emil Montibeler
Mobile: 0411 424 335
Email: emontibeler@universalmagazines.com.au
Vic, WA & Tas: Pilar Danlag
Mobile: 0414 468 243
Email: pdanlag@universalmagazines.com.au
SA: Sandy Shaw
Mobile: 0418 806 696
Emil: sandyshaw@internode.net.au
Qld: Antonia Bewley
Mobile: 0418 424 410
Email: abewley@universalmagazines.com.au
Qld: Kizziah Fieldes
Mobile: 0449 810 957
Email: kfieldes@universalmagazines.com.au
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
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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 countrys 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 Australias flourishing garden design
community. To see the winners of the 2014
Landscape Design Awards, turn to page 100.
If youre 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 youd 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
years 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
BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS
|3
BACKYARD ESSENTIALS
70
78
84
88
92
100
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
32
20
100
REGULAR SECTIONS
76
96
110
98
102
104
110
130
4|
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
Whats 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...
DESIGNER GARDENS
ecret
revealed
Offering a contemporary take on

traditional Palm Springs-style living,
this garden is a design treat
8|
DESIGNER GARDENS
From the lawn to the outdoor

entertaining areas, this garden was
designed for all ages to enjoy.
|9
DESIGNER GARDENS
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 stones throw
from one of Sydneys
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
propertys 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 propertys 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 homes 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 propertys 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.
10 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
| 11
DESIGNER GARDENS
12 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
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. Matthews
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 AIDMs highest accolade. T
| 13
DESIGNER GARDENS
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.
14 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
| 15
DESIGNER GARDENS
ABOVE The modern

pool, built by Serenity
Pools, boasts a spa clad
in black tiles that create
a mirror-like effect.
16 |
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 didnt 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 didnt want anything that would date. What
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
DESIGNER GARDENS
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
| 17
DESIGNER GARDENS
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.
18 |
Architectural
by nature
13 Waugh St Chinderah NSW

p 02 6674 1516
www.dragontrees.com.au
DESIGNER GARDENS
arden
symphony
The confident blend of colours, textures and

materials works to create a harmonious whole
20 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
The design is contemporary with

an Asian-inspired twist provided by
the bamboo and Japanese maples.
| 21
DESIGNER GARDENS
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 dcor 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.
22 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
| 23
DESIGNER GARDENS
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.
24 |
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DESIGNER GARDENS
rom the
ground up
This family-friendly garden has gone from a

blank canvas to a contemporary work of art
26 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
Bifold doors fold back to

create a seamless indooroutdoor connection that is
ideal for entertaining.
| 27
DESIGNER GARDENS
Of modern, open-plan
design, the garden makes
optimum use of space
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 homes 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 homes
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
28 |
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.
DESIGNER GARDENS
| 29
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DESIGNER GARDENS
ell
connected
Thanks to its well-considered design,

this garden is now the familys dream
entertaining space
32 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
The area around the new pool was

paved in tumbled travertine and is
offset by the blue pool tiles.
| 33
DESIGNER GARDENS
ABOVE The upper-level deck

was extended so it could be
used for larger gatherings.
34 |
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
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
DESIGNER GARDENS
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 everyones way. T
Georgia Harper is an award-winning Melbourne-based
landscape designer and founder of Georgia Harper
Landscape Design.
| 35
DESIGNER GARDENS
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.
36 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
| 37
DESIGNER GARDENS
38 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
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 nished as a vibrant
multi-dimensional landscape
WORDS: Erina Starkey PHOTOS: Peter Brennan

hile its 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 homes 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
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 pools 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
| 39
DESIGNER GARDENS
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 gardens 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
40 |
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332 DESIGN AWARDS

AUSTRALIAS MOST AWARDED, IN EVERY PRICE RANGE, EVERY YEAR
SPASA GOLD AWARD / UNDER $50,000
SPASA GOLD AWARD / UNDER $30,000.
SPASA GOLD AWARD / $50,000 - $75,000
SPASA GOLD AWARD / OVER $130,000
SPASA SILVER AWARD / UNDER $75,000
In over 20 years of business under the same ownership, Majestic Pools and
Landscapes have perfected the art of value.
Weve injected value into every price range, and truly made it available to
every swimming pool owner. Most people these days understand that value
means a whole lot more than just being price competitive, so our simple
formula and our promise to you is:
/
/
/
/
/
/
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 youre
looking for a basic pool or something more elaborate. When that value is
available with us at every price range, you just cant 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 Todays Dream into
Tomorrows Lifestyle.
v2013.1619
Whether youre 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 $50,000
SPASA SILVER AWARD / UNDER $50,000
SPASA SILVER AWARD / LIGHTING FEATURE
SPASA GOLD / PRESIDENTS CHOICE
HEAD OFFICE &

SOUTHSIDE SHOWCASE CENTRE
38 Devlan Street, MANSFIELD QLD 4122
07 3245 2111 / PH 07 3245 3977 / FAX
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CLEANING SYSTEMS & SUSTAINABLE BACKYARDS
We invest heavilly in the industrys leading
technologies, and have packaged a suite of
products to provide you with Australias most
environmentally sustainable backyards.
Majestic Pools & Landscapes Pty Ltd trading as Majestic Constructions

.
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Relocating to Southside Head Ofce (QLD)
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The wider Majestic Group is active in a range of
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SOUTHSIDE /
DESIGNER GARDENS
eeking
anctuary
As this award-winning garden

proves, you dont need masses
of space to make a big impact
44 |
DESI
DE
DESIGNER
S GN
SI
NER GARDENS
GAR
A DE
DENS
N
NS
The garden, built by Peter Yorke

Landscapes, features a subtle level
change and abundant planting.
| 45
DESIGNER GARDENS
46 |
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 owners
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
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 blocks 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 winters 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
| 47
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 doesnt need sealing and doesnt show stains. Also,
the colour variation in the stone is subtle and the tones warm, explains
48 |
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.
Antheas 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 Antheas 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
ix and
atch
This garden is a mix of new and old materials

as well as edible and ornamental plants
50 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
The circular shape of the steel

planters is mirrored in the shape
of the custom-built garden seat.
| 51
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 todays 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
52 |
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.
Adams 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 youre sitting, standing on the back verandah or
relaxing by the pool, this garden provides a visual treat. Its
also a garden that shows how ornamental and edible plants
can work together, as can new and recycled materials. T
| 53
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DESIGNER GARDENS
After sundown, the lighting in

the outdoor room, pool and
garden beds paints a magical
nightscape.
56 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
ld meets
new
This breathtaking outdoor retreat fuses

traditional and contemporary design elements
| 57
DESIGNER GARDENS
58 |
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.

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 familys dream
space for entertaining and relaxing. They can gather on V
| 59
DESIGNER GARDENS
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
60 |
The luxurious outdoor room

is now the familys 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.
62 |
DESIGNER GARDENS
oints
of view
From courtyard to pool, these modern outdoor

spaces guarantee a pleasing outlook
| 63
DESIGNER GARDENS

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
64 |
A subtle Asian feel that

softens the clean lines of
the overall garden design
fresh white tiles of the pools 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 its something that can be considered whether
youre building a landscape from scratch or youre
embarking on a major garden renovation. T
| 65
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BACKYARD ESSENTIALS
Backyard Essentials V
| 69
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 youre in the market
for a sleek compact model for your courtyard
or a fully equipped modular kitchen, theres a
backyard barbie perfectly suited to everyones
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.
70 |
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 wont
be able to regulate the heat, youll 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 its a scorching summer
day and theres a fire ban, you wont 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 doesnt 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 entre 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. BeefEaters 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 wont
need to buy wood or lighter fluid to get started,
youll always need a full tank of gas (unless you
have a natural gas supply), but storing a spare
bottle will ensure youre 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
| 71
BARBECUE GUIDE
Youre 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 its 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 wont
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
72 |
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.
The Australian Barbeque
AUSTRALIAN MADE | BBQS & OUTDOOR KITCHENS | FACTORY DIRECT | 25 YEAR WARRANTY
The Avalon
The Lifestyle Modular Outdoor kitchen range

Visit our website, www.lifestylebbqs.com to see videos of our BBQs
in action and get detailed information on how to specify your ideal
Outdoor Kitchen. We manufacture in Australia and you buy direct
from the factory. Lifestyle BBQs can be shipped Australia wide.
Built-in and mobile BBQs also available.
A Real BBQ Factory
113A Fairford Rd, Padstow (Just off the M5 Motorway)
SYDNEY PLEASE CALL: 9773 6245

AUST WIDE CALL TOLL FREE: 1300 849 790
www.lifestylebbqs.com
Open: Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 9am-2.30pm
The Collaroy
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 whats going on
inside without lifting the lid and losing heat.
Modular: Theres 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 wont 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.
Its also important to keep in mind that a
barbecue is a long-term investment so ensure
its made with quality construction materials.
Look for commercial-grade stainless steel or
74 |
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 dont 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 info@heatlie.com.au
Ph 08 8374 1999
STYLE FILE
We love
Dreamfarms Scizza
pizza cutter, available
from Everten
www.everten.com.au
3
5
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 Dreamfarms 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 Dreamfarms click-lock, sit-up barbecue Clongs from Gifts for
Blokes www.giftsforblokes.com.au 8 Sagaforms 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 Dreamfarms 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
8
10
9
11
12
76 |
3 cookers in one: The Ultimate BBQ Experience

GRILLING
Over 700 degrees
for quick grill.
SMOKING
Holds low temperatures
for slow smoked BBQ.
WOOD FIRED
Ceramic dome cooks
like brick oven.
Infratech Slimline Infrared Outdoor Heaters.

Also available from Keverton Outdoor.
1064 Toorak Road I Camberwell VIC 3124 I Tel: 03 9889 6542

Mob: 0418 551 520 I www.kevertonoutdoor.com.au
PIZZA OVENS
Pizza perfection
If youre 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
its easy to see why.
Whether youre 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 doesnt 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 chefs 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!
Enjoy the benefits

Pizza ovens are specialised ovens designed
to cook, roast, bake and fry foods at intense
78 |
heats. Theyre 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. Theres 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) dont
require that much cleaning, although its
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 youre not using it.
PIZZA OVENS
The not-so-humble
backyard pizza oven
is revolutionising
the way we all cook
outdoors
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
whats cooking, and some have both. With a
huge range available, youll 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 cant
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 pizzas 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 youre 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 youre 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 companys 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, youll need a good
supply of wood and somewhere to store it. In
the past, wood-fired ovens took many hours to
| 79
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 theyre great if
youre having an impromptu pizza night, and
some models are also quite compact.
If you want to purchase a gas oven but dont
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.
80 |
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 youre
installing a wood-fired oven, you also need to
allow room around it as youll be using a shovel
and youll 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.
OUR AIM IS SIMPLE: TO MAKE IT AFFORDABLE TO BUILD THE HIGHEST QUALITY WOOD FIRED OVENS AND FIREPLACES
Specialising in authentic Italian style Brick Oven kits,

PreCast Pizza Ovens and refractory materials for the
construction of Wood Fired Ovens and Fireplaces.
p. 03 9703 1758 www.melbournefirebricks.com.au
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THE HEAT IN TIME FOR SUMMER

OF TWO
BBQS VALUED AT OVER $5000
PRIZE 1
Featuring a stainless-steel hotplate and
Heatlies unique burner system, which uses
precision-machined burners to produce
a more even heat than other barbecues,
this super-tough barbecue is built to last.
It comes with two handy side tables, a
splashback, warming drawer and automatic
Dual Piezo ignition system, and can be made
to suit Natural Gas or LPG. A favourite with
caterers, sporting clubs and community
groups, it comes in three sizes (700mm,
850mm and 1150mm) and is available in
black or
burgundy.
Each
issue
is delivered to your
HOME or OFFICE Subscriptions are tax deductable for industry professional

Heatlie Black Powder Coated
Barbecue (1150mm)
Heatlie Island
Gourmet Elite
PRIZE 2
Stylish and contemporary, Heatlies
Island Gourmet Elite is ideal for use in
outdoor kitchens. The stainless-steel
barbecue can be easily installed into
any type of benchtop, even wood
and laminate. It features a solid steel
hotplate, in combination with steel
ribbon burners, providing a great
base for cooking, preventing
charring and helping to cook
food evenly.
HEATLIE CONTACT DETAILS

Website www.heatlie.com.au
Phone (08) 8374 1999
Email info@heatlie.com.au
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/heatliebbq
Twitter https://twitter.com/heatliebbqs
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
heres 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.
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, theyre
also a useful option to clean up the kids after
theyve 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
youd like to use your bathtub or shower as an
alternative to your indoor bathroom, the initial
outlay will be well worth it.
84 |
Flooring needs to be non-slip,

stay cool on hot days, be easy to
clean and, most importantly, feel
pleasant under bare feet. Its best
to avoid fine gravels that will stick
to wet feet, or large pebbles as
theyre 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, youll
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:
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.
| 85
OUTDOOR BATHROOMS
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.
Its 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 its just a quick rinse
youre 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 its positioned
86 |
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 dont 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.
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
88 |
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, lets 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
wouldnt 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 doesnt 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 its in position, its 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
| 89
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. Its important that your
furniture is as functional as it is easy on the eye.
90 |
The latest looks

According to Clare, this years 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 wont
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.
SHOWROOM 474 HUME HWY, YAGOONA BAY 2199 TEL: (02) 9796 3663 FAX: (02) 9796 1590
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 countrys 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.
92 |
GARDEN Tread Lightly, designed by Christopher Owen of Christopher Owen

Landscape Design. AWARD Silver medal in the Inspirational Gardens category.
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 Harrisons 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.
| 93
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.
94 |
GARDEN My Island Home, designed by Phillip Withers of Phillip Withers Landscape

Design. AWARDS Bronze medal in the Inspirational Gardens category plus the
Peoples Choice Award.
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.
| 95
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?
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.
96 |
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 thats both aesthetically pleasing

and highly functional. Photo courtesy of Secret Gardens.
AILDM
AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF
LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS AND
MANAGERS
WHATEVER STYLE YOU LOVE,

A DESIGN BY A MEMBER OF
AILDM MAKES A GARDEN
THAT CALLS YOU HOME.
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 dont 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.
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.
98 |
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 its
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
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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| 99
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.
100 |
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 sites
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 familys 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 Sydneys 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 Plains 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 RSPCAs 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 Universitys 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 Universitys 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.
| 101
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 Australias 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 gardens creation in a very personal
way, showing, through Peters 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
authors 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
102 |
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 youre serious about sustainability and

trying your hand at organic edible gardening,
then Josh Byrnes 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.
We supply the products

that make yards stand out
MENAI SAND & SOIL

www.menaisandsoil.com.au
The largest landscape & building supply yard in the

southern suburbs of Sydney. We deliver everywhere.
LARGE FORMAT PAVERS PEBBLES POTS LARGE AND SMALL TREATED PINE
mulches turf
soils garden soils
bricksands blue
metal riversands
pebbles
COMPLETE
LANDSCAPE
BUILDING
SUPPLIES
sandstone
bricks besser
blocks sleepers
pavers imported
pebbles direct
from importer
VISIT THE LARGEST INNOVATIVE PRODUCT SUPPLY YARD IN THE SOUTHERN METRO
New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights NSW Phone: (02) 9543 5333 Email: sales@menaisandsoil.com.au
SUPER GREY New to Australia direct from Importer
WHATS IN STORE
Whats in store
From designer hoses to sleek Danish vases and edgy
urban planters, heres whats 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, its 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 youre 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
104 |
Garden glamour
Made in Sweden, the Garden Glory
hose adds a touch of glamour to your
gardening. But dont 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
Live the
Outstore
Lifestyle!
PREMIUM STORAGE BUILDINGS
Bellevue /Summit /Orion/
Store it out ultra
Floor included no slab required
Durable resin maintenance free
Ventilated
Lockable
STORE IT OUT ULTRA

Massive 2000L maintenance free storage
Ideal for poolside equipment & chemicals
Holds 2 x 240L wheelie bins
Great for bikes, toys & cushion storage
No rust, no rot ,no painting
Lockable & ventilated
*Shelf not included
PHONE ORDER BONUS OFFER! *
Recieve a free Rattan storage box with the purchase of any

Summit/ Orion/ Bellevue or Store it out Ultra storage building*.
(02) 6351 2255

6LYH]HPSHISL\U[PS[O1HU
VIEW THE RANGE ONLINE: WWW.OUTSTORE.COM.AU
SPRING
INTO
ACTION
Be inspired this spring by

CompleteHomes bespoke e-newsletters
sent directly to your inbox.
Sign up at completehome/enews-letter-join
DESIGN SOURCE
Design Source V
| 109
DESIGN SOURCE
Classic cane
Quality cane furniture that combines classic,
timeless style with contemporary comfort
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, theres 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.
110 |
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 cant go past Casablanca
Canes 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
| 111
DESIGN SOURCE
112 |
DESIGN SOURCE
Fare with flair

If you love to cook great food, then a wood-fired
oven is a great addition to your outdoor kitchen
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 companys
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 doesnt 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 companys
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

Factory 11, 167 Princes Highway,
Hallam Vic 3803
Phone (03) 9703 1758
Email sales@melbournefirebricks.com.au
Website www.melbournefirebricks.com.au
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DESIGN SOURCE
Lifestyle choice
Add some sizzle to your entertaining with this
stylish range of Australian-made barbecues
ith an Australian-made barbecue or

outdoor kitchen from Lifestyle BBQs,
youll get all the heat control and
cooking performance you need. This means
youll 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 companys 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
114 |
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

Lifestyle BBQs
113A Fairford Road, Padstow NSW 2211
Phone (02) 9773 6245 (Sydney)
Toll Free 1300 849 790
(country and interstate)
Email sales@lifestylebbqs.com
Website www.lifestylebbqs.com
DESIGN SOURCE
Three in one
A multi-featured ceramic barbecue
designed to offer eager outdoor
cooks the maximum versatility
everton Outdoor, a leading supplier

of specialist outdoor heating, is now
the exclusive Australian distributor for
Saffire Grills, manufacturer of the USs 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 200700C simply by adjusting the
airflow from the stainless-steel top and
bottom dampers. Once the charcoal has been
preheated, close the lid and reach 700C 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

Keverton Outdoor
Phone (03) 9889 6542
Website www.kevertonoutdoor.com.au
| 115
DESIGN SOURCE
Gourmet style
A barbecue designed for use in all outdoor
kitchens, both contemporary and traditional
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,
Heatlies 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 barbecues design deflects heat away from
the bench. Its a big plus, as it means you dont
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
116 |
may only last a year or two. Many cheaper

units dont age well, theyre 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

Heatlie
Phone (08) 8374 1999
Website www.heatlie.com.au
DESIGN
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ESI
SIGN
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SO
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URCE
U
Complete package
Find everything you
need to complete
your project in the
one handy location
hether youre 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 companys 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 companys
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, dont forget
to peruse the display of pavers and retainers,
as well as the companys 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 youre merely contemplating
your next project or ready to begin, Menai Sand
& Soil will supply the products to take you from
start to finish. T

Menai Sand & Soil
124 New Illawarra Road, Lucas Heights
NSW 2234
Phone (02) 9543 5333
Email sales@menaisandsoil.com.au
Website www.menaisandsoil.com.au
| 117
DESIGN SOURCE
Design diversity
Quality concrete paving, coping and walling
for both classic and contemporary gardens
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
118 |
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 SAs
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 SAs 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
DESIGN SOURCE
uncluttered look. Replacing sections of lawn

with easy-care paving can also help reduce
your water use and time spent on garden
maintenance.
Whether youre 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 companys
complete range of colours and finishes. T

Customstone SA
1-3 Bayer Road, Elizabeth South SA 5112
Phone (08) 8252 9633
Email info@customstonesa.com.au
Website www.customstonesa.com.au
| 119
DESIGN SOURCE
Stylish sandstone
Richly coloured sandstone has completely
transformed this classic country mansion
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
120 |
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

Cinajus Pty Ltd
32 Bryant Street, Padstow NSW 2211
Phone (02) 9773 5677
Email info@cinajus.com
Website www.cinajus.com
DESIGN SOURCE
Beauty of bamboo
Whether used for fencing or as a decorative
backdrop, bamboo screening is ideal
ooking for a natural, eco-friendly way

to mask unsightly views or add privacy
to an outdoor entertaining area? Then
look to Bamboo Habitats 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 Habitats
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 Habitats 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 companys 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 Habitats 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

Bamboo Habitat
Phone (02) 4294 1385
Email info@bamboohabitat.com.au
Website www.bamboohabitat.com.au
Tropical Habitat
Website www.tropical-habitat.com
| 121
DESIGN SOURCE
Instant appeal
If you like the tropical or resort look, then
black bamboo screening is for you
or instant tropical appeal, its hard to go

past the allure of bamboo screening.
Whether youve 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 youre 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.
122 |
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 dont 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

Infinity Panels
13 Tarnard Drive, Braeside Vic 3195
Mobile 0411 1188 58
Email sales@infinitypanels.com.au
Website www.infinitypanels.com.au
DESIGN SOURCE
All decked out

Create a low-maintenance entertaining area
with timber-look aluminium decking
f the look of natural timber appeals but

not the ongoing maintenance, the answer
is Knotwoods timber look-a-like extruded
aluminium decking.
Knotwoods aluminium decking will give
you a deck that looks as if you installed it all in
one piece, says Knotwoods 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 doesnt 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 dont
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 wont cost you a fortune to
keep it looking as new, and it is mildew resistant
so you dont need to use special cleaners to
prevent the build-up of mould, says Brendan.

Aluminium decking stays cool in the
summer, he continues. You wont 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 wont 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

Knotwood
Phone 1300 KNOTWOOD
Email sales@knotwood.com.au
Website www.knotwood.com.au
| 123
DESIGN SOURCE
Matter of trust
Premium-quality architectural plants from a
specialist nursery you know you can trust
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 Australias leading dragon tree
supplier, Dragon Trees Australia has worked
with many of the countrys 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
124 |
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 doesnt 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 rooms 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

Dragon Trees Australia
Phone (02) 6674 1516
Email jason@dragontrees.com.au
Website www.dragontrees.com.au
DESIGN SOURCE
| 125
DESIGN SOURCE
126 |
DESIGN SOURCE
Winners circle
If you want to protect your investment,
choose a multi-award-winning pool company
ajestic Pools & Landscapes is this

countrys 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 companys 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 companys competitiveness
and its ability to successfully deliver projects
of every size, style and budget. Whats more,
a company with a track record of consistent
award wins is proof of that companys strength
and longevity. V
| 127
DESIGN SOURCE
Queensland-based Majestic Pools takes

great pride in its ability to design and build a
pool or spa to each clients 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
companys 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 years standing, and its 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

Majestic Pools & Landscapes
Brisbane (Southside) Showcase Centre:
38 Devlan Street, Mansfield Qld 4122
Website www.majesticpools.com.au
128 |
DESIGN SOURCE
| 129
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
130 |
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
SWonderful
25
Space Concepts Australia
105
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: paula@motyaj.com.au
South West Sydney Showroom

UNIT 3/15 KERR RD
INGLEBURN NSW 2565
Ph: 02 9618 1817 E: sales@motyaj.com.au
www.motyaj.com.au

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AUSTRALIAS BEST-SELLING GARDEN DESIGN MAGAZINE

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RIGHT The rooftop garden features

WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Nicholas Watt

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

OPPOSITE PAGE From the deck created

The garden provides all the

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

A family-friendly outdoor room

The outdoor room was designed

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

ABOVE The modern

ith its modern,

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

Steve has given them is a cutting-edge design with clean lines

ABOVE From planting to paving, this

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BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

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The design is contemporary with

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WORDS: Karen Booth PHOTOS: Tim Turner

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

This multi-levelled outdoor

LEFT The garden design features a variety of seamlessly

BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

SWonderful is part of Pumpmates Australasia

114 Pyrmont Bridge Road, Camperdown NSW 2050

This family-friendly garden has gone from a

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BACKYARD & GARDEN DESIGN IDEAS

ABOVE A reflection pond was built to one side of the

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Not Fake, Not Modified,