Landscape
Create places for plantsFor plant lovers water provides superb opportunities for introducing marginal and aquatic varieties such as the waterlilies, and papyrus in this garden. As no chemicals can be used in pools and ponds containing plants or fish, to keep the water clear and healthy it’s important to get balance right between each natural element. A mix of marginals and deepwater aquatics is usually required.
Make an entranceWater can add drama to a front garden, creating a striking gateway to the house as shown in this Perth garden. Ponds on either side of the front terrace are fed by a beautiful water bowl and surrounded by a rich mix of native and exotic plants that includes orange flowering kangaroo paw. In summer, waterlilies add more flower colour to the delightful composition.
Art boulders. A huge rock (or three or four) can do wonders to bring focus to your garden – define a zone, add interest to a grassy area or accent your favourite spot with just one great big rock. Plain boulders are beautiful on their own, but painted ones are another option to consider for an artful twist. You can either purchase rocks with painted designs or create your own.
NATURAL GARDENS AT A GLANCEYou’ll love it if… You prefer relaxed, informal gardens with gentle sweeps of grasses, flowers and other plants. You’ll also like a seasonal look with seed heads and spent flowers left on plants during the winter so their seed is either spread naturally through the garden or to provide food for birds. Difficulty ranking: Achieving a naturalistic look does require some human intervention or the garden will eventually become untidy. Regular weeding is essential, as is the division and replanting of perennials and grasses. Flowering plants always do better with a regular feeding regime. Key plants: Grasses and flowering perennials, particularly those that self-seed easily.
FSC certification is recognised internationally as the most rigorous environmental and social standard for responsible forest management.FSC standards ensure that environmental, social and economic needs are balanced, and that long-term forest management plans are implemented. Benefits for the local and wider communities include cleaner air and water, and mitigating the effects of climate change, while having positive effects on economic development, environmental conservation and poverty alleviation. It also ensures no illegal logging, no human rights abuses, and no unregulated production practices take place.See more stunning exteriors
Fishpond
Fire pit and brick
The Gold Show Garden Award went to I See Wild designed by Phillip Withers Landscape Design.
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