garden
9. Bamboo Another plant highly regarded by Japanese gardeners for centuries is bamboo, a plant with such beauty and delicacy of form it is now equally admired in the west. In the minimalist garden, it looks best planted against a plain backdrop – like the Japanese maple – so its beautiful culms and delicate foliage can be fully enjoyed. There are many different bamboo species, some with black, red, yellow or blue-green coloured stems, and a range of different heights to choose from.
7. Birch trees It’s all about drama in the minimalist garden and the elegant trunks of birch trees (Betula) are right on the money. There are about 60 species in this genus of deciduous trees and shrubs, several with distinctive silvery white trunks like these. Plant in groups of three or more for maximum impact with a low ground cover such as ajuga or ‘bugle flower’ below, so that the eye is drawn to the trunks of the trees. Birches are frost-tolerant and not fussy about soil, but need watering during dry weather when young. Other trees with lovely sculptural trunks include crepe myrtle (Lagerstroemia indica) and shadbush (Amelanchier canadensis).
6. Reeds There’s something quite poetic about the slender leaves and graceful forms of reeds, particularly when they move in the wind. This contrasts beautifully with the bold architecture of the built structures that often surround minimalist gardens. Many reeds such as the New Zealand native jointed wire rush or oioi (Apodasmia similis) are extremely versatile plants, and are able to cope with difficult conditions such as boggy or dry soil, wind, salt spray and heat. Plant in large groups for maximum effect. Take care when selecting reed species. Some such as the horsetail reed (pictured) are considered invasive in New Zealand and parts of Australia, as they spread very quickly through spores, and some varieties can be toxic to livestock. Always check with your local nursery, council or the Department of Conservation.
5. Mother-in-law’s tongue Popular back in the 1950s, mother-in law’s tongue (Sansevieria) is now in vogue again, often planted en masse as shown here in raised beds. Sometimes known as snake plant, the upright shape and variegated colours of this succulent make it ideal for minimalist gardens where the emphasis is on strong forms. Its ability to cope with hot, sunny spaces makes it particularly suitable for contemporary courtyards like this one. It will grow happily outside in warm frost-free areas, but needs to be planted in a container in a very sheltered spot (or indoors) in cooler places.
4. Cycads This ancient group of plants is prized for its architectural form, often used as a focal point in contemporary minimalist gardens like this one in Melbourne. Very slow growing, most cycads do eventually form a trunk like the popular sago palm (Cycas revoluta) pictured, which can ultimately reach 3-4 metres in height.
3. Japanese maple The Japanese created some of the earliest minimalist gardens, and maples were always a key plant in those gardens. The key attractions of Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) are distinctive, beautifully-coloured foliage and graceful branch patterns when not in leaf. These are small trees that range in size from 5 metres high to tiny 1-metre cultivars, so they’re suitable for small gardens, courtyards and pots. Japanese maples look stunning when positioned in front of a plain wall where their vibrant colours can be appreciated.
2. Frangipani Prized for their scented blooms that waft you to the tropics with one sniff, frangipani trees (Plumeria) also have an elegant shape that superbly complements contemporary minimalist buildings like this one. Most species are deciduous, but the leafless branches have a sculptural beauty and the fragrance of their flowers in summer more than compensates for the lack of leaves in winter. Frangipani need a frost-free location and plenty of sun to flower well.
1. Tree aloe For sheer impact in a minimalist space it’s hard to beat the tree aloe (Aloe barberae). This native of South Africa and Mozambique can reach up to 18 metres, but as it’s slow growing it can take years to reach that height. Drought tolerant and easy to care for, tree aloes do need shelter from the cold. Their ability to cope with high temperatures makes them ideal for locations like this one, where there is a lot of hard landscaping and therefore considerable reflected heat. There are several other aloe species that bear the same common name of tree aloe as they grow upwards on tree trunks, but Aloe barberae is the tallest.
Don’t waste side gardens. Narrow side gardens are an often neglected area of landscape design. Informal paving and planting work to counterbalance the rectilinear walls and tall fence, creating a soft and welcoming pathway. The largely green planting palette of hostas, grasses, ferns and maples dramatically contrasts with the tall orange lilies to make the journey from the front gate one of surprise and delight.
The simplicity of this small Queensland entrance garden is the perfect foil for enhancing the grandeur of the house. Timber decks float in a sea of pebbles taking you on a leisurely journey to the front door, with sculptural cycads softening the hard materials. The pebbles also create a visual connection to the stone walls of the house, intensifying the link between house and garden.
shade structure
stack stone in-built seating. Design the timber top to be able to open and include storage for cushions inside
dry creek
placement and colour of rocks
lamp
restrained planting palette
striking wall feature with strelitzia in forground
good use of space in patio
jack merlo landscape designer
bbq hidden away when not in use
simple and neat. good use of space
tropical and temperate together
serene pond dividing "rooms" in the garden
pleached hedge set against wooden fence - could be an idea for home if hedge is sparse at the bottom
melbourne courtyard
restricted planting choice, hard landscaping adds interest
creative downpipe and also preserves water for the garden
succulent wall divider creates intimacy without solid division
beautiful grey stone wall
deep built in seating
Trees in a hedge. A neat row of pleached trees interplanted with boxwood creates a crisp, seamless look that’s perfect for both traditional and modern gardens.
Parterre. This classic, formal garden design is typically made up of hedges grown in symmetrical patterns and separated by gravel paths. A parterre is a brilliant way to add interest to a flat lawn, as shown here. Add a bench so you can enjoy the view
Garden gate. A row of tall, tightly spaced shrubs or trees planted near the entrance to your garden can take the place of a traditional fence and gate. Soften the look of the tall hedge by planting shorter boxwoods and low-growing plants, like hosta, on either side.
Modern spheres. Who says trimmed shrubs are only for traditional gardens? Bunchy little round shrubs make a welcome addition to a modern garden as well, bringing softness to the horizontal lines.
Ornamental grasses such as switchgrass (Panicum spp and cvs, USDA zones 5 to 9; find your zone) and fountain grass (Pennisetum spp and cvs, zones 5 to 9) respond effortlessly to the wind. If you have an abundance of sun and space, consider planting a single variety of ornamental grass en masse. On a breezy day, the results will be mesmerizing
Leaving narrow gaps between materials allows light to filter through, preserving glimpses of view. The narrower slats at the top of this redwood fence help break it up, delineating top from bottom and keeping it from feeling too flat.
If you’re wary that gaps in the fence might lead to gaps in security, consider mixing your materials. This steel, fiberglass and wood fence, by TKO Structures, helps make this Hollywood home a fortress without making its occupants feel walled in.
This tall steel fence creates a barrier against would-be burglars while allowing friendly neighbors to peek in to see if your kids are around for a playdate. Long, thin posts can be set horizontally to preserve as much view as possible, as they are here, or set at an angle to create more privacy.
great fence detail
easy privacy screen
nice landscapng
clever use of frosted glass as a fence
enjoy the rustic/industrial elements of fireplace and staircase
soothing palette of colours
contrasting colours of blue and orange
succulents planted in driftwood, secured with spagnam moss then once secure, hung vertically
matching materials and or colours used for house exterior and landscaping
note garden stps
Cycad circinalis
for sandy's garden? pennisetum alternating with shrub?
Geranium 'Johnson's Blue'
Acer palmatum "Bloodgood" zone 5-8
10. Grasses Like reeds, grasses are planted in the minimalist garden for their grace and softness, contrasting vividly with walls, fences, boardwalks and other built structures. And like reeds again, they should be planted in large groups for the best effect, with few other plants around to compete for attention. Most grasses prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sun, but there are some, such as the New Zealand natives Carex secta and Carex virgata, that will grow in quite wet ground.
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