Desperate for advice on plants & landscaping for our brand new garden
Jo Hamblyn
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
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Jo Hamblyn
5 years agoJo Hamblyn
5 years agoRelated Discussions
Should I hire a landscape professional or attempt DIY in our backyar?
Comments (17)definitely use a designer - they have a much better idea of what plants will work and why, which will save you a heap of money (I have replanted 8 times due to having a poor understanding of what to put where) and when it comes to draining, paving, irrigation etc they have experience of not only how, but which products will produce what results.... Plus a good designed area looks "done" (think display home gardens/features) however self-designed always look "bitza". If you don't have the money to do the entire plan that they design, ask them to break it into stages that you can execute/upgrade over time that still looks good in its most basic form....See MoreAny ideas on how to start designing a brand new garden
Comments (12)Well nasmijati has much to offer. For my mind i would like to get an understanding of who you are before thinking too much ahead friendlykim. If we leave climate change, fire zones, function, ergonomics and sustainability to one side we might consider your childhood experiences, your passions, sufferings, do you like literature/ Japanese poetry? - will you have mist in the winter months? what music do you like? imagination as play in defining space, choreographing shade and light, will you have children to consider, would you consider a more elemental use of water for swimming and other opportunities in place of a lap pool? we could talk about art, what artists you love, insight beyond reason which comes through our relationship that your garden may feed your mind on a daily basis. Have you travelled? Does the north African civilization have anything to teach you for garden application? - what is your latitude? Has contemplation placed it's hand on your shoulder by this stage of your life? I should stop - for me it's not really about design, it's about the life of the mind and arousing latent, hidden aspects of who you are - your life narrative. This is how I would start making a garden for you and preferably over lunch - it is primarily about love in the end!...See MoreExterior paint colour and landscaping design advice needed!
Comments (7)Your house is brand brand new and so yes it does look a bit stark, but don't rush to repaint! Once you have added shrubs and it has settled in it will look really lovely. Put a little money into landscaping and it will look lovely. It just needs time to settle into the landscape. Definately don't paint it grey! That is not a look that works north of sydney in my opinion! It will look grim in the qld sunshine I think. Be patient, it won't take long for new plants to grow up in QLD. What comes to mind is your house is like a bride in a white dress... its the bouquet of flowers that really make her look beautiful. Try looking at bridal magazines for some inspiration for what garden style you like. 2 approaches I would try. Tropical foliage and tropical colour with bright gingers, lipstick palms, cordylines etc.. There are plenty of species that will do fine in the subtropics. Or the second and perhaps what I would favour for myself is to create an avenue of colourful flowering trees along the driveway like jacaranda, frangipani, flame tree, or perhaps one spreading poinciana out front in the middle of the yard if there is space. If you want some real wow factor employ a landscape gardener to give you something really unique, a great feature design. Or for a simpler approach just go to the nursery and pick what you like the look of. The house will look great with any sort of garden to soften the edges....See MoreSeeking advice for landscape & design for internal courtyard
Comments (15)Many thanks gerogiegirl123, LouieT & oskuee. I really appreciate your thoughts. We have delayed a bit due to some indoor renovations but I have started painting out the brown rafters & uprights with Ricochet (fairly light grey with hint of earthy green) and the brown sliding doors with vanilla quake (pale grey) & that has lightened things up without heading too far away from the earthy 1970's vibe. Thanks for the photo ideas. I am keen for a united floor that looks great & is durable but that isn't just one boring expanse of the same material. Perhaps some lighting and a raised planter box in one section that could double as seating would help? Also interesting was the comment on the almost Japanese feel. I stumbled across a Japanese plant in a nursery (cephalotaxus harringtonia fastigiata) that may work as a replacement for the tree ferns which are driving me mad with the spores that settle on everything. We have plenty of indoor projects to entertain us and the ideas for the courtyard are slowly evolving. Thanks again....See MoreJo Hamblyn
5 years agojulie herbert
5 years agoJo Hamblyn
5 years agojulie herbert
5 years ago
julie herbert