Sustainable landscapes and gardens

When it comes to sustainable landscape design in Australia, the key messages are to plant appropriately for the varying climates. We look for gardens that are beautiful but also do the job required by providing food, shade, habitat, shelter and respite. Green minded landscapes use less hard surfaces so that they are more permeable. They are planned alongside the house to engage the occupants and work with sight lines. They work best when they are easy to access and draw occupants outside.

Retro Zen

Issue 49

The classic division between in and out-of-doors falls away in this tranquil north-facing dwelling, where the owners’ twin love for Japanese aestheticism and 1950s modernism led the design.

Pride of Tassie

Issue 48

The inspirational nursery in Tasmania that has been key to rehabilitating much of the island’s landscape is going strong after 25 years.

Via Palm Springs

Issue 48

There are two contrasting gardens at this Sydney address: in front, a grove of eucalypts shelters a calm, grey-green space, while behind the house, a riotous explosion of colour enhances the Palm Springs vibe.

Inherited Passion

Issue 44

After 25 years in the business, green wall designer and builder Mark Paul has used all of his specialist plant knowledge to transform his own sandstone-based garden.

Return to Buena Vista

Issue 45

This idyllic property on the NSW coast is now in the hands of a fourth generation and they are passionately forging a new era for the farm.

Evolving Beauty

Issue 40

This lush seaside garden is thriving after only a year despite its dry climate and starting point of sandy soil. The key, as ever, was having a great foundation …

Room With A View

Issue 39

Designed in tandem with new outbuildings, this rich and complex garden plays a central part in the life of the house. And vice versa.

Rocking Rooftop

Issue 47

There’s a meadow growing on the roof of a 1950s apartment block in East St Kilda, and it’s changing the lives of the residents.