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roving that it can be good
to make a small garden even
smaller, this brilliant landscape
is divided into two sections
- a secluded area for yoga
and meditation, and a private
courtyard. A copper water
feature and tiled feature wall
separate the rooms and these
elements are complemented by
the architectural planting scheme
of cacti and succulents.
The elevated retaining walls
lift the plantings and leave the
centre of the courtyard open,
making it appear larger. Music
is a feature, too, with speakers
located throughout the garden.
1. Different wall textures,
like dark-stained
timber, charcoal render and basalt tiles,
expand the sense of space rather than cramp
it. They also provide the perfect framework
for the modernist sculptural plantings of
succulents and cacti.
2. The amazing spires
of the blue torch
cactus
(Pilosocereus azureus
) create living
drama with their spiky narrow forms. They’re
best planted among other cacti and succulents,
in a sunny bed filled with a very free-draining
growing medium. For a great effect, try
planting them in front of a stained timber wall.
3. Tree-like succulents work brilliantly
as specimen feature plants.
Aloe ferox
, from
southern Africa, has a single woody trunk
which can reach 4-5m, topped with a dense
rosette of shapely spiny leaves.
4. Successful small gardens
deliver an
experience as well as a visual thrill. With high
boundaries for privacy, this soothing corner of
the garden features a combined day bed/deck,
which can be used for yoga or relaxing.
Garden designs by Richard Kelly, Urban Exotic,
(02) 4 9 2 9 4 7 9 6 or www.urbanexotic.com.au
For more cool cacti, see page 60
