The secret garden
space
nakers
Living lattice
Make use of ivy's naturally
vigorous growth by training
it as an espalier on a plain
wall. You can attach the ivy
to a frame or on galvanised
training wires and, as it grows,
continue to wrap tendrils,
pruning any that stray from
the design. It can really add
life to a modern design.
Is there more to your backyard
beyond the fence - maybe a secret
garden? Here the gate appears to
be a portal to another part of the
garden, but the effect is achieved
with a full-length mirror and timber
designed to look like an open gate.
The view beyond
Using a mirror to increase the
sense of space and reflect more
light into a dark area has long been
a trick of the interior designer, and
it's easy to apply the same principle
to your garden. Strategically
positioned mirrors can appear to
double the space. Choose a mirror
to suit your garden style, then
soften it with climbing plants.
G a r d e n e r ’s d p s
■ Pay attention to the details.
Surfaces, walls, seating, storage,
decoration - they all need to look good.
■ Think of the space
as an extension of your living room - a place
for relaxing and entertaining or a view from the window.
■ Limited space means
you won’t be able to grow every plant you
want, so choose a selection of species that will thrive in your area.
■ Colours need to work
cohesively as every element is close
together. Some tones are tranquil, others stimulating. Cooler colours
make a space seem larger, while active ones can reduce an area.
■ Containers allow you to move
the garden around to create
different vistas and highlight seasonal planting.
70 BETTER HOMES AND
GARDENS, MAY
2011 bhg.com.au
Words and photography Leigh Clapp
