Larry Smith and the Riverside Gardens team talk all things pots, plants and pruning in their weekly gardening column.
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The first week of the school holidays, and it has been cold, wet and quite miserable.
Very disappointing for the kids and their families wanting to get out and do something with their time off.
You can see it on the faces of the brave souls that have ventured out into our gardens for a round of Laugh A Lot Mini Golf.
It is almost as disappointing for the gardeners that would like to make the most of the bare rooted plant season.
Then again, it is winter, so we just need to make the most of the breaks in the weather that come our way.
When the weather is too wet to get outside and enjoy creating a garden, it is the perfect time to sit down, plan, and design what you would like to create.
A little thought now can make a big difference later, helping you get the most out of your garden space and avoid the common pitfalls once the weather clears a little.
It is surprising how often people set about designing the layout of their garden and their first instinct is to push everything to the edges.
They tend to build narrow, dead-straight garden beds that hug the fence line, leaving a massive, uninspiring rectangle of grass in the middle.
A one-metre-wide garden in this style is extremely hard to plant up with any interest, flare or impact.
Try incorporating flowing curves with gardens wide enough for layered plantings and lawns with soft contoured edges.
Gentle curves instantly make a garden feel more natural and relaxed.
While contoured lawns and well-placed garden beds can also help direct traffic through the area and draw attention to key features you wish to highlight.
A clever garden design does not need to reveal everything at once.
Limiting the full view of the garden can create intrigue and interest.
Giving the impression that the space is much larger than it really is and giving the appearance that it leads on further even if it does not.
Looking through or underneath trees can help push larger objects visually into the distance or make the space beyond seem larger.
Houses close to the street can appear to be set back further when viewed through under the canopy of a suitable size tree.
You can also borrow vistas and features from outside your garden.
By using neighbouring bushland, distant views or even your neighbours trees, you can visually blend them into your own garden to make the space feel connected and much larger than it really is.
Colour can dramatically change how large or small an area appears.
Bright, hot colours tend to draw things forward, while soft pastels and darker tones can make areas feel as though they sit further back.
The same principle applies with foliage, large, bold leaves or bright variegated foliage will stand out and come forward, while darker foliage, such as purples, and finer leaves can create a sense of depth and distance.
Carefully consider how people will move around and through the garden.
Traffic flow, access points, and everyday use are just as important as appearance.
Special-use areas such as alfresco spaces should be located conveniently close to the house, kitchen, children’s outdoor play areas, or swimming pool.
Service areas are best kept out of view, while still allowing easy access to both the house and the street.
Do not be afraid to use height in the garden. Larger trees can create a valuable microclimate for other plants to grow, increasing the range of plants you can use in your plant palette.
They cool the surrounding area, slow the wind, and provide shade.
Thoughtfully positioned trees casting shade onto the house can help reduce heating and cooling costs, as well as also making your outdoor living space more usable in the heat of summer.
If your site has a gradient, consider using it as a design opportunity.
Terracing can exaggerate levels while also creating practical, usable areas above or below.
At the same time, make sure drainage is carefully considered, water run-off is limited, and surrounding properties are not negatively affected.
A garden should suit both your lifestyle and your ability to maintain it.
Keep it’s size and complexity to something you can manage.
Choose a planting scheme that matches the style of garden you are creating and importantly, make sure the plants you select are suitable for your local conditions and climate.
A quick chat to our Garden Centre staff can help you with this if you are unsure.
It is a great idea to gather inspiration from gardens you have visited, places you have travelled, magazine photos, or posts on social media.
Just be sure the ideas are practical for your site and suitable for our region.
Good garden design is about balancing ascetics, space and creativity with practicality.
Be adventurous, be thoughtful, and don’t be afraid to make it different.
Your garden should reflect the way you live, the space you have, and the look and feel you want to enjoy every day. Make it your own.