Most of us have heard the term “acid-loving plants”. These are some of the most beautiful flowering plants in the world, such as azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and gardenias. The term “acid-loving” is based on the assumption that these species com

The perfect way to anchor any garden design is to seamlessly integrate various natural elements. Generally, we like to think of our backyards as patches of wilderness that we have tamed; however, subconsciously, we tend to yearn for reminders of what

Award-winning gardens are a valuable source of inspiration when you’re planning a new outdoor space — or looking for a landscaper to help you create your dream garden. For a tantalising taste of what Australian landscapers are producing, take a look

The space was modest and the land had a slope, but the site presented Landart Landscape Design & Construction with a blank canvas, affording free rein to build the outdoor haven the family envisioned. The owners had a clear idea of what they wanted —

The rear garden of this home on Sydney’s Lower North Shore contains a rather delightful secret — a secluded hideaway in which the owners can relax, entertain and feel connected to nature. Carved into a series of outdoor living spaces, this alfresco r

After a morning surf or at the end of a working day, coming home is always a joyful experience for Jon and Eliza, owners of this coastal property in Queensland’s Sunshine Beach. Just passing beneath the outstretched arms of the magnificent pandanus t

This Moroccan-themed courtyard in Queensland’s Sanctuary Cove offers the homeowner an outdoor living space that is as alluring and exotic as it is comfortable. “The client had travelled to Morocco, loved it and wanted to recreate the experience. She

Some form of outdoor heating is now considered essential, but what you choose depends on how you plan to use your garden and the kind of ambience you want to create. If you want to spark lively conversation, a fire pit encircled by seating just might

Garden maintenance is about so much more than mow and blow. It’s about planning to have a dynamic landscape and honouring the original design intent. The lush outdoor spaces that embrace this inner-Melbourne home are a testament to the vision of the

Drought-tolerant, sustainable and luxuriant, this flourishing garden at Bells Beach on Victoria’s southern coast is a testament to the canny use of native plants and water-wise gardening principles. When Peter Shaw, director of Ocean Road Landscaping

Warm and welcoming, this garden, designed and built by Exotic Living, is a place of serenity. “The owners had a clear vision for their outdoor space: a tranquil haven with a natural feel. They longed for a garden that would provide relaxation and att

Claiming a sought-after location in Jan Juc, a popular seaside destination on the Great Ocean Road, this stunning natural-style landscape not only seamlessly merges with the coastal environment, it elevates the property’s visual allure and maximises

The leafy new Student Services Hub on the St Lucia campus of University of Queensland is flourishing with luxuriant subtropical landscaping that provides an inviting, sheltered retreat for visiting students and faculty. Nestled between the Prentice B

Set high above the Brisbane skyline, this garden oasis is a testament to outside-the-box thinking. The ultimate in luxury urban living, The Standard by Aria is a residential development set in the heart of Brisbane. Among its many amenities, this com

Expertly transforming a very flat grassy area into a layered and textural landscape, this beautifully designed acreage in Yandina Creek is the work of McMahon Earth Solutions. This project was also the winner of a residential category award in the 20

The modern family wants it all and why not? They want a space to entertain in, a pool so they can cool down in summer, and somewhere the kids can play. Thanks to Grant Tattersall, director of Grant’s Landscapes, the owners of this property in Sydney’

A wash with pretty pastel blooms and enticing curvilinear shapes, the gardens that embrace this home in Melbourne’s inner suburbs offer a sense of serenity. The layered planting wraps the outdoor spaces in its lush, leafy embrace while the sinuous ou

The front garden is often an underutilised space but with a bit of creative thinking and the guidance of an experienced designer, you can convert it into a private, multi-functional outdoor living zone. Landscape architect Peter Adley, director of Ya

The Wicked collection was designed by Brussels-based designer Alain Gilles for Vincent Sheppard. Together, they aimed to reinvent wicker furniture as we know it. The design process was all about playing with the construction logics of rattan seating

Why did you decide on a career in design? As a young lad, I spent my school holidays in my grandparents’ community garden. They had a keen interest in gardening, a real passion for production and believed in the paddock-to-plate ethos. This ardour fo

The furniture you choose for your outdoor living space doesn’t just add style; it makes it comfortable, inviting and somewhere you will want to linger, either with good friends or on your own enjoying a few moments of precious peace. Quality and dura

Living in a sunny seaside suburb is the stuff of which dreams are made, so the owners of this contemporary Hamptons-style new-build in Sea-forth on Sydney’s Northern Beaches wanted to make the most of the opportunity. They sought easy-to-maintain fro

How did you get your start? From a young age I was given many opportunities to work with some amazing landscape designers. The experiences they exposed me to opened my eyes to the many possibilities within the realm of landscape design and constructi

In the harbourside suburb of Bellevue Hills in Sydney’s Easter Suburbs sits a hidden gem — an inviting garden with a pool, spaces for relaxed entertaining and a laidback tropical vibe. The well-considered design, devised by Concept Pools and executed

More and more people are finding that architectural and landscape lighting allows them to extend the enjoyment of their garden into the evening hours. If carefully planned, it can also add value to your property. Here are a few tips for making your g

The owners of this suburban property sought a family-friendly garden with a good-sized pool, a pizza oven that would harmonise with the look of the Bohdan Dorniak & Co-designed straw-bale house, a home for their chooks, and places to grow edible plan

Landscape architect John Storch is the founder and principal of A Total Concept, a design and management practice specialising in the integration of pools, gardens and cabanas, and has been designing outdoor spaces for more than 35 years. He is a fir

This remarkable property, located in Ascot, one of Brisbane’s most desirable suburbs, shows how a sympathetically-designed, expertly-built landscape can complement — even elevate — great architecture. “Situated in arguably Brisbane’s most prestigious