Tropical Lagoon Garden

Burke's Backyard viewers often write in and ask for tips and ideas on landscaping effectively around a swimming pool. In our segment Don looked at a wonderful example of a pool garden in Balmoral, Queensland. It was designed by Phillip O'Malley.

Jungle garden

When Phillip first saw this area it had only a pool shell and a waterfall shell. It has now been transformed into what he calls a "lagoon-style jungle". Green, luxuriant plants such as philodendrons (Philodendron bipinnatifidum), giant bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai), umbrella sedge (Cyperus involucratus) and lilly pilly (Syzygium australe 'Elite') surround the pool, which is built into the steep slope at the back of the house. Green on green, textural contrasts and patterns dominate the planting, rather than flowers. The two-storey home overlooks the garden like a treehouse, so you can look down and see the rosette forms of palms, ferns and cycads. The pool is surrounded by a boardwalk, making for easy access and maintenance.

Japanese influence

The entrance court to the house is a brand new, modernist garden with a Japanese influence. Phillip has deliberately made this area very open in contrast to the tropical lagoon garden at the back. Grey slate paving, raked gravel and pale limewashes on the Adobe-style walls give the front garden a soft, earthy feel. Raked gravel areas are not really suitable places for children to play - this is an adult's passive, serene space. Plantings include water lilies and a bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) in a pond, and a groundcover of Moses in a basket (Tradescantia spathacea). At night, lighting gives the garden a new, sensual ambience.

Contact information

Phillip O'Malley
PO Box 1045
Burleigh Heads, Qld, 4220
Phone: (07) 5520 0669
Mobile: 0419 332 522
Web: http://phillipomalleygardendesign.com.au

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