Don demonstrated how to transform a large courtyard into a stylish entertaining area using blue metal dust, an inexpensive but very classy looking material. A site analysis revealed several problems which needed to be addressed during the makeover:
- the white buildings around the courtyard looked very stark and harsh
- a liquidambar (Liquidambar styraciflua) planted in the centre of the courtyard only added to the harsh look when it dropped its leaves in winter
- thorns on roses planted too close to the back door of the house posed a danger to passers-by
- there were various unsuitable and unattractive potted plants, for example a weeping fig (Ficus benjamina) that had lost most of its leaves
- water was pooling on the ground, so the drainage had to be investigated
Design solution
After correcting the drainage problem, the hard landscaping was done using Bluestone (Porphyry stone) paving and blue metal dust. The stark white of the buildings was softened by planting a hedge of sasanqua camellias. Camellia vernalis ‘Yuletide’ was chosen for its dense foliage and profusion of single, glowing red flowers. This plant will grow well in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, in the Adelaide Hills and in warm sheltered microclimates in Hobart and the mountains. The design was created by John Happ of 3rd Dimension Designs in collaboration with Don Burke. Camellia sasanqua ‘Yuletide’
The liquidambar was replaced by an evergreen magnolia, Magnolia grandiflora. The Bull Bay magnolia as it is commonly known grows to around 20m (60′) in cultivation and has dark glossy green leaves with a rusty reverse, and large white, lemon scented flowers. The best areas to grow Magnolia grandiflora include Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, the tropics, Hobart and the mountains (Note: in colder climates it needs a warm position).
Visual drama and an architectural effect was achieved by planting conifers in front of the pillars along the walkway. We chose the Bhutan or Himalayan cypress (Cupressus torulosa) which is a reasonably fast growing and hardy evergreen tree. It does best in Perth, Adelaide, Melbourne, Hobart, Sydney, Brisbane and the mountains. Cupressus torulosa
How it was done
- The original brick edging around the liquidambar was broken up and removed. Unwanted plants and rubbish were cleared away
- After obtaining council permission, the liquidambar was relocated. This was done by digging around and under the rootball until it was possible to rock the tree back and forth and cut any roots underneath. Excess soil was hosed off to reduce the weight of the rootball, and then a tractor was used to move the tree to its new position.
- Agricultural pipes and blue metal were installed to drain excess water from the site.
- The central area was filled with blue metal dust.
- A concrete base for the pavers was constructed around the perimeter area and around the central garden bed. Porphyry stone pavers were then laid over the base in a bed of sand. Extra soil was added to the garden beds.
- A bobcat carefully manoeuvred the large magnolia to the edge of the planting hole. The plastic bag around the rootball was cut away, and the tree was gently lowered into position. Measurements were taken to make sure the tree was perfectly centred and sight lines were taken from the vertical pillars and walls of the building to make sure the tree was upright. Warning: Moving and planting large trees poses a significant safety risk so it would be wise to seek professional assistance before attempting such a job. Equally, you will save hundreds of dollars by using a 200mm (8″) size pot of the same plant ($16).
- The camellia hedge was planted. (Tip: cut a length of stake equal to the required distance between each plant. Mark on the stake the required distance from the wall. You can use this simple measuring tool to space your hedge plants evenly.)
- After setting up string lines to indicate the required depth, the blue metal dust was levelled using rakes and lawn levellers, and then compacted with a vibrating plate.
- Around the outside of the circular garden bed black mondo grass (Ophiopogon planiscapus ‘Nigrescens’) was planted to complement the blackish grey bluestone paving. An inner circle of giant green liriope (Liriope muscari ‘Evergreen Giant’) was added to give lushness, and complete the centrepiece.
The conifers were carefully positioned in front of the pillars along the walkway. Because fast growing trees like cypress are often top heavy and inclined to blow over, the rootball of each plant was trimmed to encourage roots to develop sideways. Warning: when doing any heavy lifting remember to bend your knees and keep your body upright. This keeps all the weight and strength on your legs.
Further information
- Semi-mature and mature trees are grown at specialist tree nurseries. They are available on order from your local nursery, but they are expensive. To save money plant a small Magnolia grandiflora, at about $16 for a 200mm (8″) pot.Sasanqua camellias cost around $17 for 200mm (8″) sized pots, and Bhutan cypress $14.95 for plants in 200mm (8″) pots.
- Blue metal dust is available from sand and gravel suppliers. The cost to pave with blue metal dust to a depth of 100mm (4″) is approximately $2.70 per square metre. Plate compactors can be hired for $56 per half day. Porphyry stone costs $105 per square metre, but you could use grey concrete pavers for around $23 per square metre and they can be laid on sand.
For your nearest Porphyry stone stockist contact: JML International Pty Ltd
119 Willoughby Rd
Crows Nest, NSW
Phone: (02) 9956 3859, Fax: (02) 9437 4060
John Happ, 3rd Dimension Designs, 31 Wentworth Road, Strathfield, NSW, 2135. Phone: (02) 9744 2658.
See also update to this fact sheet Blue Metal Makeover Finishing Touch
