Don's Landscaping Tips: Good Geometry

The use of good geometry in garden design creates a spectacular formal courtyard in a small area. Matching the pinky-grey brick of the house with limestone pavers can give a natural looking backdrop for geometrically placed plants and other features. The back walls in our story featured stuck on reconstituted sandstone pavers continuing the formal and natural theme of the courtyard. The small fountain completes the formal element of the garden and becomes a focal point in the courtyard. The plantings are also geometric with repeated plants to emphasise the effect. Sago Palms (Cycas revoluta) give structure and line in square terracotta pots that contrast with the neutral limestone colour. The background planting of juniper (Juniperus 'Spartan') combined with sago palms gives a Mediterranean feel to the courtyard. The formal set-up is complemented by the plantings of native Gymea lilies (Doryanthes excelsa) around the edge of the courtyard surrounded by common lantana (Lantana montevidensis) and white convolvulus (Convolvulus cneorum). The simple landscape design combines geometry and natural colours to create a formal Mediterranean courtyard.

Costs

The reconstituted sandstone attached to the wall cost $65 per square metre.

Further information

Our segment was filmed at Mirvac Homes, Homeworld, Kellyville, NSW. The window view at Homeworld was designed by John Happ, 3RD Dimension Designs, Phone/Fax: (02) 9744 2658.

Copyright CTC Productions 1999