Formal Domestic Design

The owners of this property did not want deciduous trees dropping leaves, and they didn’t want to spend a lot of time sweeping. Instead they chose a garden in the modern formal style, which makes good use of a number of elements: hedges, topiary, edging plants and mass plantings of single species. The result is beautiful and extremely functional, although it is a very high maintenance form of gardening.

The Plants

Box hedges (Buxus sempervirens) define the driveway and entrance to the house, along with a row of Hill’s weeping figs (Ficus microcarpa var. hillii) trimmed into an attractive ball on a stick shape. Low hedges have been created using mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus). Buffalo grass (Stenotaphrum secundatum) is used in this area, and for the middle to warmer areas of Australia this is an excellent green, even lawn. In the shady parts of the backyard cycads (Cycas revoluta) and bird’s nest ferns (Asplenium australasicum) are used very effectively. Structural plantings around the pool include a hedge of sasanqua camellia ‘Kanjiro’ (formerly known as ‘Hiryu’), underplanted with low growing gardenias (Gardenia augusta ‘Radicans’). Clipped hedges of azalea ‘Red Wing’ complete the picture.

Making this garden work

Select your plants carefully. The Hill’s weeping figs at the front of the house are susceptible to attack by thrips. They can also cause considerable structural damage to buildings and paving unless trimmed regularly. Ficus benjamina may have been a better choice, especially in the warmer parts of Australia. Some varieties of azalea and camellia are more suitable for hedging than others. Choose the best variety of gardenia for your area as some may be unsuitable for your climate. Invest in good quality hedge trimming equipment; some of the modern electrical or motorised trimmers are excellent. If you don’t have the time to do the maintenance yourself, you may have to hire someone to trim the hedges for you.

Further information

Visit your local nursery and explain that you want to create a modern formal garden. They will be happy to help you select the best varieties of hedging plants for your situation and climate.