Global Garden

A few years ago theme gardens were very fashionable in Australia. They included cottage gardens, native gardens, succulent gardens, perfumed gardens, white gardens, and more recently, ethnic styles such as Mexican or Tuscan. The latest trend is a blend of elements from all over the world to create modern multicultural gardens incorporating different moods and uses. Don looked at a classic example of this type of garden surrounding a Federation house dating from the late 1800s. Designer Jonathan Garner used geometry as a unifying theme in the garden, and added a sense of fun as well.

Pool and Lawn Area

This section has an Italian influence, with a formal geometric design and a pool beautifully done in sandstone. The bronze statues here and throughout the garden are by Lismore artist, David Mackay Harrison. Pieces of art can be difficult to use in Australian gardens, but they work very well in gardens with a multicultural theme. An attractive but functional pool fence separates this area from the next 'garden room'. 

Cottage Garden

Once through the gate, we move away from the formality and discipline of the pool area into a restful English cottage garden planted with maples, rhododendrons, camellias, cherries, daisies, species geraniums, cornflowers and salvias.

Bog Garden

A natural pond in the garden features plants that do well around water, such as bullrush, giant buttercup, canna lily and perennial forget-me-nots.

Rose Garden

The rose beds are separated from the rest of the garden by a conifer hedge (X Cupressocyparis leylandii 'Leighton Green') and bordered in Japanese box (Buxus microphylla var. japonica). The geometric shapes and hedges in the rose garden are reminiscent of one of the best gardens ever built, the Alhambra in Spain. There roses were grown not so much for colour or to make a fashion statement, but for their wonderful, romantic perfume.

Potager

Potagers are based on a French design and they also rely on geometry to work. The garden beds are set out in a geometric pattern and then filled in with a mixture of herbs and vegetables. Flowering plants are often included because they add colour and also help with pest control, for example marigolds repel nematodes. When the vegetables are harvested the basic structure of the garden remains, ready for the next crop. Other features of this area include a herb seat planted at the back with lavender and underneath with lemon thyme, and an espaliered apple tree which makes excellent use of available space.

Further information

Jonathan Garner
Puddleton Cottage Gardens
Phone: 0417 460 704

David Mackay Harrison's work is on display at:
David Mackay Harrison Gallery
79 Bayview Drive
East Ballina, NSW
Phone: (02) 6686 3053

Copyright CTC Productions 1999