In 1996 Julia Wright wrote to Burke's Backyard asking for help with the landscaping nightmare that she had inherited. The small courtyard at the rear of Julia's terrace was barren, out-of-date, and completely covered by ugly dark brown tiles. We asked garden designer Phillip O'Malley to come up with some ideas to improve the courtyard. Phillip's spectacular design featured a Mayan mask, decorative ceramic tiles and vibrant blue and gold paint colours.

Cosmetic update

Earlier this year Julia decided that she wanted a change, and that it was time to update the courtyard. Basically the structure of the garden was good, so it was possible to give it a lift with a few simple cosmetic changes. The result is an Indian courtyard with a bold, adventurous colour scheme.

How it was done

The walls were painted bright green (Porter's Limewash Snowpea Green), and the fountain and two pots were painted bright pink (Porter's Limewash Priscilla). Mandevillas were planted in the terracotta pots. The pink paint colour on some of the pots matches the pink mandevilla flowers perfectly. The Mayan mask was removed from the wall of the fountain. The new centrepiece of the garden is Green Tara, an Indian goddess, surrounded by brass bells that tinkle in the wind. She is a female manifestation of a Buddha. This gives a meditative, temple-like feel to the space.

Further information

The garden was designed by:
Phillip O'Malley
PO 313
Pomona, Qld, 4568
Phone: (07) 5485 2858
Mobile: 0419 332 522
Web: http://phillipomalleygardendesign.com.au

Copyright CTC Productions 2001