Urban Courtyard
Landscape designer Rick Eckersley believes that as properties are getting smaller, the multipurpose courtyard that doubles as a carport, an entertaining area, or a play area for children, is the way of the future. His garden design for a modern family home in Melbourne combines multiple amenities and fabulous effects in a very challenging and restricted space.
Design solution
The building and boundary walls are painted in a Murowash called Vesuvius, one of Rick’s favourite colours. He describes it as benign, neutral, and warm and cool at the same time. The long entrance to the front door is paved with washed Eco pebbles, with a red swirled pattern running through the centre. The wall to the left of the paving is lined with rusty trelliswork planted with chocolate vines (Akebia quinata). The first floor balcony overlooks a courtyard paved in a chequerboard design. Dwarf mondo grass (Ophiopogon japonicus ‘Nanus’) is planted between the pavers. Above the double garage is a terrace where the family can sit and have meals or just enjoy the open air. This area will be very hot in summer, so it is protected with a pergola covered with climbers. The washed pebble effect is continued here, but used in a more dynamic way. The pebble theme is carried through to the pool area, where a full face of pebble forms the backdrop for a fountain. Young plantings of osmanthus (Osmanthus fragrans) will eventually grow tall and provide privacy from the street.
Costs:
Eco pebbles are around $60 for a 20kg bag. For further information phone ‘Eco Landscape Design’ on (03) 9822 0699.