The latest trend sweeping Australian backyards is the creation of fantasy gardens. Often overseas travel provides the inspiration, then people return home and make their gardens over as a way of keeping those happy holiday memories alive. Many backyards are now pure theatre: a stage set that mimics Tuscany or Bali or Monet’s garden in Giverney.
Mexican Fiesta
Casa Amalfi is a wonderful piece of Mexican theatre, and one of the most authentic fantasy gardens in Australia. Kelli Lafarge, the owner of the garden, has had a long association with Mexico. When she was young she lived in America and visited Mexico frequently. These days Kelli imports Mexican and Mediterranean materials and artefacts through her family’s La Niché stores in Queensland.
Casa Amalfi was built four years ago. The whole family got together and decided exactly what they wanted, and then an architect drew up their plans. They chose Santa Fe adobe style, which can be distinguished from the more common Mediterranean style by the use of curves instead of sharp edges and the bold use of colour. The basic effect is created by putting purple/blue oxide in the cement rendering and letting it gradually fade out. The pale terracotta tiles, also from Mexico, tie everything together and link in an earthy way to the terracotta ornaments.
Mexicans are not afraid to mix colours, and Kelli thinks that the best way to create this style is to just put all your favourite colours together. She says that for some reason they give an authentic Mexican look without clashing. Kelli’s favourite part of the house is the banco courtyard. The colours there (especially the mustard and blue), the outdoor fireplace and the 100 year old windows make her feel as if she is in Mexico.
Further reading
Don Burke’s article on Casa Amalfi is featured in the April edition of the Burke’s Backyard Magazine ($4.20 from newsagents). The article includes wonderful photographs of the garden and more details on achieving that vibrant Mexican look.
Further information
La Niché stores are at the following locations:
Shop 9
47 Ashmore Rd
Bundall
Gold Coast,QLD
Phone: (07) 5538 7559
Hawkin’s Garden Centre
1666 Old Cleveland Rd
Chandler
Brisbane, QLD
Phone: (07) 3245 5711
Amazon Central
Amazons Place
Jindalee
Brisbane, QLD
Phone: (07) 3715 7111
Harvey Norman Centre
Gibson Road
Noosaville, QLD
Phone: (07) 5474 4115
49 Anderson St
Manunda
Cairns, QLD
(new store opening in May)
La Niché materials and artefacts are available by mail order. For details phone (07) 5538 7559 or fax (07) 5538 4415.
Other stockists of Mexican products:
Limon Furnishings and Homewares
New Farm, QLD
Phone: (07) 3868 3910
Mexico Interiors
Vaucluse, NSW
Phone: (02) 9337 5980
Mexican Imports
Abbotsford, VIC
Phone: (03) 9417 5879
Innovative Imports Pty Ltd
For your nearest stockist phone 1800 331 336
The landscaping was designed and constructed by garden designer Phillip O’Malley, Phone: (07) 5485 2858, Mobile: 0419 332 522. Web: http://phillipomalleygardendesign.com.au
