Paddington Courtyard
For those many people living in rental accommodation a garden may seem an impossibility yet one inner-city tenant has found the perfect solution. ‘Burke’s Backyard’ recently went behind the courtyard walls to see what can be done in a rented terrace garden. Brian Silver, who took part in the 1997 Woollahra garden competition in Sydney, not only has a garden which can be moved when he is ready to move on but also has some cheap and easy ideas for the garden.
Brian’s garden
Brian has a small, shaded courtyard garden. In it he has arranged potted plants and created a level area for outdoor eating.
A large piece of sandstone in the centre of his 6x4m (18×12′) courtyard is a natural feature. He planned the garden then placed some of his large collection of pots to get a feel for the design. He admits he likes texture and foliage, especially evergreens, and this gives the courtyard a cool and lush appeal.
Square concrete paving stones have been placed onto the courtyard floor with Nepean River pebbles placed around and between as a paved eating nook for the garden table. The concrete squares are inexpensive but effective and can be easily moved later on.
Brian’s ‘birthday plant’ (Zephyranthes grandiflora), a pink, summer flowering lily that flowers on his birthday, is one of the many pots which he has displayed around the perimeter of his garden. Although he says he’s not keen on flowers, Brian has planted the potato vine (Solanum jasminoides), which he feels gives the garden an Asian atmosphere.
The table is often the site for a centrepiece of whatever is in bloom but the baby’s tears (Soleirolia soleirolii) are always popular as people love to pat the soft, tightly-packed green leaves. The water feature is another focal point to the garden and this porous stone pond adds to the cool feel of this courtyard garden.
Brian’s garden solutions
Some important points Brian addressed with his garden were:
To give a garden feel to his courtyard as well as privacy from his neighbours.
Solution: He has achieved the best of both worlds by using screening plants such as grasses (Miscanthus) against the lattice which divides his garden from next door. The use of the grass allows the sunlight to enter his neighbour’s garden yet gives a sense of privacy, especially with the filmy effect of the overhanging Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides).
To soften the lines of the garden.
Solution: Brian has planted baby’s tears around the edges of the gravel and as this grows it gives a lushly carpeted look to the area, softening the hard lines of the sandstone and the steps.
To be able to take his garden with him.
Solution: By planting in pots his garden can travel with him to a new location when necessary. The concrete slabs can be lifted and the gravel contained to create a similar effect in a new garden.
From bare rock shelf to lush green courtyard, Brian has transformed his garden with pots, plants and enthusiasm into a garden that’s both remarkable and removable.
