Mirrored Courtyard
The owners of this Sydney property wanted to makeover a very ugly and useless area between their house and garage. The area did have one saving grace – it faced north and was the only part of the property that received any sunshine. Garden designer Colin Brown was called in and set to work creating an attractive, functional courtyard, perfect for entertaining friends or just sitting and soaking up the sun.
Features of Colin’s design A large mirror is framed by an arch made from hebel and decorated with carved grape vines. This ‘trick of the eye’ breaks up the big ugly walls, and gives the impression there’s a secret garden beyond. The tall walls are offset by pencil pines (Cupressus sempervirens var. Stricta) used as living columnar sculptures. The soft trickling sound of running water from a two-tiered fountain adds a relaxing, restful feel to the courtyard. The square lines of the fountain are repeated in a pergola planted with wisteria to give shade in the hot summer months. Low lilly pilly hedges (Syzygium australe – select form) are used as an alternative to buxus, which Colin feels is becoming too common. He likes the lilly pillys because they have glossy leaves, new red growth and cream brush flowers followed by magenta berries.
Contact information
Colin Brown, Garden Designer.
Phone: (02) 9417 5820