Design Reflections

As we create new work, reflect on existing work and draw upon various sources for inspiration, we  develop ideas and

thoughts about design directions and new trends.

This section of our website incorporates some of our thinking on the current trends in garden design and our ideas

on future directions for both our work and the industry.

We hope you enjoy this irregular series of opinion pieces.

New Ways with Plants

 Fashions in the plant world are everchanging.  People are often looking for something new to refresh their garden style.

Sometimes, because tastes change, the house decor is updated and then the garden style needs to follow suit.  And modern architectural styles and new building materials need new garden styles to match.

Other influences, such as climate change and ongoing drought conditions have also brought about shifts in popular plant selection and garden design.  One of the most notable changes in planting is the evolution of the lawn area.

 Once upon a time, expansive lawns were used as space fillers to provide a great stretch of green between the perimeter garden beds. 

There are many reasons why this is no longer a popular choice.  The availability of water, more sophisticated use of fertilisers and less time for mowing have all contributed to people rethinking the value of their large lawns.

These days, beautiful lawns are used with a clear purpose.  Smaller grassed areas are used in highly creative and practical designs.

For example, strips of lawn are designed to define garden beds and cool down areas of paving.  A full length strip of 600 to 800 mm wide, can create the effect of a spacious green area without having to use lawn over the entire garden space.  

Pavers are often set into lawn areas as stepping stones or with wide spacing so that the lawn can run just between the pavers.  

And the ultimate in new lawns is not to use lawn at all.  Grass alternatives and low ground covers are becoming increasingly popular.  

There are many excellent substitutes available so you can select species for their drought tolerance, shade tolerance or sheer good looks. Consider ground covers such as Grevillea Gin Gin Gem, Juniperus conferta, or Mondo grass.

New thinking even includes alternatives to plant material.  With careful design, you can create an appealing mix of colour and texture using pavers, aggregate mix, gravels and decking.   

When it comes to the planting, the many new plant forms now available have generated wonderful new styles of planting.   

Once, you may have chosen between pretty Cottage style drifts or perhaps a more formal layout of hedges and topiary.  Now, a more creative approach is evident.

Planting design relies more heavily on foliage colour and texture than ever before.  Vertical forms and strappy leaf foliage such as grasses and Phormiums are contrasted with rounded shapes such as Agapanthus, Carex or Daylilies.

 Foliage colours are used in a painterly ways to create pattern and movement through the garden. 

 You can feature plants with foliage from the palest grey through to blue-green, purple,  red and yellow.  Variegated plants are used to contrast with darker colours and add highlights to the colour range.

Select a simple palette of colours and textures and use them creatively to decorate your garden.   Mix and match with a range of new plants that you have not previously used in the garden.  

Repeat mass plantings in groups of at least three or five to create a sense of rhythm and cohesion in your new planting design. 

There’s never been a better time to update your garden style.  So, be the first in your street with the latest and the greatest.