Matt Leacy, co-founder and creative director of Landart Landscapes includes garden nooks in many of his designs for residential outdoor spaces. "It really should form an extension of you indoor entertaining space," says Matt. "Many of our designs include nooks that can be used in different ways and that maximise space at different times of the year."
Here's how to optimise use of your outdoor space:
- Purchase outdoor furniture that can be moved around depending on the season
- Position a fire bowl or pit around seating for the winter that can be swapped for a coffee table in the summer
- Where space allows, incorporate a pavilion, outdoor kitchen or pergola to add to the year round functionality
- Include outdoor heating – or for summer, roof mounted fans
"It is ideal if the space is set up easily so that the family can just flow out into it and use it anytime."
Matt Leacy
How do I incorporate scented plants into a garden nook?
"A lot of fragrant plants are seasonal," says Matt, "so planning something with scented foliage such as rosemary or lavender can be a good year-round solution. All you need to do is rustle the leaves and the scent will wall into the area."
"Green up bare walls with flowering climbers and decorative screens for instant impact and interest"
Richard Unsworth
Three essential ingredients to creating the ultimate garden nook
- Protection from wind in the winter and sun in the summer
- Comfort and ease-of-use - the easier it is to set up, the more it will be used
- An invitation or drawcard - the space needs something to entice you to use it, eg. a fire, water, a kitchen or a stunning view
Visit Landart Landscapes online
Visit Garden Life online or in store at 158 Princes Hwy, St Peters, NSW 2204.
For more garden inspiration, click here.
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