Photography: Simon Griffiths
Just like the seasons that turn throughout the year, our lives also progress through different stages. Often, as children grow older, an emphasis on play makes way for more mature pursuits. This was what the homeowners of this East Melbourne abode found, as their two kids became teenagers. As such, a transformation of their outdoor area to suit the new phase of life became necessary. That change came complete with an autumnal palette, including luscious red vines.
Inside the garden redesign
“They had renovated the inside of the home beautifully and wanted a garden to match the interior,” shares Jane Jones, the landscape designer who took on the task for the front and back yards. The design phase spanned three years, on and off, due to an unusually shaped front block and debate as to how much lawn to sacrifice in order to create entertaining areas. While the design process was lengthy, the results certainly speak for themselves.
“Plants are the hero of the garden. Large trees nestle the house in the environment” – Jane Jones, garden designer
The existing pool and Waterhousea hedge were kept beside an entirely new planting palette. “They wanted more from the garden,” explains Jane. Seasonal plantings are stunning but they weren’t the basis of Jane’s plan. Instead, she honed in on “foliage-focused design.” As she says, “the leaf is the focus of the design intent. All shades of green are the most important part of a garden as the flowering period of most plants is short.” Examples include evergreens Miscanthus and herbaceous Limonium perezii.
Outdoor entertaining areas
The must-haves included outdoor entertaining areas and a garden that had wow-factor while still complementing the architecture of the home. For the former, a fire pit was created in front of an outdoor building. A custom-built curved stone bench made using Eco Outdoor pavers surrounds the area.
Another entertaining area comes in the form of an outdoor dining space and barbecue. These are situated underneath an arbour, softened by the vibrant foliage of Vitis coignetiae, commonly known as crimson glory vine.
Palette of red vines and more
Red vines are not the only planting that provides brilliant bursts of colour throughout the garden. “The back garden is like a colour tapestry in sections,” says Jane. Japanese maple, London plane tree and Cotinus grace are among the plants that transform the space in the autumnal months with reds, oranges and purples, while evergreen Magnolia champaca provides fragrant flowers from summer until autumn.
In the front yard, Parthenocissus is another seasonal hero. This vine grows on the arbour in the front yard, creating height while also solving the issue of beautifying the off-street parking area and helping to screen the family’s cars.
Now the garden is complete and the family couldn’t be happier. “The owners are thoroughly pleased with the outcome,” says Jane. But there’s one resident who is especially chuffed with the transformed space, which is now ripe for exploration: Gidget, the family’s beloved pet dog.
7 hero plants in the seasonal garden
It’s not just red vines that make this garden so serenely beautiful.
Miscanthus
An evergreen with an elegant arch
The arched foliage of the evergreen Miscanthus provides constant movement to the garden.
Climbing fig
An organic wall covering
Ficus pumila, also known as climbing fig, covers the wall above a group of Ligularia reniformis, commonly known as tractor seat plant.
Gingko biloba
Late-autumn bursts of brilliant gold
“Gingko biloba is a really beautiful tree with an interesting leaf,” says Jane.
Setsugekka
Reminiscent of a beloved breakfast staple
Setsugekka, sometimes referred to as the poached egg camellia due to its white petals and yellow centre, is a Japanese cultivar that flowers from early autumn.
Ligularia reniformis
Glossy, green and abundant
The large, round foliage of Ligularia reniformis, also known as tractor seat plant, has a deep green colour that is accentuated with a glossy appearance.
Parthenocissus quinquefolia
Red ripples across this plant in autumn
Parthenocissus quinquefolia, commonly called Virginia creeper, is undoubtedly one of the hero plantings of this garden. Jane says it’s a “beautiful climbing plant that drapes as it grows” and also has “four-season interest”. As such, during the autumnal months the leaves of the red vines transform into vibrant bursts of crimson before ultimately cascading down.
Elettaria cardamomum
A tropical treasure with large, luscious green leaves
Elettaria cardamomum is a herbaceous, perennial plant belonging to the ginger family. As such it’s delightfully fragrant. Visually, the larger leaf of this plant adds interest and texture to the garden.
Source book
Landscape design and planting: Jane Jones Landscapes, jjl.com.au.
Garden construction: Entertain Gardens, entertaingardens.com.au.
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