HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
HomeBeautiful
  • Open Homes
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Outdoor
  • Decorate
  • Hamptons
  • Podcasts
  • Beach House
  • hacks
Subscribe
Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

5 things to know before buying a fire pit

5 things to know before buying a fire pit

Five top autumn garden projects

Five top autumn garden projects

{headline}

{headline}

Before and after: Increase your street appeal

Before and after: Increase your street appeal

8 free instant mood lifters

8 free instant mood lifters

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

{headline}

{headline}

These new planters are works of art

These new planters are works of art

Mum's amazing Kmart backyard makeover

Mum's amazing Kmart backyard makeover

5 ways to keep your lawn alive in a drought

5 ways to keep your lawn alive in a drought

5 plants that don't need much water

5 plants that don't need much water

Five ways to prepare your lawn for autumn

Five ways to prepare your lawn for autumn

How to style up a small garden and make it feel bigger

How to style up a small garden and make it feel bigger

Amazing transformation: from run-down caravan to sleek office space

Amazing transformation: from run-down caravan to sleek office space

  1. Home
  2. Outdoor

Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch

Every verdant corner of this tranquil backyard has been brought into play - by Jackie Brygel
  • 01 Dec 2016
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch
Outdoor inspiration: A pocket-sized garden with punch

Pool & spa

Apartment living in Sydney’s beachside suburbs doesn’t usually come complete with a private and lush backyard oasis, not to mention a garden that incorporates everything from an infinity pool and heated spa to a stylish outdoor kitchen, alfresco area and even a cubbyhouse with its own picket fence and letterbox – but this one does! Under the expertise of Oliver Sizeland, director of Sydney landscape design and maintenance company Growing Rooms, the whole space has been transformed. The focal point of the space is the pool and spa, with its graceful pergola at one end providing a lounging spot on Manutti ‘Liner’ sun lounges from Cosh Living. The hardwood pergola will soon be covered in fragrant-flowering jasmine. “It has a really beautiful citrus perfume,” says Oliver. “We’ve run wire across the pergola to encourage the Madagascar jasmine to create a roof-like effect, for added shade and privacy.” Beside the pool runs a stretch of Sir Walter buffalo lawn. “It’s one of the softer buffalo turfs but is still fast-repairing,” explains Oliver. “A worn patch will come back to life very quickly.”

 

Chris Warnes

Materials

Clever plantings of low-maintenance lemon trees and shrubs frame the perimeter of the swim zone, with swaying palm trees dotted throughout to enhance the tropical-resort ambience. Oliver selected creamy-hued limestone pavers – a nod to the home’s close proximity to the sea – to surround the pool and ground the steps and sun lounge zone. “Limestone is a beautiful natural stone that ages naturally, whereas some man-made products can sometimes look tired rather quickly,” he says.

Chris Warnes

Deck

The gas-heated pool has real wow factor. “The infinity edge at the lower end of the garden doubles as a beautiful, shimmering water feature that can be enjoyed from the lower deck as well as the pool,” says Oliver, who selected lemon trees for the border, underplanted with buxus hedging and liriope. “The lemon trees are evergreen and won’t drop many leaves into the pool,” he explains. The deck is spotted gum coated in clear decking oil. “It’s a sustainable timber grown in Australia,” says Oliver. “Also, I love that it has a beautiful variation of shades. You can get everything, from red through to blonde tones and even a few greys.” A ‘Tidal’ powder-coated steel outdoor table and chairs from Tait creates a stylish and functional focal point. 

 

 

 

Chris Warnes

Tropical retreat

Low-maintenance tropical plants are a sure-fire winner for a resort feel. “You want them to grow and merge so there aren’t any set lines,” explains Oliver. “You almost allow them to do their own thing, which keeps the maintenance down, and that’s a good thing with our busy lives!" Alongside the selection of grown-up relaxation spots is a cute cubby house built from a kit found at Cubby Central.  

Chris Warnes

Seat centre

A built-in bench seat by the shower provides extra seating. “They’re also a great space-saving feature in any garden, as you can pull another table close and they fit into a corner," comments Oliver. "This seat has an LED light strip underneath." Indulgent yet oh-so-practical, outdoor showers are becoming increasingly popular features, especially for homes near the beach. “This copper shower with a spotted gum screen is one step above the usual, as it provides both hot and cold water."

Chris Warnes

Storage

Oliver also managed to find space for a storage shed, discreetly hidden by cascading sword ferns, purple hearts, philodendrons and grassy liriope in recycled hardwood planters. “We wanted some kind of green screen but this was almost an afterthought,” reveals Oliver. “Storage sheds can be ugly, so we try and hide them.” 

Chris Warnes

Outdoor kitchen

The spotted gum and black granite enclosed Weber barbecue is at the heart of the neat alfresco kitchen. Wine and beer fridges beneath the barbecue ensure a cold drink is always on hand, and an under-counter laundry is also included.

Looking for more small-garden inspiration? Check out this fabulous rooftop entertainer, and our small-space ideas for outdoors.

Chris Warnes

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

by Royal Albert, when you subscribe

Subscribe Now
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug

Recommended to you

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right
Watch 2:03

Getting your coastal kitchen floor plan right

{headline}

{headline}

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

A Hamptons-inspired family home on Sydney's lower North Shore

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

12 large pots that will make your plant look amazing

5 things to know before buying a fire pit

5 things to know before buying a fire pit

Five top autumn garden projects

Five top autumn garden projects

{headline}

{headline}

Before and after: Increase your street appeal

Before and after: Increase your street appeal

8 free instant mood lifters

8 free instant mood lifters

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

2020 Dulux Colour Awards Finalists Announced

{headline}

{headline}

These new planters are works of art

These new planters are works of art

Mum's amazing Kmart backyard makeover

Mum's amazing Kmart backyard makeover

5 ways to keep your lawn alive in a drought

5 ways to keep your lawn alive in a drought

5 plants that don't need much water

5 plants that don't need much water

Five ways to prepare your lawn for autumn

Five ways to prepare your lawn for autumn

How to style up a small garden and make it feel bigger

How to style up a small garden and make it feel bigger

Amazing transformation: from run-down caravan to sleek office space

Amazing transformation: from run-down caravan to sleek office space

HomeBeautiful
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
HomeBeautiful Magazine Subscribe
  • About Us
  • Subscribe Today
  • Contact Us
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Brands

  • Beauty Crew
  • marie claire
  • Who

Our Network

  • Better Homes and Gardens
  • BHG Shop
  • New Idea food
  • New Idea
  • Girlfriend
  • That’s Life
  • All Recipes
  • Practical Parenting
  • 7plus
  • 7News
  • Health Engine
  • The West Australian
  • Perth Now
  • Airtasker
  • Society One
  • Starts at 60
© 2021 Are Media PTY LTD
Get more from

Magazine Subscription Offer

FREE Miranda Kerr Mug-SAVE 31%

Shop This Offer
FREE Miranda Kerr Mug