"Steady as a Rock," "Solid as a Rock," "Rock of Ages," "Love You like a Rock"—pretty good indications that rocks have "Purpose," wouldn't you say? We'll achieve a balance by leaving the esoteric and move into the practical aspect of their existence, shall we? We will...
All About Design
Rock the House I: Landscape Perspectives
One great thing about rocks: you don't have to mow them. Oh—and you don't have to water or feed them either. Low maintenance landscaping design? Onto something here? Because brain cells are synapsing away over a few delightful things to ponder. Alright then, it's on...
Going Native VI: Celebrating Native Designs for Landscaping
Here we are at the end of our journey across Australia to discover and native designs for landscaping indigenous plants in three areas of the country. Perth There are many stone features along the road between Perth and Neale Junction. One day-tripper says, "As you...
Going Native V: Using Native Flowers for Landscaping
Their scent should stimulate our olfactory senses to bring us in touch with the earth. The colours of native flowers for landscaping should make us more aware of how our emotional senses operate. Shapes that reflect a precise geometry are lessons in order. ...
Going Native IV: Using Native Vines for Landscaping
https://iotagarden.com.au/wpblog/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/vine2.jpgThe "vine-covered cottage," "vine-dripping jungle," or "vine-draped arbor" are the dramatic elements that create a kind of ambiance in the landscape that would be totally absent without them. Each of our three areas has its own unique specimens to draw our interest...
Going Native III: Using Native Shrubs and Trees for Landscaping
Accent the Positive Shrubs and trees carry the volume, bring scale into the landscape and quite often play up the shape and delicacy of their companion plants. One tree can be the star of the show, but it's difficult for a shrub to assume that role---difficult, but...
Going Native II: Using Native Grasses for Landscaping
In this second of our series on re-vegetative design, we'll look at the fascinating subject of native grasses for landscaping. Plumed or spiked, tall and graceful or tufted patches, native grasses can be the accents that produce a glissando or staccato note in the...
Going Native I: Using Native Rocks for Landscaping
Re-vegetation is an effort dedicated to replenishing the native flora of an area using indigenous plants and native rocks for landscaping. Learning about this lovely movement afoot makes all sorts of sense when you realise that designing with the naturally occurring...
Coastal Landscapes: Love the Sea, Hate the Sun
When discovering a well-known beachfront, it's obvious that the sun is the star of the show. With gorgeous oceanfront views and an abundance of entourage, all that's needed is a cool beverage and eye shades. You can then bask in the beauty of coastal landscapes....
Landforms that Speak
You don't have to water rocks…This leads to an idea which may have some merit. Moreover, Sydney Airport is getting some new digs and deserves an extra shot of Australia. It is, after all, the most popular tourist destination, being home to an opera house known...
Landscaping Buildings and Structures
There are superbly designed fashion ensembles that encourage, and so deserve careful thought for accessorising. We purchase a hat, tie, or special jewellery just to compliment and reward the design. "Ah," we say. "Perfect!" In reflecting that mind-set, there are...
Jacaranda Tree – A Jewel In The Landscape
Grace—blooming in drifts of an impossible iridescence is far too beautiful to be looked upon as anything but supernatural. Yet, there it is, the Jacaranda Tree — a jewel in the landscape. And where did that colour come from? Fortunate the street whose edges are...
Geometric Patterns in Architectural Landscape Design
It’s always a joy when you see geometric patterns in architectural landscape design that reveals its fascinating structure. It is unfortunate (and not the architect’s fault) when the budget is so restrictive or an owner is really conservative that the structure has...
Feasting On Waterfalls – A Landscape Design Temptation
Not only the sound, but the power of all that water reacting to the force of gravity gives us a rush like no other. Then there's the mist created by water pulverizing the surface below. It rises higher than the source, giving the whole scene the depth of another...
All in the Arrangement: Design Ideas for Potted Plants
Planters are a great way to add style, artistic value, and ambiance to both indoor and outdoor locations. However, some of the simplest ways to use planters in design is to go back to basics and use the tiniest planter of all: the pot, or potted plant. Just because...
Landscape Art Design
A building that represents landscape art deserves to attract additional funding to deliver a quality landscaping design and treatment. Puzzling How many works of art reflect a love of the landscape? And doesn't art reflect the soul's need for balance? Seldom do you...
Artful Interiors
Particularly critical when an exterior site has gone missing, interior landscaping may need to project a more impactful design response. Occasionally, it also is an opportunity to present visitors with an outstanding design that rivals stunning artful interiors....
Eye of the Designer – Uluru’s Influence on Australian Design
It's a desert island in a desert sea. Looking at it from afar, Uluru or Ayers rock seems almost newly born—it just popped up out of nowhere. The truth is it's connected to Kata Tjuta, another wonder about 30 km away, by an underground mass apparently from time in...
Tasmanian Design and Cultural Dedication
From a satellite, it resembles an old earthbound Amerindian arrowhead. Geologically, Tasmania holds the mystery of the difference between Australia and Antarctica. We will take a closer look at Tasmanian design and cultural dedication. How is Tasmania so different?...
Adding Indoor Planters to Glass Buildings
Glass buildings almost beg for plant life in indoor planters. Not only is there an abundance of light to nourish plants but adding greenery to these spaces adds contrast and draws the outside in when it's so plainly in view. Round pots can be a focal point all on...