Hyacinths (Hyacinthus) This little gem features lots of tiny bell-shaped flowers that are compacted together to create one lovely dense spike. Hyacinths are also wonderfully fragrant. Dimensions: Grows 15 to 25 centimetres high. When to plant: Between late April and early May. Light and soil requirements: They grow best in a semi-shaded spot with morning sun, in well-drained soil. Watering requirements: Water regularly to promote growth. Appearance: Hyacinths come in many different colours, including various tones of pink, mauve, blue, cream and white. Garden beds or pots? Both.
Black pearl lilies (Ornithogalum arabicum) These divine little flowers have a black pearl centre (hence the name), and a lovely, light scent. Dimensions: Grows 40 to 60 centimetres high. When to plant: April or May. Light and soil requirements: Full sun and well-drained soil. Watering requirements: Water regularly but avoid waterlogging the soil. Appearance: White flowers with a black pearl centre. Plant en masse to create a dynamic, eye-catching feature in your garden. Garden beds or pots? Both.
The peekaboo panel in the right-hand wall panel allows for a lush collision of burnt orange and vivid green. While on the ground, the planting amid the smooth floor tiles gives height and tactility – for a similar effect, avoid grass and look into lawns made from alternatives including clover, Irish moss or camomile.
There’s a planter embedded into the top of the fence, out of which the yew hedge is growing, boosting height and adding privacy.
feature fence
gravel and pavers for the side path
Perennials that are ideal for propagating by division include the variegated purple-flowering Liriope in this Perth garden, as well as Ajuga, agapanthus, aster, astilbe, Bergenia, canna, catmint, day lily, dianella, flax, many grasses, Hosta (when dormant), many irises, lamb’s ear, mondo grass, salvia and sedum.
Vary ground surfaces The use of timber boardwalks, slate paving and different-size rocks adds excitement to the journey along the side of this Perth house. The subtropical planting of a scented frangipani and cycads strengthens its exotic appeal.
Truck play zone Any blank area in the garden can be quite easily turned into a “work zone” for toy trucks; simply leave a patch of dirt bare and plunk down some trucks and digging tools.
list of hedging plants : TALL over 2m Leyland cypress (Cupressus leylandii cvs) Pittosporum (Pittpsporum tenuifolium cvs) Cherry laurel (Prunus laurocerasus) Orange jessamine (Murraya Paniculata) Lemon scented myrtle (Backhousia Citriodora) MEDIUM under 2m Camellia (Camellia sasanqua or C. japonica cvs) Lilly pilly (Acmena Smithii or Syzygium cvs) Blueberry ash (Elaeocarpus reticulatus) Magnolia trees and shrubs (Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ or Michelia figo) Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica) SMALL under 1m Box varieties (Buxus sp and cvs) Diosma (Coleonema pulchrum) Duranta (Duranta repens cvs) Native rosemary (Westringia fruticosa cvs) Hebe varieties (Hebe spp and cvs)
Planters with rows of growing bamboo also make good screens. (For many bamboos, you’ll want containers with strong root barriers.)
planted behind a freestanding Corten steel wall
shade-tolerant plants - clivia (pictured), ferns, daphne, fuchsia, Heuchera, Hosta, impatiens, Liriope, taro and rhododendron
Crepe myrtles, or recently introduced, drought-tolerant, white flowering cultivar Lagerstroemia fauriei ‘Kiowa’.
Japanese maple For graceful form in a courtyard, balcony or large container you can’t beat Japanese maples (Acer palmatum). Their delicate leaves come in many colours, as do their stems, so there’s plenty to enjoy even during winter. Shelter from wind is important for these deciduous trees and they’re not fond of very hot conditions. Use as a focal point, in pots or against a plain wall where their stunning foliage can be seen at its best.
many Ficus species and cultivars are being grown outdoors in warmer gardens as lush, green screens – in particular, varieties of Ficus macrocarpa hillii and F. tuffi. These fast-growing, versatile trees make excellent tall screens for sun or part shade. They do best with some moisture during summer and are not tolerant of frost. TIP: Try pleaching your Ficus hedge to allow planting below.
creeping vines
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