Outdoor Design

Presented by Outdoor Design, the 2023/2024 national Landscape of the Year Awards recognise the best residential gardens around the country, along with the landscape designers and contractors behind them. The winner of the top honour, Landscape of the

The well-designed garden fits flawlessly into its surroundings and makes the most of its assets. In the hands of an accomplished designer, the end result will look effortless yet considerable knowledge and expertise will have gone into its creation.

This property located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches offers to-die-for coastal views from the front, which is why John Storch of A Total Concept located the swimming pool and an entertaining area here. To take advantage of the shade and provide respite

What attracted you to landscape design? My grandfather was a creative inventor and gardener. When I was a child, he was forever talking to me and showing me his ideas and designs, and pointing out shapes, details and plants, and how these went togeth

Claiming a sought-after location in Jan Juc, a popular seaside destination on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road, this stunning natural-style landscape not only seamlessly merges with the coastal environment, it elevates the property’s visual allure and max

With incredible views and an infinity edge that creates the sensation of floating up among the trees, this pool, flanked by a well-appointed pavillion, could be in a luxury resort in a far-flung location, but it’s not. It’s in Queensland and it’s in

So you know you want to improve your garden and outdoor living areas? Perhaps you want a swimming pool or outdoor room … even a studio/granny flat, but you don’t know where to start. The best place to begin is by engaging a landscape designer — someo

There are plenty of articles on how to design small gardens that focus on plants and large pots, but there’s a lot more involved. Professional landscape designers follow the same steps for small and large spaces, but for small spaces detail and accur

Australia has a mild climate and we enjoy a warm summer, so it’s no surprise that many people are embracing that popular inclusion found in so many luxe resorts — the cabana. A poolside cabana is a great way to make your pool more functional, finishi

Architectural and landscape lighting allows you to extend the enjoyment of your garden into the evening hours. If planned by a landscape lighting professional, it can also add value to your property and enhance your lifestyle. Planning is key and a l

If you want to keep your finger firmly on the pulse of contemporary outdoor design or simply gather ideas for a new garden project, the annual Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) is the place to go. Each year, MIFGS attracts design-l

For landscape designer and horticulturist Riley Cooper, Gratus was an opportunity to express gratitude … “for the people in my life and in the industry”. A focal point of the garden, Riley’s Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show debut, was a s

Offering a unique and immersive experience, Australian Idyll was inspired by Tasmania’s High Country, where boardwalks wind through long, golden grasslands, forests of scraggly ash-grey trees and dense clumps of spongey vegetation. “This is one of th

Aptly named Innersanctum, this mesmerising garden, First Place winner in the Boutique Garden Competition, had a serene ambiance that evoked the laidback lifestyle of the Mediterranean in a way that could be easily adapted to an Australian garden. And

When he was creating the concept for Breath of Fresh Air, landscape designer Paul Smith says he drew inspiration from “an emerging architectural approach that accentuates the intersection between landscape and built environment”. In response to this

Designed to be a balanced and calm space, Coastal Waves reflected the shapes and textures of the Victorian coastline while also paying homage to Australia’s beautiful native and indigenous flora. These native plants are not only stunning, they play a

The perfect composition for a compact inner-city garden, Equilibrium, which won Second Place in the Border Garden Competition, was lush, welcoming and an inspiring example of small-space design. “The word equilibrium means a stable balance in opposit

A great landscape starts with great design. A great design starts with engaging a professional designer. If you choose an award-winning designer from the Landscape Design Institute (LDI) for your next outdoor design project you can rest assured that

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN: MID TO LARGE GARDEN — SILVER AWARD + PLANTSCAPE: SMALL, MID OR LARGE RESIDENTIAL GARDEN — SILVER AWARD Oliver Sizeland, Growing Rooms Landscapes – Tropical Tranquillity RESIDENTIAL DESIGN: MID TO LARGE GARDEN — BRONZE AWARD Adam R

The clients’ vision for Mount View, an 80-acre rural allotment in the Gold Coast Hinterland, was nothing short of spectacular. They aspired to craft a legacy home that harmonised traditional and contemporary architectural elements, inspired by the be

The brief for this Mornington Peninsula project was to design an adult family entertainer’s backyard with all the trimmings. “Central to this was the need for a pool and spa, a covered alfresco area, a fireplace, a fire pit and a pizza oven. Level la

A beautiful house set on a sloping block and surrounded by neglected, overgrown shrubs was what greeted Sean Dowling, Bayon Gardens’ creative director, when he first visited this property in Mount Eliza on the Mornington Peninsula. The terrain was un

As unique as they are functional, the meticulously considered outdoor spaces that wrap around this home in Caulfield North, an inner-Melbourne suburb, reflect the homeowners’ dual desire. “They wanted distinctive outdoor spaces and they sought a land

With the old residence demolished, the way was wide open for the homeowner-builder to make full use of the acreage site in rural Kenthurst, located north-west of Sydney. His goal? To create a luxurious country estate with a laidback coastal vibe. The

Backing onto picture-perfect bushland, the sloping rear garden offers a myriad of spaces from which to enjoy the company of friends and family as well as the leafy view. “For the owners, it was important that the rear garden design would be all about

Evoking an authentic sense of place, this small acreage garden was designed by Newcastle-based Tim McBurney of Liminal Landscape Design. It captures the laidback rural-coastal essence of Terranora, a town in the Northern Rivers region of NSW, as well

This breathtaking property is now the talk of the neighbourhood thanks to a major renovation that elevated it from a rather unremarkable brick home to a Hamptons-style haven and the thoughtfully landscaped spaces that frame it to perfection. Guiding

Having downsized to a cosy townhouse, the couple who now call this Queens Park property home set about renovating the interior, after which they turned their sights on the compact, less-than-stellar rear garden. Given the limited outdoor space (just

The winners of the national Landscape of the Year Awards 2023/2024, hosted by Outdoor Design, exemplified a very high standard of design, construction and horticultural expertise. The Landscape of the Year award went to icreate landscape and design,

Living in a seaside suburb is the stuff of which dreams are made, so the owners of this Hamptons-style new-build on Sydney’s Northern Beaches wanted to make the most of the opportunity. They sought easy-to-maintain front and back gardens that evoked

When the owners of this home in Adelaide’s leafy Rose Park approached landscape architect Peter Adley, director of Yardstick Landscapes, and Nick Scaife, fellow director and construction coordinator, they had a very clear vision. “They wanted a struc

Good design is only part of the success equation. Once the plants are installed and the turf laid, the garden must be nurtured if it is to thrive. This property in the Melbourne suburb of Camberwell, expertly maintained by Cameron Hainsworth and the

Carved out of a steep slope, this carefully crafted, thoughtfully designed landscape is a peaceful and verdant oasis that perfectly complements its seaside locale, just 500m from Patonga Beach on the Central Coast of NSW. Featuring custom crazy pavin

Warm and welcoming, this garden, designed and built by Exotic Living, is a place of great serenity. “The owners had a clear vision for their outdoor space: a tranquil retreat with a natural feel. They longed for a garden that would provide relaxation

This Moroccan-style courtyard in Queensland’s Sanctuary Cove offers the homeowner an alluring outdoor living and entertaining space that is as exotic as it is comfortable. “The client had travelled to Morocco, loved it and wanted to recreate the expe

Urban Escape Landscapes & Pools has created something special for this Sydney family. Having purchased a property on a steep Middle Harbour block, the family wanted to maximise the incredible view and create an outdoor entertaining space with a pool

Taking a heavily sloped blank canvas of a backyard and transforming it into an award-winning space ideally suited to family fun and entertaining was no easy feat for landscape experts Landart Landscape Design & Construction, but that’s just what they

Inspired by Mid-Century Modern design principles, this welcoming outdoor environment created by Tim Davies Landscaping on a corner block in Mosman Park, an affluent suburb west of Perth, aligns seamlessly with the architecture of the residence. The c

Eagle Bay resides in Meelup Regional Park, located on Western Australia’s stunning Naturaliste peninsula. This is a spectacular location formed by a long expanse of sandy shoreline interspersed with unique natural rock formations and Eagle Bay claims

Named after the peppermint trees that border many of its streets, Peppermint Grove is a tranquil suburb located west of Perth. Situated on the north bank of the Swan River, this affluent area is known for its verdant environs and grand homes. This pr

Once you build a swimming pool you’ll truly wonder just how you managed to get by without one. When the summer sun is at its worst, you can cool down with a dip in the refreshing water. If you want to get in a little exercise, you can swim a few laps

Of grand, formal style, the classic facade of this impressive home required a swimming pool and outdoor living areas of similar splendour. Combining traditional elegance with modern luxury, David Franklin, director of the Franklin Group, conceived a

A swimming pool is the hub of a family’s outdoor entertaining and needs to be designed accordingly. The size and location need to be just right, so too do the materials used. Also, it needs to complement the architectural style of the house, fit seam

Classical clean-lined shapes never go out of fashion. The timeless elegance of formal design cannot be understated and this sophisticated swimming pool with its well-defined outline and meticulously landscaped surrounds is a case in point. Created by

The Surf Coast’s siren call has been answered by many. Surfers from around Australia, Victorians in need of a relaxing beachside holiday and families from urban hubs like Melbourne or Geelong seeking a seachange. When Jason King, director of King’s G

A cosy fire pit to gather around with good friends and a pool for a refreshing dip on a sultry summer’s day — the family who happily call this Sunshine Coast property home have all of this, and more. “The clients had a growing family and wanted a swi

With its vast lawns and grand, professionally designed grounds, Macedon Grange is one of Victoria’s most charming country properties. In the midst of the 118-acre estate sits a bluestone residence which has, at the rear, a long view across a dam, fie

A swimming pool is a valuable addition to any home. Properly planned, thoughtfully designed and fitted with state-of-the-art equipment, from heat pumps to pool chemistry controllers, a pool will bring years of enjoyment for your family and guests as

The furniture you choose for your outdoor living space doesn’t just add style; it makes it comfortable, inviting and a space in which you will want to linger, either with good friends or on your own enjoying a few moments of precious peace. Quality a

If you’re seeking designer style without the designer price tag, Lume Outdoor Living offers a treasure trove of unique pieces and boutique products. From exclusive designer decor to furniture you can mix and match, you have everything you need to cre

Considering just how much Australians love the outdoors — and barbecuing — it won’t come as a great surprise that outdoor kitchens are one of the fastest-growing lifestyle trends. The beauty of having an outdoor kitchen is that it brings all aspects

If you’re in search of a versatile cooking option for your backyard or deck, Morsø has the perfect solution. But what to choose? The Morsø Forno outdoor woodfired oven? The Grill ’17, which functions as an outdoor kitchen, or perhaps a Hergom fire pi

Heating your outdoor space isn’t just about keeping the family toasty-warm in winter or taking the chill out of the air on a crisp autumn evening. With our decks, pergolas, patios and alfresco entertaining spaces now being designed as outdoor rooms,

For more than 40 years, Tuscan Path has been proud to supply a truly diverse selection of the finest outdoor products to the Australian and New Zealand markets. From its humble beginnings as a family business designing and manufacturing Italian potte

For those in search of a distinctive collection of laser-cut screens, fire pits, sculptures and more, Urban Design Systems (UDS) is the leader in the field. These creative concepts are suited to exterior and interior use and UDS is happy to work dire

Planning a night garden requires skill and artistry. You need to get the balance of light and dark just right, and consider how each garden element should be lit, the transition between spaces, and the viewing points from inside the house and around

There really is an art to outdoor lighting and the experts at Gardens at Night know how to paint a captivating nightscape. Gardens at Night design, manufacture and deliver quality outdoor lighting, and for more than 20 years have partnered with leadi

Shaderunner® Australia recently installed a beautiful long-span Shaderunner® Classic Retractable Sail over the stunning pool area of this modern home in the leafy suburb of Adelaide Hills. Offering easy manual operation, the large extension sail prov

For the most comfortable outdoor living space — one you can use year-round — you need an engineered shade solution from Outrigger Awnings. Outrigger, which supplies awnings Australia-wide, specialises in the creation of high-quality, custom-designed

Offering a range of premium composite timber profiles for decking, screening, fencing and cladding, Futurewood can ensure your next outdoor project won't just look good, it will last the distance. One popular choice is the CleverDeck Xtreme composite

Add definition to your garden and create a visually stunning centrepiece with steel edging that is quick and easy to install. Whether it’s large-scale feature terracing or raised planters, steel edging is a simple solution to a variety of outdoor pro

The big issue we face trying to grow gardens in sandy soil is that there is no structure. With no structure there is no moisture retention and little to no nutrient availability. No matter how much compost we add it always disappears and we end up wi

The dream of a thriving garden can sometimes turn into a nightmare when pests invade. Traditional chemical pesticides may offer a quick short-term fix but they can harm beneficial insects, disrupt your garden’s ecosystem, diminish your soil profile,

Afternoon tea, a deliciously refreshing cocktail, or even a relaxing brunch in the summer sun: the Leo collection from Vincent Sheppard is fit for any occasion. The comfortable seating of the tub chair, the laidback shape of the sofa and the playful