Page 155 - Australian House & Garden (January 2020)

GARDENS H G

Feature plants
_______

Jacaranda
Dragon tree
(Dracaena draco)
Lilly pilly
(Syzygium australe ‘Select’)
Lady palm
(Rhapis excelsa)
Star jasmine
(Trachelospermum
jasminoides)

“JACARANDAS CAN BE
MESSY AND THEY’RE NOT
A GREAT TREE TO HAVE
AROUND A POOL , BUT IN
THIS CASE, THE BEAUTY OF
THE TREE OUTWEIGHED

REMOVING IT.” Sophie Greive

CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT “Timber
decking is a great option to use
under a large tree as it makes the
area stable, useable and accessible,”
says Sophie. “It’s a lightweight
material that covers over roots and
wraps around the trunk where it’s
a challenge to grow anything.” There
is now seamless flow between the
entertaining deck and the pool.
Poolside seating. The streamlined
view from the barbecue.

installed, ensuring the pool remains visible from the house, and plant species to create a backdrop for the two feature trees and
allowing views of the existing dragon tree (Dracaena draco), a to tone in with the dark colours of the pool,” says Sophie.
beautiful feature tree on the rear boundary. The hero, of course, is the jacaranda. “Jacarandas can be messy
Plants were chosen to suit the varying conditions of the site. A when they lose their leaves and flowers, but this specimen was the

hedge of lilly pilly (Syzygium australe ‘Select’) suits the sunnier side main feature of the garden, so it had to stay,” says Sophie.
of the pool, and helps soften the boundary fence while a row of The symphony of dark greens is echoed and reflected in the
shade-loving lady palms (Rhapis excelsa) works under the jacaranda. dark pool water. “It all contributes to making the space calm
Lilly pilly and star jasmine (Trachelospermum jasminoides) grow and soothing,” says Sophie. #
along the shady back fence. “We used a simple palette of dark green Think Outside Gardens; www.thinkoutsidegardens.com.au.

AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 153