Nobody makes a garden and then thinks about what kind of house they’re going to put in the middle of it. We plan the house, while the garden or yard comes later. But the smart way of doing the whole project is to consider the property as a whole and how the exterior space can enhance the building. That is because the two can work together to produce a home that takes advantage of the climate in our area.
Let’s talk about a home in Victoria, not too far from the coast. That means pleasant weather much of the time, so a house with a garden is a good thing to have. People in cold places enjoy their gardens too, but in spite of the weather, so given our natural advantage here, let’s make the most of it.
Integrating the Home’s Architecture with the Landscape Design (Hardscaping)
To be more specific, let’s say this property has space at the front and the back. Garden at the front and yard at the back, and the typical difference is that there is more privacy at the back, so that is where the entertaining happens. The front garden is likely to be a decorative feature, adding charm and interest to the house. It is largely about making the kind of first impression you want to make.
Depending on the set-up of the neighbourhood, it may be possible and desirable to sit out there in front of the house too, but the main consideration is visual. We’re all familiar with the idea of interior design and decoration. The front garden should be approached with the same attitude. You’re creating a space that can reflect your personality.
A traditional effect can be achieved by neat lawns and rose bushes, or you could make a completely different statement with a riot of colour and quirky features, items you’ve picked up with the sole purpose of adding interest to your garden. That can mean anything from a stone Buddha to an old plough to give it a more rustic country charm. Or you could go for nothing but greenery. At the planning stage, it’s your blank canvas to paint as you wish.
Don’t forget to give yourself a treat too, by positioning beautiful or interesting features where you can see them from the front rooms. This is sometimes known as bringing the great outdoors inside, and the atmosphere of a garden can be good for mental health. That is why we are urged these days to put plants in office buildings, to ease the relentless grind of work. Why give passersby all the enjoyment?
Now, the back yard. This doesn’t have to be all lawn and flower beds; in fact, that would be impractical. If you’re going to be lounging out there in the sun (suitably protected by sunscreen, of course) or there are going to be kids playing during the day and barbecues happening later on, a paved or at least concreted area is going to be essential.
Maybe decking, which softens the overall effect while remaining practical and suitable for entertaining. Terracotta tiles can give a Mediterranean feel, and extra atmosphere can be provided by a pergola if you’re good with plants that can entwine themselves around the wood.
This being a home and not just a house, to integrate the inside and the outside requires planning. Big sliding doors make bringing out food and drinks easy, and the logical place to have these doors is in the kitchen, where spills and footmarks are more easily dealt with.
Here’s a word that doesn’t feature in many people’s vocabulary: hardscaping. It’s like landscaping but concentrating on the solid bits. That means walls and paths, basically: the framework of the garden. Paving, tiles, timber, and even a soft surface, as you find in public playgrounds. Give it some thought and don’t just slap a concrete base down.
Zoning Your Outdoor Space: From Alfresco Dining to Kids’ Play Areas
Depending on the size of your outdoor area, you may be able to separate the alfresco dining part from the kids’ play areas, and that may be a very good idea if there are balls flying around and wine glasses sitting there, beautiful but vulnerable.
A wall or a fence could be a very sensible addition. These can be dressed up with climbing plants on the adult side or screened with shrubs. A basketball hoop attached to a high wall can keep kids occupied, but be careful where you put it, considering ricochets and enthusiastic misses.
Choosing Low-Maintenance, Water-Wise Plants for the Victorian Climate
There are two distinct considerations when it comes to choosing plants: convenience and practicality. The local garden centre will be able to tell you which ones are suitable for the climate and also which can pretty much look after themselves. The days of sizzling summer afternoons with a hypnotic sprinkler showering the lawn are long gone. Water is precious, and we can’t be wasting it on thirsty plants and immaculate billiard table-style cropped grass.
Essential External Features: Driveways, Fencing, and Feature Lighting
Meanwhile, back at the hardscaping, there are choices to be made, and items such as driveways and fences are by no means standard, so investigate the options and don’t just go for the easy ones.
Even with big, tough retaining walls, there are various types, from concrete monoliths (which can be textured and coloured) to genuine timber railway sleepers.
As for lighting, it doesn’t have to be a drain on the utility bills. Solar lights have improved greatly in recent years.
Leveraging Views and Orientation for Maximum Outdoor Enjoyment
Here is a subject that perhaps should have been top of our list, rather than down here like an afterthought: does your property offer attractive views? If so, why not take advantage of them by facing your seating areas the right way?
This can also come down to the home’s design. A well-placed balcony can count as an outdoor living space, and if it looks out over the sea or the hills, it can be a great spot to unwind.
If you’re planning a knock-down rebuild and want to make the most of your outdoor space, explore our completed projects to see how Enso Homes helped Geelong homeowners create stunning indoor-outdoor living environments.
