Innovative ideas outdoors this spring

Posted in Small Gardens - Written by Carolynn on August 29, 2012

You do not have to be governed by what you are familiar with. It is always rewarding and refreshing to see innovative direction in landscape design.

Here are a few examples that do just that. From left to right…

THINK OUTSIDE THE SQUARE

1. Functionality – This brilliant design incorporates timber seating within the construction of the deck. For quiet times these chairs can be used to sit in and relax. For the party season these chairs can easily be reclined back into the deck for added standing area. A great seating solution for small space gardens.

2. Floor treatment – This image shows a typical tree covered outdoor space. However the addition of the bright hexagon shaped paving changes the whole dynamics of this space.

3. Wall treatment – Walling is an intrinsical part to any indoor or outdoor space. So why not make a statement out of it. In this example axe split hardwood has been used in a dystack pattern to create this amazing look.

Image credits L to R: dkgardendesign.co.uk, kimettile.com, anderssonwise.com

USE COLOUR TO MAKE A STATEMENT

1. Paint existing structures – Paint walls, floors or even in this case stairs to add a pop of colour to your outdoor space.

2. Introduce colour by painting your terrocotta pots. In this example the pots add impact to a bland wall. This could have looked even more impressive if the potted colour had a red or white flowering plant to add contrast.

3. The ultimate pool deck. By painting each alternating timber decking board a different colour (in this case yellow and white) creates a fantastic look against the soft blue hue of the the pool water. The curved edges of the deck platform contains the colour within, without losing its vibrancy. What a great summer idea!

Image credits: agedandgilded.typepad.com, basketbike.tumblr.com, labanane.com

TURN YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE INTO A DESTINATION

1. Although this outdoor space is small in size, the designer Amir Schlezinger has cleverly combined all the elements into an inviting space to relax or entertain in. Pockets of garden poke through the square paving and a beautifully underlit timber seat frames the back of the garden. This example is an inspiration to all those people with a small inner city courtyard garden.

2. By erecting a shade structure and arranging comfortable outdoor furniture you can make your unused backyard into an outdoor oasis this spring. Add interest by using bright cushions and oversized hanging lights like this example.

3. Again a small inner city courtyard with heaps of character. Although this space has a pool all the components work in this garden. From the covered outdoor dining area, to the pool area, every detail has been meticulously thought over by the designer Matthew Cantwell. Planting above the rendered wall softens the area as well as the cascading jasmine over the back wall. Every square inch has been utilised even with the roof of the garage been converted into a tropical getaway. The floating stairs reflecting in the pool are an artpiece in themselves.

We hope these standout gardens and landscape ideas give you plenty of inspiration this spring!

Image credits: mylandscapes.co.uk, mollywoodgardendesign.com, secretgardens.com.au

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