When choosing landscaping materials there are many issues to consider. In the end it’s you own personal preference what you like, but being aware of varying factors might make your selection easier. This information can be divided into a few major topics.
Selecting Landscape Materials - PAVING
The first choice is whether to go for brick or concrete paving. Generally concrete pavers in the last few years in Adelaide have been more popular for home gardens, because of their wide variety of colours & textures. Brick paving is more hard wearing than concrete pavers and has tended to be used more commercially. I tend to use brick paving when the architecture of the house is brick & the paving is to echo the style of the house.
When choosing a paving material the issues you may have to consider are as follows:
- Does the colour of the paver relate to the house & the surrounding garden?
- Does the size of the paver relate to the internal flooring?
- Does it’s texture provide sufficient slip resistance for it’s use?
- Does the paver have matching copings to be used around pools or steps?
- How does the new paver match existing paving?
- How does the paver wear?
- How expensive are the pavers?
- Is the paver from a reputable company?
- Is the paver a consistent thickness & quality?
- Is the paver easy to lay?
Experienced Landscape Designers work with these materials & can guide you through this maze of questions with ease, you only have decide what paver you like the most.
Selecting Landscape Materials - RETAINING WALLS
Retaining walls are an expensive part of landscaping, but a necessary one when dealing with slopes. Retain the slope in the most efficient method. Many people are drawn to the glossy magazines with loads of white rendered retaining walls, they look great. If you have a flat site, there are many other ways to create interest, rather than building unnecessary structures.
Retaining walls over 1m requires engineering drawings & council approval. Consider minimising the height of the retaining walls. If there is more than 1m of soil to retain, you may choose a series of staggered lower retaining walls. Retaining walls require drainage, ensure your contractor provides adequate drainage with Ag drains behind the structure. There are many types of retaining wall, a brief summary of the major methods are as follows:
Timber Sleeper & I Beam – One of the cheapest methods, timber sleepers are slotted between upright I beams buried partially into the ground. It doesn’t have the longevity of the other methods.
Concrete Sleeper & I Beam – Also a cheaper method, with a similar method of construction to the previous. The concrete sleeper lasts longer than the timber & can come in a varying textures. Because of the finish of the I Beams & lack of a top to the retaining wall they are not the most attractive method, you pay for what you get. They are good along boundaries near the house where they lots of retaining required & they are viewed less.
Segmental Retaining Wall Units- There are variety of different types of proprietary retaining wall units. Moderately priced & very versatile, they suit many types of applications. Consider the size of each unit if curves are required. Choose a colour & texture that relates to house & it’s surroundings.
Rendered Concrete Masonry Wall – This creates a modern clean look, very good used in straight lines (Recta linear designs). Consider protecting the render walls, where possible form car traffic, & away from lawn, use lawn edging to protect render from chipping.
Brick retaining Walls – When the architecture of the house is brick it may be more appropriate to use brick retaining walls. Brick capping is also available in a bull-nose form which can be more comfortable to sit on. You also may consider a combination of stone & brick retaining wall.
Stone Retaining Wall – One of the most expensive methods of retaining walls, but one of the most beautiful. In Adelaide slate, limestone & Sandstone are the most common types.
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Sandstone retaining walls & steps, natural materials at their best |
Slate bookleaf retaining wall, with rusic natural charm |
Segmental Retaining walls, useful for straight or curved applications |
Selecting Landscape Materials - SCREENS, FENCES & WALLS
Screens, fences & walls can define space, provide privacy & security, reduce unwanted noise & hide unsightly elements. There are many types of walls, fences & screen to suit a variety of budgets. When choosing gates to go with these screens & fencing, it is a good idea to use a similar material.
Bamboo screens – A beautiful natural material, Can be one of the cheapest screening methods, depending on quality. Useful for hiding unsightly walls & fences, Correct fastening & capping can improve look & longevity. Have a look at the variety of screens from the House of Bamboo.
Art Screens – Laser cut, art screens are very decorative in feature areas. Custom made or standard design can really make an outdoor space exciting.
Timber framed corrugated iron screens – A useful lightweight screen for hiding amenities. Iron can come in a huge variety of powder coat colours or zincalume, as well a variety of profiles, mini orb can look very good outside. Bluescope Steel, Stratco
Timber slatted screens – Very popular in recent years, a lovely natural product, usually laid horizontally. When you choose this product you must determine whether you like the weathered look or the look when it’s new. If you like the colour when it’s new, you will have to regularly seal it to maintain it’s colour.
Metal slatted screens – A similar look to the other slatted screen, but with little or no maintenance. A variety of powder coat colours & timber like patterns are available. Note that they may not be very appropriate in coastal situations.
Brush fencing – A beautiful natural material made out of Melaleuca sp., usually only used as a front fence. Note that the new SA legislation doesn’t allow the erection of a brush fence within 3m of a building.
Tubular Steel fencing – This fence can be used by itself or in combination with masonry pillars. There is a variety of styles available with different spear heads, curved tops & circular details. They also come in a variety of heights 1200 / 1500 / 1800mm high. A horizontal top rail only is recommended for use as a swimming pool fence. Make sure the pool fence meets the requirements of AS1926.1-1993.
Cast Aluminum fencing – This type of fencing is often used for heritage reproduction work. Can be used by itself or in combination with masonry pillars.
Glass pool fencing – These fences must meet the requirements of AS1926.1-1993. More expensive than tubular steel fencing, but less noticeable to the eye. They are toughened glass & available in frameless & semi - frameless fencing. An optional extra is to have lighting in tops of the post of the semi – frameless fencing.
Rendered hi-density polystyrene walls – Very useful in entertaining areas where a sense of enclosure is required, without the heaviness of masonry wall. A variety of moulding tops are available
Rendered Blue-board walls – Like the hi-density polystyrene wall, they look very good with residences that have rendered walls.
Brickwork – Brickwork fencing or walls are usually appropriate when the residence is brick, try to match the brickwork where possible.
Rendered concrete masonry – Appropriate where the residence has rendered walls and longevity or noise reduction is important.
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Lightweight walling, very useful in entertaining areas |
Timber screens & climbers, useful vertical elements |
Selecting Landscape Materials - SHADE STRUCTURES
In the garden there is often a need for protection from the sun, wind, rain or neighbours. A brief summary of the most common structures are as follows:
Umbrellas – One of the cheapest option to provide shade, make sure if it is used in windy area (eg, coast or foothills), that the base is well weighted.
Shade Sail Structures – An economical & quick solution to provide shade protection. There are standard sizes that can be bought of the shelf, they are often only small. Ensure the anchor points or columns are strong enough for the wind conditions, consult an engineer.
Awnings – There are many modern versions for retractable awnings are available on the market. There are folding arms & roman shades. They can provide shade to the house as well as to an entertaining area
Timber Pergola – Pergolas can provide shade protection, these structures can create more shade protection with shade cloth or climbers. Deciduous climbers provide light in winter & shade in summer, consider leaf fall.
Verandah – Extension of the roof structure around the house can provide extra living and entertaining area. Consider opaque sheeting in large covered structures to provide extra light. Cafe curtains & warmers can extend the use of these area throughout the year.
Metal louvre roofing – A versatile metal louvre roof structure that provides full & partial shade options. By rotating the metal blades you are able to close for rain protection or open to provide ventilation. It is very good for seasonal changes, such as allowing for winter sun & summer shade.
Trees – Trees are lovely natural long term solution to provide protection from the elements. A deciduous tree can provide filtered light in summer & be open in winter. You might consider purchasing a semi mature tree to reduce the wait to maturity.
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Harwood timber table & chairs in a comfortable entertaining area. The Roman shade provides versatility in sun protection |
Selecting Landscape Materials - FURNITURE
Timber Furniture – A beautiful natural product, with timbers like jarrah & teak. Note that the Kwila timber is an Indonesian rainforest timber & may leach stain onto paving. Consider the maintenance of the finish. Oils & stains may have to be applied a few times a year. Consider the weight of timber, chairs are especially hard to move around. They are also usually require cushions to provide comfort.
Synthetic wicker & aluminum framework – Light, comfortable and is available in many style & colours. It may require more protection from the weather, to keep its fresh look. Usually only a 2-3 year warranty. Because these are relatively new products, it’s hard to know how long the product will stay attractive. No maintenance is required, but keeping it clean & well protected in winter months should help.
Metal frame furniture – Good lasting capabilities, with powder coat finish. Chairs will require cushions to be comfortable. Tables may feel a little unstable, with open mesh tops, granite tops are another option.
Selecting Landscape Materials - POTS
Whatever pot you choose make sure that it’s the right size for the plant. If the pots too small, the plant will become stressed, with lack of room for it’s roots If the pots to large, you waste space & water. Make sure the pot is slightly bigger than the root ball, so there is some room to grow. Drainage is also very important to all pot plants, prevent water logging. Large pebbles at the base of the pot can allow water to drain freely. Always choose good quality potting mix with organic material, fertilizer and water retaining particles like water crystals. Check your potting mix meets Australian standards. Note there are health risks involved in using potting mix. Always wear gloves & a mask while working with the product. Store the potting mix in a cool location, avoid shaking the mixture prior to usage. Wetting agents are very beneficial, apply annually, in spring. Mulch is also very good at reducing evaporation & soil temperature. Only water when the plant requires it, the finger test is always useful. If dry, water enough to penetrate the root zone. If wet, don’t water
Plastic pots - Lightweight, non-porous & cheap alternative. They can retain more water than other pots. They come in a wide range of colours & styles. Another handy option is to choose pots with self watering mechanisms, they release water as the plant requires it, from a water well.
Terra cotta pots - Beautiful natural terra cotta products are porous & so may retain less water. You may consider before planting to moisture proof the pots by painting the inside with liquid sealant.
Glazed pots - Strong & nonporous, glazed pots are another good option. They are available in many colours. Glazed pots provide better insulation than plastic pots.
Selecting Landscape Materials - PLANTS
When selecting plants for the garden there are many factors to consider.
- Soil (sandy or clay? acid or alkaline?)
- Amount of sunshine or shade
- Drought tolerance
- Frost tolerance
- Wind exposure
- Coastal exposure
- Size & shape of plants
- Flowering times
With my knowledge & experience in horticulture these factor are always considered for each site. You only need to consider your likes & dislikes of certain plants. The final result is garden full of plants that you like & will work in harmony with the site.
TOP 10 PLANTS FOR THE ADELAIDE PLAINS
My top ten plants are a range of reliable old plants, that grandma trusted. Plants such a Laurestinus (Viburnum tinus), Lemon trees (Citrus limon), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) & African Iris (Dietes grandiflora) are tough and well suited to most of Adelaide plains. New species that have been specifically bred recently to be lower water use & disease free, such as Crepe Myrtle Indian Summer Series (Lagerstroemia sp), the lush green Matt Rushes (Lomandra sp.) & Flax Lilly (Dianella sp.). A few natives that can perform well in any style of garden, the Creeping Boobialla (Myoporum parvifolium), a green hardy groundcover, Orange jessamine, a useful medium shrub (Murray paniculata) & the Evergreen Tuckeroo tree (Cupaniopsis anacardiodes). All these plants are very tough & can be used in many different applications in Adelaide. The previous list of factors are still important in the suitability of each plant to it’s location.
Selecting Landscape Materials - LAWN
Firstly you must decide whether you need a lawn, in some front yard applications you may choose groundcovers to serve the same purpose, consider how much traffic is required in the area. If you have decided on grass, do you want natural lawn or synthetic grass. Generally if you like the look of a front lawn & don’t want a maintenance problems I would consider synthetic grass. If the gardens for adults it up to the owner how much maintenance they want to do for the look they want to achieve. If you have children & want a back lawn I would suggest natural lawn, as synthetic will heat up in summer and make playing uncomfortable. Both have their advantages & disadvantages, factor to consider are as follows:
NATURAL LAWN SYNTHETIC GRASS
- Natural beauty - New grass looks more realistic
- Soft & cool(up to 15 degrees cooler than paving) - Not as soft as natural lawn & heats up (consider children)
- Lower initial cost - Higher initial cost
- High maintenance (mowing, fertilising & watering) - Requires brushing grooming & refilling at least yearly
- Long lasting (Last as long as you maintain it) - Most last around 15 years (often a 7-10 yr guarantee)
- Attracts bees & insects - Doesn’t attract Insects
- Consider sun, shade & soil - Can be installed anywhere
when deciding on grass type
