bestgardening.com - Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2001

Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 2001

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Jack Merlo's (+61 (0)3 9502 1700) minimalist garden also won a Gold Medal. The garden itself was instantly recognisable as Merlo's work and reminiscent of the garden we saw at the Ellerslie Flower Show last November. Simple plastered grey walls set off quite a large expanse of grass, crossed on one side by paving stones set into the grass and one boundary had a row of standard trees giving height and definition to the design.

A water lily strewn canal ran along the front of a raised dining area and a window opened up the vista beyond the garden. Square, plastered seats were used on the open side of the long, timber table with a long bench to the rear. A bright red planter box brightened monotone grey walls and the whole was very striking.

The Oz Nouveau garden was designed by DM Taylor Landscape Architects (+61 (0)2 9387 8855) to "push past the boundaries of 'backyard' to provide an environment that pleases the senses and, most importantly, provides a place in which to relax and have fun'. The result was a large, clean timber deck and smaller paved area, backed by a raised planter holding Magnolia grandiflora 'Little Gem' and foliage plants.

A long bench with generous cushions provided ample seating and a bright red chair made a bold statement. To one side a long copper canal (lit at night for added drama) and a louvered timber screen gave privacy and restful feel. Pots held Dragon trees (Dracaena draco) and the garden was a truly low maintenance with minimal watering requirements.

Oz nouveau - privacy and a restful feel

Vivid Design put together a striking, modern garden with an unusual array of plants for a modern garden. In the tradition of the new American garden or Piet Oudolf, the garden combined plants cleverly so that each complemented its neighbours and suited the cultural conditions. Despite the larger numbers of plants the garden was still low-care.

An open steel 'pergola', grassed underneath, gave an illusion of greater length, and was planted to either side. Plumes of the tall grass Miscanthus, leucadendrons, grasses and phormiums mingled with Australian natives. A wooden deck with metal strips provided a generous sitting area. Imaginative 'woks' held plants along the deck edge. A clever, imaginative contemporary garden that satisfied the plantsmen among us.

The impressive Greenevent Plants (+61 (0)3 9374 3900) garden brought to mind Japan yet was totally modern in its execution. A curved stainless steel seat wove around the beautiful autumn colours of a Japanese maple made a strong design statement.

A small sprung arch bridge lay in the middle of the garden, crossing the stream, with lovely lush green mounds in the white pebble mulch to each side. Steps down afforded a close view of the waterfall and the pool with its stylised 'boulders' in smooth white stone. Rusted metal woven screens bound and gave privacy to the garden, with views out provided by 'windows'. Tall birches (Betula jacquemontii) with lacy, golden autumn foliage and beautiful white trunks contrasted with the underplanting of mondo grass.

A peaceful, tranquil garden that provided a place to sit and relax, respite from the outside world. The restrained planting was in the contemporary idoim, there was plenty of colour and the result was a lighter touch than the strong, architectural plants so often seen. A beautiful garden that earned its Gold Medal.

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Design Themes from the Show
Minimalist contemporary designs with clean lines, bold colour and restrained planting. Tiny spaces looked bigger and restful. Less minimalist gardens stayed with one design concept for a spacious, coherent feel.

Plastered, coloured walls, many with windows

Rusted metal

Mirrors to expand space

Pebble or crushed glass mulch

Pavers used in grass or sand

Water features

Planting with few plants, mainly strong architectural plants