Not Every Backyard Needs Grass To Be Enjoyed

Not every backyard needs grass to be enjoyed.

- Kylie Baracz

When we think of a modern Australian backyard, we usually imagine a green space with an expansive, lush grassed area and a varied planting palette. When designing this small Subiaco garden, however, Tim Davies Landscaping chose to keep things clean, sleek and simple for the homeowners.

By borrowing the sophisticated architectural style from the property, the Tim Davies Landscaping team created an inviting space that wasn’t only an eye-pleasing backdrop, it also didn’t encroach on the valuable usable space.

With only the existing deck and pool to work with, the garden needed standout features to lift the space, and this was achieved with the exquisitely detailed, prefinished Equitone-clad wall.

“The wall extends the length of the space, creating a rational, clean horizontal line that mirrors the crisp architecture of the dwelling,” says Tim Davies, owner of Tim Davies Landscaping. “This element draws the eye along the length of the space and also cleverly integrates both the pool area and the alfresco with its integrated barbecue nook.” The Equitone cladding was proposed as a prefinished architectural material as it allowed Tim and his team to simplify the narrow space with clean crisp lines and to conceal the existing retaining wall.

By using a water-wise planting palette, the team were able to design an eco-friendly and sustainable space for the homeowners. Low groundcovers were chosen in place of turf to reduce ongoing maintenance and reduce water usage, and the cascading planting within the wall simulates a water feature, yet uses no actual water, saving the homeowners both water usage and money.