Principles | Compatibility | Water | Courtyard

COMPATIBILITY

COMPATIBILITY OF HOUSE AND GARDEN

The house and garden need to create a harmonious combination, they must bond together visually and be an expression of the owner. The theme and overall design chosen will depend on the character and style of the house as the garden is seen as an extension of the house and the two must connect as a natural progression.

The style and proportions of the house and the positions of the main rooms play an important part in designing the garden. With outdoor living such an important part of life in our Queensland climate .The design should reflect the importance of easy access and flow to the outdoor rooms and terraces, while considering the need for shade and shelter, light and position of the sun at different times of the year. The Mediterranean solution of unifying the house to the garden by building a covered loggia or gallery as part of the architecture of the house is perfect for our hot climate where shade from direct sunlight is provided and cooling breezes are welcomed.

STYLE AND SITE ARE INTERCONNECTED

The first step is to try to discover the significance of the site. While it is possible to impose any kind of garden you like almost anywhere, the finished effect may look pretentious and out of place with the surroundings. You should be aiming for a marriage rather than a divorce from the surroundings. By observing the indigenous vegetation, the underlying soil, light and shade and the style of the house in your mind, an indication as to style will start to take shape in your mind.

Often there will be some significant factor such as a group of palms a mature olive or a large rainforest specimen that may dominate the site and can be used to provide the theme. The whole design will follow down to the smallest detail but all reinforcing the basic idea.

The hardest thing when designing a garden is to discipline yourself to limit the range of materials, there is such a vast supply of plants available from nurseries today the temptation to choose too much variety is great. The garden will become confused if the plantings are jumbled and bear no relationship to the basic theme and the harmony of the design is instantly destroyed.

It is important to choose colors and textures for the garden walls, paths and features that have some connection to the materials used in the construction of the house.