Canny design tricks help this multifunctional backyard meet the demands of a growing family

words jane parbury styling adam robinson photography sue stubbs

something for everyone

22. An integrated herb and vegie

patch is a magnet for the kids. “Just because you have a small

backyard doesn’t mean you can’t grow your

own herbs!” says Mike.

23. The wide street gate is motorised and slides rather than swinging open, a must in a small space.

24. Rows of cobblestone relieve the expanse of granite. “It helps break up the colour, otherwise the darker tones can be too serious in a small space,” says Mike. >

21. A gleditsia tree provides summer shade, while in winter, it is a sculptural focus, trimmed with glass balls from Terrace (from $25ea).

19. Modwood decking, a low-maintenance alternative to hardwood, has been used by the

pool in this Design-It Landscapes backyard. It introduces a soft, natural feel, and also screens the access points

to essential pool equipment below.

103 IDEAS FOR OUTDOORS family friend ly

20. A row of slender weaver bamboo runs beside the pool and along the rear fence. Grown here in a 250mm bed, it delivers privacy. “There is virtually no other plant that will grow to this height and width in such a confined space,” says designer Mike Cass.

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25. Neat bi-fold doors fold back completely and open up the indoors to the elements. It also allows the alfresco entertaining area, tiled with granite flag pavers and cobblestones, to function as a seamless extension of the living space.

27. A row of low-growing, strappy liriope

‘Isabella’and a strip of textured

cobblestones define the perimeter

of the pool.

29. Dark granite flag pavers were chosen as a base for both the pool surround and lounge/parking area. “It’s great for an entertaining

space, and it’s tough,” says Mike.

28. Frameless glass fencing for the pool allows the eye to travel through the space, providing vital but chic protection for the kids. “Ten years ago it would have been costly, but these days it is surprisingly affordable,” comments designer Mike Cass.

26. Organically shaped pots (from $55ea), found at Garden Life, act as a counterpoint to the square lines of the pool area. The rattan lantern ($245) is from Orson & Blake.

31. Every outdoor dining area needs feature furniture – the ‘Waratah’ dining table ($1499) from Eco Outdoor, teamed with Tribu ‘Vintage’ chairs ($655ea) from Cosh Living, are ideal for when dinnertime spills outside. >

30. As with all compact family gardens, it’s important to make the most of the space. A small

bench fills the gap by the built-in barbecue, conveniently positioned

right outside the kitchen.

32. As the lounge area doubles as car parking when necessary, furniture has to be moveable. The Gloster ‘Cloud’ modular setting from Cosh Living ($12,909) is portable and can be rearranged into various configurations to seat family and friends.

33. a small turfed area has been introduced to one

side of the entertaining spot, and is a fun play area

for the kids. “It’s great to have that little patch of

lawn to bring a bit of fluffy green into the backyard

against all the solid structures and the lines,” says Mike. “It’s also great for those who own pets.”

34. The fence needed special attention as it’s visible

from the house and street. The fence is

made of design pine – a

treated pine product – and matches the

home’s tones.

Contact Mike Cass, Design-It

Landscapes, (02) 9477 7008,

designitlandscapes.com.au.

35. Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ plants, with their contrasting two-toned leaves, deliver extra greenery and add depth, making

the space feel larger.