Although gardens are primarily about plants, there is no doubt that in all good gardens there are generally a few garden structures and, believe me, these can either enhance or destroy the overall appearance of the garden.
The main groupings of structures and features that we might have in our garden include pergolas, gazebos and arbours.

Pergolas – There has been much discussion over the correct pronunciation of this garden structure, with some well known gardening experts insisting that the emphasis should be on the per while others emphasise the gola [Editor: the Italian origin of the word indicates an emphasis on the per rather than gola].

Gazebos – The primary definition of a gazebo is a structure from which a view may be obtained. The gazebo can either be open on all sides or partially enclosed.

Arbours – The dictionary definition of an arbour is “a bower or shady retreat with sides and roof formed by trees or covered with lattice upon which climbing plants are grown”.

Throughout the tropics, subtropics and most warm climates the hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis and its hybrids and cultivars) is a garden plant that can be used for screening, as a filler in a garden or more commonly as a focus plant in the landscape for its floral display. Shrubs can also be used as a barrier to prevent access from one area of the garden to another or as a property boundary fence.

Commonly grown throughout Queensland, Hibiscus rosa-sinensis cultivars (family: MALVACEAE) are successfully grown in Sydney and Perth provided their basic cultural requirements are understood and provided for.

The most important growing requirements for a successful hibiscus plant are sunny position, fertile well drained soil, deep mulch, adequate water and pest control.

Magazine Feature: a calendar for the care of hibiscus plants and 25 named varieties in colour.

Along Sydney’s northern beaches, at Allambie Heights, is Kebun Sembunyi, the home and garden of Jann and Brian Kennedy. Set on an 860sqm block, the property has a narrow frontage with only a small garden leading to the front door. Dropping steeply away from the road- some five metres - none of the rear garden, not even a palm leaf, is visible behind the two storey house. The Balinese name ‘Kebun Sembunyi’ suits this hidden garden perfectly, as it really is a ‘secret garden’.

The love of all things Balinese is not restricted to the garden Their home has been decorated throughout with Balinese furnishings. A wooden Komodo dragon carving lies on the wood floor and from within the house a gong sounds to signal lunch or a phone call.

The wet season is a time of excess, plenty of humidity, heat, rain and lush green. It’s also a time for a brilliant array of luscious tropical plants. I don’t know if it’s the brilliant green, which sets the flowers off so well, or it’s the more subdued light of the wet season, which really makes the flowers glow.
Many people think the wet season is time to shut up shop and hide inside in the air conditioning but to me nothing beats that early morning stroll into the damp air looking at the colorful parade of flowers as they emerge.

Magazine Features: Spathoglottis, Curcuma australasica, Combretum constrictum, Clerodendron bungei, Couroupita guianensis, Ipomoea abrupta, Caesalpinia pulcherrima, Zingiber spectabile, Heliconia cultivars and Gardenia fucata.

They have been a silent icon of the ‘Aussie’ garden for as long as I can remember.

Growing up, I recall watching my mother lovingly tend to her modest crop of cannas that were allocated to ‘her’ corner of the yard by my father, who just could not quite grasp the concept that growing flowers for pleasure was just as rewarding as having the most immaculate lawn in the street.

Cannas have come a long way since the seventies, and they can still evoke memories with their flamboyant, almost gaudy retro colours and large luscious foliage.

Today, gardeners of the ‘naughties’ continue to embrace the natural attributes that cannas have to offer and with even more colour combinations (except the blue shades) and variety to choose from, we are almost spoilt for choice.

Magazine Features: 24 named varieties in colour.

In the last issue we discussed building a pond for your garden and some of the matters to consider when designing, siting or building the pond. In this issue we will be looking at fish with which to stock the pond.

In the warmer parts of Australia there are many different fish species which are suitable for ponds. Some people simply head down to the local fish shop and buy some goldfish or other fish that look appealing in the shops. This can lead to disappointment. Just like planning a garden, a bit of time spent considering the pond, the surrounding environment, your time and your needs can result in a much more satisfactory selection of fish which can provide enjoyment for many years.

Magazine Features: added bonus lists of declared noxious fish in Queensland and naturalised fish.

There is one colour that people will accept or not in the garden. It has become fashionable in clothing and recent trends in outdoor landscaping have seen an increase in the use of paint applications on external walls in this colour. It can mean innocence and youth to some people, but to others passion and beauty. Pink is a beautiful colour.

Magazine Features:

Native to the subtropical regions between Mackay and Brisbane this tree is now widely planted in all states due to its mouth-watering aromatic lemon scented leaves. Although growing to an impressive height of well over 10m in the wild it is more commonly grown as a hedge (to 2m) or large shrub/small tree (to 6m) in urban gardens.

Magazine Feature: includes Aniseed tree (Backhousia anisata) and Curry myrtle (Backhousia angustifolia).