Landscape Design For Severe Sloping Backyard (Glen Osmond).
A couple living within one of Adelaide’s eastern suburbs (Glen Osmond) wanted an outdoor entertaining area at the top of their backyard they could share with friends, taking advantage of the uninterrupted views out to the city and beyond to the sea.
The challenge was their backyard was on an extreme slope and access to the top was limited.
The newly created space at the top, to take in those views, plus access up and down needed to be safe and attractive. Consideration with regards to the types of plants and their maintenance was also an important consideration.
Knowing the complexity of the layout, the number of garden design solutions the project called for and the physical limitations of attempting completion as a DIY, the clients contacted landscape designers from Living Pictures By Tony Stanton for a low maintenance backyard landscape design that would tick all the boxes.
During the initial concept design session, discussing what the objectives were and the challenging circumstances the sloping backyard posed from a design and landscaping perspective, Tony set about drawing a concept design plan.
Delighted with the landscape design ideas and the solutions, the clients then asked Tony to draw up the necessary hardscape construction plans along with the softscape plans that would detail what plants would be use, the number and their location.
A hardwood timber deck with seats was one of the garden design solutions Tony came up with for this backyard landscape design.
- Carting timber up the hill was going to be easier than any masonry solution
- Using Merbau timber decking would make the space lower maintenance, compared to paving which would soon become stained from leaves and debris, plus there would be issues with soil movement and weeds
- A timber deck doesn’t require the same amount of earthworks laying pavers would have as the platform can be elevated above the ground
Tony’s Tip For Long Lasting Timber Deck
Tony’s Tip For Long Lasting Timber DeckUse hardwood timber (Merbau, Spotted Gum, Black Butt, Jarrah), not softwood (Pine).
Treat timber decking with several coats of oil on all sides before cutting to size, oil exposed cuts before assembly. Oil or paint structural timbers before use too as you can’t get to them after construction.
Pre oiling will make your deck last much longer. Once a year, clean and re-oil the decking boards.
In many cases you can expect your hardwood timber deck to last 30-40 years.
Hardscape Construction Plan
Softscape Plan Showing Native Plant Selection & Location
Once the full, to scale backyard landscape design plans were complete, the clients then asked Living Pictures By Tony Stanton to handle the logistics of all the landscaping work to completion.
The equipment required, along with the level of skill and experience needed to complete all aspects of this backyard renovation could not be handled by the average garden landscaper, so the project’s landscaping construction work was entrusted to Master Landscaper Martyn Hand from Hand Made Gardens.
Garden Design Solution
For longevity and security, the steps were constructed using Boral Heathstone concrete blocks filled with gravel mixed with epoxy resin.
The resin binds the gravel, stopping it from moving and makes for a smoother surface to step on. Preventing weed growth, the resin also creates a shiny wet look which is quite attractive.
Even though access was provided via these very sturdy and safe steps, the clients didn’t want to have to climb the hill to tend to the garden.
Low maintenance, drought tolerant native plants were selected and would be watered by an automatic irrigation system hidden below the ‘Forever Black’ mulch.
Once at the top, a gravel path to the deck, constrained with steel edging made it easy to walk along in all weather.
For safety and to comply with Australian Standards, a stainless steel wire balustrade was used to prevent people, especially children from falling off the edge, having the added benefit of not impeding the views.
To comply with council bushfire regulations the suburb had, steel posts and supports were used.
The Australian native plants used were:
Eremophila nivea, Lomandra Lime Tuff, Hibiscus tileaceus, Callistemon ‘Little John’, Corymbia ficifolia dwarfs, Eremophila ‘Kalbarrie Carpet’ and Syzygium ‘Backyard Bliss’.
Now more time could be spent entertaining or simply relaxing, taking in the view, instead of having to work on the garden.
Would You Like A Backyard Makeover?
Have something in mind but need a plan? Ask Tony for help.
After booking the initial concept design meeting then completion of both your hardscape construction plans and softscape design plans, you’ll have a good idea of what the costs will be to transform your current back garden into the dream outdoor oasis you’re after.
Whether you’d like a formal or informal backyard landscape design, whether you have a small backyard to renovate, a courtyard garden to update or large back garden you’d like to transform, you can trust Tony Stanton to come up with innovative garden design solutions to match your lifestyle.
