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White Pebble Courtyard
A drab courtyard gets transformed in no time at all.
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A small, stark inner-city courtyard is cleverly and quickly transformed with the use of sculpture and ornaments, in this "Mediterranean-style" makeover.

The courtyard is at the rear of an old Paddington, Sydney, terrace and it doubles as an entertaining area. The owners use it regularly and want it to look effective, combined with attractive low maintenance features. The courtyard, approximately 5m x 6m in size, has bare orange walls and concrete flooring (old paving). The style of the design being implemented is "Modern Mediterranean".

1
The original pavers were removed, along with an old grapevine and any other debris. Antique Turkish wooden wheels were then positioned on one bare-brick wall as a feature.

2
Some Mediterranean-style plants (Agave attenuata) were placed around the courtyard. (These plants are very easy to cultivate). The main theme of this makeover is the use of large ornamental items that are strategically placed to create a rustic Mediterranean look.

3
Loose, pebble-finish pavers were used for a walkway, while the original ones were positioned under the timber chairs and table so that the legs do not disturb the pebbles.

4
Pale white pebbles were then placed loosely on the floor of the courtyard. Comparing their cost and ease of laying, they make an effective alternative to laying new pavers.

Garden design is all about making the space work by matching needs and preferences; from what you desire from your garden, to the fixed conditions of your plot, from its size and outlook to the type of soil and the time you have to spend in it.

In these days of restricted room and limited free time, gardens have become a highly valued living space. The design of your garden can be almost as important as the design of your house. In fact, the best garden designs work as an extension of your home. Don't let lack of space limit your imagination!

How To Position Your Ornaments

When dressing a garden or courtyard with ornaments, simple bold elements usually work best. One well-placed and carefully chosen piece will always have more impact than several objects haphazardly strung together. As a rule small gardens should not be cluttered with small artifacts.

Large pieces exert their power even in restricted spaces but placement is all-important. Since most gardens may already be well furnished with plants and other features which define their character, any sculpture that is chosen should interact with the surroundings. The main point is to keep your design "bold and simple".



More Info
For further information contact:

Landscape Designer:
PATIO Garden Design,
89 West Street,
Crows Nest, Sydney NSW.
Ph: (02) 9955 5612

Landscape Contractor:
Jason Hodges Landscapes
40mm 'Cowra white' pebbles are available for $110.00 per tonne, from Australian Native Landscapes, Ph: 131 458.




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