Brought back to life

Posted on February 13, 2012 by ODS Editor

It’s not every day you see a waste land/industrial site brought back to life but that’s exactly what Landscape Solutions did to what is today known as Ballast Point Park in Balmain, Sydney.

Completed in 2009, Ballast Point Park has been re-born into a usable public park while utilising recyclable materials.

Exhibiting nothing short of innovative design principles and superior landscape construction, Ballast Point Park is testament to what can be achieved when inovation and best construction practices are put into place.

Originally a natural, wooded headland, Ballast Point is today an open public green space which, together with Balls Head, forms the gateway to the Parramatta River.

If you haven’t seen first-hand just how breathtaking Ballast Point Park is, I recommend you do. See for yourself why Landscape Solutions was awarded the LCA 2009 Construction of the Year (Commercial) Award for Ballast Point Park.

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Outdoor fires

Posted on February 13, 2012 by ODS Editor

A creative new outdoor fireplace solution has been released and is the result of an interesting collaboration between Agnews Fireplaces and Lump Sculpture Studio.

The Bio Fuel Fire Bowl is perfect for applications that demand a simpler, integrated burner system such as rooftop gardens.

Based on the ever-popular fire bowl from Agnews, the new Bio Fuel version takes an already good product to a whole new level.

The collaboration with Lump Sculpture Studio means the new Bio Fuel Fire Bowl is not only efficient and practical, but also stylish and aesthetically pleasing.

The Bio Fuel Fire Bowl comes in two finishes: marine-grade stainless steel and corten steel, for that ‘weathered look’.

Agnews specialises in creative fireplace solutions and has remained at the forefront of the fireplace industry by introducing alternatives in fireplace decor.

No outdoor design is complete without the inclusion of an outdoor fireplace solution.

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A new era of play

Posted on February 13, 2012 by ODS Editor

Kompan has introduced a new era of play to the residents of Calamvale. The Australian-first Skywalk precinct consists of 10 metre high equipment and incorporates tree-climbing functionalities that are designed to tap into every child’s innate desire to conquer the natural world around them.

Already proving a hit with the locals, Skywalk involves children scrambling up to the sky cabins via vertical, tunnel-shaped rope nets or an adjoining Spacenet and shuffling through the swaying suspended paths until they escape out through the enclosed twisted slide. Kind of makes you wish you were a kid again!

Skywalk is low maintenance, entirely secure, and transparent so watching parents can look on.

After a successful launch in Calamvale, we’re bound to start seeing more Skywalk play systems popping up around Australia very soon.

Kompan is the world’s leading specialist in play equipment for all ages and has won numerous awards in recognition of this.

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More trees please

Posted on February 8, 2012 by ODS Editor

A campaign that I strongly support is the Nursery & Garden Industry’s More Trees Please. Designed to illustrate the value of trees in urban communities, the campaign forms part of the ‘Improve Your Plant Life Balance’ campaign also run by the Nursery & Garden Industry.

Research shows the positive benefits trees have on our health and wellbeing, but in addition to that, trees also have an economic value as well. Everywhere you look, cities are being filled with concrete – we’re losing our connection to nature and impacting our health at the same time. I call on all landscapers, garden designers, landscape architects and parks managers to adopt the ‘more trees please’ slogan and help in ‘greening’ our urban cities.

When you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, you’re usually told to take a walk, get some fresh air – why? Because the great outdoors is good for us. Taking a walk in the park, sitting under a tree and connecting with nature is good for our health and this is just one of the many reasons why we need more trees.

An integral part of the More Trees Please campaign is a new software tool called iTree which will be heavily promoted in 2012. It’s the most comprehensive software developed to date to quantify the economic and physical benefits of the urban forest.

So for your next commercial project remember the slogan ‘more trees please’ and call on one of the numerous nurseries available to assist you in greening your landscape. Whether it’s a large commercial project or a small residential design, everyone should adopt the slogan ‘more trees please’ in 2012.

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Din San Nurseries

Posted on February 8, 2012 by ODS Editor

When it comes to soft landscaping elements like plants and shrubs you want to be sure you’re dealing with an experienced and qualified company, and with Din San Nurseries, that’s exactly what you’ll be getting.

Din San is one of Melbourne’s largest wholesale nurseries and offers an array of services from stock sourcing and collation to contract growing and quoting plant schedules. They even have an ever-changing range of stock that is tailored to the demands and needs of its customers – further reinforcing its ‘personalised’ service.

Din San’s diverse range of products also means that no matter what your project calls for – whether its trees, ground cover or natives – you’ll be sure to find something to suit your requirements at Din San.

The nursery also has a relatively new extended Trade Market where over 200 different growers provide trade clients with a wide variety of greenlife at wholesale prices and in large quantities.

All commercial landscapes would benefit from some greenlife so for your next external works project, don’t forget to include trees and plants in your design. Not only will it soften the landscape but it will also add a much-needed touch of nature to our urban concrete jungles.

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For that magical touch, just add a water feature

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Landscape Consumer

There’s something mesmerising about water features; they add that special touch to outdoor spaces and bring a sense of peace and tranquillity. For this reason, water features are starting to pop up everywhere – in both residential spaces as well as commercial settings. 

No matter what type of backyard you have – be it a courtyard, balcony or large expanse of lawn, there are water features to suit every situation. When it comes to incorporating water into an outdoor setting, there are numerous options and various water feature designs to choose from. 

Many companies are on hand to assist with this task. Water Features Direct specialises in water features made from natural stone and copper. H2O Designs prides itself on innovative designs and designs that evoke passion. While Techno Water Designs has a reputation for delivering projects ranging from major commercial water features to custom-made water sculptures. 

Water features can turn an ordinary outdoor setting into a mystical and tranquil oasis. The look of water combined with the soothing sound is perfect for setting the mood and creating an outdoor haven. 

Water features can also be used indoors – which is another reason why these landscape features are so popular; they’re versatile. Indoors, a subtle water feature or water sculpture can bring a sense of nature to the indoors and turn an everyday room into a tranquil retreat.

In the commercial setting, water features are forming part of the landscape of many designs, and given their characteristics, you can see why. Water features draw people in and create an ambience that is hard to match. 

Today, water features are also being used in conjunction with other landscape elements, such as green walls and exterior lighting. The magical properties of water are further enhanced when combined with other landscape features. Lighting is a clever way of manipulating the effect of water and bringing that ‘wow’ factor to water features. And when combined with green walls, water features bring a sense of nature to the space – this is most realised in an indoor setting. 

Outdoor Design Source has a comprehensive list of companies that specialise in water features. 

Next time you’re looking to spruce up your outdoor or indoor space, you can’t go passed water features for that touch of serenity.

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Outdoor furniture

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Landscape Consumer

With summer just around the corner, spending time outdoors is going to be high on many people’s lists. And if you have a designated outdoor area, with the right outdoor furniture, your time spent outdoors will be a lot more enjoyable. 

Today, outdoor furniture has become just as popular as indoor furniture, given the rise of the outdoor room. The desire for homeowners to turn their outdoor spaces into ‘rooms’ and in turn, furnish them accordingly, has turned the spotlight on outdoor furniture and manufacturers are going all out to get your attention. 

Although outdoor furniture is very similar to the furniture we use to decorate the inside of our homes, outdoor furniture must be durable and sturdy enough to withstand the Australian climate. If it isn’t, it will fade in colour, lose its appeal and not perform as it should. 

With such prerequisites, you might be thinking you’ll have to compromise on style, but you’d be mistaken. Today, there is an array of outdoor furniture that is practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing – too good to be true? Well, it is true and we have a whole list of companies that specialise in outdoor furniture, both for residential settings as well as commercial projects. 

Whether you need deck chairs to go by the pool, or an outdoor setting for your entertainment area, or maybe you’re after a cosy lounge or recliner where you can sit back and enjoy the Aussie summer, there is an outdoor furniture piece to suit your requirements. 

And if you want to continue the theme of your home outside – be it contemporary, traditional or a bit quirky, that’s not a problem either. Outdoor furniture today comes in every single style, design, colour and texture so all needs are catered for. 

With such a diverse offering, why wouldn’t you create a designated outdoor area where you and your family and friends can get together and enjoy the great Aussie summer? 

Know of an interesting outdoor furniture manufacturer that is thinking outside the square? We’d love to hear about it.

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Top tips for a successful landscape design

Posted on December 21, 2011 by Landscape Consumer

Its one thing to dream up the perfect landscape design, but as many of you would know, it’s a whole different ball game when it comes to turning that dream into reality.

Here are some tips for turning an ordinary landscape into an extraordinary design.

Tip One: 

Planning, planning and planning! 

It can’t be stressed enough, but planning is essential when it comes to landscape design. Having the right plan in place will ensure a successful end result, and a very happy client! Be sure to include everything in the plan – the one thing that gets forgotten most of the time is exterior lighting. With outdoor lighting playing such a huge part in outdoor spaces these days, it’s not enough to just add lights in at the end. Exterior lighting requirements need to be accommodated for in the planning stages so that the overall design is cohesive. 

 Tip Two: 

Indoor/outdoor connection 

With the line between the inside and the outside getting more and more blurry, it makes sense to consider your interior when designing your exterior. Try to match your outdoor space to the architecture and style of your home. And where possible, create a seamless flow between the in and out – this will extend both spaces and as a bonus, make the areas appear larger than they actually are (this is an excellent landscape design tool when faced with small spaces). 

Tip Three: 

Hard and soft landscape elements 

A successful outdoor design has just the right balance of hard and soft landscape elements. Don’t create a concrete jungle – remember to incorporate all the beautiful elements of nature, such as plants and water. The essential hard landscape elements such as decking, bricks and pavers, and concrete are best complemented (and softened) with pot plants, shrubs and grasses, and water features. And if space is at a premium, get creative and incorporate a green or living all. There’s no excuse for not including greenery in your design. 

Tip Four:

Environmentally friendly

In this day and age, being environmentally friendly is a given when it comes to landscaping, however, it’s still worth a mention as you can never be too environmentally friendly! Choose the right plants for your climate, and be sure to include drought-tolerant plants. Make sure you include an irrigation system in your design, and if you have a water feature, make sure it uses water wisely. Get a rainwater tank and start recycling water. Every little bit helps and if we all do our part, then as a collective, we’ll really make a mark on the environment – in a positive way!

Tip Five:

Budget considerations

Your dream garden doesn’t need to cost you a fortune. Be smart with your finances, and get creative with your resources, and this will make all the difference when it comes to landscape costs. Look at old things in a new way – recycled garden materials are all the rage at the moment, and in addition to looking good, they’ll save you money too. Be sure to create a low-maintenance design, that way you won’t be spending too much on maintaining it (and let’s be honest, we’d all rather spend our time enjoying our landscapes rather than keeping them in tip top shape).

Outdoor Design Source is a directory of products and services for the landscape industry, so no matter what you’re looking for – Landscape Supplies, Street & Outdoor Furniture, Timber Supplies, Water Features or Plant and Turf Care, you’ll be sure to find it in the directory.

 Happy landscaping!

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NGINA Awards a night to remember

Posted on November 22, 2011 by ODS Editor

It’s that time of year again when companies kick off their heels and celebrate the year that was. Recently, the Nursery & Garden Industry NSW and ACT (NGINA) held its end of year celebration and awards dinner at the Epping Club in Sydney.

It was a night to remember with many renowned outdoor design and landscape supplies companies awarded for their achievements and products. View the full list of winners.

Universal Magazines, publisher of Outdoor Design Source and Backyard & Garden Design Ideas, is a proud sponsor of the NGINA Awards and was present on the night.

Magic and excitement best describes the night. Excitement for all the award winners and magic – literally – in the form of a comedy magician.

ACE McDermott surprised and left guests in amazement with his tricks and illusions. From remembering words on particular pages in numerous books, to ascertaining body language when it comes to telling the truth and converting a $50 bill into a $5 note – right before our eyes – and then retrieving the original $50 back from a bread roll, the night was enjoyable and a great way for NGINA to bid bon voyage to 2011.

The night was also used to give retiring CEO Mike Skegg a fitting farewell. Many kind words were spoken in recognition of Mike’s commitment and dedication to the nursery industry. We all wish Mike the best.

And to add even more excitement to the night, there were lucky door prizes and a luxury prize to the Hunter Valley up for grabs.

These awards dinners and celebrations are an important part of the calendar year, and as 2011 draws to a close, I’m sure we’ll be seeing a lot more of these nights.

Enjoy!

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Exterior lighting makes all the difference

Posted on November 16, 2011 by ODS Editor

In the outdoor space, there are many factors that contribute to a successful landscape design. Exterior lighting has today become one of those factors that could potentially make or break your outdoor design.

With outdoor spaces being used more and more all year round – during winter and throughout the evening – exterior lighting has become an essential ingredient in any landscape project. To get the most out of spaces – whether they be residential or commercial – the right lighting is needed. And as the use of exterior lighting increases, so to does the choice of lights available for use outdoors.

There are many companies that specialise in exterior lighting – both for residential and commercial projects. Thorn Lighting has been in business since 1928 and aims to provide products and services which make it easier for customers to specify, install and maintain good quality, energy efficient lighting. Thorn has a strong commitment to excellence in optical performance and installer functionality. Outdoor Design Source has a comprehensive list of exterior lighting companies.

Thorn also recently upgraded the lighting at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Western Australia. Thorn was charged with enhancing the lighting to help create an aesthetically pleasing environment while at the same time saving energy and reducing maintenance costs.

The right exterior lighting can add that much needed ‘wow’ factor to any outdoor design. A popular choice at present is LED lighting (light-emitting diode). LEDs have many practical applications, and being small in size and using less energy than traditional lights, means LEDs are fast-becoming a popular choice when it comes to exterior lighting.

The Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand (IES) is the governing body for lighting. The vision of the society is to promote the art and science of lighting, encourage professionalism in its practice and establish and maintain standards for its application.

With so many factors to consider when designing an outdoor space, it’s important lighting is not forgotten nor added in at the very end. In order to achieve a balanced outdoor space, exterior lighting needs to be taken into consideration right from the start.

If you know of a landscape project that uses interesting exterior lighting elements, let me know about it.

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