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Dream it Plan a white garden
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Words Tammy Huynh. Photography Gap Photos/Elke Borkowski; (right) Gap Photos/Anna Omiotek-Tott, design Sarah Keyser CouCou Design. Some photographs feature products from suppliers other than Bunnings
his season is one of the best times of year to plant. In autumn, the soil is still warm, but the weather is cooler and hopefully more rainy, helping plants to settle in nicely before the onset of winter. If you’re planning a new garden or even just looking to update an established space, consider a white garden as your starting point. It has a universal appeal, easily lending itself to traditional, modern or cottage garden-style plantings. Wonder whites “Everyone is happy to have some white in the garden, but the same can’t be said for most colours,” explains director and principal designer Matt Leacy of Landart (landart.com.au). “With its broad appeal, it can be used as a great base or feature prominently throughout the landscape.” Play with forms, sizes and textures to create a beautiful, harmonious space. White plants inject life into dull corners and can even provide a cooling effect on a hot day. The simple palette is also a classic look, transcending trends. “One of the attributes of a white garden is that it can be enchanting in the late evening as well as during the midday sun,” says Tim Sansom, PRO TIP “If a garden is more traditional, go for a warm white. For a contemporary space, use whites with a little more grey. Choosing whites can be more difficult than you think” Matt Leacy Landart
Try mixing plants with variegated foliage, such as hosta (left), with blowsy bloomers like hydrangea (right)
the manager of horticulture and communications at Plants Management Australia. “The simple shapes of garden plants, including the mounds of shrubs, the spikes of grasses and the rivers of ground covers, are highlighted in the twilight,” he says.
Practical magic When planning, it helps to keep the garden small or at least contained, says Tim. “By confining the space, it’s easier to control the scene and eliminate competing colour clashes,” he suggests. A white planting palette is also ideal if bunningswarehouse |
you have a shady courtyard or dark corners. However, not all plants are tolerant of shady conditions, so always check plant labels before buying. “The crisp white flowers of Helleborus ‘Molly’s White’ or the strappy variegated foliage of Carex ‘Feather Falls’ are } bunnings | bunnings.com.au