World Garden Competition, Hamamatsu Japan 2009
- 'Great Southern Land'
Great Southern Land is a show garden inspired by Australia. Australians are currently enduring tough drought conditions and there has been much change in our suburban gardens as a result. However, gardeners are fighting back with a passion for growing all sorts of plants in the face of the drought.
The Pergola area is set lower than ground level to be cooler in the heat of summer. The bunker is for relaxing during the heat of the day and entertaining with family and friends during the day and night. The timber pergola roof and screens of timber provide some shade in summer and allow some winter light for warmth. The sunken garden also works as a sump for collecting harvested rainwater from paving areas and allowing it to soak back down into the ground. With tough water restrictions in Melbourne, it is currently an important environmental consideration in Melbourne gardens to encourage rainwater to soak back into the water table to help water tree roots. The water feature adds a cooling element to the garden.
The planting is a mix of Australian natives and exotic species that are popular in Australian gardens and reflect the attitude of many Australian gardeners in today’s environmental climate.
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