TENNIS COURT TRANSFORMATION: XERISCAPING
BEST LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Award Winner
The focal point of the landscape is the dry creek river bed, which was built using pebbles and stones to simulate the flow of water.
As such, water is not needed to imply its presence in this landscape. The dry creek bed was built to look as though as rushing watercourse deposited the stones and settled them in.
The joy of the proud owner is increased by the presence of the two golf greens that are all that remains of the previous tennis court. Geoff has even installed two flags and cups so that he and friends can practices pitching form an upstairs balcony deck, using solid foam coloured balls.
The complete design has utilised large quantities of Australian local pebbles, available from DecoR Pebble (Aust) Pty Ltd for various functions within the landscape.
The pebbles that have been chosen are quarried under licence, having a minimum effect on Australian ecology. Goulburn Gold 7mm has been used for garden paths, Aussie Black 50mm+ for the river bed, Delatite 30-50mm and 50-200mm around the two golf greens, as well as Riveria 20mm, Ettamogah Red 20-40mm, 50-200mm and Aussie Sandstone 40-100mm.
This selection of pebbles has been used as a focal point of the garden, as lawn replacement, mulching, ornamental decoration and to imitate water movement. This transformation has incorporated the seven basic principles of Xeriscape Landscaping in order to save water.
These are sensible planning and design, analysis of the soil, practical turf areas, appropriate plant selection, efficient or no irrigation, use of mulches and appropriate level of maintenance. This transformation is a source of inspiration for others who want to adopt a responsible and sensible approach to gardening.
This particular landscape has been designed from the beginning to reduce the amount of resources needed to maintain it and the amount of waste it produces. The design, selection of adaptable native plants, installation of efficient irrigation systems creates a balance that matches both the aesthetic needs and the resource availability of the local region.
In a sense this landscape is “hereditary”- it is a truly Australian bush landscape that attracts fauna and represents the Australian natural beauty.
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