HG GARDENING
148 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE
An existing frangipani arches over the newly planted rear lawn.
“Jacaranda and frangipani trees are very typical and traditional in
Sydney,” says Hugh. “These mature trees give this garden a sense of
scale and depth.” The bench was built using stone recycled from the
old footings of the house. For the lawn, Hugh chose Matilda buffalo.
“It’s my favourite. It tends to hold its colour in winter and as it’s a
soft-leaf buffalo, it can handle a bit of shade and foot traffic.”Side screen
Hedges of lilly pilly grow along the
side fences in the rear garden,
the glossy dark-green foliage
forming a dense backdrop for the
foreground foliage. Hugh chose
the Syzygium australe ‘Select’
variety for its psyllid resistance.Texture & tone
The bearded iris bursts open in early
spring. Even when not in bloom, the
upright foliage adds silvery tones.
Under the adjacent jacaranda is a
mix of Gardenia ‘Florida’, foxgloves,
Viola odorata and lamb’s ears
(Stachys byzantina). >Flowers abound
Layers of perennials ensure
ever-changing spring colour:
white and blue bearded iris
appear first followed by pink
foxgloves, blue Cranesbill
geraniums, white hydrangeas
and Japanese windflowers.Lovely leaves
The maple leaf-shaped foliage
of Japanese windflowers and the
lettuce-like leaves of the foxglove
are just two fabulous foliage
varieties here. “The texture and
colour is beautiful even when
nothing is flowering,” says Hugh.Federation favourite
Reaching through the frangipani
branches are the long strappy
leaves of ginger lily (Hedychium
gardnerianum), a subtropical
plant that was often used in the
gardens of Federation homes.