AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN | 121
CIRCLES OF LIFE
A Corten-steel pavilion with rooftop plantings was the focal
point of the Circle Work garden by Rob Waddell from Waddell
Landscapes. Grasses and shrubs in shades of soft lime,
grey-green and dusty pink proved a perfect foil for the rusty
tones of the steel. “The key is to use hardy plants,” says Rob.
“They’ll be copping a lot of sun, so grasses and strappy-leafed
plants work well.” For this design, he specified a mix of
miscanthus, liriope, convolvulus, rosemary and Eupatorium
megalophyllum (purple mist flower). “Aim for a mix of plants with
height variations and different textures,” he says. Well-fertilised
soil and good irrigation systems are also crucial. >‘I love the visual interest created by the tall miscanthus swaying in the
breeze next to the mid-height flowering Eupatorium and the lower layer
of convolvulus – and the strappy liriope that contrasts with the soft
silver leaves. This is very achievable for an urban garden.’ ROB WADDELL