S
ometimes, the gap between your dream
garden and your everyday reality gets so
wide that action is needed. For Dru
Cox and her daughter, their longed-for
haven of relaxation and recreation,
somewhere they could relax, swim and
entertain, wasn’t quite there. While their
home at Terrey Hills in Sydney’s north
had a pool and a covered alfresco area,
both were dated and uninviting.
“It just wasn’t a workable space – I didn’t enjoy it at all,” says
Dru, who avoided the backyard. Now, they practically live
outside. “I had an idea of what I wanted but couldn’t imagine
how to achieve it in a way that wouldn’t look messy,” she says.
Realistically, most garden renovations don’t start with a blank
slate – and it was the same here. Using the existing pool and
alfresco area, Fiona Ericsson of Sticks & Stones Landscape Design
transformed cluttered red-brick and terracotta into a relaxed and
peaceful sanctuary. Out went the harsh reds and in came cool,
calming shades of blues, greys, whites and greens.
The old pool fence was functional, but ugly and imposing.
Embodying Dru’s ideas, Fiona replaced the visual barrier of black
metal fencing with a combination of frameless glass panels, which
allow a clear line of sight between living areas and the pool, and
a timber batten fence, which establishes the border between the
lawn and the pool and paved space. The lawn area is for Dru’s
cats, dogs and chickens to roam outside, separate from the
entertaining area and away from food and children – which
was one of her specific requests.
It’s a smart solution. The use of glass next to timber strikes
a balance between transparency and part-screening, and a sleek,
contemporary style with a natural, unpretentious finish. “Just glass
is sometimes too much – we wanted a more natural look and
timber provides that,” says Fiona. The overall effect is subtly
refined while also meeting the functional requirements.
So, pool fence sorted. Next, the colour options and paving.
A coat of white paint instantly changed the pool interior, the
alfresco screening and the planter boxes. This fresh new look
works superbly, complimenting the new blue-and-grey-toned
paving and creating a resort feel. Beautifully patterned encausticBACK GARDEN (above and below) Existing
palms are underplanted with Philodendron
‘Xanadu’ and tractor seat plant (Ligularia
dentata reniformis). A spotted gum timber
batten fence, threaded with stainless-steel rod,
delineates the space between entertaining
area and pet play lawn. POOL (opposite) The
pool’s deck is also spotted gum and matches
Dru’s timber daybeds from West Elm.130 / Inside Out