A CLEVER solar-passive house, which owner Tim Woodburn says looks “superb” from the back, was the inspiration for a colourful native garden that frames and softens the house.

“It looks like a big cheese, or a pie chart, from the front!” says Tim, of the Anna Pender-designed house that was built six years ago.  

“The house is oriented so that we don’t require any heating or cooling, with no windows to the west. It’s the perfect temperature year-round.”
The design of the home dictated the way the back garden was planned, says Tim.

“We placed the path away from the house to avoid reflecting radiant heat back in, and the ‘deciduous eaves’ have been planted with ornamental grape vines, to prevent summer sun from shining directly into the house,” he says.

“We needed small shrubs near the large, north-facing windows at the back so we didn’t block the sun, so there’s native grasses, daisies, bluebells and other low-growing plants that provide a mix of colours and textures.” 

Tim and his wife Shane’s striking, textural garden will open as part of Open Gardens Australia on the weekend of October 6-7.

“It’s a garden of contrasts, with many different species of native grasses and vegetation types – there’s spiky plants, broad leaves, narrow strap-like foliage and lots of interesting little leaves,” says Tim. “Many of the plants have such lovely leaves that they don’t need to flower to look beautiful.”
A small stream weaves through correas, banksias, camellias, magnolias, daphnes and perennials, leading to a pretty pond near the paved outdoor living area. Hidden away in a cave of vegetation, Tim says it’s their favourite spot to spend time.

“I love to create interest with hidden sections in the garden, so you wonder what’s around the corner,” he says. “We planted three Chinese gooseberries, or kiwi fruit, around this area, which keeps it shady and cool, and we eat out here all summer.”

The garden at 20 Mulga Street, O’Connor, will be open on Saturday, October 6 and Sunday, October 7, 10am-4.30pm. Adults $7, children under 18 are free. Funds raised will go to the Open Garden Scheme. More information at www.opengarden.org.au.

Native meadows and climbing roses

Also open this weekend is a native garden with breathtaking views at 65 Gouger Street, Torrens, which features Australian native trees and shrubs, and a beautiful meadow of grasses, a chook run including olive trees, climbing roses on the back fence and a small household garden with legumes, berries, and potatoes. Four raised beds are devoted to herbs for the kitchen.