Backyard and Outdoor Living

Backyard & Garden Design Ideas is designed to provide information and inspiration for people who are embarking on major backyard and garden makeovers. As a result we devote more space to garden design, layout, furniture, products, plants, pools, structures and maintenance than any other publication on the market. Backyard & Garden Design Ideas covers a wide range of topics for the consumer who is doing a complete makeover. Including but not limited to Planning a Garden, Makeover Ideas, Design Advice, Water Wise Gardening, Outdoor Lighting, Pool Design, Outdoor Furniture, Garden Art, Shade Solutions and Paving Options

Editor's Note

Backyard and Outdoor Living

Book Club • EXPAND YOUR HORIZONS

In the Know • News, tips and inspiration

Colourful plants for shade • Shady places in the garden don't need to be lifeless and dull; there are many ways to add colour and interest with flowers and foliage. Most plants do best with at least six hours of sunshine a day, however there are many that prefer and thrive in lower levels of light. Whether it's down the south side of the house, underneath trees in the backyard or on a sheltered deck or verandah, growing a collection of shade-loving plants will help make dark spaces pop and become much more inviting. Here are my five favourite colourful plants for brightening up shady spots in the garden.

Summer fun • Playtime is fun time! Create a beautiful relaxing space at home to make lasting memories in your own backyard

Best of Outdoor shading • With fabulous contemporary outdoor shade solutions, keeping your cool couldn't be easier

Designer Gardens • Gather some inspiration for your next landscape project

Small by design • When it comes to creating an alluring garden or an enticing entertaining area, small can be beautiful

TAKE A SEAT

COLOUR CONSCIOUS

A LITTLE MAGIC

PLANT SELECTION

The ultimate lockdown antidote • Completed just as Sydney plunged into a series of unprecedented COVID-19 lockdowns, this peaceful Hamptons-style garden was a much-needed escape for a young family stuck at home

Barefoot luxury • A unique but rewarding project for both client and contractor, this modern Australian garden is an entertainer's paradise, brimming with lush greenery, usable spaces and a strong connection to its surrounds

Urban oasis • This lush and inviting outdoor haven is designed to act as the ideal at-home getaway destination

Furniture to covet • Inspired by nature with plenty of curves and visual appeal, new-look outdoor furniture is innovative, practical and unashamedly beautiful

Do yourself a flavour • Growing your own herbs and veg isn't just about saving money, it's about treating yourself to a taste sensation

Clever retractable shading • Maximise your outdoor living and energy savings with Australian-made yachting precision

Put the joy back into gardening • Reap the rewards of the beautiful outdoors with simple solutions

Gear for gardeners • Tried and tested products you can trust

Jumping for joy • Why an in-ground trampoline is best

Compost like a champion • What is worm farming and how do worms eat organic waste?

Heads you win • Cauliflower's name means cabbage flower, and fried, steamed, baked or pickled it's the most versatile — and colourful — of the brassicas

Healing lotion • Aloe vera is the time-honoured skin-soothing succulent no kitchen garden should be without

Growing your own • Turn your outdoor space into an edible oasis

Make the most of it • Reclaim your garden and maximise your living space

On trend outdoors • From Hamptons to Balinese, here's how to recreate an outdoor space that reflects your personal style