Land sizes across Australia have been shrinking so it’s no surprise that the majority of backyard design and gardening advice focuses on achieving great style in small spaces.
However, landscape expert and Adbri Masonry brand ambassador Jason Hodges says the value of good planning and design is just as important in larger backyards, where the extra space can be transformed into stunning landscapes that will add value to the home.
“With a little research, inspiration and planning, dull backyards can be converted into feature areas for eating, entertaining, relaxing and gardening. The backyard should be versatile and meet family needs. Big backyards provide a brilliant blank canvas to exhibit some creative flair by designing what could be the most used space in the home.”
According to the 2018 Adbri Masonry Great Australian Backyard survey, 56% of respondents have a large backyard with plenty of room for entertaining and gardening.
“Whether you’re creating a zoned garden where children can play in a safe environment or building an upmarket entertainer, the key is to value your land like the banks do and make smart decisions that respect the value this land brings to your home,” says Jason.
Below are Jason’s suggestions about how to use space in a large backyard:
Set the scene
Arguably, the most important part of a beautiful landscaped garden is the place where you’ll sit back and appreciate it and this is usually a paved courtyard or patio area. In many instances, the patio will come directly off the house and represent the transition point from indoor to outdoor living. While this is practical, large backyards provide the opportunity to get creative. If the facade of your home needs work and looks dated, consider taking the ‘focus’ away from the home by having a path off the house, leading to a feature courtyard in the centre of the space.
This draws attention away from the home and shows off the size and depth of your yard. Pavers are a great choice for landscaping stepping stone paths and the entertaining pavement.
“While I love stepping stones separated by pebbles or turf for paths, the foundation pavement should be a solid area that can house your dining and relaxing furniture as well as any shading or barbeque equipment,” says Jason.
Build a children’s retreat
If you have children, a large backyard provides an opportunity to create an outdoor place where kids can play safely. Take advantage and start planning your kid friendly yard by sectioning off a corner and creating the ultimate children’s playground.
Adbri Masonry’s 2018 Great Australian Backyard survey found a veggie garden, cubby house, play set and sand pit were among the top picks for a perfect kid friendly backyard.
“Try building a cubby house or a tepee that can be used in summer as a shaded play area or as a mini campsite in winter,” says Jason.
“I also love the idea of placing pavers in a hopscotch pattern and letting grass grow in between. The pavers will act as a pathway for your garden, as well as a fun activity for your children.”
A nation of entertainers
There are countless ways to create an exceptional outdoor room to entertain and spend time with family and friends, and a large backyard is the perfect canvas.
“There is a growing desire for functional outdoor entertaining spaces that act as an extension of the indoor dining and entertainment areas,” says Allworth Home managing director Stephen Thompson.
Incorporate a dining area with built-in seating to help give the area structure and make use of available space.
“Alfresco areas tend to feature on the front cover shots of real estate listing and signboards – this is because they’re an asset that adds value to a home and where buyers picture themselves enjoying the home with family. In larger backyards, these entertaining areas can be multi-functional with cooking equipment and dining settings, as well as breakout garden beds or bench seating around a feature fire pit,” says Jason.
Change levels with a sunken patio
Add depth and dimension to your backyards with a sunken patio that will become a mini private retreat, regardless of whether your garden is flat or slightly sloped.
“The great thing about a sunken patio is that it adds a level change to your yard. While I don’t recommend excavating specifically to create step changes, if you have a large backyard that slopes away at any point, consider this a perfect spot for a sunken patio,” says Jason.
Level changes immediately increase the aesthetic appeal and intricacy of a space. Often in small yards, level changes are hard to achieve so make the most of bigger areas by introducing steps and garden walls and terraced retaining walls or go the other way to create a sunken entertaining area.
Big points for big plants
One of the best benefits of a big backyard comes into play with the plant and tree selection. The additional space available in larger yards significantly increases planting potential because there is room for more mature plants that can become the focal point of the garden.
In bigger yards the risk of larger feature trees dominating the area and creating an excess of unwanted share is reduced and you can also use larger hedging and plants to block fences without feeling like you’re boxed in.
Beat the heat with a plunge pool
A large backyard is a great canvas for a pool and creates an opportunity to value the space around it.
“Avoid dominating the area with a large pool and take a cue from the island of Gods with a Bali-inspired plunge pool that is small and cleverly landscaped,” suggests Jason.
