I recently designed and managed the installation of the WALDA (West Australian Landscape Design Association) display garden for the Perth Home Show. The site was very small – only 3 x 3m and it was a challenge to come up with a concept which was simple to construct but interesting and attractive for visitors.

I decided to create a contemporary courtyard garden. Access to the site was via an angled central section of timber look flooring to mimic decking, bordered by two triangular garden beds to add some movement and shape to the space.

To give some instant structure and mass I used large white planters with weeping pink cordyline. The beautiful textile artworks from SaluArt created a stunning backdrop and some funky modern furniture completes the picture. Plants were selected for their strong foliage shapes and colour and added some life to the indoor show.

I have designed and created several show gardens for Garden Week (now Perth Garden Festival) over the years. They are a lot of work but a lot of fun. Of course these gardens are temporary and artificial but they still show off the designer’s skills in working with space and plant life and provide inspiration for the public.