Unleashing Your Inner Landscape Designer
Ah, the great outdoors – where Mother Nature’s paintbrush has artfully splashed vibrant hues and verdant textures across the canvas of our backyards. As a self-proclaimed plant aficionado, I’ve long been enamored with the transformative power of landscaping. And let me tell you, I’ve seen my fair share of backyard makeovers that can rival the most high-end home renovations.
Recently, I had the pleasure of chatting with renowned landscape designer Jamie Durie, the host of HGTV’s hit show “The Outdoor Room.” Durie, a true Renaissance man, has worn many hats – from gymnast to male revue performer to, of course, landscape architect extraordinaire. But it’s his boundless creativity and passion for all things green that truly captivate me.
“The reason I created this show was to cast a wider net and reach the non-gardener,” Durie told me over brunch at one of his favorite LA haunts. “I want to encourage people interested in travel, architecture, design, food, or even fashion – and the show encompasses all that. It’s really just laced with gardens, which is the icing on the cake.”
So, if you’re like the majority of homeowners who don’t exactly have a green thumb, fear not! Durie’s design philosophy and the insights from my chat with him just might be the inspiration you need to transform your humble backyard into an oasis worth envying.
Designing with Shape, Planting with Purpose
Durie’s design approach is simple yet profound: “The important thing is to design with shapes first and then choose your plants.” In other words, the foundation of a stunning outdoor space lies not in the foliage, but in the overall layout and architectural elements.
“Study your lounge room or your kitchen,” Durie advises. “Walk outside and think to yourself, ‘How can I do that outside?’ Because once you create an outdoor room, you’ll fall in love with your backyard again and you’ll start using it more.”
To illustrate his point, Durie shared a recent project he completed for a couple in Southern California. The before-and-after transformation was nothing short of breathtaking. What was once a barren, parched yard with a lone cactus now boasted an inviting outdoor living space complete with rammed earth walls, a rustic-chic garage-turned-lounge, and an abundance of drought-tolerant, low-maintenance plants.
“My gardens are not simple,” Durie admits, “but you throw 25 guys at a backyard, and you’d be amazed at what can be accomplished in three days.” And the key, he says, is to think beyond the traditional flower bed or neatly manicured lawn.
Bringing the World to Your Backyard
Durie’s global travels have undoubtedly influenced his approach to outdoor design. From the lush landscapes of Bali to the serene gardens of Kyoto, he draws inspiration from diverse cultures and environments to create truly unique spaces.
“I can work with any plant, and of course, I will use Australian natives where appropriate,” Durie explains. “But I think we all need to be more intelligent about the plants we’re putting into the ground. You have to look at what grows naturally in your own area or neighborhood as an influence. Native plants wherever you are take less water and require fewer nutrients, and that allows us to build something that is sustainable.”
In one particularly stunning transformation, Durie channeled the tropical vibes of Key West, Florida, to create a backyard oasis for a couple in Southern California. By incorporating whitewashed timbers, bright aqua hues, and a hammock-adorned lounge area, he seamlessly blended the laid-back island aesthetic with the region’s climate-appropriate plants.
“An orchid expert gave me ideas for colorful splashes of fragrant flowers,” Durie recalls. “Pastel-colored storm-guard shutters, a sunken eco-fire pit, and tropical palms set right into the deck completed the island vibe and welcomed visitors to kick off their shoes, grab a margarita, and watch the sun go down.”
Cultivating Your Own Outdoor Retreat
Now, I know what you might be thinking: “That all sounds amazing, but I could never pull something like that off!” Well, my friends, Durie is here to prove you wrong. He firmly believes that everyone can create their own outdoor oasis, no matter their budget or skill level.
“HGTV said to me that they’ve never spent this much on a gardening show, and I have never spent this little,” Durie shares. “I realize that this show has to be accessible to a wide range of people. Not everyone can afford to put in a $100,000 garden, but everyone wants a $100,000 idea that they can achieve at a $1,000 price.”
To get started, Durie suggests shifting your mindset from the traditional lawn-and-flower-bed approach to a more holistic, room-like concept. “Study your lounge room or your kitchen. Walk outside and think to yourself, ‘How can I do that outside?’ Because once you create an outdoor room, you’ll fall in love with your backyard again and you’ll start using it more.”
And when it comes to plant selection, Durie emphasizes the importance of choosing natives and drought-tolerant species that will thrive in your local climate. “You have to look at what grows naturally in your own area or neighborhood as an influence. Native plants wherever you are take less water and require fewer nutrients, and that allows us to build something that is sustainable.”
So, whether you’re tackling a complete backyard overhaul or simply sprucing up a neglected corner, Durie’s design philosophy and DIY-friendly tips can help you create the outdoor oasis of your dreams. And who knows, maybe you’ll even channel your inner landscape designer and inspire your friends and neighbors to do the same.
As for me, I’ll be scouring the Reading General Contractor website for some inspiration and getting my hands dirty in the garden. After all, the key to a thriving outdoor space is equal parts vision and elbow grease. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get to work on your very own backyard paradise!
