On the list of dream gardens, the country garden always rates a mention.
Be still my city heart!
Even the most hardened urbanite seems to suddenly view the world through rose coloured glasses upon first sighting an actual rose-covered arbour.
And those for whom the very idea of chintz is enough to bring on an attack of hives, undergo a complete about-face when confronted by a posy of fully blown roses on the mantelpiece.
What happens to us?!
See if you can get through these images without wanting to totally revamp your snazzy-sharp courtyard into a little bower of country goodness…
Big ass trees: the city gardener's dream.
Modest but charming detailing, and I do believe I spy a vine-covered arbour.
A simple concrete path. A little patch of herbs. Bliss.
Learn to embrace your inner scruffy: does this look any less inviting because the herbs need cutting back and a few weedy bits have crept in? Nope.
Pass the smelling salts, it's that crazy rose thing happening to me again.
Texture can be the star of any garden...
...as can colour.
Purple 1
Purple 2
Come on city friends, a bit of home grown green veg is easily within the realms of possibility.
I think this is the point where the city visitor starts using words like "nature's bounty"...
If this isn't enough to make a Queensland girl go ga-ga I don't know what is. Fresh-picked peaches! Stone fruit! Heaven...
Well hello there.
The picturesque outbuilding - a country garden staple.
I'm lichen it. The patina of weathered surfaces...garden art available to everyone for free.
A little more difficult to achieve these Richard Serra spirals with your lawn clippings I admit...
Even the pre-storm light seems more lovely. Watercolour time anyone?
Gorgeous, no?
And the good news is, unlike that holiday batik shirt that seemed so right on the beach but hasn’t left the drawer since you got home, if you’re clever, it is possible to bring a little bit of country magic back to your place. Well, maybe not the cow.
Now it’s over to you.
What’s your take on the ‘country garden’? Has your concrete and stainless steely resolve ever crumbled in the face of a fresh-laid egg? What have you done to bring the best of the country to your garden?
I’d love to know your thoughts – join the conversation in the comments section below.
If you know someone who’d enjoy reading this article be sure to share it, and check back soon for more from the wonderful world of landscape, architecture and design.
ps: These pictures were taken at the delightful Harvest Farm: 'you'll-never-want-to-leave' cottage accommodation associated with the award-winning Healesville Hotel. If you ever tire of Melbourne’s many charms, recharge with a night or two in the cottage…and a day or two enjoying the garden.
All images © Amalie Wright and Richard Buchanan.
Footnote: Whilst this post is slightly tongue-in-cheek, there is nothing funny about the devastation caused by the ongoing bushfires in New South Wales. Our thoughts are with the affected communities and all those working to save lives and homes.