The simple use of green road paint to create an urban oasis in this very drab part of the capital has instantly lifted the otherwise dark, dingy and occasionally unsafe area. The 1,000 square metre area now called “Green Square” shows that even the secondary use of the colour green can help lift the spirits of humanity.

Vallo Sadovsky Architects have also worked on BA_LIK, another city initiative to re-invigorate previously neglected areas of the city of Bratislava. The pavilion structure creates an open space for public use and can also be moved around and used for various performances and exhibitions. It’s all about creating and interesting, green and free space for people to better interact with their urban environment. We think it’s great!

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Long term I can make the garden work with the existing pool, we’ll look at getting some new coping and the enhancement of a new garden. But my very first step was to convert the salt water pool to a magnesium pool. Magnesium can be added to any existing salt or chlorine pool and the end result is great. Magnesium salts are gentle and therapeutic for the skin, no more itchy, stinging eyes or smelly chlorine skin. There is zero chlorine odor and in a properly balanced pool the water even tastes like mineral water. The best part though, is that with an environmentally friendly pool solution you can use the backwash water to irrigate your plants and garden. Even our dog prefers to drink from our pool now!

Magna Pool is the registered product for sale throughout Australia and as I mentioned before any existing pool can be converted. I’m really happy to see there is something environmentally friendly and innovative out in the market.

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Paul has created a magical seven acre garden in Denver, Victoria. It is home to beautiful perennial gardens, walled gardens, woodland gardens, rose gardens, veggie gardens and so much more. Spring is a beautiful time to visit gardens and an opportunity to visit one of Australia’s best is a must.

Stephanie’s Kitchen Garden Foundation is  a great organisation that encourages children to learn about fruit and veg and cooking. The results are amazing and life changing for the kids involved. Have a look on their website for further details.

Paul has also launched a new book: Paul Bangay’s Guide to Plants. It’s a great book for anyone that needs a little guidance or inspiration as Paul details his favourite plants for all aspects.

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In 1998 when John first started work on the gardens, there were only 3 trees to be found on the property. One of these trees, the Weeping Elm, is now the centre piece of the entire garden. It’s clear from strolling through the gardens that John takes a lot of inspiration from nature itself as well as the traditional style of gardens found at the “Palais Het Loo” in Holland.

Sprawling over 4 acres, you could easily lose yourself amongst any of the 7 amazing gardens. I know myself and a few others here at Eco will be sure to visit again to see how things have grown and changed and to be inspired all over again.

So the next time you have a day trip or wine tasting in the Yarra Valley, why not drop in and say hello to John and Prue and enjoy an afternoon of inspiration at Alowyn Gardens. While you’re there you can also grab a coffee and a bite to eat at their café. Check out the website for opening hours.

P.S. If you’re wondering where the name “Alowyn” comes from (as we were) it’s a combination of John and Prue’s surnames, Aloyisius and Olwyn.

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Gardens by Design

free landscape design advice in-store at nunawading on sat 26th nov

As spring morphs into summer we start to use our outdoor spaces more and more. Now’s the time to get cracking and make the most out of our courtyards or backyards or whatever space you have to enjoy outside.

On Saturday the 26th November we’re hosting a double whopper down at our Nunawading store in Victoria.

We’ll be doing a Weber BBQ demonstration of some delicious home cooked man food and we’ll also be hosting one of our favourite garden designers in-store.

David Bennett

David Bennett of Gardens by Design will be in-store from 10am to 12pm to answer all your landscape design questions. Dave has won many awards in the residential landscape design sector over the years and is renowned among his colleagues for his quality and cost effective design solutions. Whether you’re looking to redesign an outdoor space, put in a pool, maybe you want to include a water feature or you just want to know where to plant the petunias, Dave can help. He has generously offered to be in-store between 10am and 12pm to offer free landscape design and garden advice.

So if you’ve been thinking its about time you redesigned your outdoor space,  swing by our Nunawading store on Sat 24th Nov, join the BBQ and talk to Dave. Get yourself a belly full of man food courtesy of our friends at Weber and a head full of outdoor design ideas from the man himself. A delightful day out by anyone’s measure.

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