The Boxed Garden: Designs for Small Spaces

In "The Boxed Garden," Paul Bangay shares with us the challenges of small gardens. He shows us ways of seeing their possibilities and ways of overcoming their limitations; how a change of level adds excitement, a fountain properly placed creates a vista, a paving pattern lengthens the perspective, and a planting as simple as a double hedge lends depth and richness to a setting. As well, he has a wealth of practical information to impart about developing ground plans and planting schemes; constructing walls, level changes, steps, paved areas and pools; and choosing materials, plants, ornamentation, lighting and outdoor furniture. Behind Paul Bangay's distinctive works lies an argument for simplicity of design; strong garden architecture; massed plantings largely restricted to evergreens; the use of native and other plants suited to the climate; and the adaptation of garden styles sympathetic to Australian conditions and patterns of living. To demonstrate his ideas, he describes in detail the making of several small gardens, one of them his own. Exhilarating full-color photographs by Simon Griffiths capture the essence of his inspiring designs.