MIFGS 2019 Highlights
GOLD, BEST IN SHOW & BEST USE OF PLANT LIFE
MEDITERRANEAN SPECIES AND AUSTRALIAN NATIVES COMBINE IN A BOLD, ROMANTIC PLANTSCAPE.
THE LOGGIA
by Tract
he gardens of Renaissance Italy inspired this winning showpiece, designed by five landscape architects at Tract. “We took traditional elements and redefined them for a modern urban garden,” says senior principal landscape architect Janis Fischer. Hero of the design was a stunning arched structure, an adaptation of the traditional loggia, or covered walkway. “The contemporary shape of the arches gave the loggia a more modern feel,” says principal landscape architect, Nigel Parker. The loggia, clad in terracotta tiles laid in a herringbone pattern, doubled as an aqueduct, sending reticulated water into a large bowl below. Plant-wise, the team used a mix of dry-climate species including natives, Mediterranean plants and rare exotics such as the three feature trees (native to the tropical and subtropical forests of South America) at the top of the stairs. “They’re all low-water consumption plants,” says Janis. While a traditional Renaissance garden would have featured avenues ‘Upright’). These were underplanted with an array of textured plants, including agave species and silver-toned ‘Silver Streak’ and lamb’s ears (). Orange-flowering kangaroo paw and banksias added pops of colour, echoing the earthy tones of the handmade terracotta tiles.
