Backyard features for Australian gardens

Think you don't have space in your backyard for an attractive garden feature? From the obvious to the non-traditional, here are some great backyard feature ideas to suit any outdoor space – and budget.

Garden features can add a wonderful element of surprise to an elaborate backyard or compact courtyard. From tranquil ponds to sophisticated statues and even practical kids' entertainment areas, there are plenty of ideas to explore.

As Alison Ford from Amaryllis Designs reveals, a great backyard feature can be created by exploring different sensory aspects of a garden. Something that generates sound, like a wind chime or trickling water feature, can really enhance an outdoor space.

Water features

Water features for the garden are one of the most popular ways to add another sensory experience to the garden space. The sound of water is soothing and calming, and a pond or area of water can be home to frogs and fish too. To avoid wasting water, find one of the many water features that re-use water.

Colour in the garden

Playing around with light and shade is another way to create interest, Alison suggests. Trees such as the crepe myrtle move delicately in the breeze to create dappled shade and a magnificent silhouette. A splash of colour can also go a long way (see our feature on colourful flower gardens). An existing wall may present an opportunity to incorporate some bright paint into the backyard and the colour possibilities of plants are endless.

Garden views as a feature

While items such as sculptures can make for striking backyard features, the fear with these more permanent structures is that they could go out of fashion, or fall from favour with their owners. Alison is more inclined to make a feature out of something abstract, such as revealing parts of the garden via a path or hidden pockets.

"When I design a garden, I make sure there is a space or a view to a 'feature spot'," she says. "This may be used as a visual trick to draw you further into the garden, or just a glimpse of something delightful. It may be a 'full stop' to a carefully balanced scheme."

Practical backyard features

It's also possible to combine the practical with the attractive in backyard features. If you prefer the fruits of your gardening labour to end up in a salad bowl rather than a vase, Alison suggests that even a vegie patch can be transformed into an eye-catching garden feature in its own right.

"My suggestion is to permanently place large decorative pots within the garden and plant seasonal vegies in them," she says. "They look terrific when carefully placed in grouped pots and are easier to water than a large patch." (We also featured a piece on adding interest to your garden space with pots and urns).

Visit a nursery or gardening centre in your area for inspiration and supplies: