In the Garden with Phil Antcliff
Fifth Season Landscapes.
Tell Us a Little About You
Growing up on Sydney’s North Shore, I was always out and about, hanging out with friends and playing sports. My family loved entertaining at home, which is where I first got a feel for how outdoor entertaining works. I love good food, either home-cooked or dining out, and maybe a little glass of wine to go with it! I’ve been in the landscape industry for 27 years and started working for myself 20 years ago. Initially, I worked solo with just a ute and a few tools. In 2009, I joined forces with Jack Hayes to build Fifth Season Landscapes into what it is today.
What Inspired You to Start Gardening/Landscaping?
I initially got into landscaping because I liked the idea of working outside and seeing tangible results for my efforts. Over the last 27 years, I’ve had the pleasure of seeing spaces I’ve created grow into mature gardens and hearing stories of how these gardens have shaped other people’s lives. Not many industries can claim that which is pretty cool!
How Would You Best Describe the Overall Design and Layout of Your Garden?
When we first purchased the house, the real estate agent described it as a “renovator’s dream,” and they weren’t far off the mark. However, one of the things I liked about the house and block was the available spaces for landscaping. When designing this garden, I focused on key entertaining spaces like the BBQ area and the pool. I wanted to create a clean flow between these areas to enhance the overall feel of the garden. My goal was to create a garden that I could walk through every day and enjoy as it changes through the seasons. It’s a big win for me if family, friends, and neighbours get the same feeling.
What Are Some Standout Features or Focal Points in Your Garden?
My focus was to create spaces that work within the garden. I wanted to use a combination of plants with both year-round structure and seasonal movement, and plants that sit seamlessly with the built elements. Some standout features include:
- Outdoor Entertaining Space: This space, off the main living area, facilitates indoor/outdoor living and incorporates a built-in BBQ that gets a lot of use. The Vergola allows us to use the space 24/7 and is enhanced by surrounding Capital pears, especially in autumn with their colour changes.
- Swimming Pool: The pool sits a couple of steps up from the lawn to minimize the visual impact of the pool fence. The fence itself is a structural feature within the garden, with timber allowed to silver off, giving a relaxed feel that blends with the planting.
- Fire Pit Area: This area reimagines a small space at the side of the house, originally used as a veggie garden. It features a curved timber batten beach seat, stepping stones, and pebbles, fitting the space well. A favourite element is the climbing Stephanotis growing overhead on the wire holding the hanging garden lights.
- House Entry: The entry gets amazing winter sun. To capitalise on this, we built a new deck with long, large steps perfect for lounging on winter afternoons.
What Types of Plants Do You Have in Your Garden?
In the front yard, I’ve used Lagerstroemia Natchez, a deciduous tree, to increase winter sunlight to the front bedrooms and understory plants while shielding the house from harsh summer sun. This tree is a favourite for bees and birds. I like to combine Buxus spheres with grasses such as Miscanthus or Pennisetum to get natural movement even with a light breeze. Stephanotis grows along wire at the front of the house to soften the entry and garage.
Are There Any Specific Plant Species or Cultivars That You’re Particularly Proud Of?
The Buxus spheres in both the front and back garden have been a labour of love. They were transplanted and shaped from the original garden, providing a structural element. Before the renovation, the existing Buxus were dug up, each plant was then planted separately, shaped, watered, and maintained until it was time to replant in their new location.
What Is Your Favorite Part of Your Garden, and Why?
It’s hard to choose my favourite part of the garden as it’s used differently throughout the year. Spring and summer are for lounging under the Vergola and swimming in the pool, while winter is spent at the fire pit and enjoying the morning sun out front. What brings me the most joy is the feeling that the house sits within the garden, with the built structures not dominating the garden and vice versa.
Is Your Garden Designed to Be Low-Maintenance, or Do You Enjoy the Hands-On Work of Gardening?
I designed the garden with plants I like and those that thrive in the environment. The satisfaction I feel when completing a section of the garden in either planting or pruning reminds me why I enjoy this unique industry so much. I like being hands-on, especially for the detailed elements, but I do get our garden maintenance team over now and then for the tall hedges and lawns when time gets the better of me.
Do You Have Any Tips or Tricks for Maintaining a Beautiful Garden?
Get a professional to help when it gets overwhelming. Also, don’t neglect the garden in winter; that’s when you can do some of the best prep work for the coming spring.
Do You Have Any Plans or Projects for Your Garden in the Future?
It’s pretty much done, but I can’t help making small changes all the time. I do have one section in the front yard that I use to experiment with new plants that catch my eye, so that section is never finished.
Do You Involve Your Family or Friends in Gardening Activities, or Is It Primarily a Solo Endeavor?
Mainly a solo operation, although my youngest daughter (10) loves to get her hands in the dirt. She’s a hard worker but gets tired of listening to me talk about the plants.
What Challenges Have You Faced in Maintaining Your Garden, and How Did You Overcome Them?
Finding time for maintenance is one of the biggest challenges, so it’s important to set aside enough time to keep your garden looking great. Another challenge has been keeping the small back lawn looking good with shade from the house in winter and a 30kg dog that wees everywhere. I placed stepping stones with Dichondra to handle the shade. The dog wee issue remains unresolved, so I’m open to ideas!
What Role Does Gardening Play in Your Life, and How Does It Impact Your Overall Well-Being?
The garden for me is not just plants and trees; it’s the entire space outside and how we interact with people and animals in that shared environment. Having a garden surrounding our house and visible from every window gives me a constant feeling of calm and connection, drawing me outside every chance I get.