A massive pergola inspired by the design of an open hay shed is a focal point in this country garden, full of drought-tolerant leafy layers and long views.
Words Megan Backhouse
Photography Will Salter
OF all the pergolas you could choose, Leesa Cowan has gone for the most extreme. It’s even bigger than her house. So dramatic is her pergola that when you get to her property it’s the first thing you notice. And that’s saying something, because there’s a lot about this garden competing for your attention.
For one thing there is the vista: Cowan’s farm, just outside Geelong in Victoria, has spectacular views of rolling hills. Second, there are the zany explosions of colour everywhere. Blood red kangaroo paws, tangerine zinnias, golden everlastings and all sorts of other flowers flare up, depending on the season. Name the month and pops of scarlet and purple, pink and orange are ricocheting all about.
