As summer rolls around and the sun draws us outside, it’s time to make the most of our backyards, call up our friends and chatter into the balmy evening. The layouts of these spaces can make or break a casual soiree, either encouraging connection or leaving it to wither on the vine. Melbourne Pool + Outdoor Design’s Hannah McDonald sits down with D’Arcy Hall, director of Earth Design Landscapes, to discuss exactly what makes the ultimate entertainer’s backyard – helping you create the perfect green social scene this summer.
Hall is devoted to the art of outdoor living – designing backyards that not only celebrate the beauty of nature but invite you to fully engage with it. “Earth Design Landscapes specialises in structural landscaping with a focus on creating spaces that feel like they were always meant to be there. We love working with natural materials and incorporating them into designs that not only look good but also connect people to their surroundings,” he says.
When it comes to spaces that entertain, Hall knows what it takes to keep the gathering both fluid and interactive. “The best entertaining gardens feel like a natural extension of the home. You can move between inside and outside without breaking the flow of the gathering. For me, it’s all about zones and atmosphere. An entertainer’s garden has spaces for food, fire, activities and relaxation – areas that naturally draw people together,” he explains.
SOCIAL STAPLES
Hall believes that mastering a few essentials is all it takes to set the stage for the party of the season. Firstly, much like moths to a flame, people are naturally drawn to any source of light and warmth. “Whether it’s a fire pit, pizza oven, barbeque or grill, it instantly sets the mood. A fire brings people together, but the key is placement. A poorly positioned fire pit can end up being smoky and uncomfortable. But with thoughtful planning, it can be one of the best additions to a backyard – the kind of feature that gets used all year round,” he ensures.
Intentional seating that eases face-to-face connection and effortless conversation is paramount to a successful get-together. “It’s important to have seating arranged in ways that suit how the space will be used, whether it’s casual lounging or dining. Circular seating always works well because it naturally keeps people facing each other.
It’s a simple layout that makes conversation easy and comfortable,” Hall notes. In the realm of outdoor spaces, small details can create a substantial impact. Often overlooked elements – such as plants and lighting – have the ability to transform a space into the perfect setting for entertaining. “Plants should be the highlight, softening the hard surfaces and adding greenery. Lighting is often underestimated, but absolutely crucial. It’s not about blasting the place with floodlights, it’s about warm, soft light that creates atmosphere,” he describes.
FAMILY MATTERS
Hall maintains that these staples are a good starting point, but to truly prep your space for endless socialising, it’s important to tailor elements to your family’s lifestyle. “It always starts with the client. Every family is different – for some, the must-have is a pizza oven, for others it’s a fire pit or a big outdoor dining space. My job is to curate those priorities into a design that feels cohesive and belongs to the home,” he expands.
Though imagining your dream backyard can spark grand plans, Hall advises focusing on simplicity and practicality to make the most of the space. “The most common request is a full outdoor kitchen set-up, but I always encourage clients to think about how much they’ll actually use it. Sometimes keeping it simple – a good barbeque, a bit of bench space, and somewhere to prep – works far better for day-to-day life. If it’s simple, it’ll get used,” he assures.
In essence, begin by considering how the space will be used – not just during gatherings but in everyday life. “Think about what your family will actually use the most, start with that one key element – whether it’s a fire pit, a dining table or a pizza oven – and then let the garden evolve around it,” Hall simplifies.
GROWING TRENDS
For inspiration, it can help to not only look inside the home but also to the outside world. Trends are always springing up, and in the world of landscaping, usually for good reason. “There’s definitely been a shift in the last five years. More people are asking for spaces that are not just social, but also sustainable. People are much more conscious of creating gardens that are beautiful, functional and environmentally friendly,” Hall observes.
Native and indigenous plants have made a strong comeback, and in Hall’s mind, they’re here to stay. “They’re hardy, low maintenance and give a strong sense of place. Functionally, they can provide shade and privacy, but also bring texture, colour and life to the space. A mix of screening plants, feature trees, and softer under plantings usually works best,” he adds. Materials that work in a practical sense are also crucial for entertainment. “Granite is always a favourite for flooring in high-traffic areas – it’s durable, timeless and handles wear and tear really well. For benches and surfaces, we lean on natural stone, hardwoods, or concrete depending on the aesthetic – all materials that can take a beating and still look good,” he explains.
BACKYARD BANTER
For the ultimate backyard blowout, landscaping is what ties everything together – transforming a collection of people into an unforgettable celebration with loved ones. “Plants soften the hard edges, frame the main features and make the whole space feel more inviting,” Hall says. “We’re big believers in naturalistic landscaping – using native plants, natural stone and locally sourced materials wherever possible. It’s about creating spaces that not only look good now but also sit comfortably in the landscape for years to come,” he concludes.
Photography by Jack Lovel
