For many homeowners, owning a luscious garden is an unattainable dream, but creating the garden of your dreams may not be as impossible as you might think. With the right planning and a little creativity, you can create a beautiful garden in any size space. Read on to discover some expert advice and get inspired.

LUXURY UP ABOVE

Swimming in a rooftop pool is the ultimate luxury and a unique way to combine relaxation with exhilaration. But what goes into designing and building one of these architectural marvels? We asked Sydney Poolscapes, one of our featured dealers and experts in transforming backyards into aquatic paradises, to give us the lowdown.

The sdy pools of Sydney

Soaring seaside cliffs and dramatic rock formations are the backdrop to a plethora of tidal pools in Sydney. These natural wonders were once the go-to place for locals looking to cool off from the heat of the city. But as the city has developed, their use has diminished.

With roadblocks ranging from council infighting and claims of pork-barrelling to heritage concerns, health issues and a changing public attitude to the coastal environment, the future of ocean pools is uncertain.

While locals have largely come out in favour of preserving and maintaining the heritage-listed Coogee baths and Wylie’s Baths in Bondi, many also support the idea of a new pool in North Sydney. However, the project’s current state is a far cry from its original glory, with a projected budget blowout to more than $100m and a opening date now pushed back to 2025.

The blame for the current quagmire lies with the project’s proponents, including the mayor of North Sydney Zoe Baker and the independent federal MP for North Sydney, Kylea Tink. They claim the project’s fortunes changed when a $10m grant meant for regional and remote women’s sports was diverted to the inner-city pool, muddying what should have been a relatively straightforward renovation of an historic asset.

The massive bill has led to calls for a more sustainable model that will see the pool charged for fashion shows, production companies and private parties – activities outside of the traditional remit of a local pool – in an attempt to recoup the millions in costs over time. This, combined with a growing swell of Greens and independent councillors in the city, Lane Cove and Inner West, has spurred a debate about whether pool entry fees should be reduced.

Whatever your views, the sdy pools of Sydney remain an impressive example of our stunning coastline and the diversity of its features. So, if you’re inspired to create your own swimming oasis, take a look at our Pool + Spa Design category and find the best Sydney pool builders and outdoor specialists. You can even find landscapers and alfresco kitchen builders to help you realise your vision.