When I was researching the history of our house I discovered that when Europeans were settling in Queensland they mimicked the conservatories of their birth countries with an outdoor/indoor room that became known as a bush house (or fernery).
These spaces were often under the verandah or house itself and featured hanging baskets, ferns, elkhorns, stag-horns and other tropical plants creating a cool oasis to sit and relax or entertain friends.
And so the idea of our bush house was born. We planted the fernery about 12 months ago and have now added the deck and additional garden bed to create beginning of our bush house. This deck links the house to the garden and will eventually be home to a lush collection of native plants.
The area is under the house, so out of the rain but in a perfect position to catch the afternoon breeze. I’ll be there most days, join me for a cool drink, serenity and a spot of chicken watching.
