Federation Gardens

Federation front gardens used a minimalist geometric design, and often used hedging of Privet, not to detract from the view of the house, which of course, was of elaborate design.
The rear garden could be used to grow vegetables and fruit trees, similar to our recent gardening style.

• "Stands of trees, such as the Monterey cypress (Cupressus macrocarpa) were used as hedges.
  
• The inclusion of specimen trees, such as liquidambars, jacarandas and oaks, were also a common sight in this style of garden and were planted if the room was available.
  
• Exotic looking palms, such as the fan palms (Trachycarpus fortunei), were also found in federation gardens." -Don Burke

Federation Garden Features

• Lawns
• Wrought iron, picket fencing
• Formal geometric garden layouts
• Well defined borders (eg. a low wall, brick or tile edge between garden beds and a path or lawn)
• Cacti, succulents, bulbs, perennial borders
• Greater diversity of plants (most gardeners were plant ‘collectors’)
• Brick or gravel paths
• Decorative structures (pots, furniture)
• Bird baths and sundials
• Arches and gazebos -- Source

Popular Federation Garden Plants

The nineteenth century was a time when many new plants were discovered and brought into cultivation. People at this time favoured plants with striking architectural foliage as well as those with attractive flowers.

• Aspidistra Agapanthus, Buxus hedges, Fruit trees, Hellebores, Hydrangeas, Ivy,
• Palms, Pelargoniums, Quince, Roses, Succulents and cacti, Wisteria