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When clients discuss plans for their gardens, they often picture lazy summer days, relaxing by the pool or entertaining friends and family while the outdoor kitchen is put through its paces. But in a city like Sydney, known for its mild climate, designing for the colder months of the year can pay big dividends.

Creative director of Secret Gardens, Matt Cantwell, says there’s a lot to be said for extending the enjoyment of your outdoor space into autumn and winter. “It’s about enjoying that connection to nature in the cooler months to appreciate the seasonality,” he says.

Because the sun sits lower in the sky through the colder months, understanding how it moves across your garden is key in planning for outdoor use, but it’s just the beginning, says Matt.

“If you are designing from scratch, think about the layout and how the sun moves through your garden during the year,” he says. “Make sure that you understand where the prevailing winds are coming from and how that shifts because you want to be out of the wind but also in the sun.”

“If you are designing from scratch, think about the layout and how the sun moves through your garden during the year. Make sure that you understand where the prevailing winds are coming from and how that shifts because you want to be out of the wind but also in the sun.”

Once you have found the warmest position in the garden for dining or lounging, Matt says you can start to add other features, such as a pergola.

“If you have a pergola that faces north, you can have a solid ceiling that lets the sun in during winter, and when the sun gets higher in summer, you’re still protected,” Matt says. “A covered roof will also allow you to have ceiling fans or heaters.”

Autumn and winter are also a great time for outdoor fires. Choose a fixed location for your firepit carefully, says Matt.

“If it is in the wrong location, the wind might be blowing the smoke in your face the whole time and you’ll have no protection from the weather,” he says.