The Outdoor Room

Episode 6 – Japan

Seven Network Australia

The story

Eleven year old Tobias Hilton wanted his overgrown, rocky backyard turned into a useable outdoor room where he and his Mum Petra could "live in harmony with the plants”. It all sounded very 'Zen', so what better country to visit for inspiration that exotic Japan? Jamie found bonsai trees, tatami mats and stone river beds to transform the Tobias’s backyard.

One of Australia’s hottest chefs, Luke Mangan, fired up the barbecue for a delicious seared tuna with soba noodles and wasabi dressing.

From the owners

What Jamie has done to our garden is wonderful. Me, Mum and of course Rosana (our cat), love it. Jamie has inspired us so much.

We now have friends, neighbours and everyone we know over and then we cook on the barbeque. I am now practising Luke Mangan's tuna – so far so good, the guests love it.

We have cut back most of the leftover weeds. We use the garden a lot more and Rosana just loves the Tatami room, we leave her in there every day. We look forward to see what you do with other styles.

When I bring friends over I tell them to close their eyes and then open them once we are at the top of the stairs and they love it.

Thank you so much,

Tobias Hilton (11 years old)

Items from the show

Japanese hut doors
Supplied by: Japanache
02 4871 1388
www.japanache.com.au

Hebel blocks
Supplied by: CSR Hebel
1300 369 448
www.hebelaustralia.com.au

Old Stone Mod Planter
Supplied by: Potsonline
02 9651 3971
www.potsonline.com.au

Black Granite Benchtop
Supplied by: Dawa Stone Australia Pty Ltd
02 9799 8377
www.dawastone.com.au

Granite steppers and white quartz gravel
Supplied by: Imperial Gardens
02 9450 2455
www.imperialgardens.com.au

Marblo Panels
Supplied by: Marblo Glazia Pty Ltd
02 9683 7788
www.marblo.com.au

Slate roof tiles (terracotta shingle in Ghost Gum Grey)
Supplied by: Boral Roof Tiles
1300 363 072
www.boral.com.au/outdoorroom

Pond lining for dry creek bed
Supplied by: Contour Ponds and Pumps
02 9690 2688
www.pondliners.com.au

Barbecue
Supplied by: Electrolux
1300 363 640
www.electrolux.com.au

Landscaping supplies
Supplied by: Australian Native Landscapes
131 458
www.anlscape.com.au

Plants from the show

Acer palmatum Dissectum group cv CUTLEAF JAPANESE MAPLE
Rhodendron Kurume hybrid AZALEA (Bonsai)
Bambusa lako TIMOR BLACK BAMBOO
See Jamie's latest book Outside for full plant and materials lists

More information

Jamie's latest book OUTSIDE is out now

For essential information on all the plants and materials used in this garden, Jamie's latest book Outside, based on The Outdoor Room, provides all the ideas and motivation you need to create your own outdoor room, including photos of each garden, original garden plans, plant and material lists, design tips, styling suggestions and more. Click here to buy on sale now.

See more about The Outdoor Room
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See all the photos from each of the 10 episodes

previous episodes

Episode 1 – Italy
Airing 7 November 2009
Episode 2 – England
Airing 14 November 2009
Episode 3 – Africa
Airing 21 November 2009
Episode 4 – India
Airing 28 November 2009
Episode 5 – Bali
Airing 5 December 2009
Episode 6 – Japan
Airing 12 December 2009
Episode 7 – France
Airing 19 December 2009
Episode 8 – Egypt
Airing 26 December 2009
Episode 9 – Thailand
Airing 2 January 2010
Episode 10 – Mexico
Airing 9 January 2010
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