A symphony of flowing curves, natural textures and luxuriant planting
Landscape of the Year Awards Entrant VIC
Situated in the scenic coastal town of Blairgowrie on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, this masterfully built landscape showcases the owners’ commitment to keeping the project local, involving a raft of trusted Peninsula-based professionals throughout the process.
The new home, designed by Planned Living Architects and built by KABSAV, needed to seamlessly connect with its breathtaking surroundings. Julie Crowe Landscape Design conceived a design for the landscape and swimming pool that complements the modern architecture of the double-storey residence while staying deeply rooted in the naturalbeauty of the coastline. In turn, Michael Stephenson, director of Formed Landscapes, and his highly skilled team, were entrusted with making this vision a reality.
“The landscaping begins at the top of the sloping property, where sweeping views immediately capture your attention. As you descend into the garden, the space unfolds through a series of carefully crafted areas, each emphasising organic curves, textures and layers,” says Michael. “With every step down, new elements are revealed — winding paths, flowing stairs, garden beds framed by mature trees, carefully selected plants, and the stunning circular pool and spa.
“The planting is an arresting blend of texture, colour and form, thoughtfully paired with the existing trees the owners wished to preserve, thereby creating an immediately established-looking landscape. Due to supply issues, many plant selections were made — and changed — organically on-site, with collaborative decision-making between us, the designer and owners to ensure the best result.”
To ensure the plants would not just flourish but also perfectly frame the various landscape features, earthworks were undertaken to shape the garden beds, zoned irrigation was installed to ensure the health of the plants and turf, and mulch was applied.
Curved steel retaining walls reflect the natural contours of the land, providing both structural support and a sculptural quality. These walls are complemented by the steel steps that guide you through the landscape, flawlessly connecting the different areas while maintaining a unified look and feel. The deep steel edging also adds textural interest to the transition between lawn and garden bed.
Insitu sandblasted concrete steps and slabs offer a textured, tactile experience. Poured and finished on-site, the concrete veranda is not only functional but visually striking, and the circular cut-out references the pool and spa, which were built by Landmark Pools.
“The totem poles, with their imperfect borer holes, create vertical interest and a unique focal point in the garden,” concludes Michael. “The concrete cylinder veggie planters blend form and function, offering a practical feature at the base of the garden.”
The result is an abubdant garden that feels considered and organic. It offers the owners a flawless connection between their home and Blairgowrie’s beautiful natural surrounds, and won for Formed Landscapes the prestigious Nic van Dieman Award in the 2024 Victorian Landscape Industry Awards. It really is a patch of paradise.
For more information
FORMED LANDSCAPES
Mobile 0412 474 608
Email hello@formedlandscapes.com.au
