Of contemporary coastal style, cleverly accented with subtle Mediterranean influences, this made-for-entertaining rear garden commands attention for its clean-lined, modern design, warm colour palette, emphasis on natural textures, and laidback feel.

“The client envisaged a relaxed and refined contemporary outdoor space that complemented the home’s coastal setting. Practical zones for entertaining, lounging, and play were required. Views across the garden and swimming pool were to be kept as open as possible with minimal visual interruptions, especially around the pool fencing,” says Andrew Holland, Creative and Managing Director of Hollandscapes.

“Low-maintenance planting with a lush, architectural feel was also desired. The client pictured feature trees, sculptural forms, and greenery that framed the space without overwhelming it.”

To reference the colours and textures of the coast, Andrew developed a natural, soft-toned palette of materials, one that incorporates stonework which also serves to ground the design and give it an appealing timeless quality. In particular, the use of stone cladding enhances the architectural language of the garden while integrating flawlessly with the home’s coastal-modern design. This cladding is complemented by the sandblasted limestone crazy paving from Stone Style that harmonises with the tones of the home and imbues the space with warmth and sophistication.

Defined levels break up the space, delineating the covered outdoor dining space, the fire pit area, expansive lawn, and pool zone while maintaining a natural flow between them. “The natural stone retaining walls and split-level layout that creates clear zones for entertaining and relaxing are standout features of the design, with frameless glass pool fencing keeping the space open and promoting a sense of seamless connection,” says Andrew.

“For the entertaining areas, the client wanted something elegant but understated that would be suitable for family catch-ups, outdoor meals, and quiet relaxation. The curved, off-form concrete bench seat, positioned against the pool’s stone-clad retaining wall, provides permanent, durable seating for larger gatherings and doubles as a sculptural element that visually anchors the area. Paired with a central Corten steel fire pit, this corner transforms into an inviting hub for evening entertaining, making this a welcoming space, day and night.

“All of the outdoor entertaining zones were thoughtfully designed to maximise functionality and flow, and promote year-round enjoyment,” continues Andrew. “Large, wide steps lead up to the expansive elevated lawn area — a versatile space perfect for gatherings, play, or just lounging about. Adjacent to the lawn is a custom-built outdoor barbecue bench and kitchen, creating a dedicated zone for cooking and entertaining that integrates seamlessly with the garden’s overall aesthetic.”

As the client desired, sculptural planting adds structure and softness without overwhelming the design. The planting palette, which includes a feature Dracaena draco (dragon’s blood tree) for height and interest, was carefully curated to reflect the garden’s coastal-modern design. The focus was on form, such as the distinctive cacti planted along the boundary of the pool and fire pit area, year-round interest, and drought tolerance, which is especially important in a coastal climate.

Soft gravel, pale paving, warm-toned furniture, and blackbutt decking that will silver gracefully over time tie everything together, creating a coastal vibe that is calm, timeless, and effortlessly elegant. The final touch comes in the guise of subtle wall-mounted lighting, complemented by garden spikes that paint a beautiful nightscape.

“Bringing the client’s vision to life has been a rewarding experience,” says Andrew. “The result is exactly what we hoped for: a beautiful, functional, and enduring outdoor space.”

For more information

Landscape design & construction: Hollandscapes
Mobile: 0401 072 252
Email info@hollandscapes.com.au

Photography by Martin Seigner

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Set on a corner block, the client’s brief called for a distinctive front entrance, the use of low-maintenance plants, a bold, textural planting palette and the integration of tall landscape elements that would match the scale of the architecture and complement the front elevation of the house.

Starting at the front of the site, Time Davies Landscaping began with a custom fence and gate. Crafted to match the Mid-Century Modern aesthetic of the build, the fence blends seamlessly with the structure while also providing space for climbing plants to flourish. This forward-thinking choice will prove itself over time as the landscape continues to enhance the visual appeal as it grows.

Given the sloping nature of the block, a clever design that included an elevated pool was added to the landscape. Set at the level of the house, with even access to the connected pergola, the large pool wall is subtly disguised with a mix of carefully chosen plants. Grass trees, Metrosideros and Creeping Fig were strategically planted around the wall, sliding into the sloped front yard, to provide a screen and soften the visual impact of the rising landscape.

Using a mix of colourful, hardy and sculptural plants, the remainder of the softscape was filled in with bold accent plants. Used at the front entrance, this striking statement of plant life sits alongside a feature Palm Tree, which addresses the vertical scale issue in the design brief while also ensuring it meets the Mid-Century Modern appeal required.

The outdoor alfresco zone pitched alongside the elevated pool extends the indoors outside. This relaxation zone is further extended out over the garden with the introduction of angular beams strung with wires that will be covered with climbing Asiatic Jasmine over time, providing shade and privacy. Sculptural planters strategically placed in the patio area add visual interest and soften the hardscape, just as the outdoor fireplace offers cosy warmth during the cooler months.

To finish this all-encompassing landscape, the team at Tim Davies Landscaping built a viewing garden nestled beneath the entrance stairs. Designed to be seen from the study, this serene and picturesque retreat encapsulates the theme of this award-winning design, and enhances the objective of pulling the outdoors inside that is so prominent in the Mid-Century Modern approach.

For more information

Tim Davies Landscaping

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This luxuriant garden, designed by Mitchell Kushturian of Exotic Living, does all of this, and more. “The brief was to take the barren front yard of a newly-built project home and give it a sense of personality,” he explains. “The owners wanted an entrance to the home they could be proud of. A space that was relaxing, tranquil and inviting so neighbours would feel welcome to pop over for a chat.”

The home, located in a new housing estate, was a blank canvas, which opened up a raft of opportunities for Mitchell to create something special. The fact that the house was located opposite a bush reserve also presented a great opportunity to maximise the outlook from the house and create a space where the owners could sit and enjoy the view over a morning coffee.

“My concept was to create a grand entrance that was inviting and replaced the barren front yard but also created a sense of privacy and enclosure from the front porch. I wanted the entrance to the house to be fun and exciting to walk through, giving the clients that wow factor they desired,” says Mitchell.

“A corridor of travertine stepping pads flanked by tropical plants leads to the front door and tunnels your vision so it is focused on the bushland view. Screening plants in the raised garden beds block out the peripheral views of other houses and the road, thereby enhancing the sense of privacy.”

The raised planter beds, clad in Noosa stone, place the tropical foliage at chest and head height so that walking through the corridor is an experience in its own right. Having raised garden beds with tall screening plants also creates a sense of grandeur and helps to soften the look of the imposing two-storey house.

Planting a magnificent six-metre-high Phoenix canariensis (Canary island date palm) further softens the architecture and adds a sense of scale. “It was also a sentimental inclusion for one of the clients as it was her way of remembering her late father, Colin, who had grown many date palms at the family home,” says Mitchell.

The palm was so large it had to be craned into position, a task overseen by Joshua Kushturian and his construction team. Joshua and his team installed all the plants, including the Pratia penductula (white star creeper) used as carpet groundcover around the offset steppers and the Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin It’ (prostrate she-oak) used at one end on alternate steppers, its needle-like foliage forming tiny mounds of texture.

A water feature enhances the tranquil ambience and is embraced by tropical-style planting that repeats some of the plants employed in the raised garden beds, such as Alpinia zerumbet ‘Variegata’ (variegated shell ginger) and Philodendron ‘Xanadu’ (a compact philodendron).

This intriguing garden, which makes an indelible first impression, received a Silver Award in the Residential Construction $50,000 to $100,000 category of the 2022 TLA Landscape Excellence Awards.

For more information, 

Exotic Living 

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01. Tropical oasis

Exceptional design, clever creation of multiple living spaces and quality landscaping that will stand the test of time make this garden in Coolum on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast an absolute standout. The design sees different zones merge seamlessly through consistent use of natural materials, and a green, tropical planting palette enhancing the coastal vibe. From the kids’ retreat to vegetable gardens and the pool area with spectacular views towards the mountains and the ocean, every part of the land has been thoughtfully considered and utilised to the brim.

Hidden behind a screen of large palms and other plants, the space created for the family’s teenagers includes recycled timber seating around a firepit, synthetic grass for play and relaxation, undercover seating for reading and homework, and to top it off, a viewing platform accessed by a spiral staircase to check out the surf. Creating beautiful spaces that feel part of the house was a critical element of the design, treating the outside with as much care and precision as the indoors for effortless enjoyment.

With a 12m fall over the site and poor access, it was also essential to ensure quality of materials and construction for long-term liveability and sustainability. This was not lost on the team from Living Style Landscapes, who took the job seriously and made sure to use low-maintenance and long-lasting materials throughout, and installed a cloud-based smart irrigation system to support longevity of the garden. The planning and organising of the materials alone made the project a complex one, and while significant amounts of materials were carried by hand, the project could not have been possible without a 100-tonne crane with the height and distance to reach the back of the house from the road. It needed to be done only once, and what a magnificent result it is. Photography by Julien Bastien. livingstyleco.com.au

02. Heritage beauty

Heritage architecture and contemporary living come together in an elaborate canvas of perennial planting and repurposed materials at this 1880s Melbourne home. With its Regency-style columns and iron filigree detailing, the house needed a garden to match its stately grandeur. Paying homage to the home’s heritage, Ian Barker Gardens worked with existing garden features and landscape elements to maintain practicality and functionality, while enhancing the garden with thoughtful planting and landscape design elements.

Showcasing timeless beauty, the front garden was brought to life with a range of perennials, including Salvia and Sedum varieties, Iris, Echinacea purpurea, Geranium renardii, Verbena bonariensis and Nepeta faassenii, planted in generously sized 1300sqm garden beds. With the front door of the home located to the side, the challenge was to guide visitors to the entrance and also create a sense of arrival. To achieve this, the existing pathway was widened to give it scale, while a square opening was established outside the front door to act as an external foyer. Layered plantings of Boxed Hedge, Salvia and Camellia sasanqua also guide the eye up to the home’s facade.

In contrast, a more contemporary approach was applied to the backyard. The design is deliberately simple, with lawn, pool and outdoor entertaining room, and different sections linked to one another with large bluestone pavers. Once a stable, the outdoor entertaining room was meticulously restored in its original footprint, using the original brick and recycled beams. A huge sliding door made from recycled spotted gum and set on a metal slider allows the outdoor room to be enclosed, creating a more private space. Topped off with a pizza oven, there is no end to the new garden’s entertaining options, embracing the homeowners and visitors with a comforting feel that flows from being enveloped in nature. Photography by Claire Takacs and Erik Holt. landscape.net.au

03. Natural alignment

One of the best ways to create a relaxing outdoor space is to make it highly functional, low maintenance, and blending seamlessly with its surroundings. At this rural haven in Victoria, PTA Landscapes used hardwood timber, stone, gravel, non-slip textured granite pavers and gabion baskets containing granite rock to align with the rustic landscape and add visual interest to the design. The creation of separate levels and terraces improved the useability of what was previously a severe slope, and the design harmonises seamlessly with a stunning luxury outdoor pool.

Plants were chosen for their form and hardiness and include native grasses to mirror the surrounds, cycads for a strong structural element, Star Jasmine for colour and fragrance around the pool, and clusters of Bird of Paradise to give a stunning splash of colour when in bloom. The easy-care plants are irrigated by water harvested directly from the on-site dam, making looking after the garden effortless.

At night, it becomes a magical wonderland, with LED strip lighting under the hardwood stairs as well as bollard lighting. With a firepit and views across to the dam, this award-winning country garden is all about understated elegance for casual yet refined living. Photos by Patrick Redmond. ptalandscapes.com.au

04. Whimsical and romantic

A whimsical garden was an integral part of architect Beth George’s major refurbishment of a home in Subiaco, Perth, for her archaeologist sister. In this unique home, the intention was to create a bespoke garden for every room in the house to reflect different moods and sense of place. With the landscaping delivered to perfection by Banksia & Lime, each one of the gardens tells its own story, and together they form a rich narrative of family and history to be handed down through generations, with reminders of nostalgic special moments in the family’s life.

It’s a garden filled with colour and creativity, a daring landscape design that artfully incorporates a plethora of styles including succulent, minimalist, cottage and meadow. As part of the home’s renovation, a void was cut into the western edge and a light-filled courtyard was created, which is now boasting swathes of vibrant living colour and texture. There’s a pink, fluffy courtyard heart in a nod to the couple’s daughters, a backyard lawn for play, and a dramatic green, seasonally golden cascade from the upper balcony to add a soft textural layer to the hard surfaces of the home’s exterior.

Acknowledging its important role in biodiversity, the garden boasts a total of more than 70 different plant species in a mix of endemic, productive and exotic. Almost all of the mature trees were retained, while low-water plantings were preferred and proper irrigation installed.
This highly individualised landscape was achieved through close collaboration between the architect, client and landscape architect. Clever design, thoughtful plant composition and a bit of risk-taking has brought this eclectic garden to life as an adventurous, diverse place to play, explore and unwind. Photos by Benjamin Hosking. banksialime.com.au

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This little piece of paradise in Sunshine Beach blitzed the 2021 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards winning Residential Landscape Construction of the Year as well as two other major categories: Residential $175,001—$250,000 and Best Landscape Feature — Residential.

Evoking a sense of sanctuary and perfectly capturing the essence of Noosa living, this remarkable garden was designed by Earth Creation Landscapes’ design team, headed by David Wood, and built by the company’s highly accomplished construction team.

“Like all great landscape projects, this one evolved throughout the construction process. Once the garden started taking shape, the clients came to us with new ideas which our in-house design team was able to easily incorporate,” says Stuart Bain, Managing Director of Earth Creation Landscapes.

“What the homeowners wanted was a tranquil space in which they could unwind and meditate. We were told by one of the clients to ‘make me a garden of contemplation so I can see the stars at night and the reflection from the pond from inside the house … give me a private, peaceful tropical paradise’ and I believe that is precisely what we have delivered.”

Given the house took up most of the block, it was imperative the design maximised the feeling of space and ensured a seamless flow from inside to out. “We built the deck at the floor level to entice people into the garden. This also allowed the large deck step landings to double as extra seating when entertaining,” says Stuart. “The fire pit area — a space to gather for relaxed conversation — is another garden room that draws people out.

“The large feature Corten steel fire pit was custom fitted with an ethanol burner insert. This allows the clients to choose between a wood fire or, when they don’t want the inconvenience of smoke and ash, the ethanol burner.”

A curved timber and granite seat wraps around the fire pit and is orientated to take in the entire garden. Large random sawn bluestone steppers connect this area with a reflection pond which features coping of the same stone and a glass mosaic-tiled interior.

A standout feature is the helix shaped outdoor shower, which was the recipient of the Best Landscape Feature award. This outdoor shower is clad in spotted gum battens and fitted with custom-made copper rain heads, a copper wand and three individual mixers.

“All the plants for this project had to meet the brief of a sanctuary-like tropical paradise. However, due to the proximity to the ocean, strong winds and salt spray, correct plant selection was imperative,” says Stuart. “We used small varieties of plants with large numbers of each variety to increase the overall impact. Plant species included shell gingers, elephant ears, Congo philodendrons, native gardenias, and swathes of walking iris. Large feature pandanus, frangipanis and Australian fan palms are the main focal points.”

“This project was the perfect example of what can be achieved when you have a brilliant relationship with your clients,” he adds. “From the initial consultation and design, right through the construction phase there were clear lines of communication. This relationship continues as we are maintaining the property.”

For more information, 

Earth Creation Landscapes

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Having bought this inner-Sydney home, after downsizing from a much larger property, the owners had a clear vision for their new outdoor space. It was to be easy to maintain, so the existing pool area had to be repurposed, and it needed to be modern and visually interesting, providing the ideal showcase for their exclusive art collection.

The brief didn’t end there, however, says Steve Warner from OUTHOUSE design. “They also wanted an open aspect entertaining area at the rear of the house which would be protected from the sun, an intimate entertaining area with privacy from the neighbours, and a sense of connection between the garden and the studio above the garage,” he explains.

Urban Garden Enrichment was the company charged with transforming the space into a contemporary urban garden, and Simon Munn and his team set about transforming the space. The first task was to remove the pool and stabilise the area, a complex task when the only access to the site was via a door to the garage.

The garden was divided into two zones. The first is the inviting entertaining and dining area. Here, Urban Garden Enrichment installed a customised concrete bench for the barbecue and bar fridge, a built-in seat, garden beds and a pergola with a louvred Vergola roof. The area was paved in 800mm x 400mm Andorra limestone tiles, which were also used for the “floating” steps that lead down to the next level.

The second space, its design inspired by a 1970s-style sunken lounge, is a place for cosy gatherings and because it is low-set, allows a clear view from the house to the main sculpture which claims pride of place at the rear of the garden. Spotted gum decking boards were used to build the sunken lounge and deck area, its warm tones complementing the lush green planting.

Considerable technical expertise went into the construction of this garden. “To begin with,” says Simon, “the original pool structure, which was not square, filled the majority of the backyard area so it was important to try to retain as much of the existing pool support structure as possible. Other major parts of the job included the adjustment of the levels in the back area to allow for paving, garden beds and the sunken lounge deck area, building structurally sound support in the pool area to allow for the concrete base, and the installation of new retaining walls in the pool area.”

The creation of the steps connecting the spaces was another impressive construction feat. “To do this we core-drilled multiple holes into the retaining walls we built for the garden beds. We installed heavy-duty galvanised angle bars into the holes spanning across to the other holes and concreted the bars in place. The control joints were left unfilled and clean to create a sense of suspension. Next, we glued the tiles on top of the bars with a gap between the tile and the wall to allow for slight movement on the steps. This evoked a sense of floating down the steps towards the sunken lounge.”

Throughout the garden, the owners’ collection of beautiful art was installed, including a vertical garden wall and various sculptures. The sculptured feature piece at the end of the garden, installed on a concrete base for stability, sets the tone for the garden and can be admired from all outdoor aspects, as well as from the home.
Although distinct, the two spaces feel unified due to the use of the same large-format paving throughout and the single-species (Syzygium australe) boundary planting. For a low hedge around the sunken lounge, there is Viburnum tinus, while elsewhere you fill find Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’, Malus atrosanguinea (used as a feature tree) and Ajuga reptans and Dichondra argentea groundcovers.

In the 2018 LNA Master Landscapers Association Landscape Excellence Awards, this project won Gold for Urban Garden Enrichment in the Residential Construction $75,000 to $150,000 category, as well as the prestigious title of Husqvarna Residential Landscape Construction of the Year Award.

For more information

http://www.urban-garden.com.au/

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With its carefully considered combination of formal planting and hard landscaping, the elegant front garden is the perfect foil to the home’s contemporary, clean-lined facade. The garden, which was constructed by Eloquent Landscapes, working to a design by Myles Baldwin Design, has a sense of grandeur about it yet is decidedly modern.

“The client wanted a contemporary, formal garden to complement his impressive new home, and he wanted us to use advanced plants to ensure the garden had a well-established look from the outset,” explains Ziggy Kabbout, owner of Eloquent Landscapes. In the main front garden, the carefully thought-out planting scheme includes Buxus ‘Japonica’ (clipped into balls) and three 500-litre Pyrus ‘Burgundy Snow’. The vibrant green of the plants is offset by the sophisticated grey of the bluestone paving and the crisp white of the boundary and raised planter walls.

The project encompassed much more than the entry garden, however, and a great deal of behind-the-scenes work, along with a high level of construction expertise and attention to detail, was also involved. As an illustration of the latter, great precision was required to achieve the cross pattern banding in the front garden paving while installing the large, heavy pavers that form the path connecting front and rear gardens was a time- and labour-intensive task. Considerable skill was also needed to form up eight planter boxes, some of them rectangular, others square.

Likewise, excellent planning and careful time management were key. “In the rear garden, for example, we had to carefully time the hand excavation of two trenches along the side of the tennis court — one for the Ficus ‘Hilii’ hedging, the other for the Trachelospermum jasminoides,” says Ziggy.

“As the tennis court turf was to be installed within a week, the excavation, irrigation and planting needed to be completed within that timeframe so there would be no damage to the tennis court once the turf went down.”

The Eloquent Landscapes’ touch can also be seen in the rear outdoor entertaining area. This is comprised of an undercover tiled area and a cabana which is accessed through a glass pool gate. “The cabana is a standout feature thanks to its cactus-themed rooftop garden. Among the plants, many of which cascade over the edge, you will find Raphiolepsis ‘Oriental Pearl’, Santolina chamercyparyssus, Casuarina ‘Cousin It’, Agave stricta, Senecio mandraliscae, Cereus peruvianus ‘Monsterous Green’ and Opuntia microdaysis. The casual nature of the planting is a nice contrast to the formality of the front garden,” says Ziggy.

Clearly, the planting is the star of the show, whether it’s the extensive use of Buxus hedging, neatly clipped into square or round shapes, or the large feature planter in the front garden which is home to a 500-litre Olea ‘Europaea’ underplanted with Gardenia ‘Radicans’ and Senecio mandaliscae — but it’s the garden lighting that brings the spaces to life at night.

Thanks to Eloquent Landscapes’ skill, the outdoor spaces that wrap around the home now showcase the striking architecture to perfection — and, importantly, will maintain their good looks well into the future.

In recognition of the high calibre of the work, this project won Gold and Best in Category for Eloquent Landscapes in the Residential Construction Up To $50,000 category in The Landscape Association’s 2019 Landscape Excellence Awards.

For more information

Eloquent Landscapes

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Summer or winter, this warm and inviting outdoor entertaining area — designed and built by Whyte Gardens — offers the homeowners a comfortable and stylish space in which to gather with friends and family. Just as importantly, it significantly extends the home’s living space by blurring the boundary between inside and out.

“The brief from the owners was to create an outdoor entertaining space that could be used all-year-round — one that would be easy to access from inside the home and be the focal point of the garden,” explains Andrew Whyte, Director of Whyte Gardens. “As the family enjoys entertaining, the space had to be versatile and the outdoor kitchen able to cater for a crowd.”

Given the entertaining area flows on from the rear of the home and is in full view, even when the massive sliding glass door is closed, coordinating the outdoor look with the interior decor was essential. Whyte Gardens’ choice was a contemporary look and feel with an emphasis on classic lines.

This is a project replete with inspired design details and intriguing elements. One of the most arresting is the fireplace wall clad in Eco Outdoor drystone. This boasts a curve on one side which gently slides its way down and then morphs into a benchtop that forms part of the corner-hugging outdoor kitchen. This eye-catching curve was created using cement sheeting that was tiled over.
“Fuelled by gas, the fireplace creates a welcoming ambience and warms people seated on the outdoor lounge,” says Andrew. “There are also ceiling-mounted heaters to ramp up the warmth in winter and make people feel cosy, whether they’re watching the outdoor TV or enjoying a drink after a barbecued meal.”

The alfresco cooking area, built by On Deck Kitchens, is discreetly nestled into the corner of the entertaining space and is comprised of a sink, bar fridge, barbecue and ample bench space for preparing and serving food. Located nearby is a timber dining table and chairs.

The entertaining area is paved in Eco Outdoor limestone pavers, the light tones making the space look and feel open and airy. Limestone-clad steps lead up to the existing swimming pool to which Whyte Gardens added a spa, greatly enhancing the family’s outdoor living experience.

“The planting is minimal with an emphasis on green foliage; however, to add a flourish of white flowers in spring and summer, we installed strong galvanised screens along the back of the entertaining space and to the side of the pool and then planted star jasmine. For autumn and spring interest, we planted a deciduous tree,” says Andrew.

In achieving such a stellar result, there were challenges that had to be faced. “The engineering had to be carefully done to integrate the existing metal structures of the home,” explains Andrew. “And with gas running to the fireplace and kitchen, electricity to the TV and fridge, and water to sink, there were many trades to coordinate. Then there was the stone cladding, which took 200 hours to install by hand.”

The painstaking effort was well worth it, however. The owners now have an outdoor living area that seamlessly connects with their interior living space. What’s more, the distinctive feature wall provides a focal point that can be enjoyed whether they’re using the outdoor entertaining area or gazing out from inside the home.

For more information

Whyte Gardens

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Faced with a tired, uninviting rear garden, the owners of this property in Melbourne’s inner city looked to Georgia Harper, a multi award-winning landscape designer and founder of Georgia Harper Landscape Design, to give their backyard a new lease on life.

“The clients had a reasonably sized garden for an inner-city property but it was not nice to be in or to look at from the large doors at the rear of the house. Also, the paving had sunk due to drainage issues so the time was right to make a change,” explains Georgia.

“The brief was to create a much more welcoming space that would look inviting, be easy to care for, and be practical in terms of daily use and entertaining. The clients also wanted spaces where there could be some separation and, most importantly, the garden had to feel timeless and only get better with age.”

Georgia’s design offers a modern take on a rural-inspired style. As she explains, “The owners’ brief to be classic and timeless lent itself to using natural materials, and this led to using drystone walls as one of the main elements of the garden.”

There are two main areas to this garden: a barbecue/dining space and a fixed lounge/daybed area. “By keeping their proportions just right we were able to allow enough distance between them to create distinct but complementary zones. The result is two generous areas that create a feeling of openness yet also function as inviting, private spaces,” says Georgia.

“Granite drystone walling is used sparingly in each of the areas to soften them visually, and to connect them to each other and the period weatherboard home,” she adds. “The very fine detail in the drystone work adds a richness and texture that feels luxurious and honest at the same time.”

The paving is of sawn bluestone. This was chosen as a natural complement to the house and the bluestone kerb and guttering in the streets surrounding the home. It’s also very forgiving in terms of daily use and contrasts well with the drystone walling accents.

“Radial Timber screening boards were chosen to help in breaking up the stone used throughout the garden, giving some warmth to the dining/barbecue area and also helping acoustically to absorb some sound,” says Georgia. “These were spaced to give glimpses of the hedging behind, and the roof of this area is topped with clear twin wall polycarbonate to allow light through but keep the rain out.”

When working out the planting palette, Georgia felt it important to retain as many of the existing plants as possible. “This included some ornamental pears and pittosporums, and a much-loved lemon tree. These were not in great condition but through a program of careful pruning and plant nutrition we were able to give them the TLC they needed to thrive,” she says.

“As the brief required a low-maintenance garden, we augmented these with drift plantings of Arthropodium cirratum, Mandevillea ‘Aloha Red’, Liriope muscari, Acmena smithii balls and Dichondra argenteum ‘Silver Falls’. These were chosen because they suit the semi-shaded aspect, are tough and work well to soften the built elements of the garden.”

As with all the most successful garden projects, this was a collaborative effort: between Georgia, Essendon Landscapes, the company charged with constructing the garden, and the happy homeowners. “The clients say redesigning the garden has increased their use of the space ten-fold,” says Georgia. “As their family has grown the separation of areas has been especially useful, with adults and teenagers able to have their own spaces but everyone still outdoors enjoying the comfy surroundings.”

For more information

Georgia Harper Landscape Design

Originally featured in Outdoor Design Issue 40

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Having bought an Edwardian home in Melbourne’s leafy Surrey Hills, the owners immediately embarked on a major renovation and extension program. Of course a stunning period home deserves a garden of equal splendour and the owners entrusted Erin Green from Natures Best Landscapes with the task of producing a sympathetic and timeless landscape.

“The clients wanted the garden to be well structured, formal and feature materials that would complement the home,” explains Erin. “The sound of running water outside the main bedroom was a must and as the front of the house faces east they wanted to be able to enjoy a morning coffee on the front verandah. For this reason, privacy from the street was important.”

A multi-level pond allowed Erin to bring the sound of bubbling water close to the bedroom windows. The feature boasts an elevated bluestone spillway that sends running water into a black-pebbled rill. The rill runs underneath the front path and the pebbles break the movement of water before it takes a one-metre drop over another stone spillway into a reflection pond.

Says Erin, “The water feature had to be designed precisely so it was balanced in the landscape. This is the wow factor of the entire design. It is viewed from multiple angles of the garden and also dictates how you move through the space, linking all areas together.”

Overcoming the many level changes was a major challenge. “We were dealing with a pedestrian gate entrance with a set footpath level, a set driveway level, and we had to work with the height of the front verandah and doorway,” explains Erin. “Retaining walls to the lower driveway side were constructed to create a level front yard along with steps from the driveway to the front path.”

The planting scheme is structured and formal. A Syzygium australe ‘Bush Christmas’ hedge frames the raised pond and is clipped underneath the water feature’s bullnose capping to create the illusion that the pond is floating. Pyrus calleryana ‘Capital’ frames the boundaries, adding height and allowing in the northern light in winter. Viburnum tinus screens the front fence and enhances privacy while Buxus hedges and clipped domes frame garden beds and the rill.

“The rear garden is a space where the family can relax or invite friends over for a barbecue, dip in the pool or cosy fireside chat,” says Erin. “The covered deck attached to the home makes indoor-outdoor living easy and features everything needed to cook, dine and relax in complete comfort, no matter what the season.”

Just a few steps away, an elevated deck with a vine-clad timber pergola, rustic fire pit and curved bench provides a space for intimate gatherings. For chilling out there is a spacious poolside lounge area. There is also a pool water feature, which adds the soothing sound of water in motion, and a formal planting scheme that provides a serene outlook from every angle.

Front and rear gardens bring great delight to the owners. The project also impressed the judges of the 2013 Victoria Landscape Awards, who bestowed two accolades: a Commended in both the Landscape Design under 150sqm and Feature in the Landscape categories.

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