This is Living!

This reimagined landscape blends the relaxed vibe of coastal Victoria with the resort feel of Palm Springs

Victorian Landscape Industry Awards Winner

Styles come and go but the Palm Springs Mid-Century Modern aesthetic continues to hold us in its thrall. This homage to Palm Springs style was created for Sun Baker House in the coastal community of Ocean Grove on Victoria’s Bellarine Peninsula.

“Our clients were ready to give their front and rear gardens a complete refresh. They wanted something refined but relaxed; a mix of Palm Springs style with a modern coastal vibe. To bring it all together, they teamed up with Heath Blair of Plume Studio, who came up with a stunning design that we had the pleasure of building,” says Daniel Knight, director of Knight Landscapes.

“From day one, the brief was simple but integral to the success of the project: stay true to the landscape architect’s vision and deliver it with top-quality finishes, precise attention to detail, and craftsmanship that would stand the test of time.”

In the rear garden, Daniel and his team fashioned three main entertaining zones: a pool area, a fireplace area, and the main deck off the rear of the house.

“The pool zone features a large aloe tree and generous paved surrounds where you can lounge around while the kids are in the pool,” says Daniel. “The surrounds are paved in dry-pressed red bricks as is the elevated terrace that overlooks the pool.

“The fireplace area has an allure of its own, with its in-situ burnished concrete bench, Castlemaine slate paving, and grand stucco chimney that references the stucco pool and retaining walls. Then there’s the greyed-off spotted gum deck that draws you outside and is ideal for entertaining.

“Mature palms were placed throughout for instant impact and to evoke that tropical Palm Springs feel. We also planted mature tree ferns, philodendron and grasses with underplantings of dichondra.”

“The rear garden now strikes the right balance. It’s stunning to look at but practical, working just as smoothly for a lively weekend entertaining friends as it does for a peaceful evening outdoors with the family.”

In the front garden, the transformation was just as complete, from the Castlemaine slate stepper paths and marble-tiled front entry to the lush lawn and soft plantings.

“Bringing this design to life was a labour of love, with our small team on-site for about eight months. From the placement of each plant to the construction of the brick outdoor shower and wood-burning fireplace, no detail was overlooked. Also, every material, surface, and finish was chosen not just to look good, but to last.”

Sun Baker House, winner of the 2025 Victoria Landscape Industry Awards’ Residential Landscape Construction Over $300,000 category, now boasts outdoor spaces as impressive as the home itself. Says Daniel: “They capture that timeless Palm Springs feel and the relaxed, coastal Bellarine vibe — now this is living!”