Warm Welcome

By cleverly terracing the steeply sloping site to craft a series of leafy outdoor living spaces, this garden is forever inviting

MLSA Awards of Excellence Winner

A considered multi-level design has transformed this steeply sloping site into a series of flourishing garden terraces where the owners can simply pause and reflect, unwind at the end of a busy day, or entertain family and friends.

Alison Gardiner Designs developed the design concept, passing the baton on to Malcolm Berce, director of Desert Flower Landscaping, to turn dream into reality.

“Our role was to build a modern garden with clean lines, well-defined zones, and a welcoming feel. Both flowing and structured plants were to be included; also, a mix of high-quality natural materials for longevity and visual impact,” says Malcom. “The large fire pit area in the back garden exemplifies the confident blending of materials and with its amphitheatre feel entices people to gather when the temperature drops.

“The crazy-paved, organic-shaped pad in the front garden is another space to seek warmth and companionship. It features a chiminea, seating, a huge bird bath set atop an existing stringy bark gum tree stump, and a pleasing view over the city and sea.”

A great deal of thought was given to the selection of materials. The crazy paving is Grecian Splitstone; bluestone steppers lead the way through paths of compacted Yankomite quartz sand; sandstone walling was used for retaining, seating, and various feature elements; and Corten steel edging was used to contain garden beds.

“The property is in a fire-risk area so solid spotted gum timber was chosen for the vast amount of decking needed to integrate the existing stairs into the new sets of stairs, ramps, and seating spaces. The same timber was used for the steps out front that lead down to the fire pit,” says Malcolm.

For contrast and a modern touch, the massive curved retaining wall was built used honed, slimline white bricks. This brick walling also zig zags in and out around the crazy-paving pads and timber stairs.

With sustainability very firmly in mind, drought-tolerant native plants were prioritised for this project in the foothills of Adelaide; in particular, those that attract birds, butterflies, and other wildlife. Edibles were interwoven with the native plants; rainwater tanks were installed; and materials were locally-sourced where possible.

The significant slope posed a plethora of challenges, from the sheer amount of labour needed to get materials down to the very bottom of the block to water management. The build was completed through both dry and wet seasons, so the team had to direct water down the slope in different ways during the various stages of the work.

The highly skilled team’s effort and expertise was duly recognised in the 2025 MLSA Awards of Excellence, with Desert Flower Landscaping winning three honours: Residential Construction Exceeding $500,000, Best Use of Green-Life, and the coveted Judges’ Choice Award.

“We’d like to thank Alison Gardiner for her amazing design and planting plan, and for working closely with us through the various changes made during construction,” says Malcom. “We also give thanks to the clients who were incredible to work with.”