Note: This garden was opened in 2018
The current owners of this property fell in love with the Federation style heritage home set within a large established garden with mature canopy trees.
‘Norman House’ was built between 1901-1910, designed by renowned architects Ussher and Kemp. Henry Kemp was the original owner of ‘Heald Lawn’, next door at No.5.
This historic property has been fully renovated, including a contemporary rear extension incorporating a large upper terrace and pool. This includes stunning specimens of red flowering Mandevilla.
The garden was constructed in 2013 by Jay Vee Landscaping Pty Ltd and is being maintained by Izabella Meraviglia-Crivelli of Essence Gardens.
The landscape design brief called for a garden that was respectful of the heritage nature of the property and the owner’s passion for plants, whilst accommodating a modern family lifestyle. The owners also desired a variety of outdoor spaces for their children to play in and explore.
This garden will appeal to traditional plant lovers and incorporates old favourites as well as some rare and unusual species not commonly seen or used in modern gardens.
Specimens of interest include: Professor Sargent Camellia (Camellia japonica ‘Professor Sargent’), Tree Gardenia (Gardenia thungergia), Hydrangea (Hydrangea aspera), White Luculia (Luculia grandiflora), Yellow Daphne (Daphne edgeworthia), Brazilian Plume Flower (Justicia carnea), Lemon Myrtle (Backhousea citriodora), Tree Peony (Paeonia suffruticosa) and the large leaved Puka (Meryta sinclairii), endemic to New Zealand.
Rare species include a specimen of Citharexylum racemosum with a distinctive square stem and an unusual form of Yellow Jasmine that is yet to be formally identified.
There are also several varieties of rose on display such as Rosa ‘Just Joey’, ‘Graeme Thomas’, ‘Heritage’ and ‘Pierre de Ronsard’.
Feature beds of Rosa ‘Just Joey’ and Rosa ‘Graeme Thomas’ within the driveway provide a welcoming splash of colour at the main entry gates. These beds surround a central ornamental pond, augmented with water lilies and native aquatic species.
The large front lawn includes a children’s playground, leading through to a separate garden room with an in-ground trampoline. A large garden pergola frames the rear garden and contemporary extension.
The garden will continue to develop layers with time as Izabella and the owners find new specimens to add to the beds. This is part of the beauty of this much loved garden.