The residents of this property love the outdoors and wanted their backyard to feel like natural bushland. The property was already framed by an impressive rock wall, a reminder of the area’s former life as a quarry while three established eucalypts, carefully maintained by a qualified arborist, provide a strong focal point within the garden.
Gravel paths were chosen to support the naturalistic aesthetic. The fire pit area was positioned as far from the alfresco space as possible, creating a sense of destination and adding depth to the garden. Boulders and rough-sawn stone steppers were incorporated to echo the existing rock wall and gently draw you into the space.
Native grasses and strappy plants have been used throughout to create movement and a wild, bushland feel. Flowering shrubs were selected to attract birdlife, with a birdbath placed close to the living room window for enjoyment from inside the home.
A conscious decision was made not to include lawn. Prior to the landscaping works, the existing lawn was not thriving and appeared lacklustre. It also did not align with the bushland aesthetic we were seeking to create.
This garden is only one year old. Over time, the shrubs will grow to partially obscure the fire pit area, enhancing the sense of depth and discovery. The shrubs will provide a variety of heights and forms, avoiding formality and reinforcing the relaxed, natural character of the garden.