Note: This garden was opened in 2016
With a palette of traditional elements like bluestone, recycled red bricks and high quality ironwork combined with layers of evergreen and perennial planting we created a defined and balanced entrance to this elegant 1930’s Toorak residence.
The design of the front walls and steps was challenging due to the many council height and retaining wall restrictions, which meant we had very limited depth to work with when considering the front garden layout.
As in all of our gardens, we always minimise paved surfaces in favour of lawn and large garden beds and where possible, we soften steps and wall with ground covers and climbing plants. In this case, given the amount of structural elements, we incorporated various layers of evergreen planting to screen the bricks walls and added strands of Parthenocissus tricuspidata to add texture and colour to the risers. The delicate ironwork covered in white Clematis almost disappears from view, only allowing a glimpse of the garden from the street while a central pond aligned to the stunning dark stained wooden front door enriches the space with the calming sound of trickling water.
The rear garden was designed four years before we commenced the concept for the front area and entry steps. It was conceived to work around the existing pool area to provide a flowing outdoor extension to the kitchen and living room. The lovely curved pergola frame comes to life in spring and summer with white flowering Wisteria creating an intimate and harmonious outdoor dining and cooking area. The small space is also complemented by a feature pond and wall relief, two simple formal elements blending seamlessly with the hedged surroundings.