Steve Greenway, Rye

Designed and built by Project Green Design, this garden is a considered retreat shaped by the character of its coastal setting. The brief was to create a landscape sympathetic to the indigenous environment—one that would sit naturally beneath the existing canopy of Moonah and Tea Tree, while offering meaningful habitat for local birds, insects and wildlife.
Indigenous and Australian native species were selected for their resilience, texture and connection to place. Banksias provide sculptural structure and seasonal food for birds, while drifts of native grasses, Poa and Lepidosperma create movement and softness through the garden. Westringia and Atriplex add layered foliage, form and muted coastal colour, resulting in a planting palette that feels both refined and wonderfully untamed.
Natural, locally sourced granite rocks were used to anchor the garden within its landscape, complemented by reclaimed railway sleepers that bring warmth, history and a sense of permanence. These honest, recycled materials balance the planting and create practical, informal spaces to pause and explore.
At a time when native landscapes are increasingly diminished, this garden was envisioned as a private sanctuary: a place to slow down, reconnect with nature and step away from the pressures of daily life. As the garden matures, it will become ever more immersive—an enduring refuge that supports biodiversity while celebrating the beauty of the local landscape.