Nice work everyone. I'm always torn with the use of water in the landscape. I think labeling it natural looking or man made gets us in trouble. Its all about the design and placement of each element. That's the first step in pulling it off. There is balance and symmetry to this feature that suggests man made. The surrounding architecture and space available demands that. As you show us the look of a more natural feature is with the materials. Labeling it man made or natural is only a debate that takes away from a job well done. Very Cool!!! Craig

We have a large frangipani tree that needs to be moved due to the e tension but my concern with relocating the frangipani tree there would be the lack of sunlight. Another idea was to scrap the feature tree & replace it with a fern tree & make it lush with shade loving plants. Attached is another pic with a different design idea. Thoughts ?..

Why not keep it simple & have a nice sculpture or ornamental pot surrounded by ground covers You could add some large round rocks surrounded by ground covers like star jasmine, black & green dwarf mondo grass, lomandra, native violet etc & a low wide bowl type water feature & maybe just one architectural feature plant rather than a climber. Pony tail palms are very hardy & not every one's cup of tea but they store water in their bulb and are interesting plants that look after themselves. If it is dry then you will need to choose plants accordingly and to suit your house style and you would need to watch out for invasive roots or have 2 or 3 plants in large pots half buried in the slope that can be watered & leave the rest as ground covers.

Hi liisabb, I have drawn up my thoughts from my original post. In your original post, you have said you would preferably like the island in the same orientation as plan posted. With my thoughts the island will change. Looking at kitchen on left hand wall, I suggest a full enclosed appliance cupboard, pantry, storage area. With sliding doors, as per photo. If you must hide your dirty dishes, put them in there and close the doors. I have put the dish washer in the island, with easy access to those dirty dishes. Back wall is a window splash back with sink and cook top. Left hand wall is wall oven more storage and fridge. With door to laundry as per your revised plan. This kitchen gives you plenty of bench space, place to put and use appliances, hide dirty dishes, easy access to dishwasher as per your original brief. The reason for open plan is to be part of your gatherings. In my opinion I would not like to be stuck in a butlers pantry/scullery preparing meals, when my friends are in my kitchen. Thanks.