A Coastal Garden Sanctuary
A dull lawn and an unused fenced off exposed aggregate area restricted flow and divided the already small back garden into two. The design brief was simple – to remove the lawn, add access & a small raised deck – all whilst not removing the existing poured aggregate.
The design elements - CONTRAST, COLOUR & CONTINUITY – were implemented well within this small space with the use of similar products in different colours. The existing rusted screens were to remain – these have been repositioned into a vertical position. Weathered steel edging was used to create curved elevated sections which were filled with dark basalt gravel for contrast against lighter Summerstone which was used to cover the majority of the new planted garden to lower maintenance. Light coloured Travertine pavers meandering from the pool edge through the Summerstone gravel, enhanced by the addition of large Riverstones amongst the plants, ensured a coastal style was achieved.
The raised deck adds dimension due to its height variation within the space. The low maintenance deck will weather and grey off over time which will further ensure a relaxed feel together with informal seating options. .
Well-chosen minimal plant material was crucial to the design outcome. The existing planters had citrus trees planted in them, which allowed the natural integration of an edible garden, which was high on the clients wish list. Large timber planters were custom made, stained and painted to achieve a dedicated area for edibles to be planted to one side of the decked area. Wine barrel planters add to the relaxed informal space.
A selection of trough planters and a grouping of round styled pots are planted with interesting foliage plants. A large low bowl filled with succulents was to become the feature planting and blends in perfectly with additional succulents planted within the gravel/stone area.
Repetitive planting in such a small space with so many elements achieves a cohesive result. Grey foliage has been added repetitively, for example Dichondra Silver Falls planted within the raised garden bed as well as softening the edges of the custom made veggie planters in the edible section of the garden and those of the taller trough.
This interactive and practical design approach has ensured that the young family has spent much more time in this revamped outdoor space.
The design elements - CONTRAST, COLOUR & CONTINUITY – were implemented well within this small space with the use of similar products in different colours. The existing rusted screens were to remain – these have been repositioned into a vertical position. Weathered steel edging was used to create curved elevated sections which were filled with dark basalt gravel for contrast against lighter Summerstone which was used to cover the majority of the new planted garden to lower maintenance. Light coloured Travertine pavers meandering from the pool edge through the Summerstone gravel, enhanced by the addition of large Riverstones amongst the plants, ensured a coastal style was achieved.
The raised deck adds dimension due to its height variation within the space. The low maintenance deck will weather and grey off over time which will further ensure a relaxed feel together with informal seating options. .
Well-chosen minimal plant material was crucial to the design outcome. The existing planters had citrus trees planted in them, which allowed the natural integration of an edible garden, which was high on the clients wish list. Large timber planters were custom made, stained and painted to achieve a dedicated area for edibles to be planted to one side of the decked area. Wine barrel planters add to the relaxed informal space.
A selection of trough planters and a grouping of round styled pots are planted with interesting foliage plants. A large low bowl filled with succulents was to become the feature planting and blends in perfectly with additional succulents planted within the gravel/stone area.
Repetitive planting in such a small space with so many elements achieves a cohesive result. Grey foliage has been added repetitively, for example Dichondra Silver Falls planted within the raised garden bed as well as softening the edges of the custom made veggie planters in the edible section of the garden and those of the taller trough.
This interactive and practical design approach has ensured that the young family has spent much more time in this revamped outdoor space.
Project Year: 2019
Project Cost: $7,501 AUD - $10,000 AUD
Country: Australia
Postcode: 6020
