This huge corner verge could have been a rather daunting project due to its enormity, but I saw its potential as becoming an eye-catching feature verge for all the locals to enjoy – something it has lived up to throughout its construction and installation phase already, as many passers-by exclaimed their delight in the progress.

Rusted steel edging retains the soil along the new curvy red compacted gravel pathway which meanders through the one side of the verge planting. The warm colours and variety of grey foliage in this garden really stand out in front of the tall rusty boundary block wall, which are accentuated by the addition of the gravel & rusted steel elements.

The lay of the land on the corner of the verge allowed me to shape a dry river bed which flows from the top of the hill, ending in a pond where a railway sleeper bridge allows crossing over this lower section. Bluestone stepping pavers create informal access through the garden beds and over the river.

On the far side of the verge an oversized feature boulder attracts attention and can double as a bench seat. For continuity a few additional rocks were added to the existing rocks which were left intact to retain the soil on the sloping embankment.

Rambling groundcovers and grasses soften the edges of the well placed larger rocks which were brought in to create the structure of the riverbed. Carefully selected native trees, shrubs, grasses and groundcovers were chosen to stabilise the embankment and create a show stopping display. Only a tiny handful of non-natives join the mix, mostly in shady positions or to add additional flower colour in the mostly white, red and yellow/orange colour scheme. A Dragon Tree placed into a raised circular rusted steel garden bed creates a much needed architectural feature at the front entrance.

Attention to detail and repetition of colour, plants and materials throughout the large space, ensures this verge will continue to have an impact as it matures.