Taking inspiration from the agrarian site and a rustic architectural vernacular this terraced hillside garden evolved in response to time and place. The design vision was to celebrate the site, preserve the oak trees, accentuate views and create opportunities for modern day recreation and play. Michele Lee Willson Phototgraphy

Mona Vale

Joanne Green Landscape & Interior

Entertaining is truly important to this family so, after downsizing their home, they wanted to maximise their new outdoor space to allow for visiting families, and complement it with a minimalist garden that matched their new location. There was also the extra challenge of finding a set of plants that would thrive in the sandy soils and salty winds. To begin with, we excavated the site to achieve the right levels and centred the garden around a beautiful granite water feature, framed with Australian hardwood benching, timeless granite paving and charcoal pebbles. The garden was built to reflect the coastal location, using a mixture of Treasure Flower, Mat Rush, NZ Christmas Bush, Grass Trees, Coastal Rosemary and the Purple-Leafed Sticky Hop Bush – with stainless steel light fittings providing a subtle, modern contrast. The end result was a natural courtyard dominated by earthy, coastal tones complemented with crisp modern finishes – and a set of plants that would thrive in the surrounds.

Bush Block Play Ground

Carmel Malone Landscape Design

this large block next to the residence was an unused space. The bike track begins at the rear of the main garden, crosses the seasonal creek to the multi use play area where the bikes can be parked. Grab a drink from the water bubbler after shooting some hoops or climbing on the equipment. Grab you bike and continue on the loop to the flying fox, over another bridge around a tight bend to the fire pit nestled half way down the embankment. The bike track forms a continuous loop with places to explore throughout the journey. Large boulders through the creek provide pedestrian access directly from the firepit to the play ground. The planting plan takes you through different zones of indigenous planting adding to the diversity of the area.

Balgowlah Heights

Joanne Green Landscape & Interior

This project had two required outcomes; develop a bolder garden presence in both the front and back garden, while creating a unique area in the backyard for teenage boys to entertain in. The backyard was a very rocky site which included a bald, exposed rock and multiple levels, but which had an innate native feel - so this was built upon by planting a number of beautiful Australian species, such as Bracelet Honey Myrtle, Kangaroo Paw, Mat Rush, selected succulents, Coastal Rosemary, Japanese Box topiaries, Sweet Viburnum, Bird-of-Paradise, Box and Keteleeri Juniper. To carry the native feel throughout the entire redevelopment, the backyard construction included feature sandstone walling, timber bollards to support lighting and sandstone steps with decomposed granite. To ensure the area fulfilled its entertainment goal, a fire pit was created with timber seating surrounds and a new BBQ enclosure installed, complete with lighting and a gas BBQ for year-round functionality. The exposed rock was turned into a unique feature piece and the garden was punctuated with sculptures, tallowwood posts, sawn sandstone, castlight fittings and terrazzo pots to imbue a modern bent. This feel was carried throughout the front yard where new feature walling, pots and lighting complemented the same plant varieties. The end result is a bold modern garden which boasts year-round entertainment functionality and can be enjoyed by all ages.

Australian Native Outdoor Sport Court Design Ideas

Get Inspired by Gardens on Houzz

A lot of the time when you get home from a long day at work, all you want to do is wind down. Where better to do this than in your very own garden at home? If you do it right, a great garden design can send you right into holiday mode. But where to start? There’s so many styles to choose from when it comes to garden design. Whether you want to create a tropical, modern, contemporary, beach style or country garden - or something else entirely - the large garden image gallery on Houzz has got you covered. Get inspired and collect your ideas to narrow down your desired garden style and features.

How to Create a Garden for Your Home

Depending on which style you’re going for, be sure to know what makes a garden and if it’s appropriate for your climate. You may want to consider adding a deck or other landscaping features, but the plants you choose will mostly dictate your style and what kind of ongoing maintenance is required. Don’t worry if your backyard isn’t very spacious - there are many plants that can thrive even in a small space and allow you to turn your space into a little paradise of your own, regardless of size.

Decide which plants to use

The greenery you choose is critical to your look. For example, if you’re trying to create a tropical garden palm trees and bamboo are your go-to options. Other popular options are golden cane palm trees and fern for ground cover. From there you can add some colour with bright flowers like frangipani, hibiscus or bromeliads. All these are actually quite hardy plants, so once established, your tropical garden is actually quite easy to maintain. Use this structure and apply it to your style. Research which plants you need to set your base for a garden and go from there.

Add some decor

If the plants don’t quite do it for you yet, or if you want to add some extra wow-factor, consider adding some extra features. Even if you can’t accommodate a swimming pool, hot tub or pond, you could look at smaller water features. Simple rocks can also have a great effect, while statues and gnomes will add some extra character. Don’t forget to add some furniture so you have a nice place to sit and enjoy your garden!

Need some help?

Once you know what you want your garden to look like, it may be hard to make it a reality on your own. If that is the case for you, consider consulting a professional to help you with your garden design. Every photo you find on Houzz will lead you to the local pro that did the job, so you won’t have a problem picking the perfect person to help! Whether you need a gardener in Brisbane, a landscape architect in Melbourne or a fireplace installer in Sydney, you can be sure to find one on Houzz.