According to director and designer of Landart Landscapes Matt Leacy, the owners of the 1950s beachside home were after, “a garden design that stayed true to the architecture, but with a modern twist.”
“They wanted to create entertaining areas that would allow guests to circulate,” he explains.
The slatted roof over the front pergola sends slender shadow lines onto the seating area, creating a wonderful graphic pattern. The stone wall is made from limestone cladding, Newport Random Ashlar from Eco Outdoor. The timber is tallowwood, an Australian hardwood that will turn silvery-grey over time. Matt has installed uplights to send shafts of light up the rock face at night.
Creating a practical solution
In order to fulfill the brief, Matt transformed the 750m2 site into an enticing entertainer’s garden.
The front and rear gardens now have relaxed seating zones and focal points, all linked by a materials palette of timber and travertine paving as well as a range of attractive and hardy plants.
The lines of travertine paving at the side of the house have a strong visual and gravitational effect, directing guests. “They lead guests down the side of the house to the rear of the property,” says Matt. “They connect all the areas.”
Staying true to laid-back coastal style
“The garden is influenced by the architecture and the house is enhanced by this new landscape. We’ve created something unique and true to the property,” says Matt.
An outdoor shower in the rear garden, made from tallowwood with a copper rose.
Coatsal route
Matt’s expert tips for a successful coastal garden:
Coastal soils are usually sandy so invest in a good irrigation system. Condition the soil with organic matter and build up the humus in the soil. A good solid layer of mulch can also help with water retention
Create a windbreak using plants or artificial structures to protect seating areas against coastal winds.
A good evergreen hedge used as a windbreak can provide protection to the more sensitive plants.
Plant selection is crucial. Choose plants that can withstand salty and windy conditions. Some proven hardy performers that work well together are: carpobrotus, crassula ‘blue bird’ and many other succulents, westringia fruticosa, aloe barberae, banksia, casuarina glauca ‘cousin it’ and ornamental grasses.
