Anson Smart
After the owners had completed an architect-designed extension on their 1940s home on Sydney’s North Shore, they knew the garden needed to follow suit.
“Because the site had been a construction zone, it was a wasteland of rubble and weeds, and the uneven levels in the rear garden made walking around a challenge,” says landscape architect Sophie Greive of Think Outside Gardens, who was engaged to renovate the space.
A Japanese maple (Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’) is a welcoming feature at the front of the home.
The owners wanted both front and back gardens redesigned, but contrasting facades called for separate briefs.
A “traditional, pretty landscape with seasonal flowering interest” was the plan for the 1940s frontage; with “a low-maintenance design with a balance of hard surfaces and greenery” for the modern pavilion at the rear.
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Having plenty of areas for their children to play was crucial, as was screening neighbouring houses.
An informal path of sandstone flagging surrounded by dichondra winds its way around the alfresco area linking it to the rear of the garage.
At the rear, Sophie echoed the clean lines and contemporary materials of the extension in her hardscaping choices. An expanse of large-format porcelain tiles flows from the pavilion through to a terrace, accentuating the design and connecting it to the landscape.
The planting palette is modern to match, with plenty of contrasting heights, textures, and shapes to provide interest. A sweet viburnum hedge lines the perimeter, mingling with Teddy Bear magnolia, rhapis palms, and clumps of dwarf cardamon.
The silvery tones of Persian shield (Strobilanthes gossypinus) combine with the rich burgundy tones of the Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’).
Sweet viburnum is clipped into a hedge to give the garden a neat border.
The beds next to the pavilion are filled with Chinese fringe flower (Loropetalum ‘Plum Gorgeous’), Persian shield (Strobilanthes gossypinus) and Magnolia ‘Teddy Bear’.
In the centre of the garden, an existing trio of kentia palms (Howea fosteriana) were retained for “scale and softness” and are bordered by a low hedge of Japanese box.
To resolve the site’s level changes, Sophie looked to the house for inspiration.
“The rear of the home steps down the sloping block, so the garden was designed in the same way,” she says.
A dwarf lilly pilly (Acmena sp.) intermingles with dwarf cardamom.
A lawn ‘ramp’ neatly resolves the challenges of a sloping site, provides easy access to the lower lawn and encourages children to engage in active play.
To navigate between the patio and lower expanse of lawn, Sophie installed broad stairs to one side and a gentle ‘lawn ramp’ for access on the opposite side. This allows the children to easily play between the two spaces but also strikes a good balance of greenery and hardscaping.
At the front of the property, Sir Walter Buffalo lawn is framed by a low hedge of Japanese box.
“This mirrors the planting in the rear garden and helps to create a sense of cohesiveness throughout the property,” says Sophie.
Large, wide steps flow into the lawn.
Landscape architect Sophie Greive from Think Outside Gardens devised a contemporary garden design to match the recent extension to the rear of the home. Clean lines coupled with a simple but interesting plant palette allow the architecture to shine.
(Credit: Photographer: Anson Smart)Seasonal colour is delivered via Camellia ‘Early Pearly’, Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Springtime’, and sprinklings of Salvia ‘Santa Barbara’ and purple mist plant (Eupatorium megalophyllum).
“This more traditional planting suits the heritage architecture at the front of the house,” says Sophie.
Purple mist flower (Eupatorium megalophyllum) offers seasonal interest.
Salvia ‘Santa Barbara’ dances underneath the Japanese maple.
The owners are absolutely delighted with the outcome.
“There’s a lot to love about this garden,” says the owner. “It’s visually interesting, with eye-catching elements at every level, plenty of space for child’s play, but above all, it’s relaxing.”
Think Outside Gardens, Paddington, NSW; 1300 460 690 or thinkoutsidegardens.com.au
Written by Tammy Huynh.
Feature plants
Groundcovers
- Dichondra repens
Shrubs & perennials
Japanese box
Persian shield (Strobilanthes gossypinus)
Sweet viburnum (Viburnum Odoratissima)
Dwarf cardamom (Alpinia nutans)
Mexican sage (Salvia leucantha ‘Santa Barbara’)
Purple mist flower (Eupatorium megalophyllum)
Rhaphiolepis ‘Springtime’
Trees
Kentia palm (Howea fosteriana)
