Designed by Jennie Dunlop, Dunlop Design

The setting

This project involved a generous front garden of 6 x 11m, accessed by a front gate entry, flowing rouind to a side garden of 14 x 11m.

The garden enjoys a full width northerly aspect due to the driveway and garaging being accessed from the rear of the house.

Prior to transformation

We purchased the 7yr old property with an established traditional floral garden.

The rear side garden, with cobblestones and trellis fencing, was being utilised as a service court.

A large pergola on the western side covered the lawn, fishpond and 50% of the northerly facing courtyard.

However, although practical it dominated the entire space and was visible from the street frontage.

Elements addressed

We wanted to demolish the pergola, cobblestone paving, trellis fencing, gates and planting – while retaining the fishpond, plastered block boundary and raised garden bed walls.

Our design intent was to replace the cobblestones with large format granite tiles and enlarge the lawn area with Tiger Turf.

A new seating area was to include a gas fireplace and a cantilevered umbrella, all surrounded by a Balinese-inspired Zen garden.

Challenges

The addition of a 7 X 2.1m house extension along the western side of the property had meant the boundary, retaining walls and garden to the left of the pond needed to be removed and reconfigured to retain access down the side of the property connecting to the driveway.

New underground services including drainage and electrical were installed from the driveway to the street.

Improving the arrival experience

A new cedar gate has been introduced, matching the existing fence height, while new LED strip lights and a secure entry with intercom system adds a practical and attractive sense of arrival.

In addition, the gas meter was repositioned to inside the front fence under a new secure stainless steel letterbox.

On entry, family and visitors are now greeted by a new garden formed on the common boundary – this incorporates a Buddha positioned between two fragrant Frangipani Trees, guiding visitors up to the front door.

As this area had no shelter between the gate and front door, being able to release the gate from indoors was a necessity.

Embracing the senses – key elements

Zones within the different areas – embracing senses of sight, sound, smell, and touch – create a welcoming and calming Zen like atmosphere.

Planting within the garden is predominately green with various textures and layering while splashes of colour are in orange and red.

The fragrance of the 25yr old frangipanis through summer greets visitors prior to entering.

Two mature giant Queen Palms stand guard either side of the pond adding grandeur within the modest space.

Oversized pots housing large Cycads, Aloes and Strelitzias are featured throughout.

Relax and unwind

Whether enjoying the cosy 4 X 4m seating area around the fire in winter or when relaxing under the umbrella in the summer listening to the native birds and the trickle of water, this outdoor space creates a calming, convivial setting to unwind in.

Plantings

Key plantings for the project included Frangipani Trees, Cycad, Camelia, Vireya, Strelitzia, Bromeliad, Ligularia, Zanadu, Radican and Mondo Grass.

Leading the eye

Introducing focal points that lead the eye through the garden was central to the design.

Sculpture, pots, ornaments, wall art, mirrors and screens – and the combination of these – highlight various areas, achieve layering, celebrate texture and create a sense of dimension and height variation.

Light fantastic

Lighting is a key element in any garden – nothing adds more to the atmosphere or mood than the glow of light.

And such was the case with this garden.

Feature plants and sculptures are highlighted with uplighting – such as each side of the fireplace and washing up the river pebble front face – while general spot lights are positioned throughout the garden and can be moved around once plants begin to mature.

Once the garden beds were designed, and prior to planting, I ran the necessary wiring / transformers and connected these back to the source.

The lights themselves were added once the planting was completed.

Irrigation – an essential consideration

Irrigation is something that is often overlooked in a garden design, however it is a good investment as it can be regulated throughout the year, assisting plants to flourish and so saving replacing plants which may have been under or over watered.

In addition, we added a rain sensor on top of the fence – ensuring the garden’s irrigation is not activated when not required.