“Hunter Landscape Design were entrusted to make the outside of the home as appealing as the interior – and the owners are delighted with the result. The whole effect is of an outdoor area which complements the striking home”. – New Homes article (West Australian Newspapers)
CONSULTATION
Jodi and Andy had entrusted Riverstone Customs Homes to build their new residence in Floreat. Permission was given for them to have a 6 metre setback from the street than the usual 9 metres, which gave them a larger backyard space. I chatted with Jodi and Andy about what they wanted and how they envisaged the backyard area to look and the smaller front garden. With four young boys they wanted to keep their boys amused. Jodi and Andy loved growing their own herbs and fruit trees, and they already had a bountiful supply of avocadoes courtesy of a neighbours large overhanging tree. They also wanted to be able to entertain and have some privacy from the neighbours. The front facade of the house was reminiscent of Georgian architecture but with a modern touch.
PROBLEMS
The rear of the garden featured two distinct levels.
One for the pool and alfresco area and the upper level which also required a pool fence.
Grass would be unable to be grown here as the glass from the pool fence would just magnify the heat on the southern side.
Citrus trees and herbs require a north facing aspect to thrive so their positioning would be crucial.
The formal Georgian style facade of the front of the house would not suit as random and mixed tropical planting as in the rear.
DESIGN SOLUTION
At the rear “Nigel asked us what we liked”, Jodi said. Those ideas included a pool, a ‘real grassed’ area for backyard cricket matches and a patch of artificial grass as a base for the trampoline.
The rear also included an outdoor entertaining area with large barbeque, extractor, sink and a bar fridge and was planted out with a variety of tropical plants to enhance the ‘holiday’ relaxation feel.
A succulent bed running the length of the glass pool fence was chosen to withstand sun magnified by the glass.
Steps in aggregate lead up to the elevated lawn and rendered planter boxes level and are flanked either side by two white frangipanis.
The southern boundary was planted with a citrus grove, underplanted with herbs to take advantage of the northern light.
At the front Jodi and Andy’s master bedroom has a north facing window so a deciduous frangipani was planted in front of this to allow the northern sun in winter.
Hedges of bay trees and sweet viburnum were included to mirror the formal lines of the architecture.
The garden features
A succulent bed of tree aloes, blue chalksticks and mother in laws tongue.
Three feature fangipani’s
Hedges of sweet viburnum, bay trees and Magnolia ‘Litle Gems’.
A citrus grove which includes a Lemon, Lime, Mandarin and Buddha’s Hand.
Herb garden
Three cycads
Tropical section includes a Golden Shower tree, Ti-trees, Wandering jew, Red Latan palm, European fan palm, spider lillies and Dracena marginatas.
Less common species include a giant Burmese Honeysuckle and a snail vine (which can grow up to 8 cm a day) and a Spear Lily which when mature throws an enormous flower on a 3-4 metre stem.
