Spaces to dwell, entertain or retreat to with Anthony Wyer

Written by

03 June 2023

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3 min read

The philosophy that good design should be lived in thoroughly is what led Anthony Wyer to launch his landscape design practice, Wyer & Co.

Whether transforming a barren six-hectare estate into a secluded oasis near Wanaka, New Zealand or creating lush tropical rooftop gardens along the shores of Sydney Harbour, Anthony Wyer’s honest approach results in innovative solutions tailored to the resident's needs.

“Knowing horticulture and ecologies is just as important as understanding the unique aspirations and personalities of the people who’ll live or work in the space,” says Anthony Wyer, Landscape Designer and Founder of Wyer & Co. “A well-designed garden should have a sense of balance and sit comfortably in its environment. More and more, I find this is possible with an organic approach and layers of planting for textural interest, mixing plant types to add botanical drama and knowing when to be bold and break the rules.”

Anthony Wyer, Founder and Creative Director of Wyer & Co.

Establishing Wyer & Co

Anthony’s interest in gardening started in his backyard. “My mum was an avid gardener and still is today,” says Anthony. “Our garden was a mixture of cuttings borrowed from unsuspecting neighbours and plants given to her by family and friends.”

Anthony started in structural landscaping as an apprentice before working for Sydney-based landscape designer William Dangar. “The turning point came in my early twenties when I had the good fortune of working for Will,” says Anthony. “He is passionate about his work and committed to good design, which is essential for success.”

In 2005, Anthony founded Wyer & Co, as a sole trader. Since then, the business has grown to house a team of landscape architects and designers, horticulturalists and construction specialists who create, construct and maintain landscapes across Sydney.

Anthony describes his latest project, Roccia, as his most challenging to date. “The project was challenging in terms of scale, access and programming,” says Anthony. “But with this came great creative freedom.”

Pockets of interesting plantings can be found in the rockery surrounding the home.

Inside, textured spheres of Buxus mingle with other low- and mid-level shrubs in curved planter beds.

Enhanced privacy creates an oasis-like atmosphere while complementing the existing rockery and expansive Harbour views.

At the entrance, a wall of trailing Beaumont grandiflora creates instant privacy from the street while two Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm) and a single Plumeria (Frangipani) set the tone for a tropical-like paradise.

For privacy by the pool, a new planter box has been constructed. It features mass plantings of Strelitzia nicolai (Bird of Paradise) underplanted with Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ and Convolvulus mauritanicus.

Behind the Roccia project

After working creatively with the client and homeowner for many years, Anthony was invited to design a lush and lavish garden that would respond to the home and its environment.

Today, a wall of trailing Beaumont grandiflora at the home’s entrance creates instant privacy from the street, while two Chamaerops humilis (European Fan Palm) and a single Plumeria (Frangipani) set the tone for the tropical-like paradise that awaits beyond.

For privacy by the pool, Anthony constructed a new planter box featuring mass plantings of Strelitzia nicolai (Bird of Paradise) underplanted with Lomandra longifolia ‘Tanika’ and Convolvulus mauritanicus. Bush-hammered sandstone flagging was added to external surfaces, which complement the house and garden. At the rear, in an area receiving low light, Anthony created a rainforest garden rich in foliage and dense low-level plantings.

With towering palm trees adding a touch of Hollywood charm, the result is transformative. Enhanced privacy creates an oasis-like atmosphere while complementing the existing rockery and expansive Harbour views.

“The client put enormous trust in me to design and deliver an established garden within a tight timeframe. I enjoyed the freedom this brought—an almost freestyle approach. It’s satisfying to see it complete,” says Anthony.

Towering palm trees add a touch of Hollywood charm create an oasis-like atmosphere in this Sydney garden.

Now embedded in the hill, the home’s lush landscaping is central to its success with towering palm trees and a mix of native and exotic plants creating a sanctuary-like environment for its inhabitants.

See more of Anthony’s work at Wyer & Co.

Words by Casey Arden.

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