Our client’s were after a robust, fairly low-maintenance space to entertain friends and family. As camping enthusiasts,  a fire pit/fireplace was flagged as a necessary inclusion from the start.   They termed the overall look and feel of the garden they wanted to achieve as “Australian Cottage”.   We interpreted this to mean a relaxed multi layered and textured free flowing garden.  But without some of the maintenance required of a flowering or fruit-bearing cottage garden.

Utilising all available space, the bench seat which appears to float among the plants is positioned perfectly to catch the afternoon sun and beckons one into the garden. The curved bench detail combined with the feathery textures and mounded shapes of the planting contrast and soften the hardscaping elements in this project. The eclectic mix of plant varieties (although mainly coastal varieties to suit the home's geographical context) and the free-flowing nature of the garden bed combined with the crushed granite give a cottage-garden feel.

Grey and blue hues accent the garden and combined with styling elements such as cushions and planters,  create an overall ambience of tranquillity and calm.

Material & Plant Palette

• Limestone paving
• Cumaru screening and bench seat
• Crushed Granite
• Dulux Monument
• Olive Trees (Olea Europea)
• Blue Chalk Sticks (Senecio Serpens),
• Strobilanthes gossypinus ,
• Cotton Lavender (Santolina chamaecyparissus).

Photography: Natalie Hunfalvay