For our Malvern clients, aesthetics and functionality were at the forefront of their design brief.
Unsurprisingly, a swimming pool was high on the priority list for the active family of four. An entertaining area and short-term parking options were also important, along with solutions on how best to disguise the house extension in the adjoining property. And as icing on the cake, our clients are avid plant lovers, so adding as much greenery as possible was a must.
Given the home’s heritage, our design team felt it vital to keep the front garden design traditional with an undercurrent of contemporary tones. Formal box hedges border a mix of modern perennials and grasses such as Iris germanica, Nepata (Catmint) and Berberis. Acer palmatum (Japanese maple trees) add height and depth to the façade, whilst the weeping maple cultivars help contribute to the spectacular seasonal colour changes.
Given the small size of the rear landscape and our client’s extensive wish list, our design team faced challenges in ensuring all garden elements would fit and work practically. Pool compliance had to be adhered to whilst making sure there was still sufficient room for movement around the grounds. We achieved a successful balance by ensuring that all garden design elements were to scale and not overdoing any one feature.
Fast-growing, dense Pyrus callyerana ‘Capital’ (Ornamental Pears) were used to shield the extension next door and, combined with Prunus lusitanica, worked on adding necessary privacy to this property. Clipped Buxus spheres were planted for the structural support they bring to a garden, and Liriope muscari and Persicaria affinis were planted for their striking aesthetic qualities.
Hardscape elements were dispersed amongst the planting to tie the garden design together. Bluestone was used for the paving, and Torquay pebbles added a much-needed textural element to the driveway, unexpectedly softening the overall look. The entertainment area is covered by a cleverly designed pergola that suits the style of the house whilst still having a contemporary freshness about it. This architectural feature is visually appealing and will serve as an additional barrier to the extension next door as greenery grows in years to come.
We are thrilled with the result and believe this Melbourne landscape design strikes the perfect balance between traditional and contemporary, greenery and hardscape and aesthetics and functionality.
