HALE AND HARDY

Plants on the roof of the pool pavilion (right) were chosen to withstand the harsh coastal conditions including full sun and strong onshore winds. Included in this mix is rosemary, Crassula ovata ‘Blue Bird’, Agave desmettiana and ornamental grasses. “We love installing roof gardens,” says Matt. “Most properties have a roof that could be converted to a garden space and it makes such a difference to the general greenscape.” Rosemary is a personal favourite plant of Matt’s:

“It’s a gorgeous plant. It can be trimmed and sculpted or it can be trained to cascade over the edge and look really soft.”

COASTAL FRINGE

A kentia palm is underplanted with Zoysia tenuifolia, a lush, mounding grass. On the far side of the stairs is Senecio serpens, Crassula ovata ‘Blue Bird’, Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’ and native ginger

( Alpinia nutans).

ON THE LEVELS

“We ended up with only a 2m difference between the upper and lower levels, which was a fantastic outcome given the constraints of the site,” Matt says. “We also split the levels so that the transition between them is enjoyable.”

MATERIAL MEDLEY

The stairs and pavilion floor are paved in soft grey Miramah limestone pavers, teamed with textured Wamberal Freeform natural stone cladding on the retaining walls (both from Eco Outdoor). The rendered walls are painted Dulux Monument.

SUNNY OUTLOOK

The silver-toned licorice plant ( Helichrysum petiolare) has amazingly soft, felted foliage yet it is incredibly hardy. “It can be sculpted to whatever shape you desire, and works in small or large spaces,” says Matt.

MULTI FOCUS

“The garden was previously a space the residents couldn’t use at all; now the whole family uses it together,” says Matt. “From swimming, to entertaining, it’s now a multifunctional space.”