LEAF STORY
A range of colours and textures create a lush palette.
coast banksia and olive trees boosting the sanctuary-like feel. The tall greenery provides a visual link to the gum and palm trees in the rear lane, adding to the urban canopy and overall sense of space. Anna loves the sound of the trees and birds being so close.
The boundary plantings have been positioned in seemingly haphazard fashion to keep the overall look casual, while varied leaf textures generate an engaging green-on-green palette, enlivened by touches of silver foliage from helichrysum, olives and coast banksia. Native violets, Philodendron ‘Xanadu’, rhaphiolepis and jade plant populate the ground beneath the screening plants, further enhancing the textural contrasts and di ering heights of the greenery. There is scant bulk at mid-level in the plantings, which makes the garden feel roomy, understated and enticing. Sandstone pavers set into the lawn invite you to step o the deck and into the garden proper, where a pull-out clothesline and Betsy’s kennel are carefully concealed. The sandstone was salvaged from the original house foundations, and blocks of it also line the edge of the deck.
The tones are all very natural and muted, and the sandstone and timber form a lovely synergy. Adam designed the garden this way, to be low-drama and pared-back in keeping with the interior palette. “Adam translated our very basic gardening knowledge into something that not only looks fantastic, but works so well in so many ways,” says Anna. All in all, mission accomplished, complete with Betsy’s approval!
“With this size of area, you can make it look like a courtyard or a garden. This one feels like a garden” ADAM ROBINSON, LANDSCAPE DESIGNER