Natural fit
Simple materials and thoughtful plant choices create a relaxed beauty that runs right through this beachside garden in Sydney
The process of transforming a bare corner block into this relaxed, beachy garden had special significance for landscape designer Michael Cooke. The homeowner, architect Matthew Woodward, had bought the property on Sydney’s northern beaches and it was his first home. “I’ve known Matthew for a very long time,” says Michael. “He grew up with a garden I designed for his dad. He has a great eye and it was just such a pleasure to collaborate with him in creating a garden that would be in keeping with his own house.”
With a fairly blank slate to work with, Michael set about improving the usability and functionality of the garden: boosting the house’s street appeal; enhancing the private, sunken deck at
the side of the house; and transforming the rear garden into a relaxed and welcoming spot that Matthew and his wife Gabriella could enjoy with their friends and young family.
“We like to call it Maiya’s garden, because the work was happening when our daughter was born,” says Matthew.
The native street trees at the front of the house are now complemented by a selection of low, textural plants that greet visitors to the home. White pebbles and new off-form concrete steps neaten and update the facade and, though the concrete driveway original to the house remains, it is concealed from view by white breeze blocks that add privacy and character.
“Our goal here was to smarten up the front while keeping things in step with the humble fibro home,” says Michael.
On the north-facing side of the house, a vegetable garden makes the most of the abundant sunlight and leads to a metal gate that opens into a pergola-covered outdoor dining area designed by Matthew. A fast-growing, variegated Honolulu lily (Solandra maxima ‘Variegata’) will eventually cover the steeland-timber beams with its generous, glossy foliage. Sunken for privacy from the street, this spot has been transformed with striking off-form concrete walls topped with the same painted breeze blocks that are used out the front. “The breeze blocks create privacy, but ensure the space doesn’t feel too enclosed,” says Michael. “They suit the house perfectly – they look cool, but not so cool as to be out of context with the house.” The outdoor dining area is also defined by its spotted-gum decking, simple table-and-bench seating and an outdoor shower that’s used after beach visits. “It’s also pretty spectacular to shower out there in mid-winter under the night sky,” says Matthew.
Generous slabs of off-form concrete visually and physically link the outdoor dining area to the backyard. “Concrete works because it’s a low-key material that looks current but goes well with an older house,” adds Michael. Tucked behind the concrete retaining walls, a variety of plants – from wispy Zebra grass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’) to colourfully flowered heliotropes
“The deck was sunken to the street to create a private, sun-drenched oasis off the side of the house while also enabling a good flow from front to rear”
Parthenocissus tricuspidata, Heliotropium arborescens, Miscanthus sinensis ‘Zebrinus’ and Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’.