My client found themselves with a front garden that offered very little visual and physical space to enjoy due to its high impacting rendered walling caused by existing in-ground rock outcrops. We were asked to reduce the impact of this wall, both physically and visually, by changing it in such a way that it still performs its main function of retaining, but become a centre piece of the garden. We were also to introduce specimen plantings to give the levels impact and vertical accents. Also the client wanted to be able to enter the garden via the top gate and then stop and absorb what lay before them. Finally it was important that, whilst walking down to the front door, the plethora of visual charm eliminated the current, obvious strong level changes

The design style of the front garden needed to blend totally with the existing home. It was a front garden behaving like a back garden due to it’s use and layout. The space needed to be of a clean, crisp-lined design offering fun, outdoor entertainment and relaxation. An entertainer’s garden which was able to absorb the enjoyment needed by the children.

The front garden wall is flanked by formed Syzygium plantings acting like sentries, either side of the entrance gate, protected by a canopy up-lit by subtle lighting, creating shadowing. As the automatic door slowly swings open it starts to release what lays beyond. The Magnolia Grandiflora stands proud fleetingly stopping you from seeing beyond but giving you enough to cause reaction. Seeing the steps which allow you to transcend into the heart of the garden, you hear calls of greetings from the members of the party. It is quickly apparent you are descending into a space which just transfixes your eyes. One eye on the steps and the other on the magnitude of the structures before you, reaching the main patio, you are whisked towards the outdoor BBQ/bar and offered a drink and you start enjoying the smell of the food being prepared. Turning, you find the garden starts to release its true treasures. The pool of deep blue beckons you forward whilst its shape is reflected by the tiered growing platforms supporting lush colorful plantings.

The Phormium ‘Wildwood’ stand tall in the foreground of the rendered walls which heighten their presence., whilst the shiny leaves of the Coprosma ‘Karo Red’ allow the lights to skim over them. Standing tall amongst the garden there are mature Chrysalidocarpus lutescens ‘Areca’ , Magnolia grandiflora ‘Little Gem’ Robinia pseudoacacia 'Frisia' and a majestic Acer palmatum ‘Atropurpureum’. Giving the planters lower impact, the two mature Furcraea foetida 'Mediopicta' sit proudly giving the tiers further presence. Walking over to the sprawling day bed to absorb the garden as if sitting in the front row you fall back into the cushions and become consumed by the sound floating through the garden whilst watching the centrally placed rustic bubbling urn glistening . Its water spills over falling down each section of stone walling finally coming to rest in the pool. The sound of water is soft and unobtrusive giving just enough audible presence. The lighting placed throughout the garden grasp the shadows and generate a greater three dimensional element. As the sun slowly falls below the horizon the garden starts to take on a totally majestic appeal becoming a completely new space and one that is hidden from the world.