A Space for Enjoyment

Transcription

1 A Space for Enjoyment From the house, one is welcomed into the sunken entertaining area containing a day bed framed by dark bamboo, a custom made outdoor kitchen, dining and lounge area. 43

2 Plants: Trees: Aloe Tree Aloe barberae Shrubs: Lily Turf Liriope muscari Just Right Dianella Border Gold Dianella Tasmanica Destiny New Zealand Flax Phormium tenax Anna Red Bamboo: Black bamboo Bambusa lako Timor Black Bamboo Alphonse Karr Ground Cover: Moroccan Glory Convolvulus mauritanicus Climbers: Star Jasmine Trachelospermum jasminoides TRIPOD Paving: Travertine Accessories: Distressed timber totems Water Feature: Rusted urn Wide steps that double as seating lead to the upper garden. The sun glistens off a large urn that spills a quiet trickle of water as one is connected to a visual of the distressed timber totems behind, pushing their way through the soft shiny flowing leaf of the Liriope. A water channel defines the cabana s access points past which casual seating calls for rest and relaxation. From the cabana one can soak in the sparkling colours of the landscape and enjoy the sound of water flowing effortlessly into the pool. The wide shallow underwater steps, leading into the pool, entice one to swim over to the sunken seating ledge under a large Aloe Tree. The partially sunken spa with its glass-sided walling creates an effect that can be appreciated throughout the garden and lower entertaining space. At night, the garden takes on a completely different ambiance with the fully interchangeable lighting system creating a plethora of moods to suit the evening and to individually draw to the fore the various features placed throughout the garden. Plantings were chosen to provide framing to these various spaces while ensuring maintenance is kept minimal. Photography: 45

3 Utilising a semi-formal theme, an atmosphere of tranquility has been created where privacy is the ultimate concern. Due to its location, seclusion was an issue that has been overcome through the use of vertical plantings and timber screening. Taking pride of place in the garden is a spectacular wall art made from glass. Doubling as a water feature, it draws the eye out from inside the home. Patterned to mimic the style of plants used in the garden, it reflects a sense of relaxation, fostering intrigue and wonder. To one side of the garden, a dedicated space for a barbeque has been created, as well as an outdoor television area where intimate gatherings with friends are enhanced. Courtyard Character In yet another innovative, space saving project from, a small courtyard has been granted a distinctive charm, with room for entertaining and relaxing. Plants: Bromeliad Neorgelia concentrica Kentia Palm Cordyline kiwi Soft Tree Fern Cordyline fruiticosa rubra Moses in a Basket Cordyline terminalis Lily Turf Liriope muscari Black Bamboo Phyllostachys nigra Rainbow Plant Dracaena marginata Tricolour Alphonse Karr Bambusa multiplex Black Mondo Ophiopogon planiscapus nigrescens Paving: Large format Italian porcelain tiles Water Feature: bespoke 3 piece glass wall water feature Behind the sumptuous outdoor setting, fine plantings of Bamboo add texture to the design, as well as movement and grace. Raised planter boxes also support a variety of flora in an exciting array of colours and sizes. Large format Italian tiles have been used underfoot, while in-ground up-lights were installed to enhance the environment. Photography: 203

4 Overhauling an existing garden of concrete, dilapidated tin sheds, and ravaged plantings, the project was aimed at creating spaces for relaxation, enjoyment and contemplation. In addition, views over to the ocean needed to be capitalized on, with the construction of structures that would increase the amount of vantage points. The most enticing feature of this gorgeous garden is the large swim spa, operating as an element of pleasure and fitness, as well as a place where the owners can entertain. Due to its location, the spa has been fitted with a bespoke cover. Mechanically operated, the deck-like structure covers the spa and sits as a rostrum to the surrounding timber deck. Allowing for views to the ocean from yet another location in the garden, this serves as a focal point for social gatherings. The garden itself has an effect of enlarging the property, creating movement and transparency, as well as colour and perfume. A visual connection between the Japanese Maples and Pears provide a sense of verticality, effectively diffusing the boundary fencing. Intertwined New Zealand Flax Phormium tenax and Duranta Sheena Gold adds an informal feeling, leading visitors to the lowest parts of the garden where Camellia Sasanqua is featured. Australiana Paying homage to its natural setting, this native garden by is a welcome alternative in an industry that primarily takes its cue from trends in the United States and Europe. Plants: Ornamental Grass Pennisetum rubra Ornamental Maple Acer palmatum Sango Kaku Duranta Sheena Gold New Zealand Flax Phormium tenax Dianella Silver Streak Sasanqua Camellia Camellia Sasanqua Pavings: Chinese sandstone pavers, composite timber decking A Cretan water urn is placed within a circular planter, supporting Dianella Silver Streak, and providing a calm environment with its trickling water throughout the day and night. Softly lit with a designated lighting scheme, the urn acts as a visual feature come nightfall. Photography: 223

5 Japanese Influence Painstakingly planned, but delivered organically, this magnificent garden is a Japanese inspired garden of tranquility. A spectacular array of colours and textures are afforded right through the garden on each of the levels. These create separate spaces where visitors can enjoy and appreciate the calm and peaceful environment. 261

6 Built into a rock outcrop, Scenic Blue has masterfully executed a design that traverses each of the levels with seamlessness. It is with this design that breathtaking views of Port Hacking waters and National Park are made possible. Upon entering the enchanting garden and the base of the home, a simple tiled path lapped by Liriopes lead the eye to a large natural stone boulder. From here many of the client s own works of art and statues have been incorporated into the design to soften the landscape and create focal points throughout. Plants: Cordyline fruticosa Rubra Kentia Palm Howea forsteriana Soft Tree Fern Dicksonia antarctica Moses in a Cradle Rhoeo spathacea Kurume Hybrid Azalea Rhododendron Kurume Hybrid Lily Turf Liriope muscari Timor Black Bambusa lako Wunu Lepidozamia hopei Century Plant Agave attenuate Sheenas Gold Duranta Sheena s Gold Babys Tears Soleirolia soleirolii Coral Bark Japanese Maple Acer palmatums Sango-Kaku Sago Palm Cycas revoluta Paving: Spotted gum timber decking, porcelain tiles, light sandstone paving Lush, tropical plantings continue to offer bursts of colour right throughout, including the Cordyline Fruiticosa Rubra, Kentia Palm, Dicksonia Antarctica Soft Tree Fern and a sub layer of Rhoeo Moses in a Basket. Upon a private decking that overhangs a steep fall amongst even more plantings, a fence is softened by the climbing Mandevilla X Amoena. A secret garden leads visitors to a timber boardwalk, crossing a canopy of large Tree Ferns, and on reaching the end of the boardwalk, a 180-degree vista of the ocean confronts visitors with spectacular surprise. Of most prominence in the design are the Liquid Ambers which offer a glorious vibrancy. Visually, these trees link the spaces together. 263