Spencer Street

The design intent for this project was to create a contemporary, low maintenance garden that seamlessly flowed between all of the individual spaces while achieving a sense of spaciousness, formality and relaxedness. With the clients being a busy family with two young children, a range of spaces were created to allow for outdoor entertaining as well as play spaces for the children.  Strong linear lines were used to accentuate the long, narrow outdoor living area and complement the linear lines of the architecture.  With this area then being divided into four distinct spaces and linked together by a timber boardwalk.  A central patio creates an outdoor living area that flows out from the internal dining room and kitchen.  Two lawn spaces on either side of the patio provide the children with spaces to play, while the planted southern slope provides aesthetic textural interest and seasonal colour. A row of Titoki and Japanese Maples were used along the western boundary to further accentuate the long linear site, soften the neighbouring property and provide an element of shade. The planting palette utilises both native and exotic species to enhance the contemporary theme of the garden.  Contrasting textures and grouped/massed plantings have been strongly utilised to create visual interest and weight.  A palette of solely white flowering plants provides subtle seasonal interest to further enhance the simplicity of the design.  Climbers were used to create green facades to soften and screen the retaining walls and fences, whilst providing a backdrop to the shrub planting in front.