Coastal Beauty
Street Appeal
Working on a waterside garden, whether harbourside or beachside, it is important to create a relaxed and natural vibe in a well-designed setting. This small front garden in Clovelly packs quite a punch for its humble size.
Creating kerbside street appeal was an important aspect of the client’s brief for this project. We designed an evocative and serene garden to meander through and enter the house, along a split-stone, crazy paving pathway that leads to the front door and beyond, into the house.
Along the front, street-edge of the garden we planted an Olive hedge for privacy, and the bonus with these hardy trees is that they are very well suited to the coastal conditions.
The robust house itself has strong architectural lines, so we wanted the garden to be free of rigidity and soften the hard lines of the building and create a playful feel. The cloud trees do exactly this, while also being sculptural and theatrical, they also bring a sense of fun.
Gardens close to water typically have a robust plant palette with species that can cope with exposure to salt in the air, high winds and sandy soils that don’t hold water or nutrients. The dichondra ground cover grows voraciously like a weed, covering the areas between the pavers, which is exactly what we wanted, and the succulents are a great waterwise choice and therefore very well suited to the beachside environment.
Using simple materials, thoughtful plant choices and with rich jewel tones of the plant palette, all work well with the colours of the building and set a stunning tone for a home of relaxed beauty.
View the full project
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