Job of the Month – Sandringham Project Now Complete

We are thrilled to announce that after 16 months of love, sweat and (happy) tears, our Sandringham Project is now complete. This project was pure joy for all at Ian Barker Gardens. Our wonderful clients had very definite ideas of what they wanted to achieve from their garden, separating into distinct areas for welcoming guests, for entertaining, for relaxation and for the kids.

Masterplan for our Sandringham Project.

Front Entrance. 
The front entrance was always intended to be a statement. And what better way than reusing the original slate laid by the previous owner (a famous Australian painter!). As this is a big property, on 1570 square meters, we wanted there to be an obvious entrance to the front door and reused the slate in a more contemporary way to achieve this.

 Woodland Garden.
Just off the main entrance is the Woodland Garden – a shaded area with a forest-like feel. The perfect place for the kids to explore and have endless adventures. The winding path leads those fortunate enough to visit, through to the Meadow Garden, and further around the side to the Forest Garden.
Our plant focused clients allowed us the opportunity to play around with lots of different plant varieties and textures. We kept the existing ferns, re-positioning successfully throughout the woodland – to add balance and interest.

Forest Garden – view looking back down the curved lawn to the Meadow Garden.
Continuing on the theme of exploration for the kids, we used old Bluestone pitchers, originally from the property, to build rock steps and winding paths through the Forest Garden. We chose plants that will soon grow to cover the timber fort platform and create a ‘real jungle’ – allowing the kids imaginations to run wild.

Rear Lawn and Pool.
We gave the existing Jacaranda and Banskia trees a new lease on life by removing surrounding trees and shrubs that were stealing the limelight. The sculptural design of the Banskia tree trunk is now a real focal point.
The expansive rear lawn sits perfectly next to the pool area accentuating the feeling of space and calm, with an array of perennials and grasses softening the straight lines. This area allows the family the freedom to use the space in any way they see fit as their needs and lifestyle stages evolve.

Rear Lawn and Pool.
As a contrast, mixed perennials and grasses were introduced to soften the hard architectural lines of the deck and the pool.

Kitchen Garden.
The Kitchen Garden area has a very rustic feel. We designed and constructed curved garden beds to add interest and along with the vast decking and steppers they instantly make the space flow. The planting in this area was themed around ‘cut flowers’ – giving our client the luxury of having their very own florist at their doorstep.
We’re hoping to have an open to the public viewing of this garden in the future. Photographs are wonderful but seeing this beauty in the flesh is even better!!!