When our wonderful clients in Hawthorn East embarked on a complete home renovation, they knew the landscape needed to be just as thoughtfully transformed. With a focus on privacy and functionality, we were tasked with creating a space that complemented both the heritage façade of their home and the contemporary extension at the rear. We couldn’t have been more excited to create the design.
The design was broken down into three key zones: the front garden, side garden, and rear garden. Each area had its own unique set of requirements and aesthetic goals, ensuring every corner of the property was as functional as it was beautiful.
Situated on a busy street, the front garden needed to offer privacy while still providing ample space for a functional driveway. The solution? A beautiful blend of screening that not only secures the home’s privacy but also enhances its curb appeal. The ‘bokhara’ exposed aggregate concrete driveway flows seamlessly from the front garden into the side garden, setting the tone for the rest of the landscape.
From here, the ‘tortoise’ granite-paved path, paired with sawn bluestone infill, leads you toward the side entrance of the home and onward to the rear garden. This elegant passage is flanked by Prunus serrula (standard Weeping Cherry) and lush raised gardens, featuring Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’ and Liriope ‘Amethyst.’ These plants are carefully supported by curved masonry retaining walls, with a striking sawn bluestone crazy paved cladding that adds texture and depth to the design.
As you enter the rear garden, you’re immediately drawn to a stunning timber deck, designed to perfectly frame a beautiful Magnolia x Soulangeana in a deck cut-out. This carefully curated space features a dining area, a casual seating zone, a built-in BBQ bench, and a steel pergola, where Wisteria floribunda will eventually cascade overhead. The deck offers sweeping views of the entire backyard, providing a sense of openness while maintaining a sense of comfort.
The Magnolia is a true show-stopper, but the secondary focal point is the ‘tortoise’ granite-paved path, with sawn bluestone crazy paved infill and a graceful curved edge. To the left, the inground trampoline is a playful feature for the kids, while to the right, a rear access carport will be gradually screened with Betula pendula trees, offering more privacy as they mature. Trachelospermum jasminoides, Veronicastrum ‘Lavendelturm,’ and Ficus hilli ‘Flash’ are strategically incorporated along the property boundaries to further enhance privacy and create a seamless connection with the landscape.
While a fabulous pool area was part of the original design, it is yet to be incorporated into the build, leaving room for potential future expansion.
We’re confident this will become a cherished space for our clients—perfect for family dinners, summer evenings, and everything in between. A huge thank you to Green Exteriors for their exceptional construction work, with key contributions from Gardens at Night and Granite Works, who provided top-quality materials. A special thanks also goes to Hive Building Co and Keep Studio for their dedication to the home’s interior and overall construction.
