Melbourne Manor aimed to strike a delicate balance between structured formality and an inviting, uncapped atmosphere. At the heart of the design brief was the desire for a more defined structure while creating a garden that appeared to be rampant and like it had existed on the property for hundreds of years.
To achieve this, the layout incorporated soft, minimal hard surfaces, ensuring that paved areas were surrounded by lush lawns and planting, encouraging a fluid movement between spaces and discouraging the dominance of paved surfaces.
Plant selection was pivotal, with the client actively involved alongside their gardener. While a planting scheme was provided, the client’s input allowed for personalisation and ensured a sense of ownership over the garden’s evolution. Emphasising the importance of long-term planning, the design focused on establishing vital structural elements, such as tree placement, to provide a framework for adaptable understory planting, ensuring the garden’s longevity over decades.
In terms of hardscapes, the design honoured the property’s architectural heritage, utilising bluestone paving to maintain consistency with the house’s original materials. Inspired by the designs of renowned landscape architect and designer Edna Walling, natural stone walls were integrated to add texture and evoke a timeless aesthetic. The walls have also allowed plants to creep and grow across them, creating an illusion of age throughout the property.
Challenges in scale were addressed by maximising the perceived grandeur of every space within the garden. Thoughtful consideration of each space resulted in innovative solutions, such as incorporating a ‘rusted’ pool fence that seamlessly blended with the surrounding landscape, ensuring pool compliance without compromising the visual integrity of the design.
We believe Melbourne Manor successfully marries structured formality with an organic, uncapped ambience, embodying the client’s vision for a timeless outdoor retreat that harmonises with the architectural heritage of the property.
