FLETCHER
This delightful single-fronted Victorian weatherboard cottage held a dark secret at the back of its block – there, one would find a potential-packed courtyard that was in dire need of some love. The existing garden might have been described by a real-estate agent as “the zenith of low-maintenance lifestyle gardens”, whilst a horticulturalist would simply prefer to embrace death. Eye-level yuccas enthusiastically greet you as you step out onto the deck; beyond that was a weedy mat of plastic lawn. Potential-packed indeed.
The new garden is ideal for hosting – the deck offers enough space to entertain guests while they sit and take in the lush, green space. Planting design takes a variety of exotic and native species to create a harmonious palette, offering privacy from neighbouring residential units, as well as interest and variety through the seasons.
The focal point of the revamped courtyard is a basalt revet that raises the earth up to host a centrepiece Japanese Maple while lush foliage-forward species such as Fatsia japonica, Tetrapanax papyrifer, and a white-flowering Dahlia imperialis help fill the space and keep it feeling vibrant during the winter months. Whimsical grasses add texture and a vital kinetic element to the surrounding garden beds. The use of local materials cements the design's intent as a timeless yet undeniably Australian garden.
