In Sydney’s mild, sub tropical climate, the most successful garden and courtyard design by Sydney landscapers use the possibilities of space and borrow from the surrounding geography to create a natural flowing connection between house, garden and the vista beyond.

Taking the cue from the home’s existing internal materials and colour schemes, landscapers can create a perfectly married indoor/outdoor living environment. Subtle textural changes in the same material give us the opportunity to define spaces and create beautiful looking finishes.
Landscaping with natural materials

Some of the most powerful design elements available to Sydney landscapers are the rich sources of material found naturally in the surrounding terrain. Using one or more as dominant features can help create a real connection to the streetscape and landscape.

How local materials were used in North Sydney landscaping

This apartment courtyard was designed by Sydney landscapers, Living Colour Landscapes. The courtyard features local sandstone in a variety of guises to compliment the original heritage sandstone cottage and reference the steep sandstone geography of the suburb and surrounding Lower North Shore.

Rock faced and gang sawn cut Sydney sandstone has been offset on opposing walls to form two water features that trickle down the walls into a still pool. This effectively divides the courtyard space as well as framing the garden and iconic Sydney Harbour in the background. Beyond, sandstone slabs meander through a carpet of Mondo Grass to the less formal second courtyard. Lush tropical planting creates a green backdrop to a third water feature and the harbour and city beyond.

Travertine marble used indoors and outside

The courtyard paving of rough hewn travertine marble flows on from the interior polished travertine marble floors. The colour scheme of nutmeg, grey/green and a punch of vibrant orange takes its cue from the interior design.
A tranquil haven in the heart of bustling Sydney

In this home, the landscapers have managed to create an easy relationship between the internal living areas and the courtyard – a much used area for entertaining, relaxing or simply enjoying the stunning Sydney harbour views. The neon lights of North Sydney and the city beyond make a breathtaking night time backdrop.

The repetition of materials and subtle variations on a theme create an intriguing overlay. At the same time, they enhance the apartment’s allure as a tranquil haven from the bustling Sydney metropolis beyond.

Creating suitable designs and applying the correct design principles to the project results in a finished project that both client and designer are proud of. Designers need to understand the relationships involved with the different textures and materials used to ensure the effect desired is one of luxury and style.

The planting in the garden design is a mixture of evergreen and deciduous trees, shrubs and ground cover, all carefully selected to create a garden for all seasons. Syzigiums and Acmena were used to create privacy and architectural forms to the perimeter garden areas of the property. Spartans were planted to create an avenue effect down the travertine pathway. Japanese Box was the predominant low hedging plant alongside the paths and lawn areas. Colour was added with standard Azaleas, Weeping Cherries, Pear trees, Malus, Dipladenia and Camellia sasanqua and japonica. Gardenia and Lavender were added for fragrance. Tri-coloured Jasmine was introduced to spill over the walls and add to the textural and colourful planting scheme that gives this Sydney garden design its streetscape appeal.

The planting palette looks particularly stunning in autumn when the rich red leafed Pear trees and bronze leafed Little Gems are offset by the lovely grey/green foliage of the Lavender.

Author Bio: John is a garden designer in Sydney with a sound knowledge of good design principles and skills that creates sydney landscape design worthy of top awards

Category: Gardening
Keywords: