Balwyn Landscaping – Family Garden Design

The owners of this Balwyn landscaping project were seeking simple and uncluttered outdoor space to suit the lifestyle of their active family.  The renovation of this house and its 1920’s period detail, provided the statement piece of the property.  The garden did not need to be fussy. A large lawn for ball games has been considered more important than heavy planting or floral display.  The family knew that renovated correctly, the rear pool would be a feature of their growing family’s lifestyle in the coming years.

The pool, already located in the rear garden was probably 1980’s vintage – one of those dated, irregularly shaped eyesores, with natural rock waterfall edge and gradient changes through the landscape.  With the help of others, the pool was renovated and a good decision was made to change the shape of the pool, to rectangular.  Desired Landscapes then set to work to create functional, stepped areas up to a new, shaded gazebo.

The end result has modernised the space, and create usable levels for water play, shade, and relaxation.  New materials of bluestone paving and merbau decking were introduced and red brick features helped to integrate the area into the nearby driveway.

Neat, evergreen plantings of Weeping Himalayan Bamboo, and Teddy Bear Magnolias have thrived in their landscape positions around the pool.

The expansive, existing red brick driveway was not removed, but rather widened with a bluestone edge.  The bluestone edge balanced and integrated the landscape materials through the garden.  The decision to retain the driveway was certainly cost saving but also, environmentally, the better choice.  Desired Landscapes is happy when we find practical solutions to aesthetic problems.

With a pool in the rear garden, the family was keen to find space for another area of enjoyment – ball games, particularly soccer.  To allow full use of the front garden, Desired Landscapes designed and sought permits to construct a high, rendered masonry wall in the front garden.  This allowed the family much private space for a good games area.  The owner was keen for a simple planting palate, and the repetition of hardy, sturdy plants surround the lawn area. The resulting plant choices allows for rough and tumble ball play and not too much fuss when a ball, (or person) bounces enthusiastically through the garden.   The large lawn area in the front garden also allows for full appreciation of the beauty of the heritage residence – nothing too cluttered or fancy to get in the view of this beautiful home.