Blending indoor and outdoor

By Nicola Cameron

Blending the garden to suit the lifestyle of entertaining with family and friends was high on the priority list for the owners of this lovely home in the Sydney suburb of Haberfield, New South Wales.

Being passionate gardeners they were keen to integrate productive gardens along with compost and storage areas positioned discretely, leaving the entertainment areas to blend seamlessly with the interior living and pool areas.

Existing palm trees were preserved, adding to the client’s preference for seasonal variety and their fondness for magnolias and hydrangeas, adding layers of colour and texture rooted in the historical context of the home. They derive great enjoyment from the development process, making decisions to ensure lasting appeal in their cherished family residence.

Acknowledging constraints like rapid plant growth and lawn wear from their pet dog, the client remains committed to regular maintenance, underscoring the need for a resilient and adaptable garden design that harmonises with their lifestyle and long-term vision for their home.

In a similar vein, a swathe of brilliant red Canna x generalis ‘Australia’ (Canna lilies) created a dramatic sense of arrival at the entrance to an impeccably refurbished federation home. Pepo was engaged to design a garden that would fit seamlessly alongside Melocco & Moore’s restoration of the traditional exterior of the house at the front, and contemporary renovation at the rear.

In the front garden, a layered textural planting framed the house and boundary fences, with species chosen for their vibrant flowers and ever-changing seasonal foliage. A curving bluestone pathway cuts crisply through the immaculate lawn, continuing the journey from gate to door, while a row of Olea europaea (Common Olive trees) provided screening along the driveway.

Venturing through the side gate reveals first glimpses of the contemporary renovation, with the rear garden offering a balanced transition between interior living and outdoor play and entertaining spaces. A casual seating area around a fire pit flows into an outdoor dining space before reaching a productive garden where the clients, passionate gardeners themselves, tend to herbs, fruit, and vegetables growing in the greenhouse and raised garden beds.

On the other side of a reclaimed brick wall, the swimming pool is a welcome oasis, softened with Lonicera fragrantissima along the rear fence, and framed with Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’ and Heliotrope arborescens. Between the pool and the house is Salvia ‘Stormy Pink’, Stachys byzantina, and native violets.

With numerous spaces to relax, entertain, grow, and play, this Haberfield garden offers a welcoming family home for its owners, and a respectful integration of classic, historic beauty and elegant, contemporary design. The consideration of both aesthetic and functional elements in this design highlights the importance of creating harmonious spaces that cater to the diverse needs of the homeowners, ensuring a lasting and enjoyable environment for years to come.

Pepo Botanic Design

E: info@pepo.com.au

W: pepo.com.au

All image supplied by Nick Bowers