This garden had just finished being a building site. The brief was to “create a garden that made a statement and reflected the contemporary feel of the house”.

Plants used

Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea sp.), Native grass (Pennisetum alopecuroides)

Photos by Bruce Usher

The garden was north facing and exposed to the wind. The soil was a loamy sand with a pH of 6.5 and drained well.

A very minimal approach was decided upon. A strong vertical architectural feature plant was chosen for the entrance with a simple planting of a tactile grass contrasting beside it.

Pebbles were used as a mulch and are very effective at helping with water retention, minimizing weed establishment and stabilizing the soil temperature.

The rest of the garden was simply planted with a soft leaf buffalo grass. Strong angles were created by allowing the paths to cut through the grass giving the garden a wonderful contemporary feel.