Contemporary Classic
Dee McQuillan, Ivy & Bloom
A large terrace was created flowing out from the main living area with a custom built gas fireplace being the central feature. The large concrete pavers were jointed with mondo grass to provide a permeable surface and will help to soften the appearance of the terrace once they mature. A formal hedge of alder trees will provide a leafy backdrop to the garden and the fireplace. The level changes on the site allowed for a separate raised seating area to be created above the main terrace using recycled holland pavers. Another informal seating area, using peastone, was created below the terrace and borders a small productive garden and utility area. The two seating areas benefit from the shade from the mature macadamia tree (existing). The masonry wall and fireplace will be painted to match the house and the wall will be softened by plantings of dichondra 'silver falls'. Planting bays were created within (and slightly below) the terrace with bullnose pavers to soften the edge and give it a floating effect. Two feature trees, Pyrus Calleryana "Bradford" (Ornamental pear) will provide shade in summer, stunning autumn foliage and blossoms in spring. These are underplanted with pittosporum "elfin" balls and white agapanthus. The driveway extension was removed to allow for a larger lawn space. A large planting bed was created for the existing mature macadamia tree on the lawn edge. Planting under both macadamia trees included oak leaf hydrangeas, snowball and annabelle hydrangeas, burgundy and silver heucheras and white agapanthus. A stepping stone path follows the contour of the house to provide access to the driveway and will largely disappear once the dietes grandiflora mature.