ROSANNA

A young couple with a new baby required a secure front garden with parking for two cars and a patio large enough to accommodate a pram and a couple of chairs. They also requested an outdoor room they can use year round to entertain family and friends. Aesthetically, they are inspired by Ulf Nordjfell’s Daily Telegraph Garden at the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show.  

The new front garden is code accessed for security and features a generous terrace, sweeping driveway, densely planted perennial garden and gravel void showcasing the lemon-scented gum. A curved masonry wall and accent plants contribute structure and form.

Whilst curves define the front garden, straight lines feature in the back. The old porch is demolished and a new courtyard is installed with a covered pergola for entertaining. Different surface treatments break up the spaces and plants are used to add texture, soften the hard landscaping and provide shade and screening.  

Nordjfell’s minimalist-meets-contemporary-cottage aesthetic is referenced in the plant and materials palette: black timber, white masonry, concrete, gravel, silver and lime green foliage, mass planted grasses and structural plants contrasted with white, blue and purple flowering perennials.

“Penny is an amazing designer and we feel incredibly lucky that she created our garden, and beyond that gave us an overall vision for the aesthetic of the house. Our home went from the ugly duckling of the street, to one passers-by stop and compliment. The garden is functional, original and a beautiful retreat that we enjoy raising our boys in. Penny’s professionalism, warmth, attention to detail, resourcefulness and amazing ideas also make her an absolute pleasure to work with and the reason we asked her to not only design, but also to maintain our garden - -something she does beautifully and we look forward to her visits.”