When Jane and Andrew began renovating their heritage-listed weatherboard property in a leafy East Melbourne suburb, they were eager to give the landscape just as much attention as the home. “The existing garden was completely overgrown and had been uncared for, for many years,” explains Andrew.
The couple, who live here with their three adult children, Patrick, Tom and Sophie, plus two Miniature Schnauzers, envisioned a welcoming garden at the front and a functional outdoor living space at the back, complete with a swimming pool and wide lawn.
The challenge lay in the home’s historical significance. Built in 1923 by eminent Craftsman-style architect Algernon John Elmore and renovated by Neil Architecture, the property had strict council regulations.
Landscape architect Bethany Williamson was enlisted to balance these requirements with the couple’s vision for a beautiful, liveable space. “With a traditional frontage and a contemporary extension at the rear, the design needed to bridge both styles while still feeling cohesive overall,” explains Bethany.
The solution was a modern native garden and palette, which seamlessly integrated council’s mandates for Australian native species, with a more structured design that suited the home’s rustic materials and moody colours.
“We chose plants that are resilient and visually engaging, with plenty of texture, layering and a simple colour palette that enhances the home’s exterior,” says Bethany.
In the back garden, a concrete above-ground swimming pool is the clever solution to pool fencing regulations and serves as the silver-accented garden’s striking centrepiece.
“We love spending time outside in the warmer months, enjoying the pool surrounded by lush gardens,” says Andrew. “Locals often stop to chat as they walk by, offering compliments on how we’ve restored the ‘Elmore’ house and how the garden really suits it.”
Source book
Landscape design BWLA, bethanywilliamson.com.au
Landscaping Iconic Gardens, iconicgardens.com.au
Pool construction Southern Cross Pools, southerncrosspools.com.au
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