Rachel and Barnaby approached me to design a garden that was both beautiful and low-maintenance, with seasonal interest, low-allergy tree options, and open lawned areas for their children. They also wanted dedicated spaces for family entertaining and relaxation.

The design needed to complement their modern farmhouse, with plans for a wraparound verandah and an outdoor dining area directly off the kitchen. A large terraced garden was also on their wishlist, making use of surplus topsoil from a recently built horse arena. This created the opportunity to build up the rear garden, introduce new levels, and define distinct zones across the site.

A long embankment was softened with a double planting of ornamental grasses — a practical, low-cost way to stabilise the slope, frame the borrowed paddock views, and add movement and texture. Deep perennial beds provide year-round interest, while a meandering path leads to a secondary entertaining space with a firepit, framed by Snow Pear trees and lush perennial planting.

Planting was carefully selected to suit the site’s fertile clay soil, frost, and drought conditions. Hardy perennials and ornamental trees were chosen for their resilience, broad canopies, seasonal displays, and low-allergy ratings. In the front garden, low-maintenance, “set and forget” combinations in maroon and lime green offset the home’s silver-grey tones, offering impact with minimal upkeep.

This design transforms an exposed rural blank canvas into a sheltered sanctuary that balances beauty and practicality — a garden for the whole family to love and enjoy for many years to come.