A modern native garden design in Australia

Australian plants combine with a modern paving design in these new front and back native garden landscapes, complementing a home's classic style.

When Simon and his wife Alison purchased an updated Queenslander home, they knew the garden would require some major work. While the home and garden had been renovated, there wasn't much in the way of plants or features, which left the place looking a little incomplete and provided the ideal canvas for a native garden makeover.

The couple approached Paul Stein of Seed Landscapes with their requirements in terms of functionality and a for a garden centred on Australian native plants, and immediately felt in safe hands. "Paul is a professional and he intuited the specifics of what we wanted and needed in this garden," says Simon.

The most pressing problem was the separation of the different outdoor spaces, due to the split-level landscape. "At the rear of the property, there was originally no flow from the lower areas to the top," says Paul. "We opened the whole yard up with a few sets of linking steps."

One thing Simon was sure about was that he wanted to avoid colourful tropical plants in the garden, so the focus was on understated Australian native plants. He was also eager to replace some existing plants that were toxic to his dog.

With all this in mind, Paul introduced some drought-resistant plants to complement the modern landscape design, while also providing privacy. "It uses only lush greens, whites and yellows and, though it's a native garden, it has the feel of an Italian courtyard," says Simon.

But the most striking aspect of the garden is the paving design. Paul reveals this was inspired by traditional Islamic designs, where the pavers would usually be separated by channels of water. "Rather than using flowing water through the property, I chose decorative pebbles to draw the eye through the design to various elements of the garden," he explains.

Simon and Alison are currently on the lookout for the perfect artwork or feature to add to the front garden and are looking forward to seeing how plants specifically chosen to provide privacy from the close neighbours develop over time.

"We can't wait to see how it changes as it becomes more established," says Simon.

Paul Stein, from Seed Landscapes

What changes did you make to the original garden?

At the rear of the property there was originally no flow from the lower areas to the top area. We opened the whole yard up with a few sets of linking steps, but still managed to divide the space into separate outdoor 'rooms'.

What else did you focus on?

The front entry also needed definition, which we added, as well as making the levels safer for visitors to walk around the garden. The elaborate lighting allows the couple to use the garden through the day and night, and take advantage of Brisbane's great alfresco lifestyle.

What specific requirements did the owners have?

The clients wanted to make the most out of their newly renovated house and yard. They asked for a presentable entry, an entertaining area and, most importantly, access to the yard to be used by their pet.

How did you select plants for this garden?

The home originally had toxic plants that tend to give dogs rashes and irritations. These were removed and replaced with drought-hardy native Australian plants. The clients were happy with the contemporary style of the native garden planting palette, which provides interest, privacy and is low maintenance.

Were there any challenges involved?

The most difficult issue was changing the levels of the outdoor area without taking up valuable space in the limited garden. We solved this by working the stairs around the existing deck posts, which was an interesting venture for the landscape contractor.

Simon, the home owner

What was your brief to your designer?

To create a garden that solved access problems to our outdoor spaces, and one that would make the most of plants native to Australia. We wanted something more muted than the usual style and colour of tropical gardens, in keeping with the modern exterior of our updated Queenslander home.

How much involvement did you and your wife have in the design?

Not very much at all. We spoke to Paul about the problems we had with the space, and told him how we wanted to use it and what we wanted to avoid. We then left the rest to him, because we know very little about garden design!

What changes did you make to the original garden?

We cut through an awful retaining wall and added steps in several places to create access between all of our garden spaces. This allowed us to make the most of its split levels and varied aspects.

Do you have plans to develop it further in the future?

We will add a feature in the front garden, as Paul originally planned, and will probably add to the planting over time. Beyond that, there is nothing to really do. We asked for a garden that was as complete and easy to maintain as possible, which is what Seed Landscapes have delivered - in a beautiful layout of Australian native plants.

What do you love about your gardens?

We have two new outdoor entertaining areas, fantastic lighting, water tanks and, for when we finally find the right feature, a great space for a piece of art in the front garden. We couldn't be happier with the result.

For your own take on the Australian native garden, talk to a garden design and landscaping expert in your area: