Designing a yard to to evoke feelings of peace, tranquility and security

She pointed out the large, redeveloped house at the rear which now overlooked her little yard. She spoke of a desire to be able to retreat from the outside world after a hard day and to be enclosed by feelings of peace and tranquillity and security. 

"Cameron just seemed to understand immediately what I was looking for," says Lynne. "I didn't quite know what I wanted in terms of design, but I knew the feeling I wanted. Straightaway he came up with this idea of a sanctuary."

She was definite on one thing, though. She knew she wanted a water feature, and she knew where she wanted it to go. And she knew she wanted more than "just a pot that bubbles up".

Cameron had an existing template in which to create his design. There were low walls surrounding the rear of the yard, some steps leading up from a lower level, and a long wall along one side. He knew he needed to retain the semi-formal aesthetic provided by the travertine pavers on the lower level and in the steps, so he extended the travertine into the upper level, even into the water feature. He placed plants in careful but not overstated patterns to follow the formal theme through into the new landscape, and planted high magnolia littlegems for screens at the back. He nurtured a lawn at the back and placed a seat nearby as an artistic and practical focal point.

And for the water feature Cameron mounted little troughs on the pre-existing wall, which pour water into lower troughs. The water cascades into another deep plunge pool and then flows across the yard in a narrow channel to another pool on the far side of the yard. Cameron cites Persian water gardens as his influence for the beautiful water feature.

"The idea was to get tumbling water on one side, providing a vertical element," he says, "which then runs into a horizontal element. And the deep sound made by the water falling into the plunge pools is an important factor too." 

As for Lynne, she loves it all. The water feature which brings sound and beauty to the space; the sheltered, cooling feel; and the intimate, cosy privacy of her new garden.

Cameron Green

Jardine Art

What did the yard look like before you started work on it?

There was some hard landscaping structure already there. There were steps leading up from a patio area, some low walls surrounding a lawn, and a taller wall along one side of the yard. There were some plants already in place, but there were issues with the soil, especially in the lawn area.

What did Lynne ask you to do with the space?

We discussed what she was trying to achieve with the space and it became clear that she wanted to create a backyard sanctuary. Somewhere to escape the outside world and not be bothered by it. She wanted to screen the yard from the neighbours and create a place that was sheltered and private. 

Did she ask for anything specific in terms of design or aesthetic?

She knew she wanted a water feature, and she knew she wanted the space to be lush and green while still remaining true to the aesthetic that was already in place in the lower level of the yard. She didn't say formal as such, but I got the impression that she was looking for something quite formal.

Tell us about the water feature.

As far as I know it's the only one of its kind. There are little troughs from which water pours out, and it's got quite deep plunge pools so the water falling into them has quite a deep note. The water then runs across the yard in a narrow channel to another pool at the far side. 

Are you satisfied that you achieved your aim of creating a sanctuary for Lynne?

I think so. The water feature provides a nice serene effect, and the thick overhead canopy and tall screening trees give the feeling of enclosure and shelter. The plants provide a cooling effect when it's hot, and the formal structure makes it a pleasantly ordered space to spend time in.

Lynne

What made you choose Cameron to do the work?

I'd had a few designers come through and come up with designs and quotes for the work and their designs were beautiful, but they didn't quite nail that feeling I was hoping to create in the yard. When Cameron came and we spoke about it he just seemed to really understand what I was looking for. 

What feeling were you looking to create in the yard?

I used to have a home with a water view, so I knew I wanted water in the garden. And when I moved in, my yard was quite private but my neighbours had renovated so they really looked into my yard, so I wanted to screen them out. I wanted a private sanctuary that was comfortable and secure and serene.

Were you specific in any way regarding the space other than requesting a water feature?

Not really. I knew where I wanted the water feature to go, but not how it would look. And I didn't really have any definite ideas in terms of plants or other designs. I actually said I wanted it to feel like a Balinese garden, but I knew a Balinese garden wouldn't suit the space!

Do you like the water feature that Cameron designed?

I love it. Everyone who comes here comments on it. It's different and interesting and I like the fact that it's not just a pot that bubbles up. I love the fact that the water flows from one spot to another and then another. It's just like a mini waterfall and stream in my backyard.

Are you pleased with the way the garden turned out?

Very much. Cameron was so good to work with - he seemed to understand immediately what I was looking for. The way he really listened to what I had to say and came up with a design to suit those ideas really impressed me. I love my yard now - and it will be even nicer when the plants finish growing.