Australian designers often face the challenge of unifying the old and the new. Considering the abundance of heritage architecture, many have become deft at sensitively melding historic facades with contemporary additions. And while Nat Wheeler knows how to approach this challenge on the inside of the home, it was a different story bridging the gap between the front and back gardens of her California bungalow in Melbourne. “I know and love interiors, but when it came to the exteriors, I knew I needed expert help,” says the director of Norsu Design and Interiors.
Enter Darin Bradbury, director of Mint Design. Responding to the owners’ love of art, Darin leant into visual interest, playing with plants’ sculptural shapes and textures while paying particular attention to their positioning. “We’ve definitely gone for a more structured garden at the front to tie into the classical Cal-bung facade,” says Darin, who drew soft, curved lines around garden beds of topiaried buxus and murraya hedges, with tufts of asparagus ‘Meyersii’ and lomandra bursting through for added texture and a playful touch.
A subtle colour scheme of Dulux White on White with accents of Dulux Terrace White and Dulux Western Myall respects the heritage of the home. (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
Left Buxus balls (Buxus sempervirens ‘Sphere’) create structural shapes in various sizes to complement the traditional facade. A potted prickly pear (Opuntia ‘Burbank Spineless’) in the background hints at the relaxed style to come (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
The traditional, manicured front garden gives way to more contemporary plantings at the back. To transition between the two garden styles, a link is created via the side passage, where a path of shapely steppers immersed in a lush green carpet of kidney weed goes past a stunning canopy of Japanese maples.
“I’ve always believed the outside of your home should feel just as loved and considered as the inside.”
NAT WHEELER, HOMEOWNER AND DIRECTOR OF NORSU DESIGN
A Japanese maple (Acer ‘Osakazuki’) provides green texture at canopy height, above bursts of renga lily (Arthropodium cirratum). (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
Creating an inviting outdoor entertaining space at the back was a priority for Nat and her family (which includes husband Daniel, Annabel, 14, and Harvey, 11). “It’s where life happens, with Izzy the dog chasing butterflies, the kids bombing into the pool, and impromptu barbecues with friends,” she says. And Darin’s design helped make it happen.
“There’s not a lot of space for a garden so we had to think creatively,” he says. He artfully arranged an alfresco area, pool and a lawn for Izzy in the compact space, made possible with a sleek concrete terrace.
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia) grows up a wall of PGH ‘Morada’ bricks in Blanco Linear by a feature prickly pear (Opuntia ‘Burbank Spineless’). Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) and a Japanese maple (Acer palmatum) add further layers of foliage. GlobeWest furniture, Norsu. (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
Nat couldn’t be happier. “The amazing crew completely understood our vision and brought it to life with care.”
The team who brought the home and garden to life include Herbert & Howes, The Carbonist, MJB Landscape Gardens. (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
Kidney weed (dichondra repens) weaves between Philodendron selloum and ficus ‘flash’. (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
Darin’s top tips for small gardens
Focus on plants at high and low heights first, then add a few mid-height plants if you have space.
Introduce greenery at eye level and above with hedges, climbers or taller, skinny plants that don’t take up lateral space, such as Tetrapanax.
Plant a narrow or small tree such as a Japanese maple to grow over time and add ambience with canopy cover.
Introduce a ‘carpet of green’ at ground level using something like Viola hederacea or dichondra repens.
Add interesting textures with mid-height plants. Layering different foliages can make any narrow space feel like it has more depth and privacy
Garonne’ limestone batons, Eco Outdoor. (Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
PLANT LIST
Trees
Japanese maple (Acer ‘Osakazuki’)
Shrubs
Buxus (Buxus sempervirens ‘Sphere’)
Philodendron selloum
Ficus (Ficus ‘Flash’)
Succulents/Cacti
Agave ‘Blue Glow’
Prickly pear (Opuntia ‘Burbank Spineless’)
Groundcover
Kidney weed (Dichondra repens)
Climbers
Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus quinquefolia)
Tractor seat plants (Ligularia reniformis) and bird of paradise (Strelitzia nicolai) frame a chair from Tim Webber.(Photography: Elise Scott | Styling: Norsu Design)
The Design Team
Mint Design: mintdesign.net.au.
Norsu: norsudesign.com.au.
Writer
Bethan Lacoba
Senior Copy Editor
Bethan is a creative writer and works as senior copy editor for Australian House & Garden magazine. She’s obsessed with harmonious colour schemes and has a penchant for beautiful, sustainable design. Her love for decorating began early, perhaps evident in high school from her collection of furniture-refurbishing books and the many craft projects she’d begin (but rarely finish!). Fast-forward to the present, when the constant redecoration of the homes she’s lived in is proof that her passion for interiors is thriving. Beth is also a qualified floral stylist, having once run a wedding floral business, and she has a Diploma of Interior Design from Sydney Design School.
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