A large, eclectic, inspiring, attractive and environmentally friendly garden that provides an abundance of food, enjoyment and well-being

The leafy green front garden, the pebbly driveway, and the contemporary façade of Goodhouse 57 give little hint that behind the building is a large, attractive, productive, and environmentally friendly garden that provides owners Cathy and David with an abundance of food, enjoyment, and well-being.

A fire destroyed their previous home in 2017, and they constructed a new, architecturally designed, sustainable house in 2020. The design brief stressed the need to connect the house and garden. Both windows and plants have been strategically positioned to provide tranquil yet stimulating garden views from everywhere within the home.

The garden is visually appealing and productive, using organic methods and some permaculture practices. The layout is attractive—random and rambling, with plants cleverly positioned to create pleasing clusters of foliage and form, provide shade, or create a microclimate. There are no definite paths, but instead, gaps in the planting are mulched to allow access throughout the garden.

A shady summer garden was high on the wish list, so as well as a pair of large eucalypts, there are many deciduous trees and around a hundred different fruit and nut trees, many grafted with several fruit varieties. A pair of huge ponytail palms, cussonias and a spectacular xanthorrhoea add sculptural form supported by a diverse variety of choice exotic and native species.

Every plant in the garden has been carefully considered, and their needs and habits have been researched to ensure they're planted where they will have the best possible conditions to thrive and have a beneficial relationship with neighbouring plants.

A small patch of lawn is planted on top of the underground water tank. There is also a comfortable chook house, potting sheds, a composting area, and a much-loved Hills Hoist.

The many raised beds contain a wide range of edibles with nectar-rich flowering plants that add colour and charisma and attract birds and bees. Pots, garden art, and recycled items are scattered throughout, and fascinating old timber is displayed in various innovative ways.

An eclectic and inspiring garden with its own blog. CLICK HERE TO READ THE BLOG