Fifty shades of Green by name and fifty shades of green by nature!

This garden, completely hidden from view by a tall olive hedge, has year-round interest thanks to the original work of well-known garden designer Virginia Kennett.

A series of garden rooms on the gently sloping site leading up to the house is set off by multi-level decking and a mature array of sculptural succulents.

The garden features a well-thought-out selection of Mediterranean climate plants – both Australian natives and exotics chosen for their shape, the texture and colour of their foliage and their low water requirements.  Soft, billowy grasses contrast beautifully with the strong architectural shapes and add to the array of greens in the garden.

The planting shows that species considered commonplace often look outstanding when well-placed and given sufficient space.

In spring, the purple-pink flowers on the wispy branches of Judas trees, Cercis siliquastrum, add a bright contrast to the varying shades of green. Ground hugging Dymondia with delicate white edges to its leaves makes an intricate green patchwork between slate pavers in another of the garden rooms.

A dramatic and arresting feature is the strongly sculptural seating, which frames the fire pit as you enter the garden. To the rear is a compact courtyard, which has interesting agave and dracaena plantings. A tiny private garden can be glimpsed through a gate.

The pool area benefits from an excellent borrowed landscape, including a dense Viburnum tinus hedge.

A contemporary garden with solid bones and interesting plant selection.