When the family moved to this expansive property 19 years ago, the older traditional-style house was in the midst of a thorough renovation.The landscape was redesigned at the same time, and a major redevelopment undertaken. The old tired sloping garden was replaced with structured spaces, providing areas for the family to enjoy outdoor activities and entertaining at home.

The brief was to retain the large established trees and create areas of formal planting, along with mixed borders of flowering trees and shrubs, together with some flowering perennial gardens to provide seasonal interest. The clients wanted a garden which would suit a large growing family over the long term - incorporating a play area, relocated swimming pool, and the old tennis court would also have to be moved and refurbished.

The long right-of-way drive, with its tall layers of hedging adds to the privacy of the property and creates a fitting entrance to the house. The garden, as true to the original brief, is now very established and quite timeless due to the nature of its design and quality materials and workmanship.

The overall plan and construction of the landscape was handled by Craig Steiner of Strass Landscape Design while Barbara Garrett designed the planting and installation of the soft landscape. Until recently her company has maintained the garden.

Barbara’s ex- staff continue to care for it, while she oversees any planting changes needed - e.g. the children’s playground and trampoline under the large Liquidambar have been returned to lawn and additional garden border, while the southern boundary Cupressus hedge is gradually being replaced by pleached Magnolia Blanchards.