HG GARDENS
110 | AUSTRALIAN HOUSE & GARDEN
Two crabapple trees flanking the property provide
symmetry and seasonal colour. They are accentuated by
box hedging for evergreen structure and Ficus hedging
for peripheral screening.
The garden beds needed to be deep, says Ben, to be inproportion with the distinctive and strong facade of the
home. He planted them with spring and seasonal colour,
largely avoiding English cottage-style plants that die off
in winter and need yearly pruning. One exception was the
inclusion of sedums (‘Autumn Joy’ and ‘Matrona’), which
are layered with David Austin roses, Iris germanica (bearded
iris), Salvia nemorosa, society garlic, daphne, catmint and
plectranthus. To this mix he added soft-leaf yuccas, fan
aloes, canna lilies and euphorbias, plus mondo and
miscanthus grasses, creating fascinating contrasts of
colours, shapes and textures. “It’s period planting, but not
in the traditional English style with hydrangeas and roses,”
says Ben. “I’ve added succulents and grasses to perennials
for a modern look.” Meanwhile, Buxus hedging frames
the beds and 120m2 of manicured couch lawn.
At the back, the garden slips into a more laidback mode,a reflection of the addition, where an open-plan family
room opens onto an alfresco entertaining area. Here, Ben
used paler, less formal Andorra limestone paving and a
looser planting plan, with groundcovers such as pigface
and Indian hawthorn (Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’)
cascading over limestone walls below two crepe myrtles.
Two Canadian maples by the pool provide a lush canopy
in summer and brilliant red foliage in autumn, while at
the perimeter, Ben opted for Ficus hedging for screening
and privacy. “The back garden is simpler,” he says. “The
complex planting palette at the front gives way to something
more pared back. Limestone is softer on the eye, and looks
less formal.” Around 140m2 of lawn, again immaculately
manicured, sits on a raised section forming the basement
roof, on which a folded-metal sculpture by Sydney artist
Dion Horstmans creates a dramatic focal point.
With so much lawn to be maintained, says Ben, the owner
has turned into a “turf expert”, lovingly tending his tracts
of grass with the latest mowing equipment. “It’s really
beautiful and immaculately kept, an amazing piece of
greenkeeping, just like the MCG.” But for Ben, it’s the
arbour that shines above all else. “I love that arbour,” he
says. “It has become iconic in the street and a great talking
point. The effect is amazing now it’s fully draped.” #
Ben Scott Landscape Design; http://www.benscott.com.au.