GARDEN BED (above) Below the stairs and railing
designed by White + Dickson Architects, vibrant
Cotyledon orbiculata and Kalanchoe marmorata
are used as groundcover. Bird of paradise (Strelitzia
reginae) stands sentry by the railing. FENCE (above
right) Clipped balls of Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Oriental
Pearl’ soften the divide between lawn and pool. They
are littered with frangipani flowers from the tree above.T
,
other, or from the view,” says Jaimie Woodcock, who shares the
home with his wife Aimee, and their kids, Macauley, 9; and Leila, 3.
Mostly, Jaimie and Aimee wanted practical spaces for their
children to play outside, but they were also keen to exploit the
views and preserve the captivating feel that drew them to the
property. The plan included a high-quality cricket-pitch-sized
lawn and a swimming pool, and shaping old plants into
interesting forms to open up views and provide privacy.
They engaged Michael Cooke for the landscape design.
Having worked with Michael before, they knew he was more
than capable of arranging this garden the way they wanted.
The couple trusted both his expertise with the existing plants
and his talent and vision to allow the garden to evolve.
First was the pool, a significant addition, the unorthodox shape
of which results from sloping land and a tricky corner. A drop
down in the level around the pool yields a lower lounge area,
with both levels paved using Eco Outdoor ‘Bolzano’ sandstone
tiles. The crazy paving suits the unusual retro-shaped pool and
extends to the house, where the downstairs area opens onto it.
What was once a sloping grass patch has now become two
connected spaces where this family spends most of their time.136 / Inside Out
OUT gardens