Michael then designed an expansive lawn as a dynamic area
for playing cricket and practising putting. “We have very active
kids,” says Jaimie. “Macauley, especially, loves all sports, so we really
wanted to be able to enjoy that in the garden.” They chose ‘Santa
Ana’ couch turf for that golf-green look and feel.
The glass pool fence provides a connection between these
areas and the people using them. The planting between the areas
is kept low to enable a sense of flow, and includes clipped balls
of Rhaphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’. The curves of the balls and
garden edging echo the random paving shapes.
These shapely curves repeat around the garden, creating
structure without rigidity. A pre-existing camellia is reshaped into
an alluring cloud-shape and the lawn has a sinuous garden-edged
border. More paving and a sandstone wall, built from convict
stone, speak to the classic component of the space. The curves
create a relaxed look, avoiding straight, formal lines.
Away from the backyard, there are other practical spaces.
The clothes-drying area has ample space for fun to be had
among the household chores. There’s a trampoline and
courtyard nearby, with easy access all around. “One of the
things we love is that you can walk around the house on
all four sides,” says Jaimie. “We wanted the kids to be able
to wander and explore all around the house outside.”
Much of the garden’s allure comes from the established
plants and trees. Some of these were blocking views, so Michael
thinned and reshaped them to reveal the ocean. While thisMichael did a fantastic
job of working with
the brief we gave him
JAIMIE WOODCOCK, HOMEOWNER“
”
138 / Inside Out