Level best

Creating three levels in this garden has allowed maximum use of space for recreational and entertaining areas

Creating three levels in this garden has allowed maximum use of space for recreational and entertaining areas, without compromising water views

This seaside garden in Sydney is located directly above the ocean on a steeply sloping foreshore. The medium-sized suburban block is home to a young family, who were after a level, functional space that included a swimming pool, sizeable lawn, entertaining area, a day bed and some ornamentation. They also wanted some screening from the neighbours, a barbecue area and a clothes line and for the whole package to be low-maintenance.

It’s when a project is at the concept stage and clients see their garden and wish-list items on a scaled plan that a reality check occurs, followed by some serious prioritising. Generally, regardless of the garden’s size, I always try to make outdoor spaces seem larger than they really are, even when working with acreage. In this instance the clients requested practical, level terraces cut into the steep slope, which was going to work perfectly with my intention to make the space as large and uncluttered as possible.

I broke the 17m long garden into three level zones or three “rooms”. Bifold doors open to the first space at ground level, which is the entertaining area. Charcoal-coloured limestone pavers are laid at the same level as the internal floorboards (sloping away from the house for drainage reasons)and create a seamless transition from inside to out. Boxed-in timber benches surround the perimeter of the entertaining area and double as storage.

Timber steps provide access to the middle (pool) level and form a landing at the base of wide steps leading to the final (upper) level area. The timber landing is softened by a garden bed that forms a green division between this level and the one below. I designed a timber pedestal to the right of the wide steps and, in consultation with the client, chose a beautiful pebble sculptural stand by Adam Jones to sit on it. The design theory behind the pool was to make it feel completely incorporated into the site so it did not dominate the space. I achieved this with narrow coping on three sides and a garden wall along the fourth. The body of water is not defined by coping on four sides so it appears larger.

The final level comprises lawn, with a day bed behind it. This sits in the generous shade provided by an existing massive Norfolk Island pine directly behind the pool. There are wonderful views of the ocean on this level, so two recliners were built into the timber daybed with cushions fitted to make it as comfortable as possible. A stepped planter box provides good soil depth on the boundary wall and separates the existing levels on the fence line from newly excavated levels. All the retaining walls are planter boxes, constructed from rendered block work and painted white to match the house. In this way the connection between house and garden is created, despite level changes.

The merbau timber boards were specified at a larger 140mm size to make the spaces seem bigger and less complicated. A granite stack wall behind the pool offers a fine textural contrast to the smooth finish of the walls and timber, adding to the organic mix of materials. A row of Juniperus ‘Keteleeri’ was planted on this boundary to provide screening from neighbours’ houses higher up the slope. I chose this species because it will remain narrow in width and grow reasonably quickly. Homes on the coast need careful consideration when it comes to creating privacy; different options should be discussed with the neighbours in order to avoid any battles over compromised views.

Another significant environmental factor to address was the site’s constant battering by salt-laden winds. I needed plants (like the Juniperus) that could tolerate these conditions and grow happily in full sun and also the full shade of the Norfolk Island pine, yet give the impression of consistency and uniformity. As the beds were relatively tiny, disjointed and on different levels, I wanted a small variety of plants that would form an interesting contrast. Lining the pool and in front of the Juniperus screen on the back boundary, we planted a row of Phormium ‘Chief’, which is a leafy plant with pink, cream and bronze variegation. I chose this because it grows to a height that won’t obstruct views from the pool and lawn levels. It also tolerates a lot of shade as well as full sun. In addition, it’s a New Zealand native so the plant will withstand the salty winds.

Above the pool and lawn (and also the entertaining area) bands of Crassula ovata were massed. With round, shiny, mid-green leaves, it’s not only an eye-catching plant but one of the toughest. To spill over the walls and contrast with the mid green of the Crassula, we planted a hardy trailing succulent called Kalanchoe pumila, which has silver and mauve leaves. The result is a garden that encapsulates the whole brief and one, the clients are pleased to report, which needs very little maintenance. peterfudgegardens.com.au