Glen Iris Project

The Ian Barker Gardens’ design process usually begins with a detailed brief from their clients.

Ian Barker Gardens then present their design solution.

And once the preliminary design is approved, Ian Barker Gardens complete the design.

With thus project at Glen Iris however, the process ran a little differently.

The IBG design was constructed over four stages between 2013 and 2017.

That’s because it coincided with their clients extensive years-long home renovation.

The landscape design brief given to Ian Barker Gardens by their garden-loving, family of four client, was to update their tired, run down garden, and give it a new lease on life.

The client encouraged Ian Barker Gardens to take their design to the edge of contemporary, without straying too far from the traditional.

But there were problems to be overcome.

The most pressing issue was how to disguise the most unattractive neighbouring block of flats.

They were highly visible from the rear garden.

So they needed to be ‘lost’ and a new ‘positive’ focal point created.

Towards the latter part of the construction, Ian Barker Gardens also faced privacy issues with a new property being built next door.

But disguising these neighbouring dwellings was not their only hurdle.

They also needed ways to improve the overall flow of the garden.

In theory, the fundamental elements of the garden were to remain – a lawn area, pool, and pavilion could all stay – but they were all in need of a functional, modern face lift.

Given the size of the property, there was an opportunity to design different zones.

But even though these zones were to be self-contained gardens with their own purpose and feel, they needed to a common thread to tie them together and give the entire garden design cohesion.

So Ian Barker Gardens chose classic plants reminiscent of the era for that purpose.

But they ensured the layout had a modern edge too.

To link the hard landscape surfaces, Ian Barker Gardens laid Travertine paving in a traditional method, but in a contemporary layout, to give it a slick and sharp finish.

On their first site visit, Ian Barker Gardens were delighted to find a magnificent Golden Elm tree at the rear of the property.

It was a key feature they happily retained.

At the rear, to draw the eye down the site and create interest, Buxus spheres were “randomly placed” in the lawn.

Screening was built to filter the view to the adjoining flats.

The Deciduous Pears that had been used to hide the flats were transplanted to another part of the garden to bulk up the effectiveness of the screening.

A double row of evergreen Ficus ‘Flash’ were planted to form a continuous and solid hedge that filtered the unfavourable view.

This new hedge also provided a dark background for the bright light-green foliage of the Golden Elm.

The elm stood out, and became even more of a feature.

The garden bed under the double row of pleached Ficus was planted out with mixed perennials.

When viewed from the pavilion, this long bed extends for the length of the lawn.

The client selected a sculpture that was placed at the end to draw a viewer’s eye through the perennials.

To improve the flow of the space, Ian Barker Gardens leveled out the lawn.

And removed many unnecessary steps.

That made it easier to move around.

They relocated the stairs from the residence to the backyard, rebuilding them and adding a landing area to increase functionality and safety.

Ian Baker Gardens sourced a large mature evergreen Magnolia and installed it down the side of the property.

That move screened the view to a new dwelling that had been built next door.

On the north side of the property, Ian Baker Gardens created a terrace above the garage.

This functional area was designed for casual dining,

Large Lilly Pillys screened the space and a sun-shielding pergola was added to keep the house cool in summer.

This home had a heritage front facade with a garden containing a number of established traditional plants.

Keeping this original planting intact and healthy was important.

So Ian Barker Gardens maintained the existing planting palette of Camellias, Azaleas, Hydrangea, and Lilacs.

But they introduced a more modern approach by adding Japanese Maples, Iris, and Ajuga.

They helped connect the front and rear gardens.

After four years in the making, Ian Barker Gardens were thrilled with how their design translated into a functional and attractive new garden.

Project Details

Completion date – 2017

Project Team

Design and Construction

Ian Barker Gardens

Ian Barker Gardens is an award-winning landscape design, construction and maintenance service based in Canterbury, Victoria. Founded by Ian Barker in 1996, the Ian Barker team comes with a wealth of experience and knowledge, offering you a level of professionalism that is unsurpassed in the landscaping industry.

www.landscape.net.au

Photography

Claire Takacs

Claire Takacs is a photographer inspired by light, nature and beauty. Gardens are her canvas and she always strives to capture the essence of any garden she visits and the beauty of fleeting moments in these special places.

www.takacsphoto.com