Sandringham Garden Project

Ian Barker Gardens’ clients knew what they wanted to achieve from their Sandringham garden.

Sandringham is a prestigious beach-side suburb in Melbourne, Australia.

They wanted separate and distinct areas for welcoming guests, entertaining, relaxation, and plenty of open space for the kids.

Ian Barker Gardens knew that a statement front entrance was essential to make this garden design work.

Set on a 1,570 square meter site, the Ian Barker Gardens team chose to reuse the existing slate in a more contemporary manner.

The slate had been laid by the previous owner.

It creates an obvious, eye-catching pathway to the property.

Just off the main entrance, the Ian Barker Gardens team created the Woodland Garden, a shaded area with a forest-like feel.

It’s the perfect place for the kids to explore and have endless adventures.

The winding path leads past the Meadow Garden through to the Forest Garden.

The plant-focused clients afforded the Ian Barker Gardens team the opportunity to experiment with lots of different plant varieties and textures although they needed to select drought tolerant plants that thrive in light, sandy soil.

Ian Barker Gardens kept the existing ferns, re-positioning them throughout the woodland, to add balance and interest.

Continuing on the theme of exploration for the kids, Ian Barker Gardens used old Bluestone pitchers, originally from the property, to build rock steps and winding paths through the Forest Garden.

They chose plants that will soon grow to cover the timber fort platform and create a jungle feel – allowing the kids’ imaginations to run wild.

The Ian Barker Gardens team gave the existing Jacaranda and Banskia trees a new lease on life by removing surrounding trees and shrubs that were stealing the limelight.

The sculptural design of the Banskia tree trunk is now a real focal point.

The expansive rear lawn sits perfectly next to the pool area accentuating the feeling of space and calm, with an array of perennials and grasses softening the straight lines.

Mixed perennials and grasses were also introduced to soften the hard architectural lines of the deck and the pool. This area allows the family the freedom to use the space as their needs and lifestyle stages evolve.

The Kitchen Garden area is simplistic and charming.

Ian Barker Gardens designed and constructed curved garden beds to add interest and along with the decking and steppers they instantly make the space flow. The planting in this area was themed around ‘cut flowers’ – allowing their client the luxury of having a florist at their fingertips.

Key Products Used

Planting

Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’
Pyris ‘Capital’ – Ornamental Pear
Camellia japonica
Hydrangea quercifolia ‘Snowflake’
Blechnum ‘Silver Lady’ – Silver Lady Fern
Liriope muscari
Centaurea cyaneus – Cornflower meadow
Asparagus densiflorus – Foxtail Fern
Echinacea purpurea – Purple Cone Flower
Salvia nemorosa – Woodland Sage

Hardscape

Re-use existing slate for front path
Bluestone pitcher wall
1000 x 500mm bluestone pavers
Timber decking
Timber sleeper retaining wall
Bluestone clad retaining wall
Concrete bench
Pergola

Project Details

Project size – 1,570 m2
Completion date – 2017
Building levels – 1

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

Erik Holt

See more of Erik’s work on Instagram.