Striking Oasis
A striking street presence & backyard oasis
2019
LOCATION
AWABAKAL COUNTRY, CATHERINE HILL BAY
PHOTOGRAPHY
ATELIER PHOTOGRAPHY, SHUTTER PROJECT PHOTOGRAPHY
Creative, out the box thinking transformed this Catherine Hill Bay property into a unique, head-turning paradise.
An eclectic mix of exotic, succulent and native planting blends the feeling of a luxurious tropical escape with the property’s coastal New South Wales surroundings. Each plant chosen emulates the tropics while remaining tolerant to full sun conditions, salt spray and wind. Long-term, the required soil amelioration, excavation and drip irrigation will alleviate drainage issues, ensuring plants thrive in all conditions.
The captivating texture of zoysia grass mounds soften the hard materials found throughout the property, from the pool in the back, the granite boulder from Moruya in the front, and the statement letterbox made from recycled railway sleepers with Corten detailing. Railway sleepers also feature as part of the back garden path, another textured feature reminiscent of the Catherine Hill Bay landscape.
Finally, as a nod to community spirit, the front of this property and its neighbour were merged via strategic planting and design to remove harsh boundary lines and clashing styles. A Moss Boss first and an instant neighbourhood favourite!
Plant palette
Pandanus (pandanus tectorius)
Opuntia (opuntia ‘Burbank Spineless’)
Blue jade (crassula ovata ‘Bluebird)
No-mow grass (zoysia tenuifolia)
Giant bird of paradise (strelitzia nicolai)
Native redback ginger (alpinia caerulea ‘Atherton’)
Teddy bear magnolia (magnolia grandiflora)
Material palette
Moruya granite boulders
Bluestone stepping pavers
Recycled railway sleepers
Corten
20ml river pebbles