The challenge when dealing with plenty of open space is creating intimacy and human scale so the landscape can be easily interpreted and enjoyed. Borrowed views are plentiful in most rural properties and the key to successful design is limiting vistas to key directions, creating a focal point and enhancing the natural beauty of the area.

Both the Wonthaggi and Harkaway gardens focussed on creating interest around the house whilst integrating the area with the larger landscape beyond. Sustainability is always a consideration in Ochre gardens, of which plant selection for low water use is a vital component. 

Mixed planting beds provide interest and colour year round; perennial with evergreen, native with exotic, the planting ensures there is something always going on and, most importantly, doesn’t require a lot of input. Child friendly, bushfire-aware, low maintenance and low water use…challenging factors in the design of most rural properties, but there’s more than a few bonuses: the light is clearer and works magic with the colours of a garden, wind adds a whole new dimension and the prospect of actually encouraging wildlife makes a nice change from city environments.