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Pepo Botanic Design is widely recognised as a bespoke design studio with an emphasis on unique plant choices and sculptural additions. Our landscape architects take the time to listen to you and develop an intuitive feel for the possibilities when designing each individual space, making it one of the more unique gardening services in Sydney. Once a garden is established, our maintenance team prides itself on respectfully tending to and nourishing lawns, plants and gardens with expert horticultural care.
A swathe of brilliant red Canna x generalis ‘Australia’ (Canna lilies) creates a dramatic sense of arrival at the entrance to this impeccably refurbished federation home in Haberfield. Pepo was engaged to design a garden that would fit seamlessly alongside Melocco & Moore’s restoration of the traditional exterior of the house at the front and contemporary renovation at the rear.
In the front garden, layered textural planting frames the house and boundary fences, with species chosen for their vibrant flowers and ever-changing seasonal foliage. A curving bluestone pathway cuts crisply through the immaculate lawn, continuing the journey from gate to door, while a row of Olea europaea (Common Olive trees) provides screening along the driveway.
Venturing through the side gate reveals first glimpses of the contemporary renovation, with the rear garden offering a balanced transition between interior living and outdoor play and entertaining spaces. A casual seating area around a fire pit flows into an outdoor dining space, before reaching a productive garden where the clients, passionate gardeners themselves, tend to herbs, fruit and vegetables growing in the greenhouse and raised garden beds.
On the other side of a reclaimed brick wall, the swimming pool is a welcome oasis, softened with a lush Viburnum screening hedge along the rear fence, and framed with Salvias, Dichondra and Native Violets. The pool layout was designed by Melocco & Moore and installed by Hagan Built, with Pepo selecting the Inax 2×1 tile from Artedomus as a non-conventional reference to the Arts and Crafts history of the home, while the Castro Limestone pool coping from Onsite Supply and Design was chosen as a bridging material to link the various hard surfaces of the house exterior and garden.
With numerous spaces to relax, entertain, grow and play, this Haberfield garden offers a welcoming family home for its owners and a respectful integration of classic, historic beauty and elegant, contemporary design.
A considered and eclectic mix of native plants lure visitors along an elevated concrete pathway towards the entrance of this coastal home. Cycads and Leucadendrons add a sculptural accent and the strong vertical form of Corymbia citriodora ‘Scentuous’ complements the garden’s breezy nature.
Given the property’s natural slope, terracing has been installed to create crisp definition and embellish the pool area, at the rear of the garden. Extra depth is created through deliberate planting that runs to the boundary and the specific use of Waterhousea and Viburnum.
Natural and recycled materials ensure this beach-side oasis nestles comfortably within the space. Thoughtful design has created a relaxing atmosphere and effortless connection with the surrounds.
Resting gently on a hilltop overlooking beautiful Whale Beach, this garden feels like it belongs. It enhances the sense of place – almost like it has naturally evolved from the earth over time – in accord with the rocky outcrops and sandy beaches below.
Harmonising new design elements with the natural environment and an existing garden scheme was the key to creating a practical and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
At the heart of the development was the need to integrate existing features, such as a yoga deck, steel rods lining the pathways and sculptural pieces that had been carefully placed within the space.
Given the demands of the steep site, the plant palette includes varieties that are environmentally sensitive and help to stabilise the hillside and prevent erosion. Our selection includes Casuarina glauca ‘Green Wave’ (Casuarina She-Oak), Doryanthes excelsa (Gymea Lily) and Rhagodia spinescens (Spiny Saltbush).
Clusters of Casuarina glauca ‘Green Wave’ (Casuarina She-Oaks) have been shaped into balls to mimic the rocky landforms and undulating landscape. They also speak to the striking architecture of the house designed by Peter Stutchbury Architecture.
Each element has been connected and considered to create a peaceful retreat for our clients and provide a haven for local bandicoots and native birds.