Whispering fig

White studio veranda framed by arching Port Jackson Fig branches, with lavender and ornamental grasses at dusk

Set on a semi-rural property on the outskirts of Sydney, we were engaged to reimagine the existing landscape with a garden drawing on both Mediterranean and Californian influences.

A mature Port Jackson Fig became the defining anchor of the front garden, around which generous drifts of perennials and ornamental grasses move through a network of crushed gravel pathways leading to a studio and outdoor dining space.

Along the front façade, a procession of character-filled olive trees introduces a sculptural presence, complemented by clipped cloud-pruned shrubs and expanses of gravel that lend a sense of calm formality.

This design language continues through a series of intimate courtyard spaces, where further olives, softly mounded shrubs, select perennials and succulents create layered moments of interest.

In the rear garden, a grove of olive trees frames a 14-seat dining setting, offering our clients a place to gather, entertain and enjoy the surrounding views.

Location

Glenhaven

Completion

2025

Service

Landscape Architecture, Construction, Horticultural Services

Front garden at dusk with gravel path winding through lavender and ornamental grasses toward the main house
Gnarled olive tree beside rough stone gateposts with agave and ornamental grasses, white outbuilding beyond
Gravel path leading to white weatherboard house entrance, flanked by cloud-pruned shrubs, lavender and rosemary
Mature olive tree with textured trunk surrounded by clipped box balls, ornamental grasses and agave
Grove of olive trees creating a low canopy over ornamental grasses, lavender cotton and blue-grey agave
Large rustic timber outdoor dining table and bench seating on gravel, set among a grove of olive trees
Two timber sun loungers on a paved terrace facing a round-headed frangipani tree and ornamental garden
Courtyard garden with frangipani tree, columnar cactus and purple salvia alongside a white rendered house facade
Front garden at dusk with agave and lavender in the foreground and Port Jackson Fig canopy overhead
View through white veranda columns into a courtyard with olive tree, purple salvia and columnar cactus
Aerial view of rectangular pool, timber deck and gravel garden with outdoor dining table and olive trees
Naturalistic garden border with blue-grey agave, purple salvia, white gaura and ornamental grasses
Sculptural backlit olive tree trunk surrounded by cloud-pruned shrubs and ornamental grass on gravel
Wide concrete steps rising up a grass slope toward a pool terrace, flanked by frangipani and grass tree
Covered terrace with green outdoor dining set overlooking a gravel garden path bordered by lavender and agave