• Managing excess water: The site’s low-lying areas were muddy and prone to pooling. Without careful grading, erosion and stagnation were risks.
• Shade and slope: Much of the site is steep and heavily shaded, requiring a sensitive plant palette and skilful circulation design.
• Site orientation & access: With such a dramatically sloped and asymmetric site, one of the key challenges was to bring human movement into balance, not just viewing the garden, but experiencing it physically and intimately.

The landscape was conceived as a journey through water, stone, and foliage—an immersive experience that unfolds gradually.

A system of hand-built stone walls was laid out in dialogue with the architectural grid of the renovated home, establishing a rhythm and formality that contrasts beautifully with the loose, layered planting. These walls function as retaining structures, weirs, seating elements, and pathways, giving the garden both structure and movement.

• The Waterway: A naturalistic stream now flows from the top of the garden, collecting in two generous pools before exiting the site. It’s a central habitat element, drawing birds, frogs, insects, and people.
• Circulation & Connection: A system of terraces, decks, and bridging stone paths encourages exploration and pause. Rather than dominate the site, these elements were crafted to feel embedded in the land, allowing the wildness to remain intact.
• Planting Style: A rich, multi-layered green palette was developed, favouring bold foliage and form over floral display. This allowed the garden to remain timeless and meditative, in harmony with its shaded setting.
• Sustainable Reuse: Old sandstone walls were dismantled, repurposed, and reclad in new formations. Original timber decking was preserved where possible, reducing material waste and cost.

• Harnessing Onsite Water: Through the guidance of waterway and civil engineers, stormwater was transformed into an aesthetic and ecological asset, not a problem to be drained.
• Material Reuse: Sandstone from the original subdivided site was reclaimed and reused for structural and aesthetic continuity.
• Microclimate Appropriate Planting: Instead of fighting the shade and moisture, the design embraced it, selecting species that thrive in high humidity and filtered light, minimizing input and irrigation needs long term.

The garden installation occurred over three key phases across one year, aligning with the home’s major renovation. As each area became accessible, it was immediately shaped and planted, allowing early establishment and integration with the architecture.

• Architecture: Anton de Kock
• Main Contractor: Unser Construction
• Landscape Design & Build: Cara Smith Landscape Design
• Waterway Consultants: Water In Motion & Peter Wium Consulting Engineer
• Stone Cladding: JSW
• Irrigation System: Turfmanzi