In the Perth suburb of Madeley, a remarkable garden transformation story is unfolding, proving that a personal paradise can be built with your own two hands. Tracey Canner and Nick Wren have reshaped their outdoor space into a stunning, low-maintenance tropical retreat, a project born from shared vision and relentless DIY spirit.
From Lawn Care to No-Lawn Living
The garden's foundational concept was a clear and unified vision from the owners. Tracey Canner and Nick Wren wanted an outdoor space that practically took care of itself, eliminated lawn entirely, and functioned as a permanent holiday escape. The "no lawn" decree is particularly ironic given Nick's past ownership of a lawn-mowing business.
Today, the reality matches the dream. Maintenance is minimal. Nick states that a weekly patrol for weeds and leaves takes no more than an hour for a quick tidy-up. The garden's signature frangipani trees are pruned for shape only during their dormancy period, ensuring the landscape remains effortlessly neat.
A Palette of Hardy Tropicals and Modern Design
The planting scheme is a masterclass in combining resilience with beauty. Raised beds throughout the property are filled with hardy tropicals and succulents. Philodendrons and cordylines provide striking height and colour, while crotons, ornamental grasses, and crown of thorns plants add rich contrast and texture.
A white frangipani acts as a focal point in the north-eastern corner. For practical delight, a dwarf citrus grove, potted in sleek grey square planters, supplies fruit for summer drinks. The design cleverly connects the front and back gardens, with bold red Nandinas lining the driveway and the backyard dominated by two large frangipanis, variegated grasses, and screening Lilly Pillies.
The aesthetic is crisp and modern, defined by grey and white stacked stone cladding on the raised beds, finished with travertine capping. Underfoot, poured aggregate and charcoal accents complete the polished look. Before planting, Nick enriched the soil with mushroom compost and sheep manure, a move that established a foundation for strong, resilient growth with minimal ongoing input.
Creating a Year-Round Entertaining Hub
One of the most significant changes to the property was the removal of a problematic swimming pool, which had an undetectable leak. This bold decision paved the way for a spacious alfresco area that truly aligns with the couple's lifestyle.
The new space features an outdoor fireplace and kitchen, designed for year-round use. Shade structures cover both the dining area and an eight-seater spa, making it the ultimate entertainment zone. This is our happy place," says Tracey. "It's our little piece of paradise where we do all of our life planning." The garden even served as the venue for their wedding in February 2025.
As dedicated DIY enthusiasts, Tracey and Nick designed and built almost everything themselves. They only called in professionals for the poured aggregate, the outdoor fireplace flue, and the automatic louvres. Their skills, honed over years of renovation projects alongside their careers in the airline industry and Freaky Flyers letterbox distribution, are evident in every detail.
Their Madeley garden stands as a testament to what can be achieved with big ideas, a willingness to learn, and hard work. It seamlessly blends easy care with sophisticated styling, offering a permanent "relaxed tropical holiday vibe" right in their own backyard.
