In the heart of Perth's coastal suburb of North Beach, a remarkable garden has blossomed, serving as a living testament to how thoughtful design can perfectly align with a relaxed, Australian lifestyle. This isn't just a collection of plants; it's a carefully curated coastal sanctuary that provides a private oasis for its owners, a couple who sought a seamless connection between their home and the natural environment.
From Bare Block to Lush Coastal Retreat
The journey began with a challenging blank canvas: a bare, sloping block that presented both difficulties and opportunities. The owners had a clear vision for a low-maintenance, native-focused garden that would offer year-round interest and privacy without feeling enclosed. They turned to the expertise of Chris Ferreira, a renowned landscape designer known for his sustainable and aesthetic approach.
Ferreira's masterplan was ambitious yet harmonious. He designed a series of tiered spaces that cleverly managed the slope, creating distinct 'rooms' within the garden. A central, meandering pathway of reclaimed bricks now guides visitors through the landscape, inviting exploration and discovery at every turn. This structural element provides a beautiful contrast to the soft, flowing forms of the native flora.
A Palette of Resilient Native Plants
The plant selection is the soul of this coastal sanctuary, deliberately chosen for its resilience, beauty, and suitability to the local conditions. The garden showcases a stunning array of West Australian native plants that are both drought-tolerant and visually captivating.
Key species include the architectural Dianella 'Little Jess', with its strappy foliage and blue flowers, and the textural groundcover Myoporum parvifolium. Sculptural grasses like Lomandra varieties add movement and sound as they sway in the sea breeze. The design also incorporates splashes of colour from flowering natives such as Grevilleas and Banksias, which attract local birdlife, further enhancing the connection to the coastal ecosystem.
Water-wise irrigation and strategic mulching are fundamental to the garden's sustainability, ensuring it thrives with minimal resource input. This thoughtful approach means the garden is not only beautiful but also responsible, conserving precious water in Perth's climate.
Design That Connects to Lifestyle
The ultimate success of this project lies in how the design directly facilitates the owners' desired lifestyle. The tiered levels create intimate spaces for different activities: one area is perfect for morning coffee bathed in sunlight, while another offers a shaded retreat for reading in the afternoon.
Privacy was a major concern, given the suburban setting. Ferreira used a clever combination of strategically placed trees and screening plants to create a green buffer from neighbouring properties. This allows the owners to fully immerse themselves in their sanctuary without feeling overlooked, turning their garden into a true private escape.
The connection between indoor and outdoor living is seamless. Views from the main living areas frame specific garden vignettes, extending the sense of space and bringing the tranquillity of nature inside. The materials, colours, and textures were all chosen to complement the coastal location, with a palette of greys, greens, and silvers that mirror the nearby ocean and sky.
This North Beach garden stands as a powerful example for Australian homeowners. It proves that with intelligent design and a commitment to native, sustainable planting, it's possible to create an outdoor space that is more than just a garden. It becomes a fundamental part of the home—a coastal sanctuary that nourishes, protects, and inspires, perfectly blending design with the quintessential Australian love for the outdoors.
