TLA member Two Palms Landscaping has transformed a challenging, sloping site with retaining issues into a cohesive outdoor space.
Spectacular views often come with challenging site issues for gardening contractors, which was certainly the case with this residential garden.
However, in a considered approach, Two Palms Landscaping managed the tough, steep, slope of this award winning back garden on Sydney’s northern beaches using innovative retaining solutions, creating playful, engaging spaces, and transforming it into a cohesive, functional, and aesthetically pleasing landscape.
The work won the Gold and Best in Category award in Residential Construction ($100,000 to $250,000) for Two Palms Landscaping at the 2024 Landscape Excellence Awards, with the judges particularly commending the execution of the timber and walls, calling it ‘…an excellent-looking garden’.
The brief
This rear garden was a return client for Two Palms Landscaping, who constructed the front garden in 2022. The brief for the back garden was to create a space that seamlessly integrated with the existing landscape while adding an element of fun and playfulness. The focus was on handling the site’s steep topography through innovative structural design to ensure functionality and aesthetics.
The back garden presented significant challenges, primarily due to its tough, steep slope which had suffered damage from previous construction methods and heavy rain. This made it largely unusable in its initial state, but it also provided a unique opportunity to transform the terrain into dynamic terraces.
A few existing plants in decent condition were kept and incorporated into the new design. Originally, the space featured a lawn with unmaintained hedges, most of which needed replacement.
Scope of work
The scope of work included installing retaining walls, timber steps, steel garden edging, stepping stones and boundary fencing, overcoming site challenges through thoughtful design and strategic planning.
Earthworks included movement of soil to alter ground levels and relocate existing soil. A concrete patio slab was created in conjunction with the lower wall footings. The retaining walls were constructed using Dincel walling, M12 steel and core fill. This was rendered and sponge finished for painting.
Other works included the construction of three sets of timber garden steps, providing access from the patio to the pool, decking in spotted gum, a bench seat, turf and newgarden beds edged in Corten steel.
In addition, given the site’s history of flooding during heavy rains, addressing drainage was a top priority. This included installing comprehensive drainage solutions to mitigate future water issues.
Access issues
Given the steep topography and existing structures, access to the site was limited. Fortunately, the neighbouring property allowed access via their shared driveway. This was strategically managed through effective communication and agreed time slots for deliveries, minimising disruption and maintaining good relations with the neighbours.
Plantings
A wide variety of hardy plants were chosen, designed to withstand the challenges of the exposed site. Species included feature plantings of Dragon tree (Dracaena Draco), Sansevieria, and Senecio Serpens, underplanted with Dichondra ‘Silver falls’ and Native Violet (Viola Hederacea). A series of Bromeliads was planted along the boundary between the new lawn and the pool.
The new lawn was planted with hardy Sir Walter Buffalo turf.
The result
Now, with a well-considered series of stepped garden areas, each offering separate spaces to meet and entertain, the rear garden has become a focus of the family’s leisure time, extending the entertaining areas of the house and providing a framework for the views.
About the awards
This award-winning garden was highlighted at TLA’s 2024 Landscape Excellence Awards, celebrating the very highest standards and achievements in landscape construction, design and maintenance, in both the residential and commercial sectors.
See more at landscapeassociation.com.au.