An endemic Sydney bush garden and upgrade of the existing pool to create the feeling of a billabong surrounded by Sydney native planting.

The teal lagoon is a focal point and provides reflections and tranquil water sounds throughout the garden. The introduction of a recycled heritage sandstone block with an inserted brass rill vessel creates a bespoke water feature which can be viewed and appreciated from the house and within the billabong.

The palette of materials is a mix of of sandstone coping, recycled brick day bed seating bench, deep blue/green mosaic tiles, slatted spotted gum screen and batten pool fence. Over time the fence will become engulfed in native plantings of grasses, coreas, bankias and kangaroo paw as the garden matures and evolves. A flagged sandstone path, reminiscent of piano keys, leads to the water hole.

Plant screening with Sydney natives was essential for increased privacy from neighbouring properties (Acmena smithii, Elaeocarpus reticulatus, Callicoma serritifolia)

The brief included a lawn for two beloved pooches - garden area where they can run and sniff but are delineated from native fauna attracted by the garden. A large area of the rear garden is dedicated to bird and lizard habitat and mimics native ecosystems where small birds live, feed and nest. The client’s curious and very energetic dogs are separated from shy native animals with euci-fencing from Wattle and Wire that merges with the spotted gum pool fence.

Refer to the below link for creating a bird habitat in your backyard:

https://www.birdsinbackyards.net/places

Completion: 2019

Architect : simpson + wilson architects

Photos : Emily Simpson

Construction : Bates Landscape | Precision Pools by Ben