A Sydney garden created with the whole family in mind

Landscape architecture by Nelson Thomas Landscape Design & Architecture

Set in the suburb of Gordon on Sydney’s Upper North Shore, this garden by the team at Nelson Thomas brings new life to a period home, recently purchased by a young family with two tweens in tow. With an interior renovation already underway, the homeowners sought an outdoor redesign that would soften the property’s edges and make better use of various areas, while adding their own style and feel.

Nelson Thomas X Sage Journal - Gordon Project

Garden goals

The homeowners’ goal was to create a space that felt cohesive and encouraged greater use of the outdoors. The existing layout felt disjointed, and much of the garden was underused. Key priorities included improving flow and circulation around the property, creating a more welcoming sense of arrival and refreshing the garden throughout.

Making the most of the space

An open lawn was introduced for the kids, giving them space to play and move freely. Around the pool, new planting brought softness, helping to connect the area to the rest of the garden.

With the original driveway repositioned for better functionality, there was room to create a new pedestrian access, lined with lawn and soft plantings. A water feature was added nearby, offering a focal point and lifting the mood of the space. A previously unused side garden became home to the trampoline, making the most of every corner of the property.

The end result

The redesign has given the family a garden that suits their lifestyle now, and will continue to grow with them. The garden now feels like an extension of the home. The once disconnected and underused outdoor areas have been brought into focus, offering both practical access and places to play and relax. There’s a renewed sense of pride in the property, with a garden that complements the architecture of the heritage home while offering something for every member of the family.

Key plant list

Trees and shrubs

Viburnum odoratissimum ‘Emerald Lustre’ (Japanese viburnum)
Buxus microphylla var. japonica (Japanese box)
Cupaniopsis anacardioides (tuckeroo)
Dioon spinulosum (giant dioon)
Hibiscus tiliaceus (coastal hibiscus)
Phoenix roebelenii (pygmy date palm)
Raphiolepis indica ‘Oriental Pearl’ (Indian hawthorn)

Perennials and groundcovers

Anemone × hybrida ‘Honorine Jobert’ (white Japanese anemone)
Anemone × hybrida ‘Pink’ (pink Japanese anemone)
Gaura lindheimeri ‘Belleza White’
Hydrangea macrophylla (bigleaf hydrangea)
Ligularia dentata (leopard plant)
Neomarica gracilis (walking iris)
Plectranthus ciliatus (candlestick plant)
Pratia pedunculata (white star creeper)
Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)
Salvia leucantha (Mexican bush sage)
Strobilanthes gossypinus (Persian shield)
Trachelospermum asiaticum ‘Tricolour’ (variegated jasmine)

Climber

Pandorea jasminoides (bower vine)

Grass-like plant

Lomandra longifolia ‘Lime Tuff’

Landscape architecture by Nelson Thomas

Photography by Pablo Veiga

Landscaping by The Mahony Group

Building by Orishon Projects

Maintenance by Grandeur Gardening

Plants supplied by Exotic Nurseries

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About Nelson Thomas

At Nelson Thomas, we’re passionate about the work we do and how it enriches our clients’ lives. Every project is unique, so we start by listening – understanding how our clients see the space being used and how it fits into people’s lives. Our thinking and design process are informed by our expertise in horticulture and garden design.

We design with a sensitivity to the architecture and natural features of the landscape, considering how the spaces flow into each other and are viewed from around the site.

Project plans draw on our team’s wealth of hands-on experience in all stages of delivery – from initial concept design through to material selection, construction and planting, and advice on ongoing maintenance. Our end goal is to create awe-inspiring gardens and outdoor spaces that grow with you – a natural blend of our passion and your vision.