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.
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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