Landscape architecture by Richard Neville, Neville Design Studio
The goal was clear from the outset, at this Point Chevalier garden – to make the most of the home’s sunniest outdoor living spot, which happened to be located directly next to the front door.
The challenge for landscape architect, Richard Neville of Neville Design Studio, was to make the compact space work hard. While the homeowners dreamed of a sunny spot to pause with a cup of tea, the design also had to meet practical needs as it was to double as a car park, front pathway and main entry to the property.
A space to enjoy everyday
The brief was to transform an area dominated by concrete into something far more inviting – a space that felt welcoming, liveable and private, and also optimised the sunniest aspect of the home.
This project focused on two fairly compact areas of the garden. The first was the front entry, where a concrete driveway once ran right up to the door. The second was an unused lawn area. Both spaces needed to be reimagined to bring more life, interest and a stronger connection to the outdoor environment.
Layers of greenery
The planting scheme was guided by the principles of ‘sponge cities’ – prioritising permeability and allowing water to percolate back into the ground. This approach reduces stormwater runoff and helps manage flooding during heavy rain.
Planting in the once-empty lawn area now offers seasonal change and a more dynamic outlook, turning a forgotten corner into somewhere that contributes to the feel of the whole garden. While the timber screens helped give a sense of privacy, the true change came through the layers of greenery and the shift from hard surfaces to planting-focused design.
Small but perfectly formed
The result is a thoughtful transformation of two small but important garden spaces. The front entry has become a welcoming and green area that also functions as an informal courtyard for enjoying the sun.
The previously unused lawn is now planted with layers that bring softness, texture and seasonal interest, drawing the eye and inviting connection. Across both spaces, planting takes the lead, with permeability and everyday liveability at the heart of the design.
Plant palette
- Achillea ‘Oxblood’
- Adiantum aethiopicum
- Alchemilla mollis
- Apodasmia similis
- Aquilegia ‘Bordeaux Barlow’
- Artemisia ludoviciana ‘Silver Queen’
- Asplenium bulbiferum
- Blechnum discolor
- Calamagrostis x acutiflora ‘Karl Foerster’
- Carex ‘Mitimiti’
- Carex solandri
- Cimicifuga americana
- Cimicifuga ‘Black Negligee’
- Citrus unshiu ‘Okitsu’
- Clematis paniculata
- Euphorbia glauca
- Euphorbia x martinii
- Ficus carica ‘Brown Turkey’
- Fuchsia procumbens
- Helleborus purpurascens
- Hosta ‘Green’
- Leptinella dioica
- Liatris spicata ‘Floristan White’
- Macropiper excelsum
- Mazus radicans
- Metrosideros perforata
- Phlomis russeliana
- Radermachera fragrans ‘Everlasting Beauty’
- Restio festuciformis
- Sedum ‘Autumn Joy’
- Sedum ‘Vera Jameson’
- Selliera radicans
- Tecomanthe speciosa
- Thalictrum rochebrunianum
- Verbena bonariensis
