An overgrown Inner West courtyard was transformed into a contemporary garden with 2 distinct zone - a bluestone paved area for cooking and dining and a destination cantilevered, polished concrete bench seat suspended from a natural stone raised garden bed and wall. Select Australian native plants for a true Aussie nature haven provide interest for both the owners and local wildlife. Native ground cover plants will gradually spread between the organic bluestone stepping stones for a lush green carpet. A corten steel planter ring provides another focal point with a magnificent Australian Grass Tree.

Nur ein Jahr nach der Anlage präsentiert sich der Garten eingewachsen und mit einer üppigen Blütenpracht, in der es überall summt und schwirrt. Der Wein wird bald die Pfosten erklommen haben und dann für ein grünes Dach über der Pergola sorgen. Dieser Garten zeigt, das auch moderne und formal gestaltete Gärten nicht auf eine insektenfreundliche Bepflanzung verzichten sollten. Es ist unsere Überzeugung, dass gerade die geradlinige Gestaltung durch ein gut durchdachte Bepflanzung ihre volle Wirkung entfaltet.

Within this garden we wanted to create a space which was not only on numerous levels, but also had various points of interest. This garden is on a slope, but is also very wide. Firstly, we broke up the space by using rustic sleepers to create several raised beds,as well as steps which lead to differennt zones. This helps to give the garden a more traditional, country edge. The sleepers were also used to create a winding path through out the garden, marrying together the various areas. The path leads up to the impressive sunburst pergola and circular stone patio. This is the perfect spot to view the whole garden. At the other end of the garden another pergola sits amougnst a bustling flower bed, and will be used to train vining flowers. Along the back wall of the garden a raised bed is home to a stunning display of wildflower. This plot is not only a fabulous riot of colour and full of rustic charm, but it also attracts a whole host of insects and animals. While wildflowers looks great they are also very low maintenance. Mixed gravel has been used to create a variety of texture. This surface is intermittently dotted with colour with lemon thyme, red hot pokers and foxgloves. Stone has been used to create a warm and welcoming patio area. Flower beds at the front of the garden can be used for veg and other leafy plants. Overall we have created a country style with a very contemporary twist through the use of gravel, modern shape and structural landscaping.

Katherine Lu

For this Willoughby backyard, nestled in Sydney’s North Shore, the team at Fifth Season Landscapes designed a sleek, timeless outdoor space with young families in mind. At its heart is a striking in-ground swimming pool that combines practical elegance with seamless connectivity across the garden. Classic limestone tiles and large-format stepping stones create flow between zones, bordered by a large lush lawn. Mature trees and a low-maintenance, contemporary planting palette enhance privacy while adding a calm, inviting atmosphere. With the addition of a built-in BBQ area, this backyard truly has all areas covered for the whole family—offering a perfect balance of function, style, and outdoor enjoyment.

This luxurious urban garden transformation reimagines a once-blank canvas into a striking private retreat, rich in detail and layered with design complexity. Positioned in the heart of the city, the garden now offers a serene, high-end escape—thoughtfully crafted to deliver visual impact from every angle, whether viewed from inside the home or experienced within the space itself. Though the original plot was level, we introduced the illusion of depth and dimension through elevated design elements, including Schellevis floating steps, which lend an architectural elegance and subtly define spatial zones without disrupting the garden’s flow. Strategic planting anchors the layout, with four distinctive specimen trees—two Dicksonia antarctica, one Feijoa, and one Trachycarpus fortunei—each contributing to carefully curated focal points that guide the eye and enhance the sense of scale. The rear shed is artfully concealed using vertical timber posts, positioned behind the Feijoa to maintain natural beauty without visual distraction. A custom bespoke metal pergola adds verticality and contemporary flair, creating a sculptural frame that draws the eye upward and balances the garden’s horizontal lines. Together, these elements work harmoniously to create a garden that feels expansive, immersive, and deeply refined.

A contemporary installation which boosts kerb-appeal and creates a sense of arrival to this family home. The existing lawn and perimeter borders were removed to extend the drive-way and make way for this welcoming approach to the home. ​ Large-format paving boldly defines the linear walkway connecting the driveway and street to the entrance, whilst the coastal pebbles create a seamless finish throughout to offset the planting and create a low-maintenance scheme. Gorgeous textural planting adds movement and softens the geometry and boundaries. Dark finishes were selected to add depth and contrast against the vibrant planting palette of green, orange and reds. The water bowl is strategically positioned to be viewed from inside the house, bringing movement and reflection to the space, drawing the East Lothian sky into the garden.

Sehnen Sie sich nach mehr Privatsphäre in Ihrem Garten? Mit unseren Stahlzart Sichtschutzzaun Ideen können Sie ungestörte Momente im Freien genießen, ohne neugierige Blicke. Unsere Zäune sind: Robust & langlebig: Unsere Zäune trotzen Wind und Wetter. Stilvoll & modern: Verleihen Sie Ihrem Garten einen Hauch von Eleganz. Naturnah & harmonisch: Perfekte Integration in Ihre grüne Umgebung. Einfache Montage: Schnell & unkompliziert aufgebaut. Made in Germany: Qualität, auf die Sie sich verlassen können. Lassen Sie sich inspirieren und entdecken Sie vielfältige Sichtschutzzaun-Lösungen für Garten, Terrasse & Balkon auf www.stahlzart.de!

Bird's eye view of lush jungle-like foliage and bespoke circular bench and table. Credit: Annaïck Guitteny Photography

Detail of curved cantilevered steps within retaining wall linking lower patio to lawn. Credit: Annaïck Guitteny Photography

Sunken Fire pit and seating area on a two tier 200 sqm terrace surrounded by raised planting beds overlooking the South Downs. Natural stone tiles.

The back garden for an innovative property in Fulham Cemetery - the house featured on Channel 4's Grand Designs in January 2021. The design had to enhance the relationship with the bold, contemporary architecture and open up a dialogue with the wild green space beyond its boundaries. Seen here in spring, this lush space is an immersive journey through a woodland edge planting scheme.