Intro
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When transformed to its best, a well-designed garden combines beauty, function, and personality in one cohesive outdoor experience. Our recent project in Cook St, Flinders, is a perfect example of this thought in action. The homeowners wanted a garden that complemented the character of their Flinders home while providing an elegant, outdoor area that’s safe and spacious for their resident cat. Our goal was to redesign the backyard landscape for the side and rear gardens, transforming it into a secure, stylish, and low-maintenance space that seamlessly supports both them and their pet. The result is a sophisticated blend of European-inspired form, Palm Springs flair, and practical design thinking. We ensured the homeowner's side and back garden maximised flow and functionality.
Style
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At the heart of the transformation was a complete fencing and screening solution. We installed a black composite fencing material to complement the home’s exterior. To ensure the garden incorporated a cat-proof outdoor design, we installed the Oscillot fence roller system throughout the screening. Additionally, escape-prone areas were carefully secured to eliminate risk while maintaining aesthetics, namely around the air-conditioning unit and low fence zones. We also added possum guards where appropriate to secure trees and fencing. The garden palette incorporated Palm Springs' simplicity with a European twist, combining architectural plants, layered textures, and two key focal points. We designed the garden to be low-maintenance and mow-free, removing all turf and using step pavers, hardy groundcovers, and sculpted garden beds to build texture without the upkeep. To establish the home’s indoor-outdoor flow, we created a sunny nook along the side of the house, offering a serene spot to relax with a book or a morning coffee. This space fits naturally with the path layout, garden beds, and overall movement of the garden, creating a pocket of calm. Garden lighting surrounding planting zones and pathways was used to highlight key elements of the design, adding warmth and practicality after dark. The result is a garden that works just as beautifully at night as it does during the day.
Challenges
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The site presented several practical challenges, including working around existing easement restrictions along the side boundary and accommodating the need for a fully cat-proof environment. We retained existing paving where possible but expanded it in key zones to improve functionality and create smoother flow across the outdoor spaces. We also removed existing plants and installed low-maintenance plants with an easily-maintained irrigation system. Another key challenge was designing a screened clothesline area at the lower rear of the property. This area required privacy from the street without completely blocking the view of established trees. We achieved this with a visually light screening solution that balanced transparency and containment.
Our commitment: Thoughtful Design Meets Practical Living
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The Flinders project showcases our commitment to creating landscapes that feel as good as they look. Working closely with the homeowner, we developed a solution that balances aesthetics, pet safety, and practicality.Our extensive knowledge of plant behaviour, material performance, and zoning constraints allowed us to design a beautiful garden confidently. We were mindful of choosing materials that offer a good balance of quality and cost-effectiveness to help manage the homeowner’s budget.
Your Project
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If you’re looking to transform your backyard into a low-maintenance, secure, and stylish space, our Finders landscaping project in Cook St is a perfect example. Whether it’s cat-proofing, paving, or rethinking your entire landscape, we’d love to help bring your vision to life. contact us on 1300 262 821, or via our Contact Us page to discuss your next project.
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