Set within a quiet post-war suburban street in Malvern East, this garden reinterprets the traditional family backyard through a distinctly Mediterranean lens. The design responds to the site’s generous proportions and suburban context, transforming a conventional residential setting into a series of layered outdoor rooms defined by texture, shade and seasonal character.  

A sequence of gravel terraces establishes the spatial framework of the garden, offering flexible areas for outdoor living while reinforcing a relaxed, informal character. These terraces are softened by planting that balances structure and lightness—crepe myrtles provide delicate seasonal colour and dappled shade, while sculptural white mulberry trees anchor the garden with a sense of maturity and permanence.

The planting palette draws on Mediterranean and provincial precedents, favouring drought-tolerant species suited to Melbourne’s climate. This approach ensures longevity and resilience while creating a calm, sun-washed atmosphere that contrasts with the surrounding suburban fabric.  

Designed as both a private retreat and a setting for everyday family life, the garden offers moments of enclosure and openness, with filtered light, textured surfaces and layered planting contributing to a timeless, enduring landscape.