If you are interested in seeing information and photos from Prue Metcalfe Gardens & Design's Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show entries then follow these links, otherwise enjoy the rest of the gallery below.
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Dry Tolerant Garden - The brief for Prue Metcalfe Gardens & Design was to create a low water garden with vibrancy for the owners and their grandchildren to enjoy. With the current water restrictions the former lawn became a dust bowl. This was replaced with large sweeping garden beds, gravel paths, seated areas and interesting features. The planting scheme is predominantly drought tolerant with emphasis on foliage shape and colour. The blue pergola and fences was initially received with uncertainty but is now much loved. Almost two years on this garden is looking fantastic. The garden beds are now full of colour and texture and the client is absolutely delighted with her garden. This garden has proudly appeared in the September 2005 edition of Backyard Design Ideas magazine.
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English Garden & Contemporary Courtyard - This renovated Victorian house with its contemporary extension required the front garden to remain in keeping with the period of the house, but the back could be very different. The only plant to remain was the large Magnolia and the formal English garden was built around it. The rear space doubles as a parking area and entertaining area. The espaliered olives, the main feature, look striking against the sandstone coloured wall, which contrasts warmly against the other 'oxblood' walls. A later addition of a large curved timber deck has created a perfect entertaining area, and added a softness to the bold starkness of the courtyard space.
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2 Years After Construction
English Garden - The wonderful part about designing this garden was having the space to create different rooms and views, and to be able to fill it with plants, particularly trees which as they grow will enhance the garden even more. With regular maintenance this garden is really taking shape.
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Contemporary Garden - This Richmond property had 3 dull, small, outdoor spaces that needed creative design ideas to make the maximum of their potential value. By introducing 3 timber screens breaking up the front garden space, and a focal point, the initial welcome to the property becomes inviting and adds curiosity. The simple planting design softens the space while giving it a lush feel.
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Contemporary Garden - Creating a new garden and outdoor living space is nearly always necessary after a house renovation or extension. Designing a garden to incorporate space for a young family, off street parking with storage, entertaining, a lush low maintenance garden, while making the space feel bigger, as well as being unique, is a challenge. Prue Metcalfe Gardens & Design achieved this with enthusiastic praise from the clients of this garden. Special features such as handmade copper feature lights, granite paving inlays and recycled bluestone block walls add to this gardens individuality, bringing it to life.
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Contemporary Garden on Rooftop - The before shots show this very plain, fourth story, inner city balcony with masses of potential. The client wanted it to remain in keeping with the age of the 1920's converted warehouse, hence the rusting tapered iron pots and rawness of timber, but include contemporary elements, such as the ceramic and stainless steel furniture and water feature. The grass trees were chosen to complement the construction materials creating a bold architectural statement and suit this hot, windy environment perfectly.
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Courtyard Garden – A very shady, damp, awkwardly shaped courtyard can be a very unappealing space. Here Prue Metcalfe Gardens & Design have designed and created this stunning outdoor room as an extension from the atrium. The sandstone coloured pavers reflect light, adding brightness to the space. A simple planting of a feature Japanese Maple is mirrored in the reflection pond. The inclusion of a small outdoor kitchen makes this a delightful place to entertain both day and night, in the glow of the ambient garden lighting
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Courtyard Garden - This garden was in desperate need of a transformation. Prue Metcalfe Gardens & Design designed three smart, clean, low maintenance courtyards to replace the tired backyard, old sunken above ground pool, and dilapidated timber deck. A sunken courtyard is the main feature, designed to create interest and be a focal point from the BBQ and covered entertaining areas. The planting is simple in order to soften and enhance the extensive paved areas.
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Courtyard Garden - This inner courtyard was once a fernery which was very "in" when this 1980's contemporary house was built. Full sized sliding glass doors were installed opening this area up to the living area therefore enabling it to become another room.
The fuchsia pink feature wall adds such warmth to the otherwise cool colours of the house, and suits the personality of the clients perfectly. It is seen when you enter the front door and from the living area. A simple but classical, Rudi Jass fountain creates a colourful feature both day and night.
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Courtyard Garden - Being the only private outdoor space, creating a pleasant and usable outdoor room as a flow-on from the house was important for the clients. What was a dark and dull area has been transformed to a bright, open space where the clients now spend quite a lot of time relaxing and entertaining. The paving was extended, a new fence installed, shade sails incorporated for cover, lush foliage planted, and a Peter McLisky water feature added as a focal point.
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Courtyard Garden - It was important to make this south side of the house a bright area for entertaining and relaxing. A large rendered wall was installed to give it a clean, uncluttered look, raised garden beds were built to add interest, and a planting scheme of fragrant flowers and lush green foliage planted for softness.
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Natural Garden – It is amazing the kind of garden that can be created in place of a pool. The children have grown up and so the family pool was removed. The clients requested an informal garden with lush plantings, natural water feature and most importantly, to make it relaxing to look at and live in.
Sandstone, with its beautiful array of cream and honey tones, is used for all the hard surfaces. The stone and pebbles for the water feature and creek bed blend with the sandstone. It is softened by a lush planting of natives and exotics, creating this little green oasis.
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