OCEAN REEF PROJECT
This compact front garden is a tough site for plants – it is second line coastal, subject to salt-laden winds, full western sun and comprises alkaline limestone sands. The client brief was for a colourful, flower-rich, hardy garden to replace the high-maintenance lawn.
I drew upon the myriad of Mediterranean and native species to create a plant palette that was hardy and well suited to the site conditions, and would thrive in the impoverished sand and heat of a Perth summer.
The deep layer of coarse bark mulch insulates the ground and reduces water loss, while the large spaces allow rainfall to penetrate. In-line dripper irrigation below the mulch layer is connected to a rainwater tank to provide deep, infrequent irrigation if required.
One year after planting this garden is settling and establishing well. It is proving hardy and tolerant of the conditions, as evidenced by self-seeding that is occurring. The planned addition of more ground covers will add further layers and textures.