This new home sits on a northwest-facing block with very sandy soil and a steep slope down towards the road.

Because the property is used as a holiday house, the owners wanted a low-maintenance garden with a relaxed coastal character.

The main aim was to visually embed the new home into its surroundings and improve its street appeal using local indigenous plants, coastal planting and carefully positioned rocks.

Research into suitable local plants was presented to the owners to help guide their selections.

While several indigenous species were chosen, the owners also preferred a selection of non-native plants.

The resulting design blends coastal and native planting while retaining a strong connection to the local landscape.

Local rocks were positioned throughout the front garden before planting began, creating structure and helping connect the garden with the rough-faced sandstone used around the house.

A mature banksia became the centrepiece of the garden.

Its gnarled trunk connects the rugged character of the rocks with the softer coastal planting, including westringia, blue chalk sticks and pigface.

Together, the planting and natural stone echo the sandstone garden boxes and front-door surrounds, helping the house settle naturally into its coastal setting.