Set in the gracious suburbs of Sandton, the brief for this Sandton garden was to create a modern, informal style with plenty of outdoor entertaining space, to introduce the element of water and to keep the park-like feel. Due to the large front garden, we opted for landscaping in scale with the house and the existing large oaks and Stinkwood trees, which added screening and an established feel serving as a backdrop and a feeling of seclusion.

Each garden area around the home was given a distinct character. A Mediterranean palette of Lavenders, Olive trees, and Bougainvillea and clipped Box hedge used closer to the house, with a variety of scented plants. Elsewhere ornamental grasses and Perennials provide year-round interest around a large pond and stream, promoting a calming, secluded feeling.

The broad expanse of water in the open garden reflects the surrounding scene and dreamy clouds over head. Backed by an expanse of reeds and grasses which blur the edges between the water itself and the rest of the garden, gives a pleasing naturalistic feel.

In this Sandton Garden we created a personal retreat where children play and discover plant, animal, bird and insect life and where one can escape and reflect.