Lilyfield

An economical reworking of this small neglected garden in Sydney’s Inner West suburb of Lilyfield focussed on adding character to match the features of the turn of the century brick cottage on site. By re-using materials and re-purposing existing plants this budget friendly project made the most of this small space.

The brief was to create a ‘secret garden’ – a space evocative of romantic European gardens and Victorian England with plants that would stand up to the Sydney climate. The client also wanted to have an ecologically friendly garden that would provide habitat for birds and insects, while requiring only minimal water and occasional maintenance. Budget was also a factor, so the new landscape plan had to be smart in achieving this outcome without breaking the bank.

The answer was provided largely by the planting scheme with some key pieces (new and salvaged) to achieve the design. Lush year round foliage provided by hedges in the formal inspired front yard are accentuated by aged stone features, recycled concrete tiles and inexpensive pea gravel mulch that crunches gently underfoot, reminiscent of English country estates. Climbing roses soften the scene, reflecting the iron work of garden furniture, and providing colour throughout the warmer months. Ivy scrambles over the fence creating the perfect backdrop, the dark leaves making the fence line recede, and giving a feeling of space.

Moving down the side of the residence oppressive viburnum hedges were removed to open up the space, providing much needed light for the house, and for a new cottage ‘treasure’ garden. Narrower, lighter hedging hid the boundary fence while providing a structural link to the front yard. Native species such as bottle brushes, coastal rosemary and ferns were mixed with roses, salvias and camellias to create a layered garden to attract bees and birdlife. Fast growing climbing plants were used to hide features and provide height – roses, hardenbergia, jasmine and honeysuckle all make an appearance. Foliage textures are complimented by flowers in shades on pink purple and cream.

Materials were the other pillar of the design, with recycled brick featuring and weathered recycled concrete providing texture and making this garden feel timeless even though it was completed in 2025.