This small garden in the Melbourne suburb of Kew, already had a number of magnificent established trees including the native frangipani (Hymenosporum flavum). Previously this area had been a lawn that had suffered during the renovation of the house. The owner wanted to use the garden more, for entertaining and for growing vegetables, herbs and her favourite flowers.

We defined the space with the brick edging, the shape of which is designed to draw the viewer into the heart of the garden. To suit the different levels of light available, we introduced a range of plants, from shade-lovers, including Plectranthus ‘Velvet Elvis’ and the native kangaroo fern Microsorum pustulatum to sun worshippers, such as lavender and crêpe myrtle. The amazing crop of basil was planted by the owner, in the Modbox wicking bed that we had installed.