The team at Coastal Creations Landscaping recently completed a landscaping makeover for our clients in St Andrews Beach on the Mornington Peninsula. Working alongside Robyn Barlow Design and Claire Martin, the team worked to transform this French inspired holiday house façade from overgrown to understated Coastal Charm Cottage.
The landscape design complemented the recent coastal garden transformation of the back yard and two side fences. This was seen through the u-shape flowing drive-way, native indigenous planting, beautiful Indian Sandstone pavers and grass paver blocks creating the industrial edge. A transformation of the side walk-way was also included in the design which included a new outdoor rustic shower, Indian Sandstone pavers, a lock up bike storage box and custom built screen and gate. With the design in place the team starting the project by first clearing out the dead trees, undergrowth and weeds from the front and side. A dig out was completed of the driveway and cement treated base rock was laid. The existing front porch was extended. The fun started though after the outdoor shower base was laid and shower connected to the septic tank. That's when it became apparent that there was a whole new challenge and toileting puns became the savour for getting through the process of dealing with the septic tank and waste. With the council rolling out new septic mains in the area, it was a blessing in disguise for our clients who took the opportunity for a new solution to their old and full septic tank. With the help of Hydrate Plumbing, a new septic tank pumping station was installed and connected to the septic mains. After that it was smooth sailing. The grass pave blocks were laid from Austral Masonry and Bairnsdale toppings were used as a filler. The coastal garden was planted, along with irrigation, geofabric to separate soil from toppings and landscaping lighting. The front yard creates a simple and solid foundation for the plants to grow and flourish, thus creating continual appeal for years to come. We look forward to seeing this space transform. Our client in Langwarrin had purchased her unit in Langwarrin just over a year ago and wanted an outdoor landscape that was low maintenance, usable and aesthetically pleasing. This project was completed in collaboration with Genus Landscape Architects who designed the new outdoor space. The rest was left to us! With a small outdoor courtyard, our client wanted to maximise the useable space to entertain her friends, whilst also hiding the existing utilities such as the hot water system and pump. With a desire for a healthy garden, the job involved removing over 4.5 cubic metres of soil. treating the remaining soil and bringing in the replacement soil in through the garage door, the only backyard access point. A new merbau deck was constructed to provide a platform area that flowed from the back sliding door. Steel edging was used to create flow and shape to the garden bed, whilst also providing a border to keep the garden toppings contained. Australian natives were chosen for their low maintenance and natural appeal. Our client also wanted to include lavender as one of the many plant varieties. Reo mesh was used to create a screen on the fence and Lady Di Climber was planted which will provide a beautiful green screen with pretty white flowers. Other plant varieties included Kangaroo Paw and low lying creepers. Organic blended mulch was used as the covering and a drip line irrigation was installed to support healthy plant growth. Simple and natural paths were created using Honeycomb Blue Stone Pavers and Bairnsdale Toppings. An laser cut corten steel screen was mounted around the existing hot water service to hide the utility and a box was constructed over the existing hot water pump under the merbau deck. Another screen will be mounted against the brick wall and lights installed for a feature wall effect in the near future. Our client loves her new outdoor space and looks forward to inviting friends over to them entertain outdoors. Before Photos Progress Photo After Photos
Coastal Coastal Creations Landscaping completed a country landscaping project for a new home build in Merricks Beach on the Mornington Peninsula. Working in collaboration with Genus Landscape Architects, the landscape design was inspired by formal native gardens and clean lines through the landscape construction. A few creative touches were added to create interest including the jagged edge hardwood fire pit area, staggered hardwood sleeper path and jagged steel edging on the lawn. The property was a clean slate after the home build, and the first step was to create structure and stability around the home by moving soil back from the home, building a retaining wall, steps, and levelling out gravel paths. A dry creek river bed was created and planted with natives to provide drainage and create space between the laid turf and wild grass. Sir Walter Buffalo grass was used for the turf. The pool area was paved and a rock garden was planted around the pool. Hardwood sleepers were used to build a path along the front of the home, and these sleepers were laid using a staggered effect. Steel edging was used to create strong clean lines that separated the garden beds from the paths and turf. Hardwood sleepers were laid and pinned in concrete to build a fire pit area at the front of the home. Coastal Creations Landscaping constructed two bench seats made out of 200x200 cyprus posts and another bench seat positioned at the top of the sleeper pathway. We are sure our clients will enjoy many hours having a nice cold drink, sitting on their benches, watching the sun go down, or gazing into their fire pit. Before photos Progress photos Retaining wall and path around the home Dry creek river bed preparation Hardwood sleeper steps Hardwood decking fire pit area Soil preparation for turf After photos
What do you get when you combine the creative flair of a musician/barrister with the passion and creativity of a French chef? You get a beautiful and functional landscape design that combines low-maintenance and natural landscape elements inspired by the rolling sand dunes of St Andrews Beach, with a practical space to grow fresh produce and entertain guests. This rustic and natural landscape design creates an open space that transforms from day to night and from season to season. An artistic and creative flair was introduced with rustic and industrial outdoor sculptures which complemented the homes interior decorating and feel. The creative and practical use of landscape lighting turns the central garden hot house into a night time focal point. Let's not forget the importance of accommodating all people in the family. A custom built cat run and cat enclosure was installed by Coastal Creations Landscaping to ensure that even the furry friends could enjoy the beautiful outdoor space and be close to their owners. Like all landscape design and construction projects, they each come with their unforeseen challenges. The initial process of waste removal and clearing always bears nasty gems hidden from the first glances of an outdoor space. There was much to do at the start to create a fresh slate, including removing wild rocket, old concrete and filling a pond in the back corner. But out with the old and in with the new is what we do! We estimate that over 300 wheelbarrows of Bairnsdale topping were physically brought into the property to create a lush and serene rolling sand dunes feel to the backyard. Overall about 400-450 wheelbarrows moved through to the back yard, which kept our men fit to say the least! Our clients were excited about creating new form and texture to their existing space, and the landscape design was an ever evolving plan created through constant communication with our clients and their landscape designers. Our clients were passionate and hands on about the look and feel of their new backyard landscape design, which ensured that they were completely happy with the final outcome. An extensive irrigation system was installed which was connected to their new bore pump located in their front yard. This ensures that throughout all the seasons and weather, the plants, trees and vegetable gardens are getting exactly as much water as they need. Plants native to the Mornington Peninsula, were chosen to complement the rolling sand dunes including Sheoak, Sea Box, Moonah and Banksia. The flora chosen will grow into beautiful trees, shrubs and coverings, creating a natural and lush feel for our clients in the years to come. The square lawn area was constructed by installing a retaining wall and squared off with steel edging. Quality Matilda Buffalo grass was laid and a custom built bench seat by Coastal Creations Landscaping provides a quiet space to sit and relax. Our clients wanted a landscape design that embraced the local areas natural landscape, was low-maintenance and also provided a space to unwind with a glass of wine at the end of a busy week. Also, if you are a foodie then stay tuned, as our talented French client/chef will be launching intimate gatherings of food preparation and cooking in her home in the near future. We loved turning our clients vision into reality, and are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of this landscaping design and construction project. Our clients are so happy with the end result which is always our main priority. We wish them lots of hours of enjoyment in their new outdoor garden. And thank-you for all of the hard work by the Coastal Creations Landscaping team, you guys are brilliant! Before photos Progress photos After photos |