Landscape design by Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design.
Tucked away in the Macedon Ranges in Woodend, Victoria, this reimagined courtyard proves that clever landscape design can overcome spatial limitations.
Inspired by both minimalist and Japanese garden aesthetics, Kathleen Murphy — the creative force behind Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design — has crafted a retreat for this family to enjoy. Through the strategic use of a restrained material palette, she has created an illusion of spaciousness.
The Brief
Measuring at 23 metres in length and 4 meters in width, this modest garden required innovative solutions to create a larger sense of space and an outdoor environment where all members of the family felt their needs were fulfilled. Ultimately the homeowners sought a safe, serene environment where children could play, as well as a place to entertain family and friends.
Along the property’s boundaries were walls of varying heights and colours, creating a disjointed vision for onlookers. With neighbours in close proximity on all sides of the boundaries, a solution to create privacy but also something that looked good was considered essential for the family to fully enjoy their outdoor living space.
The Transformation
Corten Steel serves as a focal point in this garden. A key element is the tiered steel garden beds with cantilevered timber seats that are built into their structure. The steel is striking with its rusted colour, and its narrow profile allows for abundant planting to give a greater sense of privacy — transforming the area into a “green oasis,” as Kathleen describes it.
Bamboo was planted against the new boundary walls and was underplanted with Liriope and Arthropodium cirratum (New Zealand Rock Lily) — two plants that can survive living under the shade the bamboo provides. Japanese maples (Acer palmatum) were planted for their autumn colour to provide the perfect contrast against the Corten Steel.
The development of a vegetable garden for the children was another highlight of the project, providing the kids with an area to connect and enjoy their natural world. The convenience of having fresh produce from the backyard to enjoy with friends and family is an added bonus!
The project did face its own challenges. One that is particularly noteworthy was an easement along the property boundary that required the integration of self-supporting raised garden beds with no footings. These modular beds can be easily dismantled if needed, helping the garden to maintain its minimal footprint while still providing the all-essential access to the easement area.
Kathleen worked alongside with Pride Landscapes and Neil Tait from Decorative Iron to bring the design and the homeowners’ vision to life.
The Result
Despite its modest dimensions, this Woodend garden courtyard showcases the power of innovative landscape design. Step inside, and you’ll discover that size is no barrier to creating a vibrant, inviting space.
The rusted burnt orange colour of the Corten Steel that first captures your attention stands out perfectly against the green and brown hues of the bamboo, its underplantings and the Japanese maples.
From strategically placed seating areas to carefully curated plant selections, every detail of this design has been considered to create an open and inviting area.
Landscape design by Kathleen Murphy Landscape Design (KML)
Photography by Marnie Hawson
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