Landscape architecture by Brad Hutchinson, Hutch Landscape Studio
In the leafy foothills of the Mount Lofty Ranges, Brad Hutchinson of Hutch Landscape Studio recently completed a timeless landscape design that’s bursting with beautiful green plant life.
This modern garden was designed for a garden-loving family to have specific areas that cater to the two adults, two young children and a playful Border Collie who reside here.
The Brief
The homeowners envisioned an inviting space that would match their active lifestyle while providing year-round visual appeal. They desired a design with plenty of lawn for their boys to enjoy, casual seating areas and shaded areas to offer respite from the Western sun. A sense of adventure for young children was essential, with boundary plantings that would pique curiosity and offer an environment that encouraged them to explore their surroundings.
The Transformation
The transformation of this modern property began with the addition of a Spotted Gum deck; a warm and practical area for informal seating. Here, an overhead trellis draped in Boston Ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata) offers dappled shade, bringing life to the space with its play of light and shadow. The deck is set off by a Venetian plaster screen that adds a striking visual feature, blending in with the surrounding natural elements.
In another part of the garden, Venetian plaster was also used to form a rear feature planter. Its smooth surface and carefully designed height make it a versatile bench seat, blending practicality with aesthetics. Soft grass surrounds this area, inviting barefoot strolls and providing a refreshing contrast to the garden’s structural elements.
To provide essential shade and preserve the deck’s comfort on hot days, a trio of Snow Pear trees (Pyrus nivalis) were strategically positioned. Their graceful canopies deliver midday shade, cooling both the deck and the surrounding alfresco area.
Tough yet visually interesting plantings were selected along the north-facing fence line to withstand intense summer sunlight. Screening trees such as Pyrus ‘Capital’ (ornamental pear) were paired with hardy species like Westringia, Buxus, foxtail fern (Asparagus aethiopicus), Beschorneria and Crassula ovata undulata. Together, they provide texture, tonal variety, and resilience with minimal upkeep.
In contrast, the south-facing garden showcases a range of plantings well-suited to its cooler, shaded setting. Under the canopy of Betula ‘Moss White,’ plants like Fatsia japonica, Arthropodium, Liriope, Blechnum ‘Silver Lady’ and Ligularia thrive, offering visual intrigue and pathways for young feet to explore. Unifying elements such as Rhaphiolepsis ‘Snow Maiden,’ Buxus ‘Spheres,’ and Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine) feature across both garden areas, reinforcing continuity throughout the landscape.
A shallow, black powder-coated water bowl acts as a focal point, adding a reflective, tranquil element. It complements other black accents within the space, seen in the steel arbor, garden lighting and outdoor furniture.
The Result
The result of Brad Hutchinson’s careful attention to detail and thoughtful design is a garden that will evolve beautifully over time, adapting to the family’s needs. It offers year-round interest, contrasting spaces, and elements of both structure and play.
Above all, this garden provides a stunning setting for family memories, combining form, function, and natural beauty into a lasting outdoor retreat.
Key Plant List:
- Pyrus nivalis (Snow Pear)
- Pyrus ‘Chanticleer’ (Chanticleer Pear)
- Betula ‘Moss White’ (Moss White Birch)
- Parthenocissus tricuspidata (Boston Ivy)
- Parthenocissus quinquefolia (Virginia Creeper)
- Arthropodium cirratum ‘Matapouri Bay’ (Renga Lily)
- Rhaphiolepis ‘Snow Maiden’ (Snow Maiden Indian Hawthorn)
- Asparagus ‘Meyersii’ (Foxtail Fern)
- Westringia ‘Smokey’ (Coastal Rosemary) [Sphere]
- Buxus japonica (Japanese Boxwood) [Sphere]
- Fatsia japonica (Japanese Aralia)
- Blechnum ‘Silver Lady’ (Silver Lady Fern)
- Ligularia reniformis (Tractor Seat Plant)
- Dichondra repens (Kidney Weed)
- Crassula ovata undulata (Undulating Jade Plant)
- Trachelospermum jasminoides (Star Jasmine)
