Working from the architects concepts, and in conjunction with the landscape construction and installation team, I interpreted the drawings into a planting design that captured the clients desire for something bold and unusual.

Tiles of Zyosia Tenuifolia (no-mow grass) were laid as a replacement for the traditional lawn. Gorgeous mature olives were craned into place and Corten steel rings made to retain the surrounding soil which was topped with pebbles.

The succulent and cacti garden will be an evolving garden bed with the owner now an eager cacti collector. I enjoy feeding this passion with new exotic plants as and when I find them.

This brief was to create a vertical planting scheme that would welcome visitors through a luscious entryway into their home. They had installed a Garsy System of greenwall troughs which was a vast blank canvas waiting to be filled!

These greenwalls have over 350 plants, with the clients requesting specimens that were bold and tough in this sunny spot. I incorporated a mix of succulents, exotics and gorgeous aloes. I particularly love the rhipsalis ‘curtain’ fringing on the bottom layer.

Sometimes a little structure and definition is needed, like removing planting that was not working or suitable for this spectacular residence. I edited out what was not needed and kept what was good.

Buxus microphylla "Faulkner” balls, was one of the several planting solutions I added to create a garden more suited to its setting.

A contained garden like this is essentially a giant planter pot, so I added nutrients and lots of compost to bring the soil back to life.

Stepping in to do the planting design after a major rebuild, the brief was for plants with variety and colour.

Working with the existing hedging, softer borders were planted and garden zones created with different identities to suit the conditions.

Drought-resistant perennials were mixed with herbs and a citrus tree border.

Turkish pots were planted out with easy-care mixed succulents.

A tropical shade side garden was planted and colourful mixed exotics were planted around the pool and lower deck areas.

Smaller gardens can pack some punch. Having colour and a wide variety of species is a more natural approach. In this garden there is always something in flower – which keeps the birds and bees happy!

This is a new garden and as it matures the planting will fill out along with the addition of new plants sourced by the plant-obsessed owner.

How many plants can you fit on a ‘green wall’ ?

Hundreds it seems, from begonias to rare succulents and orchids, a creative mix which brings life to a brick wall.

I source quality pots and planters of all shapes and sizes to suit the decor and situation. I use eclectic mixes of plants – or simple single planting – to transform small spaces, balconies, internal courtyards and even commercial premises such as outdoor dining areas, boutiques or salons.

Something more exciting than a green hedge was needed in this terrace’s backyard.

Hardy, almost self-care, succulents and a feature pink frangipani were planted, ensuring that this little garden is happy with little water or need for maintenance.

Hardy, sun-loving coastal planting for instant street kerb appeal.

An easy-care mix of succulents, hardy exotics and natives were more in keeping with the contemporary residence than the previous planting arrangement.

The gorgeous miniature date palms (Phoneix roebelenii) were sourced from Queensland.

A wall of messy bamboo was removed and replaced with a mix of hardy tropicals planting.

Now the view from the house is more colourful and varied than a mass unsightly bamboo poles and leaf debris.

Hero plants include an advanced Zamia furfuracea (cardboard cycad) and two beautiful bromeliads.

Extra screening to hide the neighbouring building site was required at the last minute for this house, days before it went up for auction.

Waterhousea floribunda were added for privacy and to turn the eye towards the district valley views.

A striking feature planting of a juicy Alcantarea was added for additional backyard style.