This Mornington Peninsula garden was designed for a modern family home on a generous 2,700-square-metre block, creating a series of connected spaces including a pool, tennis and basketball courts, a fire pit, and service areas, all linked by winding paths.

The homeowners wanted a garden that felt indigenous to the region, with naturalistic layers that echo the experience of a local beach walk. Established trees, including two box elders and a coastal tea tree, were retained for a sense of history, while new plantings tie the space back to the surrounding landscape. Sitting within a Vegetation Protection Overlay and a bushfire-prone area, the design balanced creative ambition with environmental compliance and safety.

A strong sense of arrival sets the tone, with large local rocks and native trees, including coast banksia and silver banksia, framing the entrance. Paths guide movement through the property toward gathering spaces such as the barbecue area and a fire pit anchored by a boulder nicknamed “Jaws.” Toward the rear, open recreational zones unfold, softened by planting and linked visually to the home through poolside views.

The planting palette combines coastal natives with perennials, edibles and sculptural species for texture and movement across the seasons. Grasses and perennials in greens, blues and pinks animate the pool surrounds, while grass trees and century plants add contrast, alongside fruiting trees such as lemon, olive and pomegranate.

What began as a bare canvas of lawn has developed into a garden that continues to evolve, with seasonal layers maturing throughout the year to create a strong, lasting sense of place.