Tucked into a sheltered pocket in the heart of Geelong’s bay precinct is a much-loved Edwardian home set on just over 1,000 square metres. A full interior renovation and contemporary extension have transformed the way the house connects to the outdoors. Living spaces now open directly to the garden, creating a relaxed family setting where daily life can move easily between inside and out.

The brief was straightforward: create a garden that sits comfortably with the home’s period character. A cottage-style landscape wraps around the front verandah, echoing its generous proportions with deep garden beds and layered planting. Curving paths slow the pace and encourage wandering. Established pear, jacaranda and crab apple trees along the boundary provide shade, shelter and a strong sense of arrival.

The front garden was designed to feel at home within the neighbourhood. It contributes to the streetscape rather than standing apart from it, offering a welcoming outlook for visitors and a calm setting for the family.

At the rear, the garden becomes more active. Directly connected to the main living area, a series of outdoor spaces supports family life throughout the day. A flexible lawn sits at the centre, with a pool and spa nestled within the planting so they feel integrated rather than imposed. Beyond the water, an outdoor kitchen, dining area and lounge create a comfortable setting for entertaining.

“The trick with pools is not pushing them to the edge,” says Phil. “When they’re brought closer to the house and into the garden, they become something you enjoy looking at every day, not just when you’re swimming.”

The planting responds to the site’s mix of sandy and clay soils. Native and exotic species are combined in a loose, layered composition, from soft groundcovers such as Pratia pedunculata and the delicate flowers of Geranium ‘Rozanne’ to the sculptural forms of Agave salmiana and Cycas revoluta. More than fifty species were used, many grown specifically for the project, yet the garden retains a calm atmosphere through a restrained palette and careful repetition.

“Our aim with this plant palette was to celebrate seasonality and change throughout the year in response to the existing deciduous trees,” says Tess. “We’ve used bright perennial colour, but the foliage plants and native shrubs provide the structure that keeps the garden grounded.”

The strongest quality of the project is the way planting and built elements merge together. Limestone steppers sit within groundcovers, garden beds soften edges, and the pool fencing disappears into the planting. The result is a garden that feels settled and easy to inhabit. It invites use rather than admiration from a distance, with spaces that are relaxed, welcoming and full of small moments to enjoy.