New-Build Softscape Design and Install

A mature Laurus nobilis  'Bay Laurel' (Miles Choice) from Ellenby Tree Farm was planted inside the front unit courtyard.  Sometimes only this narrow upright evergreen will do for such a space! 

Magnolia grandiflora  'Kay Parris' from John Cole's nursery planted at the front, a shorter and narrower cultivar than both 'Little Gem' and 'Teddy Bear'.

Syzigium paniculata 'Backyard Bliss'' was planted along the driveway for accent, and specifically in front of each front window, which, growing to 3m high, will provide privacy from the neighbouring two storey property. Psyllid-resistant and low-maintenance., it will bring a softer, 'avenue' feel to the driveway in time, not to mention, a floral display and ornamental bush-tucker berries.

The reticulation master valve and soilenoid were installed conveniently between the utilities box and main reticulation cut-in valve, and connected to a Hunter control box.  All parts supplied by Nutrien Water.  The waterwise high spec reticulation design has set the owners up for success.

The brief was a 90L evergreen tree for 3 of the 6 courtyards, because they had neighbour-overlook.  In something of a horticultural coup, three mature Euc. synandra  'Jingymia Mallee' specimens were sourced from a native tree specialist.  Declared as rare flora and endemic to WA, they are a dainty Australian ornamental for small, hot spaces (not to mention a cracking tree in any Perth garden). The lack of lower branches on these specimens brings valuable space to the garden bed of 1.5 square metres, and in time will provide year-round dappled shade for the courtyard  The understorey has been deliberately planted as minimalist and neutral, so the new owners can either leave it as a low-maintenance green space, or add their own planting style, which can easily be plugged into the 19mm poly pipe with a dripper for each new plant, upholding the waterwise design.  

90L Sioux Crepe Myrtles were installed for two of the units, a favourite of the sellers, who specifically wanted their buyers to have lovely ornamental trees.  These attractive, hardy, deciduous trees will bring much aesthetic value to the courtyards in every season.  Although bare in winter, they rock a classic ornamental form and allow in all the warming sun for the courtyard.

The Bay Laurel is an example of 'right tree right place' for the front unit for a few reasons, not least, proximity to the kitchen!