Yarralumla
Pathways of Light and Tranquility
This Asian-influenced garden in Yarralumla was designed to complement a newly built home, combining functionality with elegance. The client envisioned a welcoming entry, lush lawn areas for children, and dedicated spaces for play, relaxation, and productivity… and loved the design and finished product. Manuka Gardens brought this vision to life, crafting a balanced landscape with statement entry plantings, curving pathways, and practical areas for both relaxation and utility gardening.
The front garden presents a modern aesthetic, featuring carefully placed lighting that highlights the structured, geometric pathways and adds evening ambiance. Feature plantings provide seasonal interest and texture, while granite-paved paths lined with Corten steel edging offer a contemporary feel. This dynamic entry space gives the home a striking presence from the street, setting a welcoming tone.
A sculptural cloud-pruned tree is the focal point of the entrance. This cloud tree, framed by ornamental and Japanese plantings, brings a unique Asian influence, blending beautifully with the home’s architectural lines. The entry garden is designed to be both inviting and memorable.
The side path leads to an expansive composite deck, providing access to the backyard’s versatile spaces for relaxation and play. The path’s layout seamlessly guides visitors from the front garden through to the back, where a spacious deck awaits, perfect for entertaining or enjoying quiet family moments. This pathway and deck create an easy, natural flow through the garden’s zones.
Descending from the deck, large stone steps lead to a functional utility garden, with a retaining wall that establishes a distinct area for food and flower production. This productive garden provides the family with a dedicated space for vegetable beds, flowers, and a storage shed. The stone steps and wall add a natural, enduring touch to the design, blending utility with aesthetic appeal.
