The property faces directly west and is just a short drive from the beach. This orientation, combined with Perth's intense summer heat, can be particularly challenging for maintaining grass and exotic plant species - as well as natives if there is no canopy protection.
After a bit of collaboration, the concept was defined in April 2023.
This illustration provides clients with a preview of the garden's initial planting stage. Its aim is to give an understanding of how the space will look before the plants have fully established, helping set realistic expectations for the early stages of the garden's development. Estimated time for this garden to start showing its strengths was 9-12 months.
The beautiful 150L Euc. macranda 'Long Flowered Marlock', propagated, supplied and installed by Ellenby Tree Farm in April 2023.
Planting day was in July 2023, with all the family, an awesome playlist, and topped off with spectacular burgers.
The second, smaller feature tree is a Syzygium lehmannii x wilsonii 'Cascade', supplied by Ellenby Tree Farm and planted by the clients themselves. It is slower growing than the Marlock, however will add significant value over time, for both the landscape and the adjacent bee hotel :)
Eucalyptus macranda 'Long Flowered Marlock' is a perfect example of an endemic, southwest WA small mallee that is suitable for Perth residential landscapes. This specimen was propagated and groomed by Ellenby Tree Farm to current Australian tree landscaping standard 'Tree Stock for Landscape Use' AS2303:2018.
And one year on, a flock of endemic and endangered Carnaby's black cockatoos came visiting. This was a significant endorsement from our (UNESCO biodiversity hotspot) flora and fauna community, as the Carnaby's cockatoos factored the garden into their (documented) ecological corridors.
And 18 months on, in January 25, thanks to wonderful stewardship and nurturing by the clients, the garden is packing a pretty punch, as it faces its second (unprecedentedly) harsh Perth summer.