This unique property used to be a citrus orchard. The owner is now developing it into an ornamental tree park and enlisted my help with layout and design. Quite a bit of thought went into working out planting compositions on a large scale, taking into account size, growth habit and foliage colours. I worked with groups and swathes of trees to create natural groves and complementary effects. In the years to come it will be spectacular, particularly in autumn.

At the centre of the property is a dam which is shaped like a small natural lake. The owner requested a colourful garden to provide visual interest on the approach to the lake and to also be viewed from the other side. A tall multi-trunked grass tree is the central feature and a mix of colourful succulents, native grasses and sculptural plants add interest.

All of the planting, including the kikuyu grass, survives on rainfall only and occasional supplementary watering in summer, mainly to establish new trees.