A landscape design for a young couple moving into the Mullum Creek sustainable subdivision in Donvale. A very interesting and challenging site that was protected by many eco overlays to prevent overshadowing and encourage biodiversity to what was once a large farm on the outskirts of Melbourne.

Key features

• Food Forest to the north consisting of primarily deciduous fruit trees to prevent overshadowing of the house. Trees to be underplanted with a mixture of hardy herbs and other edible plants.
• Drought tolerant indigenous plants and bush tucker zone
• Signature Indigenous Tree
• Ephemeral pond to collect excess rainwater run-off collected in mulch pathways
• Raised annual garden bed – wicking bed along courtyard wall. Climbing plants to cover fence.
• Mulch path – woodchips
• Enclosed compost
• Shade garden & bamboo with stepping stones to services
• Timber arbour constructed using timber from Mullum Creek approved timber list
• Small lawn including mixture of herbs and drought tolerant groundcovers
• Mixed hedge of dwarf fruit trees pruned to maintain approved height of between 2.8-3.1m.
• Espalier or hedged fruit trees and climbers on privacy screen fences in SW corner and on courtyard fence.
• Deciduous hedge along northern boundary to screen neighbour’s driveway.