SPA TREATMENT

A small, challenging site has been transformed into a wondrous pocket garden complete with a ‘plant bathing’ experience in the heart of the city.

- Elizabeth Wilson

After 17 years of living in a high-rise apartment, Sydney couple Derek Raney and David Delaney were keen for a change of altitude. They wanted to stay in their inner-city neighbourhood, but they were ready to swap their views for the opportunity to step outdoors and entertain alfresco.

They bought a nearby garden apartment off-the-plan, excited by the promise of 49 square metres of outdoor space. But shortly before the pair moved in, they were dismayed to discover a change to the layout meant a large portion of the space would be taken up with plumbing and services. The new plan featured a retaining wall and massed plantings of ornamental gingers designed to hide the plumbing. “It was basically a 40-square-metre planter box,” says Derek.