Local LIFE

Home and garden are inextricably intertwined in this coastal Sydney garden, by Dangar Barin Smith, that celebrates native plants in all their glory.

- Chris Pearson

With its lush street frontage of foliage reaching upwards, downwards and sideways, including a lofty paperbark, cabbage palms and a garage festooned with bower vines, this green space in Sydney's east was clearly designed by someone who knows how to make a entrance.

"This garden is unique for two reasons," says its creator, Naomi Barin of Dangar Barin Smith. First, that paperbark, more than eight metres tall, is a head-turner: "Native trees of that scale and maturity never transplant easily." And, second, the lack of a physical boundary. "The generous open frontage shares with and gives back to the street." Another standout is less immediately apparent - the multi-layered welcome mat and everything beyond comprises native species.

It's a tantalising hint of what lies beyond. Concrete paving in dynamic shapes, randomly laid, creates a journey to the front door under the two cabbage palms (Livistona australis) and native hibiscus (Hibiscus tiliaceus). From there, house and garden are intricately interwoven with greenery pervading each room. To that end, Naomi collaborated closely with Anthony Gill Architects.

Owners Bill and Kate, now with three children under 10, bought the property mere blocks from Bondi Beach in 2020.