Miami dreaming

The possibilities that come with unique design are endless. In this case, a garden was designed around five dogs... with their very own water feature

- CASSANDRA ELLIOTT

For this Melbourne property, Lisa Ellis Gardens faced a challenge: create a relaxed atmosphere with areas for entertaining and a space that incorporates the client’s five rescue dogs into the design. Yes, five! With assistance from Diverse Landscape Constructions, both the front and rear gardens were transformed.

Lisa Ellis, director at Lisa Ellis Gardens, explains that the clients wanted gardens that would complement their landmark Bayside art deco residence.

“They wanted to have different entertaining zones and they have five rescue dogs, so we agreed there needed to be a design solution to tidy up the backyard of bowls that worked for the dogs.”

The key was to create different zones in the garden with striking hardscaping detail. The use of lush foliage strongly appealed to the client and Lisa describes the planting as relaxed resort style.

“The bones of the garden had the framework for something unique and very special, and the structure and planting was to be developed and finessed from there,” she says.