Canterbury VIC
Arriving Home from a holiday to far North QLD, the clients were inspired to make grand changes to their humble garden. They requested a design that envoked the atmosphere of a natural free form setting with billabong pool making them feel as though they were always on vacation.
The clients were so committed to making this vision a reality that they bought the block next door to accommodate their oasis away from home. Covering an area of 500sqm of land, the spirit of the outback is well represented in the landscape design. From its lush plants to its alluring central spectacular waterfall pool, the sense of a natural environment is obvious. Several rock layered walls and a blue stone bench were incorporated into the layout to provide a tranquil setting to surround the pool. The client also wanted a fully equipped pool house which was built adjacent to the end of the pool and mirrored a version of a beautiful old blue stone hut.
As with any complete makeover, this unique project presented a major challenge from a design and construction point of view. Natures best Landscapes introduced many raised garden beds with stone walling to combat the various level changes throughout. The stand out feature and core of the design is the waterfall fresh water pool which relies on plants to filter the water. The large boulders which made the waterfall, proved a challenge. Due to the size and weight of stones, we had to sling them in with the excuvator and chains in order to build the structure. To allow for the fall we had to do a three metre site cut. The water source appears to be a part of its natural surroundings, with curves and irregularities creating a serene and natural appearance.
Once we built the main features including the rock walls and recycled iron bark timber jetty over the side of the pool, we had to marry the existing house garden with new landscape. This was done by placing random sawn blue stone paving acting as stepping stones. Also pebbles were used to create that natural setting feel.
The project required many trades including a builder, the pool company and the landscapers to work together to produce the stunning outcome. This was a challenge in itself but with numerous site meetings and communication we were able to complete the job within timelines.
The natural swimming pool uses aquatic plants instead of harmful chemicals and complicated mechanical filtering systems. The plants enrich the pool with oxygen, support beneficial bacteria that consume debris and potentially harmful organisms, and give habitat to frogs, dragonflies and other water life. Underneath the jetty are large sponge filters that collect debris through a skimmer which also aid in the filtering system. The result is a beautiful, ecologically diverse system that relies heavily on the plants.
Some of the larger plantings surrounding the pool consist of Japanese maples, camellia sasanqua’s, and weeping cherry feature tree. Smaller plants include nandina domestica and Pratia ground cover in between stepping stones to soften the look. All low maintenance with a fully automated irrigation system installed.
The completed project is a tiered masterpiece that brings a sense of simplicity and tranquillity to what is now an urban oasis. The clients were absolutely delighted when their vacation vision became a reality and they enjoy explaining to their friends how the pool system is filtered by the oxygenating plants.
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