SNAPSHOT

A look at some inspiring backyards around Australia and the world

- Cassie Haywood

POCKET PARK

Rather than clearing the site for the new house, the home and garden were designed to keep and care for the existing trees. Affectionately dubbed a “pocket park”, the garden is bursting with life thanks to the long-established ornamental pear and silver birch trees. One tree even goes inside an outer screening to become almost part of the home’s architecture. Defying the norm for a typical garden, this backyard enjoys the natural flora of the area, while creating a home around the garden to complement it. maynardarchitects.com; bushprojects.com.au

JAPANESE TRANQUILLITY

When designing a peaceful haven away from the hustle and bustle of life, what better style to incorporate into a garden than Japanese? Perched 90m up on a clifftop ridge overlooking Onetangi Bay, New Zealand, this garden is full of beautiful elements that culminate in a soothing aesthetic. Water features, pared-back styling and a circle “window” that peeks through to the 2.5m plunge pool work together harmoniously. A green backdrop of leafy trees and ferns keeps nature close. This garden shows the power of simple elements done well. lanternhouse.co.nz; herbstarchitects.co.nz

TURNING CIRCLES