Columbia Avenue, Clapham

Design & Construction by Desert Flower Landscaping

A layered native garden designed to soften and connect a challenging triangular block through natural materials, immersive planting and spaces for gathering, play and discovery.

The original site featured sharp angles and pointed edges, so the design response focused on creating a softer, more organic flow that feels welcoming and grounded within the landscape.

At the heart of the garden is a circular seating space, positioned to capture the sunniest pocket of the garden.

Framed with custom sandstone cobbles and informal yankomite gravel, the space creates a warm and relaxed setting for conversation and connection.

Natural logs, tree stumps and Adelaide Hills Sandstone boulders are woven throughout the garden, to encourage nature play and exploration for younger children.

Rather than relying on conventional play equipment, the landscape invites curiosity and imagination through texture, movement and interaction with natural elements.

Raw timber posts from Nirvana Timber Co provide subtle screening and help define spaces without interrupting the openness of the garden.

Gravel pathways and sandstone steppers guide movement organically through the site, creating moments of discovery and reinforcing the relaxed character of the landscape.

Extensive native planting from Coromandel Native Nursery and Heynes Wholesale forms the foundation of the project. Reflecting a growing desire for sustainable gardens that support local biodiversity and attract birdlife into the backyard.

Corten steel edging from Apex Steel Group provides structure and definition throughout, while integrating seamlessly with the sandstone and natural play features.

Other suppliers who contributed to this project include SA Landscape Supplies, Hollards and Flehan Skips.

The result is a highly functional family garden that feels both grounded in place and deeply connected to the surrounding environment.