This 37acre property had been in the Cox family since the early 1900’s only being sold out for a short 15 year period before being bought back by Scott and Alison. Keeping the family heritage in mind along with the prestige of what was once an award winning cottage garden it was imperative that we did this project justice from design through to post completion service.

The scope from Scott and Ally was simple, “we want a large natural pool full of plants and fish that reflects the existing spring fed trout streams of the region, no massive waterfalls just a gentle stream.” One of the first things we did was sit down and go through Aquascape’s ‘hands of the artist’ book allowing Scott and Ally to highlight themes and details completed by contractors worldwide that resonated with them. As when you’re staring at a big hole in the ground full of rock, it can be very hard to visualize the finished product.

This was an existing 12x4m fibreglass pool, which we cut large sections out of allowing us to make it larger and place beautiful basalt boulders sourced from a local quarry. A large hardwood deck cantilevers into the pond allowing you to jump straight into 2m of water. This is surrounded by a large wading/standing area providing ample room to relax and cool off in this refreshing pond or observe the many native fish species hanging around the large planted sections within the pond. Opposite the wading area is a more formal beach entry, highlighted by recycled sandstone blocks originally crafted by convicts some 200 years prior. Theres many a basking spot, fish cave and even a path across the stream making this the perfect interactive garden for all ages.

Planting out the pond was one of my favourite parts of this project with a variety of irises, waterlilies and reeds mixed in with many native aquatic species thrown in including; fringe lily’s with their stunning mosaic patterns across their leaves, the stunning Frogsmouth with its distinctive yellow flower spikes, the creeping nature of bacopa, stone crop and nardoo. Mirroring the local streams and rivers found within the region.

Extending the running theme of a low maintenance cottage garden we planted a variety of different flowering species and shrubs including; seaside daises, penstemons, buddleias, salvias and sages. Creating a diverse but hardy garden designed to tolerate the harsh central west nsw conditions.

Our flagship project, I will be continuing to help Scott and Ally over the next 12months as we look to rejuvenate many parts of this beautiful property.