Exeter, Southern Highlands NSW

Invergowrie Lane

A layered country garden designed to complement a future home and its surrounding landscape.

Site Context

The Site

The Southern Highlands demands respect. Heavy frosts, cold winters, and the full force of open country weather shaped every planting decision from the outset. The brief called for year-round interest and colour, particularly at the front of the property: a welcoming, structured arrival that would perform through every season. To achieve this, the planting palette was carefully edited, with an emphasis on structural plants that hold their form and beauty through winter, when perennials retreat and the bones of the garden come into their own.

Signature Element

The Olives

A collection of large, established olive trees was carefully sourced and positioned throughout the landscape to bring age, structure and permanence to the garden from the outset.

Placed with restraint and precision, the olives anchor the landscape while preserving the expansive views that define the property and its surrounding countryside.

Craftsmanship

Structure and Flow

At the centre of the garden, a generous open lawn creates a natural connection between the home and surrounding landscape, providing a sense of openness and continuity across the property.

The landscape was designed to feel open and effortless, allowing the garden to mature naturally over time while strengthening the relationship between the home and its rural setting.

Outcome

The Result

As the garden matures and the home renovation is realised, the landscape will continue to soften into its surroundings, creating a layered country garden of structure, shelter and seasonal beauty.

Over time, mature planting will strengthen the sense of permanence across the property, allowing the home and garden to feel as though they have always belonged together.