Rokeby - New-Build Full Landscape Garden Transformation

THE BREIF
The clients wanted a complete landscape transformation across the entire property, turning a relatively blank new-build site in Rokeby into a garden with more character, street appeal and long-term value.

Rather than ending up with a typical suburban new-build landscape, the brief was for something softer, more natural and more established. The garden needed to feel organic and considered, while still being practical for everyday use and outdoor entertaining.
Low maintenance was also important, so the planting palette focused heavily on hardy Tasmanian and Australian native species suited to Hobart’s conditions. Automated irrigation and outdoor lighting were included to make the garden easier to maintain and enjoyable throughout the day and into the evening.

The clients also wanted the front and backyard to feel cohesive, using a consistent palette of natural stone, exposed aggregate concrete, Corten steel and soft planting throughout the property.

THE CHALLENGE
As with many new-build landscaping projects around Hobart, the site presented challenges with levels, access and creating a sense of maturity in a relatively open suburban setting.
The sloping block required careful excavation, retaining and drainage to create more usable areas and ensure water moved effectively through the property.

Access was limited during construction, making the installation of large boulders, retaining walls and hardscape elements more complex. Some parts of the garden also received less sunlight due to the orientation and changing levels of the site, which influenced both the planting selection and layout.

A key challenge was balancing the structural requirements of the site with the softer, more organic look the clients wanted.

OUR SOLUTION
Our landscape design focused on creating a natural-looking residential garden that softened the architecture of the new home and helped the property stand out from the surrounding new-build streetscape.

Corten steel retaining walls were used to manage changes in level while adding warmth and texture to the garden. Large solid boulders were integrated throughout the landscape to create a more natural sense of structure and help break up the harder built elements.
Exposed aggregate concrete provided durable, practical access around the property, while a custom Tas Macrocarpa gate added warmth and a distinctly Tasmanian material detail.
The planting was designed to create movement, texture and year-round interest while remaining relatively low maintenance. Species including Deschampsia cespitosa, Austrostipa stipoides, Brachyscome multifida, Leucophyta brownii compact, Banksia spinulosa, Myoporum parvifolium, Dichondra repens and Casuarina glauca were layered throughout the garden, complemented by Teatree screening and feature olive trees.

Automated irrigation was installed to support the planting and reduce ongoing maintenance, while automated outdoor lighting was carefully positioned to highlight key planting, boulders and architectural features after dark.

The finished Rokeby landscaping project transformed the front and backyard into a more established, organic and functional outdoor space. By combining native planting with Corten steel, natural boulders and exposed aggregate concrete, the garden now has a strong identity while remaining practical, durable and well suited to Hobart’s climate.