Courtyards can be challenging to work with, and even more so on level ground with a brief that includes a natural stream to bring the ambience of gently flowing water to the area.

Completed in 2017 by Waterscapes Australia, this intimate project is a pondless design and landscape that brought the clients vision of a gentle and subtle water feature, with large stepping stones leading to the homes main entry.

Designed within a four-meter-wide area of a courtyard, this minimal landscape demonstrates dynamic design within a limited space and the attention to detail that delivered a standout result.

The phrase ‘more is less’ is often heard in addressing small spaces. Minimal rock placement and plant species go hand in hand, along with time when the aim is to achieve a landscape that is not busy to the eye and allows room for contemplation. Leaving space for the plantings to fill and hold a hardscape is key. This can initially look bare but with time the elements balance.

Mass plantings of Betel Leaf and Dichondra brought a dense green pallet to soften the many stones based elements here. Nandina, Midyim Berry and native ferns brought height and colour.

The stream is a Pondless design that begins from a large wetland garden where rushes screen the bathhouse from the main entry. Creek ambience was achieved with a minimal low waterfall, small pooling areas and scurries where water moves through and around pebbles and boulders. The pools also allowed room for water lilies and water mint to establish.

There is subtle lighting throughout and this one demonstrates so well that with lighting you are getting two water features – night and day.

Check out the video below for some of our favourite elements of the design.

To find out how Waterscapes Australia can help you with your next project click on the links below.