Victoria is full of gorgeous character homes that have been carefully restored, and this one is no exception. The front garden, however, was uninspired and overgrown, much in need of its own makeover. The client wanted a low-maintenance garden with a somewhat modern feel, but wanted to retain the existing sidewalk and most of the lawn.

Greenspace designs came up with a simple geometric layout, using a restrained colour palette and a mix of drought tolerant plantings. To harmonize with the maroon trim on the house, we used plants such as Smokebush (Cotinus ‘Velvet Cloak’), Coral Bells (Heuchera ‘Obsidian’), and Purple Leaved Ninebark (Physocarpus opulifolius 'Monlo'). These maroon-foliaged plants set the stage for chartreuse and pink flowering plants and a mixed palette of greens which change through the seasons. The result is a low-maintenance four season garden whose simple colours and layout create a relaxed, modern feel.