Leabrook Project
Completed September 2025
Designed by: Jo Connolly
Constructed by: Ambleside Landscapes
Tucked into the leafy suburb of Leabrook, this project called for a landscape which worked with the battle-axe block and complemented the architecturally designed home. while introducing functional outdoor zones for entertaining, arrival and growing own plants. Blending natural textures, crafted details and intimate garden moments, Jo's designed introduced function outdoor zones for entertaining, arrival and growing fruit & vegetables.
This project layered warm tones, contrasting materials, and soft plantings.
​Entering through automated timber-batten gates, the entrance to the extensive driveway sets the tone for the home - privacy and relaxation.
The handcrafted basket range sandstone letterbox is paired with a Limestone batten threshold to create a smooth transition from the street. Flanked by established hedging, the stoney fell gravel driveway leads to a new build home tucked privately away from noise of the street. Along the length of the private driveway, new plantings were chosen to add screening and complement the existing hedging.
A garden for gathering
​​In the front garden, the landscape blends sculptural materials with lush planting to create a warm and inviting outdoor living zone.
A curved Basket Range sandstone sitting wall gently wraps around the firepit, forming a natural gathering nook and anchoring the space. Underfoot, limestone crazy paving introduces organic texture, with soft plantings woven between the irregular stones to blur the line between hardscape and garden. Along the boundary, reo‑mesh climbing screens will soon be enveloped by star jasmine, forming a living green wall that disguises the Colorbond fencing behind and adds vertical softness.
A lush, layered planting palette ties the space together, offering year‑round interest and seasonal variation, while a corten‑steel raised garden bed provides a dedicated zone for growing and propagation. The combination of crafted stonework, textured surfaces and abundant planting strikes a balance between softness and structure, creating an inviting place to unwind.​​
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Intended for slow morning, shared meals & relaxed evenings, the rear courtyard is designed as an additional living space and a seamless extension of the home’s interior comforts. A custom timber-clad BBQ & sitting wall, topped with travertine, anchors one edge of the courtyard echoing the architectural features at the front of the home. Though newly planted, the courtyard already feels intimate, and it’s easy to imagine how immersive the space will become as the gardens mature and soften the hard elements.
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Special Thanks to
​​- Geoff from our team for his stone craftmanship​
- Jo Connolly for ongoing consultation before, during, and after construction, and for all plant procurement.
- Jason Hall from Beyond Stone for working closely with our team to ensure the stone products fit the specification & finish this project required.
- Jo from Concrete by Joe for working in the tight space to pour the exposed aggregate pathways
- Nest who built the home and worked with us during the landscape construction process.
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Suppliers & Materials
Stone Sealing: Best Marble & Tile Care
Basket Range Stone: Adelaide Hills Sandstone
Automatic Gates: Ace Automation
Irrigation supplies & Pump: Irrigation Pumps N More
Firefly & Keo Horizon Lights: Allera
Reo Mesh Screen Supplies: Apex Steel & Bianco
14mm gravel driveway: Boral
All plants: Heynes
Landscaping Supplies: Adelaide Hills Garden Supplies , Crafers Garden Centre & Balhannah Mitre 10
​Inspired by this project?
If we haven't spilled the details here, please reach out - we'd be happy to share a specific plant name or product detail.
