Transform Your Preston Home into a Dreamy Textural Backyard Wonderland

This Preston home has a standout feature: it backs onto a beautiful park. With lush grass just outside the back gate, it provides endless space for kids to play, picnics to enjoy, and gatherings to unfold. This prime location inspired landscape designer Lori McNutt, from Mcnuttndorff Landscapes, to craft a stunning garden that blends seamlessly with the natural surroundings.

“The clients wanted different garden rooms that would extend the view into the park,” Lori shared. She included a mix of native plants, colorful flowers, and even a vegetable patch, aiming to attract birds and create a lively atmosphere.

The garden features four distinct areas: a pool, a firepit, veggie beds, and a flagstone courtyard. This layout meets all the clients’ needs while complementing the stylish home designed by Imogen Pullar. The garden softens the home’s lines with a delightful combination of textures and vibrant colors.

Lori’s planting approach is both intuitive and organic. “My designs often evolve during the build,” she explained. This method results in a garden that’s not only beautiful but also deeply personal.

In creating the garden, materials like Castlemaine slate, Spotted Gum, and Corten steel add depth. Each plant has its unique character; for example, the Eucalyptus ‘Baby Blue’ provides form, while the Cercis canadensis ‘Forest Pansy’ brightens the space with its burgundy hue. Other colorful elements include Cotinus ‘Grace’ (smokebush) and Echinacea (coneflower).

Flowers like Anigozanthos flavidus ‘Landscape Tangerine’ (kangaroo paw) and Grevillea ‘Bush Lemons’ enhance the garden, while grasses like Poa Labillardieri ‘Eskdale’ (tussock grass) provide texture. Ground cover plants like Sedums and Chrysocephalum apiculatum keep the area lush and inviting.

“The rich planting means every spot offers a different visual experience,” Lori noted. This diversity is rare in smaller gardens but thrives here, turning outdoor spaces into a vibrant retreat.

Research suggests that gardens have a positive impact on mental health, offering serenity and a connection to nature. A 2021 study indicates that people who spend time in green spaces report lower stress levels and enhanced well-being. In this Preston garden, those benefits are amplified, creating a tranquil escape just steps from the house.

As you explore, you’re greeted by winding paths, shifting grasses, and an explosion of colors, leading your gaze toward the lush park beyond. This garden isn’t just a visual delight; it’s a place that invites exploration and relaxation.