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The project:
I transformed an empty front lawn into a welcoming cottage-style entrance by designing and building a new front fence, handcrafted pedestrian gate and matching double driveway gates from scratch. A timber entrance arbour was built to frame the recessed gateway, with a climbing rose creating a beautiful floral canopy that welcomes visitors into the property.
I designed winding white stone pathways leading to the home's restored front entry, surrounding them with layered cottage-style planting including deep burgundy shrubs, roses, lavender, star jasmine, Easter daisies and feature trees to provide colour, texture and year-round interest. Feature circular garden beds, river pebbles and carefully positioned planting softened the home's façade while creating additional privacy for the front living areas.
- Materials:
Timber and structural materials
Exterior timber fixings
Landscaping and garden material
Plants and trees
- Tools:
- Step 1:
Removing the old fence and preparing the new structure
I removed the old deteriorated fence, which had become unusable due to rot and insect damage, preparing the front boundary for a complete transformation. I set out the new fence line using a string line for accuracy, manually dug the post holes and installed the treated pine posts with concrete before constructing the new framework.
- Step 2:
Building the handcrafted front fence
I constructed the new fence using treated pine framing and colonial-style fence details, adding colonial post toppers to each fence post to create a distinctive cottage character. I carefully built each section before painting the completed structure, retaining the traditional feel of the home while creating a stronger and more functional front boundary.
- Step 3:
Creating the handcrafted pedestrian gate
I built the front pedestrian gate from scratch, carefully cutting recessed joints into the timber framing at each 90-degree corner to create strong, flat joins. I secured the frame using timber glue and exterior timber fixings before installing the hinges, fence palings and latch. A central support piece was added within the frame to help prevent movement and maintain the gate’s structure.
- Step 4:
Building the double driveway gates and entrance arbour
I created the double driveway gates using the same handcrafted approach, adapting the design for the larger openings. I incorporated additional structural support within the framing to maintain strength and prevent buckling.
At the same time, I built the timber entrance arbour, adding custom decorative timber details across the front and rear sections. I used a jigsaw to create colonial-style cut-outs at each end, adding a unique feature that complemented the traditional character of the home.
- Step 5:
Creating the pathways and hard landscaping
I prepared the driveway and winding front pathway areas by installing builder’s plastic and framing the edges before adding white decorative stone. This created a practical, low-maintenance surface while guiding visitors from the front gate through the garden to the home entrance.
- Step 6:
Creating the cottage garden planting design
I designed and planted a layered cottage-style garden around the new pathway and front boundary, carefully selecting plants for colour, texture, fragrance and seasonal interest. The home's white exterior and traditional white fencing provided the perfect backdrop for a deeper, more dramatic planting palette.I incorporated rich burgundy and plum tones through feature plants, ruby-coloured shrubs, the plum tree, bougainvillea and blood-red climbing roses, creating depth and contrast against the crisp white façade, softer greens, silvery foliage and delicate whites, pinks and mauves from flowering plants such as the Easter daisies.
The placement of the daisies along the front fence was intentional, allowing their lighter tones to soften the white fencing while creating a delicate contrast against the deeper colours throughout the garden.I selected plants not only for their visual beauty but also for their fragrance, creating a sensory garden experience as visitors approach the home. Star jasmine was planted along the front fence and neighbouring boundary fences using wire supports, chosen for both its beautiful growth habit and incredible fragrance. Lavender, curry plants and additional flowering plants were incorporated to create layers of scent that change throughout the day with the movement of the breeze.
- Step 7:
Adding feature trees, garden details and completing the entrance
I planted feature trees throughout the front garden, including a plum tree and a frangipani tree within its own circular garden bed between the front fence and pathway. The frangipani tree was brought with me from my previous garden, adding a personal connection and a sense of continuity to the new landscape.
I also relocated my established bougainvillea tree into the front garden design and created circular garden beds around these feature plants using curved edging, river pebbles and additional cottage-style planting. These garden features added depth, privacy and a sense of discovery as visitors moved through the entrance.
The completed garden design complements the home's traditional character, including the heritage-inspired tiled entry beneath the front awning, creating a cohesive welcome from the street through to the front door.
