Nerina

Nerina is a succulent garden in the Northern Suburbs, created in response to the lasting effects of drought on a once-established front lawn. The remaining kweek was removed, allowing the garden to move away from a water-dependent lawn and toward a more resilient planting approach suited to the sandy conditions.

Two raised berms were shaped and planted with a variety of succulents, introducing form, texture, and seasonal colour to the front garden. Malmesbury shale stone was used as a mineral mulch, giving the space a grounded, drought-adapted character while helping to define the new planting structure.

A custom timber bridge connects the two berms as a playful feature element, adding movement and a sense of discovery to the garden. The result is a front garden that turns a drought-damaged lawn into something more sculptural, water-wise, and expressive.