This Tugun garden design reimagines an existing cactus and succulent garden into a fresh modern coastal landscape that better suits the clients’ home, lifestyle and love of sculptural planting. Designed for a Gold Coast property, the new front garden complements the beautiful renovated home, while the rear of the property reveals a surprise Japanese tea house and Japanese-inspired garden. The result is a distinct but harmonious contrast, with each space retaining its own identity while still feeling connected.

Design Brief

The clients wanted a garden that is low-maintenance, resilient and well suited to the harsh coastal conditions of Tugun. They also wanted the planting to feel bold and architectural, with strong upright forms that would bring structure, texture and presence to the landscape. At the same time, the updated garden design needed to sit purposefully at the front of the property while the tea house and Japanese-inspired garden lay behind a purpose built shou shi ban screen to the rear of the property.

Coastal Design Approach

To respond to the site, the layout was softened with flowing curves that echo the movement of the waves just beyond the front cedar timber fence. This subtle reference to the coastline brings rhythm and calm to the garden, while helping the overall design feel more relaxed and naturally connected to its setting. The result is a landscape that feels modern, coastal and thoughtfully balanced.

Existing Plants Retained

Rather than starting from scratch, the design celebrates the existing landscape features that already gave the garden character. The Aloe tree and Madagascan palm were retained and integrated into the updated scheme, helping to preserve maturity, continuity and a sense of established presence. These existing plants now sit comfortably within the new composition, adding depth and personality to the garden.

Plants and Materials

A mix of sculptural planting, river rock, and warm natural materials was used to reinforce the modern coastal style. These elements create a garden that feels refined but not overly formal, with texture and interest throughout the year. The overall composition is designed to perform well in harsh coastal conditions while still feeling calm, welcoming and easy to live with.

Project Outcome

The finished garden is a refreshed version of the original cactus and succulent garden, reworked into a landscape that feels more in tune with the clients’ style and the Tugun coastal setting. It is low-maintenance, resilient and full of character, with a clear design language that complements both the home and the existing Japanese-inspired spaces. Most importantly, the clients love it — and that is always the best result.