Luise’s Terrace

Once a dull, forgotten laneway - just concrete and bad vibes. Now a secret garden of climbers, big blooms, and dappled light.

The brief

Working with Jamie Bligh of Care of Studio, we set out to turn a forgotten dunny lane into a flourishing courtyard garden, without tearing up the existing concrete slab.

The challenge was clear: minimal intervention, maximum impact. Every detail had to work hard, creating a space that felt effortless, abundant, and seamlessly connected to the home. No soil, no depth, no problem.

The space

Front Garden

With no soil to work with, the solution was pots—lots of them. Every plant was carefully chosen for its ability to thrive in a container, creating a lush, ever-changing display. A deciduous climber drapes the façade, shifting with the seasons, while plumbago spills over the front brick wall, mirroring the pale blue accents of the house.

Rear Garden

The once-forgotten laneway is now a garden in two acts: a practical service area and an intimate dining courtyard, separated by a verdant archway. Raising the paving allowed for deeper planters, making way for layers of textured foliage, bold blooms, and edible delights. What was once a space best ignored is now impossible to leave—a private sanctuary, reclaimed and restored.

Collaborators | Care of Studio
Location | Annandale, NSW
Scope | Concept Design, Construction Documentation, Construction Services
Photography | © 2023 Prue Ruscoe All rights reserved
Year | 2023