Not so Secret Garden
Wendy Whiteley
In a labour of love and nature therapy, for nearly thirty years, Wendy Whiteley has worked to create a magical garden that is open to the public at the foot of her harbourside home in Sydney’s Lavender Bay.
In a wonderful book, ‘Wendy Whiteley and the Secret Garden’ written by Janet Hawley, published by Penguin Lantern and exquisitely photographed by Jason Busch, the extraordinary story of how this garden came into being and the whole of Wendy’s deep creative passion went into the process of transforming an overgrown wasteland into a stunning sanctuary. In turn the whole journey transforms Wendy herself – isn’t that always the way with gardens?
Wendy Whiteley was the wife, muse and model of acclaimed Australian artist, Brett Whiteley. Most definitely an artist herself, when Brett died, followed by the death nine years later of their daughter Arkie, Wendy threw her grief and creativity into making an enchanting natural wonderland out of derelict land owned by the NSW government. The epitome of ‘Guerrilla Gardening’ Wendy’s living artwork and legacy has become one of Sydney’s natural treasures – a Secret Garden (not so secret now) that is cherished by countless people in the local community, all over Australia and worldwide.
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News from our Neighbourhood
Woollahra Council sent out a call-out recently to celebrate nature by exploring the foreshores and suburban streets of Double Bay.
Wendy Whiteley
The extraordinary story of how this harbourside garden came into being.
Monstera Leaf Platter
Aureliia Collection have launched a stylish outdoor tabletop product range.
Changing the Way We Live
Could you imagine living in a house that grows its own food? Picture solving the world’s biggest problems simply by changing the way we live.
Innovative Waste Management
RecycleSmart is an innovative waste management company, and they are on a mission to help everyone recycle more!
House of Bamboo
Bamboo is an amazing natural material that provides a sustainable alternative to traditional decking outdoors.
with Artisan Exterior
This month, Adam Robinson and Artisan Exterior presented a panel discussion on the latest outdoor trends followed by a Q & A session for the Landscape Association.
50 & Beyond
50 years of commitment to sustainability in Australia, with a wealth of experience in sustainable indoor and outdoor design solutions.
By the water
We recently designed some major cosmetic updates to revitalise the aesthetic and functionality of the outdoor spaces of a property by the water.
Dine Out
The round tables come with a conical pedestal base with green & white or yellow & white terrazzo and both colourways are stunning.
Recycled Terrazzo Tables
We love this innovative, young Queensland design studio, Five Mile Radius that is making some very cool outdoor terrazzo tables made entirely from construction waste!
From Ferm Living
The Ferm LIVING Desert Indoor Outdoor collection is super stylish and has sustainability at the centre of its design.
Sustainable Materials for Your Garden
Everyone here at ARD are always on the hunt for great new sustainable materials to use in our garden designs.
Paddington
We are mad about the design of their stores, especially the latest relocation in Paddington, Sydney.
A Powerful Documentary
A powerful new documentary on Netflix about climate change and the potential effects of soil regeneration as a solution to the crisis.
From Sir David Attenborough
‘A Life on Our Planet’ is a unique feature documentary that we all need to watch right now.
Vegan & Sustainable
Indoor plants and seed kits by using a vegan and organic philosophy, sourcing their seeds, plants and soils in the most sustainable way.
Indoor Vertical Farming
Miele enters into the future field of vertical farming with their new ‘Plantcube from Agrilution’.
Sustainable Bamboo Discussion
An expert discussion with Jennifer Snyders and Jono Fleming
Where We Are
“Traditional fire practice is the answer to preparing our land and our communities for climate change”.
Fundraising Party
Raising funds for fire victims via the Red Cross and Wildlife Rescue South Coast.
Sydney’s Best Ocean Pools
In Sydney we are so lucky to have some of the best ocean pools and plenty to choose from around this beautiful city of ours.
by House of Bamboo
HOB have introduced sustainably sourced DassoXTR fused bamboo decking into their core range of eco-friendly materials.
at Cockatoo Island
We can’t think of a better way to kick back and enjoy summer evenings with friends than listening to great acoustic music with the glorious panorama of Sydney Harbour.
Great Australian Gardens Volume 2
The book is beautifully written by Elizabeth Wilson, Gardens Editor of Australian House & Garden magazine.
School Climate Strike
My team and I proudly took part in Greta Thunberg’s #fridaysforfuture school climate strike.
Cancer Survivorship Garden
The new Cancer Survivorship Garden, at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, designed by Adam Robinson Design.