How a garden designer transformed a century-old bush property into a healing sanctuary
In short: Richard Unsworth, a designer famous for inner-city projects, spent six years restoring a one-acre garden bordering Pittwater. By removing invasive species and embracing the local seedbank, he created a seamless transition between his home and the surrounding bushland, discovering that the act of gardening became a powerful, meditative healing process.
When Richard Unsworth purchased the century-old property six years ago, the site was choked by invasive fishbone ferns and pittosporum trees. His initial approach was focused on clearing these weeds to invite light into both the house and the landscape. This period of intense physical labor coincided with the loss of his mother, and Unsworth later realized that the restoration process served as a vital, comforting outlet for his grief.
The design philosophy centers on a seamless integration between the built environment and the natural bushland. Near the house, Unsworth utilizes resilient exotics like salvias, Mexican lilies, and euphorbias to provide structure and color. As one moves further from the residence, these plantings transition into a purely native landscape. This approach avoids rigid boundaries, allowing the garden to flow naturally into the surrounding environment, framed by iconic Sydney sandstone walls and ancient bunya pines.
To ensure the garden functions as a healthy habitat, Unsworth collaborated with local bush regenerator Paul Webb. By joining a volunteer group that clears weeds in the adjacent council-owned reserve, he learned to support the local ecosystem. This effort has been highly successful, resulting in a resurgence of endemic species, including various sedges, grasses, and native plectranthus. The project has profoundly influenced Unsworth’s professional work, teaching him to adopt a more naturalistic style and to practice greater patience with the long-term outcomes of his designs.
Ultimately, the project represents a balance between honoring the history of the site and restoring its ecological integrity. By allowing the endemic seedbank to regenerate, Unsworth has seen a marked increase in the diversity of birds, invertebrates, and groundcovers. This experience has not only improved the local biodiversity but has also fostered a deeper sense of community and personal connection to the land.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: A garden designer's stunning bush property | Garden Design and Inspiration | Gardening Australia
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