City Penthouse

Landscape design: Secret Gardens of Sydney

Location: Sydney, Australia

Photography: Peter Brennan

Spanning three levels, this city penthouse was in need of a makeover. The client wanted a low-maintenance rooftop garden to enjoy personally while also creating expansive entertaining spaces. Set against views of the harbor and city, the garden has ponds, walkways, an entire entertaining level, and a hot tub.

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Some items, such as the water feature, stairs, and furniture, are made of wrought iron and painted black. They can be cleaned by simply rubbing gently with a damp cloth.

Above, a small metal water feature decorates the platform leading to the next level. On the left, the hot tub overlooking the harbor is spectacular.

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In this area, an artificial pond with plants was installed, which is vaguely reminiscent of a wetland and quite a surprise among so many urban features.

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The marsh plants, such as Acmella decumbens, are ideal for beautifying the edges of the pond, concealing canvases or other artificial materials, and cleaning the water.