Coastal

Mornington Peninsula Project

Mornington Peninsula Project

At Evergreen Trees Direct, we are proud to showcase one of our most distinguished projects on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Designed by acclaimed landscape architect Jack Merlo, this garden integrates advanced trees chosen for their resilience, structure, and aesthetic qualities. The result is a landscape that balances privacy, performance, and timeless beauty.

Design Philosophy

Commenced in 2017, the project was guided by a clear objective: to supply a selection of mature trees that would thrive in a coastal environment while enhancing the architectural integrity of the property. Today, years on, the trees have matured into defining elements of the garden, contributing structure, shade, privacy, and seasonal character.

Shop the Look

Pyrus Nivalis - Snow Pears:

A striking feature tree used for vertical structure and seasonal interest. Snow Pears provide strong formality in design, offering silver-grey foliage and autumn colour while thriving in full sun.

Attribute Details
Uses Feature tree, vertical structure, seasonal colour
Mature Height × Width 7–8m × 4–5m
Growth Rate & Form Moderate; upright, sculptural
Foliage Grey-green, deciduous with autumn hues
Maintenance Minimal; sun-loving, hardy

Lagerstroemia indica ‘Natchez’ (White Crepe Myrtle)

Known for its showy white summer flowers and rich autumn foliage, the White Crepe Myrtle is a deciduous ornamental tree that brings elegance and seasonal variation.

Attribute
Details
Uses Ornamental tree, feature accent
Mature Height × Width 6–8m × 3–4m
Foliage Lush green turning rich red in autumn; deciduous
Flowers White summer blooms, highly ornamental
Maintenance Low; drought tolerant, full sun

Olea europaea ‘Kalamata’ (Olive Tree)

The Kalamata Olive introduces Mediterranean character with its silver-green foliage and fruiting potential. Hardy and evergreen, it thrives in coastal gardens with well-drained soils.

Attribute Details
Uses Feature tree, edible production
Mature Height × Width 2–4m × 2–3m
Foliage Silver-green, evergreen, Mediterranean style
Maintenance Moderate; requires well-drained soil and sun

 

Cupressus ‘Better Green’ (Conifer)

This canker-resistant conifer variety provides privacy, wind protection, and a lush evergreen backdrop. It is ideal for boundary planting in exposed landscapes.

Attribute Details
Uses Hedging, privacy screen, windbreak
Mature Height × Width Up to 6m × 1–2m
Foliage Bright green, soft texture, evergreen
Maintenance Regular watering in establishment; canker resistant

Rhaphiolepsis Oriental Pearl:

Compact, evergreen, and suited for topiary, Rhaphiolepis ‘Oriental Pearl’ was planted under Snow Pears for layered structure and year-round greenery.

Attribute Details
Uses Evergreen structure, topiary feature
Foliage Dark green, compact, evergreen
Maintenance Low; requires shaping to maintain form

Cupressus Sempervirens Pencil Pines:

Around the property and near storage sheds, Cupressus Sempervirens Pencil Pines introduce greenery and height. These trees add a natural touch to utilitarian spaces without taking up much room.

Attribute Details
Uses Screening, vertical accent
Mature Height × Width Over 10 m height; about 1 m width
Foliage Evergreen, dense, dark green
Maintenance Minimal; drought-tolerant once established

Angophra Costata - Sydney Red Gum:

Native to Australia, these trees were a great addition to the space and the natural heritage of the property, ensuring the landscape remains tethered to its indigenous roots.

Attribute Details
Uses Screening, native feature tree
Mature Height × Width Varies with environment but typically around 20 m – 30 m tall, width 15 – 25 m
Foliage Robust and textured, offering a touch of the wild, seamlessly blending into the garden, evergreen
Maintenance Naturally resilient, requiring minimal intervention
Angophora Costata

Project Overview

The Mornington Peninsula Project reflects our ethos at Evergreen Trees Direct: that every tree we supply is not just a fixture but a living, growing entity that shapes the landscape's future. Through the combined efforts of Jack Merlo's design expertise and our quality tree supply, this garden stands as a beacon of landscape architecture that embraces both beauty and utility.

Acknowledgements

Landscape Design: @jackmerlolandscapedesign 

Photography: @erikholtphotography

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Sorrento, Victoria Landscaping Project

1 comment

David Sofrà

David Sofrà

Hi
Property is based in Sorrento. Looking to adhere to the indigenous trees suitable for the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. Trees will be planted on nature strip so need to be indigenous. Size, maturity aid important. Hoping to source your most advanced coastal trees possible, looking 2-3…whether Moonah (Melaleuca lanceolata, Woolly Tea Tree, banksia, Sweet Butsaria, wattle…or whatever advanced tree you grow or could possibly source. Kind regards David

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