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. Years on, the trees have matured into defining elements of the garden, contributing structure, shade, privacy and seasonal character.

The Planting

Pyrus nivalis (Snow Pear)

A striking feature tree used for vertical structure and seasonal interest. Snow Pears bring strong formality, with silver-grey foliage and autumn colour, and thrive in full sun. They mature to around 7 to 8 metres tall and 4 to 5 metres wide, with an upright, sculptural form and minimal maintenance.

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 that brings elegance and seasonal variation. It matures to around 6 to 8 metres tall and 3 to 4 metres wide, and is low maintenance and drought tolerant in full sun.

Olea europaea 'Kalamata' (Olive)

The Kalamata Olive introduces Mediterranean character with silver-green foliage and fruiting potential. Hardy and evergreen, it thrives in coastal gardens with well-drained soils, maturing to around 2 to 4 metres and suited to feature planting and edible production.

Cupressus 'Better Green' (Conifer)

A canker-resistant conifer that provides privacy, wind protection and a lush evergreen backdrop, ideal for boundary planting in exposed landscapes. It reaches around 6 metres tall and 1 to 2 metres wide, with bright green, soft-textured foliage.

Rhaphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl'

Compact and evergreen, Rhaphiolepis 'Oriental Pearl' was planted under the Snow Pears for layered structure and year-round greenery. Dark green and neat, it suits low structure and topiary with light shaping.

Cupressus sempervirens (Pencil Pine)

Around the property and near the storage sheds, Pencil Pines introduce height and greenery, adding a natural vertical accent to utilitarian spaces without taking up much room. Evergreen and dense, they reach over 10 metres tall and around 1 metre wide, and are drought tolerant once established.

Angophora costata (Sydney Red Gum)

Native to Australia, these trees connect the garden to the natural heritage of the property. Robust and textured, they offer a touch of the wild while blending seamlessly into the landscape, and are naturally resilient with minimal intervention.

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 element that shapes the landscape's future. Through Jack Merlo's design expertise and our quality tree supply, this garden stands as an example of landscape design that embraces both beauty and utility.

Credits

Landscape design by Jack Merlo. Photography by Erik Holt.