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 |

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
1 comment
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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