FFLA has worked closely with Stockland in the design and implementation of landscape works at Gowanbrae Retirement Village. The project includes independent living ‘villas’ as well as a 4 storey apartment complex and was envisioned as a village within a garden. This vision has been realised by a design that emphasises colour, texture and a domestic scale. The informal grouping of the plants also helps to break down the repetitive lines and materials of the building forms. The design approach has been very well received by residents, and the gardens have also become a major part of the marketing of the village. The site includes an irrigation system that sources water from on-site storm-water harvesting, which combined with warm-season grasses and a carefully selected hardy plant palette allows the gardens to look good throughout the year.