Landscaping and Gardens

The gardens of Observatory Living are the jewel in the crown of our complex. They are also a major feature that not only add value to each apartment but also enhance selling prospects. Quite simply there is no other complex in Canberra that has anything like the quality gardens and open spaces we have.

The gardens have many unique features:

• a vibrant red tiled, solar heated, infinity swimming pool 25 metres long and about four lanes wide sited inside a glass enclosed security fence
• four barbeques, with their own sturdy tables and seating under pergolas
• two fire pits with extensive raised seating
• a number of semi private seated areas for small gatherings, some enclosed by glass walls as protection, all with their own landscaping
• an outdoor exercise area with gym equipment and rubber protection matting
• a fish pond with fountains and plants as the centrepiece of a magnificent semi circular pear grove
• a raised lawn area in the centre of the complex and many smaller lawns inside and outside the Complex's enclosed area
• water tanks built into the walls of one of the underground car parks to capture the rain to water the extensive gardens
• ramps run the full length of the complex's internal area allowing easy disabled access to all areas of the garden, and
• the whole complex is fully fenced with security swipe card access gates.

Design

Our gardens were designed by internationally renowned landscape designer and horticulturist Jamie Durie. The centrepiece is, of course, the amazing red infinity pool, now heated using predominately solar energy. At the official launch of the complex in 2016, Durie, who was on site for the launch, said:

“The Observatory design combines the unique feel of Canberra’s space and proximity to the bush with vibrant, contemporary colours and forms that draw the eye and spark visual curiosity” and “plants were chosen to embrace Canberra’s changing seasons and red was intentionally chosen to showcase the greenery and add warmth".

He also said:

“Giving people a reason to come out into the landscape is as important as the landscape itself. There’s no use in just building a pretty garden that’s good to look at, we build gardens for people to live in. We look at all the rooms in the house and we translate those to exterior landscapes.”

In a newspaper interview he had this to say about his design ideas for Observatory Living:

"The main idea behind the communal gardens was to give residents many different breakout spaces, or people pockets as I like to call them. There is a central garden space, with modern, clean lines, changing levels, a lap pool, a series of sheltered outdoor rooms and seating areas. There is also a great firepit terrace where people can congregate and have a chat and a pear tree grove which is like a relaxing sanctuary to get away from it all".

Upkeep

To ensure our gardens remain in top quality condition, Corporate Gardens are contracted to provide a full weekly service. This includes not just mowing and edging the lawns but seasonal pruning, caring for the trees, shrubs and monitoring other garden infrastructure such as the in ground sprinkler system.

We also have contractors who service key components of the gardens and landscaping to:

• ensure the pool remains clean and safe to use
• service the fish pond, plants and fountains, and
• service the very extensive in-ground sprinkler system .

The Future

In 2017 the Owners Corporation agreed to establish a Garden and Landscaping Working Group to look at ways of enhancing and developing the landscape and gardens to the benefit of all residents. The Working Group consists of an Executive Committee member and three owners.

The Working Group is currently developing a plan for the future of our gardens and landscaping. Items being discussed include:

• providing shade over the outdoor tables and seats with the aim to make them more pleasant for users
• providing solar lights at the main entertainment area at the top of the complex. to increase the functionality of this well used area
• preparing a plant replacement program to ensure the Complex's gardens continue to provide residents with a pleasant and enjoyable environment, and
• liaising with the ACT Government to ensure the trees on the nature strips surrounding the Complex thrive and are replaced as necessary.