Outside
Jack Merlo

Jack Merlo’s passion for gardens began at a very early age. While studying for a Bachelor of Science Degree in Horticulture at Melbourne University, Jack was invited to exhibit at the 1999 Melbourne Flower and Garden Show. In 2000 Jack exhibited again at The Melbourne Flower and Garden Show, winning a Gold Medal for his design exhibit.

In 2004, Jack not only won another Gold Medal at The Melbourne Flower and Garden Show - he was awarded Best In Show for his Float Garden exhibit. Such high accolade led Jack to exhibit at the world-famous Chelsea Flower Show in 2005 where he won gold once more.

Today, Jack Merlo Design is highly respected for its stylish, practical designs. Collaborating with all involved, JACK MERLO DESIGN takes on the requirements of client, architect, engineer and builder to create the right outdoor environment for every project.

Here a few of Jacks Latest Garden projects                                   

Toorak – Project One

As part of a new extension on this 1930s home Jack Merlo Design reinvented the back garden, creating a northern orientation and blurring the lines between inside and out. There was great advantage in the fact that the pool and landscaping could be planned and executed prior to the extension being added. Working closely together, the architects and JACK MERLO DESIGN designed the space as one, with a deck and extension built as an interface to the pool and garden and linking inside to out.

The pool needed reworking but as its proportions were good, a new pool was poured into the existing one. This brought the levels up, connecting the new pool seamlessly to the adjoining paving. Corners were squared and the pool was laid with a darker tile, creating depth and reflecting beautifully. To ensure the flow from inside to out was not compromised, the existing fence caging the pool was removed and replaced with frameless glass. Stone water features were positioned to face the home’s living areas, offering visual and textural interest.

The pool’s boundary was planted with Evergreen Fig, providing screening to the adjoining double storey residence. Other planting was kept simple, with Bradford Pears underplanted with Dwarf Mondo framing the pool area. Mass plantings include Gardenia and Star Jasmine to provide perfume, and Liriope and Agaves for foliage and flower interest. The undercover timber deck is ideal for use all year round while extensive outdoor lighting transforms the evening garden into a delightful space and a stunning backdrop to the living areas.

St Ninnians, Brighton

This home faced onto the bay, enjoying stunning views. Beachside also meant exposure to the weather. Working with SJB architects, JACK MERLO DESIGN created a private outdoor space offering shelter and shade.

To sustain the garden a water recycling system was installed. A square pool was created, adjoining a lawn of similar proportions, to achieve a dynamic look while offering function. An off-white tile was selected for the pool’s interior, marrying in with surrounding pale limestone paving. Two sides of glass panelling provided a safe, unobtrusive fencing solution.

Timber decks overlapped the pool and a cantilevered pergola created much-needed shade without obstructing the view.

Planting was pared back, echoing the simplicity and repetition of the architecture. Plant varieties included Evergreen Fig, Agave, Gardenia and Mexican Orange Blossom. Six established Fan Palms were also installed, adding height in proportion to the building. The property’s front entrance winds around a series of Crepe Myrtle trees, and a magnificent Eucalypt has been underplanted with Dwarf Mondo.

Toorak- Project Two

With a level change of four and a half metres from back to front, this town residence offered up its own unique challenges. JMD saw the solution as being a matter of breaking up the levels with different layers of both planting and hard landscaping.

The compact south facing back courtyard faced large glassed in internal spaces, making the garden an important part of the main living area. A two metre retaining wall, required to separate an adjoining house, was perfect for a high planter while a stone bench acted as a retaining wall for a lower planter. Liriope borders, stepping-stones laid between Dwarf Mondo Grass and random bluestone paving helped to deformalise the back area. Ornamental Pear Trees were cut into the paving - a Jack Merlo Design signature detail.

Three large windows running along the sideway of the home were the inspiration for three matching alcoves, creating a shadow box-like outline for the water features and aligning perfectly with each of the windows. Illuminated at night the water features formed mesmerising, fluid silhouettes against the wall.