Melbourne in Bloom

Few practices understand this better than Mint Design, the Melbourne-based studio renowned for crafting contemporary landscapes that strike a balance between beauty and function. Their philosophy is simple: a garden should be more than a backdrop — it should be a living, breathing extension of the home. This belief found a natural partnership with norsuHOME, the design arm of beloved interiors brand norsu. Known for their signature use of texture, layering, and soft tonal palettes, norsuHOME brings a distinct style perspective to residential projects. Together, the collaboration with Mint Design has created a Glen Iris garden that seamlessly connects indoors and out, reflecting both the character of the family and the spirit of the site. 
 

Planting with the Seasons 

“Spring is a time to be bold with planting choices,” says Mint Design Director Darin Bradbury. “Layer perennials, grasses, and groundcovers with shrubs and trees that give depth and texture. By combining different foliage types and bloom times, you create a garden that feels dynamic not just in spring, but all year round.” 

At norsuHOME, classic elements like Murraya paniculata (Orange Jessamine) and clipped Buxus spheres are interwoven with vibrant perennials including Salvia nemorosa ‘Ostfriesland’ and Japanese Windflowers. The result is a landscape that balances permanence with seasonal flair — an evergreen framework punctuated by moments of colour and movement. 
 

Tips for a Thriving Spring Garden 

• Replenish your soil: Top garden beds with compost-rich soil and mulch to boost growth, suppress weeds, and conserve moisture. 
• Layer for impact: Position taller trees at the back, mid-sized shrubs in front, and groundcovers like Viola hederacea (Native Violet) at the edges to soften borders. 
• Mix textures: Combine bold foliage such as Tractor Seat Plant with finer grasses like Lomandra ‘Tanika’ to maintain visual interest year-round. 
• Plan for longevity: Incorporate deciduous trees such as Japanese Maples or Silver Birches for seasonal drama and natural cooling. 
   

More Than Just Plants 

As Bradbury points out, successful gardens are as much about use as they are about planting. “Consider orientation, microclimate, and how the sun moves across the garden. Think about where you’ll sit with your morning coffee or gather with friends in the evening — the design should frame those moments.” At norsuHOME, alfresco living spaces are carefully integrated with planting beds, blurring the line between indoors and out. Mature trees filter light, while climbers such as Boston Ivy add a theatrical shift in colour across the seasons. In combining Mint Design’s landscape artistry with norsuHOME’s distinctive style, this collaboration sets a benchmark for gardens that don’t just look beautiful in spring; they enrich daily life year-round. 
 

Pool and Landscape Design by Mint Design 
Photography by Elise Scott 
Styling by norsu Design 
Landscaping by Mark Budge of MJB Landscaping 
Architect Herbert & Howes 
Builder: The Carbonist