The North Shore of Sydney is defined by established trees, layered topography, and homes where architecture and landscape must speak the same language. A successful garden here is not decoration added at the end of a build. It is a carefully considered extension of the home, shaped by light, levels, privacy and the way a family actually lives.
At Custom Creations Landscapes, we bring together landscape architects, designers, horticulture consultants and construction specialists under one team. This integrated approach allows us to design and build outdoor spaces that feel calm, cohesive and effortless from the first day you step outside.
Why Clients Choose Us
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Award-winning Sydney landscapers delivering end-to-end design and construction
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In-house collaboration between architects, designers and builders
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Proven experience on high-end North Shore homes
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Transparent process with clear budgets and timelines
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Long-term garden care to protect your investment
Let’s shape a garden that fits the way you live.
Book a North Shore design consultation and explore ideas tailored to your site, architecture, and lifestyle.
What makes North Shore landscape design different
Projects across the Lower and Upper North Shore present a unique mix of opportunities and constraints:
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Mature canopy and shade that influence plant selection and growth rates
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Sloping blocks requiring intelligent terracing and drainage
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Privacy challenges between close neighbouring properties
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Refined architectural styles demand a considered material palette
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High summer heat loads around pools, paving and glass
Our role is to balance these realities with your vision so the garden functions beautifully through every season.
North Shore suburbs we regularly service
Mosman, Lane Cove, Cremorne, Neutral Bay, Turramurra, Wahroonga, Pymble, St Ives, Chatswood and Willoughby.
Integrated design and construction under one team
Unlike fragmented approaches that separate design and build, our process keeps responsibility in one place. This reduces on-site compromises and ensures the finished garden matches the intent of the drawings.
Our North Shore services include
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Landscape architecture and concept design
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Detailed construction documentation
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Pool design and pool building coordination
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Structural landscaping and paving
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Planting design and horticultural advice
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Lighting, irrigation and long-term garden care
Across Sydney projects, we typically see 20–30% budget inefficiencies when design intent is not aligned with the construction approach. Our integrated model removes that gap.
We design every North Shore project with local planning considerations in mind, including guidance from the North Sydney Council to ensure layouts, drainage and structures align with current requirements.
Project focus – Mosman
A standout Mosman home, designed by MCK Architects and Mariko Landscape Design, demonstrates the value of collaboration. We were engaged to construct and refine the landscape so it felt inseparable from the architecture.
Key outcomes:
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Original sandstone foundations were salvaged and repurposed into a recycled sandstone wall
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A restrained palette of stone, timber and steel to match the home
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Lush layered planting creates privacy without blocking natural light
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Seamless transitions between pool, paving and lawn
“This home is a testament to what is possible when good design meets attention to detail.”
The result is a garden that feels established and intentional rather than newly built.
Explore our Mosman landscape design project.
Project focus – Lane Cove
For the Lane Cove Breeze Block House by Studio Prineas, the brief was clarity and restraint. The owners wanted a calm garden that supported the architecture rather than competing with it.
Design decisions included:
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Raised galvanised steel planters to define space
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Bamboo, Silver Lady Ferns and Giant Bromeliads for soft screening
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A sparse lawn to offset the white exterior
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Fully automatic irrigation for long-term health
This project shows that even small, well-executed moves have the greatest impact on North Shore properties.
Explore the unique Lane Cove landscape design project.
How We Design North Shore Gardens
1. Understanding the site
We begin with sun paths, soil profile, existing trees and drainage. On the North Shore, these factors often determine success more than style choices.
2. Layout before materials
Clear circulation, usable zones and connection to the home come first. Materials and finishes then reinforce that structure.
3. Planting for shade and structure
We design with species that thrive beneath the canopy and provide year-round form rather than short bursts of colour.
4. Pools as part of the garden
A pool should be integrated with paving, fencing, planting and access so it feels like one environment, not an addition.
5. Longevity and maintenance
Irrigation, pruning access, and durable materials ensure the garden matures gracefully.
Landscape Design North Shore Considerations
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Sloping sites: terraces and steps designed as landscape architectural features
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Tree protection: working within TPZ requirements around established gums and figs
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Privacy: layered hedging instead of hard boundaries
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Bushfire interface: material choices in higher BAL zones
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Coastal exposure: salt-tolerant planting near Mosman and Cremorne
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a North Shore landscape project take?
North Shore landscape design typically takes 3–5 weeks. Construction varies with scope, with most residential gardens delivered within 6–12 weeks.
Can you manage the pool and garden together?
Yes. We provide pool landscaping, design and construction as a single, coordinated process to avoid on-site conflicts.
Do you work with architects and builders?
Regularly. Many North Shore projects are collaborative with architects such as MCK and Studio Prineas.
What budget should we plan?
Budgets depend on materials and site complexity. We provide realistic ranges during consultation so decisions are grounded in fact.
Start your North Shore project
If you are planning a renovation, new build or pool project on the North Shore, speak with our design team about what is possible on your site.