Landscaping is now well underway, and there’s no shortage of native trees and plants in this new sanctuary in nature.
For many of us who have called the Northern Beaches home for years, the joy of a well-tended garden is deeply ingrained. There’s something truly special about nurturing plants, watching them flourish, and enjoying the vibrant colours and fragrant blossoms they bring.
However, as the years go by, the demands of maintaining a large backyard and sprawling gardens can become quite a task – often costly, time-consuming, and physically demanding.
This sentiment resonates deeply with those considering a move to Bellburra, a new retirement village nestled in the tranquil surrounds of Allambie Heights.
Our future residents, many of whom are currently downsizing from family homes with extensive gardens, are drawn to Bellburra for the promise of a beautiful, nature-rich environment without the constant upkeep. Here, you can embrace the serenity of green spaces and the calming presence of native flora while enjoying a low-maintenance lifestyle designed for comfort and ease.
Bellburra isn’t just a collection of stunning three-bedroom apartments; it’s a meticulously planned community where nature takes centre stage. Overlooking the vast and beautiful Manly Dam Reserve, the importance of green space and surrounding nature to a high quality of life is immediately apparent.
We understand the connection to our unique natural environment is powerful for many Northern Beaches locals. It’s this deep appreciation that has guided Allambie Heights Village Ltd – the not-for-profit organisation behind Bellburra – in making a significant investment in the landscaping and selection of plants that complement the breathtaking views and seamlessly integrate with the native vegetation of the surrounding area.
The Northern Beaches is truly blessed with an incredibly diverse range of plant life, and at Bellburra, we are wholeheartedly committed to conserving these local native species. Beyond their inherent beauty, these plants play a crucial role in contributing to the rich biodiversity of the Beaches, providing essential habitat and a vital food source for our beloved native animal and bird life.
Imagine waking up to the gentle chirping of honeyeaters or catching a glimpse of a vibrant rosella flitting among the trees – these everyday moments become part of your Bellburra experience.
Our landscaping vision has been guided by the Frenchs Forest Native Planting Guide, ensuring that every tree, shrub, and native grass selected is ideally suited to our local ecosystem. When residents stroll through Bellburra in just a few months, they’ll discover a thoughtfully curated collection of flora, each chosen for its aesthetic appeal, resilience, and contribution to a thriving natural environment.
Where possible, we have gone to great lengths to preserve mature trees already on site or carefully relocated them to provide essential shade and privacy to our common areas, including the inviting 25-meter pool – a perfect spot for a refreshing dip on a warm day.
Greenery is a consistent theme woven throughout the entire Bellburra development, creating a harmonious and invigorating atmosphere. You’ll find raised planter boxes strategically placed throughout the common areas, ingeniously doubling as comfortable seating benches – ideal for a quiet moment with a book or a friendly chat with neighbours.
Each of our spacious three-bedroom apartments boasts generous planter boxes in every outdoor area, allowing you to cultivate your own miniature garden or enjoy the lush outlook. Additional wide and deep planters create a beautiful green buffer for those on the ground level, ensuring privacy while seamlessly connecting your private space with the broader natural environment.
A Glimpse into Bellburra’s Native Plant Sanctuary
Let’s take a closer look at some of the remarkable native plant species that will define the vibrant landscape of Bellburra:
Trees:
- NSW Christmas Bush (Ceratopetalum gummiferum): This iconic Australian native is a true spectacle, especially around Christmas when its creamy-white flowers transform into a blaze of brilliant red bracts. Imagine the festive cheer it will bring to Bellburra, attracting native birds and providing a stunning visual display. Its upright growth and attractive foliage make it an excellent addition to our common areas.
- Water Gum (Tristaniopsis laurina): A beautiful, versatile tree known for its dense, glossy green leaves and attractive, often multi-stemmed trunk. It produces clusters of small, fragrant yellow flowers in summer, followed by small, woody capsules. The Water Gum is well-suited to our climate and will provide excellent shade and a lush, evergreen presence, offering a tranquil backdrop to the village. Its resilience and ability to thrive in various conditions make it a perfect choice for creating a verdant environment.
Shrubs:
- Red Spider Flower (Grevillea speciosa): A vibrant and striking shrub, the Red Spider Flower is instantly recognisable by its brilliant red, spider-like flowers that bloom for much of the year. These unique blooms are a magnet for nectar-feeding birds, bringing a lively energy to the gardens. Its hardy nature and captivating colour will add splashes of brilliance throughout Bellburra.
- Swamp Banksia (Banksia robur): With its large, impressive flower spikes ranging from yellow to greenish-yellow, it is a magnificent sight. Its broad, deeply veined leaves create a textural contrast, and its flowers are a significant food source for birds, particularly honeyeaters and small mammals. This robust shrub will contribute to our surroundings’ biodiversity and natural beauty.
- Banksia (Banksia spinulosa): Another beautiful Banksia variety, the Hairpin Banksia is admired for its slender, golden-yellow flower spikes that resemble bottlebrushes. These flowers attract a wide array of native birds and insects, enhancing the ecological richness of Bellburra. It’s a hardy and adaptable plant that thrives in our local conditions, providing year-round interest.
- Darwinia (Darwinia fascicularis var. fascicularis): This delicate yet captivating shrub features small, bell-shaped flowers, often in shades of red or pink, frequently obscured by attractive bracts. It’s an excellent example of the intricate beauty of Australian native flora, contributing to the subtle charm and fine detail of our landscaped areas. It will add an understated elegance and provide a habitat for smaller insects.
- Eggs and Bacon (Dillwynia retorta): Named for its distinctive yellow and red pea-shaped flowers, this delightful shrub adds a cheerful burst of colour to the landscape. It’s a relatively small, dense shrub that will provide a lovely understory planting, attracting beneficial insects and adding to the visual tapestry of Bellburra’s gardens.
- Waratah (Telopea speciosissima): The state floral emblem of New South Wales, the Waratah is truly magnificent. Its large, brilliant red flowerheads are iconic and instantly recognisable. While a showstopper also provides a rich source of nectar for honeyeaters. The Waratah will be a majestic feature, celebrating our local heritage and adding a touch of grandeur to Bellburra.
- Grass Tree (Xanthorrhoea australis): These iconic Australian plants are instantly recognisable by their long, slender leaves forming a dense skirt around a thick, woody trunk, topped with a tall flower spike. Grass Trees are incredibly long-lived and provide unique architectural interest, offering a truly Australian aesthetic. They are also crucial for a variety of native insects and birds.
Ground Cover:
- Kangaroo Grape (Cissus antarctica): A vigorous native climber with attractive glossy green leaves, the Kangaroo Grape provides excellent ground cover or can be used to soften vertical surfaces. It produces small, edible berries that are a food source for birds, helping to integrate Bellburra into the natural food chain of the area.
- Golden Guinea Flower (Hibbertia scandens): This delightful, sprawling climber boasts bright yellow, cup-shaped flowers that bloom profusely. It’s a cheerful and hardy plant that will add a vibrant touch of colour and texture to the garden beds, attracting pollinating insects and creating a sunny, inviting atmosphere.
- Blue Flax Lily (Dianella caerulea): With its strappy, architectural foliage and delicate blue flowers followed by attractive blue berries, it is a versatile and elegant groundcover. It’s incredibly hardy and drought-tolerant, providing year-round interest and food for native birds.
- Blechnum (Blechnum nudum): A beautiful native fern, Blechnum nudum thrives in shadier, moist conditions. Its delicate, feathery fronds will create a lush, verdant understory, bringing a sense of tranquility and coolness to common areas, especially around shaded seating or water features.
- Prickly Rasp Fern (Doodia aspera): This charming small fern, with its distinctive reddish new fronds, adds another layer of texture and interest to the groundcover. It’s a robust and attractive fern that will thrive in Bellburra’s natural setting, contributing to the rich tapestry of native plants.
As construction nears completion, the incredible transformation of Bellburra’s common areas is becoming more evident each day. The meticulous landscaping, featuring these exquisite native species, is not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about fostering a profound connection to nature, enhancing well-being, and providing a sustainable, vibrant environment for our residents.
At Bellburra, you don’t just purchase an apartment; you invest in a lifestyle that embraces the beauty and tranquillity of the Northern Beaches. With only a limited number of three-bedroom apartments remaining, now is the perfect time to discover how to plant your roots in this exceptional natural sanctuary.
Ready to explore the Bellburra difference?
Contact us today to arrange a sales consultation and private viewing or to speak with one of our friendly team members. Discover how your future at Bellburra can be one filled with nature, community, and the freedom to truly flourish.