Landscaping and Gardens

Creating the brief: Your first step is to define what you want to achieve from the property.

Collect all your own thoughts and ideas as well as those from anybody else who will be sharing the space. Write down a wish list that includes everything, no matter how unrealistic. Checking back on this during the design process will help you keep track and show you how much you are achieving.

And, as always, put a budget down as to what you can afford. This will dictate things like decking vs stone/chip vs bark, or large plants/trees vs smaller ones.

The Garden Plan:

Your site

Obtain a site plan showing boundaries and draw on your planned buildings in a good workable scale 1:100. Check the orientation of the sunlight. Check the prevailing wind so that you can create sheltered areas. Review any existing landscaping, the location and type of trees as well as any neighbour issues such boundary fences. You should also analyse the existing soil and then look for ways to implement improvements like better drainage or adding organic compost.

Defining spaces
Divide the site plan up into general areas such as entertaining space, kids play areas, lawn, pool, access ways, service courts, entry foyer, entry path and driveways. These can be ne tuned during the design process but it is important at this stage to begin with everything in the correct place.

Hard landscaping
Paving and courtyards — There are endless options for outdoor paving including some great manmade or natural materials. Selection will probably depend on your personal preference, style or budget. However some basic design guidelines apply.

The unit scale and size of the material selected can have a dramatic impact on the space. A rectangular or square module can be laid in a number of different ways to create a variety of interesting effects. It’s best to lay a few metres of any selected materials so you can understand the pattern. Generally, smaller patterns create more intimate spaces. However small patterns used in a larger space can create some wonderful textures when viewed at a distance.

The colour and patterning of natural stone materials can appear different under various lights. We recommend you lay your materials out on site before fixing them permanently to avoid getting a surprise.

Loose materials like pebble, chip and shell are ideal for side paths and areas that do not lead directly indoors. They also combine well with paving slabs, though smooth surfaced pebbles do slide, making them hard to walk on, and pebbles and chip can gather loose organic material, meaning you will need to filter out regularly to avoid self-seeded weeds sprouting up.

Decking

The good old Kiwi deck has undergone some exciting changes in the past few years, thanks in part to some new materials that have come onto the market.

Choosing materials

Composite decking is made from recycled wood and plastic to create a great-looking deck board in a range of grey and brown colours. If you have a waterproof deck and the architect has speciﬁed a water membrane with timber overlay, composite decking is ideal, as it comes in long lengths and screws down, making it easy to access the membrane for maintenance. Composite decking has been tested by Branz and passed the 15-year durability test. The expected lifespan of composite decking is over 30 years, versus 15–20 years for hardwood decking.

Timber is the traditional favourite, and if you prefer the natural look, local-grown pine decking has come a long way in recent years. Premium kiln-dried pine boards are available in widths of 30mm, 90mm and 140mm. They also come pre-stained and are treated to last over 20 years. Ensure they’re well screwed in as they will warp in direct sunlight.

Hardwood decking has come under scrutiny recently from environmental groups as it is often sourced from tropical forests that are being cleared for questionable purposes – planting of Palm plantations, for instance, so if this is what you’re after, check that it’s sourced from sustainable forests. Hardwood timber is more durable for outdoor use in the sun, but it will eventually break down.

Glass balustrades may not be so new but they are becoming very popular. They not only look amazing but also provide a good windbreak. The glass is now mostly sourced from China, so pricing is more affordable. See our Balustrades section here…

Structural issues
Obviously, a poorly built deck is a potentially hazardous zone. Work with a reputable builder; check that attachment points to walls have been done properly, and ensure the deck is rated to hold sufﬁcient people and, if the deck is more than 1.5m off the ground you will need building consent and balustrading.

Walls and fences

Fences don’t just define a boundary — they can also add texture and colour to landscape design (and they make for good neighbours).

Wooden fences painted or stained a dark colour disappear into the shadow and provide a great backdrop for plants in front. Feature walls within the garden and between garden areas give more depth and space to the garden, drawing the eye and providing another opportunity to make plants stand out.

Partial walls can also be fun. Put up a series of 2m posts or poles and paint them a gorgeous colour or decorate them with sculptures.

Landscape features

Water features add wonderful sounds and light to the garden. They reflect the sky and the surrounding plants. Fishponds and plants add a natural dimension and their splashing orange bodies are a delight to watch, though be warned – goldfish are not a low-maintenance pet.

Fireplaces, pools and spas add expense but add significantly to how you can enjoy your outdoor space.

Pots are great in a garden – elevate them on plinths for emphasis and to keep them above the plants. Think scale — the bigger the better. Make sure you pick pots with good form and avoid those with uneven, lumpy bases. Lovely curved shapes or tapered uprights look elegant and are practical in elevating your garden to the house.

Irrigation

Most plants will benefit from some extra watering in the summer, though those from drier climates need a lot less, so if you’re mixing things up ensure you can control how much water goes where. Mulching also helps retain water and also control weeds. Raised planters and pots will usually require permanent irrigation.

Planting your garden
The soft landscaping in a garden should be revisited every seven years because the form and size of the plants change, and the gardens can become shady. Most gardens look their best between two and five years after planting. Spend as much money on the soil as you do the plants. Don’t use too many different varieties in each area.

Select the plants and then halve the number of varieties and double the quantity of the reduced varieties. Keep it simple. All plants require some maintenance. There is no such thing as a maintenance-free garden, but you can make  it easier on yourself by taking the advice set out below.

Stay appropriate : Select plants that are climatically appropriate for your garden environment. Be aware that conditions do change during the year and as plants grow.
Keep in theme:  Choose plants under a general theme such as native, subtropical, traditional, colour or kitchen within different areas of the garden. Then as you wander through your garden, you’ll have different experiences. However this isn’t a hard and fast rule. The most important thing is to have fun creating your garden, and only put in plants that you love.
Watch the form : The form of the plant is very important. Plants can be pruned and trimmed, but if plants are chosen for their natural shape, it makes your job easier. Small spaces need narrow upright plants so they don’t overhang and crowd in the space. Standardised specimens are good in small spaces as they give a feeling of depth and layers. Large shrubs and trees are better in large gardens and borders.
Aim for contrast:  I love putting together contrasting plants. Dull against shiny. Textured against smooth. Dark colour against light colour. Rounded against upright form. Small leaves against large. Playing with plant combinations can create a spectacular garden atmosphere. Cleverly cast shadows and dappled light through fronds and leaves can be breathtaking.
Flowers : These are really an added bonus. Selecting the form of the plant and the colour of the leaves are the most important aspects. Then you can focus on the flowers. Remember that flowers can add a beautiful scent and attract birds and bees to your garden.

Written for Design Guide by leading NZ Landscape Artist, Trish Bartlett

There are a lot of paving options for your outdoor paths and social areas.

Hard paving, such as tiles or flagstones make for durable and stable surfaces but can become disrupted over time. Stone or chip can be a less expensive option but can become filled with garden debris, allowing weeds to grow, or the weeds can grow if the ground is not prepared properly.

There are other options, too. Hoggin – a crushed limestone – can be a superb option. It’s found in French cities around plantings in plants and more recently in Auckland, but has not been used here very much in the past.

There’s also crushed shell – a perenial favourite.

Whatever you choose to use, outdoor paths and gathering areas need regular maintenance to prevent mould and weeds, and to keep the areas level.