Planting Design
Working closely with clients ensured planting schemes that balanced their preferences with site conditions, resulting in landscapes that are both resilient and visually cohesive.
Ken Douglas Drive
Year | 2022
Joining the project while construction was still underway created a rare opportunity to align the landscape design with the build.
The design used planting strategically through drawing attention to the entry and front door, while providing privacy in the backyard.
Salt-laden winds limited the range of suitable species, but through an iterative process with the client, a resilient and cohesive planting palette was developed.
The result balances function and aesthetics, offering both shelter and character to the property.
Planted out bank to fill the space, sprawling over the formal hedging species in front.
Structure around the driveway turn-around space provides a formal entry and exit to the home.
Climbers tactically planted will eventually cover the wall, hiding it from view, softening the space.
More climbers to hide the retaining wall over time, blocking it from view.
Soft flowing grass species work perfectly in the seasonally wind-stricken area to break up the hard materials.
Formal lines help to provide structure, while making the area easier to maintain.
Wellington College
Year | 2022
A much needed refresh to one of Wellington’s most well-known schools was very evident. After being neglected for years and resulting in becoming tired and overgrown, this project began with the need to refresh and reframe the entry. Transforming it into a welcoming and obvious arrival point for students, staff, and visitors.
Improving safe access to the school was also a priority. A goal discussed with the representatives behind the project required pedestrians to cross highlighted sections of the street. Tying this in with the planting allowed for change to be created in a cohesive and overall functional manner.
A planting palette focused on seasonal colour was developed to subtly reference the school crest, while also providing year-round structure and longevity around the new sign. The result is a functional, considered entry that supports both safety and identity, with a planting framework designed to strengthen over time.
Monaghan Avenue
Year | 2022
An update to the existing planting, along with several general landscaping additions, provided the foundation for this landscape design. Key elements of the original site being retained were used to guide plant selection and maintain continuity.
The clients requested improved visibility of greenery from both the front and back of the house, as well as greater privacy from neighbouring properties and the road.
These goals were achieved through the strategic placement of planting along the road frontage and within the middle tier of the backyard, positioned to enhance screening without blocking sunlight into the home.
The final result was a planting plan that not only addressed the current needs of the time, but also laid the groundwork for future landscaping improvements, creating a cohesive and adaptable concept for the property.
Euston Road
Year | 2022
The damp, sheltered condition of the site narrowed the planting palette to hardy species capable of thriving in this scenario long-term. Selected plants also introduced colour and seasonal variation, bringing contrast to an otherwise shaded and moisture-heavy space. Along the steep front-yard section, species were chosen specifically for their ability to stabilise soil and reduce erosion, combining aesthetics with practical resilience.
Steep topography defined the focus of this design, with planting arranged to create an appealing view from inside the home. Existing vegetation at the entry concealed much of the work from visitors, making the interior perspective especially important.
Blakey Avenue
Year | 2023-2024
This project involved a complete transformation of the backyard, with only a few existing species retained for sentimental reasons. The design aimed to create a consistent planting scheme while providing privacy from the neighbouring home situated on higher ground to ensure comfort for both the clients and their neighbours.
Plant selection was guided by the aesthetic of the home, with a palette that combined complementary species with natives suited to the site’s privacy needs. The design also introduced some hard landscaping elements to improve access throughout the backyard, making maintenance easier while enhancing enjoyment of the property’s unique topography.