Modern Garden Oasis

The Vision

The Wilsons approached us after building their new home in Motueka. While the house was perfect, the surrounding landscape was bare soil with no character or functionality. They wanted a contemporary outdoor space that:

• Featured low-maintenance native plantings
• Included areas for entertaining and relaxation
• Provided privacy from neighboring properties
• Incorporated sustainable design principles
• Reflected the natural beauty of the Tasman region

Our Design Approach

After thorough consultation with the clients, we developed a design that divided the space into distinct “rooms” while maintaining a cohesive overall feel. Key elements included:

1. Central entertaining area with quality paving and built-in seating
2. Native garden zones with carefully selected plants for year-round interest
3. Private meditation garden screened by strategic plantings
4. Productive garden area for growing vegetables and herbs
5. Transitional spaces connecting the different areas with natural flow

The Implementation Process

Phase 1: Site Preparation

The first step involved:

• Removing construction debris and smoothing the site contours
• Installing primary irrigation infrastructure
• Soil testing and amendment to ensure optimal growing conditions
• Marking out the different zones and pathways

Phase 2: Hardscaping

We then constructed the structural elements of the garden:

• Locally sourced stone paving for the main entertaining area
• Timber deck extending from the house to create indoor-outdoor flow
• Custom-built pergola structure for shade and visual interest
• Natural stone pathways connecting different garden areas
• Raised garden beds for the productive garden zone

Phase 3: Planting & Finishing

The final phase brought the garden to life:

• Strategic placement of specimen trees for immediate impact
• Layered planting of natives to create texture and biodiversity
• Installation of efficient drip irrigation systems
• Application of natural mulches for moisture retention and weed suppression
• Subtle landscape lighting to extend garden enjoyment into the evening

Sustainable Features

Sustainability was central to this project:

• Water efficiency through careful plant selection and smart irrigation
• Local materials reducing transportation impacts
• Native plants supporting local ecosystems and wildlife
• Permeable surfaces allowing natural water filtration
• Food production areas reducing food miles

The Transformation

What began as a blank canvas is now a thriving garden oasis that perfectly complements the Wilsons’ contemporary home. The space provides:

• Multiple outdoor living areas for different times of day and weather conditions
• Year-round visual interest through thoughtful plant selection
• A low-maintenance landscape that will mature beautifully over time
• Habitat for native birds and beneficial insects
• A seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living