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Viewing entries by
Dean Saunders
Laurus Nobilis : Bay Laurel
This versatile aromatic mid sized evergreen shrub boasts beautiful glossy green leaves native to the Mediterranean region . It is commonly used for seasoning in cooking as well as being a popular topiary plant. A wonderful potted specimen, the Bay Laurel is a stunning addition to any formal garden setting.
Tall Fescue Lawn
I suggest using a ready to lay lawn as opposed to seeding for two very good reasons.
1. You create an existing lawn that if laid correctly, will transform your outdoor space immediately.
2. It's a cost effective choice compared to seeding.
I find the best lawn for Auckland conditions is the 'Tall Fescue' or 'California Green'. It does extremely well here and its deep thick green foliage creates a stunning lawn that feels lush under foot. You can buy it as both a seed or readylawn and with a little care and attention, you too can have the best dressed lawn in the street.
Investing in your property is not only a financial decision, but it's an emotional one too. The biggest investment you will make however, will be in the designer you employ to bring your dream garden to life. Their ability to work closely with you and interpret your design brief, will be essential in creating your new outdoor haven. A good designer will present sound ideas and information, while a great designer will exceed their clients expectations and brief. So taking some time to find the right designer will pay dividends later on when relaxing in your new outdoor space.
Ophiopogon japonicus : Mondo Grass
This versatile little gem boasts slender dark green or black foliage that require very little care and will reward you with small white to lilac coloured flowers.
It can create a sophisticated and stylish setting, or be an understated addition to any designer garden. As a native to China, Vietnam, India, and Japan, it has tuberous roots that spread and is an ideal plant for borders, pots or mass under plantings.
Buxus Microphylla : Box Hedge
This beautiful evergreen shrub is native to Japan and Taiwan, and is utilized predominately as a formal hedging plant or topiary. Its foliage boasts a bright green oval shape leaf with a rounded or notched tip.
Its hardy resistant nature to disease makes it an elegant alternative to the popular Buxus Sempervirens.
Perfect for a formal setting, Buxus Microphylla will create that lift to any Auckland designer garden.
Aquaticus 'Glow 'is a professional grade organic spraying oil for controlling insects and diseases such as aphids, scale insects, mites, mealy bugs and powdery mildew.
It can be used through the winter months as a clean up spray or through summer for control and eradication of insects and diseases. Applied in conjunction with Aquaticus 'Supernatural', 'Glow' will enhance the effectiveness of most commonly used insecticides, fungicides and herbicides by acting as a spreader/sticker.
Applied on its own it makes a great leaf polish leaving indoor and outdoor plants glowing and healthy.'Glow'is perfect for vegetable gardens, herb gardens, citrus, indoor/outdoor plants, lawns and compost heaps.
Do not store product in its diluted form - it is a natural product, and will break down.
Aquaticus 'Supernatural' is a professional grade, quality organic liquid fertiliser containing nutrients, minerals and trace elements, providing a complete plant food that can be safely applied in all garden situations regularly.
This unique combination of fish by-product, seaweed and naturally occurring growth promotants and omega 3, mutually feed the soil and plants, which naturally provides the perfect balance for amazing garden vegetables, lawns, flowers and fruits.
Not just a fertiliser, 'Supernatural' helps to repel against a range of insects including whitefly and aphids, and inhibits air and soil-borne fungal disease such as blights and mildews.
Added to compost heaps,Supernatural will work as a compost activator by increasing biological activity making healthy, fertile compost faster.
Aquaticus ‘Supernatural’ will feed gardens, pot plants and lawns as well as stimulate soil and compost micro-organisms.
Whether for texture or colour, pots can help bring life to any Auckland garden with very little effort. They can create an immediate sense of design by way of positioning and size. Versatility is a strong point too, as they can be utilized in just about any landscape garden setting.
So if style and sophistication is what you're wanting for your garden, it could be as easy as choosing the right pot.
Carpinus betulus : English Hornbeam
The English hornbeam is a beautiful small to medium sized deciduous tree that boasts an elegant lime green ribbed leaf throughout the spring and summer months. Perfect for either pleaching or as a specimen tree, the hornbeam will add a touch of elegance to any Auckland garden. A native to south east Europe, including southern England, it has established itself well in Auckland, preferring a good warm climate to grow.
Easy to maintain, the English hornbeam is indeed a tree under utilized in the Auckland area.
1. Michelia figo :
The Michelia boasts a luscious deep rich green leaf that is almost as beautiful as its heavily scented white and purple flowers. It makes a wonderful topiary standard as well. A native to China, this evergreen gem can reach to 4m in ideal situations but is easy care and will add elegance and style to any garden.
2. Eugenia 'Ventenatii' :
The Eugenia is a perfect hedging plant for the narrow part of a garden. Its small red and green foliage makes it ideal for formal hedging, and can provide a stunning backdrop for any type of garden setting. An Australian native that can reach several metres high, it too can make a wonderful standard plant that is cost effective and low maintenance.
3. Griselinia 'Lucida' :
A beautiful specimen that has no equal. Its large distinct lime green leaf is ideal for creating a little drama in the garden. A native to New Zealand shores, it does require a little more room to grow than other hedging plants, but it too is easy care.
4. Buxus 'Green Gem' :
Commonly found in a more formal garden setting as a border plant around Auckland, this beautiful evergreen shrub oozes style and sophistication. Ideally suited as a small hedge (to around 600 mm in height) it is relatively easy to maintain. Its lime green leaf is perfect for topiary and standard plants alike. A native to Japan, this variety of Buxus is quite simply stunning!
5. Star Jasmine :
This amazing plant has the ability to be trained as a climber or a hedge. Its small star like white flowers are heavily scented, and can add a real touch of elegance to any garden. It offers a versatility few plants can boast, and without the maintenance. A native to southeast Asia, this is fast becoming a designer plant for all types of gardens in Auckland.
1. Planning is key :
Look at your existing garden and think about what you like and don't like about it. Think carefully about its layout and plants. Give yourself some time to digest its good and bad points, then write them down so you can refer back to them at a later stage.
Tip : Think about your budget and what you want to spend.
2. Architecture :
Once you have identified your gardens good and bad points, it's time to consider your home. Your homes architecture is critically important because it will create the backdrop to your new garden. Think about its design and style. Is it an old timber villa or a modern brick and tile house? These elements will help direct you later when it comes to selecting your new plants.
Tip : Do you like formal structured gardens or a more relaxed garden setting?
3. Inspiration :
Look online and through different garden magazines for ideas you like. It's a handy way to visualize what your new garden could look like.
Tip : Identify where your plumbing and electrical wires are placed. These are generally found on your property's site plan.
4. Keeping it simple :
Avoid trying to over complicate things by adding lots of ideas. Try and find a style you like and keep it simple. Less is definitely more.
Tip : Remember plants grow - read the plant labels to see how large your new plants will get and space them accordingly. This way in the months to follow, your garden will mature without fighting for space.
5. Seek advice :
If you're finding things a little tough, find a garden designer who will listen to your needs. Sometimes a little outside inspiration can do wonders for your project.
Tip : Consultations are a great way to discuss your ideas and see how they could work.
