Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

Chamaedorea costaricana : Cluster Palm

If a clean structured tropical look is what you're wanting for your designer garden, then take a look at this elegant palm. The slender bamboo like trunks with an abundant of soft green fronds, is perfect for the smaller Auckland garden. Originating from the Americas, this stunning palm can enrich your design tapestry with its form and clean appeal. Utilized as either a potted specimen tree or as a planted backdrop, the Chamaedorea  palm is an easy maintainable addition to your new garden.  

Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

Escallonia 'Iveyi' :

If a little form and colour is what you require in your garden, this beautiful evergreen shrub should not be over looked. A hybrid cultivar originating from Cornwall in England, this elegant evergreen is ideal for either mass planting or as a screen or hedging. Easy to maintain in full sun or part shade, the Escallonia 'Iveyi' is a perfect addition to your designer garden.

Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

Ficus microcarpa Hillii :

This beautiful ornamental evergreen is perfect for those urban spaces that require an attractive screen, either as a formal pleached hedge or as a stand alone specimen tree. Native to many parts of the world, including Australia, the Ficus microcarpa Hillii is widely utilised in National parks and gardens. It's lush dark green oval foliage will add elegance to any Auckland garden setting, or use it in containers as an indoor plant or bonsai tree. 

When to design your dream garden.....

It takes time to design something really beautiful. Starting the design process is an exciting step along your journey to create your dream garden. But when is the best time to begin? This is what I tell my Auckland clients..... 

Today's climate really does dictate so much of when you can practically start your new outdoor project. Because there is so much preparation work involved in designing your new garden, it makes sense to utilize that time in the cooler months of the year, when building work is just not feasible. Starting the design process around the start of Autumn, gives you the ability to work through all the important aspects of your design without time restraints.

It also gives you the time to find good contractors for your new project, and work through any issues you may have with your budget. Once you have then completed all your design work, you can begin to think about the construction of your new outdoor garden. If you aim to start construction by early spring, this will give you a window of around six months to complete your new outdoor project. The devil is always in the detail.....

 

Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

Ligularia reniformis :

This large attractive plant is an outstanding versatile gem. Commonly utilised in tropical designs, this impressive shrub tolerates most soil conditions in and around the Auckland area. Native to the damp habitats of central and eastern Asia, it's large dark green kidney shaped leaves can add a rich design element to any garden, as either a specimen plant or as a mass planting. Bright yellow daisy like flowers form during the summer months to make this perennial shrub a must have for any Auckland garden. 

Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

'Cercis canadensis' : Forest pansy.

If height and a little colour is what you're wanting for your Auckland garden, then the beautifully elegant Cercis canadensis or Forest pansy is a tremendous choice. A Native to the northern states of America, this deciduous tree is a relatively quick grower (reaching 5m in 10 years) that boasts dark crimson to purple leaves throughout spring and summer months. Early spring sees small pink mauve flowers radiate from its many stem branches. Now very much at home in Auckland gardens, this wonderful specimen tree would make a pleasing addition to any designer garden.

Top tips when engaging contractors.

Bringing your new design to life can require engaging a variety of different contractors. Here are some helpful tips to ensure you end up with the garden of your dreams....

Taking some time now to work through and understand your design will pay dividends later on when dealing with different contractors at the build stage of your new project. It is vital you understand the basic elements of your design to ensure your contractors deliver what is required and on budget. Here are some simple tips to help you on your way; with things to be aware of and familiarize yourself with, when getting quotes for your new outdoor garden space.

Before you can start implementing your design, it is essential you get quotes from quality tradesmen who will give you a more precise estimate of the costs and expenses associated with each stage of your design. Depending on the scale of work involved, you may need more than one contractor to complete the work for you.

Now that you have your Concept and Landscape Designs completed, it will make things much easier when explaining what you require from your contractors and the work that needs to be undertaken. The ability to cross reference your Concept Designs with your Landscape Design will help your contractors better understand what work is required as well as the look of your new outdoor garden space. 

The tradesmen you choose should have a proven track record of quality work and good references. Taking some time to inspect these tradesmen before asking them to quote your design, will help ensure you find the right people for the job.

When meeting with contractors, walk them through your Concept and Landscape Design; pointing out the design details incorporated in your design. This will not only reacquaint yourself with your design, but it will show your contractors you know what you want. 

Tip 1: If you have retaining walls, paving, concreting and/or other hardscapes incorporated in your design, a Builder could be the best point of contact for your new project. A Builder can generally offer very reasonable rates for labour and materials, so it’s definitely worth engaging them as your first point of call.

Tip 2: The best way to find a good contractor, is generally through word of mouth. Ask friends and family if they can recommend someone that might be suitable to quote for your design. Another option in seeking a tradesman are trade websites like www.builderscrack.co.nz or www.tradebox.co.nz.

Tip 3: Always get three or more quotes. Prices for labour and materials can vary significantly between contractors, so it’s important you have several quotes from which to compare.

Tip 4: Make sure they itemise every aspect of their quote. This way you know where your money is going and what you are being charged for. Read the quotes carefully and ask as many questions as you think necessary.

Tip 5: Do not deviate from your design. You have invested time and money into a space that has been designed specifically for you. If contractors wish to change, remove or add elements of your design, you will inevitably compromise the integrity of your design. This will generally lead to bad decisions being made and budgeting issues.

Tip 6: A great site to source current costs is www.tradebox.co.nz. This site allows you to calculate the cost of materials based on your design. From retaining walls to concrete driveways to just about anything to do with trades. It’s a great way to get independent estimates for your design.

Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

Helleborus 'Orientalis' : Hellebores

This little majestic hybrid commonly known as 'Hellebores' originated from Europe and Asia, and is now very much at home in Auckland gardens. Its elegant petals rival even the most beautiful of roses, and its flowering spectacle can last for many months. Perfect for the formal or cottage garden, this plant will elevate any garden setting with its rich green foliage and decadent flowering petals. Truly a wonderful addition to any designer garden.

Plant of the Month :

Once a month we will highlight a plant that is both suitable and stylish for the traditional Auckland garden. This month our plant is : 

Rosa 'Iceberg' :  Rose

The 'Iceberg' rose is widely considered to be one of the most beautiful of the floribunda. Developed in Germany in 1958, the 'Iceberg' consists of mid green glossy leaves that produce elegant white fragrant flowers that usually appear all year round. Adaptable as both a bush rose or standard, it is a sophisticated addition to the traditional Auckland garden.  While relatively easy to maintain, the 'Iceberg' is as beautiful as it is stylish.

Small Auckland gardens : design principals 101

Designing an outdoor area that exceeds a clients design brief can be a challenging task, especially if you're working with a small space. Here are a few simple tips to think about before engaging your designer.....  

When working with a small space, it's always best to keep the design simple. Think about what you want to use the space for. This should then dictate the design formula to give you an idea of how much of your space will be allocated for hardscapes and gardens. The more layers you impose, the higher the risk of creating a space that doesn't flow. A great design should look effortless and as natural as possible.

Scale plays a big part too.  A small area should use plants that are proportionate for the space. This means understanding the growth habits of your plants so they don't encroach too much on your usable space. This way you will be sure to enjoy your new outdoor area.