PLANTING

To create an initial framework for the planting, Chris bought several large specimen trees including white-stemmed birch (Betula jacquemontii), Magnolia ‘Vulcan’ and Prunus ‘Mt Fuji’. Privacy was an issue to the north so he planted fairy bamboo (Bambusa gracilis) as a fast-growing screen. The outdoor living area was also overlooked from the south but a pergola planted with flowering climbers (rose ‘Souvenir de Madame Leonie Viennot’ and Clematis montana

‘Snowflake’) soon gave the couple total privacy while providing the neighbours with a beautiful view.

To create a little formality in the English-style garden he used Christmas box (Sarcococca ruscifolia) hedges instead of the traditional buxus. “Three standard David Austin roses (‘Sharifa Asma’) have a fabulous scent and I’ve planted lots of other bits and pieces including self-seeding aquilegia and foxgloves to soften the look.”

In the hot, sunny Mediterranean area are olive trees, crab apples, palms and Lavandula dentata, “my favourite lavender for Taranaki”. At the bottom of the garden is the tropical zone planted with lush-leaved banana palms, Mexican (or Brazilian) fern tree

(Schizolobium parahyba), heliconia and many other plants.

“Our climate is neither too hot nor too cold, providing great growing conditions for a huge range of plants,” enthuses Chris. “Our garden looks great in every season as there is always something of interest to enjoy.” •