Garden makeover
With a barrier hedge in place this pretty seaside garden will flourish
Carol helps a Tasman family in a wind-buffeted spot enjoy the freedom of a lawn and the prettiness of a flower garden
01 SPACED OUT
Extend front deck sideways to connect to entry deck, and outwards to create one large outdoor living area. As house faces west, a pergola, shade sail or similar may also be necessary.
02 PLANT BASED
Build planter boxes for herbs, flowers and vegetables around two sides of the deck. Build another planter box at edge of entry deck to screen vehicles if space allows.
03 IN FLOWER
Create a bed between end of deck and back door and plant with wind-tolerant flowering shrubs and perennials. Screen from wind with another planter or low hedge if needed.
04 WIND BREAK
Plant coast-tolerant trees along lawn’s seaward edge to shelter garden from spray and strong winds. Repeat on western end if needed. Keep trimmed to 2-3m high to maintain a crisp edge, reduce shading and avoid blocking views. Plant inside base with flowering perennials.
05 MAKE SPACE
Create little planting spaces (using good-quality soil mix) in between the rocks around the edge of the lawn for plants that do well in that kind of tough terrain such as our native Poor Knights lily, rengarenga lily, mountain flaxes and Marlborough rock daisy.
06 PRETTY UP
Grow a pretty flowering climber up the posts around the entry side of the house to soften it further and provide a more pleasing approach for visitors. A climber can also be trained to grow up a pergola over the main deck.