SUGGESTED PLANTING PLAN
1
UNDER COVER
To shelter the dining area, build a freestanding pergola using materials such as white-painted timber or powdercoated aluminium or steel to harmonise with the house in terms of colour and proportion.
2
GREEN UP
Train a deciduous climber to grow over crossbeams or wires on top of the pergola to provide shade in the summer but allow light to penetrate in winter. The leaves will also cool the front garden.
3
HARD FLOOR
Instead of concreting the outdoor dining space use Hinuera stone (a volcanic stone from the Waikato), limestone or sandstone pavers and surround with gravel to help with drainage and avoid the ‘car park’ look.
4
PRIVATE EYES
To screen area from driveway, plant a row of pleached trees, keeping existing teucrium hedge (not shown in photo) in same line below. Trim trees to a height that provides privacy but still allows sunlight to enter the garden.
5
ON THE BALL
Plant evergreen topiary spheres in groups of three either directly in the ground or in pots within the gravel areas for added interest.
The spheres will also help to visually connect the paving and gravel to the rest of the garden.
6
TREE LINE
Plant a mature tree with attractive foliage and/or flowers at the eastern end of the dining area to act as a focal point. Line it up with existing trees and surround base with a square of clipped teucrium.