PORTFOLIO

Below are some examples of our work. Click a picture to see a larger version.

Brief

To create a small paved area out from the front door entrance enclosed on one side with trellis.

Purpose

An area to relax and barbeque in.

Implementation

A section of the lawn was lifted and base course gravel laid and compacted. The pavers were then laid on a thin layer of river sand and gaps filled with Pavelok sand. To add interest and give the area a visual lift, milled pavers were randomly placed amongst the plain concrete pavers. Sealant was applied which was needed to protect the milled pavers, but it also assisted in enhancing the final result. A trellis screen was constructed to separate the paved area from the driveway and to create privacy and shelter.

Result

A practical but pleasant addition to the garden which is regularly used as a place to relax, barbeque and socialise in.

Outcome

A happy client!!

Brief

To relocate a 65 year old spreading elm tree to a new location.

Reason for shift

The tree was acquired by the new owner for planting in an empty section prior to a new house being built.

Action taken

From time to time we become involved in the process of shifting large trees. This particular tree was of medium size and on the whole not a hugely difficult job. However, it is amazing just how many different people need to be involved and the processes required to be undertaken if the chances of survival are to be maximised.

We were not given sufficient time to prepare the tree adequately, but nevertheless we were able to prune and wrench it and then leave it for two months before organising the crane and transporter to carry out the shift. It took the best part of a day from start to finish to transport it the 10 kms to its new site. The excavator had already prepared the new hole and once the tree was correctly positioned the soil was carefully placed around the tree and firmed down. Three supporting wires were tied to the tree threaded through short lengths of alkathene to protect the tree from damage. The wires were then attached to stakes and strained up.

Watering is very important when shifting a tree of this size, which was carried out immediately after planting and at regular intervals over the following months and into winter.

How successful we have been with the shift will not be known until the next growing season.

Brief

To re-establish and transform an existing garden associated with a house recently upgraded into a high quality tourist lodge located on a large farm quite some distance from Invercargill. The garden was to be extensive, but low key in terms of impact merging into the surrounding rural scene using an appropriate mix of native and exotic plants.

Purpose

To cater for those tourists who want to get away from it all and experience the joys of rural life.

Result

The main hard elements utilised here were Brushwood fencing, decking, two separate areas of paving and three long macrocarpa edged gardens. Adjacent to the house, plants such as Rugosa roses, lavender, astilbes, hostas, Camellias and Rhododendrons were planted and in a gravelled area on one side of the house a mix of predominantly natives were used. There was little of the existing garden worth retaining except for a grouping of various trees and shrubs on the N.W. side and some hedging which now provide very valuable shelter for the new garden. Setting everything off is a very large lawn partly surrounded by a large, mixed shrub border well away from the house. There has been extensive use of native grasses and a mix of hardy trees and shrubs which are necessary as the site is elevated and open to the northerly winds.

It is a work in progress, but for now the main landscaping has been done and is being well cared for by the farm manager and his wife. Given time and with further development this has the potential to develop into something rather special.

Brief

To implement a garden design drawn by landscape architect Sue Mort of Cromwell.

Purpose

To further extend the already quite large existing garden by taking in more of the surrounding paddock and creating a new area that would be complimentary to the old, but consisting of some new elements.

Result

To connect the new with the old an existing archway was extended which provides a nice lead in. The new area is largely hidden from view until you pass under and through the archway where you are rewarded with the view in one direction of a large lawn surrounded by curved shrub borders and in the other direction by a variable width gravel path leading up to a paved area nestled in the far corner. The plantings are a mix of Rhododendrons, Viburnums, Pittosporums, Griselinias, Maples, Cherries and low plantings of native grasses, Chatham Island lilies, daylilies and numerous others. The effect is very satisfying, restful and inviting.

Brief

To implement a plan drawn by garden designer Lyn Henry of Invercargill.

Purpose

To transform a north facing 13m x 6m strip of ground between the front of the house and the street fence which had been in disarray for quite some time. The plan originally called for gravel to be laid but the client opted for a hard surface as she felt it would be more user friendly for her two very young boys.

Result

The job was a wonderful challenge and very rewarding.

The client chose a 300x300 tile product of flat beach stones which were fixed to a mesh backing to create an interconnecting pattern using 300x300 standard plain smooth concrete pavers as can be seen in the photos. The pouring of two exposed aggregate concrete walls at each end was the first critical stage – critical as they had to be exactly the right distance apart in order that the total finished pattern would fit in the space. Measurements were checked and re-checked many times!!! The stone tiles were each glued on to separate slabs of 100mm thick concrete and this part of the exercise was equally demanding with exacting attention to detail necessary so that lines were straight, levels accurate and spaces left for the concrete pavers correct.

Stones once glued were grouted and a sealant applied and then the two lines of concrete pavers down each side were placed on a bed of wet concrete while the remaining pavers were laid on compacted riversand. Pavelok sand was spread over the whole area to fill cracks and the job was finished except for the planting, installation of an irrigation line, spreading of bark chips and the construction of a paling fence at one end to provide shelter and privacy.

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