Issue 34 February/March 2010
An Auckland garden receives a major overhaul during a home renovation.
When Scott and Elaine Black purchased their home, the garden was more than a little overgrown. A prolific Feijoa tree had been neglected for so many years that its overhanging branches hid an entire rotary clothesline, and there was little formation to the entire exterior space. So during the renovation of their home, the Blacks found three landscape designers to come up with a concept.
“We were drawn to Karen Wealleans [of Changing Spaces Landscape Design] because her brief was the most engaging,” says Elaine. “We basically gave her complete licence to start from scratch on an entirely blank canvas.” The garden was cleared, and Karen had the exciting job of creating a landscape to suit the property.
The garden was finished over two years ago, which means the plants have had time to mature, and the large section feels more like a series of outdoor rooms than a mere garden. And the Blacks are grateful for Karen’s dedication; she has often visited with an additional plant or two when she felt something extra was needed.
Because of the home’s long L-shape, the Blacks were keen to link the house to the garden, and utilise all the available space. They feel fortunate to have found the property, which is still its original size. “The section is large enough to be subdivided, but because of the shape and placement of the house, it has stayed entire.” This suits the couple fine, especially after work or on the weekends when they get to retire to their substantial “sanctuary”.
Karen was very particular about designing a landscape that was relaxing and attractive to be in, but also nice to look out at. “There are lots of little focal points,” says Elaine. “Wherever you are in the house, looking out, or even when you’re out in the garden, it looks like different rooms in a way, with different elements.”
To read more from this feature see Issue 34. Available from 0800 2 homestyle.