Planting is a cost-effective and vibrant way to transform any garden or outdoor space. We know plants; we can advise on what to plant when to plant, and how to take care of your garden after we're gone.
booking enquiry.png)
Planting is a cost-effective and vibrant way to transform any garden or outdoor space.
The planting part is easy. It’s the plant selection process that becomes a little more intimidating, especially for a novice gardener. With so many species to choose from, the decision-making process hinges on factors beyond aesthetics alone.
Soil and environmental conditions, a plant’s maximum growth height, the space each plant requires to thrive, etc., all play a role in determining what plants will be best suited to your garden.
Fortunately, plant selection is a specialist area of garden design so you can call on the experts to create a bespoke planting plan that will result in a visually compelling garden full of thriving plants and inspiring plant combinations.
.jpg)
Essentially, a planting plan is a technical 2D drawing drawn to scale.
Often a simple drawing in black and white, a planting plan is a concise way of demonstrating the intended garden layout.
A planting plan will often include a planting schedule. Additional to plant names, a planting schedule contains information on how many plants are needed, how far apart they should be planted, and any other relevant notes.
A planting plan will ensure that you select the right plants for your garden and the surrounding environment. Factors such as soil condition, proximity to the coast, wind exposure, whether you live in a frost or drought-prone area will all influence what plants will thrive in your garden and what plants will not.
A planting plan will also indicate spacing between plants and the number of plants you need to buy.
Essentially, a planting concept is a more detailed planting plan. A concept uses colourful symbols representing plant form and colour and, as with a planting plan, is presented in a 2D perspective.
A legend or key helps identify which symbol represents which plant, and plant photos offer a visual guide for plant purchasing. The photos also serve the purpose of a palette guide.
A planting concept will also detail each plant specifically - what they look like when they flower, etc.
.png)
.png)
When it comes to planning your garden, the world’s your oyster; this is an opportunity to clear the canvas and build something that represents you, your family, your home and your lifestyle. Your garden is like any other room in your house. It is a space for you to express yourself stylistically.
Whether you are attracted to the rambling cottage garden aesthetic, the linear composition of a formal garden, the lush and vibrant oasis of a tropical garden or the timelessness of an NZ native planting theme, garden design usually falls under two categories.
Maintaining your garden involves carrying out a few tasks on a regular cycle, including:
Checkout our Garden Maintenance page for further information.
.png)
If you have some basic plant knowledge and would prefer to run the research phase of your garden project on your own, there are some excellent online tools to help guide you in the right direction.
We recommend both Auckland Botanical Garden’s online plant search tool and Forest and Bird’s Guide to Common Native Species suitable for Auckland Gardens.
.jpg)
Sourcing and planting native plants is a great way to attract native birds to your garden.
Plant kōwhai, flax, kakabeak, and tarata for nectar, and wineberry, karamū, and korokia for fruit; this will ensure that tūī, bellbird and kererū make regular visits.
.jpg)
Bees are in decline worldwide, but you can help ensure their survival by filling your garden with an abundance of bee-friendly plants.
Plants that flower and produce plenty of pollen and sweet nectar are perfect.
Check out this list of bee-friendly plants.
Annual Flowers:
Trees, shrubs, bushes, & climbers:
Herbs & kitchen plants:
NZ Native Plants / Trees:
