Planting

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.

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Planting

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.

What is a Planting Plan

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.

Why is a planting plan important

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.

What is the difference between a planting plan and a planting concept?

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.


"Planting is a cost-effective and vibrant way to transform any garden or outdoor space."

Scott Mackay - On the Tools Director, Folium Landscaping

Garden Aesthetic

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.

A formal garden

  • Usually a geometric layout, with linear planting formations
  • Linear formations repeat throughout the garden and are often complemented by various hardscaping features -  paths, walls, planting structures.
  • Symmetry is essential in a formal garden. It is usual for plants or objects to mirror each other. 
  • Topiary and trimmed hedges are standard features of a formal garden.

An informal garden

  • Characterised by curves and non-symmetrical arrangements
  • Plants provide the underlying framework and are left to grow according to their natural design
  • Paths and hedging work well, creating soft boundaries and natural definition
  • Informal gardens are often abundant with colour

What to consider when planning your garden

  • Colour palette and plant combinations
  • Quantities required
  • Recommended purchase sizes
  • Recommended spaces between plants when planting
  • Plants varietal and positioning 
  • What plants will work in your soil type or garden situation
  • What existing plants should stay and which ones should go 
  • How much time you have to allocate to garden maintenance 

Maintaining your garden

Maintaining your garden involves carrying out a few tasks on a regular cycle, including:

  • Weeding and Mulching
  • Plant care
  • Pruning 
  • Feeding
  • Weatherproofing
  • Lawn care 
  • Planting

Checkout our Garden Maintenance page for further information.

"Your garden is like any other room in your house. It is a space for you to express yourself stylistically."

Jared Bellingham - On the Tools Director, Folium Landscaping

How do I select the right plants for my garden?

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.

Planting for the Environment

Attracting Native Birds

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.

Creating a Habitat for Bees

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:

  • Camellias
  • Borage
  • Sunflowers
  • Foxgloves
  • Cloves
  • Marigolds
  • Pansies
  • Daffodils

Trees, shrubs, bushes, & climbers:

  • Bottlebrush
  • Lavender
  • Rosemary
  • Wisteria

Herbs & kitchen plants:

  • Sage
  • Basil
  • Chives
  • Fennel
  • Squash

NZ Native Plants / Trees:

  • NZ Jasmine
  • Pohutukawa
  • Rewarewa
  • New Zealand flax
  • Lemonwood
  • Hoheria
  • Tee tree
"Bees are in decline worldwide, but you can help to ensure their survival by filling your garden with an abundance of bee-friendly pants."

Jared Bellingham - On the Tools Director, Folium Landscaping


Our Services

Garden Irrigation

Garden Irrigation

We have a team of irrigation specialists. Irrigation provides a hassle-free solution for watering new lawns and plants.
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Landscaping Design

Landscaping Design

We have access to some of the country's most insightful and experienced landscape designers. Feel free to talk to us about who we recommend.
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Garden Maintenance

Garden Maintenance

Maintaining your garden involves carrying out a few tasks on a regular cycle. We work with some of Auckland's most reputable garden maintenance services. We can put you in touch with them if needed.
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Drainage

Drainage

We know how to inspect for the tell-tail signs of drainage issues on a site, if found, we can quickly implement a plan to correct them.
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Garden Paving

Garden Paving

Paving is often the element that completes the textural profile of a garden. Stone, natural stone, concrete and brick paving, we understand how to work with and lay them all.
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Concrete

Concrete

Create pathways, steps and steppers. Choose the finish and colour that complements your overall aesthetic.
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Retaining Walls

Retaining Walls

We understand that every retaining wall is unique; we apply the core principles of construction and promise quality - every time!
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Garden Lawn

Garden Lawn

We understand what it takes to grow and maintain a great lawn. Getting it right from the outset is critical to achieving a healthy lawn.
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Planting

Planting

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.
Learn More
Planter Boxes

Planter Boxes

Create raised sections for planting or Vege beds with our custom-made garden boxes.
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“Landscaping in New Zealand provides a constant reminder of how important our environment is. We promote a ‘clean green’ country, and I take my role in ensuring we live up to this reputation pretty seriously.”

JARED BELLINGHAM – ON THE TOOLS DIRECTOR, FOLIUM LANDSCAPING

Local Knowledge!

Folium Landscaping is a professional North Shore Landscaping company.  Local knowledge powers our decision making and determines the advice we offer our clients. Landscaping is our passion. The North Shore is our home.

Welcome to Folium.

About Folium Landscaping

Outdoor living is an inherent part of life in New Zealand. We love our outdoor spaces. We can't live without them; our love for them inspires creative landscaping solutions. We’re a team of North Shore Landscapers who are passionate about delivering innovative gardens and working to the highest standards.
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Our Landscapers Promise

Reliable and expert advice

Backed by years of practical experience

A proactive approach

Our skill allows us to test and troubleshoot
what is possible

A commitment to excellence

We know no other standard.

To respect your space

Our place of work is your home; we value that.

“I love the creative freedom of landscaping design. My skills and experience allow me to drive the transformation of a basic residential garden into a high-end sanctuary!”

SCOTT MACKAY – ON THE TOOLS DIRECTOR, FOLIUM LANDSCAPING

An Auckland Landscaping Team
With a Great Reputation

Friendly and
Professional Service

Construction
Know How

Extensive
Plant Knowledge

Exceptional Standards
Fantastic Results!

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