A landscaped new build in Katikati

Following the construction and completion of their retirement home, the Leadleys wanted to focus on converting their bare outdoor area into a lovely private garden. They contacted Zones and were put in touch with a  landscape architect and landscaping specialist in Tauranga, who supported them through every stage of their outdoor project.  

“As the pair really enjoy gardening, their key objectives were to establish a garden and outdoor design that met their lifestyle needs”, the landscape architect tells. “To achieve this, our first priority was to get the retaining sorted and create some levels.”

Developing a new landscape design

With a rugged clay site as a canvas, the Zones landscape architect presented the Leadleys with a design and cost estimate, as well as a plan that would produce a cost-effective result which didn’t require council consent. The Leadleys worked closely with the landscape architect throughout the design process, selecting plants and features that stood out to them. The landscape architect ensured the plants would meet the client’s specifications and also made sure their selections would be suited to the site.

“They were lovely clients to work with”, the landscape architect tells. “They wanted a red and green garden. It was an interesting palette. Some of the main plants were Lomandra, a huge mix of native ground covers, retaining walls with rosemary and Loropetalum, prunus trees, bromeliads - a real mix.”

Hardscaping and softscaping

An earthworks contractor was needed to level the landscape. From there, the Zones team included a builder, a soft landscaper as well as a hardscaping specialist who carried out the paving and concrete works. The landscape architect managed every stage of the transformation, ensuring the team stayed on schedule and, therefore, in-line with the clients’ budget. The highest priority was ensuring the completed project was one that the Leadleys would really enjoy.