This planting scheme is for a large contemporary garden - perhaps on a split-level building platform - designed to anchor and complement the style of the home but not compete with the views that this type of large contemporary home often enjoys. There isn’t a vast variety of plants here, but this is balanced by using larger quantities of each species in organised spaces. The majority of the plants are 1m high, keeping views open so that transitioning from house to garden is seamless. Plants are chosen for their texture, form and colour variation, with the only vertical profile provided by the textural forms of the grouped Fuscosporas and dramatic architectural lines of the Cordylines, which visually anchor the garden to the landscape. Rocky outcrops and pathways through shingly soil suit mass plantings of the groundcovers - which also helpfully act as weed suppressant blankets. Think big when planning this style of garden allowing for swathes and drifts of single varieties to show them off en mass. The scale of the garden means it is not initially a maintenance-free garden, but as shrubs fill out it will become easier to maintain. However, it is best kept well maintained to stay sharp, crisp and contemporary.
Plants and plant spacing:
Fuscospora Solandri 3m
Cordyline Australis 3m
Hebe Cupressoides 1.5m
Kunzea Ericoides 2m
Phormium Dark Delight 1.5
Pseudowintera Red Leopard 1.5
Chionochloa Rubra 1.2
Chionochloa Conspicua 1m
Libertia Peregrinans 50cm
Muehlenbeckia Axillaris 50cm
Scleranthus Biflorus 50cm
Raouli Hookeri 50cm
Foliage Colour: Greens, blacks, red, orange, silver and bronze.
Flower Colours: White neutral seed heads.
Uses:This planting scheme is for a large contemporary native garden - perhaps on a split level building. Designed to anchor and compliment the style of the home but not compete with the views that this type of large contemporary home enjoys of our mountainous landscape.
Ti Kouka/Cabbage Tree A tall tree which can be grown in coastal, swampy, dry or exposed situations. Cabbage trees are effective planted in groups and are easily established. Good for shelter and for soil stabilisation Height 10m x Width 3m
Kanuka is a fast growing tree found throughout New Zealand in forest and scrub. The leaves are softer to touch than Manuka and has smaller white flowers in Summer. It is very hardy, tolerating drought, frosts and poor soils. It is a primary colonising plant and used for revegetation as a nurse plant. It is best planted in Autumn without disturbing the roots.
Has outstanding dark foliage. Ideal garden contrast plant. Hardy. Height - 1m
Also known as Horopito and Pepper Tree. A hardy evergreen shrub that has lime-green foliage with rich burgundy markings that provide good foliar colour to the garden. Plant in borders and containers or use to form low hedging, may be trimmed to shape. Requires moist, free-draining soil in full sun or part shade.
Very beautiful plant with leaves that glow and shimmer in the sun and ripple in the wind creating many textures and patterns. Flowers in early summer and attractive seed heads remain for many weeks.
A spreading grass like plant with orange - gold foliage. White flowers in spring and summer followed by orange pods. The beautiful foliage colouring becomes more intense through out cooler months and if planted in harsh conditions. Position in full sun to shade. Evergreen. Hardy. 05m x 1m.
Muehlenbeckia axillaris is a dense groundcover with wiry stems and small dark green leaves. Muehlenbeckia axillarisflowers prolifically in Summer with masses of small creamy flowers. Males and feamle flowers often occur on the smae plant and the female flowers form small opaque white fruit. It spreads along the ground and even underground. Gets to a height of 15cm and a width of 1m. Likes the full sun and tolerates dry situations.
A bright green moss like ground cover that forms a plump cushion like shape. Position in full sun. Use as an edging, in rockeries or containers and general garden beds. Requires moist free draining soil.. Hardy. Evergreen. 20cm x 20cm.
A compact groundcover with silvery foliage. Forms a tight spreading, wooly mat with yellow - green flowers. Prefers full sun, and good drainage. Perfect for a rock garden, retaining wall or that dry spot in your garden. 10cm x 50cm.
Tough low maintenance grass with shapely foliage all year and drooping small toi toi flowers in summer. Drought and wind tolerant The perfect plant and forget plant. Great for mass planting, along walls or on banks
Smaller than other beech trees. Moderately slow growing. Best in cool climate areas with moist, well drained soil.
Hebe Cuppresiodes Nana is a fragrant evergreen Hebe.
This is a compact hebe that forms a perfect round ball shape. Grey-green foliage with masses of tiny white flowers which bloom during summer. This is the perfect plant for Rock Gardens, Mixed Native Plantings or Containers.