A Modern Oasis in Greytown

Crafting a Modern Oasis in Greytown

In charming Greytown, we had the pleasure of designing the garden for a newly built residence. The clients had already laid the groundwork with some beautiful hardscaping, thoughtfully incorporating garden beds finished with lime chip - setting the tone for the rest of the garden. 

Equipped with garden bed dimensions and site plans our team was eager to propose a curated selection of plants. Collaborating closely, we crafted a plan to seamlessly meet the clients' vision: a modern garden combining evergreen beauty with subtle floral elements for a layered visual feast.

Operating from Invercargill the detailed photos provided by the client were instrumental. Perspective shots from various angles offered a comprehensive understanding of the style and layout of the property, allowing us to make choices that would accentuate the home and landscape.

To establish a formal entrance and sophisticated first impression, a combination of different forms of topiary - Thuja Smaragd and Buxus Balls - were used, and juxtaposed with the softer elements of Miscanthus and Lavender on the opposing side, bringing a warm, relaxed atmosphere to the entertainment area.

Privacy was a crucial element to consider. Additional garden beds featuring pleached Carpinus betulus - a technique that elevates the garden's vertical dimension without encroaching on precious lawn space. The Carpinus betulus with its easily manipulated branches brings exceptional textural interest to the garden, and the 'hedge-on-sticks' approach adds an instant formal touch. The lush lime leaves over Summer and Spring are prominently veined and as the plant transitions to its Winter form, the dead foliage is retained for this season. Bringing a crunchy texture,  it only drops this foliage before immediately coming into leaf with its fresh new growth. To create a cohesive and seamless visual narrative in the garden, this plant was reused as a hedge at the front of the property.

Supporting the evergreen framework, we included Viburnum davidii which has a tidy mounding habit, alongside the contrast of the strappy texture of Liriope. 

Buxus (or box hedging) is complimentary to many garden styles and is especially supportive of the formal style. Not only is it an important contributing factor to the aesthetic of this garden but it precisely defines the boundary between garden and lawn, maintaining order and beauty. 

The addition of Nandina Lemon & Lime injects a bright, vivid green into the palette, while Hydrangea Limelight offers a modern twist on the classic Hydrangea, rounding out the garden's composition.

Six months on and we're glad to say, the client is thoroughly enjoying their garden oasis, and with all of the plants thriving, our 90-day free replacement offer remains untapped. This Greytown garden stands as a showcase of what can be achieved with a harmonious blend of client vision, detailed planning, and horticultural expertise.