Refined Harmony: Blending Exotic and Native Plants for Contemporary Architecture

Refined Harmony: Blending Exotic and Native Plants for Contemporary Architecture

The Completed Look
 
The Brief
 A refined design that complements the house’s contemporary architecture with a blend of exotic and native species suited to the environment. With the hardscaping pre-designed by the architect, we had complete oversight of the final garden layout, enabling us to carefully select the perfect species for each space

Our Design

Plant Palette
 

Why We Chose These Plants
For this contemporary, high-spec build, we carefully selected species that integrate with the architecture and enhance the outdoor living spaces. Along the front schist wall, Acer Bloodgood serves as a bold statement piece, with its deep red foliage providing a striking arrival feature for the property.

On the west and east property boundaries, Prunus lusitanica was selected for its evergreen foliage, offering both structure and privacy. Plagianthus regius adds vertical interest along the north boundary corners, framing the mountains views and enhancing the overall design.

To introduce soft, grassy movement and low shrubbery that retains the northern views, we incorporated Chionochloa flavicans and Miscanthus gracillimus. Chionochloa rubra adds striking reddish tones and a beautiful upright grassy texture, while Hebe cupressoides provides a contrasting, needle-like texture with a compact, bun-like form.

Phormium Emerald Green lines the internal schist wall and outdoor courtyard, delivering strong architectural lines and year-round interest with minimal upkeep. For ground cover, we chose Muehlenbeckia axillaris to create a sleek, low-maintenance carpet of greenery beneath the flax and dotted through the side pathway. 

Along the grey-toned cedar cladding, Pimelia prostrata was selected for its blue-green tones and delicate white flowers, paired with Pachystegia ignis. These species work together to create a unified look while blending seamlessly with the surrounding cladding. 

In the shaded south pathway gardens, Bergenia Wanaka Snow adds beautiful textural form and soft flowering interest, providing lush foliage while creating an arrival point to the front door. 

This garden is designed to complement the build with its modern, minimalist lines and year-round visual appeal, offering a sleek and contemporary outdoor space.

At The Time Of Planting And After
 

Project Costs
Full Plan Fee: $1,295.00
Plant Supply: $13,100.66
 

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