project results

Project 5932

Angelus Landscape Design — Thu, 01 Nov 2018 00:44:00 GMT

Project Name: Plants for Tropical Gardens and Garden Ideas
Project Location: Tropical areas of New Zealand
Project Date: 1.11.2018
Project Summary:

Tropical gardens combine lush, colourful, and fragrant plants.

They usually have many different forms and textures of foliage, with splashes of vibrant colour.

They need a year round warm climate, with plenty of humidity and rain, and usually a free draining soil.

Although New Zealand is not normally considered to be a tropical island, there are regions in the north of the North Island, where a tropical style garden will thrive.

These areas are definitely frost free. Even an air frost will kill many tropical plants. Sometimes a hardier species of plant can be used to create a tropical effect.

Tropical gardens become magical and enchanting when stone sculptures and natural water features are included in the landscapes.

Project 3474

Angelus Landscape Design — Fri, 13 Feb 2015 04:08:00 GMT

Project Name: Tropical poolside gardens
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: 2014
Project Summary:

The area surrounding this beautiful swimming pool, needed replanting and some old timber retaining replaced. A raised garden to grow vegetables and soft fruits, was also requested by the owners.

The home was a beautiful old villa, and we wanted the garden to complement the graciousness of the home.

Two quite different lengths of stone walling were constructed. One is a `serpentine' wall, gently curving to fit the garden and pool areas. It doubles as a retaining wall, and beautifully displays the lush ferns and planting behind. The other wall is straight, and a `raised garden' area was created behind it. We capped this wall with Waitaha Schist slabs, so that it could also be used for seating.

Small areas of fine lawn were created to soften the hard surfaces of the pool surround and the walling, and they've proved perfect places to relax on after a swim.

Project 3467

Angelus Landscape Design — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 01:50:00 GMT

Project Name: Hillside garden
Project Location: Nelson hills
Project Date: 2014
Project Summary:

The owners of this established property had lived for many years in a lovely setting, and were faced with a difficult project to improve the garden areas, so that they could continue to live in their home.

It was a challenging project in that an old stone retaining wall, (almost 1.8 metres high), ran the length of the back of the house, and was only 2 metres from the house. This needed replacing, with the idea to move the new retaining wall back to the rear boundary, and create a large paved area, covered by a verandah, behind the house.

The new wall required a Geo-tech report, then plans were drawn by an Engineer, and a Building Consent issued by the Nelson City Council. All work required signing off at specific stages by the Engineer and NCC.

Extensive earthworks were necessary to excavate the area for the patio and verandah, prepare for the new retaining wall, and create the levels for adjacent large garden areas.

The existing garden was on many different levels, and had a number of pathways. It was difficult to manage and walk around, and needed to be simplified.

The owners wanted predominantly a productive garden, with room for flowers, that was easy to work, and with good access ways.

A storage shed and a woodshed were also essential items. The existing stairs needed to be widened, and efficient night lighting installed to all paths, stairs, as well as to the sheds.

We used several different materials for paving - a good quality Firth paver for the patio area, Waitaha slabs set in Best Island `river rounds' for the garden paths, and dolomite chip set in concrete for the sloping `bush' path. The new concrete stairs were given a plaster finish, and we also installed a handrail.

The woodshed was constructed from a solid `deck', with horizontal trellis panels as walls, to allow good air flow around the stored firewood.

The retaining walls, and raised garden beds were painted a matt black, to recede from the eye, and to give a sense of `age'.

A mix of perennials, shrubs, grasses soft fruits and vegetables filled the gardens.

An area for a picnic table, amongst the garden beds provides a restful place to contemplate the next planting programme.

Project 3134

Angelus Landscape Design — Sun, 05 Oct 2014 23:45:00 GMT

Project Name: Old Cottage Garden
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: September 2014
Project Summary:

The owners of this gracious old cottage, on the Nelson Hills overlooking Tasman Bay, wanted to make their garden `dog friendly', and to reflect the age of the cottage. They loved woodland gardens, with lots of old fashioned trees, shrubs and perennials overflowing the gardens. A major consideration was to give their large breed dogs, plenty of space, but to also prevent the garden being damaged by the dogs. The brief also emphasized the need to remove any possibility of mud being walked into the house by the dogs.

The first four accompanying photos show the newly constructed garden, the paving and fencing we constructed to solve the problems that existed. The last four photos show the original garden that we `dismantled'

Our solution was to remove all the existing raised gardens (that were not being used), and to fence off the woodland gardens with a rustic fence that utilised old totara fence battens. The gardens needed to be accessed for planting and ongoing maintenance, and we also constructed gates using the old battens. The surface was covered with grey and honey coloured pebbles, and slabs of Waitaha schist set in as a `path'.

The dogs now have a large paved area to walk around and rest in, without bringing mud into the house afterwards. The gardens are protected and are beginning to flourish. The fence looks as though it has been part of the property for at least 100 years. The whole garden will only improve with time, as plants begin to overhang the fence, fill up the garden areas, and some leaves start to grow between the battens.

Project 2419

Angelus Landscape Design — Tue, 07 Jan 2014 04:04:00 GMT

Project Name: New Residence
Project Location: Port Hills Nelson
Project Date: December 2013
Project Summary:

This is a beautiful new home with spectacular views across Tasman Bay. The brief was to design and construct the gardens surrounding the house, with specific attention to access ways, retaining and maximising the unsurpassed views, and to create private spaces for the owners to enjoy the gardens and views. The planting ranges from sub-tropical (reminiscent) of the West Coast bush of the South Island, to the tropical gardens of Bali.

Project 1745

Angelus Landscape Design — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 07:01:00 GMT

Project Name: Historic Heritage-Listed Home
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: 1999
Project Summary:

The owners of this beautiful home, undertook massive renovations to return this house to it's original glory.

The gardens were almost unusable, and the ground sloped steeply down from the front of the house. I wanted to create a flat lawn area that the children could play on, as well as areas for gardens typical of that early settler period. Those choosing New Zealand as their new home, usually combined native species with plants from their country of origin. They always had productive fruit trees and a vegetable garden.

We constructed a retaining wall to contain the new lawn, and built stone walls and steps to `anchor' the house to the site. A pergola was constructed along the path, to support the glorious wisteria which was already a sizeable plant. The pergola was immediately painted a matt black, to give it `age' and help it recede from the eye.

Buxus and Lonicera nitida was used as structural evergreen hedging. `Cottage' style gardens were planted around the lawn area, with the hope that they'd be full of flowers, perfume and colour year-round. Recently the garden in front of the verandah has had a `freshen up' as some of the original plants had passed their `use by date'.

A native plant walk was planted around the retaining wall, and the vegetable gardens are close to the kitchen, at the rear of the home.

Project 416

Angelus Landscape Design — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:56:00 GMT

Project Name: Brigand Cafe
Project Location: Takaka - Golden Bay
Project Date: 2000
Project Summary:

The brief was to re-design the entire existing property that consisted of a small cottage with a front lawn. I was asked to choose the style of the new cafe / restaurant, and decided to reflect the sub tropical, Pacific environment of Golden Bay, and use a tropical theme.The plantings, furniture, gas flares, thatch covered entrance, water feature and gates give a wonderful ambience and the feel of being in a lush South Pacific environment. Because the front lawn was below street level, I decked the entire area so that it was all on the same level. This made it easier for patrons and staff, and avoided issues with access, as well as increasing the useable outdoor area. The decking finished a metre from the boundaries to allow for a lush tropical garden. A retired sailor tied the traditional knots in the `fence' around the decked area, and the local teepee maker was commissioned to make the canvas roof for the large covered table. Indian sandstone tiles provide a non-slip surface from the street to the decking. I designed the gates based on the large powelliphanta land snail that is endemic to Golden Bay, and drew the shapes out on the metal for the steel smith. To provide some privacy from the street, and to create an intimate dining area, we built a plastered wall along the front and side of the property. I managed to find a large water-sculpted and weathered piece of Takaka marble for the water feature in the centre of the decking.

Project 406

Angelus Landscape Design — Sun, 22 Jan 2012 23:32:00 GMT

Project Name: Seaside Garden
Project Location: Golden Bay
Project Date: 2009
Project Summary:

In beautiful Golden Bay, adjacent to Pohara beach, this small bach became `home’ for a couple who wanted a productive garden area, and seating to enjoy the view. I designed a large deck, with one half of the deck containing 8 potager gardens, and the other half for seating.

I then designed the shade structure, and pergola structures for the gardens. The potager gardens have 2 `pergola’ frames over them, on which climbing plants can grow. They also provide a visual balance to the large permanent shade structure over the dining table. Natural woven willow panels have been made that fit between the pergola framework, and give shelter to the plants, as well as something for climbers to grow on. Steps that are the width of the main deck, access the large lawn area.

One of the important considerations in this commission, was that the new decking and structures complement the existing home, and that they be of appropriate proportions. It’s crucial that landscaping and buildings complement each other, and that they look as though they’ve always been there, and are meant to be there. Here I feel we’ve succeeded, and the owners see a constant stream of people taking photos of their home, throughout the year! This project was undertaken in 2009.

Project 405

Angelus Landscape Design — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:43:00 GMT

Project Name: Annesbrook Church
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: 2010
Project Summary:

This commission was started in 2010, and will continue for some years. The initial work comprised of creating access to the new foyer, as well as a large patio for cafe seating, and a water feature.

As a public use area it needed to provide access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, as well as for the very young and elderly. The regular large gatherings cater for 700 or more people at a time, therefore it was imperative that the access be uncluttered and safe in case of any emergency, and that up to 700 people could be standing on a paved surface. An important consideration was the traffic configuration and drop-off zone, and the safety of young children in these areas.

One of the challenges was to overcome the 600mm drop from the floor of the foyer to the carparking and drop off area. Steps would have possibly become a hazard, and needed handrails, therefore I designed the large lawn areas to absorb the `fall’ gradually. The lawns also allow children to run and play, and act as a `spill over’ area for large crowds to stand. Eventually a low hedge will be planted along the drop off zone, to act as a barrier for young children and vehicles. The large wall adjacent to the cafe area acts as a wind break, encloses the patio, and provides a wall for the water feature.

The large serpentine rocks are locally sourced and are enjoyed as seating and as a playground by children. Flowering cherry and flowering pear trees have been planted to provide year round interest, and shade.

Project 404

Angelus Landscape Design — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 01:39:00 GMT

Project Name: Hillside Garden
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: 2004
Project Summary:

During the initial project in 2004, the owners were undertaking an extensive renovation of an older home, and need a garden that could be `looked down on’ from the new patio.

They requested a modern, strong, vibrant, exciting, different, colourful and quirky style, to fit in with the contemporary 'makeover' that the home was being given. The front garden had to be very low maintenance, and a smaller area was to provide a restful setting for the spa pool. In 2011 additional landscaping above the home, has turned a lawn area into a productive potager garden.

This project is continuing with a summerhouse and further orchard plantings.

Project 403

Angelus Landscape Design — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:03:00 GMT

Project Name: Country Estate
Project Location: Tasman
Project Date: December 1999
Project Summary:

I was honoured to be invited to undertake the design and construction of this prestigious project. I began work when the site was just rough paddocks with a few boundary pegs, and completed the project 2 years later. The design took a year, during which time I spent hundreds of hours consulting with the owners, sourcing and purchasing hundreds of large grade trees and thousands of other plants.

The owners wanted the gardens to look 100 years old from the day the landscaping finished, and to have year round colour and interest from a wide variety of trees. The scale of the project was huge; around 10 acres of intense landscaping, both around the buildings and the expansive grounds. The Palladian style architecture necessitated that I keep the landscaping very structured and formal close to the buildings, and I gradually created a more informal style as the gardens moved away from the central residence. The owners enjoyed croquet, golf, and petanque, so I designed a full size croquet lawn to be a central feature of the landscaping, which provides a beautifully structured form, with appropriate scale, to fully complement the size and architecture of their home. Below this is a putting green and driving area for golf, and the triangular petanque court is close to the outdoor dining area. A swimming pool and tennis courts needed to be private but easily accessible, and a special request was an island with a `Monet’ bridge as access. The small streams running either side of the grounds, were turned into ponds with weirs, and an island was built in one of them. The island has a fire pit with log seating, so that the stars can be seen in the clear night sky.

A specification was that only white flowering species be used in the main garden areas, and in the structural plantings, although the `river bed’ and pergolas have some apricot and blue flowering plants.
I sourced Marlborough schist rock for dry stone walling at the entrances to the property, and this gives age, solidity and graciousness to the grounds. Fortunately I found a skilled stonemason to construct the walls, and they remain a feature of the landscaping.

One of the most important and challenging features of this project, was for me to employ and liase with a wide range of people...geo-tech engineers, builders, architects, electricians, earthworks contractors, irrigation specialists, greenkeepers,and numerous others. I had my own staff, but I contracted or employed more than 70 separate companies to complete the project.

This was a `once in a lifetime’ commission, that I feel very privileged to have undertaken. It was completed in December 1999, and it has become the `100 year old’ estate that the owners requested.

Project 402

Angelus Landscape Design — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:05:00 GMT

Project Name: Town Garden
Project Location: Richmond
Project Date: 2001
Project Summary:

The owners of this property enjoyed 'cottage’ gardens, and wanted a garden filled with roses and other plants that would provide soft colour and fragrance. It was important that it have good `structure’ and easy access around the home. A swimming pool also needed to integrate seamlessly into the design.

Low schist stone walls provide a practical solution to a `raised garden’ at the entrance, and give `age’ and solidity to the gardens. The high plaster retaining wall near the basement garage has been softened with Virginia creeper, and has become a feature of the entrance area.

Working with the owners as the house was under construction, enabled us to have the landscaping completed as the building work came to an end, so that the owners had both the house and garden to enjoy from the beginning. We undertook and completed this project in 2001.

Project 401

Angelus Landscape Design — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 23:02:00 GMT

Project Name: Nelson Nursing Services
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: December 2009
Project Summary:

The residential location for this business, necessitated that the building and landscaping complement the surrounding homes and historic buildings and parks nearby. The use of schist rock, the roofline of the building and the gentle colours in the gardens were deliberately chosen to integrate with, and enhance the neighbouring properties.

The brief was to include many fruiting varieties, for staff and clients to harvest, therefore, plum, persimmon, citrus, peach, feijoa, and almond trees form a major part of the gardens. It was also important to provide colour and fragrance throughout the year, so that clients would find this an uplifting and pleasant place to visit. The owners especially requested that pink flowering species be used, and the resulting garden has a softness, and vibrancy throughout the year.

Although the tight time schedules for completion provided some challenges, we enjoyed working with the Project Manager and contractors, and were able to have the landscaping finished on time, December 2009.

Project 399

Angelus Landscape Design — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 03:31:00 GMT

Project Name: Cawthron Institute
Project Location: Nelson
Project Date: 1998 & 2010
Project Summary:

As the only private Science Institute in New Zealand, 'Cawthron' is an integral part of Nelson. When the new Head Offices were constructed I was contracted to design and construct the landscaping surrounding the building.

I used native species to reflect our flora, and constructed a 'rock pool' at the main entrance, as a reflection of the strong link Cawthron has with marine research.

I worked with the architect, Cawthron staff, neighbouring residents and the construction team to complete the landscaping on schedule and within budget, and with everyone happy!

Additional landscaping was completed in 2010, to provide staff with areas for relaxing and for enjoying meal breaks with family and dogs. Cawthron allows staff to bring their dogs to work. Many staff also have young children. Therefore it was important that the new landscaping cater for families, and provide restful surroundings.

Project 400

Angelus Landscape Design — Mon, 12 Dec 2011 23:09:00 GMT

Project Name: Amaltal - Talley’s Head Offices
Project Location: Port Nelson
Project Date: 1998
Project Summary:

This project involved a complete redevelopment of a large coastal site.

I produced a detailed landscape plan, complying with the specifications being `only native species, and nothing with variegated leaves’.

Two large water features were included in the design, to greet visitors and workers to the office complex. I needed to work closely with the architects, surveyors and building contractors to complete the project seamlessly and on schedule.

We lifted all the existing large trees worth saving with a 20 tonne digger, and temporarily transplanted and kept them alive until we could re-plant them in the new landscape.

The existing reclaimed land consisted of very poor `soil’, so many truckloads of compost and topsoil were brought in and spread over all the garden areas. This paid huge dividends, as illustrated by the spectacular growth of the plantings.

This landscape won a `commercial’ category award for Nelson landscapes in 1998, and has hosted many public festivals, and staff functions over the years.

13 years later the gardens are mature and stunning. The strong structural design of the plantings is very evident, and the gardens have been well maintained.

The growth rate of the Nikau palms and other native trees, especially Puriri, has been exceptionally good, given the poor soil and exposed coastal location.