Landscape design by Sculpt Gardens
On a quiet street in Takapuna, this property is home to a young family of four who wanted their garden to support the rhythm of family life.
With two small children, they needed a garden that offered open lawn for play, an area for entertaining and a planting scheme that brought a sense of softness and nature — something with woodland character and plenty of textural interest.
The Brief
Just three streets back from Takapuna Beach, this garden faced the challenges that often come with coastal living. A severe storm shortly after the initial planting wiped out a feature maple, prompting a reassessment of plant choices. The homeowner had a vision for a garden with a naturalistic, woodland feel and an earthy undertone, however, after the damage from the storm, the focus shifted to selecting hardy, coastal-tolerant species that could handle strong easterly storms — with kowhai and olives taking the place of more sensitive options like titoki.
The family were drawn to floral elements, ferns and plants with textural foliage. Just as important was the want for calm spaces they could retreat into, as well as enjoy from inside the home. Though the layout around the house offered only narrow planting zones, the design made the most of the space, introducing curved walkways for movement through the garden.
The Transformation
The planting design focused on creating softness and a sense of movement, with curved garden beds guiding the way around the home. Rather than dividing the space into too many distinct zones, the garden was designed as a journey, with planted pockets and subtle stopping points.
A curved lawn became a feature in its own right — slightly raised and edged with corten steel to give it definition without hard lines. Throughout the garden, the emphasis stayed on natural materials and a light touch, with crazy paving and small Waikato fleck pebbles used instead of poured concrete.
All functional elements were tucked down one side of the house, allowing the rest of the site to be shaped by plants. This opened up the space for a variety of planted areas, each offering something different for the family to enjoy.
The Result
The finished garden is a calm, inviting extension of the home and a place that brings softness, texture and natural beauty.
Birds and pollinators have returned in abundance, drawn in by the plant choices.
With its layered planting, curves and layout, the space now offers room for sitting, dining and moments of reflection. Each area with a purpose, yet not feeling too rigid.
Key Plant List
Salvia leucanthe
Chionochloa flavicans
Phormium Dark Delight
Hydrangea Limelight
Astelia Silver Spear
Ajuga reptans
Geranium ‘Rozanne’
Limononium perezii Purple Parachute
Verbena bonariensis
Fushia procumbens
Gaura linheimeri ‘Sparkle White’
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The garden was originally designed in 2022 by Maisy Conway of Sculpt Gardens. Since then, it has been thoughtfully cared for by the garden team at Sculpt, led by Libby Garrett who has been responsible for additional planting design over the past three years.
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Sculpt Gardens
Director and owner Claire Talbot, along with accredited Garden Design Society landscape designer Naomi Gray and the sparkly Sculpt team of gardeners, offer a distinctly female approach to landscape design. We have a keen interest in designing Aotearoa-centric, unique and beautiful gardens with a floral, biodiverse and productive focus to attract birds and bees.
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Photography by Carme Aguayo
Landscaping by Folium Landscaping
Plants supplied by Concept Botanica
