Landscape design by Victoria Fellows of One Fine Day Landscape Design.
This Ōtūmoetai, Tauranga garden belongs to a family of four — Brett, Bridget and their two young sons. What was once a tired residential site has been reimagined as a refined mid-century family retreat with a garden to match.
The renovation of the home was already underway when landscape designer Victoria Fellow of One Fine Day Landscape Design was brought onboard to reimagine the outdoor area. The intent of the redesign was to create a planting scheme that would soften the strong architectural lines of the home and hardscaping.
The layered planting plan now threads through the property, offering a calm, considered backdrop to family life.
The Brief
The homeowners were after more than just a good-looking garden — they needed an outdoor space that worked hard for their busy family life. It had to be functional, low maintenance and somewhere that invited them to slow down and enjoy time together.
With the lawn positioned at the rear of the property, away from the main entrance and outdoor dining area, the focus turned to using planting as a way to soften the bold architectural lines throughout.
Within the pool zone, the architecture team requested subtropical planting to enhance the resort-like feel, while also meeting necessary regulations. The brief called for a thoughtful balance between practicality and atmosphere.
The Transformation
At its heart, this garden reflects the pace and personality of a family home. It’s full of movement, energy and everyday joy.
During planning of the garden, homeowner Bridget spoke of their growing boys, their love of entertaining, and the way their family lives — they’re connected, energetic and always bringing others in. That vision shaped a garden designed to be beautiful, but not too precious.
The planting scheme was intentionally relaxed, with layers of texture and a slightly wild edge that shifts naturally with the seasons. This looser approach softens the bold geometry of the home’s mid-century lines while reducing the pressure of high-maintenance upkeep. The garden is designed to grow into itself, responding to the light, the weather and the rhythms of everyday life.
One of the more personal elements is the “Gin Garden”. This fun addition is a small, aromatic pocket near the home office. Requested by the homeowner, it features herbs and edible flowers growing from old cement well liners, perfect for garnishing drinks, dressing a salad or adding a twist to baking. It’s a playful and productive addition that brings scent, flavour and a bit of character to the backyard.
Throughout the process, key design considerations included using texture to contrast hard materials and framing views from inside the house so the garden can be enjoyed every day. Planting around the pool was carefully selected to meet compliance. And soft garden lighting adds a layer of atmosphere long after the sun goes down.
The Result
The finished garden is a space that welcomes gathering, play and quiet reflection. It’s robust enough to handle cricket matches and pool parties, yet layered with planting that brings texture, softness and a sense of calm throughout the year.
A simple but loved feature for the homeowners is the Acer ‘Bloodgood’ (Japanese maple) in the courtyard. Its foliage shifts with the seasons, and in winter its bare branches let in soft light. By night, the tree us lit up with warm-white lighting, casting gentle shadows and adding a subtle glow that brings a peaceful atmosphere to the space.
By balancing the strong lines of the hardscape with relaxed planting, the design offers visual interest all year round without demanding constant attention. It reflects the rhythm of the family’s life (busy, social and joyful) and is a garden that feels personal, welcoming and made to be lived in.
Key Plant List
- Rosemarinus prostratus
- Convolvulus cneorum
- Acer palmatum ‘Bloodgood’
- Ligularia reniformis
- Dichondra ‘Silver Falls’
- Casuarina glauca ‘Cousin IT’
- Ficus pumila
- Westringia ‘Mundii’
- Lomandra ‘Lime Tuff’
- Hydrangea Quercifolia ‘Pee Wee’
Gin garden plant suggestions
- Blueberry
- Strawberries
- English lavender
- Thyme
- Lebanese Cucumber
- Thai Mint
- Mint
- Rangpur Lime
- Finger Lime
- Dwarf Lemon
- Rosemary
- Violas
- Basil
- Pineapple sage (salvia)
All beds were generously mulched with no weed matting to promote healthy, hydrated plants and reduce maintenance through weed suppression.
Landscape design by One Fine Day Landscape Design.
Architecture by Cummings Architecture
Builder: Buildlab Homes
Hardscaping designed by Cummings Architecture
Pool installation by Statement Pools
Photography by Jill Andrews
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One Fine Day
OFD strives to create site sensitive gardens grounded in movement, texture and flow. Working across residential and commercial landscapes, Victoria collaborates closely with clients and project partners to ensure each garden is as liveable and lasting as it is beautiful. With a background in both floristry and early childhood education, I have a particular passion for sensory-rich spaces, including playgrounds and gardens designed to engage, calm and educate.
