Landscape design by Henry Blakely of Henry Blakely Landscapes
This Christchurch property brings together the best of both old and new. Extensive new gardens and lawns have been introduced to build on the original landscape, resulting in a richly layered space shaped by the homeowner’s deep appreciation for plants, and her desire to gather flowers straight from the garden to display proudly in her home.
The garden design
The design aimed to reflect the traditional architectural elements of the home, creating an elegant outdoor space that felt true to its surroundings. Specifically, the homeowners were looking for a garden that would complement the character of their house. They also wanted it to feel timeless, considered and inviting – and built on the existing layout of the home and gardens.
The garden transformation
The garden was redesigned to complement the traditional feel of the house and the original rose gardens, while introducing a more playful note through a bold perennial border. The planting design focused on creating seasonal interest, with an emphasis on texture and movement throughout the space.
Upright deciduous trees, Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’, now frame the driveway as you approach the property, setting the tone for a thoughtful garden layout.
Formal touches, such as the rose gardens and structured lines of the garden beds, are balanced by layered, textural planting that offers seasonal variation and a sense of movement through the borders, bringing more softness to the structured layout.
Perennial borders filled with hydrangeas, lavender and a mix of flowering plants in soft shades of white, pink and purple bring colour and energy to the garden. These plantings work alongside the more structured elements to create a space that feels both refined and full of life.
The Result
The final result is a garden that feels both traditional and contemporary, timeless in its appeal and considered in its detail. The outcome is a thoughtful balance of elegance and ease, designed for a homeowner with a genuine passion for gardening.
It’s a space that celebrates structure, seasonal beauty and the quiet joy of living closely with plants.
Key Plant List:
- Lavandula × intermedia ‘Grosso’
- Hylotelephium spectabile ‘Herbstfreude’
- Gaura lindheimeri
- Hydrangea paniculata ‘Limelight’
- Buxus sempervirens (topiaried)
- Buxus sempervirens ‘Suffruticosa’
- Rosa spp.
- Penstemon
- Salvia nemorosa
- Nepeta (catnip)
- Cornus ‘Eddie’s White Wonder’
- Alchemilla mollis
- Arthropodium cirratum (rengarenga)
- Platanus × acerifolia (London Plane)
- Trachelospermum jasminoides (star jasmine)
- Rhododendron spp.
- Pyrus calleryana ‘Aristocrat’
- Prunus lusitanica (Portuguese laurel)
- Hydrangea arborescens ‘Annabelle’
- Parahebe lyallii
- Pachysandra terminalis
