Bach Garden - Castlecliff, Whanganui
Located on a corner section in the coastal suburb of Castlecliff, the property has some shelter from the strong salt laden west coast winds. Structures have been used for extra support and plants are layered to create shelter and microclimates. The design was for a low maintenance garden, to include fruit trees, vegetable beds, native trees and year round colour.
Before
Recent building work had added a deck, relocated an existing sleepout and added raised garden beds. The design was to connect the different gardens and make them low and easy-care. The centre area may be paved so is being left for now. The original front entrance from the street corner has been blocked so this effectively has become the rear garden. Some lawn was retained in this area but reduced, with native plantings added for street screening, interest and wildlife habitat.
Works
Existing fences were painted black by the client. Wire was added to train Chinese Star Jasmine to cover. Steel rio-mesh was added to the sleepout, supporting climbers and tall flowering plants. Passionfruit vines were added behind vegetable beds.
The main view from the deck is to the sleepout, and sheltered area beside. Edging was added to define paths and to contain garden areas and compost for planting. Mulch reduces summer evaporation.
The nearby west coast beach is full of driftwood so we used it to build up areas, softening sharp lines of pine sleepers. A shower was added to rinse off after the beach, and a sink for outside cleaning.
Driftwood was added to the back fence, to provide screening from neighbouring property. Pebbles were used on the path so it would not need to be topped up as frequently as mulch, and less weeding. Native plants were added in front areas but set back to preserve the new fencing. These plantings will create light shade from summer sun and buffer to strong southern winds.
