From Plans to Planting

We are increasingly being asked to complete the planting jobs that I have drawn plans for. We love doing this! It enables me to keep a level of control of the 'look', plus allows changes to be made to plans, and new ideas unfold with the client as we progress the planting. We don't do the 'hard' landscaping (brickwork etc), but work happily alongside specialist contractors. Our area of expertise is definitely sourcing, placing and planting the gardens according to my plans - or free ranging!

Lately I have been planning and ordering plants, and laying them out for the client to plant themselves when they have time. This works beautifully, as plant placement can make or break a design. This is the next best thing to having the 'experts' come in and plant for you!

I am totally adaptable at doing whatever best suits your own skills, time, and budget. Flick me an email to discuss what might best suit you.                            rachel.george@xtra.co.nz

ON THE JOB AT BRACKENRIDGE -WINTER 2008
George in a hired bob-cat creating the 'dry river', seen below

             SOME BEFORE AND AFTER PHOTOS - NORFOLK ESTATE
BEFORE: Very stony ground! We had over a kilometre of planting, so got the ground
mechanically 'ripped' before planting, to loosen the stones.
We then used them as mulch around plants.


AFTER: This same planting at three years old.

This planting at Norfolk Estate is a great example of how successful planting can be
when the client is committed to the after-care. We can ensure selection of the right
species for the site, proper planting technique, staking, fertilising, mulching (stones in this
case) etc, but the client has to do the regular watering, weed control etc to give
the plants the best possible start.





The use of stones at the base of the roadside fence distinguishes
this rail fence from others in the area, and most importantly,
utilises the naturally occurring local materials.
BEFORE AND AFTER - UPPER PLAIN
BEFORE - an olive tree orchard.
AFTER - out the front

AFTER - out the back




BEFORE AND AFTER - GREYTOWN
DURING - lots of sticky mud

AFTER - just waiting to grow



All these photos show a selection of my finished designs. I adore working with native trees and landscapes, but equally love planning formal hedges and perennial gardens. I refuse to be pigeon holed into one particular style. The gardens have to reflect the client and the architecture, I am just the catalyst to pull it all together.