GARDEN REVISIT - Nithsdale

Another treat this week was to return to Nithsdale, nearly a decade after my first visit.  I only drew up a preliminary outline plan for the house gardens originally. I later developed a design for a pond down the end of the paddock, to be fed by a water race.  (We did this in consultation with the MDC water engineer, by the way!).  The water race makes the water so fresh and clean, as it enters and exits constantly, using a series of weirs. 

Today the pond is just GORGEOUS!!  I was thrilled to see what Iain has done with the planting, including a mass of water lilies and water irises. Plus a jetty! The long trek along a mown path through the long grass, from the house, is a key part of the experience. What a great destination for a picnic or to read a book in the hammock slung over the water race! 

Who wouldn't want to sit on that jetty, feet dangling into the water on a hot day? 

Iain has added some unusual NZ native trees. Prostrate Kowhai
here, with orange Californian poppies poking through. 

I love it that Iain has let there be long grass - not trying
for perfection in this very natural space.  

The house can be seen in the distance, over the field of long grass (soon to ne harvested)

Back to the house gardens, and this is really quite a plantsmans garden. Full of interesting and unusual species, as well as loads of fruit trees. Lots of South African plants - proteas, leucadendron and so many bulbs, as a nod to their time living there. Also uncommon trees - Aspen, and even a Cork Oak! 

Cork Oak - Quercus suber

What a pleasure to see someone actually creating cut circles around the base of their trees!
THIS is what I mean when I write this on plans, people!! Keeps the base clear of competing
weeds, easy to mow around, a great place to keep mulch in place, and looks super smart. 

And finishing with an Echium. I have never seen this one before - or lots 
of the plants in the garden actually! 

How great to have been invited back. A real buzz to see how my original plans have
been interpreted and expanded upon in line with the clients own character and style.
I came back to my own garden with a greater focus on what I could be doing to make
it unique. This garden thoroughly deserved to be  included in this years Pukaha Garden
Tour. A real credit to many years dedication!