Landscape architecture by Botanic Landscape Architects.
Based on a compact section in Lyttelton, the landscaping for this home was designed as part of a ‘forever home’ for homeowner Anne. Paul Roper-Gee from Botanic Landscape Architects was tasked with transforming the sloping site into a lush retreat, making the most of its stunning views of Lyttelton Harbour.
The Brief
Anne’s vision for her garden was clear: a verdant space that maximised the small site and offered a sanctuary connected to both the house and the harbour views beyond. Key to the design was the elimination of traditional lawn areas, instead embracing an overflowing garden.
A small, functional courtyard on the northern side was to provide space for growing herbs and citrus trees just outside the kitchen, while the larger southern garden would connect to the home’s living areas and create a quiet escape. Anne also wanted to integrate sculptural garden elements and a water feature that would encourage birdlife. Lastly, the garden needed a personal touch — space for her ‘favourite rock’, a large stone she used as natural seating area.
The Transformation
The design process began with thoughtful consideration of how each area of the property could serve multiple functions while maintaining a sense of openness. On the northern side, where the house meets the street, the natural stone façade was complemented by a minimalist garden design. Bold plantings of lancewoods and Muehlenbeckia complexa created structure while keeping the space uncluttered. Cedar batten screens neatly concealed utility areas, and a permeable gobi block driveway was softened with native ground cover (Selleria radicans) to allow greenery to emerge between. Behind a stone wall, a small courtyard with a raised steel planter became a practical and intimate space for growing herbs and salad greens, perfect for Anne’s kitchen garden.
On the narrower eastern and western boundaries, climbing fig and star jasmine were incorporated to provide a green backdrop from inside the home. Lush shade-loving plants, including rengarenga, farfugium, dianella, and tree ferns, were carefully selected for the western side, with a Nikau palm adding a touch of verticality.
In the southern garden, a timber pergola was installed and planted with native Clematis paniculata to provide shade and seasonal colour. A large deck extended from the house, leading down to a circular “lawn” of leptinella, a low-growing ground cover that replaced the traditional grass. Surrounding this lawn were layers of shrubs, perennials, and groundcovers, all carefully selected to thrive in the terraced space. Anne’s cherished rock was positioned as a natural seating area in the garden’s lower level.
A corten steel water feature, designed to gently bubble, was installed close to the deck, creating a soothing sound and attracting birds. Thoughtfully placed shelves around the feature allowed rocks to be positioned for birds to perch and drink — an addition that has successfully brought birdlife into the garden, just as Anne had hoped. Sculptures and large pots were integrated throughout the space, contributing to the garden’s unique character.
The Result
The completed garden feels like an oasis, offering Anne the retreat she envisioned. The northern courtyard and expansive deck are frequently used for outdoor dining, and the plantings ensures that every angle of the garden offers something beautiful to admire. Despite its compact size, the garden feels spacious, welcoming, and green!
Key Planting List
Trees
- Cordyline australis (ti kouka / cabbage tree)
- Sorbus aria ‘Lutescens’ (whitebeam)
Shrubs & Perennials
- Shrubs & perennials
- Astelia chathamica ’Silver Spear’
- Dianella nigra (NZ inkberry)
- Daphne odora ‘Leucanthe’
- Farfugium japonicum ‘Aureomaculatum’ (Leopard Plant)
- Gaura lindeimeri (bee blossom)
- Hakonechloa macra (Japanese Forest Grass)
- Ligularia reniformis (Tractor Seat Plant)
- Miscanthus ‘Morning Light’ (Maiden Grass)
- Westringia ‘Grey Box’
Ground covers
- Lobelia angulata (pratia)
- Leptinella dioica – used for a circular ‘lawn’ in the lower courtyard
- Fuchsia procumbens (Creeping Fuchsia)
- Selleria radicans (Remuremu) – used for the driveway gobi block area.
Climbing plants (boundary & pergola)
- Tracheolospermum jasminoides (star jasmine)
- Ficus pumila (climbing fig)
- Clematis paniculata
