Landscape design by Sculpt Gardens
Located above Castor Bay Beach with expansive views of the bay — this garden will be open to the general public at the upcoming Auckland Garden Designfest on 23-24 November, 2024.
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In the coastal setting of Castor Bay lies this reimagined design project by landscape designers Claire Talbot and Naomi Gray of Sculpt Gardens. The property overlooks the stunning Hauraki Gulf bay and doubles as boutique luxury accommodation.
The Brief
The main intention behind this project was to establish an inviting entrance that would match the striking first impression of the home.
With limited garden bed space, it was crucial that each planting area featured robust plants capable of thriving in the coastal conditions, including wind, sun and shade.
The homeowners wanted large specimen trees for immediate impact and privacy from neighbouring properties. Additionally, the design needed to soften the bold architecture of the house while also taking advantage of the coastal location.
The Transformation
The transformation process began with a thoughtful design approach. Inspired by the striking coastline, the design incorporated large feature trees to establish scale and a sense of enclosure.
Key elements included strategic planting that framed the home and integrated the infinity pool into the landscape. The selection of plants was critical – choices like Gardenia and Strelizia parvifolia were made not only for their visual appeal but also for their ability to thrive in the coastal environment and add texture to the surroundings.
A gorgeous outdoor entertaining area was developed, that offered breathtaking views of the Hauraki Gulf on its outlook.
The Result
Four years later, the project has achieved beautiful results. The carefully chosen plants have softened the home’s appearance, in particular with Gardenia filling the air with fragrance at the entrance.
The dramatic Strelizia parvifolia contrasts beautifully against the stone façade and both homeowners and guests can enjoy their natural surroundings in serene privacy.
Key Plant List
- Dysoxylum spectabile – Kohekohe
- Dracaena draco – Dragon Tree
- Gardenia jasminoides – Gardenia
- Strelitzia parvifolia
- Coprosma repens – Taupata, Mirror Bush
- Ligularia reniformis
- Trachelospermum jasminoides – Star Jasmine
- Vriesea gigantea x ‘Nova Queen’
- Dypsis lutescens – Areca Palm
- Canna ‘Ambassador’
- Juniperus chinensis ‘Kaizuka’ – Hollywood Juniper
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Sculpt Gardens
Director and owner Claire Talbot, along with accredited Garden Design Society landscape designer Naomi Gray and the sparkly Sculpt team of gardeners, offer a distinctly female approach to landscape design. A feminine perspective on the creative possibilities and potential you can bring to your garden, and an appreciation for the realities of family life. A well-designed outdoor space can make family life easier. We create designs that draw people outside to sit and talk with friends, potter in the garden, watch their family play on the lawn and enjoy a glass of wine.
We have a keen interest in designing Aotearoa centric unique and beautiful gardens with a floral, biodiverse, productive focus to attract birds and bees.
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Photography by Sally Tagg
Outdoor entertainment area by Suzanne Turley Landscapes
