Step into the mesmerizing world of Sally and Roger’s garden, a modern garden designed by Lynley Fife of Line & Design. This stunning garden, which beautifully follows all of the lines of their contemporary home, is a testament to thoughtful design and meticulous care.

As you approach the property, you’re greeted by an array of plants grouped by variety. The street frontage boasts Rhododendron Dora Matei, the low-growing Gardenia augusta Radicans, and the textured Coprosma Red Rocks. Sculpted topiary blue totara (Podocarpus totara Matapouri Blue) add a touch of elegance, while Clivia peeks out from behind the house panels.

A peek into Sally’s “garden shed,” which is actually part of the house, is recommended. Her Bruns tool racks are very cool.

Wandering around the eastern side, you’ll notice a few roses. “They’re Roger’s roses,” Sally explains. “The garden wasn’t supposed to have any roses.”  Yet, they blend seamlessly into the design, adding charm. A small herb garden with a standard rosemary and a Hellebore garden beside an outdoor living area further enhance the space.

At the rear, an impressive concrete raised vegetable garden mirrors the house’s concrete walls. The concept of the concrete vegetable garden is to extend the growing season in both directions.  Surrounding this area is a smart black pipe fencing framework supporting a variety of espaliered fruit trees, including lemonade, nectarine, fig, persimmon, double-grafted apricot, Braeburn apple, and Gala apple. This area promises to be a visual and culinary delight as the trees mature.

The view from here is breathtaking, offering a panoramic view down the Waikato River and across to part of the golf course.

The front garden features white and cream alstroemeria, various dwarf conifers, and the spectacular Lobelia aberdarica, which can grow over six feet tall. Sally originally sourced these from Peter Cave’s former nursery and transplanted them from their previous home in Roto-o-rangi.

A hedge of Camellia sasanqua Early Pearly along one side and a central dogwood adorn the Bergenia garden. The garden’s centrepiece is a long, pristine pond with bronze duck sculptures by Trevor Askin of Timaru. Sally and Roger’s love for sculpture is evident with a Richard Page sculpture beside the house.

The transformation of the bank high above the river is nothing short of miraculous. Once a mass of gorse and privet, it is now carpeted with Grevillea Bronze Rambler. Below, a variety of plants, including Michelia, Rhododendrons, a magnificent Pieris, avocado, plum, and Kowhai, create a lush tapestry.

As you exit, you’ll pass by Michelia Inspiration, another Early Pearly hedge, and a line of standard Michelia gracipes with little white azaleas underneath.

Back at the street frontage, a large rock with a plaque catches your eye. Unearthed during the 2022 renovations at Ellerslie Racecourse, it commemorates Roger’s record number of NZ Derby wins (six) from 1986 to 2024.