When Sally and John built their new home in Thornton Road they brought a few special plants with them from their previous property. Their aim was to create a low maintenance garden that suited their desire to have an easy care self-maintaining garden that was nice to look at.

An old bungalow was on the property. This was removed and transported to their daughter’s place in Coromandel where it is very much loved. In developing the property, they more or less stripped the garden including old conifers, and a hedge.  The landscaper they engaged helped clear the section as did the builders. The landscaping was done in conjunction with the house build.

One particular aspect is that there are many natural stone formations within each garden bed and together with the plantings – such as maple, mondo grass, winter roses, citrus and apple trees plus magnolia and other large trees, the overall appearance is not of a tiny garden. The use of more established plants gives the garden more maturity 

I particularly love the space to the left as you enter through the main gate - being eye catching and picturesque with its plantings, stone structures, white pebbles (the grandchildren love these) and a copper “whirly-gig” – a special gift from Sally’s daughter. This area has a functional and clever “secret” – hidden beneath the mounded garden is a reservoir providing a source of water for every garden and lawn – another labour-saving, low maintenance device.

An added attraction are the many pots scattered throughout. These have been given numerous coats of paint to make them appear “old-fashioned”.

So --- I asked Sally what the space was she loved most and what was her favourite view. She quickly identified two areas – looking out from the kitchen window to the front entrance garden with maple, white pebbles and “whirly-gig” – which holds special meaning; and from the upstairs master bedroom with a view of the atrium, a rhododendron and the back lawn – a very private space.

As you wander through this garden, enjoy all the aspects – how the house and garden complement each other and the clever and professional planning and installation that went in to capture the brief given. Visitors during the Festival can enjoy the beauty and thoughtful design of this low-maintenance haven.

Overall, Sally and John’s garden is a testament to their love for nature and thoughtful design, offering a serene and picturesque retreat that is both beautiful and effortlessly maintained.

Bev Maul-Rogers