b'In the front garden, the aggregate concrete is juxtaposed against a paleGet this exterior stained green Island Stone pebble mosaic, which can be purchased by the metre. Thenish with Resene cabbage trees near the entrance were set into washed river pebbles sourcedConcrete Stain Blue.from Ablaze, a Wellington landscape supply company. I dont like bark mulch, says Rebecca. A pebble mulch contributes to the clean, arid look that complements this style of garden. However, my preferenceResene is usually for leaf mulch. Concrete Stain BlueLarge river-worn greywacke boulders, sourced by David from a Wairarapa riverBlack Aeoniumquarry, were strategically placed about the front garden. The concrete planter and steps by the front door were stained with Resene Concrete Stain Blue.The back garden evokes a more lush appearance. Subtropical Michaelias were planted in the shady areas and produce a lovely fragrance in winter. Other species planted in the back garden include various dwarf cabbageResene Spinnakertrees, including Cordyline kaspar, Poor Knights lilies (planted in pumice), and Dicksonia brosa tree ferns. Irish moss (Arenaria aurea) was used on the shady side of the garden, with the succulents, to great effect, providing a mat of soft green foliage in the damp shade. Black taro was used in the drier areas, with lots of subtropical vireya rhododendrons. Alongside the base of the column at the foot of the steps, Aloe plicatilis (fan aloe) became the feature plant. Its wonderful, with strappy, tongue-like leaves, and its very toughyou canResene Tsunamikill it only by overwatering, says Rebecca.Architect: John MillsTheprocess,frombrienganddesigningtocompletion,tookoneyear.Landscape architects: Following Earthworks plan, David, an experienced builder, constructed theRebecca Lipsham,garden himself, laying the paths and making the H3 pine louvre screen thatWade Lipsham, Earthworksdivides the bulk of the front garden from the front door surroundings. David and Margaret also did the planting. Resene They did a fabulous job of developing it all, says Rebecca.HeroIn fact, David enjoyed the whole process so much that he has since becomePseudopanaxan avid gardener. He has also engaged Rebecca as his landscape architect on a number of client projects, as well as for their own new home and for their Martinborough homestay.Although Margaret and David have moved on to a bigger house, Margaret still speaks wistfully of the garden she left behind.Resene RangerI still look longingly at it whenever I drive past. I really miss the garden. TheResene process of developing it was so enjoyable. I loved the different views of it fromFreestylingvarious windows in the house.New owner Karen enthuses about the gardens low-maintenance requirements and still maintains contact with Rebecca. On Rebeccas advice she has now removed the large fatsia, which had nally outgrown its site, and replaced it with a Cyril Watson pseudopanax. Other than the addition of a small herb garden at the back of the section, she has changed very little.on the following pages, Theres always something happening in the garden, something about tond two alternative style burst into colour, she says. suggestions for this garden| 89'