feature garden words Sharon Newey pictures Bryce Carleton father “that I’ve somehow managed to keep alive”, that are a perfect russet red colour match, and which now have new homes in smart black pots. There’s even a small herb garden, set unashamedly in the middle of the narrow strip of lawn that wraps around the side of the house. “It’s great. I can just grab some herbs for my cooking and I now know the difference between basil and coriander,” jokes Dave. Dee explains that if Dave ever tires of the look of the herb patch, it’s easily replanted in nandinas to match another garden also set into the lawn. Garden lights add another dimension to the garden at night. Set into the raised planting beds, they are directed up into the plants and over the walls. Says Dave: “It’s great to have quite a different look from day to night.” Dave admired the attention to detail from the installers, Urbis Landscapes, who included clever ideas like a drainage slot instead of a central grate in the pavers, and made sure the barbecue sat in just the right place so that the hood didn’t hit the glass pool fence when it was open. “Urbis did a first-rate job. I was so happy with their professionalism and workmanship.” Dave now gets much more use out of the garden, either reading a book on the old bench seat or entertaining friends. He even enjoys the chores, like mowing the lawn or tidying away fallen leaves. “I love the whole thing. It’s calming, versatile and usable, and suits my sense of order. Dee came and she waved her magic wand. I wouldn’t change a thing.” Get the look with Resene Furniture and Decking Oil. verbascum pheoniceum Violetta turn the page for an alternative look for this garden... Resene Rainee Resene Pioneer Red Above: The refurbished garden seat, painted in Resene Pioneer Red, has its own alcove in the raised garden beds. Get the look with Resene Lumbersider tinted to Resene Tapa. Get the look with Resene Enamacryl tinted to Resene Pioneer Red. Resene Tapa 77