The previous house on this Mt Pleasant property was demolished because of earthquake damage. The clients were left with an almost blank site to build their new house and create a new garden. Only a few established trees on the perimeter of the property were left.
After a muddy start to this project we are now well under way. The warm, dry spring weather has certainly made the job easier!
With some excavation, and the construction of a low retaining wall, a large flat area has been created at the rear of the house. A new lawn has been laid and a path giving access to the rear entrance of the house has been built. The light colour of the pavers used contrasts nicely with the colour of the house. Eventually, hedging between the house and path will help to soften things.
The existing concrete crib wall, the only original feature of the property that remained after the existing house was demolished, remains. Hedging will disguise this wall.
On the area above this crib wall we have constructed a pathway and low timber retaining wall. Here we have built macrocarpa raised planters for a vegetable garden, accessible from either the pathway or via a short flight of sleeper steps. The vegetation on the boundary here was very overgrown and was given a heavy pruning as part of site preparation. Once this vegetation fills out over spring, and the fruit trees come into leaf, this will be a very pleasant place to enjoy the views out over Christchurch and up the coast.
We have almost finished putting down the deck and then this stage of the garden design is finished for now. A large private area for the clients to relax in, out of the easterly wind, has been created.
Next up are macrocarpa sleeper steps coming down the side of the house to the front lawn.
If you’re thinking of landscaping your hillside Christchurch property call us today - 027-420-2466.
The new lawn is almost down
Retaining wall and macrocarpa raised planters