by Earthwork Landscape Architects
Wilson's father restored this entry gate, which was made from the back of an old dray that he found on the property 40 years ago. The gate leads to the back of the courtyard, with a "crazy paving path," Wilson says.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
The garden changes each time Wilson visits. "I no longer live here full time, so I appreciate it more. I know how much work goes into managing this type of garden, but it is a nice discipline to keep your eyes open and know when to stop and let it do its thing," she says.
This little path meanders through a casual mix of plantings toward a sculpture of a perched rooster, given to them by the neighbors, overlooking a farmyard and a chicken coop beyond.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
This little path meanders through a casual mix of plantings toward a sculpture of a perched rooster, given to them by the neighbors, overlooking a farmyard and a chicken coop beyond.
Here, Klaas the rooster keeps watch over the holiday festivities.
A few years ago, the family lengthened the driveway into the home, bringing the elm trees in the farthest corner of the garden closer. This had a dramatic effect on the feel of the garden. "You now come in off the open road and the Canterbury Plains, and suddenly you're transported to this sheltered, leafy and peaceful place," says Wilson.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
A few years ago, the family lengthened the driveway into the home, bringing the elm trees in the farthest corner of the garden closer. This had a dramatic effect on the feel of the garden. "You now come in off the open road and the Canterbury Plains, and suddenly you're transported to this sheltered, leafy and peaceful place," says Wilson.
Moss growing in the cracks between the pavers gives the area visual interest and an interesting geometric pattern. The moss is a seasonal occurrence that retreats when the cracks dry out in the spring.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
An old barn along one edge of the garden was once covered in ivy. When it died, the wall evolved into this "sculptural masterpiece," as WIlson calls it, which she hopes stays with her family for a few more years.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
Wilson underplanted the grove of kowhai trees with native gossamer grass, which she says "contrasts with the strong, upright forms and creates a soft division between the driveway and the house."
She describes her parents' house as "pretty ordinary" — it's an L-shape concrete block with a low-pitched roof and aluminum windows. Her mother immediately painted it black and planted ivy around the base. "Now it is completely covered and is a greenhouse requiring diligent shaving twice a year. It actually looks very acceptable now, as it kind of disappears into the garden," she says.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
She describes her parents' house as "pretty ordinary" — it's an L-shape concrete block with a low-pitched roof and aluminum windows. Her mother immediately painted it black and planted ivy around the base. "Now it is completely covered and is a greenhouse requiring diligent shaving twice a year. It actually looks very acceptable now, as it kind of disappears into the garden," she says.
On Christmas Day the entire family heads to the courtyard. The informal table is surrounded by mismatched chairs, in tune with the casual, easygoing vibe of summer — and Christmas in New Zealand.
Wilson's mother makes fruit mince pies with sweet short pastry. "They are definitely the best I have ever had, and I've tried a few. My mother also makes a wonderful Christmas cake using a recipe from a great-great-grandmother," she says.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
Wilson's mother makes fruit mince pies with sweet short pastry. "They are definitely the best I have ever had, and I've tried a few. My mother also makes a wonderful Christmas cake using a recipe from a great-great-grandmother," she says.
In the distance sits a simple garden bench under an oak. Its lime color matches the new growth. Tussock grasses provide a link to open paddocks beyond the fence. Wilson kept the stumps of removed trees for sculptural interest; she topped them with rocks from a local riverbed.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
Despite the warm weather, Wilson's family celebrates a traditional English-style dinner, complete with turkey, Christmas ham and hot plum pudding with brandy hard sauce. "It's a bit rich and admittedly, it's crazy food for the beginning of summer," she says. "We also make special salads, often using kumara, our Maori sweet potato."
After toasting the holidays with sparkling wine or champagne, the Wilsons move on to local New Zealand wines: sauvignon blancs and varietals from just up the road in Waipara.
by Earthwork Landscape Architects
After toasting the holidays with sparkling wine or champagne, the Wilsons move on to local New Zealand wines: sauvignon blancs and varietals from just up the road in Waipara.
The landscape architect waxes philosophical when talking about letting the natural beauty of her family's garden become part of their larger vision for its management. "The whole garden doesn't have to be wild. It is often reassuring to have controlled, manicured areas. But it [would be] a shame, I think, for the whole garden to be kept tightly in check at all times," she says.
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Comments
Kindle Living What a beautiful garden, a fantastic place to spend Christmas dinner!
5 months ago · Like
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Francie Ryder So good to see something from New Zealand on here. Beautiful.
5 months ago · Like
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olldroo Agree Francie, it is a pity there isn't more on here, New Zealand has some amazing architecture.
5 months ago · Like
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Casart Coverings Wonderful, playful flip with the tinseled rooster!
5 months ago · Like
marmarmish Fabulous!
5 months ago · Like
pef64 May I please live there forever with a good book under the sun or shade?
5 months ago · Like
Ginger Lange It's quite apparent that people with good hearts live in this place.
5 months ago · Like
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kaz2 Lovely thanks for showing it. I hope you have a great day down there. I know the weather is threatening to rain. I love that you said not all the garden should be kept. I also have a large amount of my garden that I intend to keep as natural as possible. We have 5 acres in Auckland, I love to watch the pukekoes etc run around the place.
5 months ago · Like
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kaz2 One of the tracks to our unkept back yard. Yours looks lovely and manicured. 
5 months ago · Like
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goodbetterbest Beautiful!
5 months ago · Like
Roz Willmott_Dalton Christmas day was a scorcher in Canterbury too, so the shade would have been very welcomed. These pics capture the true essence of Kiwi outside entertaining. Love it!
5 months ago · Like
katcol Oh you must put more NZ items in as the houses and gardens are wonderful.
3 weeks ago · Like
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