Behind the scenes with Second Nature: a look at the ins and outs of full-service landscape design

ArchiPro: Can you tell me the story of how Second Nature came to be?

Second Nature: Chris Ballantyne has worked in the landscape industry since 1984, and the current entity, Second Nature, was formed in 1996 with Chris’ then business partner, Peter Nerney. This early iteration of Second Nature specialised in implementing gardens for many of Auckland’s leading independent landscape designers. Janet Clarke transitioned from being a client to being a partner, buying out Peter’s shareholding in 2004. Janet brought considerable business and project management experience into the company to complement the existing strong technical skill base.

AP: Who are the members of your team, and how has this team grown over the years?

SN: Second Nature currently employs 45 full-time staff plus contractors. The landscape industry has evolved significantly over the past four decades, becoming increasingly sophisticated. As the industry has matured, specialities have developed, and more refined skill sets are required. To meet the demands of the market, Second Nature’s structure has evolved to deliver its comprehensive service through its four specialist divisions: landscape design, landscape construction, soft landscape installation, and garden management services — all these divisions supported by a dedicated management and administration team.

AP: Can you explain how the different specialisations of each of its workstreams — Design, Create, and Grow — bring to each project?

SN: Second Nature’s Design team includes three landscape architects, offering an in-house design service, together with providing technical support for other independent landscape designers. This collaboration works to ensure the best outcome is achieved for our clients and provides a valuable connection with the building team. Both our own in-house team, and the independent designers we work alongside, are able to utilise the wealth of practical landscape industry experience that exists across Second Nature. An illustration of this partnership with independent designers is ‘Small Urban Courtyard’ in Point Chevalier, Auckland, which was designed by Andy Hamilton Studio. Second Nature was awarded the Supreme Award 2023 at the Registered Master Landscapers Landscapes of Distinction Awards for this project, receiving well-deserved recognition for the excellence of our horticultural team.

Our landscape construction teams specialise in delivering the build elements of any landscape project. With decades of landscape construction experience and knowledge within the team, they are able to deliver complex and large-scale projects whilst maintaining high levels of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and an appreciation of the requirements of the horticultural elements of the garden. Our construction skills are available independent of our in-house designs, as we often construct the designs of Auckland’s leading independent designers.

The ‘Grow’ element of our services include both our planting and garden care services.

Our planting team specialise in installing the ‘soft’ landscape elements of a garden project. They are experts in sourcing plants from growers throughout New Zealand, undertaking soil preparation, field drainage, plant and lawn installation, and irrigation systems.

Essential to the enduring success of any garden is the ongoing management of the garden post-installation. Second Nature has dedicated garden care teams that provide professional garden care services. Gardens are dynamic, living entities, and a high level of horticultural skill is required to maintain the design intent of a garden, site conditions, and the plants to ensure that the garden retains its integrity and can thrive long-term.

AP: How do your teams collaborate together on projects?

SN: As mentioned, Second Nature delivers projects for both our in-house design team and for external independent designers. Regardless of the lead designer, close collaboration between the designer and the team implementing a project is fundamental to the project’s success. The designer's vision is supported by the extensive construction and horticultural experience within Second Nature (in excess of 500 years of landscape experience!). Solutions to tricky elements are brainstormed and delivered by the whole project team. Likewise, the requirements of the planted aspects of the garden need to be understood and taken into consideration by the construction team — collaboration with the planting team is essential to ensure the planting plan is not compromised.

Upon completion of the project, our garden care teams take over the care of gardens created by Second Nature. Again, the fact that there has been communication and collaboration throughout the project means that the full scope of the garden is understood by the garden care team assigned to that garden. The foundation of the garden has been created with clear design intent, durable and detailed construction, and skilled garden installation. Understanding this, the garden care team seeks, over time, to maintain and nurture the garden to its full potential.

AP: Do all projects require the work of each team, or are there some projects where you are just contracted for one element?

SN: Each Second Nature division can deliver their specialist offering independently; the best projects are delivered with an integrated approach between each of the specialities involved. Second Nature are landscape project management specialists that utilise our in-house resources, supported by a network of established specialist contractors ensuring seamless control from inception to delivery and beyond.

AP: How do you take a personal approach to each project? 

SN: Each project is unique and Second Nature’s team prides itself on bringing the same passion and commitment to all our projects, creating and caring for beautiful outdoor environments.

We strive for high standards of customer care and communication, with a dedicated project manager and team leader for each project who builds a strong working relationship with the clients. Much of our work is in the residential space and we work around people’s homes; this requires that our teams are respectful, professional and trustworthy.

AP: How involved are the clients throughout the project?

SN: It is our clients who make what we love doing possible. We enjoy long-term, enduring relationships with many of our clients. The creation of a garden is a very personal process and we involve the clients throughout. We seek to make this an enjoyable, educational, and rewarding experience for everyone involved in the project.

AP: How do you find inspiration as a team?

SN: Second Nature’s team are passionate about creativity, have a love for the environment we work in, and express a sense of pride and purpose in our mahi. We are inspired by each other, our clients, our creative (and increasingly relevant industry) and the New Zealand landscape.

AP: How important is a strong team to the success of a landscaping project?

SN: Landscapes are complex. For a project to succeed, all the elements need to be seamlessly woven together. This demands a shared vision and close collaboration between the client and the delivery team. Expertise, commitment, and professionalism are essential on each step of the journey. Our industry is fortunate — it attracts creatives and those passionate about the environment. Those working in our industry choose this, not just as a job but rather as a meaningful and fulfilling career. Our work environment is sometimes challenging, but always dynamic, providing never-ending opportunities to learn and develop.

Learn more about Second Nature.