Second Nature

Second Nature is recognised by the New Zealand landscape design industry as having the skills, knowledge and capability to build the most complex and innovative landscape designs to the highest standard. Though our largest design project to date was valued at $1.5 million, we have much experience in working on smaller garden designs or upgrades.

We have won numerous industry and Ellerslie Flower Show Awards. Many of our gardens have featured in garden design books, as well as leading magazines and trade journals.

Our commitment to achieving enduring quality outcomes is vital to our business practice and reputation. Guarantees and warranties are established for each project.

Second Nature holds comprehensive insurance cover. We partner with Hazardco to ensure that our work practices provide a safe and healthy environment for our workers and clients alike.

We have been a committed accredited member of Landscaping New Zealand (Registered Master Landscapers) for over 25 years. Chris Ballantyne has received a Distinguished Service Award from the organisation. Our RML accreditation provides assurance that our work and business practices have consistently achieved the required best practice and have adhered to the RML Code of Conduct.

We are also long-term members and sponsors of the Native Forest Restoration Trust, as we believe that the intensively built areas of towns and cities can be softened and enhanced by supporting flourishing natural wilderness ecosystems. In addition, we support other charities by our sponsorship of The Auckland Garden DesignFest in which our gardens regularly feature. Our gardens are also featured in the Heroic Gardens tour.

Landscape and garden design: Ideas, planning and a creative response to every garden

The value of design for small or large landscaping projects

Creative garden design can make the difference between an ordinary garden and one that is inspiring, even spectacular – a garden that stimulates the senses, surprising and delighting you season after season. If you have not already worked with a designer, then Second Nature can offer options for the creation of a design and will also provide effective planning, communication and implementation, the foundations of any successful landscaping project.

How you can work with Second Nature

Our in-house design service harnesses the creative talent of our landscape architecture and garden design teams. They can maximise the potential of your existing garden or provide you with a complete redesign. Their design expertise is complemented by the depth of knowledge and experience provided by our landscape construction and horticulture teams.

Even if you already have a design from an independent designer, Second Nature can work with that designer providing additional drafting services and integration with the construction team.

We understand that every client and every project is unique. In order to provide you with a quality service, we take time to become familiar with you and your site in order to establish the best solution for you and your garden. 

Landscape Construction: Effective project management and skilled builders and landscapers to implement your garden design

A garden design is successfully realised only through experienced project management, skilled workmanship and attention to detail. Our BUILD team has a proven track record of successfully constructing inspired landscapes. We are well known for our skilled and sensitive interpretation of architectural, landscape and garden design concepts and on-site resolution of complex garden construction details. Our BUILD team work closely with the designer to ensure that the integrity of the design remains intact throughout the construction process. The quality of our work will make the most of what your garden has to offer, rewarding you with hours of pleasure, as well as repaying your investment by increasing the overall value of your home.

Piling & Retaining
A considerable amount of construction can take place below ground and is not visible on the surface, particularly on sloping sites. In order to create usable space and landscape structures, piling, engineered foundations and retaining are often required. Second Nature has considerable experience in constructing large-scale landscape structural components.

Permeable surfaces
The push for increasing urban density and a better understanding of the impact of uncontrolled storm-water discharge has led to an increasing requirement for more sustainable and environmentally-friendly landscape solutions. Permeable paving filters and slows storm-water flows providing a porous surface that can be used in pathways, patios and overflow parking areas.

Second Nature offers a range of permeable solutions. We are the authorised installer of StoneSet NZ paving an attractive and versatile resin-bound aggregate system which has longevity that alternative options don’t have. It is a permeable alternative that is vastly superior to loose stones for pathways and tree pits. StoneSet is available in a wide range of colours and finishes and is an effective and attractive overlay to existing surfaces such as old concrete or asphalt.

Garden Art
Second Nature can design, build and install decorative elements for your garden – from mosaic paths or patios to screens and the installation of bespoke sculptures. Our extensive construction knowledge and problem-solving skills also enable us to work with your designer to build and install a special feature that will enhance your garden. Our designers are familiar with the work of our best local sculptors. We can provide referrals if required and work alongside you to manage the transport and the effective installation of your chosen sculpture or special garden feature.

Pools & Water Features
The magic of water can be added to your garden by means of a small water feature providing visual and aural interest. Or it may be a pool that provides entertainment and relief from the heat of summer. Second Nature designs pools and has a close relationship with expert pool builders with whom we can coordinate to provide you with a pool in your chosen style. 

Water features can be custom-built or off-the-shelf, depending on your budget.

Outdoor Fireplaces, Pizza Ovens
Second Nature’s outdoor fireplaces will add life, warmth and a delightful feature to your outdoor entertainment area. Built to complement the style of your garden, outdoor fires can be either gas or wood-fired.

Pizza ovens provide both food and fun for the whole family. Second Nature can install off the shelf units or create an oven to suit your needs.

Gas flares can provide a decorative feature and focal point for a garden. When placed adjacent to a pool, gas flares can create interesting reflections.

Garden Furniture, Pots & Planters
These elements can convert the garden into an extra room, adding comfort and interest. They can be practical, bespoke or highly decorative.

Second Nature can supply a range of quality outdoor pots or furniture to suit most situations and budgets. Artfully positioned, our pots and planters can soften and decorate the smallest patio or balcony.

Garden furniture adds to the comfortable use of your outdoor living space. Second Nature can source ‘off-the-shelf’ options or design and build outdoor furniture to best suit your al fresco living needs.

Garden installation and care: New planting, replanting and garden maintenance expertise

Second Nature has expertise in the following:

• Implementation of planting designs/plans.
• "Dressing" balconies, terraces and entryways with pots and planters
• Garden renovations 
• Plant sourcing – we also have access to unusual plants.
• Soil preparation, drainage and irrigation.
• Weed, pest and disease control.
• Fertilising, mulching, composting, specialist pruning, irrigation.
• Lawn construction
• Organic options – the importance of biodiversity and sustainable practice.

Planting Plans

A professionally created planting scheme adds value to your property and enhances your lifestyle. Our planting plans reflect our specialist skills and an in-depth understanding of the art of design combined with our expert knowledge about how to cultivate plants. Second Nature can provide you with planting plans that you implement yourself or we can give you a complete planting and maintenance service.

Garden Creation 

Once the planting plan has been completed, the garden can be installed. Successful gardens require an understanding of local soil conditions and micro-climates. Plant selection, drainage, soil preparation and irrigation are critical elements to be taken into consideration when creating a garden.

Second Nature has the experience and expertise to deliver customised solutions for your garden’s specific needs.

On-going garden care

Once your garden has been constructed the design will maintain its integrity only if it receives regular professional care. 

Pots & planters
Residential - We can source or custom-build quality pots and planters made from materials ranging from stone to terracotta or concrete to anodised aluminium, suitable for residential patios and decks. Lightweight alternatives can be provided for balconies and terraces where weight is an issue.

Commercial - We can also supply and install robust large or customised planters and pots for commercial sites Auckland wide, including to car-parks, foyers, cafes, restaurants, office blocks, hotels, footpaths, etc.

Edible Gardens
If you are wanting to incorporate vegetables and herbs, or include fruit and nut trees and berries in your garden, Second Nature can advise, plant, irrigate and maintain. This could include us providing just a planting plan or our full service. To achieve a successful edible garden you will need fertile soil with effective drainage, sufficient sunlight and a regular watering system and spray regime.

Tap into our expertise with:

• Vegetable and herb gardens
• Edible landscapes (fruit and nut trees, berries)
• Organic systems

Garden Renovations 

Gardens are dynamic entities, forever changing and ageing. As plants mature and grow there is a periodic need for refreshment and renovation.At times it is appropriate to work within the framework of an existing garden, to reinvigorate the soil and undertake to replant as required. This can often have the effect of delivering a new garden with added appeal in a cost-effective way.

Professional garden care
If your dream garden has just been completed, you want to be confident that it will look just as special in a year’s time. It’s vital to ensure that the quality and integrity of the design is retained as your garden matures. Second Nature has the proven track record and the horticultural and arboreal expertise to maintain your garden on a regular or on-request basis.

For Second Nature, success is more about satisfied clients and enduring client relationships than winning awards; however, we are pleased to have a good stable of both. Numerous industry and other awards have been gained over the years; most recently Gold in the 2019 Registered Master Landscapers Awards of Distinction. Collectively, they mirror the enthusiasm, skill and pride we take every day in shaping nature with a light but sure hand.