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Landscape design, implementation and planting by Second Nature 

This garden is located in Bethells Beach on Auckland’s rugged West Coast. The garden is a response to the surrounding iconic West Coast landscape and the architectural form of the house. The intention of the ‘garden’ was to seamlessly blend the house into the landscape whilst allowing the architecture to stand alone in the space.

The primary open space on the site was to the north of the house and the bold call was made to exclude vehicles from this area. All too often the motor vehicle dominates our outdoor spaces. In this case - cars were to be excluded and parked on the roadside. Visitors enter the site under an archway of Pohutukawa, into an open lawn space that is enclosed with a palette of native plants, almost exclusively locally eco-sourced. The planting serves to create a sheltered and private space (which also serves to discreetly camouflage the water storage and grey water tanks). The expanse of lawn runs to the base of the building, allowing the architecture of the house to stand unfettered in the garden.

Salt-laden winds, sandy soil and a lack of water demanded that plants were hardy and relatively low maintenance. Plants were installed closely to shelter each other and create the effect of a tangled bouquet of native flora. Planting in the rear yard utilises (occasionally sculptured) Muehlenbeckia and flax which creates a simple but dramatic effect.

This garden is a tribute to its unique location, the endemic local flora, a sublime architectural response and a visionary client.    

Architecture: Herbst Architects

Professionals used in
Bethells Beach Bach

About the
Professional

Second Nature is an award-winning, well-respected landscaping company based in Auckland, established in 1996. 

We understand the importance of turning your dream garden into reality, and that's why we're dedicated to creating beautiful outdoor living spaces. By working closely with you, our goal is to produce great design and help maximise both the beauty of, and add value to, your lifestyle and property. 

Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of services such as garden design, landscaping, project management, planting, landscape construction and garden maintenance, all of which are managed with a collaborative approach to ensure each project is enjoyable for all the participants. Our goal is to take every opportunity to enhance the final result for our customers. 

We have been awarded the 2023 Registered Master Landscapers Landscapes of Distinction Supreme Award along with several Gold Awards over the years, from the Registered Master Landscapers for Residential Project Construction: Over $100,000.

We are members of Registered Master Landscapers and are also proud supporters of The Native Forest Restoration Trust and the Rivercare Group - Te Wai o Pareira.