Native garden and habitat enhancement

By NICK ROBINSON

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A simple gravel path leads down to the stream through the established bush, underplanted with native ferns and ground layer plants
A simple gravel path leads down to the stream through the established bush, underplanted with native ferns and ground layer plants
Project by
NICK ROBINSON
Plans
Concept unrendered

A large section with existing bush in the Waitakere foothills was redesigned and replanted to enhance the local ecology and demonstrate the garden potential of local species. This garden featured the restoration of the river flood terrace with native wetland species, a fern garden making use of deep shade areas, a rain garden planted with a textural mix of sedges and rushes and a lawn surrounded by native plants displaying their aesthetic and ornamental qualities. Construction included semi-permeable fencing, new decks from sustainable vitex and an outdoor shower with spiral bamboo screen. A derelict bridge over the river was replaced with a "wilderness" boulder crossing 

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A simple gravel path leads down to the stream through the established bush, underplanted with native ferns and ground layer plants
A sunny lawn is crossed by stepping stones and surrounded by native planting selected for its visual interest. The fence separates the dog territory from the wildife zone
The outdoor shower is enclosed by a bamboo screen in a spiral. The floor is smooth schist and rounded pebble.
The flood terrace beyond the stream is planted with a diversity of native wetland sedges and other plants, decaying log piles are retained for fungal, insect and lizard habitat.
A derelict stream bridge was replaced with a simple crossing of natural boulders

Professionals used in
Native garden and habitat enhancement

NICK ROBINSON
NICK ROBINSON
Landscape Architects

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NICK ROBINSON

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About the
Professional

Nick Robinson  ProAccGDSNZ, NZILA(Reg)

Nick is a landscape and garden designer with over twenty years experience of designing, creating and managing private and public gardens in New Zealand, UK and USA . He is also a design teacher and lecturer and is the author of the Planting Design Handbook (published by Routledge, third edition 2016) along with many articles on design and planting.

A special interest is beautiful and bio-diverse design for ecology and wildlife in the garden as well as in the wider environment. Nick's gardens are created as 'pollinator paradises' providing foraging and shelter for the many beneficial insects that visit gardens.

Nick has a HND in Landscape and Horticulture Technology from Askham Bryan, York, UK, a Masters in Landscape Design from University of Sheffield UK, and is chartered member of the Landscape Institute, a registered member of the New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architects, and an Profesionally Accredited Member of the Garden Design Society of New Zealand.