The future looks green
To get a handle on what’s new in outdoor spaces, we caught up with expert Emily Hastie from Kamo Marsh Landscape Architects.
Fashions in clothing and design come and go, and it’s the same for gardens. Still, apart from these short-term trends, over time, we also see a slower evolution of design preferences as our lifestyles and circumstances change. After a tumultuous year where we have all spent more time at home and in our gardens, we are seeing key themes emerging for 2021 and beyond.
Climate positive choices
As we reflect on global environmental issues, New Zealanders are embracing the the shift towards taking responsibility for climate-friendly choices and greener standards.
Buy local and recycle
There’s a continuous move towards using recycled and local materials in the landscape, and more thought is going into the availability of natural/untreated products. Salt water and natural swimming pools are being considered, and local, recycled timbers are proving to be popular.
Cultural recognition
Kaitiakitanga is the guardianship or stewardship of the natural world around us. As the importance of caring for the natural environment becomes more evident, we recognise the ancient wisdom of Maori for protecting the whenua, and the benefit these values have in the modern world.
Living spaces
Rather than international travel, some people are preferring to create outdoor living spaces to enjoy their leisure time at home. Holidaying locally is, of course, enjoying a boom and this idea is feeding through into landscaping plans for a tranquil getaway at home.
New and hot garden favourites
Swimming pools, spas and swim spas
New or vintage outdoor bathtubs and woodfired hot tubs
Sculpture and local artworks
Timber screens
Green screens – wire foliage systems
Stepping stones and floating steps
Garden to table edibles
Popular planting
Dreameria - A small, mounded, flowering plant which is drought, frost and wind tolerant. It's perfect for any spot. Creeping up in popularity, Dreameria species make a good companion in low maintenance gardens.
Ligularia - Ligularia, better known as 'tractor seat' plant, creates a lush bed of green foliage, contrasting well with other textures. It thrives in those hard-to-plant shaded areas.
Lomandra Tanika - An extremely hardy compact grass that works well as a filler en masse, and rewards you with a beautiful yellow floral display.Popular planting
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