Modest respite
Tony Milne of Rough Milne Mitchell on a little design that means so much.
Some of you may be familiar with the American singer-songwriter John Cougar Mellencamp. With my formative years coinciding with his halcyon ones, I recall two of his anthems, “Hurts So Good” and “Jack & Diane”, from those times. However, in another of his songs, “Golden Gates,” Mellencamp sings about the importance of helping your neighbour. His main message is a lovely reminder that we all have something to offer, regardless of how big or small it may be. This resonates in so many ways.
As a design practice we often find ourselves chasing the next big opportunity. I do find the rush of adrenaline associated with pitching for and then being involved in projects that may test us, scale and design- wise, somewhat intoxicating. Every now and again a gentle reminder comes my way, an opportunity to reset and re-examine one’s priorities.
Last year, we were incredibly lucky to be involved in the enhancement of a small backyard for clients, one of whom was facing adversity in the form of a terminal illness. Our brief was relatively simple. Can we design something that will transform the current backyard into a space where life can be enjoyed and a place of respite for the family. A little bit special, meaningful to only a few and something to treasure when time is precious.
The ensuing design was modest (note, not the images shown), with elements of the current garden providing the bones on which the new design was structured. The garden was already bountiful in terms of vegetables and fruit, so this was a wonderful element to keep. Existing changes of level were utilised, and where possible, materials were upcycled. Hard landscape material that was not reused was given to our client’s friends.
The winter toil of the landscape contractors meant the new paved court and small patch of lawn were ready to be used as the days began to lengthen. Then as the days warmed, the grey skies of winter surrendered to the blossom, bees and flowers of the garden. The backyard took on a new life, poignant in the situation.
At the time of writing, it was just over a week ago my colleague Ruby and I visited our clients. The sun was radiant, the lawn verdant, the garden lovingly kept, the outdoor furniture casually arranged, suggesting recent use, and the raspberries flush with their second harvest.
An absolute pleasure, and quite humbling it was, to listen as the summer enjoyment of the backyard was described to us. Plant unavailability meant there were a couple of small gaps in the garden to fill. While flattered by the strict adherence to our planting plan, we suggested options to fill the gaps. This is one of the many nice things about these projects: they can evolve, and at times, a stray from the plan can render a far more interesting and personal result.
This ranks as my favourite 2023 project and is a timely reminder of why I am a landscape architect.
03 366 3268 | rmmla.co.nz
