Planting To achieve a harmonious and natural look, the plants were grouped in planting of five, seven and nine. The ‘grasses’ included bronzy Carex testacea and C. flagellifera, Chionchloa conspicua and C. flavicans. The wonderful silver tussock, Poa cita, was also used as a bold contrast to the softer forms of the carex.
Lancewoods (Pseudopanax crassifolius) were planted amidst a group of the smaller-leaved Marlborough rock daisy (Pachystegia rufa). Hebe topiara and H. diosmifolia provide hummocks of soft foliage to contrast with the verticals of the grasses. The dwarf kowhai, Sophora ‘Dragons Gold’, will make a substantial mound of grey green over time, with the added bonus of bright yellow winter flowers. A glossy mound of Coprosma ‘Karo Red’ and Heliohebe hulkeana added contrast of form and colour. Libertia, the native iris, made a nice, strong vertical.
Olearia, brachyglottis, divaricating forms of coprosma and the native broom (Carmichaelia) were planted to link this planting and the existing shelter trees. Phormium cookianum was also used to provide a bold statement, while the smaller Phormium ‘Emerald Green’ was used in the planting itself. Bronze and purple flax were avoided as being too artificial, and P. tenax as being a little too aggressive so near to water!
Other plants that could be used here included Aciphylla, the Spaniards with their wonderful spiky form; bulbinella, like a miniature poker, and the sedge Machinaerina sinclairii. Smaller plants would include Geranium traversii, the bidibids (Acaena sp.), spreading parahebesand the green moss-like mounds of Scleranthus sp..
In a similar area with shade and more moisture ferns, Arthopodium (rengarenga) and Anemathele lessoniana, gossamer grass, Chatham Island forget-me-not (Myosotidium hortensia) and Astelia chathamatica would have been ideal choices. There are so many options when it comes to choosing natives, talk to your local garden expert and staff at your local nursery about plants that will thrive locally.
After planting, everything was watered and then a top-up of gravel ‘tucked in’ around them.
An old gum stump, with marvellous spiky roots, was placed amongst some of the smaller grasses; other found objects included gum branches and large river stones. The one extravagance - a bright blue and orange ‘pukeko’ made of corrugated iron and painted reinforcing steel.
Maintenance A leaky hose may be needed the first summer, and a vigilant eye for any rogue weeds, but the design is relatively low-maintenance, allowing the gardener to enjoy and spend precious hours elsewhere in the garden.
From Scruffy to Design Feature
Within a couple of seasons, a bank of waving grasses should welcome visitors – a design feature that is a far cry from the scruffy mess of old!
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