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Construction, clearing a site, and installing hardscaping features may come to mind when you think of landscaping. These tasks, though important, are just a fraction of what landscapers do. Discover the difference that high-end landscaping   can make with our guide to landscaping services and learn questions you can ask for your next landscaping project. What is high-end landscaping? Landscapers are professionals specialising in designing, constructing, planting, and maintaining beautiful outdoor spaces. High-end landscapers have an intimate understanding of each component and how these relate to each other. Often, they can deliver each service together and take responsibility for a project from start to finish. A seamless experience where each pillar of landscaping informs the other is a sign of expert landscaping.   Landscaping first starts with the design aspect. After consultation, a thoughtful landscape designer will assess the site and create a plan for executing the client’s vision. It is always worth hiring a landscape designer because they help ensure that what will be built is feasible and optimal for your existing outdoor spaces. Even the most challenging design tasks can be overcome with the help of an experienced graphic designer. Such was the case for this unique Mount Eden Courtyard .   Landscape construction   involves a team bringing this vision to life with refined attention to detail. High-end landscape construction can shrink, expand, and lengthen a space, all within the set parameters of a site. Challenging site conditions such as limited space, a hard-to-reach backyard, or an expansive landscape that blends into an adjacent bush are all manageable by a professional landscape construction team.   At the later stages of landscaping are landscape planting  and landscape maintenance . High-end planting draws from deep horticultural knowledge and takes advantage of networks that facilitate access to all types of plants. Matching the desired look with soil and climate conditions is part of their core expertise, often extending to an intimate understanding of native planting. High-end maintenance preserves the work done by each landscaper. Whether maintaining delicate layers in a small courtyard or tidying an expansive backyard, landscape maintenance teams have an eye for perfection. What to look for when choosing a high-end landscaping service Hiring the best landscaping service is easier when you know what to look for. These are some of the factors to consider when separating great landscapers from exceptional ones:   ·         Professionalism: One of the most important qualities of a high-end landscaper is professionalism. As with any industry, this can be judged by communication, appearance, and work ethic. ·         Environmental care: Sustainability, a genuine understanding of our unique ecosystems, and a passion for the environment are qualities to look out for when choosing a landscaping service. Aotearoa is home to a delicate and robust natural environment that landscapers will take care to work alongside, preserve, or even integrate to create the most resilient and beautiful landscape. ·         Qualifications and awards: The most renowned landscaping services belong to Registered Master Landscapers – a national organisation officially representing the industry and promoting quality trade practice. A landscaper with Master Landscaper awards or other third parties further exemplifies a commitment to excellence. ·         Portfolio: Look for a landscaping service with an extensive portfolio that illustrates their range of services. Projects that showcase a bespoke approach and mention challenges are signs of a landscaper you can trust to navigate potential hurdles or unexpected issues. Questions you should ask every landscaping service when you reach out to them Professional landscaping services have a wealth of experience talking to prospective clients. They’ll know which questions to ask and how to ask them to bring your brief to life, but what about the questions you need to ask? To create the most beautiful landscape for your home, you’ll want to have a solid idea of what you want to achieve and come prepared with questions of your own. Here are some questions you may want to consider asking for you to take inspiration from:   Landscape Design questions ·         Have you created landscape designs for similar homes to mine? ·         What type of planning goes into ensuring the design is functional and practical? ·         Do you have a process to handle design revisions? ·         How do you account for the climate in your landscape design process?   Landscape Construction questions ·         What types of hardscape features is your team experienced with constructing? ·         What is your approach to drainage, erosion control, and permeability? ·         What kind of experience does your construction team have with homes like mine? ·         What is your process for handling waste during the construction process?   Landscape Planting questions ·         Where do you source your plants from? ·         Can you incorporate native plants into the landscape? ·         How do you select plants that suit the local climate and soil conditions? ·         What is your approach to planting that is resilient to climate change?   Landscape Maintenance questions ·         What type of maintenance services do you offer? ·         How often will professional maintenance be necessary for my landscape? ·         Do your maintenance services include irrigation adjustments? ·         Can your maintenance services improve my garden’s sustainability?   Collaborate with us – Why you should hire Second Nature for your next project Landscaping sits at the intersection of practical experience, creativity, and problem-solving. The difference that high-end landscapers bring is industry-recognised craftsmanship that contributes to the best creation possible. Whether a landscaper comes in for one step of the journey or you enlist the help of a full garden service, finding the best is important.   Second Nature offer high-end landscape design, construction, planting, and maintenance. As Registered Master Landscapers with extensive experience and industry awards, transforming your outdoor environments and drawing out their full potential is our passion. Contact us  for a consultation to take the first step in creating a one-of-a-kind landscape that you can be proud of.

Interest in New Zealand native garden design  has grown in recent years as more people seek eco-friendly alternatives to traditional garden styles. With extreme weather becoming more common, a garden that mirrors the natural environment can also help your outdoor areas become more resilient.   Follow our step-by-step guide to learn how to make a native garden in New Zealand.  Plus, discover how high-end landscape designers  can help bring your vision to life. 1. Plan your native garden Get to know your native plants When planning a native garden design, start by exploring the natural landscapes around you. Aucklanders are lucky to live near protected native bush. Next time you visit one, take note of the indigenous plants to gather inspiration for your own garden. The Aotearoa Species Classifier app, developed by New Zealand researchers, is an excellent tool for quickly identifying plants by taking photos on your phone.    Canopy Trees o    Nikau palm o    Pohutukawa o    Kowhai   Ground cover o    Carex o    Anemanthele lessoniana   Planning the design After gathering inspiration, it's time to choose where your native garden will go. If you're redesigning your entire garden, breaking it into zones and starting with one section can make the process more manageable. Draw a plan showing existing garden features, trees, infrastructure such as powerlines, and more. Create a list of plants that correspond to specific areas and develop a timeline for when you should plant them.   Long-term planning is also essential for a successful native garden. Consider how tall or big each tree or plant will be and whether they will synergise or compete. Will they block any sun in your indoor living areas or clash with any powerlines? Thoughtful planting can create an outdoor oasis that lasts years, allowing future generations to inherit a beautiful garden that supports New Zealand's delicate ecosystem.   2. Plant your native garden Prepare your landscape Whether your landscape already has native elements or you're starting from scratch, the next important step is tidying and maintaining it. Trim or mow the lawn area if you have one. Add compost or rotted manure to the planting areas, aerate the soil, and keep your garden weed-free until it's time to plant. Native plants thrive in weed- and pest-free conditions.   When choosing planting times, consider that your plants will need significant water to stay alive outside of the cooler winter season. April to May is ideal as the weather cools. Ensure that your planting sites are moist but not water-saturated.   Plant your favourite native flora Once you start planting, keep a log of what you planted, when, and where. This will help you manage garden maintenance  and track what works best. Many native plants thrive in decaying vegetation, making deep litter mulch highly beneficial. In the absence of natural leaf litter, you can replicate this with wet cardboard, untreated bark chips, or other untreated paper materials. Keep mulch away from stems and spread it evenly.   Use a variety of textures to add visual intrigue to your native garden. In any native bush, diverse species with different silhouettes, shapes, and colours naturally coexist. Embracing these contrasts enhances garden design and supports plant health. What are the benefits of professional landscaping for native garden designs? Creating a native garden that reflects New Zealand's natural environment can be exciting, but DIY landscaping isn't always easy. If you've planned your garden but lack confidence in execution, professional residential landscaping  experts can simplify the process for you. Here's how they can help:   Extensive horticultural experience Professional landscapers bring years of planting experience to the table. Horticulturalists specialising in native garden design can identify and source the plants most suitable for your landscape, creating a thriving ecosystem that blends seamlessly with the local environment.   Time-savings Creating a native garden requires time and effort, which not everyone can commit to. Professional landscapers streamline the journey, managing everything from site preparation and plant selection to installation and long-term maintenance.   Exceptional attention to detail A well-designed garden should be visually striking both up close and from a distance. Professionals ensure every element complements the overall landscape, creating a cohesive and refined native garden. Second Nature is dedicated to crafting genuine native gardens Need help creating your dream native garden? At Second Nature, our expert horticulturalists in Auckland are experienced at creating beautiful and practical native gardens that are completed to the industry's highest standards. Contact our team  for award-winning landscaping and horticultural services.

A well-crafted front yard gives you something to look forward to coming home at the end of each day. Often a key part of our homes, having a beautiful front yard is a dream for many homeowners. Learn how to design a front yard landscape that meets your aesthetic and practical needs with our guide to creating an impressive garden. Starting with five key design considerations, let’s explore how to landscape your front of yard  and look at compelling landscaping ideas that high-end landscape designers  can help you achieve. Five design considerations for front yard landscaping Purpose: deciding functionality Perhaps the first thing to consider for your front yard is what you envision for the space. Chances are you're not content with the space as it is currently being used. Whether it's not living up to its full potential as an entertainment area or a thriving edible garden, decide early on what you want to use it for and don't forget to include the rest of the family, too. Lighting: use the sun Lighting is just as important when designing outdoor living spaces as it is for indoor ones. The same principles of evaluating natural lighting and working with these conditions apply to front yards. Flowers, vegetables, and fruit have different lighting needs—planting these in the most appropriate spot is an easy way of helping them thrive before they even hit the soil.   Map out your front yard based on the sun it currently gets and decide whether you need extra shade. Hedges, trees, and even hardscaping features can create shading for ground cover plants or a place to relax. Privacy: choosing the right barrier One of the more practical design considerations when planning a front yard is privacy and how to achieve it. Front yards are relatively exposed compared to the rest of a home, which makes privacy a bigger priority, often achieved by fencing or other hardscaping barriers. Choosing a material, design, and style that aligns with the existing architecture is key. Front yards can also be exposed to traffic noise depending on your proximity to busy roads, creating additional privacy needs to block unwanted sounds.   You can also opt for a more organic option by installing barriers such as hedges or vertical garden planter walls. Establishing privacy doesn’t need to compromise your front yard’s natural beauty. Maintenance: plant what is manageable Every homeowner dreams of a picture-perfect front yard. However, designing a front yard landscape based on aesthetics alone can result in an impractical garden that requires excess time and money to maintain. When designing a front yard, choosing resilient hardscape features and plants that won’t require constant attention is a good strategy.   Striking a balance is important to avoid having a high-maintenance garden if you don’t have much time. Professional landscaping maintenance  can be helpful when you need extra support. Biodiversity: the benefits of native gardens A traditional front yard often features a lawn as its main focal point. Although they can boost curb appeal and provide a play area, they can also be high-maintenance and aren’t the most environmentally friendly option. When designing a great front yard in New Zealand, embracing native plantings can have positive ecological impacts and make your garden more resilient to extreme weather.   A front yard that supports local biodiversity, backed by native plantings, is possible in urban environments, too. With the right plants and healthy soil, your front yard can attract native fauna and bring natural beauty to a cityscape. Iconic front yard styles for inspiration Cottage style front yards Cottage-style front yards are characterised by an organic look that embraces nature. With abundant flowers, cottage-style gardens are a colourful option that plays loose with the rules while still being subtly organised. Cottage gardens aim to make the most of a space and are a great option for homeowners with limited space in their front yards. A few well-placed props, such as a garden arch, can also boost your front yard's character, making it an inviting space for guests and family. Modern style front yards Modern-style front yards are designed to impress at a glance. Simplicity anchors this garden style using clean lines that make these spaces easy to navigate. Hardscaping that uses a mixture of stone, wood, and other materials intersects with native gardening to create a cohesive, minimalist landscape. Thoughtful planting accents each area, helping add visual intrigue to the environment without creating clutter. Experience Second Nature’s bespoke front yard landscaping If you’ve been reimagining your front yard in your head but need extra help making it a reality, consider reaching out to a professional landscaping company. Second Nature is experienced in producing bespoke gardens from design to construction using expert knowledge of New Zealand's natural environment. Reach out  today to discuss your front yard landscape project and how we can help.

Are you looking for ways to boost the property value of your home? A study by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand showed that a home with superior kerb appeal could add up to an extra 10% to the value of a property.     Landscaping plays a key role in creating all-important kerb appeal. From thoughtful planting to spacious decks, read on to learn four high-end landscaping  features that could transform your outdoor space and maximise your home's worth.  4 landscaping features that can raise house value Beautiful lawns A well-cared-for, tidy lawn is one of the most effective ways to increase your home's value. The lawn doesn't have to be large to make an impact; the key is making sure it looks its best. Regular watering, aerating, fertilising, and weeding are all instrumental in maintaining an impressive lawn. Seasonal care is equally important, as your lawn’s needs will change throughout the year.    Landscaping maintenance  experts can take the hassle out of lawn care, ensuring it remains in top condition no matter the season. They can also provide tailored recommendations to help your lawn thrive, making it a standout feature that attracts potential buyers and adds significant value to your property.  Thoughtful planting Flowers and plants are powerful landscaping features that can elevate your property’s value by adding colour, texture, and visual interest. However, simply filling your garden with plants without a clear plan is unlikely to make a lasting impact. A thoughtful approach is important, one that considers the maintenance requirements of each plant and how they complement your home’s architectural style and surroundings.    While a vibrant garden filled with eye-catching blooms can be stunning, overly demanding plants may deter potential buyers who prioritise low-maintenance living. To maximise both appeal and value, it’s best to select plants that are not only visually harmonious with your home but also easy to care for. The result is a cohesive, welcoming outdoor space that enhances your home’s overall charm and significantly boosts its market value.  Enhanced privacy Privacy is key to enjoying outdoor spaces, particularly in medium-density neighbourhoods. Prospective homeowners, especially those with children, often seek homes with a usable garden that offers a sense of seclusion. Landscaping elements such as hedges or fencing can improve outdoor privacy, further increasing property value by helping create a secluded oasis.    Spacious decks Spacious decks can raise property value based on their multi-functionality. With the right mix of furniture, they can serve as an extra room, perfect for outdoor dining or relaxing.     Beyond serving as an extension of indoor spaces, decks also offer an ideal platform for showcasing focal points such as garden sculptures, potted plants, or other decorative elements that add character and charm.  Second Nature’s expert landscaping solutions Working with professional landscapers gives you the best chance of enhancing kerb appeal and boosting property value. Here’s how our team can help:  Premium horticulture elements At Second Nature, our planting team has the networks to source the plants you want, the knowledge of where to install them, and the experience to help them thrive for years to come. We carefully select and position each plant to complement your garden’s design, ensuring a harmonious and lasting impact.  Optimal irrigation and drainage systems Redesigning your garden, updating old features, and adding new plants is only one-half of the landscaping equation. A well-designed water system is necessary to maintain your landscape and ensure it is well-supported. Our expert landscapers design and implement irrigation and drainage systems that support your garden without detracting from its beauty. We also consider permeability, improving your garden's ability to adapt to wet weather conditions.  End-to-end landscaping services We can manage every aspect of your landscaping project from start to finish. The process begins with a consultation to understand your goals, preferences, and the unique features of your property. Once the design is finalised, we efficiently construct new features and seamlessly implement the proposed elements, ensuring a flawless finish. Our cost-effective approach and streamlined process allow you to focus on preparing the rest of your home for the market, knowing your landscaping is in expert hands.  Craft an attractive landscape for enhanced property value with Second Nature As one of several tools for raising house value, investing in a high-end landscaping service can make all the difference in how your property is perceived. Trust the professional team at Second Nature to design, build, and maintain your outdoor space.      Get in touch today to learn more about how our  landscaping services in Auckland  can help you maximise your home’s potential and stand out in a competitive market.

The warmer months aren’t the only time of year you can enjoy your garden in Auckland. Using year-round plants for landscaping lets your garden look its best regardless of  season. Whether it’s your first time planning your garden or looking for tips to improve, this guide explores how perennial and annual flowers can create a captivating garden. Read on to learn how to plant a year-round flower garden and how a professional landscaping company in Auckland  can help. Taking the perennial approach Perennial flowers may come to mind first when thinking of all-year-round garden plants . These flowers help maintain a rich foundation of colour every year without needing to be replanted. Gardens with year-round appeal rely on perennials because they are reliable and can also be low maintenance. Their extended lifespans result in deep root systems, making them hardier to challenging weather conditions and resilient across multiple climates. Perennials are consistent bloomers in their respective season and bring structure when thoughtfully planted.   Create a wave of overlapping hues and shapes using lavender, a popular option for its hardiness and eye-catching purple. Roses are another classic perennial which lies dormant in winter before blooming as the year heads to a close with summer. Exploring the diversity of annual flowers Although perennials are useful and reliable year-round plants for landscaping, annual flowers can help fill in the gaps when they’re less active or have yet to bloom. Well-timed annuals will peak at different times throughout the year. Alongside your perennials, a thoughtful mixture of both creates a dynamic garden that is consistently growing. They may be shorter-lived, but annuals allow you to experiment with different styles and try new flowers to refresh your garden.   Pansies grow from late winter, which makes them useful for bridging the colder and warmer months. Sunflowers are a classic choice for a cheerful pop of colour throughout summer and autumn. Marigolds are another colourful option that repels aphids. New blooms each season: from spring to winter Now that you know the nuances of nurturing a garden that flourishes throughout the year with both perennials and annuals, we can explore what a year in a New Zealand garden that keeps blooming could look like:   Spring: Daffodils are instantly recognisable, their iconic yellow signalling the approach of warmer weather and longer days. Tulips are another spring favourite and thrive in sunlight. Many flowers flourish this season from regular watering, which rainfall may not provide. Plant them where they will also get sunlight for around six hours daily.   Summer: Roses come in many varieties and are a popular year-round landscaping plant. Choosing the most suitable ones for your garden and caring for them properly will ensure blooms throughout this season. Hibiscuses thrive in warmer conditions and are well-liked for their expansive, rich blooms that brighten the spaces around them. Deadheading is an important gardening routine to maintain during summer.   Autumn: As cooler temperatures set in, marigolds are easy to grow in Auckland. Their orange and yellow hues complement the Autumn season. Dahlias are well-suited to this season, with a range of colours and shapes available. To encourage continuous growth, prune regularly and remove dead plants to prepare the garden for winter.   Winter: Cyclamens are small but tough, and their resistance to colder temperatures makes them a valuable addition to your year-round landscaping. Camellias are another elegant winter option that brings your outdoor spaces to life while other plants wait for spring. Regular soil aeration to prevent soil compaction is important as it gets wet and cold. How professional landscapers can help you maintain a lush garden all year round Plant arrangement: A beautiful garden that captures your attention throughout the year has been thoughtfully layered and grouped. As each season comes and goes, planting by factors such as height and colour will help your garden seamlessly transition and maintain its visual appeal. A professional landscaping maintenance  team can provide advice based on your tastes and needs, aligning your vision with the practical conditions of the garden.   Focal points: Maintaining an attractive, lush garden year-round means choosing flowers or other plants that can serve as visual highlights or focal points throughout each season. Even if your garden is tailored towards perennials, picking specific plants that thrive in different seasons will help bring out new colours and shapes, putting the spotlight on something new throughout the year. Professional landscapers can help you choose what to plant and where to plant them or handle the planting process themselves so you can spend more time enjoying the garden.   Preparing the soil: Whether cultivating a kaleidoscopic arrangement of flowers in your garden or focusing on year-round plants that support biodiversity, healthy soil is the common denominator that will shape its success throughout the year. A professional landscaping service can help you set the foundations for healthy, nutrient-rich soil to support your garden throughout the year as conditions change.   Organic matter such as compost introduces essential nutrients, and with their expertise, you can add them to the areas of your garden that need them the most to improve drainage and texture. Support your garden year-round with Second Nature Year-round gardens are ambitious but attainable with the right planning and preparation. From choosing flowers to preparing your soil, there’s never a better time to begin this process than now. Knowing where to start and putting your vision into practice can be challenging, especially if this is your first time implementing a year-round garden. Professional landscapers understand the nuances of New Zealand seasons and weather. With their expertise, you can enjoy a dynamic, colourful garden that always shows something new.   Second Nature’s expert maintenance team has extensive horticultural knowledge and experience setting up year-round flower gardens. Contact  a member of our maintenance team today to give your garden the support it needs to thrive from January to December.

Crafting a well-designed garden is about more than just arranging plants and hardscapes. The most satisfying gardens reflect your lifestyle and aesthetic values. Bringing this to life with a vision requires a balance of creativity and practical considerations. A professional landscape designer can guide you through this process, whatever your dream garden may look like. Read on for garden layout ideas  that allow you to make the most of your outdoor space. The benefits of garden layout planning Garden layouts are the underlying framework that determines how all elements—be they plants, pathways, or seating areas—interact with one another. Just as a home’s floor plan influences how you move through its living areas, a garden’s layout shapes how you navigate and enjoy outdoor spaces. It encourages movement, amplifies visual interest, and helps everything feel purposeful. A well-executed layout brings flow and coherence to the rest of your home, transforming a simple landscape into a versatile living area.   Thoughtful garden layouts also make garden maintenance   easier down the line. By strategically placing plants based on their growth patterns and sunlight needs, or by designing pathways that allow easy access for tending to your garden, you’ll save time and effort in maintaining its beauty. Tailoring layouts to garden size An important factor in choosing a garden layout is the amount of space available. While smaller landscapes can seem limiting, creating a sense of luxury and spaciousness is possible within even the smallest gardens. Small gardens: Creating the illusion of space Every decision becomes more deliberate in smaller gardens. Vertical gardening is a great way to maximise space, allowing you to incorporate flowers and other plants without overcrowding the ground . Take advantage of any overhang from your home that can be used for planter boxes or tall garden pots that can serve as statement pieces.     Lighting also plays an important role in small garden layouts. At night, it can transform the look and feel of your landscape. Playing with lighting can highlight the areas of your garden you wish to showcase, leaving the rest in shadow. This adds atmosphere and can create the illusion of a larger space by shifting the focus away from walls or boundaries. Medium gardens: Crafting distinct zones Medium-sized gardens are typically big enough to create different functional areas. Consider dividing the garden into distinct zones, like outdoor rooms, each serving a unique purpose. For example, the area closest to the house might feature an alfresco dining setup under a shelter, while a more open section could provide space for kids to play.   Some overlap is likely depending on how many elements you want to include in your garden. For example, instead of having a dedicated area for growing herbs, these could be scattered throughout the garden. Consider adding focal points, like sculptures, to draw attention and give the space a sense of purpose and design. Large gardens: Cultivating intimacy in expansive spaces Larger landscapes offer more flexibility and creative freedom in terms of layout and design. However, they also come with challenges, particularly when trying to create a sense of intimacy without sacrificing grandeur. Long, asymmetrical walkways framed by plants can invite exploration while adding structure to open spaces.   Incorporating the surrounding landscape can further enhance the design of larger gardens. If your property overlooks bushland or rolling hills, designing your garden to frame these views can blend it seamlessly with nature, fostering a stronger connection to the surrounding environment. How professionals can enhance your layout Collaborating with professional landscape designers ensures your garden layout ideas are brought to life with both creativity and precision. Landscape architects bring a nuanced understanding of proportion and design, tailoring their expertise to the unique features of each garden. Their knowledge of New Zealand landscapes allows them to create harmonious and well-balanced outdoor spaces.   Flow and movement are also key elements of a well-designed garden. Professionals create intuitive pathways and routes that encourage seamless, enjoyable movement. These thoughtful touches improve both the garden's aesthetics and its functionality.   Designers also take existing architecture into account. They can transform the garden into a natural extension of your home, promoting smooth indoor-outdoor flow. By choosing hardscape materials that complement the house’s exterior, they create a cohesive and unified landscape Implement thoughtful garden layout ideas with Second Nature Whether planning a modest urban courtyard or an expansive country backyard, professional landscape designers can help you embrace the garden layout principles that suit the size of your garden. For high-end assistance from a landscaping company in Auckland , get in touch  with the team at Second Nature.

A garden can be more than just a place to relax. With the right backyard entertainment area ideas, your outdoor oasis can also be the perfect place to host a party or spend time with the family outside. To learn how to build a backyard entertainment area with the help of high-end landscape designers , gather inspiration with our guide to outdoor entertainment areas. Gather around a focal point using a fireplace or firepit If cold weather prevents you from enjoying your backyard late into the night or during chillier days, consider adding a fireplace or firepit for your family and guests to gather around. Entertainment areas can be divided into focal points that anchor interaction and visual interest. Fire provides ambience and warmth, creating an organic spot to spend time in. Encourage conversation with hardscaping seating arrangements or use chairs you can move around yourself. Add blankets and pillows to make the space even cosier.   A sleek firepit is great for gathering around in a circle, while a fireplace can become an impressive hardscaping feature. Both options create a more inviting atmosphere rather than relying solely on artificial lighting and heating. A fireplace complemented by a low table is conducive to entertaining guests while creating an impressive layout, making this backyard entertainment area idea a functional, sophisticated choice. Relax in a green outdoor lounge A cosy outdoor lounging area can round out your backyard's appeal. Ideal for relaxing by yourself or socialising, set up outdoor sofas with weather-resistant cushions around a low coffee table to transform an empty section into a laid-back retreat. Embellish this area with potted plants or enhance privacy by planting vertically.   Consider positioning this area for passive play in a part of your garden that receives the sunlight you want. This second lounge can help blur the boundaries between indoors and outdoors for families hoping to spend more time outside. Dine out al fresco style Dining outdoors is one of the best ways to enjoy your backyard. Start by considering capacity—what is the minimum number of people it should accommodate, and how many people would you like to fit at most? Another question is whether you'll use the space exclusively for dining or need room for an outdoor kitchen or barbeque station.   Once you know the dining area's functionality and how it will connect to the rest of the garden, consider how you'd like to decorate it. This backyard entertainment area idea is compatible with all styles and tastes.   Browse for durable pieces that match your aesthetic vision and will complement the rest of the garden. Softscaping elements can also enhance a dining area, making it more immersive and enjoyable. High-end landscape designers can assist via thoughtfully selected plants or natural materials that echo the surrounding environment. Serve refreshments from an outdoor bar Few backyard features add a greater touch of luxury than an outdoor bar. Whether it's a modest bar cart or a full station with countertops, an outdoor bar is perfect for entertaining guests. From low-stakes catchups to big parties, a bar can minimise trips back and forth inside while adding another spot to generate conversation.   Outdoor bars are also versatile—add one next to a pool to create your own poolside bar or include one as part of your outdoor dining area for drinks and a bite. The warmer weather is perfect for indulging in an al fresco aperitivo. Planning your outdoor entertainment space While gathering inspiration for your outdoor entertainment area is important, careful planning is essential for bringing your vision to life. A landscape architect can provide valuable assistance and collaborate with you throughout this process. Consider these factors to make the best design choices and achieve your backyard entertainment area ideas. Align the Purpose of the Garden with the Layout Once you've conceptualised your dream backyard, you'll want to align the available space with how you want to use it. Will it be used primarily by young children, and if so, should the space be segmented or more open? If it will be used primarily for dining and hosting parties, what kind of hardscaping elements will facilitate the most enjoyable experience?   No two outdoor entertainment areas are the same, and an experienced landscape designer can deliver the practical solutions necessary for a garden that will be enjoyed for years. Encourage Movement and Flow Entertainment areas are dynamic zones, and the most enjoyable backyards encourage movement. Whatever features you plan to include in your backyard, chances are you'll need to pop in and out to stock up on drinks or bring a guest in. A landscape architect takes movement into account, designing a space that also facilitates indoor and outdoor flow by blending the garden with your home's existing architecture. Consider the Environment The environment is also important to consider when planning your backyard entertainment area. Increasing permeability, choosing locally sourced materials, and selecting plants most compatible with the landscape are just some ways to create a garden resilient against the elements. A professional landscape architect can help implement these features in a way that promotes sustainability and includes your entertainment must-haves. Let Second Nature design a garden you won’t want to leave When it comes to designing a backyard entertainment area, there are endless possibilities. Second Nature’s Auckland landscaping   services can help you create optimal areas for play, leisure, and everything in between, regardless of the landscape’s condition. Let our professional architects plan and produce the solutions for transforming your backyard into an entertainment hub. Get in touch today.

Incorporating eco-friendly design principles into your landscaping project  is a great way to enhance your home's aesthetic appeal while contributing positively to the environment. This design approach focuses on creating harmonious outdoor spaces that conserve resources and support local ecosystems.   Continue reading to learn the key pillars of efficient, eco-friendly landscape designs and how to bring yours to life with the help of professionals. Principles of eco-friendly landscape design Eco-friendly landscape designs  are made with long-term conditions in mind to preserve the health of the landscape and the broader ecosystem it belongs to. Here are some of the key tenets of sustainable landscaping t hat make this possible: Maintaining biodiversity with diverse plant selection Biodiversity is essential for maintaining the balance of ecosystems. Selecting a broad range of plants for your landscape design can help your garden achieve this balance, creating a robust and thriving environment where various species of insects, birds, and other wildlife can flourish. Protecting native species New Zealand's unique ecosystem is home to an abundance of native species. Emphasising the use of softscapes in landscape design can help protect this biodiversity. These designs minimise environmental disruption and enhance the habitat, fostering a healthier and more diverse ecosystem. Preserving soil health Whatever you choose to plant, working with the existing soil conditions is a good starting point. Maintaining soil health is key to keeping a garden thriving and resilient to environmental stressors such as flooding and droughts.   Improving permeability for rainy periods and using dense layers of mulch or horticultural grit to improve water retention will strengthen the health of your garden's soil. These measures also improve erosion control to mitigate topsoil loss and nutrient depletion. Composting and organic fertilisers can also improve soil structure. Efficient water irrigation Designing outdoor spaces that facilitate effective irrigation can help maintain your garden's health, especially during drought periods. Eco-friendly landscapes aim to use water more sparingly through methods such as drip irrigation or smart irrigation. One approach is to water more heavily but less often, including after rainfall. Additional water will reach deeper into the soil when the top layer is already wet. Sustainable material selection Eco-friendly landscape design also involves hardscaping considerations. Minimising the use of materials such as concrete or tropical hardwoods in favour of locally acquired resources is advisable. Planning with professional landscape designers Executing these principles is easier with the help of Second Nature's expert landscapers. The most successful eco-friendly projects begin with a collaborative design approach, and these steps provide an outline of what to expect during the process. Consultation The first step entails sharing your vision. This is where you share your priorities and the aspects of eco-friendly landscape design that matter most to you. Whether it's an irrigation system with the capacity to handle severe weather or a lush garden that supports biodiversity, these initial conversations are a chance to flesh out your ideas. Before visiting the site, it is important to get on the same page about how the space will be used and draft a scope for the project. Site Analysis Following the consultation, your landscaping expert will perform a comprehensive site analysis. This includes assessing the topography alongside the soil, climate, and vegetation. The existing environmental conditions will help inform the direction taken by the landscaping team to meet the brief's criteria for sustainability. Design Having gathered on-site information, your dedicated landscaping team will develop detailed design plans guided by the consultation phase. This is where key decisions are made, and eco-friendly principles are applied. Your team can recommend the type of plants and materials appropriate to the local ecology and finalise what type of systems and measures should be installed in the construction phase. Execution Landscape construction begins once the design plans are finalised. Implementing eco-friendly features and efficiently using resources are important in this phase.     Depending on the complexity of the landscape and the level of maintenance it was designed for, consider using professional landscape maintenance services to ensure your new outdoor spaces continue to meet the eco-friendly principles they were intended for. Design eco-friendly landscapes with Second Nature If sustainability is important to your landscaping plans, key pillars such as biodiversity will help guide your vision. However, applying these in practice can be difficult without familiarity with the local environment and horticultural knowledge. Experienced landscape designers can provide invaluable assistance here, using their knowledge to combine eco-friendly practices with aesthetic preferences.   Eco-friendly landscape designs are attainable whether your home is nestled in a forest or part of a growing suburb. Second Nature's professional landscape design team can help sculpt your ideal outdoor spaces. Contact a member of our Auckland landscaping  team today to start planning the dynamic, living landscape you envision for your home.

The increased incorporation of herbs, fruit and vegetables into even urban gardens has created accessibility to fresh produce without the need for a separate vegetable plot. These gardens not only provide a bountiful harvest but will also enhance your home's appeal by supporting sustainability and creating a harmonious connection with the environment.   Are you looking to create a productive garden to enhance your outdoor space? Continue reading to discover edible garden ideas for your backyard  that could feed and elevate your home. Edible garden layouts Small or large, dense or open, whatever the available space, there are numerous ways to create an edible garden to suit your needs. Vertical planting With a vertical garden, you can grow fresh herbs, fruit, and vegetables along structures such as trellises and bamboo walls. These gardens use the vertical space available in your landscape to create visual interest and the maximum potential for food production.   Structural hardscaping solutions, with the assistance of residential landscaping   professionals, can transform unused spaces into a canvas for growing produce. Introducing verticality is one of several ways to potentially free up valuable real estate in outdoor areas.   Integrated into architecture The conventional infrastructure of an edible garden consists of raised beds or planters. This type of layout provides a reliable foundation for promoting plentiful growth. However, combining these with more creative structural solutions for productive planting provides the opportunity to create a unique and functional landscape.   Permanent fixtures in your landscape, which may be an apartment’s balcony or a fully designed deck as an addition to a house, can be augmented with climbers that provide extra shade. Grapevines or other plants can be seamlessly integrated into your outdoor living spaces, unlocking new seasonal aesthetics. Professional landscapers can combine flair with practicality to enhance your productive landscape. Edible foliage and green fences A clever approach to edible gardens is using productive plantings to provide hedging for privacy or to define garden rooms. Produce can be incorporated with subtlety into the planting, visually reading as decorative elements. Areas planted with varied leaf forms create a potential base for colourful greens such as kale that maintain visual appeal with the added benefit of providing fresh produce for the kitchen.  Using solid structures to organise and screen your outdoor living space, an alternative could be to plant evergreens that bear fruit, such as feijoa. Courtyard Fruit Trees Planting fruit trees in courtyard-style landscapes is an excellent way to make the most of limited space. Dwarf fruit trees, which thrive in small pots, are an elegant option that enhances your garden's aesthetic.   Bolder ideas for creating a sweet edible garden include making a fruit tree the centrepiece of your courtyard. A table designed to accommodate a fruit tree in the middle can provide easy access to fresh fruit while dining outside. This creative setup can serve as a unique focal point in your garden, blending beauty and practicality. Edible garden design considerations & principles An edible garden requires many of the same considerations as landscape design. Here are a couple of factors to keep in mind: Topography Edible gardens should be easy to access and navigate. Using lines as a visual tool can help define and guide the flow of the garden. These lines can be formed by pathways or borders. Clear access routes, axes and pathways ensure the garden is inviting and easy to maintain, making it a space where you and your family can enjoy spending time. Seasonal planning Strategic seasonal planning is essential for maintaining a continuous and abundant harvest. By carefully timing the planting and harvesting of various crops, you can ensure your garden remains fertile and productive year-round. Professional gardeners and horticulturalists can help with this process by creating a planting schedule tailored to your local climate and soil conditions. How professional landscapers create edible gardens Whether adapting an existing landscape to facilitate food production or laying the foundations for your future home's outdoor living spaces, Second Nature can help at every stage. Our Design, Planting, and Construction teams can complete your edible garden on budget and ahead of New Zealand’s seasonal timelines.   Contact our expert team today to bring your edible garden and landscaping ideas to life.

Are you dreaming of a beautiful garden that stays vibrant and inviting year-round? Investing in high-end landscaping  services is just the beginning of this process. Working with professional garden maintenance  specialists helps sustain that beauty by providing the support needed to keep your outdoor space in great condition. Read on to discover why entrusting your garden care  tasks to the experts is a smart move. The downsides of an unmaintained garden Neglecting garden maintenance can lead to several issues that diminish the beauty and value of your outdoor space. Without regular care, New Zealand gardens are prone to rapid weed growth and pest invasions, both of which can impact the local ecosystem. Weeds can suffocate your carefully selected plants, robbing them of essential nutrients, sunlight, and space. The longer a garden goes without maintenance, the more challenging it becomes to restore it to its former glory. Overgrown plants and entrenched weeds can become more difficult to manage, making maintenance a challenge that can exceed the capacity of your tools and time. What can garden maintenance experts do Every garden is unique. A well-maintained garden is easier to achieve and sustain with the help of a landscaping company  that understands the underlying drivers of what makes your outdoor living space beautiful. Here are a few tasks that garden maintenance professionals can manage for you. Improve garden health Professional horticulturalists and gardeners can deliver expert nutrition to the soil at the foundation of your outdoor living spaces by diagnosing soil conditions and prescribing the appropriate care techniques and products. They can also identify specific irrigation needs for each plant and segment your garden to deliver targeted support for the varied needs of differing plantings. If you have an organic garden designed with biodiversity or sustainability in mind, professional services can also help establish an optimal environment where native life thrives. Exceptional hardscaping From levelling out stepping stones to repairing fences, hardscaping tasks can make the difference between a purely functional outdoor space and one that delivers ongoing satisfaction and pleasure.   Professional landscapers can provide you with solutions for any challenges you may have with this element of your garden while handling more tricky tasks requiring specialist equipment. If the scope of your hardscaping ambitions extends to a re-design, consulting with experts can turn your dream garden into a reality Seasonal care The care your garden needs changes with the seasons, and knowing which tasks to prioritise can be challenging. Garden care professionals tailor their services to the time of year, allowing your garden to look its best across dry summer spells and short winter days.   Experienced horticulturists can also help you maintain a sustainable, year-round edible garden. With their services, you can enjoy fresh vegetables, herbs and fruits through all seasons. They know which crops thrive at different times of the year, keeping your garden productive and bountiful. Experience all the benefits of a professionally maintained garden Invaluable timesaving Staying on top of garden care can be difficult if you have limited time. Hiring a garden maintenance company can alleviate this burden. No longer will you feel guilty about not spending your weekends weeding, pruning, or mowing the lawn. Instead, you can relax and enjoy your garden, knowing it's in capable hands. Preserve your investment If you've recently hired a landscaping company to design your garden, you'll want to guard that investment closely. Ongoing maintenance is necessary to keep it looking as stunning as the day it was installed. This will ensure your investment continues enhancing your property, preserving its aesthetic appeal and financial worth. Enhance street appeal & property value The garden creates an important first impression for both visitors and potential buyers. A well-maintained garden can boost street appeal, crafting an exterior of which you can be proud.   Beyond aesthetics, a beautifully landscaped and meticulously cared-for garden adds substantial value to your property. This increase in value doesn't require dramatic changes or renovations; a tastefully executed outdoor space naturally elevates your home's appeal both when viewed from the garden and from the inside, looking out. Bring your garden to its best with professional care As Registered Master Landscapers, Second Nature’s horticulturalists and gardeners have the experience and equipment to keep your garden in excellent condition year-round. Our team is trained to handle all aspects of garden care, from routine tasks to more complex matters. If your garden is in need of professional care, get in touch with our garden maintenance  experts today.