I started off renovating my back yard in my mind. I had viewed a few photos on Graeme’s website and was keen to replicate some of the design elements that I had seen. I knew nothing about topiary or gardening, mind, so I was slightly wary about what I was getting myself into and how difficult that dream in my head might be. I couldn't have been in safer hands. Graeme visited my home on one of his regular trips up to Auckland. He listened to me describe the look I was after, and once he had taken in the challenges of my back yard (exposed to sea and wind) he suggested a number of plants and trees to help fulfill the look I wanted.

His design ideas were brilliant. He was considerate in listening to what I wanted and helpful in making suggestions when I was unsure. He worked up a design that focused on privacy (tall blue totaras that shielded me from the neighbours’ eyes), structure (topiary that holds a formal shape), co-ordination (baby pohutakawas that offset the trees along the coast) and resilience from the elements (rosemary and podocarpus macrophylla trees – hardy and a good looking combination). He also supplied and delivered, straight to my back yard, the large concrete planters that my trees sit in and spent a few hours planting everything with me.

You can have the best backyard in the world, but the landscaping is the photo frame that takes it to the next level. I was lucky to have had Graeme’s help with my photo frame. He made the process easy, cost effective and good fun to go through. The backyard is now the envy of my friends – all I could ever ask for!  

Cherie
Auckland