Case Study Example
CHRISTCHURCH NATIVE GARDEN & EDIBLE LANDSCAPE
Sustainable Outdoor Living
A lush, grass-free garden was at the heart of this Christchurch design.
Blending native planting with fragrant creeping thyme, productive veggie beds, and clever utility spaces, we shaped a landscape that’s both beautiful and functional.
It’s a place for gathering, growing, and enjoying life outdoors — without the mower.
THE VISION
What the customer asked for
When our Christchurch clients moved into their brand-new home, they wanted to skip the traditional lawn and embrace a low-maintenance, sustainable garden filled with New Zealand native plants. Their dream was a lush, textural landscape that supported local biodiversity while still being practical and functional.
They envisioned:
No grass – instead, alternative groundcovers like creeping thyme and bark mulch.
A strong focus on native species for year-round interest and habitat for birds and insects.
A generous entertaining space for friends and family gatherings.
A productive backyard with raised vegetable beds, herbs, and fruit trees.
A discreet utility area for a washing line, small garden shed, rubbish bins, and a composting station — all neatly screened from view.
THE PLAN
How we approached it
We began with a full site visit and assessment to understand the property’s microclimate, soil type, and sun exposure. The design balanced beauty, function, and sustainability, ensuring every area had a clear purpose.
Key design features included:
Native planting palette with species like Pittosporum, Hebe, Carex, and Coprosma, complemented by flowering natives for seasonal colour.
Groundcover alternatives such as creeping thyme and native pratia to replace lawn, reducing water use and mowing needs.
Entertaining space paved with natural stone and framed by low planting for a sense of enclosure.
Raised garden beds for vegetables and herbs, with a sunny position for maximum yield.
Fruit trees strategically placed along the rear boundary for privacy and harvest.
Utility zone tucked behind a trellis screen, complete with access paths for easy use.
We provided a detailed planting plan, layout diagram, and materials palette so the client could visualise the final outcome.
THE RESULT
A lawn-free design blending native beauty, productive planting, and functional spaces for a modern family home.
The completed garden transformed the bare new-build section into a lush, inviting space that feels established and connected to its surroundings. The low-maintenance groundcovers have created a soft, walkable carpet, while the natives bring texture and movement to the design.
The entertaining area is now a hub for family barbecues, shaded by young Pseudopanax and surrounded by pollinator-friendly plants. The vegetable beds are thriving, providing fresh produce year-round, and the fruit trees are already showing promising growth.
The utility area is functional yet hidden, allowing the rest of the garden to shine. Best of all, the clients now have a garden that reflects their values — sustainable, productive, and beautiful.