When the Darfield Primary School PTA got in touch about their new bike track, we were only too happy to help.

The track suits every level of rider, from wobbly beginners to the confident kids chasing their mates around the corners, and that range shaped the planting. Our Landscape Architect Katie built a robust native palette that keeps sightlines open and stays forgiving for the odd overshoot.

Trackside it’s mostly grasses and sedges: Silver Tussock (Poa cita), Carex Comans ‘Green‘, Oioi (Apodasmia similis) and Gossamer Grass (Anemanthele lessoniana). Behind them sit hardier shrubs including Sand Coprosma (Coprosma brunnea), Hebe Topiaria, Pittosporum ‘Hedgehog‘, Shrubby Tororaro (Muehlenbeckia astonii), Toothed Lancewood (Pseudopanax ferox) and Pseudopanax ‘Cyril Watson’. All chosen to be tough, low maintenance and happy in a busy school setting, because the last thing a PTA needs is a garden that wants a working bee every other weekend.