The Art of Designing with the Garden in Mind

Recently, while taking a quiet moment under the maki trees in front of my shop, I watched a short film on The Local Project YouTube channel featuring a newly built home in New Zealand designed by architect couple Elmore Booth. What caught my attention wasn’t just the architecture, though it was beautifully understated — it was the surrounding garden, created by landscape designer Xanthe White.

This garden wasn’t an afterthought. It was a considered, intentional part of the overall vision for the home — native planting that felt wild yet grounded, soft yet structured. The palette of greens golds and bronzes, the textures of grasses and low shrubs, and the occasional sculptural tree created a setting that wasn’t trying to compete with the house. It was working with it.

I have been pausing and replaying (obsessively): the way the garden seemed to nestle the house into the land, the way light played through layered planting, and how the outdoor areas blurred the lines between architecture and landscape. You could feel that this wasn’t just a place to pass through — it was somewhere to you would never want to leave. I can only dream of waking up to the views. How amazing must it feel to tend to the garden with the gentle breeze blowing off the sea?

Thinking about my own little project here under the maki — this evolving garden in front of my winter shop, I’m aiming for something similar in spirit: native plants that aren’t fussy or ornamental, but rather expressive of place. Plants that thrive, protect the soil, create habitats, and bring a quiet sense of belonging to the space.

We don't have big views here so I am also inspired by some of Elmore Booth's other projects which are homes in dense urban environments. The aim is still to create breathing space and a feeling of expansiveness but also privacy. 

Our neighbours are lovely so we don't want to simply build big fences and block the outside world entirely. My aim is to plant a garden that offers leafy shade and wispy privacy -- that our neighbours might enjoy "the borrowed view" to our garden.

Home designing and garden-making isn’t about quick results or chasing trends. It’s about time, observation, and respect for the natural rhythm of things. It’s also about giving people a reason to stop, breathe, and look around — even if just for a few minutes.

If you’re curious, you can find the full video on The Local Project’s channel. It’s a beautiful watch — a stunning island location with "big expansive views" but with a garden that holds the architecture gently in place.

I’m slowly adding to the garden here — layer by layer, season by season. If you visit in winter, you’ll see the beginnings of it. Maybe you’ll notice the dialogue between the plants, the building, and the path beneath your feet. And maybe, like me, you’ll be reminded that thoughtful design — whether in buildings, gardens, or small shops — is ultimately about how we want to live.