Dan and the HOMEmade team have created some great transformations this season for kiwi families. Like this wellness garden that focused on providing a peaceful, calm space. The plants chosen for this garden included Kawakawa and Chilean guavas, which were purposely picked for their medicinal properties.
How to create a garden that doesn't cost the earth
18 October 2018
No week is ever the same on HOMEmade, which is what Dan loves! With this front yard transformation, the team created new space for two boys to play and muck around. Plus, with the family focused on environmentally friendly solutions, the team added a gravity fed irrigation system to water their new vegetable garden.
For this transformation, the HOMEmade team wanted to give life to heavily concreted area that wasn't very inviting. They removed bars and fencing to open up the space, covered the concrete with a floating tile system and replaced the moss laden lawn with fresh new grass.
What an entrance! This new deck complete with stairs and seating creates great flow for the property entrance and front yard. The beautiful planting and greenery surrounding the decked area adds a wonderful ambience, and bird feeders will invite sparrows to enjoy the space too!
Dan Mackay
Landscape designer, HOMEmade
About to embark on a new landscaping project? We asked HOMEmade landscape designer, Dan Mackay for his top tips to provide you with inspiration, along with some practical advice that will keep your wallet happy!
When’s the best time to start a new landscaping project?
Landscaping projects can generally be done at any time of the year as long as you’ve got good irrigation in place. But, the best time to plant or sow a lawn is during spring. In the planning phase of a new project when you’re considering what types of plants to include in your garden, it’s always a good idea to incorporate plants that flower during different seasons so you’ve got garden action all year round. Deciduous trees are great because they flower, but you also get to see the bones of the tree during their off months.
What are some ways to make your money go further on a project?
- Transplanting is a good way to stretch your budget. This is when you have existing plants and you move them to another spot in your garden, which can help to create a whole new look. Transplanting requires a bit of care, but when done successfully, can lift the look of your garden without a large financial cost.
- Some types of plants tend to clump when they have grown out a bit, so it’s a good idea to lift and divide up as a way of multiplying your plants. This also ensures the plant stays healthy.
- Planting a young garden is also inexpensive, as long as you’re willing to wait for the plants to grow out
What natural resources can you use to make an amazing statement?
Rocks and pebbles are impactful and can also be inexpensive. I like to make big boulder rock gardens, because a large rock can make for a great natural sculpture. You can also frame paths using rocks on either side or even use rocks within water features too.
What kind of trends are you seeing in Kiwi gardens?
The biggest trend that I’ve seen grow over the last five years is edible gardens. Veggie gardens, herb gardens and sustainable living are really popular at the moment, with people looking for ways to incorporate these features into their backyard. I’m seeing lots of herb planters and veggie gardens, and Kiwis going out of their way to learn about compost. I think sustainable living will continue to grow, which is great to see.
When doing DIY, what can you not afford to skimp on?
Foundations for sure. For most landscaping projects, strong foundations are laid underground. If you’re creating a concrete pad you can’t just lay that straight onto dirt, you need to construct the base course and compact it, otherwise things are going to crack. It’s also worth investing in good soils and fertilisers . By spending money on the ground preparation will mean your plants and trees will grow nicely and also a lot faster.
About the expert
After working in landscaping in London and Sydney, Dan came back to Auckland to study horticulture, then landscape design and construction. He has 15 years’ experience and has built up a successful landscaping company, Ministry of Ground. He has a crew of five children who keep him levelled and motivate him to work hard. Dan's knack for repurposing unwanted items and turning them into something special, plus knowing his Begonias from his Gladioli, make him a real asset to the HOMEmade crew.
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