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Tasman Bed and Breakfast

A new building a disused forestry block, site clearance and extensive earthworks on a steep site were required to locate the building and develop the garden area.

The slopes were used to the projects advantage providing both separation and privacy to the pool, while retaining the important views and a good proximity to all users.

The desire for both exotic and natives, and the feature of the black house on the site, led to the development of an interesting palette of plants.

"Landscaping blends traditional with modern

Nelson landscape architect Rory Langbridge has cleverly blended Jenny's desire for flowers with husband Stan's order for native plants, to achieve an interesting textured garden on the two acre site.

Langbridge says the black walls provide a perfect backdrop for planting: "We chose natives for structure, but have added in some deciduous varieties for Jenny. Both the native foliage and the deciduous autumn golds and reds look stunning against the black house."

He says the steep site also made the Whittys' wish for a pool and spa for both private and homestay use challenging.

"We placed the pool down the site away from the house, so that there was separation between it and the upper courtyards, but the walkways ensure it is not dislocated, and they are interesting to wander down," he says. "The pool pergola adds privacy, and you tend to look over it to the view from the house. It also reflects the pergola David has placed near the house, so there is a feeling of it being linked.

"The whole package of house and garden makes for a perfect family home, as well as a homestay."

Emma Thompson - Wild Tomato Review

Our experiences when dealing with you were excellent. Stan and I, ourselves not being gardeners as such, we wanted a garden with low maintenance, that would look good all year round, easy maintenance and to incorporate both our tastes in shrubbery. Well Rory, you exceeded our expectations in the design and planting. Two years down the track we are more than happy with the results. Throughout the year there is colour and interest, all we have to do is prune and do the odd bit of weeding, other than that the garden takes care of itself. The trees are now growing nicely with a good variety, the deciduous ones that Jenny so loves combined with the natives and evergreens of Stan's choice.

Stan continues to develop our big space, following your plans and ideas, it is an exciting project for him.

Rory, we could not have developed such a wonderful space without your help, firstly, we wouldn't have known where to start!! You have been so helpful, (and still are), throughout the process. Our guests and friends always comment on how amazing the garden is, and that Rory is down to you and your team. Thank you so much, we couldn't have picked a better landscape architect!