Many properties in Otago have areas that are overgrown, steep or unusable for one reason or another.

But they don’t have to stay that way! In fact, we have won awards for creating beautiful landscapes from very unpromising sites.

In this project, we created gardener-friendly raised beds and attractive stone walls from an area that previously had very limited use. We even created a flat area large enough to perch a greenhouse on, dramatically increasing the useable space.

Raised beds have multiples benefits. They make gardening easier for older people as less bending and weeding is required. There’s no need to dig either, the soil can be placed directly onto the ground beneath, often with very little preparation. Raised beds are easy to water and fertilise, and they are can grow a large quantity of healthy fruits and vegetables.

Greenhouses, too, are a major drawcard in the Otago climate where it is often cold and windy. Protection from the elements allows gardeners to protect plants during the winter and grow those that do not easily thrive outdoors here, such as tomatoes, basil and citrus. And if large enough, greenhouses can accommodate a space for those days you want to be outside but out of the rain.

Terracing is invaluable, especially on steeper, hard to access areas by increasing the amount of useable space available. By building walls, it is possible to improve the drainage and create level areas that can be used for a greenhouse, compost bin, seating and raised beds. Terrace walls can be constructed of rock for an historic look, wood for a natural look or, less often, manufactured products like steel for a modern feel.

This new garden area has transformed a previously ignored bit of ground into a beautiful, productive back yard that the owners just love to spend time in.