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Designing with Nature: A Coastal Garden Journey

Designing with Nature: A Coastal Garden Journey

We returned to Rochford Landscapes' Ti Point Paradise to talk with Greenscape Manager Laura Remacha about the care and planning that went into the planting work at this stunning Ti Point property.

 

Photos by Kate Little Photography


The site was already blessed with beautiful natural rock formations - did this influence the theme of the planting design?

The planting structure was originally developed by Wraight and Associates, and we used their concept as the foundation. From there, we built out the final planting plan. A key feature was the inclusion of large-grade specimen trees, which gave the garden an instantly established look. Their height and structure provided depth and texture that younger trees simply can’t.

Beneath the canopy, we layered in a mix of low-level natives to deliver a rolling display of seasonal colour, while also ensuring full ground coverage for low-maintenance care. These plants were selected not only for their aesthetics but also for their ability to creep and flow naturally over pavers and rocks. Great care was taken to position each plant in conditions suited to its specific growth needs.

 


The stunning coastal location must have presented both challenges and opportunities - did this influence your plant choices?

Absolutely — this is a high wind zone, which played a big part in our plant selection and placement. Every tree and shrub was carefully considered based on how it would handle wind exposure, its mature size and shape, and how it would relate to the plants around it.

At the entrance, we planted the client’s favourite tree — a Puriri — for long-term enjoyment. We also incorporated Kowhai to attract native birds and create a sense of life and movement throughout the garden.

 

 

Tell us more about the plant ‘palette’ you chose and why?

We stayed close to the original design intent. The palette included a mix of natives and exotics: berry-producing species, flowering grasses, soft mounding shrubs, and structural plants like Hebes, Libertia, Griselinia, Dianella, and Muehlenbeckia.

We also retained some rare Kakabeak found on site — the clients were thrilled, as they’re notoriously difficult to keep alive. With their commitment to ongoing care, those Kakabeak are thriving. There’s also a variety of Manuka (white, red, and colourful), Kōwhai, coastal maire, and pōhutukawa — all chosen for their visual impact, ecological value, and long-term performance.

 

 

Changes are inevitable when implementing a garden design; what were the challenges while managing the relationship between client, designer and your team?

The clients were enthusiastic and knowledgeable horticulture lovers. We had a lot of conversations at the start, and they placed full trust in our ability to manage the project. That trust made all the difference.

They remain closely involved in the upkeep, which is always a pleasure to see. It’s rewarding for us as landscapers to know our work is appreciated and nurtured.

 
Garden & Lawn Soils

This Ti Point coastal garden is a testament to the power of thoughtful design, collaboration, and ecological sensitivity. With a carefully curated mix of native and exotic plants, strategic use of specimen trees, and an understanding of the site’s natural elements, Rochford Landscapes and Greenscape Manager Laura Remacha have created a garden that feels both timeless and alive.

For gardeners looking to achieve similar results, selecting the right growing media is key. Central Landscape Supplies offers a premium garden mix ideal for establishing thriving planting beds, a lawn mix that supports lush, resilient turf even in exposed areas, and a range of mulches to retain moisture and suppress weeds — all essential tools for nurturing a beautiful, low-maintenance coastal garden that works in harmony with nature.

Read our original story on this beautiful project here: Landscape Feature: Rochford Landscapes' Ti Point Paradise

Ti Point Paradise