Landscape Landspace NZ, Robert Sly Design

02/06/2023

30/05/2023

Does your garden need freshening up, and you don't know where to start? Specialising in small space solutions and courtyards, I provide expert advice, custom-made to your needs and budget. The below image is a Takapuna small space makeover, working with the client to enhance the greenery and add more volume. If this sounds like you, call me now to learn more.

30/05/2023

As small garden can be made to feel much bigger with a few simple tricks.
In this example, garden bed ‘shoulders’ either side of the centre line of the pond, create an element for the eye to push through and past. The space is narrower but seemingly longer.
The shape of the garden/ lawn edge is reinforced with a simple low hedge, which the eye also follows. It is a slower, and longer journey than a straight line from A to B.
The proportion of the space is now compressed making it feel wider. Now the garden feels long and wide. This is reinforced by the paving which extend the full breadth of the garden.

One of the most overlooked devices to create space is what I call ‘vertical lift’. Tall elements will subconsciously suggest a vertical volume above the ground plane.

It is a common misunderstanding that by enlarging the lawn a much as possible, to the edges of the property that the garden will feel bigger. It is in fact the opposite. A simple fenced lawn space spells out where the property ends.
By hiding the edges and corners with planting the space will feel larger.

26/05/2023

Simple off the shelf trellis, if used carefully can be a great option for the garden.
Thanks to the Covid lockdowns, I had the time but not the access to the materials that I would have liked to use... namely Cedar, which was unobtainable then. I had a lot of fun thinking about the garden, brainstorming with Louise after a glass of wine, we hit upon the trellis and rattan blind theme to create an idiom somewhere between Japanese and south-east Asian (with a hint of the Middle East thanks to the rugs).
The space is versatile, It can be changed around easily to suit how we are using the courtyard and depending on the time of year. We love sitting outside by the fire during the summer, low slung chairs can be pulled up for that camp fire feeling. The blinds can be pulled to cosy up areas and radiate warm light when lit at night.
The materials are very affordable, yet, when used well, is perfect for making a space you want to be in.
Call me or visit robertslydesign.co.nz to help create your garden haven😃

26/05/2023

Ahhh, Muehlenbeckia astonii, my gateway plant to the world of Divaricata. New Zealand, the only place in the world that has these fine leafed, interlacing twiggy plants known as divaricating plants. Head to my website for blogs and other landscape observations or follow me on Instagram for regular posts. Robertslydesign.co.nz

24/05/2023

Hi, it is time to introduce myself... I’ve been landscaping a while, but I am
new to Facebook.

I love working outdoors, I love transforming outdoor spaces into havens. I love working with plants, and I love working with people with a shared passion to transform their outdoor spaces.

I am an experienced garden and landscape designer with over 20 years experience. I have worked from tiny domestic to large commercial gardens and lifestyle blocks.

It is hard to keep clean doing this sort of work... but it is a sign that work is getting done.

Call me now to share your garden project.