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In 1982 we moved to a property in the Waitakere Ranges above West Auckland. More than half of it was native bush. As there are restrictions about clearing bush in this area we decided that the bush would be our garden.
My garden actually began four years ago when we decided to remove an old parapool.
This left us with a large round circle of sand surrounded by scrubby bush - mostly of the size we were fortunately permitted to clear.
The sand suggested bricks so a design was worked out which would point to the direction of our view (on a clear day we can see Whangaparoa and Little Barrier Island).
Next is the finished paving showing the surroundings. Some of these plants (mainly the flaxes and kowhais - we had planted 5 smaller kowhais in a group!) became too big so had to be shifted.
Last is a recent photo with the plantings softening the outline of the bricks.
Next.....
On the right side of the bricks we used weed matting and a rough grade of bark. Our intention was to plant mainly natives - particularly ones which wouldn't grow more than 3 metres in height.
I had allocated a space to grow a few annuals and perennials enclosed with bricks (known as the teardrop garden). This changes from year to year with the focus of the garden changing from Rudbeckias and violas to delphiniums and cosmos.
As the garden began to take shape we added a Japanese Maple and a Mollis Azalea in a deep gold. These added the autumn colour, as well as our first colour in spring.
Next came the roses. To fit them in a few of the natives that had not performed as well were moved, also the prolific kowhais (Dragon's Gold and Early Gold) were cut back to one of each.
A recent view (early 1999) showing the extension of the garden to the right.
On the left side, and at the end of the bricks, are mainly natives - Lophomyrtus, Pittosporums, Kowhais and flaxes - a combination of colours and foliage I particularly enjoy.. | 
