Our Garden

When we arrived in February of 2003, there was a remnant of what had once been a very traditional formal garden, with many mature trees that had been left to go wild. After building a pond, raised garden bed, two fences to separate various sections of the property, and completing new wooden decks and replacing the original concrete paths with paving, the place has been transformed.

We have planted many native trees and shrubs, and have just begun. Our intention is to develop a wild section incorporating the pond, a more controlled environment near the house, two distinctly native forest areas (one with many ferns) and the last area being a traditional Kiwi back yard with the raised garden and original garden shed.

	This is a photomontage of photos that I took of trees, shrubs and flowers in our garden in 2003 - before we started to make changes.
	This is the fern garden near the front approach to the house. We enjoy eating meals, playing board games and reading in this area. (Taken December 2007)
	This shows our large dome tent, fish pond in the foreground, and house to the right. We used the tent for visitors over the holiday period. (Taken February 2007)
	Our pond is a breeding ground for Red Comet fish. This shot shows the water weed that they breed in very successfully. (Taken February 2007)
	This shows our large triple-domed tent, which we used for visitors over the holiday period. (Taken February 2007)
	This shows our picnic area, where we eat our meals outside on fine but cooler days all year around. (Taken February 2007)
	This is another photomontage of photos that I took of our garden in December of 2007. We have been working towards a less formal native rain forest look. Successfully, I think!
	This photo was taken out of our lounge ranch-slider towards the pond and fence, showing a magical effect from the rain hanging off blades of long grass.