Resort living reimagined in Palmerston North

The transformation of a 2100m2 Palmerston North property saw Total Landscape Solutions reimagine the section into a series of connected outdoor spaces that have opened new possibilities for family living

When homeowners Stu and Kate talked to architects about updating their Palmerston North home, they were asked a simple question – rebuild or restore?

“We were asked if we wanted to build a new home. But we wanted to do the old house up, because it was unique and had good bones,” explains Stu. “The garden is an extension of that. We tried to stay true to the old, but brought in the new as well.”

That thinking now defines the entire 2100m2 property. Where part of the property was overgrown and largely shaded, the entire section has been reimagined as a layered landscape of lawn, paving and planting that extends the character of the home rather than competing with it.

The transformation did not happen overnight. Delivered in stages alongside a two-year house renovation completed by Harman Brothers, the landscape evolved gradually, shaped by an ongoing relationship between the homeowners and Registered Master Landscapers member Total Landscape Solutions’ Matt Morrison.

CREATING A BLANK CANVAS

Before work began, the site had so much potential but felt disconnected. Palms and conifers crowded the boundaries and large trees limited sunlight to the backyard.

Matt, owner of Total Landscape Solutions, had previously carried out garden maintenance at the property and understood its limitations. He knew Light was the critical issue – and that it’s important to strike the right balance when it comes to tree removal. It can also be quite a difficult decision for homeowners.

“On our previous house, Matt had suggested we remove some trees, but we decided to keep them,” says Stu. “We saw the consequences of that decision and learned to trust his advice. This time, we chose to remove a lot of trees, and it gave us a blank canvas.”

The impact was immediate. Increased sunlight changed not only how the garden looked but how it functioned.

“The new planting grew quickly at the right level,” says Kate. “Now, when the sun hits in the evening, it’s a completely different space.”

DESIGNING IN REAL TIME

Instead of following a fixed design from day one, the landscape was an evolution of ideas.

“Matt did most of the design as project progressed,” Stu says.

Perimeter hedging was planted early to establish structure and privacy while the house works were underway. Because the family moved out during the renovation, the plants had time to settle and grow.

The increased natural light opened new planting opportunities. The palette now combines structure with softness, including rhododendrons, azaleas, hydrangeas and feature trees such as crepe myrtle and michelia. Tropical elements near the pool add texture and seasonal presence.

“I’d pick up different plants I thought would work and place them to help Kate and Stu visualise the space,” says Matt.

Stu credits Matt’s plant knowledge as central to the project’s success.

“His knowledge is exceptional and his ability to pick the right plants for the right space is key.”

Down a once-dark side pathway, Matt was given creative freedom (see photo below).

“We gave him free reign to make it more of a native area,” Stu says. “He added stepping stones and wooden sleepers to define the space and then we added lighting. It looks really cool.”

The front garden was also reworked as it had become dense with self-seeded plants. It was selectively cleared with key specimens retained and the remainder replanted to provide clarity and cohesion.

Careful soil preparation and irrigation have ensured strong establishment.

“The planting has really responded well,” Matt says. “It’s looking healthy, which comes down to proper soil prep.”

MATERIAL GAINS

As construction continued, Total Landscape Solutions returned in stages – paving around the pool, reworking the courtyard, constructing a raised entertainment area, laying turf and replanting the front and side gardens.

“At one point, we even thought about moving the pool – but we’re so pleased we didn’t. Matt’s wife Bec’s advice here was much appreciated,” says Kate.

“By removing the terracotta and replacing it with crazy paving, it all brought it to life. It completely modernised the area to suit the house. It feels like a brand-new pool.”

Material selection became a defining feature of the project. The clients sourced their own pavers – a process Stu describes as “a journey” – before settling on Travertine crazy paving and matching 600x400 pavers from Natural Stone Imports in Taupō.

“Laying crazy paving is a bit like doing a jigsaw all day, but the end result looks great,” says Matt.

At points, Matt suggested refining the material palette.

“At one stage, crazy paving was going to be around the outdoor fire, but I suggested a more uniform look for that space, with crazy paving for the pool area,” he says. “It really worked.”

The combination provides contrast without visual clutter. Rectangular pavers anchor the fire and patio spaces, while the irregular crazy paving softens the pool surrounds.

The pool itself also needed to be refurbished as it was leaking. That work was carried out by RML key sponsor Mayfair Pools, using its latest resurfacing technology, which effectively forms a new fibreglass pool within the existing structure.

To complete the transformation, pencil waterline tiles in a natural travertine tone were selected to match the crazy paving.

Around the pool, traditional fencing was replaced with frameless glass installed by long-time collaborator Grant Meads.

“It really gave us visual flow, which was awesome,” says Stu.

The uninterrupted sightlines enhance the sense of openness – a key goal from the outset.

FLOW AND FUNCTION

Improving circulation between indoor and outdoor areas was central to the redesign. The renovated house features multiple entertaining zones and the landscape needed to echo that flexibility.

“We wanted easy flow,” says Kate. “Getting from the pool to the patio and around the sides is simple. The architecture helped with that but the landscaping really tied it together.”

In winter, the family uses different indoor areas depending on light and warmth. In summer, the activity shifts outdoors.

“There are different spaces outside, each with its own purpose – it all works really well.”

The raised entertainment area with its outdoor fire has become a focal point.

“It has created a whole new living space,” Stu says. “Now we spend a lot of time there in the evenings.

“The overall sense of space is huge and we’ve got nice access from the back of the house to the patio and fireplace area.”

BUILT ON TRUST

Undertaking a project of this scale with good friends can be complex. Expectations are high and communication must be clear.

“It was important to maintain our relationship, personally and professionally,” says Matt. “I was on site a lot and did a lot of the work myself, I wanted to make sure everything was perfect.”

For Stu, that attention to detail reinforced the trust that underpinned the project.

“We thought we knew what we wanted early on,” he says. “But through the process, we learned to trust Matt. Clearing the trees, refining the paving, adjusting ideas as we went – that made all the difference.”

Today, the garden feels inseparable from the home – open, welcoming and full of light.

“It’s created a whole new living space,” Stu says. “It feels like a natural extension of the house – and of us.”