What does a resilient and sustainable landscape look like in New Zealand?

This is a column by landscapers, for landscapers. In it, you’ll find knowledge, views and insights from professionals just like you, who are currently working in the industry.

ZONES LANDSCAPES

Interviewee: Lee Irvine – Director

Location: Auckland

Staff: 1

I think resilient landscaping in New Zealand is about designing in alignment with the location. That means understanding the land, creating ecosystems that naturally suit the environment and choosing construction methods that minimise disruption.

It’s not always practical but we can still work within our constraints and make responsible choices wherever possible. Design, planning and material selection are all critical, with coverage and drainage remaining key considerations.

A shift away from traditional hardscaping towards more water-sensitive design solutions is definitely becoming a talking point, although I think changing consumer choices will largely be driven by necessity.

Impermeable hardscaping materials are practical and still have their place. In my experience, it comes down to balance – understanding the options available and making informed choices.

As landscaping specialists, we have a responsibility to help clients understand the implications, alongside alternative solutions and mitigation strategies.

UNEARTHED LANDSCAPES

Interviewee: Shannon Bird – Owner / Director

Location: Christchurch

Staff: 2

I believe a resilient landscape is one designed to manage water more effectively. I’ve only been running Unearthed Landscapes for three months but, in my 13 years of landscaping experience, I’ve noticed water often isn’t managed well.

Too much focus is placed on removing water from sites, which I think contributes to flooding issues. Instead, we should be designing landscapes to retain water and reduce the pressure placed on stormwater systems during extreme weather events.

Water retention is rarely a major design consideration, so that’s something I try to prioritise in my work.

I design for permeability, including ensuring soil structure to retain water properly. In many new developments, soil becomes so compacted that rain can’t penetrate it, causing runoff that contributes to flooding during heavy rain events.

CARLTON LANDSCAPES

Interviewee: Scott Carlton – Director

Location: Wellington

Staff: 4

I think resilient landscaping is becoming much more about soil and ground stability. With the weather events we’ve been seeing recently, it’s become a major talking point. Planting is important – you can’t just clear everything from a site because once roots are gone, you lose ground stability as well.

The same applies to wetlands and natural areas. We need to recognise the flora and fauna already there and be mindful of where water is redirected. That said, in some cases like the recent Wellington weather events, the rainfall was beyond anything soil management alone could prevent; built infrastructure also needs to be properly considered.

Clients come to us for advice and soil retention is only going to become more important as weather events become more frequent.

In Wellington, slips have become a real issue, especially where development has disturbed the land. Heavy rain and unstable ground are a dangerous combination, so understanding the natural landscape is critical.