This rustic board and batten home is tucked into a valley in a leafy Auckland suburb within walking distance to the sea. The split level house sat awkwardly on the site and was surrounded by an assorted collection of shrubs. There was also a problematic area directly under the boardwalk entry to the house. On the plus side, mature hedging gave good privacy from the road and neighbouring houses. The owners wished for a simpler, less cluttered feeling garden in which there house would sit comfortably. Romantic cottage style plantings were desired, with pollinator plants as a feature, as well as a formal rose garden, multiple options for seating and a large vegetable garden and utility area. As the site had some changes in level, most of the new layout was created using retaining walls. This also allowed for the addition of new soil to improve the existing coastal soil. As the property is in a natural valley, the garden is sheltered from coastal winds. The awkward area under the entry boardwalk was transformed into a romantic sheltered seating area for two. The boundary hedges and several mature trees were kept and new plantings were designed to link everything together. Where possible, low maintenance plants were selected and low hedging also provides structure. The owners have now completed stage one of the project - the entry and driveway areas - and will begin work on stage two - vegetable and rose gardens - next autumn. Dee McQuillan