Tiny Home Haven

Designing a garden for accommodation can be tricky -" Who will be using the space?" "Why do they want to use this space?" "What are their key thought processes that would make using this space enjoyable?" and so on and so forth, so it can often take a lot of discussion to fine tune a demographic and purpose.

In this case, we know the accommodation style, pricing, and location, which was more than enough to get our feet off the ground. Taking a look at the mildly futuristic and minimalist lodgings, I got the theming ideas, as I always say "Landscape design should highlight and compliment it's architecture". With this in mind, simplistic planting with architectural foliage (hard angles, wide leaves or visible trunks) was the go, which is something I take great pleasure in using. Over used, and it becomes mind-numbing, the space becomes cluttered, and too few and the space is lazy, empty, lifeless, so striking that balance takes a bit of play.

As for what each space needs, as Kiwi's we generally have the same ideas; Deck or Patio for entertaining, Privacy from the neighbors, A good amount of light, BBQ if we are lucky, and a patch of grass. After reading through Yates's history of Australian and New Zealand Gardens I got a really clear picture of just how long we have held this philosophy... forever! But, we got all of those elements in, plus a few others for beauty, such as options for firepits, good flow paths, shaded spaces, and areas with visual difference.

I have personally taken pleasure in working with this environment, and am looking forward to see how it continues to evolve into 2026.