Rebecca Wilson’s first job for a landscape architect was this Waikuku, New Zealand, backyard — her parents’ — which she’s watched grow over 30 years with pleasure and a bit of awe. “Plants have expired. Trees have dropped. But we have reacted to these happenings in the backyard and let its own personality grow over time, rather than making it over to some magazine attribute–worthy backyard,” she states. “I constantly tell people that there’s nothing flashy here, however I never tire of photographing it.”
The garden’s courtyard hosts Wilson’s family’s Christmas parties — outside events, since December is warm in New Zealand. “This garden reflects to me what landscape style is all about: creating beautiful spaces that individuals can really enjoy,” she states.
Garden at a Glance
Who cares for it : The Wilson family
Location: Waikuku, New Zealand
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Wisteria climbs across grape curtains across the fence behind the garden table, and the pergola. “We have to keep this fellow in check, as it entirely covers the pergola and wisteria,” Wilson says. “The autumn colors on it are magnificent, making up for its voracity.”
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Wilson’s daddy restored this entry gate, which had been created in the back of an old dray he found on the property 40 years ago. The gate contributes to the back of the courtyard, with a “crazy paving path,” Wilson says.
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The garden varies each time Wilson visits. “I no longer live here full time, so I love it more. I know just how much work goes into managing this type of backyard, but it’s a wonderful area to help keep your eyes open and know when to stop and allow it to do its thing,” she states.
This tiny route meanders through a casual mix of plantings toward a sculpture of a perched rooster, given to them by the neighbors, overlooking a farmyard and a chicken coop beyond.
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Here, Klaas that the rooster keeps watch over the holiday festivities.
A few years ago, the family lengthened the driveway to the house, bringing the elm trees at the farthest corner of the garden closer. This had a dramatic effect on the texture of this garden. “You now come off the open road and the Canterbury Plains, and suddenly you are hauled to this sheltered, leafy and peaceful location,” states Wilson.
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Moss growing in the cracks between the pavers provides the area visual interest and also an interesting geometric pattern. The moss is a seasonal phenomenon that retreats when the cracks dry out in the spring.
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An barn along one border of the backyard was once covered in ivy. When it expired, the wall evolved to this “sculptural masterpiece,” as WIlson calls it, which she hopes remains with her family for a few more years.
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Wilson underplanted that the grove of kowhai trees with native gossamer grass, which she states “contrasts with the solid, vertical forms and creates a soft branch between the driveway and the home.”
She describes her parents’ home as “pretty normal” — it is an L-shape concrete block with a low-pitched roof and aluminum windows. Her mom immediately painted it black and implanted ivy around the base. “Today it’s completely covered and is a rainwater requiring diligent shaving twice per year. It really looks very okay now, as it sort of disappears into the backyard,” she states.
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On Christmas Day that the entire family heads into the courtyard. The casual table is surrounded by mismatched chairs, in tune with the casual, easygoing vibe of summer — and also Christmas in New Zealand.
Wilson’s mum makes fruit mince pies with sweet short pastry. “They are certainly the very best I’ve ever had, and I’ve tried several. My mom also produces a lovely Christmas cake using a recipe from a great-great-grandmother,” she states.
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In the space sits a simple garden bench under a bamboo. Its lime colour matches the new growth. Tussock grasses provide a link to open paddocks past the fence. Wilson kept the stumps of removed trees for sculptural interest; she topped them with rocks from a local riverbed.
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Despite the warm weather, Wilson’s family celebrates a conventional English-style dinner, complete with turkey, Christmas ham and sexy plum pudding with brandy hard sauce. “It’s somewhat rich and admittedly, it is crazy food for the beginning of summer,” she states. “We also make special salads, frequently using kumara, our Maori sweet potato”
After toasting the holidays with sparkling wine or champagne, the Wilsons move on to local New Zealand wines: sauvignon blancs and varietals from just up the road in Waipara.
The landscape architect waxes philosophical when talking about allowing the pure beauty of her family’s backyard become a part of the larger vision for its own management. “The entire garden does not have to be wild. It is often reassuring to have controlled, manicured areas. But it [will be] a shame, I think, for the entire backyard to be kept tightly in check in any way times,” she states.