In Maori culture, “koru” is a spiral-shaped symbol representing new life, growth, and hope, inspired by the unfurling frond of a silver fern. It symbolises creation, perpetual movement and the continuous cycle of life.
Easily identifying with this symbolism, I took on the challenge to design a koru shaped centrepiece into this large, almost square shaped blank canvas. The brief was to keep symmetry in the design, to add curves, a lawn, a large shade tree, and to add a tropical plant paradise – all while incorporating the koru - and all the existing blue and turquoise pots!
By incorporating a strong blue flower palette, I managed to balance the bold blue pot colours to blend with their new natural setting. 5 of the existing pots, strategically placed, resemble the unfurling fern leaves in the koru design. Casuarina Cousin It will spill out of these as they grow, softening the design outline slightly.
Overall, the new plants will ensure a lush tropical outcome as they grow, providing privacy and much needed shade for future underplanting of additional smaller ferns.
A bench seat was incorporated into the symmetrical design, beckoning to enjoy the garden from all angles. The existing outdoor shade structure with its bar counter is connected to the garden by bluestone steppers. Compacted crushed summerstone fines complete the low maintenance approach.