Egret Avenue

On the edge of Rangitaua Bay, nestled in native reserves, is a peaceful harmonious sanctuary. A garden rich in structure, shade, lush greenery and light playing on water. 

The native reserve towers above the curving hedge-lined driveway beckoning you in. Past the house’s formal entrance another hedge hides a potager and espaliered fruit trees. At its end a gate leads into a lemon walk and swathes of mondo grass. The view of the bay unfolds fully once in the main courtyard. Here formal layered plantings, repetition and a restrained green and white planting palette lend a sense of space and restfulness. Topiary mark entrances and a sunken circular seating space allows extra privacy, shelter and unrestricted views from the house to the bay beyond.

This garden features in NZ House and Garden magazine, August 2022.

Tauranga

Designer: Bernice Wright