We continue on the theme of compact urban landscaping with a visit to this Epsom garden. Paul and the team at Rothsays Garden Landscaping were brought in to turn an underdeveloped garden, nestled into a volcanic mountainside, into something functional and beautiful.
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Hi Paul - can you tell us what the brief was from the client?
Our clients wanted to create an urban-style paradise that would set them up for their retirement years. Their vision was for a contemporary outdoor living space that was low-maintenance, welcoming, and could be enjoyed by the whole family during the summer months.
They were also keen to make the garden environmentally friendly, incorporating planting that would attract bees and other pollinators to help support local biodiversity. They worked with Claire from Sculpt Gardens to design a plan that captured this vision, and our team brought that plan to life.
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Did the hillside location present any particular challenges?
Yes, the hillside setting came with a few challenges. All of the excavation had to be done by hand, as there was no access for an excavator. During the process, we discovered that much of the original lawn area was underlain with rocky clay soil.
To ensure healthy growth for the new garden, we removed the poor-quality material and replaced it with fresh garden mix, creating a solid foundation for the planting and landscaping to thrive.
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Tell us a bit about the design approach and the landscaping materials you used
We began the project by digging out all of the garden areas to create a clean foundation for the new design. Since the site had limited access, all of the soil work had to be done the traditional way — with a wheelbarrow and plenty of hard work. We used Central Landscapes Premium Garden Mix throughout the planting areas to give the new plants the best possible start.
Once the groundwork was complete, we moved on to the paving. The patio area was constructed using a solid base of GAP 20 and GAP 7, topped with paver sand from Central Landscapes, and finished with decorative Waikato Fleck stones for a clean, modern look.
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We carried the same material palette through to the shed area, where we created a stepping-stone pathway to tie the design together.
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In the remaining lawn area, we set individual pavers into the turf using paver sand, creating practical yet visually interesting access paths. To complete the build, we installed aluminium edging around all garden beds for a crisp finish, carried out the planting, and topped everything off with a layer of arborist mulch to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
There’s some lovely accents of colour in the planting - can you tell us about the plant selection
The plant selection was carefully picked out by Claire from Sculpt Garden Design.
This plant collection has been thoughtfully curated for urban living. A blend of hardy, low-maintenance species that bring natural beauty to even the smallest spaces. Designed with both people and the planet in mind, it celebrates sustainability by featuring resilient plants that thrive with minimal care, reducing the need for excess watering or upkeep.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, these plants play an important ecological role: many are rich in nectar and pollen, offering vital food sources for bees, butterflies, and other urban pollinators. Together, they create a living connection between city dwellers and the natural world — a green refuge that’s modern, effortless, and good for nature.
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What would be your message to homeowners looking to refresh their garden spaces?
Spring is the perfect time to give your garden a refresh. You don’t need to do a full renovation — often a few smart changes, combined with the right products, will completely lift your outdoor space. With quality supplies from Central Landscape Supplies and a bit of know-how from our team, your garden can look amazing without the stress.
If your Auckland garden needs a fresh start, get in touch with Rothsays Garden Landscaping — and let Paul and the team help you bring it back to life this spring.
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