Planting Plans
My real passion is plants. I love using plants to create contemporary, naturalistic and ecologically sound gardens.
A good, functional layout is one thing but a bespoke planting scheme can truly elevate a garden. Creating a beautiful space you want to spend time in no matter the season or the site.
For me, gardens are essentially about plants. They are the palette of colour, texture and form that often give a garden its structure and set its boundaries.
Plants can be used to hide and accentuate, draw the eye and frame a view. They can be used to inspire and stimulate or to calm and reflect. Plants and their composition can create a mood.
That's why it is such an important thing to get right.
Yet plants don’t remain fixed. They grow and die back. They change throughout the year and they change even more over the years. Their greens will blush and their forms will evolve.
A successful planting plan should address all of this while simultaneously following the old adage of the right plant for the right place. Soil, light, moisture, exposure and level of attention all play a part in a garden's eventual success.
All of this is what I knit together in my planting plans.
Example Project - Lithgow (Planting Plan to Installation)
What is involved in a planting plan?
A planting plan includes…
A survey of the area being developed
An illustrative and technical planting plan
A planting schedule - a list of all the plants and their quantities ready to be given to a nursery or contractor
A plant database with information and maintenance notes on each plant included in the design
Illustrative elevations of a key area or view
“Sam has a wealth of botanical knowledge and understanding of what will flourish in the landscape, the soil type, suit the space and tailoring the garden design to complement the style of the surrounding architecture and landscape.
Sam’s natural ability and transformational approach to design has been valued throughout and we have no hesitation in recommending Considerate Design to prospective clients.”
- Julie & Rob, Whanganui
A planting plan is probably right for you if…
You have a specific problem area on their property
You have a corner of the garden that has long been overgrown and you’d like to open it up and improve your view
You have a long established shrub or tree that’s recently died or suffered some storm damage and you’re taking the opportunity to embrace a change
You’ve recently moved onto a property and the previous owner's garden tastes and style really aren't the same as yours
You’re happy with the layout of your garden but the planting just isn’t working for you or certain plants are struggling
You want a garden that is a little lower maintenance
You just fancy changing things up
A planting plan is probably not right for you if…
You want to redevelop your whole garden
You are more interested in gardens that focus on hard landscaping features
You’re happy with the plants in your garden but are unsure of how to manage and care for them
You are looking for a quick fix to get your property ready for sale
You’re confident in your own abilities and just need to consult with someone
Example Project - Ngapuhi (Planting Plan & Elevation drawings)
