b'feature gardenW hats one of the first things you do when returning frompaving stones and flowing stepsall of which helped Tania understand a four-year expatriate posting in Nigeria? Well, if youreher clients vision. Aucklander Jane McRae, you set about creating a magicalThe scrapbook was a fantastic starting point, says Tania. But we garden retreat incorporating palms and native plants, bright coloursthen had to fit Janes ideas to the site and the conditions, and marry and lots of bird-enticing elements. the garden to the house. Its a very narrow space that steps down Id been living overseas in a third-world country and I just wanted tofrom the house. We filled and lifted the site, and the wedge shape of come home and have a garden, she explains. At our house in Portthe garden dictated to a large degree what we could do with it. Being Harcourt, Nigeria, the outdoor area was focused around a playgrounda small space, too many elements would have been confusing.for the kids to enjoy. It was all dirt with nothing green, so when weBecause the garden is also in shadow all winter and is exposed to came back I really wanted to plant things again.strong on-shore winds, the plants had to be wind and salt tolerant. Jane and her partner extensively renovated their Hillsborough homeLow maintenance and privacy were Janes key requirements. And, overlooking the Manukau Harbour to create an environment theof course, there was also the inclusion of the colour orange. Two family could continue to enjoy as their primary school-age childrentonesResene Sorbus and Resene Grenadierwere used to paint the grew into teenagers.curved plastered walls and provide the perfect counterbalance to the Alongwithremodellingthehouse,theyalsotackledthebarrenlush foliage. wedge-shaped piece of land on the southeast seaward side of theSome of the neighbours were a bit sceptical at first, admits Jane, house, enlisting the help of landscape designer Tania Barke frombut orange and green are beautiful together. Tania agrees: The Through the Garden Gate.orange is stunning and vibrant, and it just calls you out into the Tania and Jane worked closely together. Janes scrapbook of ideasgarden. Even in winter this garden is enticing from the house. The included pictures of water features, specific plants, outdoor fireplaces,plant palette Tania chose also includes red, white and a smattering LeftA functional work of art, the custom-made chiminea fireplace provides warmth and ambience, and acts as a visual focal point. Its also great for toasting marshmallows.BelowSnowcone, the rainbow lorikeet belonging to Janes daughter, is a regular visitor to the garden and his colourful plumage tones perfectly with the orange, green and purple colour palette.ReseneKabulReseneSorbus69'