Our gardens are outdoor sanctuaries, providing us with inspiration, moments of solace and connecting us with nature. They consist of a combination of fixed elements such as decks, paths and pergolas, along with dynamic elements such as planting and wildlife. With more time spent at home during these travel-restricted times, we are interacting more with our gardens, but how can our gardens become more interactive? Adrian Taylor tells us.

Foraging

Edibles can be integrated throughout your garden, and not confined to raised veggie planters or pots. Passionfruit on sunny fences, herbs with your ornamentals and botanical garnishes around the edges will lure you out for fresh deliciousness. Allow edibles to self-seed for free, future foraging to naturally occur.

Playfulness

Whether you’re a young child or a ‘big kid’, we all have imaginations which enjoy play. Add in fun ways to journey through your garden, create hidden spaces and surprises, turn rainfall into water sculptures and include physical activities whch integrate play and exercise into one. Be bold and keep experimenting, so new adventures can keep you entertained.

Community

The new Kiwi norm is to build a 1.8-metre perimeter fence, but by opening up to the street we can increase safety through passive surveillance, provide a shared public amenity and connect us with our community. Planting, lower fences or perforated screens can be used to create a balance between inclusion and seclusion, where we can check out what’s happening on the street, while still feeling a sense of comfort

Wildlife

Your home can also become a habitat and contribute towards creating a healthy local ecosystem. Bug hotels, a continually flowering garden and plants with food sources for native fauna will bring wildlife into your garden. Play your part and enjoy seeing your garden humming with natural activity.

These are just a few ways that our garden can become more exciting and stimulating each day. Interacting with our outdoor environment is a great way to improve wellbeing, connect with nature and grow your own garnishes for your botanical gin cocktails.

Adrian Taylor is an award-winning senior landscape architect at Canopy Landscape Architects in Christchurch. canopy.co.nz