Reimagining a Backyard in Grey Lynn, Auckland

Need for Safety

Claudine’s Grey Lynn home had a seriously steep driveway and path, making access difficult and at times dangerous. The front area lacked personality and was hard to maintain, which was not great for curb appeal! The backyard was also in need of a makeover to create a more enjoyable space in which to relax or entertain. Not quite sure where to start, Claudine contacted her local Zones Landscape Consultant Kate Ryan for some expert advice.

Kate arranged a free consultation with Claudine to discuss her ideas and goals for her outdoor renovation, and to explain more about the Zones process. Since Zones focus on a bespoke customer experience, Claudine’s landscape transformation would be tailored to her specific needs, lifestyle, and budget. Kate, as Claudine’s dedicated Landscaping Consultant throughout,  would provide exceptional customer service and fully manage the project, thereby providing Claudine with a straightforward and stress-free experience. Claudine was sold! So together the pair began to work on a concept for a stunning back (and front!) yard makeover.

Consultation and Design

A key priority for the outdoor renovation was improving the front access to Claudine’s home. Kate developed a design that would include a retaining wall and tiled steps, visually attractive and much safer than the existing steep slope. To avoid the need for council consent, the retaining wall would be less than one metre in height, a great solution that avoided additional costs. The entrance would feature new block walls and a custom handrail, along with formal planting. The retaining wall would also allow for a new level lawn and fencing at the front of the home.

Around the back, lawns and plantings needed renewing, and a paved area was planned to accommodate a potential spa. Irrigation was included in the budget, and painted walls and fences would freshen the space up and provide finishing touches. 

Excavation and Transformation

Once Claudine was happy with the plans and the budget, the exciting transformation could begin. With Zones, no work starts until the customer is completely comfortable with the working plans and final budget. This ensures all parties are on the same page and reduces the risk of any unwanted surprises along the way.

Claudine’s backyard transformation involved multiple tradespeople and suppliers, from tilers, electricians, and excavators, to plasterers, landscapers, and a block layer. Finding and scheduling so many tradespeople is often a nightmare, but Kate simply tapped into her existing network of trusted professionals and seamlessly scheduled every step of the project.

Sticking closely to the agreed budget was important to Claudine, as it is to many homeowners, so any proposed changes or additions to the original plans were considered carefully and agreed to before being undertaken. As the transformation progressed, planter boxes and garden lighting were added to enhance the end result.