Check out this interview on my collaborative living roof research project featured on the Animal Architecture website.  This interview was a result of our team receiving an honorable mention in this International competition  ://www.animalarchitecture.org/interview-prosthetic-lizard-homes/  

Ellerslie Flower Show Inspiration

I have just come back from two wonderful days of judging at the Ellerslie Flower Show in Christchurch.  The show this year was spectacular with a variety of very different  gardens and some wonderful planting palettes which ranged from whimsical and natural to bold and joyful.  Here are some of my show highlights which will inspire future planting choices...

A riotous mix of burnt orange and deep purples is a very vibrant but effective tapestry in the garden by LA's Fiona Greig and Jocelyn Mahoney.

A soft and feathery white effect using Gaura in a garden by Sandi MacRae.

Contrasts with the silver, yellow and white of plants and glass sculptural water features.

A simple yet bold pot display.

A deep red and purple planting scheme in Xanthe Whites garden adds drama to a soft palette of Omaru Stone and pumice.

With a water feature back-dropped by a green wall.

A bold and very innovative garden by Paul Roper-Gee - I particularly liked the mix of natives and weed species as a statement about NZ's blended landscapes and feral botanical legacy.

And last but not least - my personal favorite - a 'gone to seed' vegetable garden by Rachael Matthews.

With a inspirational use of old flax flowers for tepee poles in the vege patch.