CHARTER FOR CHANGE

NEWLY PLANTED landscapes can often be slow starters, only reaching their full potential years later. At the Westfield Chartwell development, however, the planting looks as though it has been there for two years, not one, says Dave Norris of Hortspec Landscaping.

"Most sites grow slowly, but this one has seen really rapid growth," he says. "Here, the architect specified that all existing soil had to be removed to at least 300mm, and up to one metre where the large specimen trees such as the Norfolk Pines were to go."

The type of top soil used also made a difference: compost and fertiliser ware added to the top soil, with bark mulch on top of that.

"We ended up with a really rich soil, which provided an ideal growing environment for the plants."

Most of the original site's plants were removed, although some well-established trees were retained. Landscape architects from Boffa Miskin chose the planting with mitigation in mind, so the planting would screen the new development and soften the architectural outlines.

Mexican alders are key structural plants in the mix, along with native ground cover plants and native trees such as totara. Norfolk Pines were also selected as wayfinding features at entrances and exits.

"Planting the pines was a challenge for us, as we had to dig such deep pits," says Norris. "Normally we come to a clean site, but here we handled soft landscaping, excavations and hazard management as well as planting."

Cabling for services such as gas and electricity also needed to remain undisturbed during excavation. For this the company used divining rods to supplement their more modern techniques.

For details, contact Hortspec Landscaping, 205 Morrinsville Road, RD4, Hamilton, phone (07) 856 2405, fax (07) 856 2405. Email: info@hortspec.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas