"We needed to create and define separate areas for outdoor entertaining. The landscape also needed to include a swimming pool, motor court and garaging."
The long, sweeping driveway retains a character suited to the house, with hedgingof Griselinia littoralis on either side. Native pohutukawa trees have also been planted, and will eventually form a canopy above the driveway.
Nearer the house, a raised garden of white and pink roses is bordered by buxus hedging. Tall queen palms frame the porte cochére. The entrance is also highlighted by a water feature, framed with a mat of dense buxus plants.
The pool and courtyards have been positioned at the front of the house, which is also the sunny side. However, this meant it was necessary to screen these areas from the street.
"We needed to provide privacy without reducing the sunlight," says Read.
Substantial perimeter planting and hedging helps achieve this. Nearer the courtyards, the plants include subtropical and succulent species, such as yucca, cactus, agave, philodendron and bougainvillea. A ground cover of Spanish shawl creates a carpet of cerise-coloured flowers. Like many of the plants, this complements the iconic colour of the house facade.