With a natural flow into the forest that surrounds it, this Wellington garden puts peacefulness on the perimeter.
With the pace of everyday life, a patch of greenery can offer a place to unwind and reconnect with nature. For the owners of this Khandallah property, their new garden was intentionally designed as a retreat, taking inspiration from the surrounding trees. They sought an outdoor retreat that would provide grounding and offer a contemplative place to return to after frequent work travels.
James Walkinshaw of Xanthe White Design was tasked with creating this refuge. Drawing from the bush surrounds, he transformed the site into a dynamic garden that beautifully evokes a sense of seclusion. A new home by architects Novak+Middleton occupied much of the section, so the garden had to be thoughtfully divided into two key areas: the front, which grounds the house’s structured gable form, and the main garden at the rear, providing a secluded escape.
From the street, a berm planted with miniature toetoe disguises the driveway and softens the view of the house, while a row of ribbonwood visually breaks up the linearity of the architecture. The back garden, in contrast, is tucked away and feels lush and tranquil. Surrounded by neighbouring buildings that limit direct sunlight, it had to be designed for some shade. James saw the opportunity to create an environment that embraced the local native backdrop. “We wanted to retain that feeling of being enclosed by trees — the outlook of green,” he says. “It was about making the garden feel inviting, in both the shade and the light.”
In response to the site’s conditions, James designed a layered planting scheme that would thrive in both the shadows and sunshine. A mix of natives and selected exotics forms a lush frame around the house, with bold foliage adding depth and texture. Ferns and rengarenga edge a winding mulched path at the back of the garden, while tractor seat plants offer sculptural contrast and woodland flowers bring seasonal moments of colour.
“One of the main goals was to use plants that feel natural to the region,” says James. “We wanted to keep that sense of being surrounded by native flora, which is part of the beauty of Wellington’s hill suburbs.”
By incorporating these native species, the garden not only honours the local landscape but supports the area’s biodiversity, which has seen a resurgence thanks to conservation efforts like those at nearby Zealandia.
The design also emphasises creating a sense of movement, with layers of planting that flow into one another. “It’s a balance of structure and softness,” says James. Curved hedges and strategic tree placement guide the eye and provide focal points.
A key feature is the integration of the landscape with the architecture. “The house is very angular, so we wanted to soften that with curving planting elements,” James explains. The low-maintenance design also uses plants such as creeping fig and fuchsia to cover retaining walls and soften the transition between the garden and the built environment.
of Leptinella rotundata.
Even with all the thought put into its design, a garden, by its very nature, is ever a work in progress. “Landscape design is four-dimensional — it’s about considering not just the space as it is, but how it will change over time,” says James. “Gardens are never static. They evolve, so it’s important to plant with that in mind. This garden will change with the seasons and, in five or ten years, will look even more integrated into the surrounding environment.”
While some plants are still settling in, the overall effect is one of balance, where species coexist in a space that feels alive year-round. Ultimately, the garden is about creating a place where the owners can reconnect with nature. “When they come home, their outdoor environment offers a sense of tranquillity. They wanted something that felt restful and authentic to Wellington’s natural beauty,” says James. This garden is not just a visual experience but a living space that nurtures a connection to the land.
Words Alice Lines
Photography Kate Cooke