Gentleman’s playground at Ellerslie
With a bar, barbeque, pool table and putting green, Will Morrison’s garden is one for the lads.
A Sales Consultant at Christchurch company Urban Paving and Landscape Supplies, Will has created “A Gentleman’s Playground” – one of 16 feature gardens at this month’s Ellerslie International Flower Show.
Stone steel and plant material are combined to create a living bar, barbeque, pool table and library. Finished off with a lush putting green, the garden provides a perfect haven for the modern man.
“A Gentleman’s Playground is the dream world of the Kiwi man,” says Will. “The ideal environment for them to enjoy those things they like the most.”
“I wanted to design a garden that was useable and could be enjoyed rather than just a piece of art.”
Will has strived to create a unique and uncommon exhibit by blending nature with natural stone.
“The inspiration from this garden comes from the beauty of natural stone – the changes in tone and texture, and the art this creates.”
“There is a large focus on structural planting this year using new or recently released plants including the evergreen ‘Tanika’, blue-green flax ‘Little Rev’ and the yellow flowering ‘Goldilocks Rocks’,” says Will.
Raised in Wairarapa, Will studied landscape architecture before joining Urban Paving full-time in 2012.
A family owned business, Urban Paving are three time Ellerslie medal winners having picked up gold in the retail section in 2010, 12 and 13. This success was compounded in 2010 and 13 when they were awarded the prestigious Supreme Retailer of the Year Award.
Will, who helped design and build last year’s winning display, is excited about the upcoming show.
“This year we have decided to go bigger and better than ever, creating both a 10 by 10 metre feature garden and a smaller retail exhibit.”
“I’m looking forward to the public reaction towards A Gentleman’s Playground – who knows, a few guys may even be inspired to recreate it in their own backyards.”
A Gentleman’s Playground is one of 16 major gardens in Ellerslie 2014, twice as many as last year and more than ever before.
Ellerslie International Flower Show is in Christchurch’s North Hagley Park from 26 February to 2 March 2014.