60 | Landscape specialist favours timeless design Sanctum Landscapes specialises in creating landscape designs from scratch, or refining existing plans to elevate and enhance outdoor spaces. T T Alexia Anderson Sanctum Landscapes CONTRACTING A freshly landscaped outdoor space is becoming increasingly important for homeowners and developers, particularly as the warmer months approach. While it could be tempting to wait until spring to start thinking about revitalising an outdoor area, winter is a more practical time to lay the groundwork. That is where Queenstown-based landscape designer and builder Andy Rogers can help. Andy, who is the founder of Sanctum Landscapes, says winter was the ideal time to start planning. “It allows time with a landscape designer to carefully plan features, layouts and plant choices without rushing,” he says. If planning work is left too late, it could mean having to wait until summer or autumn to begin the project, “long after you were hoping to enjoy it”. It could also result in higher cost due to demand, he says. Andy explains there are certain elements that could be started in the colder months, including clearing the site, tree removal, grading, drainage assessments and demolition of old patios or decks. Sanctum Landscapes specialises in creating landscape designs from scratch, or refining existing plans to elevate and enhance outdoor spaces. Demand for landscaping projects is growing in Central Otago, which is why he is keen to educate people on planning early to avoid disappointment. Andy has more than two decades of experience across the landscaping and building sectors. He gained a Diploma in Landscape Design from Unitec before travelling extensively and later becoming a qualified builder with a desire to craft all his own designs. He was also driven by a fascination to better understand the construction sector. He says gardens are among his favourite specialist areas, and considers himself “very lucky” to have found something that gives him and his clients so much satisfaction. “I’ve always been into gardens for as long as I can remember. There’s something undeniably magical about secret gardens – those tucked away, partially hidden green sanctuaries that feel like a personal escape. “Designing them and then bringing them to life – the whole process is epic!” A passionate advocate for thoughtful, timeless design, Andy draws inspiration from Japanese gardens, a fascination that dates back to the Karate Kid films of the 1980s. “I remember being drawn to the simplistic beauty of Mr Miyagi’s garden.” Since then, he has enjoyed incorporating “minimalism and spatial grace” throughout his designs. “Nothing should overwhelm the space,” he says. Instead, he likes to create a clean layout and restrained material palette to enhance visual fluency, “making the space feel intuitively and emotionally soothing”. He also likes to use large rocks, which Queenstown lends itself to. While Sanctum Landscapes is known for intimate courtyard gardens, hot-tub decks, and fireplaces, it is also expanding into larger-scale projects. A recent favourite of Andy’s involved transporting large rocks by helicopter to build a custom deck, one he almost turned down due to workload. Designing for Queenstown’s alpine climate also means selecting drought-resistant, frost-hardy plants, and using materials like local schist to ground each design in its environment. Andy advises anyone considering a landscaping project to take their time and get a design drawn up properly, to ensure they “end up with something truly special”. For all your gardening needs! Call (03) 216 8265 trees@diacks.co.nz Artificial Flowers, Plants and Pots ´ Fruit Trees and Edible Plants Garden Care • Gifts for the Gardener ´ Greenhouses ´ Hydroponic Supplies Landscape Services and Supplies ´ Perennials, Annuals, Bulbs and Outdoor Plants Statues, Ponds and Fountains ´ Supersave Pet Depot ´ Trees and Shrubs Suppliers to the trade · Direct to the public · Weekly deliveries to the Lake District www.diacks.co.nz · 628 Tweed Street & 849 North Road, P.O Box 181, Invercargill Proudly supporting Sanctum Landscapes • Sigenergy Solar • Lighting Design • Residential/Commercial • Repairs & Maintenance 03 442 8788 | office@queenstownelectric.co.nz | www.queenstownelectric.co.nz SIMPLE TO INSTALL RUSTIC LOOK ROBUST AND ELEGANT www.tinyanvil.co.nz sales@tinyanvil.co.nz GET IN TOUCH Supplying: • Corten and Powder Coated Steel Planters • Corten Edging and Modular Planters • Steel Water Features • Corten Outdoor Fires • Plant Supports 0800445566
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