Lush garden with tree fern, renga renga lilies and a firepit

Projects

With every project I focus on creating spaces that are not only beautiful, but also practical and enjoyable to spend time in, both now and for years ahead. From urban gardens, to large lifestyle blocks, browse some of my projects from across Hamilton and the Waikato.

Swimming pool with a relaxing lounging area

Te Miro

Cambridge

Ngāruawāhia

Timber screen and nice garden by a beautiful house

Newstead

Boardwalk to a little lawn and a firepit area

St Andrews

Te Kowhai

Leamington

Rukuhia

Upcoming projects

It can sometimes take years from the initial design stage until construction of a project is completed. And even then we often need to be patient and wait three more years for the garden to mature. It’s only then that we’ll finally be able to take photos of the end result.

3D render of a swimming pool area with shaded day bed

Captain Stone

3D render of a contemporary formal swimming pool

Bankwood

3D render of a contemporary sitting area

Captain Stone

Peacockes

3D render of a characterful english style garden with a pond

Pirongia

3D render of a swimming pool area with outdoor sitting area in front

Horsham Downs

Hi 👋🏼 I haven’t been on Instagram much lately, and that’s because I’ve been super busy creating designs 😄✨🌱 Here are the ones I have completed since the end of January, a good mix of residential and more rural properties, and a few different styles 🤗 Do you have a favorite?

#landscapedesign#landscapedesigner#gardendesignnz#gardenideas#landscapedesignplans#busybusy#swimmingpoolplans

I re-designed my website (again!)

I wanted to give it a fresh new look, more contemporary, sleek and minimal, to reflect my style better :)

I hope you'll like it!

www.voilalandscapedesign.com (link in bio & in story)

#landscapedesignnz#landscapedesignernz#gardendesignnz#gardendesignernz#gardenideas#gardeninspiration#smallbusinessnz#landscapedesignwebsite#contemporarygardens

I loved working with these clients who wanted to create a beautiful swimming pool area which integrated gardens to bring life to the space while helping screen the fencing and make it feel like a retreat at home :) The spa pool is included inside the space, but as they are not the nicest thing to look at, we softly screened it too with low shrubs and tall feature pots :)

The large lawn had odd angles so we made it a nicer, formal shape using gardens with hedges, and placed focal points to create stunning perspectives.

I'm so happy the clients were happy with the design plan, can't wait to see it come to life in the next few years as they work at it in stages.

#landscapedesignnz#landscapedesigner#gardendesignnz#swimmingpooldesign#gardenideas#gardentips#retreatathome#formalgardens

When I come up with a design plan for your garden, I always take into consideration the views from all your important windows! The bathroom's isn't always one, but when you have a bathtub like this, it most certainly is! ✨

Featuring a beautiful Japanese Maple (ie. Acer 'Seiryu' or 'Senkaki' or 'Osakazuki)🌳in a zen-inspired courtyard

#landscapedesignnz#gardendesignnz#landscapedesignhamilton#designtips#bathwithaview#zencourtyard#japanesemaple#relaxinggarden#gardeninspiration#gardenideas

Here are a few ideas on how to enhance your pathway to your front door:

- Custom-sized concrete pavers: I like to use these a lot, they work with a lot of different styles of garden but mostly I think they suit perfectly when trying to achieve a balance of formal and contemporary gardens. In the gaps between the pavers you can use either pebbles or a groundcover like Ophiopogon ‘Nana’, Soleirolia soleirolii, Dichondra repens, Lobelia angulata… 🌿

- A timber boardwalk: Sometimes in combination with the above, they also work well with a variety of styles. I like to use them with newly built houses and coastal ones. Choose a sustainable hardwood ie. Eucalyptus or Garapa 🌳

- Floating steps: if you have an elevated house, floating steps are a real statement! They are built so that they appear to be unsupported. They look amazing for a sleek, minimalist style and sharp architectural houses. ✨

- Tiled steps: Adding a decorative tile to your path and/or step risers provides instant character! Choose the pattern to work with the style of your house, they usually work better with older houses like villas and homesteads, or quirky ones 🏡

- Use large feature pots – I advise against a collection of small pots as they draw the eyes down which defeats the purpose of creating a welcoming impactful entrance. Large pots on the other hand will have plants that are closer or at eye level, frame the door better, look more modern and make more of a statement! 🔥

What your favourite?

Photo credit:
- Tipett Landscape Design
- Pinterest
- B House Eran Binderman Rama Dotan
- OldEnglishTiles (Australia)
- Pinterest

A boardwalk, custom pavers, a couple of feature trees and planted gardens are a great way to create a real sense of entrance that's both welcoming and enhances the look of your house!

🌿 5 things to prepare for your first meeting with a landscape designer

Giving some thought to the following will help make sure your designer has all the information to really tailor the design to your specific needs and wishes

1. How do you want to use your garden?
2. How do you want your garden to look?
3. Make a wish list
4. Think of your priorities
5. Check if you have site plans available

Don’t worry! We got it sorted and will design a beautiful garden for you, no matter what!
🌱💚🌿

#landscapedesignnz#gardendesignnz#landscapeconsult#designpreparation#designsteps

The clients wanted a swimming pool with a private and relaxing lounging area, what do you think? The plants on either side add greenery which is always a bonus in a pool area, and as the shrubs will grow, the fence will feel a little less imposing as well.
Enjoy the last weeks of Summer!

Photo by @inhouse_nz

#landscapedesignnz#gardendesignnz#swimmingpooldesignnz#poolideas#gardenideas#relaxbythepool

A garden with an English vibe to suit an old house full of character in Pirongia.
It already had lots of beautiful mature trees, but the planting underneath needed a bit of a tidy up and ideas to make it less "busy", while the large lawn needed some new gardens to give it more life and interest.
The pond in the center was the clients' idea, and a great one! It makes the whole space feel more relaxing and inviting :) A new garden under the existing large Maple tree includes a nice bench seat to sit in the shade and contemplate the water, and a mirrored garden on the other side features the couple's archway under which they got married ❤️

Between the house and shed, old pavers will be replaced by new exposed aggregate concrete, broken up with recycled red bricks which feature in other parts of the garden and bring more character to the space too.

#landscapedesign#gardendesignnz#englishgarden#gardendesigninspiration#gardenideas#gardenpond

In my opinion groundcovers are essential in gardens. They help suppress weeds by creating low-growing “mats” that block sunlight and prevents a lot of weeds from germinating.
They also retain moisture and soften hard edges, giving gardens a more cohesive look.
I always incorporate them in my designs to create layers of planting (groundcovers being the lowest), fill in gaps, add texture and year-round interest without extra maintenance.

Lobelia angulata (aka Pratia angulata) works in most gardens and is happy in most conditions

Coprosma ‘Hawera’ is great with native gardens and to form dense mats on banks and slopes

Soleirolia soleirolii is perfect between pavers and to cover large spaces - it can take over other plants sometimes but it’s super easy to trim

Pimelea prostrata is a native perfect for coastal gardens

Cerrastium tomentosum looks great in Mediterranean gardens and also for large spaces that need to be covered quickly

Heterocentron elegans is one of my go-to for tropical gardens with its lovely dark pink flowers

Casuarina ‘Cousin It’ is a favourite of mine! It is super quirky and awesome for dry gardens with an OZ or SA feel. Named after the famous character from Addams family

Iberis sempervirens is one I rediscovered recently - great for somewhat formal gardens.

Ophiopogon japonica is great to neatly define garden edges and for Japanese gardens

Liriope muscari (‘Alba’ for the one with white flowers) is perfect for shaded areas

Hope I gave you some ideas for your own garden! Do you have a favorite?

#landscapedesignnz#gardentips#gardenideasnz#groundcovers#voilalandscapedesign#gardendesignernz#gardeninspiration

It can sometimes take years from the initial design up until construction of a project is completed. And even then we often need to be patient and wait a few more years for the garden to mature and be ready to take photos! So in the meantime I share the 3D renders from that project; this is what helps clients visualize what the design will look like in real life… in a few years!
In this design the swimming pool is the heart of the garden 💚 A hedge-framed lawn on to the side helps create privacy for the master bedroom while creating a safe space for children to play where adults can keep an eye on them while they’re using the entertaining areas 👀😎🌱

#landscapedesignnz#landscapedesigner#outdoorrelaxation#gardeninspiration#gardendesignhamilton#luxurygarden#luxurygardendesign #lushplanting#gardenideas

While Kwila and Vitex are popular in New Zealand for their durability and great look, I don’t recommend them. Why? Because they’re mostly sourced from the Solomon Islands, where I’ve seen firsthand (part of my husband’s family is from there) the devastating effects of logging. It’s destroying forests, biodiversity, and water systems while causing erosion and harming local communities with issues like child labour, sex trafficking, and rising alcoholism.

I prefer more sustainable timber choices. For timber to be sustainable, it should be durable in NZ weather, responsibly and NZ-sourced, FSC or PEFC certified, and free from chromium and arsenic treatments. My top picks are:

NZ Natural Timber: Eucalyptus or Garapa (hardwoods), harvested from small NZ plantations, chemical-free.

Abodo: Radiata Pine (softwood), plantation-grown in NZ, thermally treated for stability, and preserved with a low-VOC organic treatment that’s less harmful than traditional methods.

Accoya: Radiata Pine (softwood), NZ-grown and treated through a non-toxic acetylation process for enhanced durability and stability.

Keyland Keydeck: Radiata Pine (softwood), NZ-grown and quarter-sawn to reduce warping, treated with MCA (Micronized Copper Azole), free of chromium and arsenic.

Composite decking is marketed as eco-friendly but comes with drawbacks: it’s non-biodegradable, has limited recycling options in NZ, and a higher carbon footprint compared to local timber.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with, nor do I receive compensation from, the companies or products mentioned. These are my personal recommendations based on research and experience.

For more info, check these resources:

https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/11/unsustainable-exploitation-solomon-islands-natural-resources

https://franciscansinternational.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Solomon_Islands_ENG.pdf

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/deforestation-in-the-solomon-islands

https://devpolicy.org/the-costs-of-logging-in-solomon-islands-20230803/

#sustainablegardendesign#sustainabletimber#outdoorliving#landscapingnz#landscapedesignnz#decking#nzhomedesign#gardendesigntips#voilalandscapedesign

This #spapool is conveniently located in a “nook” between the master bedroom and the main deck, with large statement pavers connecting them all, and lush planting to give it a nice cosy feel 😌 Once the plants have grown and the star jasmine climbed on the cables, this space will be a relaxing haven 🌱🤩🌿

Photo credit: @inhouse_nz

#landscapedesignnz#landscapedesigner#outdoorrelaxation#gardeninspiration#gardendesignhamilton#luxurygarden#luxurygardendesign #lushplanting#gardenideas

Here are 10 ideas for focal points. Be bold with these (don’t go with tiny pots for example):

🫙 Ornamental Pots: the style of the pot should match the style of your garden (modern, formal, quirky...)
🖼️ Outdoor sculpture: as above, however with sculpture I personally don’t use too traditional ones (like angels and deities), I think a contemporary sculpture in a formal garden can look amazing.
💧 Water feature - as above.
🪞Outdoor mirror - I love to use them especially in smaller gardens to make them feel bigger.
🌴Statement tree - so many options! Acer palmatum, Lagerstroemia indica, Amelanchier lamarckii, Cercis ‘Forest Pansy’ are some popular ones.
🌳 Topiary tree and « Cloud-Shaped » trees - Great especially in formal / structured gardens.
🪑 Bench seat - Looking at a bench seat, even if you’re never going to actually sit there, is super relaxing and inviting!
🔥 Outdoor fireplace or firepit - Both nice to look at and actually usable! 2 birds - 1 stone!
🪨 Feature rock - I love to use those, they work really well in contemporary and/or native & natural garden styles.
💫Swing seat - I actually haven’t been including those in my designs much, but this reminds me that I should!

With careful planning, focal points turn an outdoor space into a curated experience. Imagine stepping outside to a garden that feels like a seamless extension of your home—a place to relax, entertain, or simply be inspired.

Ready to reimagine your outdoor space? Let’s create a design that speaks to you and your lifestyle.

#gardenfocalpoint #gardenfeature #landscapedesigntips#landscapedesignideas#gardengoals#gardeninspiration#dreamgarden#gardentips

Photo credits: Google / Pinterest / Thelongtable.blog / Sculpture by Guido Deleu

Does wind make it hard to enjoy your deck? You don’t have to sacrifice those beautiful views to stay comfortable! Here are a few ways to block the breeze while soaking up the scenery:

- Sliding shutter screens for a practical, stylish way to adjust for the wind.

- Adjustable louvre screens to control airflow and light, keeping your space just right.

- Glass screens that give you full protection without interrupting your view.

- Drop-down screens for a sleek, retractable and more affordable option.

#landscapedesign#luxurygardens#swimmingpoolnz#outdoorliving#landscapedesignhamilton#landscapedesigncambridge#dreamgarden#designgoals#poolgoals#gardeninspiration#gardenscreens#outdoorscreens#gardenviewaview#designtips#voilalandscapedesign

Wonder why I chose « Voila » for my business name? Did you think it was Viola like many people? My bad!

#voilalandscapedesign#landscapedesignnz#frenchlandscapedesigner#businessnamenz#smallbusinessnz#gardendesign#landscapedesignhamilton #

How to hide/avoid pool fences:

- Moat: by digging a « moat » (a long, wide hole that is dug all the way around a place) on one side of your pool area, with the ground sloping from 1.2m high on the pool side to <1m high on the other side, you could avoid having to install a fence. As you’ll need access across the moat somewhere, there will need to be fencing and a gate in that area. You can plant soft « unclimbable » plants inside the moat (ie: Lomandra, Ligularia, Strelitzia...) to create a real feature.

- Angled edge / pool wall as pool barrier: If you have a sloping site, one of the pool walls could be part of the pool fence, if it is at least 1.2m high. However, to also comply with safety from falling, which requires a handrail for anything higher than 1m, you would need to show your council that it is impossible to stand on top of the 1.2m high pool wall. This is often achieved by building the pool wall on an angle (see example photos).

- Slope: Again if you have a sloping site, you could install the pool fencing further down the slope rather than right alongside the pool area so that from the top, you can hardly see the fence; especially if you plant in front of the fence as well.

- Plants: and that’s the last and easiest way to hide or at least partially screen a pool fence: always include gardens inside your pool area! It will make it seem so much more relaxing and inviting as well! A pool with only concrete surrounds and a black pool fence will look really harsh and cold in my opinion, if you have the space, please add plants!! Even if it is just plain rows of Lomandras, it will still be better than nothing!

Thinking of getting a new pool in your backyard and not sure how to make it look the best it can be? Give me a call!

Slide 3: Tim Davies Landscaping
Slide 4: Acacia Pools / Edwards White
Slide 5: Andy Hamilton
Slide 6: Glass Vice / Own photo
Slide 7: Te Arai Lodge
Slide 8: Own design / Natural Pools NZ
Slide 9: Olivier Berthet Paysagiste
Slide10: Xteriorscapes + Groundcover Landscaping

#landscapedesign#outdoorliving#landscapedesigncambridge#dreamgarden#designgoals#poolgoals#gardeninspiration#voilalandscapedesign#swimmingpoolnz#poolideas

Kind words like these make my job so rewarding! 😄 Todd and Cushla’s vision for their dream pool area and garden was a joy to design. Knowing they’re happy with it and excited to install it is the best compliment 💚 Thank you for trusting me with your project! 🙏🏼

#landscapedesignnz#luxurygardens#outdoorliving#holidaygarden#smallgardendesign#ingroundspa#landscapedesignhamilton#landscapedesigncambridge#dreamgarden#designgoals#gardeninspiration#voilalandscapedesign

Creating a dream garden often involves balancing ambitious goals with practical limitations, and this recent project was no exception. The clients had a modestly sized garden but a vision to include:
🌟 An extra covered lounging area
🌟 A swimming pool
🌟 A spa pool
🌟 A golf simulator
🌟 A home gym

The challenge? Achieving all of this without compromising aesthetics, flow, or functionality. Here are some of the key solutions to achieve this:
- A very accurate site measure and dimensions of the elements to include (spa pool, golf simulator, pool...): On tight sites especially, every centimeter counts!
- In-ground spa pool! Spa pools are not the nicest things to look at so if you can, bury them! In this design especially the only spot for it was in front of the master bedroom sliding doors so having it above ground would have been a real issue. Putting it in ground keeps the views open from the bedroom and makes the design a lot more seamless.
- Keep in mind the design principles such as focal points! Even if it wasn't in the brief, I added a small gas fireplace as a way to utilise part of the existing deck, and to create a focal point from the main living area. Placing the golf simulator in line with the pool also provides a nice view from the other end.
- Always make room for some planting otherwise your garden will feel harsh and unwelcoming.
- Limited material palette: to achieve a relaxing feel, limit the materials so the garden doesn't look too busy and your eyes and brain can rest. Here we use the same pavers around the pool and under the covered lounge; and the same decking as the existing one around the pool and the spa pool.
This project is a great example of how thoughtful design can transform even the smallest garden into a luxurious retreat. Whether you’re dreaming of a multi-functional outdoor space or simply looking for a garden refresh, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.

#landscapedesignnz#luxurygardens#outdoorliving#holidaygarden#smallgardendesign#ingroundspa#landscapedesignhamilton#landscapedesigncambridge#dreamgarden#designgoals#gardeninspiration#voilalandscapedesign

Poolside: Whether you're soaking in the views or diving into summer, we hope you have a great start to 2025.
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#landscapedesignnz #happynewyear #2025 #gardentips #waikatonz #gardendesign #landscapedesign #landscapedesignhamilton #gardeninspiration

Here's what one of our lovely clients had to say:
"Colette from Voila Landscape Design designed our landscape plan for our new build.
We were really impressed by her promptness, professionalism, and ability to come up with a concept that not only ticked all our boxes but exceeded our expectations. Very clever and well-thought-out plan. We wholeheartedly recommend Colette.'*
Creating spaces that inspire and exceed expectations—that’s the magic we bring to every project!
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#landscapedesigner #waikatonz #landscapedesignhamilton #gardeninspiration #newzealand #landscape #testimonial

How it started vs. How it’s going. Swipe to see a plan vs it come to life.
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#landscapedesignnz #gardendesign #gardentips #landscapedesigner #landscapedesign #waikatonz #gardeninspiration #landscapedesignhamilton #newzealand #gardenideas #landscape

Serenity in the garden . The veggies are thriving, the flowers are blooming, and the birdbath is ready for feathered visitors. This little slice of paradise is all about balance—beauty, nature, and a touch of tranquility.
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#landscapedesignnz #gardendesign #gardentips #landscapedesigner #waikatonz #landscapedesign #landscapedesignhamilton #gardeninspiration #newzealand #landscape #gardenideas #gardeningtips #landscapedesginnz

Dreaming of relaxing under the stars? This stunning outdoor bath project is the ultimate retreat! Who else is adding this to their summer wish list?
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#landscapedesignnz #outdoorbath #gardendesign #landscapedesigner #gardentips #waikatonz #landscapedesign #landscapedesignhamilton #newzealand #landscape #gardenideas

The design of this garden was mostly about the « potager » (vegetable garden). Right below the main deck, its layout creates a nice view from above, even more so thanks to the bird bath in the center. For extra food, espalier fruit trees were planted against the house walls on the side 🍎🥦🌳

#landscapedesignnz #gardendesign #landscapedesigner #gardentips #waikatonz #landscapedesign #gardeninspiration #landscapedesignhamilton #newzealand #landscape #gardeningtips #landscapephoto#vegetablegardendesign#potager#espalier

"Hello, December! Bringing those tropical feels and a splash of summer right to our backyard here in NZ. Time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy outdoor living at its finest.
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#landscapedesignnz #gardendesign #landscapedesigner #gardentips #waikatonz #landscapedesign #gardeninspiration #landscapedesignhamilton #newzealand #landscape #gardeningtips #landscapephoto

☀️ Summer is almost here and there’s a few things you can do before it gets really hot and dry:
- Divide basil plants to get enough for the whole summer, cover strawberries and plant some seedlings (beans, carrots, spring onions, beetroot…)
- Give hedges and flowering shrubs a trim
- Plan your watering ahead if you are heading away (and mulch!)

Nothing too hard right? Let me know in the comments if you have any questions!

Inconsistent watering can stress plants, so aim to water deeply and less frequently to encourage strong root growth. Early mornings or late evenings are ideal to minimize evaporation. 🌞 And don’t forget—plants in pots dry out faster than those in the ground, so check them regularly! Your plants will thank you.
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#waikatonz #landscapedesignnz #gardendesign #landscapedesign #gardentips #gardeninspiration #newzealand #gardeningtips

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@voilalandscapedesign

Projects

Te Miro

Cambridge

Ngāruawāhia

Newstead

St Andrews

Te Kowhai

Leamington

Rukuhia

Upcoming projects

Captain Stone

Bankwood

Captain Stone

Peacockes

Pirongia

Horsham Downs

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