Explore how Plontur turns gardens into masterpieces of landscape design

How do you balance aesthetics with sustainability in your designs, especially given the diversity of climates and environments?

First, we prioritise native and endemic plants. This supports local ecosystems and ensures the landscape is resilient across various climates. We also focus on the materiality of our projects, encouraging clients to choose sustainable materials like responsibly sourced wood or recycled components. 

Our gardens often incorporate hardscapes like benches, decks, and functional spaces. This makes them easier to maintain over time and ensures the outdoor areas are genuinely usable–not just filled with plants but designed for people to gather and enjoy.

Our last strategy in landscape design involves integrating automated irrigation systems. We use these to ensure plant health and optimise water use. In some cases, we connect the irrigation system with a koi pond, using pond water for irrigation, which helps reduce the need for clean water. This holistic approach improves efficiency and supports a healthier ecosystem.

We’re also developing a system where clients can directly contribute to sustainable organisations. This is still in our pipeline but it’s part of our broader commitment to a positive environmental impact.

Could you share some specific dreams or lifestyle elements clients have wanted to bring to life? How do you bring these visions to life?

One memorable project was for an art collector who wanted their collection displayed outdoors. We flipped the usual planning process, placing the sculptures as focal points and designing the space around them. This approach created an outdoor gallery feel that highlighted the art while blending seamlessly with the landscape.

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How do you manage the complexities of outdoor design when there are restrictions, like small urban spaces?

We stay resourceful and adaptable. For projects with small urban spaces, we often use vertical elements like green walls to maximise greenery without taking up valuable ground areas. This allows us to create a lush, immersive environment even in tight spaces.

We also carefully select plants that are native or well-suited to the local environment. This not only ensures the plants will thrive but also reduces the need for excessive maintenance and watering.

We also integrate automated irrigation systems tailored to the specific climate, which helps with efficient water usage and keeps the landscape design looking healthy year-round.

What core concept do you want more people to understand about home garden design? 

The garden is not simply a collection of plants. Landscape design is about creating an environment where you connect with nature, including the sky you see, the air you breathe, and more. By focusing on creating a balanced environment rather than only adding more plants, you can make the garden more enjoyable for you and your family, while also making better use of your real estate.

What are some common mistakes you see in home gardens, and what solutions or tips do you have to remedy them? 

A common mistake I see is people focusing too much on having a lot of plant species in their gardens. This approach leads to more maintenance because different plants have different needs. So instead of using a wide variety of plants in a small area, we recommend sticking with one or two types. This creates a more unified look that aligns better with the architecture and is easier to maintain.

Another strategy is extending the interiors to the outdoors. We suggest creating transition spaces like decks, which connect directly from the openings of the house. This helps the flow from inside to outside, making the space feel like a natural extension of the home.

What are specific plants you’d recommend for people who want a low-maintenance yet lush garden? 

I’d recommend using hardy plants and shrubs, like maki, raphis, or bamboo. These types of plants don’t need that much maintenance and adapt well after the first three months of installation. Once they’ve settled in, they’re pretty resilient. While it doesn’t mean you won’t need to water them at all, it will be easier to manage going forward.

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