A Self-Sufficient Life at the Kaipara Airfield: Sustainable Landscape Design
Working on a live airfield has been a unique experience - with great views and constant activity. Set on the wide horizon of Kaipara’s rural airfield, this property started as a modest garden and has grown into a carefully designed landscape, shaped by strong relationships and a shared vision to bring our clients’ gardening dreams to life.
Jon Plowman was brought in to reimagine the site. Rochford Landscapes joined the project to execute the vision - from groundwork and structural elements to planting and the finial build stage now coming together. What first began at the front entrance soon became a year-long project.
The garden grew in clear stages. Retaining and soft landscaping led to a productive zone featuring raised beds, an orchard, a glasshouse, and a custom potting shed - all designed to reflect the client’s lifestyle. Curved Corten steel edging links the spaces with rhythm and flow.
Sean Kingi, Rochford’s resident builder, worked alongside Jon to lead the structural execution. Luke Scholes has also been a valuable part of the team, assisting with both landscape design and install throughout the project. Together, the team have built a strong partnership with the clients.
The scope expanded with the design. A 12 x 3.7m concrete pool, designed by Matt Moore of Matakana Pools, was repositioned to connect better with the home. It now anchors an outdoor zone with a pool house, louver roof, showers, and custom privacy screens - all synced to the home’s materials.
Midway through, planting was overseen by Laura, Rochford’s Greenscape lead. Nikau palms and bursts of orange Gazanias inject character and a touch of heritage. Pittosporum ‘Golfball’ adds structure and groundcover Kopukaitiko softens the base. Feature Pōhutukawa and Kentia Palms build scale and atmosphere for the birds & bee’s.
Nothing keeps plants happier than healthy soil - and mulch is the secret ingredient! We gave the gardens a generous layer to lock in moisture and keep weeds at bay. To ensure top quality mulch was delivered, we worked closely with local suppliers, including Central Landscape Supplies in Warkworth.
Repetition of colour and materials ties the site together. Blue tiling around the pool reflects the house’s interior palette. “It’s about cohesion,” says Jon. “There’s confidence in carrying a detail through - and when it’s done well, it elevates everything.”
Now nearing completion, the team has spent close to 12 months on site. The meditation circle is underway and pool plastering is nearly complete. Watch this space for final photos as the project comes to life.
Short on time? Our expert maintenance team is here to help your garden thrive and grow through every season. To learn more about our garden maintenance services, click here.
