Welcome to KARI Life Landscape Design Studio
About KARI LIFE Landscape Design
KARI LIFE Landscape Design is an organic garden design studio, now established in Hawke's Bay, NZ after starting life in the UK several years ago. We work on mainly medium to larger gardens, and have a wide-ranging portfolio of garden types & projects both in NZ & the UK.
We specialise in transforming lifestyle blocks, giving them the "makeover" the client is after. This could include aspects of orchard, and wild meadow planting, as well as integrated hard construction with garden beds. Thereby increasing and improving potential entertainment areas We have now done a number of successful NZ landscape designs & developments (in the Rodney area initially), followed by further garden design transformations in Hawke's Bay.
Covering initially larger gardens in London & SE England, our creative and development credentials were gradually built up by offering the highest levels of personal service, which we are replicating here. We have established a loyal client base already in NZ, and are now a trusted adviser & creative partner to these clients.
STYLE
Our style or premise for it, is based on the simple use of evolving form and structure organically in any given garden environment. Building up knowledge of the garden space over the seasons - conditions, light, soil, and landscape form, whilst continually evaluating all possible development options with the client.
The core aim being to create a range of garden views incorporating differing perceptions of the garden space. Key focal points are formed within the landscape design. In essence, just based on small and subtle changes to the garden space and form over time. This results in the creation of a more complex, layered and bespoke final garden landscape, that is also in rhythm with the local natural surroundings.
KARI Life Landscape Design Services
Maintenance
Essentially the seasonal scheduling of garden works linked to possible future project
management, or garden design/development plan options.
Establishing an in-depth understanding & knowledge of the client's garden life, the conditions,
and seasonal changes within any given landscape, and informing and educating the client continually.
This will lead to a smoother, more coordinated and connected design process,
as well as a better flow during all relevant garden development stages.
Design
Initial design thoughts, ideas & draft plans for planting, and styling will be developed into a more comprehensive and inter-connected layout over time.
It is all about the "sum of the parts" being greater than the whole.
This results in the blend between hard landscaping and soft design having more of a flow, and integrated fit, with the locations natural surroundings.
Excellent communication and professionalism. More flexibility with any rescheduling of works, which is derived from the main Garden Design plan, style and objectives that were outlined at the start .
Specialist services
This focuses on the development & specialist maintenance of -
orchard's ,fruit and nut trees, citrus, olive groves, grape vines etc.. as well as wild meadow development.
* Tailored seasonal contracts for specific tasks or projects.
* Aftercare follow up assistance (included).
OUR GOAL.
All our clients to experience an impressive level of professionalism and attention to detail
when working with KARI LIFE Landscape Design Studio
Gallery
Featured Showcase
Get a Quote
Get in Touch
INITIAL CONSULTATION - 90 MINUTES.
$90
Hawke's Bay based.
021 472 809
Gallery
Featured Showcase
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Testimonials
UK GARDENS
Richard Kelly
Terracing Project Design.
Consultation & Design
" I was at a loss before reaching out to Rich regarding the sloping nature of our garden. I didn't have the vision or articulation about what it was my partner and I wanted.
It was only after a very creative consultation with Rich, and a few sketches later that we began to see what was possible with the space we had. Not only was Rich fantastic in the idelisation stage off the design, but he also maximised the space and thought about the knock on effect for the rest of the garden moving forward.
Construction.
Rich also managed the budgets well to achieve what we were after. Getting the right high-quality raw materials we wanted within our budget. the scheduling was agreed up front which included time for clearance, delivery of materials, and construction. All was completed on time and with a fantastic quality finish.
Result
We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of our three tiered garden landscape. The terraces allow for an aesthetically pleasing flow down the garden. Drawing the eye to the new feature tree at the end of the garden. That has been specifically placed to enjoy from every vantage point.
Rich has been great since completion of the design project. Advising on planting for the middle terrace and possible ideas for the rest of the garden. The wonderful thing about Rich is his passion for gardens, plants and design, which is infectious. I have learnt a lot from the project. "
Nicola Moore (a Kiwi living in the UK).
"Rich has worked for us over nearly 4 years. Although our garden has been long established, Richard has been instrumental in developing it further using his garden design skills to make the garden more cohesive and interesting, by repositioning existing plants, as well as introducing new planting schemes.
He has always been very good at communicating his ideas. I have been impressed with his plant knowledge., which has been very useful when successfully introducing new plants into difficult soil conditions with increasingly hot & dry summers.
Richard has been unfailingly reliable and honest, and an absolute pleasure to work with. Although sad to see him go, I wish him every success with his new venture in New Zealand."
Simon & Angela Figgis
"Richard has been working on our garden for over 4 years. A well stocked 2 acre garden in the south of England.
Richard has spent over 2 years designing, planting and developing a 1/2 acre field for us.
We would thoroughly recommend Richard."
John Brazier
"Extraordinary garden developer" !!
NZ GARDENS
Ralph & Anne Cooney
Richard Coe has completed a number of landscaping tasks on our lifestyle property, including a designed garden around our pond, and an island garden in our driveway. Other skills included the specialist pruning, and mulch circle creation for our fruit trees, olive orchard and grape vines.
Richard has a valuable combination of skills in integrated landscaping design, planning and implementation.
We appreciated the way that Richard consulted us at all times during these projects. Importantly, we were extremely happy with the outcomes of all these tasks. The pond garden was a substantial and complex project involving redeveloping the originally degraded area around the pond. The key aim was to enlarge the entertaining space, thereby enabling views overlooking both the pond and across the Kaipara Flats valley. All the sides surrounding the pond now form an integrated and well-designed garden, which includes New Zealand, Australasian, and Pacific island native plants - some quite rare. For example, "Poor Knights Lillies", several varieties of Manuka with a range of colours, , and a selection of differing "Grevillea".
We strongly recommend Richard Coe for any significant landscaping project.
Fleur Strickett
Richard has been working with us to develop our garden for about 2 years now. We purchased a lifestyle property which had a few trees and a lot of lawn. With his consultation we developed thoughts and plans of what we wanted to create over time and have an overall plan of what we want to achieve.
After 2 years we can see the long turn picture coming to fruition, with plans for more plantings to bring the garden into unity. Richard listened to our likes/dislikes, thoughts and proposed an overall plan. He is a very easy guy to talk with, who listens and comes back with ideas on paper for us to approve.
I would recommend Richard in an instance.
Our garden is taking a lovely shape that on our own we would never have achieved.
Lynda Spivey
Please accept this note as a grateful thank you for all your hard work in bringing my thoughts for a memorial garden for my late husband David to fruition.
The site was difficult to access but you overcame all difficulties easily. Watching you work your magic was a wonderful privilege.
You kept me updated all the way through the building of the garden and the finished garden is just perfect. Everyone who has been to see the garden it agrees that David would have been delighted.
So a sincere thank you Richard I appreciate all your work on my behalf.