b'alternative solutioncontemporary zen gardenserene suburban oasisLandscape designer Maisy Conway of Sculpt Gardens suggests this alternative scheme:I have re-imagined this space as a private, serene space to relax in. A pleached hedge along the fence screens the neighbouring house to create a private oasis. The modern reflection bench provides a place to sit and relax. The meandering path leads you through the garden to the circular opening in the wall, adding intrigue and a sense of space. The earthy colours of the Waikato fleck pebble add to the natural tranquillity, and Ive chosen calming Resene Ted to paint the entrance gate and bench to connect with the concrete pathway and contrast with lush greenery. I chose lilac shades of flowers (creeping thyme and Campanula would work well) because theyre a soothing colour, reminiscent of Resene Blue Gem. The Resene Pioneer Red dining set reflects the lovely rusty reds of the Japanese Maple trees, wonderful focal points against the serene greens and greys. Resene Pohutukawa or Resene Arriba would also work well.email maisy@sculptgardens.co.nz web www.sculptgardens.co.nzResene PohutukawaRippledish water featureContemporary Water Sculptureswww.watersculptures.co.nz027 432 5642Resene JaguarLava U Pot Resene Hawthorne Group Arriba www.hawthornegroup.co.nz0800 882 211Accent 8 lightsbefore Gardens At Night Waikato fleck pebbleswww.gan.com.au Central Landscape SuppliesResenewww.centrallandscapes.co.nzAbove: This restful design literally leads you down the garden path, past theillustrationPioneer Red 0800 005 445Waikato fleck pebbles from Central Landscape Supplies, to the bench seat andMalcolm Whitethrough the circular entrance, both painted in Resene Ted. Along the way you passResene Woodsman the Lava U pot from Hawthorne Group featuring an architecturally prunedHeartwoodJapanese Yew and the elegant Rippledish water feature from Contemporary Water Sculptures. Through the circular door you can see the table and chairs from Jardin, painted in brick-toned Resene Pioneer Red to echo the Japanese Maple trees in the garden, contrasting nicely with the Resene Jaguar house exterior. Lighting the way are hanging lights under the eaves and accent lights in the garden from Gardens At Night.top tip Bistro folding chairs and tableKeep your concrete paths and other surfaces looking good with finishingJardin Outdoor Furnitureproducts like Resene Walk-on Concrete Clear. For regular easy maintenance,www.jardin.co.nzReseneResenespray on Resene Deep Clean every 6-12 months. No scrubbing or rinsing needed. 09 889 1200Blue Gem Ted It will work with the weather to help keep your paths looking cleaner.74 75'