Outdoor living has long been a massive part of the Kiwi lifestyle, but changing homeowner preferences, international influences, and moving environmental considerations are redefining how these spaces are designed and enjoyed. Landscape architect Jude van Brandenburg, based in Queenstown, shares her observations from the field and discusses how clients are adapting their gardens in 2025, and what may be on the horizon for the years ahead.

A shift from New Zealand native gardens

In areas such as Queenstown, where the climate and domestic settings can pose unique challenges, the once-popular “natives only” approach to planting is slowly being reconsidered.

“I am seeing a shift away from ‘only natives garden.’ Clients are more open to seasonal interest and gardens requiring a cut back in spring, to then allow a fresh take on the summer garden,” Jude explains.

She recalls one particular case where a client requested red tussocks as the sole feature in a garden beneath deciduous trees. “The tussocks always struggled and ended up looking terrible. We replaced them with exotic grass, which looks better year after year. They only require an annual cutback, whereas the tussocks needed the leaves to be combed out.”

Homeowners more engaged with their gardens

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on how people interact with their outdoor environments. According to Jude, clients today show a deeper emotional connection to their gardens than they did in the past.

“There was an uplift in prioritising outdoor spaces following Covid. Existing clients seemed to be more familiar with their garden and have a closer relationship with it as a result of lockdown. They would tell me all about the bird life and where it is nice to sit throughout the day.”

In one project, the owners had inherited a family holiday home. While the house itself was dated, the clients chose not to renovate it extensively. “They were focused to transform the garden rather than fully renovating the house. It was a way to personalise the property, without losing the essence of the family history associated with the home.”

While working in Auckland post-lockdown, she also witnessed a boom in demand and interest for home swimming pools.

woman at picnic on backyard at dusk

Pergolas, fires and shade reimagined

The desire for outdoor entertaining areas still remains strong, but the approach to shelter is evolving. While pergolas are still popular in some regions, Jude has noticed a decline in demand in the south.

“I am seeing a shift away from louvered pergola, although they are still popular in Auckland, I believe. The issue of covered spaces is the obvious difference in summer and winter. Summer shade is essential, also shade is needed for the house. Although in winter we welcome the sun…but a problem is a pergola structure shading the house.”

To solve this seasonal challenge, she often recommends retractable systems such as the Austrian-designed Soliday shade system, which is imported to New Zealand by Arrowtown-based company Suncraft. These systems allow shade when required, without compromising winter warmth.

Outdoor fires continue to be a popular design feature as a focal point for a garden.

Designing with movement and flexibility in mind

For compact or urban properties, functionality is key, and Jude has been applying clever design thinking to maximise utility.

“In a small space, we designed an attractive box which contains the BBQ when not in use. The ideal location for the BBQ also blocked the view into the garden, and no one wants to see the back of a BBQ. We replaced the wheels so it could be shifted when needed and then carted away when not needed.”

The flexibility of design is also reflected in clients’ requests for integrated seating, movable screens, and shade that adapts to different times of day.

Material choices: practicality versus aesthetics

Choosing materials for outdoor surfaces remains a balancing act between durability, maintenance, and appearance. Jude says natural stone and porcelain tiles continue to be the most debated options.

“Often, there are questions around natural stone tiles vs. porcelain tiles. Both have pros and cons. The natural stone looks great, but often requires sealing. The porcelain tiles are easier to maintain, but the repeated pattern can often be an issue to deal with.”

Looking ahead: International inspiration and design challenges

In the next five years, Jude expects an increasing number of clients to draw inspiration from renowned international garden designers.

“Clients are more exposed to international trends, for example some clients seem to know the planting of Piet Oudolf or Anthony Paul and they follow international designers on social media and online. This is a great inspiration, although we have to adjust to the plant species available here.”

However, she cautions that the growing demand for native plants, particularly tussocks, has led to concerning practices.

“What actually upsets me is, because there is a demand for native plants and especially tussocks, there are people who go and dig up tussocks from their natural environment to sell! It’s like poaching.”

Fencing, water, and furnishings as focal points

As pool installations rise, Jude reminds homeowners that New Zealand’s Swimming Pools Act requires compliant fencing, typically 1200mm in height. “The challenge is to incorporate the fencing into the design in a subtle way.”

Beyond complacency, she encourages the use of water in other ways. “Incorporating water in the form of ponds, streams, swimming pools, waterfalls or sculptures is an integral part of bringing a garden to life with movement, letting it fall, run or gather in a pond. Waterfalls are a clever way to mask unwanted noise.”

Lighting and furniture also play an important role. “Strategically placed lighting to highlight key features such as trees, paths and sculptures extends the usability of the garden into the evening,” she notes. “Furniture and planters are not only functional but can visually link the indoor and outdoor environments. They need to be carefully selected or created for the individual garden.”

Advice to homeowners planning a garden

Jude strongly suggests that homeowners engage a qualified landscape architect or designer during the earlier stages.

“Work with a designer who listens and produces a written project/client brief. Get a clear understanding in the pre-design phase before they start with a design. Get an up-to-date site survey and aerial photo. Allow for some evolution of the design through a process of Concept Design, Preliminary Design, and Developed Design.”

She adds that visual tools are important for communication. “The designer should present 3D perspectives of what the garden should look like at eye level, rather than just a plan, which clients can be embarrassed to say they can’t read properly.”

By investing in assistance and collaborative help early, homeowners can make sure their outdoor spaces are not only well-planned and visually appealing, but also ensure environments that grow and adapt with them for years and trends to come.