This is the backyard of our first home, where my husband and two little boys and I lived. Situated in Melville, the house backed onto the beautiful Mangakotukutuku Gully. When we began our garden project in 2011, we had a very tight budget. However, I was able to create a stunning garden by recycling materials and growing most of the plants myself. The design was inspired by Japanese gardens, but we mainly used New Zealand native plants. 

Gully properties can be surprisingly low-maintenance. Once the weeds are cleared, they're generally easy to keep under control.

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