Stuff Magazines

Q&A

With Mandy Donaldson

BEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE: At the dining room table looking out at the patio and through to the pool house, covered with roses and surrounded by greenery. This is the place where family and friends gather, cementing many fabulous memories.

FAVOURITE OUTDOOR SPOT: The newly built patio that overlooks the rose garden. Tim and I meet here mid morning for coffee and plan our day amidst rose colour and perfume, with morning sun sending light and shadows through the surrounding trees. It is the best part of the day.

FLOWERS I COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT: The selection of spring bulbs, my roses and, more recently, I have a fad for dahlias.

I CAN ALWAYS COUNT ON: The change of seasons reflected in the garden – prolific bluebell displays in the spring, transitioning to the rhododendrons, roses and later the hydrangeas, through to the incredible autumn colours, then the buxus and shrub forms in the frosty winter when the garden is at its quietest.

THE THING I WANT TO CHANGE NEXT AROUND THE HOUSE: The main bathroom has remained untouched since we arrived. Plans to alter and possibly split the space into two bathrooms will be the next courageous discussion Tim and

I will have.

A QUOTE I OFTEN USE: “Less is more” helps me to simplify my creative side when landscape planning and remain within the calming garden setting already in place.

/ HOMES CANTERBUR Y

en-nz

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

2023-06-01T07:00:00.0000000Z

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