Catherine Rawnsley Garden Design has been awarded a Silver Medal in the ‘Design Only - Residential Project' category at the 2018 Registered Master Landscapers - Urban Paving Landscapes of Distinction Awards. The Awards are held biannually and bring the best of landscape design, construction, horticulture and maintenance to the fore.

The medal was for Catherine Rawnsley’s design of the gardens at the historic Springbank Homestead in North Canterbury.

Catherine Rawnsley was delighted to win a Silver Medal for her efforts: “Springbank was the garden I designed for the final project of my Diploma. I'm really proud of the design and I’m thrilled that all my hard work paid off.”

This was also a special project for Catherine because Springbank Homestead belongs to her Aunt. "I grew up in North Canterbury and have many happy memories at Springbank,” says Catherine. “My Aunt shares my love of travelling and gardens and has been a big influence on my career.”

The design links the various spaces on the property with interlocking circles, to create a seamless flow for moving around the space. Curved pathways and planting beds are reminiscent of the braided rivers of North Canterbury.

Features of the design include several discrete but connected areas. “The Pond area includes a waterfall flowing into a Monet-inspired pond, with a bridge and a wisteria draped pergola,” says Catherine. “Curved pathways lead from the pond to a camellia collection nestled within the property’s established woodland.”

The new design also includes a swimming pool, pergola and orchard within an existing Secret Garden, and a Retreat at the highest point of the property. “The Retreat gives expansive views over the rural countryside from a summerhouse,” says Catherine. “The planting throughout the garden is romantic, country garden style.”

An entrance suitable to this historic home has been created with a long avenue of cherry trees. “My aunt loves cherry trees and already has countless specimens in the garden. The cherry trees on the driveway lead visitors up to the house and create an atmosphere of anticipation,” says Catherine. "This is very fitting for the property’s status as a wedding venue.”

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