Fine proportions

摘要

The long gravel drive, lined with pin oaks, stretches straight as an arrow from the gateway into the distance but there is no house in view. In reality, it's not all that far away but the drive takes a few gentle curves and effectively hides it. Thisclever trick gives just a hint of the delights to be found in the garden ahead with its contrasts of woodland and water, cloistered lawns and carefully constructed spaces. It was just a few paddocks where donkeys grazed, part of the original Ohoka homestead, when Rosemary and John Dunlop bought it from friends 10 years ago. Rosemary remembers the occasion well. "When it was suggested we buy it, John said, 'Good idea!' while I was sitting there thinking, 'Over my dead body!' I was very happy with my house and garden in Christchurch.