O2 Landscapes' Profile
O2 Landscapes Ltd. is an Auckland-based landscape design and installation firm, specialising in the creation of locally-appropriate gardens. One of our primary interests is the integration of exotic flowering species into a framework based on native ecology. We believe that this approach can provide a future for New Zealand gardens in which a greater range of native species are appreciated, and in which the seasonal change and colour provided by flowers are not lost. Conservation, of both our native flora and our gardening traditions, plays an important role in our work. In addition to the design and installation of gardens, O2 Landscapes provides a maintenance service to our clients.
We believe strongly that tradition and progress are not mutually exclusive. This is reflected in our planting ethic, and in our approach to the design of the 'hard' structure of our gardens. We are heavily influenced by 'vernacular' landscape within New Zealand - the everyday features which make up the greater fabric of our built environments. One important feature of our work is our interest in the ancient craft of drystone walls (a conspicuous feature of many of Auckland's historical landscapes).
O2 Landscapes is made up of designer Philip Smith and Bradley Balle. We also have established links with a range of sub-contractors, for carrying out specialised work and moving effectively through larger projects. For individual profiles of Philip and Brad, check out the section on O2 Landscapes Staff.
Kāri
O2 Landscapes has formed a collaboration with artist Michael Shepherd, who has had a long association with New Zealand art, early New Zealand social history and Māori pre-history.
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“Hay en nuestra alma algo que sobrepuja a todo lo existente. En la mayor parte de las horas este algo está dormido; pero cuando recordamos o sufrimos una amable lejanía se despierta, y al abarcar los paisajes los hace parte de nuestra personalidad. Por eso todos vemos las cosas de una manera distinta. Nuestros sentimientos son de más elevación que el alma de los colores y las músicas, pero casi en ningun hombre se despiertan para tender sus alas enormes y abarcar sus maravillas. La poesía existe en todas las cosas, en lo feo, en lo hermoso, en lo repugnante; lo difícil es saberla descubrir, despertar los lagos profundos del alma.”
Federico García Lorca