Otamatea Ecovillage
In 2015 Carl purchased 1.25 acres of land off Permaculture legend Daniel Tohill at Otamatea Ecovillage Northland. The land was an undeveloped cow paddock with large established shelter trees and a farm pond (aka irrigation pond).
Carl relocated a 1950’s bungalow, set up infrastructure and planted fruit trees amongst native plants. Fruit trees planted include Casimiroa Wiki Woo, Cherimoya Bronceada, Winter Nellis pear, Tamaki Special plum, Beurre Bosc pear, Luisa plum, Nashi, Persimmon Fuyu and numerous Citrus, Fig and Feijoa varieties.
Ross took over the property and now works with Caz on the gardens which they have developed considerably since Carl left. It’s satisfying to return and see more plant layering occuring and the fruit trees doing so well under the capable care of Caz.
“We employed Carl Pickens as our landscape architect for our building project and we have been extremely happy with the work he has done for us. Our project had two aspects. It was a completely blank canvas on just over an acre of land and we were bound by the requirements of council who required a very detailed plan and report for resource consent. From the very early planning stages of the project, Carl was extremely helpful and provided us with detailed plans and plant information. In a combined effort we were able to finalise a hard landscaping plan and planting plan that suits the site perfectly. On site visits we were able to take advantage of his expertise when we were finalising the orientation of the house and moving the large amounts of fill around the site in accordance with the landscaping plan. Carl is also very hands on. He arranged for the purchase of the plants for the first stage of planting and along with two others came and spent a week helping us plant. We were so grateful for this assistance. It certainly got the project underway and gave us the confidence to carry on! Carl has remained interested in our project and we are in contact as it progresses. Carl’s knowledge in all aspects of landscaping, plants and gardening methods is vast and we could not have done this project without him. We would not hesitate recommending him to other potential clients.”
Richard and Jo Beddek, Mangonui, Northland.