From the ground up

After nearly a decade crafting bespoke landscapes in Auckland, Rachael Farthing returned home, launching Studio Wren Landscape Design from her new base in Ōtautahi. An accredited member of the Garden Design Society of New Zealand, Rachael brings with her the refined sensibilities of a seasoned designer who values true collaboration with clients. 

Now rooted in Christchurch, Studio Wren emphasises climate‑wise planting and regionally resonant materials. Hardy perennials thrive here in the Canterbury climate. At Studio Wren, the ethos stands that gardens and landscaping aren’t one‑size‑fits‑all projects. Instead, each design evolves in conversation with the family, the architecture, and the lifestyle it houses. Rachael believes home is the sum of architecture, interiors, and landscape. A harmonious trilogy that makes a place feel truly loved when lived in. 

One of her current projects showcases this approach by featuring existing fruit trees that have been preserved and pruned to be a showpiece. Future phases include a pool and a layered planting plan to evolve over time and with the seasons. Supplier continuity ensures material quality and plant provenance remain high. 

Whether it’s crafting a garden for a new build or breathing fresh life into an existing home, Rachael’s multi-functional, indoor-outdoor gardens are designed to complement the architecture and enhance the way people live. Each space is tailored to suit the lifestyle of its owners. Places to gather with friends, unwind after a long day, or simply enjoy the changing seasons. 

Rachael brings a blend of natural warmth, rigorous horticultural knowledge, and impeccable design to every project, ensuring that no detail is left to chance. 

Rachael’s strong supplier relationships with skilled landscapers and specialist nurseries mean she can source the finest materials and plants, creating gardens that are as enduring as they are beautiful. 

For Christchurch-based clients seeking a garden that feels as personal as their home, Studio Wren Landscape Design offers clarity in planning, consent and regulation management, creativity in execution, and a sense of calm that lasts long after the final plant is in the ground. 

studiowren.co.nz

Liam Stretch