One of the most important aspects of any Kiwi home isn’t what’s inside—it’s what’s outside. Landscaping shapes how we live, relax, and connect with nature. At this year’s Auckland Home Show, visitors will meet trusted expert David Rhodes from Parrot Landscaping, whose journey from mowing lawns at 16 to designing and building stunning outdoor spaces is nothing short of inspiring.
We sat down with David to uncover the landscaping secrets Kiwis most want to know—from lawn care tips and low-maintenance gardens, to sustainability, outdoor trends, and how to increase your property’s value through clever design.
From Lawn Mowing to Landscape Mastery
David’s landscaping career began early. At 16, he joined his father’s lawn-mowing business, learning not only how to cut grass properly but also how to run a business and lead a team. His passion for the outdoors took him to Australia, where he completed landscaping qualifications and worked under a builder who taught him everything about outdoor construction and design. Eventually, David returned to New Zealand and launched Parrot Landscaping, offering clients complete outdoor transformations.
The Art of the Perfect Lawn
Think mowing is simple? David insists there’s an art to it. His golden rules:
- Trim edges first with a whipper snipper
- Mow twice around the edges before straight runs
- Always use a catcher for a clean finish
- Leave straight lines for that professional striped look
What Kiwi Homeowners Want Outdoors
According to David, Kiwi homeowners crave year-round outdoor living spaces—places where family BBQs, kids’ playtime, and relaxation flow together. Low-maintenance gardens are at the top of wish lists, as are eco-friendly choices such as composite decking, edible gardens, and native planting.
Trends: Sustainability & Wellness in the Garden
Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s shaping modern landscapes. From reputable recycled suppliers to composite materials and vege pods for growing your own produce, Kiwis are embracing eco-conscious choices.
Wellness is another strong trend: saunas, spa pools, cold plunges, and even garden yoga zones are turning backyards into health retreats.
Small Space, Big Ideas
For townhouse and apartment dwellers, David suggests playing with heights, modular designs, and multi-purpose features. Even small courtyards can feel expansive with clever layouts, spa corners, and vertical planting.
Quick Fixes for Instant Impact
If you want a transformation fast, David’s top picks are:
- Lighting: Uplight trees, add deck strips, and create atmosphere.
- Mature plants: Larger specimens add instant “wow” factor.
- Furniture & pots: Stylish outdoor furniture and planters dress up tired spaces.
Adding Value Through Landscaping
Landscaping is more than just cosmetic—it adds real value to a home. David recommends balancing hardscaping (structures like decks, paving, pergolas) with softscaping (lawns, plants, soil), aiming for a harmonious 60/40 mix. He stresses budgeting for landscaping from the start of a build, not as an afterthought.
Click the play button below to see the full interview with David here!
Why Visit the Auckland Home Show?
David will be on-site, ready to share personalised advice with visitors. Bring your sketches, Pinterest boards, or renovation plans—experts like David can help you turn inspiration into achievable outdoor spaces. The Home Show is the ultimate place to gather ideas, discover trends, and connect with professionals who can make your dream backyard a reality.
Meet experts like David Rhodes at the Auckland Home Show and unlock ideas for your dream outdoor space.
For more Auckland Home Show ticket information: click here
Learn more: parrotlandscaping.co.nz
