\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tUpdated:<\/p>
2.2.2026<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
Share on:<\/h4><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>W<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nhat started as a simple patch of lawn quickly became an overgrown mess for this Christchurch household. Raised garden beds made mowing difficult, weeds took over, <\/b>and the space became a significant source of frustration.<\/b><\/span>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>When Holly and her mum bought this character-filled home, it had everything they loved \u2014 high ceilings, exposed beams, and a classic villa-feel. But with busy lifestyles, they couldn’t give the garden as much care as it needed.<\/p>\n
Over time, what was meant to be a practical space had turned into a constant reminder that something <\/i>needed to change.<\/p>\n
In this project story, we follow:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Holly and her mum\u2019s journey from frustration to excitement about their outdoor space<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
The paving options they considered and how they chose what was best for their lifestyle<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
How the right tradie helped them navigate a tricky landscaping challenge<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
The transformation of a neglected garden into a bright, low-maintenance outdoor space.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul>
This landscaping transformation wasn\u2019t just about paving a garden \u2014 it was about reclaiming space, simplifying maintenance, and creating an outdoor area they could truly enjoy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"paving](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Holly-paving-BEFORE-scaled-e1769637039623.jpg\")
![\"paving](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/banjo-49.jpg\")
<\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Before & after: Swipe to see the results.| Photos: Holly, Sam VK<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>When the garden became too much to handle<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>Before work began, the area played almost no role in their day-to-day life.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was honestly neglected,\u201d Holly explains.<\/p>\n
While the garden beds themselves were practical \u2014 higher, easier to maintain, and kinder on the knees \u2014 they created a new problem.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe couldn\u2019t mow around them properly, and it just ended up getting more and more overgrown,\u201d Holly says.<\/p>\n
The space had slowly turned into what she describes as a ‘wild jungle,’ with grass and weeds growing out of control.<\/p>\n
That was the breaking point where Holly realised something had to change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"paving](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Holly-paving-BEFORE-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Holly")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Neglected front yard space | Photos: Holly<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>From small fix to big vision<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>Initially, Holly\u2019s vision was modest. With a busy lifestyle and a dog racing around the garden, the plan was simply to add some pavers around the garden beds to control the weeds and tidy things up.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t be in the garden enough,\u201d Holly says, \u201cso having something low-maintenance was key.\u201d<\/p>\n
But once she started researching paving options online \u2014 sizes, styles, colours, and layouts \u2014 the possibilities quickly expanded.<\/p>\n
Holly began to see that removing unused garden space along the side of the house could unlock an entirely new area to enjoy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"paving](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Holly-paving-BEFORE-2-scaled.jpg\" "\\"Holly")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Overgrown space with 2 massive garden beds adding to the paving challenge.<\/i>| Photo: Holly<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Finding the right tradie for the job<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>Holly posted a job on Builderscrack and shortlisted two tradies whose profiles stood out, carefully reviewing photos of previous paving jobs and reading customer feedback.<\/p>\n
\u201cI wanted to get a couple of quotes to compare,\u201d Holly says. \u201cWhen you\u2019re spending a decent amount of money, I think that\u2019s a really good thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n
While the quotes were close in price, the final decision came down to trust and communication.<\/p>\n<\/div>
\u201cIt was more about how I felt talking to the tradie,\u201d Holly explains.
\n<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Holly highlights regular updates, clear timelines, and straightforward conversations mattered more for her than chasing the cheapest option.<\/p>\n
In the end, Banjo from Boundary Landscaping<\/a> ticked all the boxes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Post a job<\/span><\/a>Inspired to start your own landscaping project?<\/h2>\nTell us about your job, and we\u2019ll connect you with the right tradies.<\/p>\n<\/div>
<\/div>Post a job<\/span><\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"paving](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/banjo-13.jpg\" "\\"banjo-13\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The work is underway with timber edging and compacted base. | Photo: Sam VK<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>The project breakdown<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>Banjo walked Holly through multiple options for materials, balancing cost-effectiveness with long-term quality. Together, they discussed finishes, maintenance, and how the space would be used in the future.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe walked us through the different options and helped us decide,\u201d Holly says. \u201cWhen we compared everything, I kept coming back to how the finished space would look. We were sold on the idea of full paving.\u201d<\/p>\n
Once the decisions were locked in, Banjo handled the logistics end-to-end, from sourcing materials to managing timelines.<\/p>\n<\/div>
Project snapshot<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Duration:<\/strong> 4 days ( Tuesday – Friday)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Paving materials:<\/strong> 500 x 500 smooth natural pavers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Base preparation:<\/strong> Compacted AP20 base with crusher dust layer<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Finish:<\/strong> Pave-set adhesive jointing sand<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Cost:<\/strong> Around $4,500 (including labour and materials)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>![\"paving](\"https:\/\/builderscrack.co.nz\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/banjo-10.jpg\" "\\"banjo-10\\"")
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Banjo from Boundary Landscaping<\/a>.| Photo: Sam VK<\/a><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>Timeframes<\/b><\/h3><\/div>The biggest thing in this project for Banjo was working around two large planter boxes already in place.<\/p>\n
\u201cUsually when I\u2019m paving, I\u2019d work from the house out,\u201d Banjo explains. \u201cBut with planter boxes in the middle, it becomes a more abstract way of paving.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>
- <\/i><\/span>\n
Day 1:<\/strong> Clearing and tidying the existing garden area<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Day 2:<\/strong> Preparing the base and foundational layers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Day 3:<\/strong> Laying the pavers, working carefully around the garden beds and sealing<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li>- <\/i><\/span>\n
Day 4:<\/strong> Finishing touches and a full site clean-up<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
W<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n hat started as a simple patch of lawn quickly became an overgrown mess for this Christchurch household. Raised garden beds made mowing difficult, weeds took over, <\/b>and the space became a significant source of frustration.<\/b><\/span> When Holly and her mum bought this character-filled home, it had everything they loved \u2014 high ceilings, exposed beams, and a classic villa-feel. But with busy lifestyles, they couldn’t give the garden as much care as it needed.<\/p>\n Over time, what was meant to be a practical space had turned into a constant reminder that something <\/i>needed to change.<\/p>\n In this project story, we follow:<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div> Holly and her mum\u2019s journey from frustration to excitement about their outdoor space<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> The paving options they considered and how they chose what was best for their lifestyle<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> How the right tradie helped them navigate a tricky landscaping challenge<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> The transformation of a neglected garden into a bright, low-maintenance outdoor space.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul> This landscaping transformation wasn\u2019t just about paving a garden \u2014 it was about reclaiming space, simplifying maintenance, and creating an outdoor area they could truly enjoy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Before & after: Swipe to see the results.| Photos: Holly, Sam VK<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> Before work began, the area played almost no role in their day-to-day life.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was honestly neglected,\u201d Holly explains.<\/p>\n While the garden beds themselves were practical \u2014 higher, easier to maintain, and kinder on the knees \u2014 they created a new problem.<\/p>\n \u201cWe couldn\u2019t mow around them properly, and it just ended up getting more and more overgrown,\u201d Holly says.<\/p>\n The space had slowly turned into what she describes as a ‘wild jungle,’ with grass and weeds growing out of control.<\/p>\n That was the breaking point where Holly realised something had to change.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Neglected front yard space | Photos: Holly<\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> Initially, Holly\u2019s vision was modest. With a busy lifestyle and a dog racing around the garden, the plan was simply to add some pavers around the garden beds to control the weeds and tidy things up.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t be in the garden enough,\u201d Holly says, \u201cso having something low-maintenance was key.\u201d<\/p>\n But once she started researching paving options online \u2014 sizes, styles, colours, and layouts \u2014 the possibilities quickly expanded.<\/p>\n Holly began to see that removing unused garden space along the side of the house could unlock an entirely new area to enjoy.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Overgrown space with 2 massive garden beds adding to the paving challenge.<\/i>| Photo: Holly<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> Holly posted a job on Builderscrack and shortlisted two tradies whose profiles stood out, carefully reviewing photos of previous paving jobs and reading customer feedback.<\/p>\n \u201cI wanted to get a couple of quotes to compare,\u201d Holly says. \u201cWhen you\u2019re spending a decent amount of money, I think that\u2019s a really good thing to do.\u201d<\/p>\n While the quotes were close in price, the final decision came down to trust and communication.<\/p>\n<\/div> Holly highlights regular updates, clear timelines, and straightforward conversations mattered more for her than chasing the cheapest option.<\/p>\n In the end, Banjo from Boundary Landscaping<\/a> ticked all the boxes.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> Tell us about your job, and we\u2019ll connect you with the right tradies.<\/p>\n<\/div> The work is underway with timber edging and compacted base. | Photo: Sam VK<\/a><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div> Banjo walked Holly through multiple options for materials, balancing cost-effectiveness with long-term quality. Together, they discussed finishes, maintenance, and how the space would be used in the future.<\/p>\n \u201cHe walked us through the different options and helped us decide,\u201d Holly says. \u201cWhen we compared everything, I kept coming back to how the finished space would look. We were sold on the idea of full paving.\u201d<\/p>\n Once the decisions were locked in, Banjo handled the logistics end-to-end, from sourcing materials to managing timelines.<\/p>\n<\/div> Project snapshot<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div> Duration:<\/strong> 4 days ( Tuesday – Friday)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Paving materials:<\/strong> 500 x 500 smooth natural pavers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Base preparation:<\/strong> Compacted AP20 base with crusher dust layer<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Finish:<\/strong> Pave-set adhesive jointing sand<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Cost:<\/strong> Around $4,500 (including labour and materials)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div> Banjo from Boundary Landscaping<\/a>.| Photo: Sam VK<\/a><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div> The biggest thing in this project for Banjo was working around two large planter boxes already in place.<\/p>\n \u201cUsually when I\u2019m paving, I\u2019d work from the house out,\u201d Banjo explains. \u201cBut with planter boxes in the middle, it becomes a more abstract way of paving.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div> Day 1:<\/strong> Clearing and tidying the existing garden area<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Day 2:<\/strong> Preparing the base and foundational layers<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Day 3:<\/strong> Laying the pavers, working carefully around the garden beds and sealing<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li> Day 4:<\/strong> Finishing touches and a full site clean-up<\/p>\n<\/div><\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div>
\n<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div>When the garden became too much to handle<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>From small fix to big vision<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Finding the right tradie for the job<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
\n<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>Inspired to start your own landscaping project?<\/h2>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>The project breakdown<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Timeframes<\/b><\/h3><\/div>