Since 1994 Garth, alongside owners Richard and Christine Didsbury, has led the large transformation of not just the look of the farm, but the functionality, income production, and ecological enhancement of the 350 acre site.
Originally a run-off block flanked by a large re-generating native forest, early work concentrated on addressing erosion and replanting native species on steep sections and wetland areas. Large scale ponds have been created along with new roads and walking tracks. Specific themed areas have been developed around the farm adapted to site conditions including a large organic orchard and nationally significant artworks. The farm also features an award winning vineyard, public wine pavilion and sculpture walk that highlights up and coming artists.
Landscape design has played a significant role in the development of Brick Bay Farm. From 1994 Garth Falconer has led the large transformation of not just the look of the farm, but the functionality, income production, and ecological enhancement of the 350 acre site.
Garth’s ‘hands-on’ approach saw the beginnings of large-scale planting design, new roading, the new homestead, vineyard development, and the sculpture trail. The property now includes areas of revegetated native bush with stands of ancient Kauri, extensive wetlands and new plantings.
“In 2018 Garth Falconer guided a group of landscape architects from the Auckland Branch across the Brick Bay property and we met with Richard and Christine Didsbury who were generous with their time and their recognition of Garth’s skill and tenacity in working with them on this life’s work project. It is evident that Garth has advocated for design outcomes whilst working with the realities of time, budget and the conditions of the site and seasons. I was taught that the true craft of a landscape architect is when that hand is almost to the point of invisibility. I consider Brick Bay to demonstrate this craft and with age / increasing maturity the property, and the skill of the landscape architect in delivering it, are becoming more evident.” — Rachel de Lambert
Services Landscape Architecture, Masterplanning
