New outdoor showroom showcases Coromandel landscaping trends

Andy and Leanne McLeod’s garden and landscape supplies business has thrived for seven remarkable years. Last November they pivoted direction by removing plant sales from the business so that they could introduce a collection of new hard landscaping products, create more space for the quality product favourites and provide a place for a purpose-built outdoor showroom. 

Our focus on supplying only hard landscaping products provides an excellent opportunity for our customers to have access to a larger range of everyday supplies and exciting and unique new landscaping products that aren't available elsewhere. Our new areas have allowed us to create a special space to showcase finishes, garden features and ornaments that our customers can really experience by being in the space. We try to cater for everyone, so whether you have a massive project right through to a little footpath or small outdoor area to create we can assist. 

Andy and Leanne McLeod – Owners, Mercury Bay Garden and Landscape Supplies 

Landscape showroom and Unique Landscaping Products on offer

When it comes to unique landscaping products, Andy and Leanne have an impressive array that can be viewed on site and in their new showroom area. They have close relationships with suppliers and regularly attend trade days to keep up to date and informed about new products and innovations. And if a customer has a particular look or item that is not in stock they have easy access to suppliers to try and source this for their customers.    
 
Andy and Leanne stock all of the staple hard landscaping products that gardeners and garden designers need including; bulk and bagged compost, garden mix, decorative stone, cement, pavers, ponga logs, sleepers, weed mat, garden stakes, fertilisers, sprays, plant tonics, Kings seeds, garden art, tools and more. 
 
Their most recent standout products that can be viewed in the outdoor showroom at their premises include items to cater for artistic and practical landscaping:

• Cascade Waterfalls and feature rocks – these lightweight fibre cement cascade waterfalls and river boulders come in various shapes and sizes and can transform any outdoor space into a tranquil retreat. They also have the added bonus of not requiring a hi-ab to lift them , and because the feature rocks are not too heavy this means you can move them around to reflect changes in your outdoor area as required. 
• Extensive Sleeper Range –  sleepers of various origins, including Australian, UK, American, and New Zealand. They have innovative uses for raised garden beds, feature walls, edging and fencing posts.
• Moss Art walls –  moss walls and art installations are a unique addition that can be used in indoor and some covered outdoor spaces. These moss creations bring the beauty of the outdoors inside, providing a natural and calming atmosphere with low maintenance and no watering required. 
• Vege Pods – these raised garden beds are available in different sizes and provide a portable easy access solution to grow vegetables and herbs with the advantage of a self watering system and protective cover.
• Agents for Winter Gardenz Greenhouses – equipped with safety glass or polycarbonate and available in various sizes, with built in gutters and options for louvres and shade covers. A great feature is the automatic window opener which works on a piston system and is excellent for temperature control. The greenhouses provide great use of space and are a great way to extend your growing season.
• Corten Steel (weathered steel) –  is fast becoming a popular product to use as an edging and retaining wall. Corten steel has a rusty appearance, adding a distinctive and contemporary look to outdoor spaces.
• Water Features - multiple shape and size options to suit a variety of outdoor areas. The beauty and grace of water features are a fantastic way to transform spaces into a sanctuary of peace and natural wonder. With the right lighting, you can create an enchanting atmosphere for night-time gatherings or a peaceful retreat for personal relaxation.

What is new and trending for Landscaping on the Coromandel Peninsula?

Andy and Leanne are not just experts in their field; they also regularly research new products and keep a keen eye on current landscaping trends. They have worked with 100s of clients and while some landscaping principles remain constant, they have also noticed new trends are evolving to embrace sustainability, low maintenance, and outdoor living. 
 
Homeowners are looking to create unique outdoor spaces that suit the climate, their lifestyles and preferences in the following ways:  

1:  Spring is the Preparation Season

As temperatures warm up and plants that have been dormant over winter begin to awaken, people start thinking about feeding and caring for their plants. Spring fever sets in, and gardening enthusiasts eagerly embrace the change in season. Notably planting vegetables, especially early crops like potatoes, is a common trend. People are aiming to have their gardens flourishing in time for Christmas. 
 
Andy and Leanne advise that it's super important to ensure you have the right soil and that you continue to nurture, appropriately water and feed your plants. Spring is the optimal time to plant, so take advantage of this season as the soil temperature increases and allow your plants to establish their roots before the drought of summer arrives. 

2:  Summer is the Project Season

As summer settles in, customers turn their attention to landscaping projects and some general garden maintenance. Whether it's creating a whole new garden space, putting a feature in the corner, building steps or a footpath, adding a feature like a cascade waterfall, or mulching gardens these projects pick up during the summer months. 

The landscaping industry is constantly evolving and we know it's vital to stay up to date with industry trends. We’re really excited about sharing our knowledge and the features of new products. We invite customers who are thinking of starting a new landscaping project and need some inspiration to contact us and to come on site to experience our landscape showroom area so we can help make their landscaping project a reality. And of course we have all those bulk products such as mulch that are always on hand to help you to retain moisture and maintain your garden through the hotter months. 

Andy and Leanne McLeod – Owners, Mercury Bay Garden and Landscape Supplies 

3: Less formal outdoor areas

People are moving away from more formal straight lines in their outdoor spaces. They tend to want to have more offset curves and structures, less of the clean and hard lines. Design is tending to include a lot more walkways, raised walkways, offset structures and more organic spaces. 

4:  More Outdoor Living and multi-purpose spaces

The trend towards outdoor living spaces that can be used for a variety of things continues to grow. More people are investing in outdoor kitchens, seating areas with fire pits, and alfresco dining setups. These spaces are designed for year-round enjoyment, promoting outdoor living and entertaining. They also often incorporate artwork such as sculptures, lighting or water features or artistic use of landscaping materials. 

5:  Interest in diverse range of Landscaping Materials

When considering landscaping projects, people have been showing interest in using more diverse and new materials. Some of the notable options include pebble brooks, cascade waterfalls, corten steel (weathered steel) and sleeper options. Sleeper and Corten steel walls and edging and other creative uses for these materials are becoming increasingly popular.

6: Sustainable Landscaping

Environmental consciousness is on the rise, and homeowners are looking for sustainable and eco-friendly landscaping solutions. Suppliers are increasingly offering products that are locally sourced and sustainable, reducing the environmental impact of landscaping projects. An example of this is one of Andy and Leannes main suppliers who has found a way to shred waste pine into a product that has similar properties as peat, so it's a more sustainable product. The couple also note that they have always had a huge customer following of the organic fertilisers and bagged soils that they offer as well. 

The Mercury Bay Garden and Landscape Supplies team

Andy and Leanne's hard landscaping business isn't just about products; it's about expertise, dedication, and a personal touch. They've transformed landscapes and built lasting relationships with their customers, all while staying on top of the latest industry trends. 

We are committed to excellence in all we do and we pride ourselves on providing a calm, happy and inspiring space for customers to explore, experience and choose our quality products supported by excellent service. And there is no silly question to ask us! We often have customers come in to talk to us for all sorts of advice as they don’t have the knowledge or simply don’t know where to start. We are more than happy to assist with our advice and knowledge to find suitable products and to get customers started on design ideas. 

Andy and Leanne McLeod
 
So, if you're looking to maintain an existing landscape area, or turn your outdoor space into something new and truly extraordinary, Andy and Leanne are the experts to contact. 
 
To contact Leanne and Andy, or to learn more information about Mercury Bay Garden and Landscape Supplies click on the link below.