You may have read about the Clevedon Village Planting Palette in a recent edition of the Round Up. The Planting Palette has now been finalised and is a practical new guide designed to shape a consistent and character-rich approach to planting across the village.

The palette can be used by local developers, property owners, community groups, and Council partners when planning new gardens, walkways, and public spaces. It draws inspiration from Clevedon’s historical ecosystems, celebrating the native species that once defined this landscape — such as Tōtara, Nīkau, Maire Tawake and Kahikatea — alongside heritage exotics like the ‘Black Doris’ plum, first cultivated here. Together, these species will strengthen Clevedon’s rural identity while supporting biodiversity and seasonal beauty.

The palette sets out a range of “mixes” for different areas: Street Front Zones for main village roads, Community Zones around local halls and businesses, Open Space Zones for parks and greens, and specialist guides for Awa Regeneration and Bridal Paths. Each mix is tailored to local conditions, ensuring plantings thrive while maintaining sightlines, accessibility, and year-round colour. By using this guide, everyone involved in shaping Clevedon’s landscape — from developers to weekend gardeners — can contribute to a greener, more cohesive, and distinctly Clevedon environment for generations to come.