Growing Up: Michael Mansvelt on opulence on a budget

Growing up, I had the pleasure of knowing Leonie Warren, a woman who embodied true opulence through simplicity. Leonie and her husband Eric lived across the street in a quaint 1890s cottage that felt as though it hadn’t changed since its construction. The rooms were dimly lit, a coal range quietly warming the house in winter. Somehow, despite an ordinary lifestyle, her world felt incredibly rich. Every Saturday Leonie would welcome my mother for tea in her ‘special’ front room, a space reserved for moments of beauty and reverence. Leonie would set out her grandmother’s china, perfectly preserved and used only on such occasions, and serve butterfly cakes, brandy snaps, and macaroons she’d baked herself. Fresh flowers from her garden breathed life into the shadows of the room. This simplicity taught me that opulence isn’t about money; it’s about cherishing what we already have and finding beauty in the little things. Leonie’s husband, Eric, shared her love for their garden, growing prize tomatoes, vibrant hippeastrums, and a thriving grapevine that seemed to be perpetually laden with fruit. Their garden was meticulously cared for, and felt incredibly luxurious in a way that had nothing to do with expensive plants or landscaping. A humble space, but both rich and timeless. It was a life lesson that never left me: you never know who’s watching. The Warrens didn’t show off, but they lived their values, and this had a tremendous impact on my childhood and my sisters' as well. We can all create a luxurious feel in our gardens by focusing on simple, thoughtful principles, like choosing quality, embracing repurposing, and honouring nature.

Repurpose and Revitalize Leonie and Eric were careful with every resource they had, finding ways to make their garden flourish through thoughtful, creative uses of everyday items. Leonie never wasted a single kitchen scrap; she composted everything, turning it into nourishment. An old wooden crate wasn’t just something to discard; it might become a raised bed for herbs or a container for potted flowers. Rather than purchasing new items for your garden, look at what you already have. An unused ladder can become a charming plant stand, or an old chair might find new life as a perch for a favorite potted plant. With a little imagination, you’ll be surprised at how existing items can transform your garden. These unique, repurposed items bring a sense of character that store-bought accessories often lack. They’re imbued with memories and meaning, making your garden feel deeply personal and lived-in.

Focus on Quality Over Quantity Perhaps a corner of the garden could be dedicated to more heartfelt plantings rather than the showiest palms or standardized "glory" blooms. Flowers and fillers grown from cuttings or seed can be just as breathtaking when planted with care and love.

Leonie, for instance, owned only a few pieces of china, but each one was of exquisite quality, cherished, and carefully maintained. This philosophy translates beautifully to gardening, where the goal isn’t to leave spaces bare but to fill them with intention and purpose rather than pretence. Instead of simply packing every corner with plants, consider selecting those that truly resonate—plants with personal meaning or ones that bring seasonal joy through color, fragrance, or texture. By choosing thoughtfully and planting with care, you create a garden that feels cohesive and meaningful, where each element has a role and a story. This approach celebrates purpose over extravagance, fostering an atmosphere of quiet elegance and authenticity, where every plant contributes to the garden's charm. A single rose bush or a cluster of Eric’s prize hippeastrums, well cared for, can have a stunning impact, while an overcrowded bed might lose the very beauty you’re trying to cultivate. Look for hardy, low-maintenance plants that thrive in your climate and with your skillset, and choose varieties that bring different textures, colours, or fragrances to your garden throughout the year. Think of your garden as a living room outdoors – you want it to feel balanced, inviting, and intentional.

Appreciate the Little Things One of the greatest lessons the Warrens taught me was to savour the small, natural luxuries in life. Fresh-cut flowers, gathered from their backyard, transformed an ordinary room into a place of beauty and serenity. Similarly, small touches in your garden can add a sense of richness without breaking the bank. Consider a bed of colourful flowers by your front door or a flowering tree in a planter on your patio – these small details can elevate your space and create a calm, welcoming atmosphere. If you can, incorporate flowers with lovely scents or plants that attract birds or butterflies. The sound of bees buzzing around a patch of lavender or the sight of butterflies landing on blossoms can bring an immense sense of excitement and luxury to your garden. These small pleasures are simple to cultivate yet bring immense beauty to your everyday life.

Let Nature Be Your Guide In the end, the Warrens’ life was about savouring the beauty of what was naturally around them. By following their example, you can find new ways to make your garden feel luxurious on a modest budget. Surround yourself with plants that resonate with you, use what you already have, and seek out beauty in the details. It’s a kind of opulence that doesn’t come from spending but from curating moments and spaces that feel timeless, meaningful, and deeply connected to the earth.

Everyday Opulence: Homes, Gardens, Interiors Inspired by Aotearoa – designed by Michael Mansvelt. Forward by Reuben Paterson, Photography by Gina Fabish, published by Bateman Books, RRP $69.99, now available