In the midst of our busy lives, it’s so easy to forget the importance of having a quiet place to retreat to, a sanctuary where the chaos of the world falls away and we can simply pause and breathe. For me, that place is found inside a brick fence, where karaka trees stand tall and create a sense of away’ness from the world. The karaka trees create a natural barrier above the fence, and not just physically but also emotionally. Their presence gives a sense of safety, a protective shield from the outside world, making it the perfect space to unwind.

I recently found myself on the other side of this fence. From this viewpoint, you wouldn’t have any idea what things were like on the other side of the fence.

Looking at this photo, I’m reminded of the parts of our lives that are tucked away, hidden from the outside world. The quiet moments, the private spaces, the small corners of our lives where we can find peace and solitude. Our garden, with its brick fence and karaka trees, is my reminder to slow down and try to embrace simplicity. It’s a space that offers more than just physical privacy — it offers a chance to reconnect with myself, with the natural world, and with the rhythms of life.

What I love most about this hidden sanctuary is the way it continues to evolve. The karaka trees, though resilient and steady, change with the seasons—growing taller, fruiting and shedding leaves. The fence ages, too, weathering the elements and becoming a part of the landscape, while still offering that quiet sense of separation. It’s a reminder that change is constant, but in this space, it happens at its own pace, in its own time.

The photo I took of this scene captures that balance of nature and structure — how the fence and trees coexist and complement one another. From our side, this fence is part of our garden’s story, it’s a feature we loved when we bought the house. And from our side, it’s even more beautiful. The brick fence provided a impressive backdrop as part of our wedding, where the karaka trees stood above us.

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The view from the other side reminded of how important it is to create these spaces in our lives — places where we can pause, reflect, and simply be. And I can’t help but appreciate just how much better looking the fence is from our side!

From beneath the canopy,

🌻 Issy