A Backyard Ecosystem in Progress

Psyche Sanctuary is a residential habitat project dedicated to supporting New Zealand butterflies, pollinators, and small wildlife while creating a thoughtful outdoor environment for companion animals.

What was once an ordinary suburban section is gradually being transformed into a series of interconnected habitat zones, each designed to support specific species and ecological relationships.

The Approach

The property is being redesigned as a network of interconnected habitat zones, each created to support specific butterfly species, pollinators, other local wildlife, and our domestic pets. Rather than treating the yard as a single garden, the space is divided into smaller environments that provide the plants, shelter, and resources different species need throughout their life cycles.

Some zones focus on host plants for caterpillars, while others provide nectar sources, shelter, basking areas, or safe breeding spaces. Alongside these wildlife habitats, the design also integrates practical systems sych as rabbit housing, soil regeneration, and worm composting to create a more balanced and sustainable backyard ecosystem.

Each zone is documented from its current state through to its transformation, allowing the project to evolve over time as plants grow, soil improves, and wildlife begins to establish itself.