Your outdoor design and landscaping needs will be unique; we provide the experience and expertise to help you reach your goals. We describe ourselves as “executive landscapers” because we provide a high level of service specifically tailored to your needs. Some clients want to install gardens and completed design; others prefer to allow their gardens to evolve, and often the vision will also change as they grow into their new garden. (Most clients want a landscape with relatively low maintenance.) After areas of the site are defined and designated for a specific purpose, the designs can begin to transform and enrich the property.
Landscape design. Having agreed on a concept we employ the elements of design (line, shape, colour, tone, texture, form, tactility, and scent), then apply the principles of design (order, unity, dominance, contrast, rhythm, scale/proportion, balance and harmony). The result is a true integration of your needs, our skills and the environment. We use CAD program, Vectorworks, to draw designs which can be emailed to clients for feedback; this visual communication enables the design process to flow fluently. Just as John Donne observes ‘No Man Is An Island’; a landscape does not rest in isolation either, as it is part of a greater environment both natural and manmade. We integrate design into this ‘continent’ achieving harmony and balance.
Landscape construction sets up a framework to build on and within. It allows for many more options and opportunities and may be used for practical and/or ornamental purposes; whatever the reason the result should bring pleasure. Integrated Landscaping has a flair for integrating hard and soft landscaping, working with energy to create moods to lift your spirits or soothe your soul. Microclimates formed with structures and plants may provide a perfect niche at specific times of the day and landscape lighting can perform this function during the evening. The result is a personal space designed for your lifestyle and pleasure.
Hard landscaping tends to be static: retaining walls, decks, pergolas, paving, raised gardens, water features, rockwork, steps, lighting, drainage, terracing, soil contouring and mulching, to fences or barriers.
Soft landscaping is more dynamic: planting of groundcovers through to semi mature trees, turf work or garden maintenance. Placement of feature plants can emphasise shadows (from sun or artificial lighting) for stunning effects on surfaces. The dynamic nature of gardens, due to the growth of vegetation and changes through the seasons, has been proven to have beneficial effects on many levels for humankind.
Lawn installation and maintenance are a specialty of Integrated Landscaping. We are Waiheke’s leading turf professionals and can advise on installations, renovations and maintenance. We take painstaking care with the preparation of subsoils during installation to ensure your lawn will provide you with enjoyment for many years.
Paths, steps and track finding and cutting are a specialty of ours. No matter how difficult the terrain we can generally find a way to access areas. Tracks can enhance views, take you safely and effortlessly to another area, and (with seating added) take you to a special place to sit and enjoy the magic that is Waiheke. Safety is always the priority. Tracks provide the most potential to thrill in a landscape as they can be manipulated to present vistas and stunning views in the most unexpected places that can take your breath away.
Planting is an integral part of our work. There are many factors to be considered when planting. The elements and principles of design are all employed during this process. Planting sets the mood for the landscape, it can draw you in or discourage access (which is good if that’s the result you hope to achieve). However, the dynamic nature of plants and the planting design are the most significant component of the landscape and this is the essence that forms the character of your garden. There are environmental issues to be considered also such as soil type, drainage, exposure to the elements, the choice of natives or exotics, and the resulting biodiversity. Another opportunity to create a unique landscape with areas which inspire the ambiance of your choice.
Rock work, rock walls or borders. Waiheke’s quarry provides us with rocks, which can be used for many dimensions of landscaping from gravel driveways/paths, drainage, garden mulch, rock walls to garden features. This is another area where we excel and it is one that we like to integrate with planting to soften lines and to give a timeless quality.
Lighting provides the perfect transition from daytime to evening. As the day draws to an end, darkness descends and the scale of our world diminishes with the withdrawal of light. Using exterior lighting our living space can be extended from the home to the landscape for physical access or visual pleasure. It is functional and essential for safe navigation and circulation through a garden, highlighting features, generating interest, and enhancing the beauty and ambience of a space. Lighting is another technique we can use to create a unique experience, which is dramatically different to the daytime landscape.
Custom made features. We create wooden seating and other features designed specifically for your needs.
Section clearing can reveal many treasures such as unexpected contours and native trees hidden in amongst a disarray of debris. It can uncover the ‘canvas’ on to which the design will be developed.
Pest, disease and weed consultation. This is an area where Cath can help. There is often a simple solution once an issue has been identified and implementing good practices can be the difference between an ordinary garden and a beautiful garden. We highly recommended that these issues be evaluated and addressed and we are always happy to help.
Tree and hedge trimming define spaces and create access ways directing movement or adding interest. Hedge trimming can be used for varying effects from providing borders to forming barriers and buffers. Trimming and pruning of trees can open up views or vistas, let light in, give other trees or plants more room for growth and significantly increase the general health of the surrounding environment by allowing light and air circulation which reduces pests and diseases. Tree trimming can also have a dramatic effect on the safety (eg dead twigs/branches can scratch, slippery ground due to dead and rotting foliage) and health (eg air thick with dust, small bugs and fungi) of an area and can transform a part of your garden from one to avoid to an attractive space to spend time.
Maintenance is an important part of our service as it ‘keeps us honest’ – we can look at what works well and, more importantly, what has not been successful. Maintenance gives us continuity in a landscape and we are able to monitor problems should they occur such as drainage, moisture deficiency, and pest, disease or weed infestation. Gardens can also become overcrowded; culling or thinning of plants is a natural requirement of the evolution as is pruning and trimming.
