The Crème de la Crème of Landscape Contracting

The LNA Master Landscapers Association’s annual Landscape Excellence Awards are synonymous with quality, innovation, creativity and craftsmanship at the very highest levels.

They are an inspirational showcase of fine knowledge, experience and skills the very best cutting-edge landscapers in NSW and ACT industries possess.

With 25 categories of awards presented in 2018, the list is representative of the modern work practices performed by landscape contractors throughout NSW and the ACT. The five Husqvarna Australia Awards are the most prestigious of the Awards, celebrating the top achievements in landscape construction, design and maintenance across all categories.

In this article we introduce you to the LNA Master Landscapers Association Excellence Awards, Husqvarna Australia Residential Award category winners.

In the next issue, we will introduce you to the Commercial category winners.

Husqvarna Australia Residential Landscape Construction of the Year Award

Winner: Urban Garden Enrichment

Project: The Urban Oasis, Paddington

The design brief for this garden was both challenging and unique with new homeowners seeking a modern, easy to maintain and visually interesting garden ideal for displaying a collection of sculptures and artworks. The landscapers were also asked to create a connection between the kitchen and a private entertaining area to link the garden to an on-site studio and to repurpose the pool area. The aesthetic was to be one of floating, fluidity and creativity.

The small back terrace space was originally dominated by an in-ground pool, with concrete and glass commanding the eye.

A creative reworking has transformed the space into a lush oasis using a natural palette of structural elements far more visually relaxing. Clever design has seen the pool area replaced with an inviting sunken living room surrounded by greenery, sculptures and mood lighting for use day and night.

The outside and the inside of the property were united by the incorporation of a small servery area, a group dining space open to the kitchen, as well as a bench seat that adds to the options for entertaining.

This delightful space has an air of private luxury separated from the hubbub of daily city life. The subtle use of steel, timber and smooth concrete is clean, soothing and modern whilst the formal layout preserves a classical air of elegance and sophistication. The plant choices are low maintenance but provide year-round greenery. The use of deciduous trees maximises sunshine in the winter and much needed shade in the summer without encroaching on the small space. The use of a green wall of bromeliads allows for a dank corner to instead make a sumptuous contribution to this retreat.

The clever design features used, especially the floating seating, gentle atmospheric lighting and the beautiful floating stairs combine seamlessly with the sunken living room to give the effect of descending into a private glen. The overall result of this outdoor renovation is a stunning living and sculpture display space of quiet beauty.

Husqvarna Australia Residential Landscape Design and Construction of the Year Award

Winner: Inspired Exteriors

Project: The Wahroonga Residence

The Wahroonga Residence project involved design and construction of an extensive landscape renovation to a private residence. The brief: create a grand entertainers’ garden that draws visitors into a structured garden isolated from the outside world. The clients wanted to create a modern, attractive range of spaces replete with almost every outdoor garden use the Australian residential lifestyle can afford.

The key areas for design and construction included formal lawns, ornamental gardens, swimming pool, entertaining pavilion, pergola, outside kitchen, central courtyard with fireplace, tennis court, whiskey lounge and a productive garden with chicken coup. The challenge for the landscaping team was to make these areas both functional and attractive individually, whilst still blending seamlessly to form a harmonious effect.

The result is a creative and appealing combination of structural elements surrounded by a visually interesting array of plants. The materials used for both the hard and soft aspects provide a seamless suite of spaces that are both separate and united simultaneously.

With such a large number of diverse elements, the landscaping team needed to be skilled in construction, as well as extremely innovative with their plant selection. The finishes are exceptional and the plants, including feature trees, shrubs, perennials and under-plantings, have been carefully selected to flourish in their locations. The contractors have achieved a modern, entertainer’s paradise in excellent health.

Husqvarna Australia Residential Maintenance of the Year Award

Winner: Green Revolutions Gardens

Project: Sally’s Garden

Sally’s Garden has been gradually transformed by Green Revolutions Gardens. Originally, the space was two separate gardens consisting of weeds, over-grown shrubs, crumbling iron-stone walls and dead plants. The two gardens have been combined, remedial pruning undertaken, and the land cleared of undesirable plants. Long periods of neglect made this a task of careful plant identification and selection with a very gentle approach to rehabilitation needed. The client and contractors were both eager to preserve existing native plant species, together with other plants of interest and beauty. The walls were lovingly restored and a Japanese Water Garden was installed as part of the rejuvenation.

Success hinged on a strong client-contractor relationship with high attention to detail. The client and the contractors worked as a team to create a landscape of outstanding appeal. Soil improvement works; new turfing; weed, pest and disease management; hardscape maintenance; and the installation of an irrigation system are just a few of the measures taken to ensure future health.

The holistic approach adopted, coupled with an ongoing commitment to best-practice techniques, were essential. Clear consideration was given to preserving the native ecology, fauna and birdlife, making this garden a haven for local native wildlife. The garden is alive with activity despite its tranquil layout and quiet allure.

For more information regarding the LNA Excellence Award winners, or to learn more about the LNA’s outstanding service as the peak industry body in NSW and the ACT, visit the website www.landscapenswact.com.au
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