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Starting from scratch, this bespoke backyard paradise was meticulously designed and brought to life as the landscaping crew worked around the new build happening on the same property.
Getting started
Few things are more challenging than building a new house or creating the perfect landscape. Unless you opt to do them at the same time, which is what Castor Bay homeowner Mike did. While his new build was in progress, Mike reached out to local Landscaping Consultant Logan Bridgens to get a jump on the landscape design.
For the most part, the site was grass and dirt with the exception of an inground swimming pool and surrounding concrete. Logan visited the property to go over potential ideas with Mike and discuss his goals for the project—a low-maintenance, easy-to-care-for landscape that his parents could enjoy without worrying.
Design iterations
With a degree in landscape design, Logan was the perfect match for Mike’s project. He got to work making a plan and broke the project down into separate areas, alongside fencing and the main portion of landscaping. He worked through a few different iterations with Mike, removing and adding elements until the design and budget were aligned.
Mike was comfortable with the $50,000 quote and had no set deadlines, however, construction was due to wrap around Christmas of that year so Logan aimed to deliver the finished landscape at the same time. With Mike’s seal of approval, Logan and his team could begin transforming the outdoor area.
Expert coordination
Having been a licensed building practitioner for over 15 years in addition to his work in landscape design, Logan had established an impressive crew of reliable and highly-skilled contractors to form his in-house team. For projects outside their typical scope, the paving and turf installation, Logan engaged experienced contractors from his extended network to come on board. The pool was built by contractors on the builders’ side, but Logan’s team executed the fencing, timber work, planting, and the remaining softscaping.
What Logan projected would take about four weeks, ended up taking a little over two months. His team had to work around the active construction zone which included cumbersome scaffolding, the limited access to the landscaping site causing delays. Despite this being out of his control, he managed his side to a T and kept the project as close to schedule as possible. And more importantly, he delivered the finished product within the expected $50,000 budget.
Low maintenance luxury
Challenges are inevitable during any project but our 5-step process was designed to mitigate problems. In this case, Logan was able to keep the project on track thanks to his meticulous planning in the early stages. His team knew the plan and everyone was on the same page, so when they had to pivot and adjust to accommodate the other crews on site, they did just that. With Logan’s guidance, they delivered a fantastic result.
Low maintenance was a key theme for this design which Logan considered in every detail. Installing turf instead of grass in the poolside lounge area ensures it remains a place for relaxation, not garden tending. Elsewhere, pebbles were used to define the walkway and accent the larger planters which border the perimeter of the slat fence. Thoughtfully selected plants give the overall landscape an upscale, polished appearance that complements the home’s modern exterior.
Final Words
The final result aligns perfectly with the original brief; create a beautiful, low-maintenance landscape that was easy to care for and well-designed. Mike was pleased with both the outcome and Logan’s expert management leaving him with a positive review, “I highly recommend Logan from Zones North Shore. He was very efficient and easy to communicate with. I wouldn’t look back.”
Would you like to discuss your landscaping ideas?
Get in touch for a free consultation with your local Landscaping Consultant.
Louise Reeve is Landscaping Consultant of Bridgens Landscapes Limited, a franchisee of Zones Outdoor Renovations Ltd, doing business in North Shore.
Logan Bridgens is Landscaping Consultant of Bridgens Landscapes Limited, a franchisee of Zones Outdoor Renovations Ltd, doing business in North Shore.
Actual costs vary by project. Plan ahead to reduce the impact of industry changes or disruptions. For more information see here.
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