Queensland Landscape Life Magazine #5

LandscapeLife

The Queensland Landscaping Industry Magazine

beyond state borders and internationally Their stories will ignite your imagination and showcase the immense talent within our Queensland community.

Discover the latest developments in the biophilia space and explore why we should better foster a cohesive approach to greening our urban centres, ensuring a sustainable and harmonious environment for all.

Looking to enhance your knowledge? Dive into our feature on concrete retaining walls, where you'll find valuable tips and guidance on on-site preparation. Don't miss the article on selecting the right adhesives in outdoor tiling. And for those seeking inspiration, we've collaborated with LQ supplier member nurseries to bring you some new trends in planting themes

We also invite you to explore a hidden oasis created by LQ member McMahon Earth Solutions, where tranquillity and natural beauty merge seamlessly Furthermore, we are thrilled to announce the latest recipient of the prestigious Queensland Landscape Industry Hall of Fame Award. Additionally, stay informed about the upcoming 2023 LQ Awards and how you can participate!

With a wide array of enriching content, this edition of Queensland Landscape Life is bound to inform and inspire. We hope you enjoy delving into its pages and we thank you for your continued support and love for our industry magazine.

The LQ Team

Message from The CEO

Welcome to our Autumn edition of Queensland Landscape Life. se who have contributed to this publication. In this edition, w re reflections from a number of our longstanding members, as they tell us about their journeys through the landscape industry and their insights into the changes they’ve witnessed. We’ll also check in on what members have been up to from throughout the state.

As I write this, we are approaching the midpoint of 2023 already. Members report that in the residential sector, enquiries are just starting to slow. Interest rate rises and a reduction in consumer confidence seems to be largely responsible for this. The commercial sector is still benefitting from the significant infrastructure being rolled out through the state and the underlying demand for new housing. Commercial landscapers in this segment are still constrained by labour shortages and costs. Economically, commentators are suggesting that inflation may have peaked however it still remains well above the target range. Cost of living pressures are being felt throughout the community, especially in the lower socioeconomic areas.

Globally, interest rates are still increasing in response to inflationary pressures and in the US, pressure on certain banking sectors is evident with the chance of a recession still on the cards. There does seem to be much unrest and uncertainty, which will continue to unfold throughout the 2023 year and which does have an effect on Australian government policy, business investment and consumer spending here at home.

residential landscape enquiry levels may somewhat reduce the need for more staff resources short term in this sector moving forward. Member's calls to LQ relating to consumers not paying have increased recently. Members are advised to ensure they get the documentation right in particular getting variations signed off and maintaining clear and accurate communications with their clients to reduce misunderstandings, maintain client relationships and to put themselves in the best position to get paid.

Thanks to those members who responded to our last member survey looking at their labour needs moving forward. Feedback reiterated the fact that regardless of any short-term trends, the landscape industry needs a steady stream of new entrants to meet our needs in the medium and long term. LQ continues to prioritise creating awareness of our industry and the promotion of landscaping as a great career option. Information on career and training pathways is being distributed through multiple channels, including schools, colleges, community groups, ADF and more, with the aim of attracting job seekers and career changers. Relationships with government departments, local councils and other groups involved in employment and training enable LQ to have a greater reach and take advantage of opportunities that arise to get in front of potential workers for our industry.

We hope you enjoy this Industry magazine, and remember, Landscaping Makes the Difference.

Mark Sorby Chief Executive Officer

The LQ AGM was held on 1 March 2023 The meeting saw a changing of the guard with President Leigh Barrett standing down after 3 years in the role which coincided with numerous challenges for our industry including COVID, supply chain issues, staff shortages and significant weather events We thank Leigh for his service and welcome the return of experienced past President Dave Taylor from Interface Landscapes to the President's position.

Dave will be supported by an experienced board including long-term past President Andrew Bottomley from TLCC and new committee member Emrys Pratt from Sunshine Coast-based business Harmony Landscapes, who follows in the tradition set by his father Lindsay who was an LQ (QALI) board member for 10 years in the 1990s

Labour shortages, skill gap training and a review of the QBCC landscape licenses are some of the key areas of focus for the Board moving forward in 2023 Board members are all volunteers who willingly provide their time to give back to the industry whilst running their own businesses in these busy and still somewhat uncertain times We thank all past and present Board members for their contribution to LQ and our industry.

President, Dave Taylor- Interface Landscapes

Treasurer, Paul Luck- TAFE Qld

Secretary, Mark Sorby- CEO LQ (non-voting)

Andrew Bottomley- TLCC

Jim Stewart- Boss Gardenscapes

Brett Oakley- Park Lane Landscapes

Peter Mumford- Arbor Operations

Steve Jameson- Landscape Skills

Robinder Sihota- Rock n Soil

Emrys Pratt- Harmony Landscapes

Thinking of a Trade Career?

LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND INDUSTRY WORKFORCE PLANNING PROJECT

The Landscape Industry Workforce Planning project has continued with the support of Construction Skills QLD (CSQ). Landscape Queensland (LQ) continues to promote the landscape industry and its career and training pathways through a range of communications and events.

The dedicated Landscape Industry Careers & Training website has been developed by LQ and is being promoted to all relevant stakeholders including schools, career seekers, Government and employers as a resource for them to seek employment, fill staff vacancies as well as to access a range of information and to create awareness of career and training pathways within the broader landscape industry.

Landscape industry businesses continue to utilise the LQ Jobs Board which provides the opportunity for members to post positions vacant and for job seekers to identify positions they may wish to apply for Business owners have been provided with the opportunity to host work experience students and attend open days to meet the students, see their work and discuss potential employment opportunities with the students, career advisors and teachers

A second Landscape Industry Survey was distributed to members with the aim of breaking down the current makeup of the labour force in the Queensland landscape industry and getting further insight into the industry’s future staffing needs

In summary, results from the latest LQ Workforce Planning Survey, reinforced some themes from the first industry survey as well as confirming previous anecdotal evidence held.

There is a shortage of current skilled workers in the landscape industry in Queensland. Feedback identifies schools as the most likely source for new entrants to the industry, however, this channel is not sufficient alone to meet the current labour needs of industry

Other trades and industries are the landscape industry’s biggest competitors to get quality employees into our industry

There’s a need to increase the skills of the workforce to enable greater capacity and capability. There’s a need to plan for the retirement of those older and more experienced in the workforce

The current focus on creating awareness of the landscape industry, including career and training pathway opportunities, must continue Furthermore, innovative ways of delivering this information and selling our industry must be developed and must cater for a broader range of audiences and through multiple channels

More upskilling of workers is required with a target of priority skills areas. It is noted that the formation of Jobs Skills Australia and the new Job Skills Councils, of which LQ is a member organisation, may be of assistance in creating a greater focus in this area and potentially open up greater upskilling opportunities over and above-recognised training courses Faster, shorter training focussed on specific skill gaps through training Skill Sets is considered valuable and, in many cases, more achievable, deliverable and with better outcomes.

Upskilling of workers to undertake the higher-level positions of supervisors and managers to replace the aging workforce is required. Higher level training, as contained in certificate IV and diploma level qualifications, either as a full qualification or as skill sets utilising relevant units of competency, should be made available to meet current demands and licensing requirements

In response to current survey feedback, LQ has designed a Queensland Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping Site Supervisor Skill Set aimed at meeting the QBCC’s current requirements for a site supervisor license.

QBCC licensing requirements state that - you are required to obtain a site supervisor licence if you are an employee or officer of a contractor who holds a QBCC licence, and you are personally supervising building work carried out under your employer’s licence. QBCC’s site supervisor license was introduced to improve the standard and quality of supervision of building work and to provide an employee with a clear career path to becoming a contractor in the Queensland building industry.

The Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping Site Supervisor Skill Set has been established by LQ to address this licensing requirement and assist those participants seeking a QBCC Site Supervisor licence and who do not wish to complete the full Cert IV Building & Construction qualification

This Skill Set will encourage and support landscape contracting businesses to upskill their staff into more senior positions within the organisation, allowing business owners to “get off the tools” and focus on other higher-level duties and business operations.

PROPOSED SKILL SET: Builder Restricted to Structural Landscaping - Site Supervisor Units

CPCCBC4002 Manage WHS in the Building and Construction workplace

CPCCBC4004 Identify and produce estimated costs for Building and Construction projects.

CPCCBC4006 Select, procure and store construction materials for building and construction projects

CPCCBC4008 Supervise site communications and administration processes for Building and Construction projects

CPCCBC4009 Apply Legal requirements to Building and Construction projects

CSQ are currently considering funding for this proposed Skill Set to assist business/individuals meet the cost of undertaking this course. Members will be made aware of the availability of this Skill Set once CSQ has confirmed funding approval

In addition to current activities and to facilitate greater participation in the landscape industry workforce from other channels, Landscape Queensland has made connections with a number of diverse groups including community-based organisations to create awareness of potential employment and training opportunities within the industry and to work together to build relationships and identify opportunities for further engagement

Discussions with these stakeholders are ongoing with respect to undertaking site visits, work experience, school-based apprenticeships and full-time employment, as LQ continues to try and create awareness of our industry and connect potential employees with employers

PLANT NEW SEEDS FOR SUCCESS

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Celebrating 15 years in Labour Hire

Our team at Globe have an intimate knowledge of Landscape Construction & are backed with 15 years of experience in Labour Hire. LET’S

DIGGING DEEP

DIGGERS LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

CONNECTS EX-DEFENCE MEMBERS WITH MEANINGFUL EMPLOYMENT

In an era when it’s difficult to find quality employees LQ member Diggers Landscape Supplies had a unique business idea that provides a direct channel of potential team members with a similar background and mindset to their own. Being a regionally based business in Mackay also had drawbacks. We recently spoke with Charlotte and Joel about their ‘crazy’ idea.

“We had a crazy idea to start our business in February last year and by April we had opened our doors and charged full steam ahead into the unknown! We joined LQ in June which has helped us add professionalism to the venture,” said Charlotte.

Both she and Joel are ex-defence force community members and they realized that the majority of exdefence members leave the military with quite a few tickets under their belt such as forklift, HR or MR licences etc., but a lot of them didn’t know where to head or have the capacity to use their skills full time due to injuries. Diggers Landscape Supplies wanted to bridge that gap somehow to give people a safe and understanding workplace and still feel useful and engaged with the community.

They currently have a team of seven, three of whom are ex-defence who have been able to reengage with the workforce initially with Diggers on a part-time basis and then move to full-time after finding their feet.

There are over 4000 veterans in the Mackay region and running alongside the employment side of things, Diggers are also engaging in community activities as well.

They recently hosted the first ‘Diggers Dinner’, where ex-defence members and their families were invited to a casual, no strings attached dinner which achieved a great turnout with over 80 people in attendance. Shout out to D.A.C Mining who jumped on board and sponsored the bar for the night. Diggers Landscape Supplies has had massive growth in such a short time coupled with a very steep learning curve. Charlotte and Joel believe they have been successful thus far for a few reasons.

“We have brought new ideas to town and have tried to capture niche markets that others had not yet ventured into. We have delved into sandstone, Pentablock, pots etc. However, we firmly believe we have succeeded because of our approach to customer service - we may spend a little longer with someone or go out of our way to help when we can. Our staff are amazing - they will all go above and beyond with customers where possible, which is awesome!" Charlotte said.

As many LQ regional members will attest, running a business outside of the SEQ area is not without challenges and Diggers is no exception. “All our products come from down south. Getting the scheduling right for orders, finding quality suppliers, starting new accounts and timing the weather ‘just right’ for deliveries are always interesting. Thankfully we have an amazing freight group and list of suppliers who have been wonderful to work with,” she went on to say.

Charlotte considers that being self-employed has pushed her to try new things, take a chance and increase self-belief in their capabilities. Meeting so many wonderful new people and helping them achieve their gardening goals is just a bonus!

BIOPHILIA

WHAT IS IT AND HOW DOES IT INVOLVE LANDSCAPERS?

The term may be new to you, but the concept has been around for years and is something landscapers and the landscaping industry have been participating in, perhaps without even realising.

The concept is one of bringing residents closer to nature and using natural environments to assist with reducing stress, creating greater livability as well as the flow-on effects of carbon dioxide reduction. It’s a win-win situation.

It all starts with good design and members are employing biophilic design principles on a daily basis with projects they create – no wonder so many landscapers love working in their ‘office’.

Increasingly Governments and planning authorities are encouraging the creation of biophilia in urban areas and are looking to include more green roofs, green walls, and rooftop gardens/kitchen gardens in new building projects.

Initiatives such as Brisbane City Council’s Green Buildings Incentive Policy encourage Biophilic Design by providing a reduction in development infrastructure charges if projects meet certain criteria. These incentives can up to 50% of overall costs which allows developers to divert funds towards incorporating green areas into the building design.

Recognising that this area of the diverse landscape scope of work is increasing, the national training package has recently been updated to include units on both construction and design of roof gardens, vertical gardens and green facades.

Also in the SEQ area, Moreton Bay Regional Council has recently published an excellent consumer focussed magazine Naturehoods: Your Backyard & Outdoor Spaces Guideline, aimed at encouraging homeowners to better consider landscape design for their homes. Sections include topics such as smart gardening and planting to encourage wildlife as well as information on design for small lots The magazine can be accessed here and is part of their Reshaping Our Region’s Planning initiative.

Meanwhile, Cairns Regional Council encourages designs that foster the relationship between built form, city planning and landscape which they express as tropical urbanism and which they believe is a defining factor of the identity of Cairns, being a tropical city surrounded by rainforest. This tropical urbanism energises the experience of locals and positions Cairns as a unique tropical urban environment. The Council also encourages residents to help ‘green’ the city by participating in one of the eight volunteer greening programs they run ranging from botanic gardens to walking tracks and local creek restoration. Townsville City Waterfront Development guidelines also encourage the use of green roofs, green walls and facades, and integrating plants into building designs.

Griffith University has also established Green Infrastructure Research Labs (GIRLS) as part of the Cities Research Institute, a collection of experts devoted to bringing nature back into cities through good design In partnership with ARIA Property Group, they are building a world-leading facility to test larger green elements including trees on buildings. Dr. Ruby Michael, founder of GIRLS, says there is plenty to learn about the multi-year performance of these systems and many challenges to address “Our aim is to work closely with industry to bring to life the best possible options for Queensland, to showcase and demonstrate good design, and to collect the critical data we need to inform policy and guidance.”

A core focus of GIRLS is to expand the native plant palette and substrate options available to landscape contractors and architects to create more resilient, low-maintenance systems suited to our region. They are also exploring green infrastructur from a range of other social, ecological, and technologica angles: “We have researchers testing how leaf configuration affects air quality, how drainage materials optimise hydrology how plant choices create pathways for beneficial insects an pollinators, how green infrastructure affects heat and can b incorporated into building information management systems, and what the opportunities, barriers and drivers are.”

MORE INFORMATION

Forest Log Eco House - example of a Green Roof in Australia

Skyhouse Melbourne - example of a Green Roof in Australia

“Biophilic design is the deliberate attempt to translate an understanding of the inherent human affinity to affiliate with natural systems and processes known as biophilia into the design of the built environment ”

Stephen Kellert – author The Practice of Biophilic Design

As a node for green infrastructure research in QLD, GIRLS is regularly seeking participation from designers, installers, facility managers and policymakers as part of cocreating what future livingscapes might look like, so look out for surveys and workshops

Click Here for More Information

Keeping Cool with Vertical Gardens

Practical tips on creating Green roofs and Walls

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IT'STIMEFORACOHESIVEAPPROACH:

GREENING OUR URBANCENTRES

The ability and desire for civilisations to grow gardens on fully human made structures is a practice as old as our first ever cities and one that is deeply engrained in our psyche. This will likely grow stronger and more potent as we move into a time where modern civilisation desperately tries to reconnect itself to nature in the deep grey core of our CBDs.

The abundance of gardens in our city core has always been a sign of excellence, modernity, and wellness of a people From the Hanging Gardens of ancient Babylonia to the sophisticated Roman City of Pompeii where archaeologists suggest that gardens occupied as much as one third of all constructions in the entire city centre. It is clear that this new type of human made landscape, one that grows over the buildings we create can be successful at a monumental scale and have a lasting legacy for a city.

This legacy of placing gardens on buildings continues today with the development industry in Queensland currently investing huge amounts of time and money into greening buildings with the states capital Brisbane being particularly active as residential and even office towers sport thousands of square metres of on-structure gardens (gardens on concrete slabs). Governments at all levels are continuing to push the green agenda making on-structure gardens part of development policy.

By Andrew Kyriacou URBIS

From my perspective looking across this landscape, despite the sexy architectural renders and excitement around the greening of buildings, there seems to be a real lack of cohesion as to how we best design, deliver and maintain gardens on buildings The current state of play within this type of niche landscape can be described as one that is full of opinions and circumstantial evidence that varies across the board from landscape architects to landscapers and even developers themselves. The truth of the matter is that there is no agreed, evidence-based set of standards for designing and delivering on-structure gardens. We are all currently doing what we’ve seen work without truly understanding the mechanics or science behind why it worked or why it failed.

There are so many complex factors that make up the success of a garden on natural ground which only get more polarised when creating gardens on concrete slabs that can be located anywhere from within a building, up the side of a building or on the crown of a building. The margin for error in these situations is drastically reduced. Working in these conditions requires a clear understanding of the fundamental elements for plant life and how to engineer them to suit specific needs - the most important being soil, light and water

5 key/critical considerations for successful on-structure gardens include:

Locate gardens for human interaction, not for decoration

Consider maintenance access and a plant replacement strategy

Start the procurement process early to allow for specific requirements such as lead times, sun, shade and wind hardening, size and weight

Construction programming. Doing whatever possible to limit the installation of plants whilst surrounding construction is still active reducing the risks of soil contamination, access issues for regular watering and plant suffocation from construction dust on foliage

Have an ongoing soil nutrition strategy in place

The soils we are using for on-structure gardens for the most part devoid of life. In the 80’s to solve the slumping issues we stripped any useful organics from the soil making it virtually lifeless There needs to be more of an emphasis on including mycorrhizal fungi into lightweight soils, creating the conditions for the relationship between plants and fungi to thrive which is one that forms the basis of all life on earth. When it comes to the depth and volume of soil required to grow happy and healthy plants on buildings, the opinions are so varied and disappointingly the scientific research is seldomly used to set the standards for depth and volume. When it comes to sunlight for plants, the research behind what amounts and duration of UV light different plant species need to photosynthesise and survive is for the most part so general that it does not have any true value in creating a garden that is made up of multiple species, all which have different UV requirements. It is all gut feel and a circumstantial evidencebased approach. Whilst for the most part, onstructure gardens are installed with sophisticated irrigation systems, unfortunately the supply of water required to sustain these gardens is not being future proofed On the driest continent on earth, we are still relying on town supply to water gardens that require an epic amount of water in order to survive There needs to be more of a balanced approach towards the number of gardens being proposed and the amount of rainwater being harvested to irrigate them sustainably.

Every step can be taken to design on-structure gardens for success using an evidence and science-based approach.

However, if the procurement, installation and maintenance methods are not as sophisticated as what is required for these highly engineered gardens, then the whole endeavour is doomed for failure. Many if not all the on-structure garden projects within the CBD are delivered by large building companies who are experts at building concrete, steel and glass buildings but have little to no understanding as to the nuances of these highly engineered gardens Unfortunately, the ‘growies’ on a building are not taken seriously during the process and succumb to poor outcomes largely due to construction programming issues, late procurement and the common practice of curing budget blowouts by tearing through the landscape budget, the sacrificial lamb.

As the Olympic host in 2032, our state’s capital Brisbane cannot afford to have a city of failed gardens when the worlds eyes are upon us. Ideally, there should be urgent action to organise the best minds across all relevant industries including landscape architects, soil scientists, horticulturalists, commercial growers, landscapers, structural engineers, hydraulic engineers, lighting experts, universities and more to embark on a joint venture with government towards creating a City Greening Strategy and Technical Standard - a document that Brisbane and other regional centres throughout Queensland can use to ensure all gardens on buildings are designed, built and maintained to the best possible standard. This could be developed not by one particular profession, but by a diverse collective of the most experienced and intelligent minds where research and development assist in refining a world class approach towards taking greening our cities seriously and turning renders into reality.

BOYDS BAY LANDSCAPING

IT'SALLABOUTRELATIONSHIPSFORTHESETHREEAMIGOS

Landscape Queensland member Boyds Bay Landscaping are celebrating! 2023 is a year of milestones for the Tweed Heads based business and LQ recently caught up with Director Glen Dawney to find out more about their business which has grown from one initial garden centre and landscape supply yard in 1981 to now having over 100 employees, including a major landscape construction arm, green stock growing facilities, environmental services and planning departments.

Members since 1998, this year marks 25 years of membership with LQ and 42 years in business. The company has been involved in an extensive variety of projects from display homes and highend residential properties through to schools, hospitals, theme parks, land developments, commercial properties, resorts and even projects in Fiji.

“The original vision of John & Wendy Nosworthy stemmed from a love of plants having opened Boyds Bay Garden Centre in 1981," Glen said. He and his wife Janene joined the Nosworthy’s a couple of years later as the business expanded, and another partner Greg Fraser was brought in during 2006 after having joined the company as a landscaper in 1998. “Greg Fraser continues in the Managing Director role and has been an integral part of the business growing,” said Glen who went on to enthuse that their “business partnership has been compared to lasting longer than a lot of modern-day marriages, which is a rare feat today.”

Having attained longevity of both business and partnership arrangements, we asked Glen what he attributed that longevity to. Glen replied, “The love of your chosen profession in life. Landscaping is so dynamic and different every day. We do something that motivates you to get out of bed of a morning with a spring in your step and that keeps the drive going to keep striving. If you don’t have that then change industries - find that thing!”

When the Boyds Bay team aren’t busy growing plants and producing specialised drainage solutions for the urban landscape construction industry, they are busy doing what our members do best – landscaping! State boundaries are no problem for Boyds Bay, and they regularly undertake work outside of the SEQ corner. We asked Glen about some of his most challenging projects and here are just a few…

“This project involved an iconic “boat” like structure and residential resort to reflect the client’s (Bob Oatley) love of the water and more so his “Wild Oats” yacht and racing in particular. We loved putting together a beautiful tropical North Queensland planting palette reflecting the region’s natural horticultural diversity and wonders which now welcomes all visitors of incoming flights to the island,” said Glen.

HamiltonIslandYachtClubandResidentialResort

diverse project has received and International public Open and Green Star recognition consistently for the client, Downs Regional Council over a number of years

TheChinchillaParklands

“A Jamie Durey designed master plan described as the horticultural rebirth of Hayman Island following the cyclonic demolition of “Anthony” contributing to the closure of the island for a substantial period of time. Barging of all required materials and green stock from the mainland makes logistics of island projects particularly challenging,” said Glen.

HaymanIsland

“This one was a uniquely local project spanning a 5-year period changing the face of the NSW Tweed Coast from a disbanded mineral mining facility to a now popular tourist destination and place of residency.”

“Challenging diplomatic hurdles, importation, quarantine and staffing elements made this project uniquely challenging and a possible “once in a career” project for Boyds Bay in 2008”.

“Years following the completion of this project we were also contracted to assist with disaster relief and ongoing garden maintenance education and training of local Fijian residents of the region to assist in maintaining the 6-star international resort rating and vision of its then Founder / Red Bull owner (Dietrick Mateschitz)” recalls Glen.

Having been in business for so long, the three Directors have seen a lot of other businesses come and go and many things have changed in the landscaping field during this period. Glen believes as a business they have “simply put, become better informed, faster, and more efficient as we have evolved. Propelled by applying emerging technologies to our day-to-day operations and utilising advances in machinery and equipment. This has enabled us to gain a greater insight into our operations in real-time from anywhere which has made working remotely much more accessible as well as helping us to adapt to changes in industry regulations and increasing levels of compliance,” he said.

When asked what advice he would offer new entrants into our industry Glen suggested they need to “aim for long-term relationships and keep them close, healthy, and happy. From family to clients, banks, professional trades, employees, subcontractors, and suppliers. There will be some dry gullies over the course of a career in this industry, these relationships are all-encompassing and will get you through the dry gullies to ensure you’re still here for the good times in the future.”

The future for Boyds Bay looks bright with recent projects including the delivery of some iconic Gold Coast landmarks with SeaWorld’s new Atlantis precinct featuring the Leviathan rollercoaster at The Spit, Southport and the redevelopment of the famous Palm Beach Pirate Park, which is popular with residents and tourists alike all year round.

Indeed, with the Director’s sons also holding senior management positions in the company – Tom Dawney (Project Management / Head of Estimating) for 12 years and Matthew Nosworthy (Contract Administration) for 15 years, it certainly seems like Boyds Bay will continue well into the future aiming to deliver “more green space in urban environments around our part of the globe driven by technology and generational change.”

Laucala Island Resort , Fiji

TECSCAPE LANDSCAPING CONTRACTORS

Tecscape Landscaping Contractors based on the Gold Coast has an excellent reputation within the industry often obtaining repeat business or referrals from clients and is one of our members celebrating 25 years of membership. Queensland Landscape Life recently spoke to Adrian to find out a little more about the Tecscape story.

Adrian was born in Ireland and emigrated to London in the early '90s, spending two years on commercial construction projects before calling the Gold Coast and Australia home.

His early jobs included paving labourer and nursery hand before securing a landscaping labourer's job. An opportunity arose within that company when an ongoing contract was surrendered due to financial constraints which led to Tecscape being established in 1994

Early challenges for the business included funding advertising in the Yellow Pages (then the most popular form of advertising) as work was scarce and social media was unheard of Securing landscaping contracts while being mostly unknown was a difficult thing to achieve, but perseverance, hard work and always putting the client first began to pay dividends.

“Early projects were fairly basic and straightforward but quickly became more detailed. Our clients became more aware of the value that landscaping added to their homes with various TV shows like Burkes Backyard and Backyard Blitz opening peoples’ minds to what you could create within your own space which is when the indoor/outdoor living phenomenon began,” Adrian said

“As the business continued to grow, becoming an LQ member was the next logical step for us,” he said. “This also gave us the opportunity to enter the annual awards program.”

“Winning 15 awards in various categories over the years gave us confidence in what we were doing which culminated in winning the Qld Residential Landscape Construction of the Year award in 2016. This project remains our favourite due to the challenges we faced and overcame during construction but having wonderful clients and a builder who we continue to work with today made the project worthwhile and very rewarding,” Adrian went on to say

“The Awards we've received have contributed to our continued success through media exposure which gives our clients the confidence to believe in our product and create a working relationship built on trust.”

Adrian is a sole contractor which comes with different challenges to having employees as design, costing and construction all take a lot of time and effort. Adrian credits his wonderful wife Paula with providing administration and general support, resulting in his enjoyment of landscaping staying with him over the years.

When asked what he attributed longevity in the industry to Adrian responded “I always look to gain more knowledge and new ideas Working closely with our clients, listening to and discussing their wants and needs but sometimes offering alternate concepts that can push the boundaries to create something totally unique, keeps it fresh for me and achieves great outcomes for them.”

Adrian also had some pearls of wisdom for the younger generation and said “nothing in life comes easily and hard work is essential for any level of success – young people need to be determined and apply themselves in order to achieve ”

TED MAGUIRE

The Queensland landscaping industry has a fair share of characters, many of whom have been members for numerous years and remain not only passionate about our industry but continually improving their skills and knowledge One such person is Ted Maguire whose career has been so varied and longstanding that many of you would have crossed paths with him during your own careers. Queensland Landscape Life recently caught up with Ted and discovered that there is no short way to look back on five decades in the industry – enjoy this timeline story reflecting on his contributions and achievements

Sound advice from Branko T, a Yugoslav stonemason who mentored me around 1974 in the skill of working stone. Acknowledgement also, to the Canavo family (Greenworld Garden Centre) who taught me the intricacies of bricklaying and masonry techniques in render, plaster and stucco. My stepfather was a cabinet maker/carpenter/ builder, who also taught me elements of his trade all of which have been very handy as a landscaper.

THE SEVENTIES

My career in horticulture began as a teenager on an acreage property in Keperra. Behind the residential home lay a massive commercial garden “Lindendale” producing vegetable seedlings from seed to small seedlings of tomatoes, capsicums, cauliflower and broccoli. We would wrap them in bundles of 100, box them and then they were transported by train, to the Lockyer Valley.

Attached to the seedling garden was a small but plentiful, old-fashioned retail nursery. Here I learnt plant identification, Latin names and dealing with customers. I also started to delve into ‘landscaping’ for the retail customers on weekends and also the above-mentioned contractors.

I stayed at “Lindendale” for a few years until poached by John Hawkins to work on the development of his vision for the future of retail garden centres which began at the Albany Creek site and produced much of its own stock supplying the retail nursery garden centre.

I landscaped the grounds and themed gardens at Albany Creek and a lesser extent at Chandler. I still acknowledge and thank John for the opportunities and teaching he unknowingly gave me. I remain guilty as charged, of planting Cocos palms at Toombul shopping centre in the late seventies under the direction of John. There were not many commercial landscape projects around at the time nor large landscape contractors. The market was essentially domestic residential clients with money. This domestic sector is one I would stay in and enjoy.

THE EIGHTIES

The early eighties saw real growth in the amenity horticulture sector and Garden Centres and Landscapers reaped the harvest of expansion and profitable times. In 1983 I married Yvonne and at the same time I was encouraged to apply for a teaching position at Grovely TAFE

“DON’T PAT THE DOG, AND NEVER TALK TO ANYONE UNDER FIVE. IF YOU DO, THEY’RE YOURS FOR THE DAY”

To my surprise I was accepted, maybe because of my skill base and possibly my relaxed personality, however, I was the youngest lecturer (25) employed at a TAFE College. It was a requirement to complete formal teaching qualifications. This was daunting as I had left school in Year 11 and had a poor junior certificate resume. During the next few years, I would undertake tertiary studies for a Diploma in Teaching Technical and Further Education, Graduate Diploma in Landscape Architecture, and an Advanced Diploma in Horticulture (Nursery and Landscape). Yvonne should be awarded Associate status for all these qualifications as she is the reason I was able to pass!

Yvonne and I began the business “Camouflage Landscape Design” during this period, so life was very busy The naming of Camouflage came about from necessity in 1984 When I started at TAFE, Premier Joh’s policy was that state government public servants could not also run a business Camouflage was our blatant disguising name for such a business

It aptly describes what we did. Camouflage is still trading and remains a design construct business. Its focus and clientele were predominantly acreage high-end, rural suburbs from Cairns to Sanctuary Cove, Hunter Valley, Melbourne and west to Blackall, Toowoomba and Stanthorpe, my birthplace

THE NINETIES

These years saw great changes in the amenity horticulture Industry and for my career growth personally. Expo 88 displayed a myriad of garden scenarios, alfresco dining and a general acknowledgment of horticulture establishing itself as a very formidable industry. The public embraced the outdoor lifestyle and so the industry grew

Professionalism and accountability in the industry saw the emergence of licencing for contractors within the QBSA. In 1992, I was heading the landscape section of amenity horticulture at Grovely TAFE, when asked to formulate a course and qualification solely designed for the QBSA Structural Licence to meet the technical component required to obtain a licence. I was proud to do this and believe I documented and produced a practical curriculum I also devised a solution for existing contractors to gain recognition of prior knowledge and skills of their standard skillset to be eligible for their licence without having to undergo formal training

Suddenly, landscapers became TV stars and wore long sleeve shirts tucked in. There became greater business professionalism There were fewer Utes with dogs in the back. Larger commercial companies evolved, some stayed some have since departed.

I left full-time lecturing at Grovely in 1997 having been there some 13 years and needed a change and time to commit more time to our business. I relished the chance to once again design and build and be outside, which remains my happy place with a radio on in the background

Grovely beckoned me to return some 8 months later to deliver evening Advanced Diploma in Design & Horticulture subjects to experienced, employed industry students and Internationals. The subjects included Landscape Design, CADD, Landscape Engineering & Construction, Costing, Estimates and Tenders and Project Management I have always enjoyed interacting with and educating students. I finally gave a definitive end to it all and the three nights a week in 2019.

THE 2000’S THE TWENTY TEENS

Camouflage, Yvonne, I and our 3 children worked hard collectively in a family business that provided for us well The 2000s saw us win 3 categories in the AILDM National Design Awards and a finalist position within QALI Awards (now Landscape Queensland Awards) for sustainable acreage construction

Following the green light from all parties, earthworks and project management of the garden’s refurbishment started It would take us through to 2013. I travelled to Melbourne weekly over that period accumulating many frequent flyer points!

I worked alongside magnificent tradesmen and the process was a long and detailed road. Many stories but not for this article

I also became a National Director of the AILDM Association leading to acknowledgement as a Fellow

2005 presented an opportunity to be involved in an amazing project. “Shrublands” an 1863 Victorian-era Italianate Manor in Canterbury, Victoria owned by a family we had done many design and constructs for in Queensland They were committed to the full restoration of the dilapidated property, which was commissioned and built by Melbourne’s first Dentist. The process began for us to design, document and gain the appropriate sign-offs from the Australian National Trust, and Heritage Victoria both of whom were most helpful and the Boroondarra Council who made life difficult.

Meanwhile, Camouflage Landscape Design and builds continued in Queensland Finally, after four years on 30th September 2009, all sign-offs and approvals were granted and rubberstamped – construction could now begin!

2014 presented another great opportunity - to design a rooftop Garden Centre with a 1985 theme but built in 2014 on a Westfield-style shopping centre in Shanghai. Yes, a fully considered retail garden centre with walkthrough themed display gardens, café, bars etc This was such an amazing project to be involved with. A 10-day trip was catered with a guide, interpreter and driver to visit and go anywhere in Shanghai to try to interpret a Western-style garden centre to a Westernhungry, Chinese community.

THE TWENTY-TWENTY’S

Post-COVID, Camouflage still sits as a design business with a retired construction division Landscaping remains a physically hard occupation and old bodies simply take longer to recover. I felt a change in direction was required for self-preservation in the industry I have now returned to my first occupation within the horticultural sector - back at a nursery

I look after the Business Development, Product Development, Tendering, Designer, Producer of Solutions, calmly, at Greenstock Nurseries

In 2015 we produced a project situated on the steepest site we have ever worked with. It featured on ABC TV's “Dream Gardens” Season 1 Episode 5 A real return to my construction roots working with stone and recycled timbers, albeit like a mountain goat

An old familiar friend and supplier to Camouflage projects over the decades since it started as a Carseldine strawberry farm. It’s a little ironic to be back doing what I started, growing and selling plants. I am now growing super-advanced containerised trees and plants for iconic projects currently under construction.

So, that’s just part of the story of an old participant some 50 years in the horticulture industry. I’m still having a ball, been knocked around a little, but still feel extremely lucky and fortunate to be involved in the things that have come our way. I still have a passion for it all. It’s been a privilege to have worked in and enjoyed so many sectors within our diverse industry

I need to acknowledge and am extremely fortunate and thankful to Yvonne and our family for their support I couldn’t have done any of this without them.

NOW I DO TAKE SOME TIME, TO PAT THE DOG AND HAVE LENGTHY CONVERSATIONS WITH 5-YEAR-OLDS. Still Going.... Ted Maguire

IF YOU DON’T SEARCH “BEFORE YOU DIG” ONLINE FIRST, YOU’RE DIGGING BLIND

Always use the Before You Dig service to avoid damaging underground infrastructure.

Zero Damage - Zero Harm

ABOUT US

QPRO Concrete Sleepers is a family-owned Australian Company, purchased by the WRB Group August 2018. QPRO Concrete Sleepers specialize in manufacturing concrete sleepers for retaining walls used in civil construction & landscaping environments

QPRO Concrete Sleepers are committed to manufacturing quality products & supplying superior concrete sleepers to suit our client base

QPro Concrete sleepers supply over 3000 customers per month, not including retail. To achieve this QPRO are the largest manufacturer of concrete sleepers in Australia

QUALITY ASSURANCE

At QPro Concrete Sleepers we have six quality assurance checks:

Within the QPRO Team there are team leaders that visibly check all QA daily to ensure our products are to Australian Standards

·AS4678-2002 Earth Retaining Structures

AS/NZ11700-2002 Structural design actions –

General Principles

AS/NZ11700 -2011 Structural Design Actions –

Wind Actions

AS3600-2009 Concrete Structures

AS/NZ2312-2002 Guide to the protection of structural steel against atmospheric Corrosion by the use of protective coatings.

CONCRETE RETAINING WALL SITE PREPERATION

Whether you are a new apprentice or an old hand at retaining walls, it’s always good for a refresher! Catch up on concrete sleeper site preparation 101 from LQ Supplier Member and Partner QPRO Concrete Sleepers.

The first step after determining the suitability of your wall site is to remove all topsoil and vegetation from where the wall will be located It is important to remember that you will need a minimum of 30cm clearance behind the retaining wall to allow for adequate backfill and the installation of an effective drainage system. The site should be levelled, and the underlying soil compacted as much as possible In some cases, it may be necessary to add some aggregate to the underlying soil to assure proper compaction.

Next, star pickets or pegs should be driven in the ground at each end of the proposed wall site in line with the centre line of the wall Run a taut string from each peg both top and bottom These will be your guides when marking post holes, measuring the angles of your posts, and constructing the wall, and will help to ensure that the retaining wall is well-aligned.

Mark where each post hole will need to be bored. Be sure that they are at a proper interval for the length of concrete sleepers that you are going to use and that they are centred accurately Spray paint can come in very handy for this purpose.

Dig holes according to the engineer’s specifications or the design guide with an auger or post hole diggers. Next, the posts must be set in concrete so that they are well supported and able to effectively bear and transmit load The concrete can be delivered or hand mixed; which method you choose is usually based on the size of the retaining wall. Measure each pole to assure spacing and positioning are correct and allow the piers to dry This can take 3 days or longer It may be necessary to brace or clamp the poles in position to avoid them shifting before the concrete begins to set. As an alternative, a concrete sleeper can be placed in position between each post to assure proper alignment and hold the post in the proper position

If you are going to install fencing at the top of the wall, this would be when you would place the fence brackets on top of the poles, such as QPro fence brackets

Now is the time to install the Agi pipe for your drainage system and protect it with geo fabric and appropriate aggregate It is crucial that the draining system is completed to specification to ensure that it performs well as insufficient drainage will greatly reduce the lifetime of the retaining wall.

The preparation for the retaining wall is now completed. From here, it is simply a matter of installing the concrete sleepers in place and ensuring that there is appropriate backfilling for a strong retaining wall.

If you are looking to use QPro concrete sleepers in your next project, check out the QPRO website for more detail on how to use the products.

HiddenOasis

Nestled within the serene Yandina Creek lies a hidden gem—an exquisitely designed sanctuary that seamlessly blends sophistication with the surrounding natural beauty.

Sunshine Coast Landscape Queensland member McMahon Earth Solutions, led by the talented Matthew McMahon, transformed a flat grassy area into a breathtaking landscape, earning them the Residential 1 Award at the prestigious 2022 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards.

The clients had a clear vision for their property, and McMahon Earth Solutions collaborated closely with them to turn their dreams into reality. The construction process involved raising the ground level to create a sunken effect, resulting in a grassy knoll at the rear of the fire pit. Blonde granite, with its elegant charm, was used throughout the garden for raised garden beds, feature stones and fire pit construction. Corten steel accents added a touch of modernity, complementing the overall design. Additionally, a 5-meter-high bottle tree was meticulously transplanted to become the centrepiece of the garden.

The completed project resulted in a beautifully designed and executed garden space that highlights a high level of sophistication. Soft turf mounds gently cradle the blonde granite boulders, creating a captivating interplay of textures. In the heart of the garden, at the centre of the fire pit, sits a magnificent 300-400kg steel fire pit, creating a cosy ambience that beckons visitors to linger and enjoy the garden all year round. The combination of steel and stone, along with the arid garden and playful metal sculptures, adds an element of surprise and delight. Lush plantings complete the picture, enhancing the overall aesthetic and infusing the space with vibrant energy. The hero-transplanted bottle tree stands tall, anchoring the entire landscape and captivating visitors with its majestic presence.

The landscape's design and construction execution impressed the judges of the Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards. Visitors to the garden are treated to a multitude of delightful details, enticing them to wander along enchanting pathways that reveal hidden treasures at every turn. McMahon Earth Solutions was thrilled to receive the Residential 1 Award. When we recently caught up with Matthew, he encouraged fellow Landscape Queensland members to consider participating in the LQ Awards. According to Matthew, "the experience of participating in the awards was fun and rewarding and it provided a great opportunity to showcase the McMahon team's professional skills and gain recognition for their hard work."

McMahon Earth Solutions' remarkable project serves as a testament to the exceptional craftsmanship and creativity exhibited by Landscape Queensland members. By entering the Construction Excellence Awards, Landscape Queensland members can elevate their profile, inspire others in the industry and proudly share their achievements with current and potential clients.

THE QUEENSLAND LANDSCAPE INDUSTRY

HALL OF FAME

The Queensland Landscape Industry Hall of Fame has been developed to acknowledge the involvement of individuals who have contributed to the growth and success of the Association and the broader landscape industry in this state. This award has been presented since 2005 with inaugural nominees inducted into the Landscape Hall of Fame including Wayne Giebel, Ross Kelly, Terry O’Shea and Michael Schultz. Recipients of this Award have demonstrated their commitment to the industry through their actions and involvement. On behalf of the industry, we acknowledge and thank all previous Hall of Fame recipients for their contribution to our industry. Past recipients: Wayne Giebel, Ross Kelly, Terry O’Shea and Michael Schultz, Colin Campbell, Graham Richardson, Jason McGarry, Ross McKinnon AM, Peter Milliken, Graham Park, Ross Logan, Andrew Bottomley and Elizabeth Smith.

In 2022 the Hall of Fame inductee was Dave Taylor from Interface Landscapes. Dave has held positions on the Landscape Queensland Board for some 15 years. He has been the Landscape Queensland President and has also sat on numerous Industry committees and continues to generously commit his time to the benefit of the Landscape Industry in this state. Dave’s actions, contributions and involvement over a long and sustained period have led to the growth and success of the Association and the broader landscape industry.

Dave was to be presented at the 2022 Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards Gala Dinner, however unfortunately he was not able to attend that evening. His induction to the Hall of Fame was subsequently undertaken at the 2023 LQ AGM with the award being presented by past LQ President and Fame of Fame Inductee himself, Andrew Bottomley from TLCC

On behalf of the industry, we extend our congrat outstanding contribution to the Landscape Industry in Queensland.

COMMITTED TO THE LANDSCAPING INDUSTRY SINCE 1986

Centenary Landscaping Supplies is a multi-award winning landscape supplier located in the Western Suburbs of Brisbane.

We service the Greater Brisbane region with a large fleet of over 30 trucks with our sister transport company, Connect Truckers.

Our Customer Service and Trade Teams offer unrivalled knowledge and service so that you get the products you need at the right price and delivered to your job site on time.

US 07 3373 4999

struction Excellence Awards Pr

o, showcases and rewards landscape

k Today, this highly regarded program includes over 20 award categories and highlights the amazing range of residential and commercial landscape construction and garden maintenance projects undertaken in the state, culminating in a Presentation Gala Dinner celebrating the Best of the Best in landscaping

The LQ Awards Program is judged by qualified independent third-party judges who follow a code of conduct that includes conflict-of-interest guidelines Landscape Queensland is not involved in the judging process, ensuring impartiality The judges visit sites to inspect projects and keep entrant information confidential to maintain the program's integrity.

ReadTestimonials

The Awards program caters for all projects, regardl ovides a great opportunity for recognition and acknowledgeme r everyone!

RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

GARDEN MAINTENANCE RESIDENTIAL

ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE

INDEPENDENT PROFESSIONAL DESIGNED CONSTRUCTION

SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

QLD LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YEAR – RESIDENTIAL

COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION

GARDEN MAINTENANCE COMMERCIAL

CONTRACTOR DESIGNED CONSTRUCTION

APPRENTICE AND TRAINEE OF THE YEAR

SPECIAL CATEGORIES

QLD LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION OF THE YEAR - COMMERCIAL

The LQ Awards Program is a chance for members to create a multi-purpose badge of honour within their business. Involvement encourages team productivity, motivation and pride in work.

Showcase your portfolio - Gain industry recognition and highlight your strengths and high-quality work!

Boost team morale - Finalist, Highly Commended or Winning status can be a morale booster for your team, recognising their hard work and dedication

Marketing opportunities - All finalists, highly commended projects and category winners receive logos to help promote their business and give themselves a marketing edge Use your entry photos for your website, social media, and print advertising, and gain valuable marketing opportunities, including press coverage and social media recognition

Gain exposure and recognition - Set your business apart from competitors and attract new clients by gaining exposure and recognition in the industry.

Attract top talent - Winning an Award can help attract top talent to your business Who wouldn't want to work for a recognised leader in the industry?

Professional development - Learn from feedback and the work of other participants, improving your skills and expertise, and ultimately enhancing the quality of your work

National Awards - Winners of eligible categories may go on to compete in a National Award level

LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND

SO YOU THINK YOU KNOW... OUTDOOR TILING, PAVING & STONE INSTALLATION WITH MAPEI

The LQ So You Think You Know Outdoor Tiling, Paving & Stone Installation series with LQ Supplier Member and Member Benefits Partner Mapei continues with recent Sunshine Coast and North Brisbane events taking place.

The event provided Landscape Queensland members with valuable insights into the latest techniques and products for outdoor tiling, paving, and stone installation. The Mapei team shared their vast experience and knowledge, providing attendees with solutions to common problems in these applications, including reducing efflorescence, choosing the right waterproofing membrane, selecting the correct grouts and adhesives, and installing cobblestones and large pavers.

As a member-benefit partner, Mapei Australia offers Landscape Queensland members a help desk for any problems concerning waterproofing, outdoor tiling, paving or any other techniques included in their product range

For quick advice and helpful tips and tricks, visit the Mapei Academy where you can view scheduled and pre-recorded webinars filled with plenty of useful information. For more details on Mapei Australia click here.

The LQ So You Think You Know… Outdoor Tiling, Paving & Stone Installation series has been popular with members both experienced and new to the arena seeking skills for correct techniques for outdoor tiling, paving and stone installation. An area of particular interest during member events is the selection of the right adhesive for various projects. One of the most frequently asked-about products is the fast-setting Adesilex P4 adhesive. The team from Mapei has provided further information.

Landscaping is an art that requires careful planning and attention to detail. From choosing the right materials to ensuring durability and longevity, every aspect of a landscaping project needs to be considered. When it comes to outdoor projects like paving, tiling, and smoothing uneven floors, selecting the right material can make all the difference. Mapei's Adesilex P4 is a versatile and durable adhesive that can meet all these requirements and more.

Adesilex P4 is a high-performance, rapid-setting, full-contact, cementitious adhesive that can be used in a variety of outdoor applications. It can be used as an adhesive for tile and stone flooring installations, a smoothing compound for levelling uneven surfaces and as a mortar for brick or concrete block wall installations. This versatility makes it an excellent choice for professionals and DIY enthusiasts who want a reliable and durable adhesive for outdoor projects.

One of the main advantages of Adesilex P4 is its fast-setting time. The adhesive is designed to cure quickly, reducing the time required for the adhesive to dry and set. This can be particularly useful in areas where sudden weather changes are expected, such as here in Australia.

Additionally, Adesilex P4 makes it possible to obtain adhesive beds 3 mm to 20 mm thick without undulations, which is ideal for external installations and heavy traffic areas.

Another advantage of the product is its ability to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, rain, and snow. Amongst all other Mapei products, Adesilex P4 is constantly tested in Mapei global laboratories. Testing includes adhesion after heat ageing, water immersion and freeze-thaw cycle as well as for resistance to solvents and chemicals. This assessment ensures that the product can perform optimally in harsh weather conditions and heavy usage.

In addition to its fast-setting formula and weather resistance, Adesilex P4 is also easy to use. The product can be applied with a trowel, making it suitable for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike. Its versatility and ease of use make it a go-to solution for paving, tiling and fixing outdoor fixtures. Whether you're renovating a patio, installing a pool deck, or creating a garden walkway, Adesilex P4 is the perfect solution for your landscaping needs.

For more information and tech sheets on this product click here.

PLANTING THEMES

WITH LQ NURSERY MEMBERS

A well-designed garden or landscape is not merely an arrangement of green spaces between hard landscape elements. When approached with care and thoughtfulness, planting can breathe life and vibrancy into any outdoor space The art of planting follows a set of subtle rules that contribute to the overall garden design. By considering design principles such as symmetry, asymmetry, axis lines, repetition, rhythm, colour, texture, and form, landscapers can create a purposeful and captivating planting scheme Whether the aim is to provide screening, create a scenic view, offer shade, accentuate focal points, or evoke special interest through flowers, foliage, or scent, each plant serves a distinct purpose in the grand tapestry of nature.

Furthermore, the architectural elements of a landscape often influence the choice of planting themes, complementing the materials and forms of buildings. These themes continuously evolve, reflecting the current trends in architecture and construction Presently, several popular planting themes have been embraced by projects in Queensland:

Hampton: This theme exudes a semi-formal to formal aesthetic, characterised by its emphasis on axis lines, symmetry, layering and hedging in glossy greens.

Contemporary: Bold, minimalist, and architectural, this theme showcases the beauty of succulents and cacti, providing a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape.

Tropical: Embracing a leafy ambience with vibrant tropical colours and a cooling effect, this theme features plants such as heliconia, palms and elephant ears that transport you to a lush paradise

Palm Springs: Combining elements of both tropical and contemporary styles, this theme incorporates fan palms to create a unique blend of exotic and modern aesthetics

Native: Celebrating Australia's natural beauty, this theme focuses on bird-attracting plants and indigenous species like banksia, callistemon, eucalyptus, grevilleas and grasses, creating a harmonious habitat for local wildlife.

Blooming Colour: From steady vibrant pops of colour to the charm of mixed cottage garden annuals, this theme highlights the joy, beauty and colour found in an array of flowering plants.

In the upcoming editions of Queensland Landscape Life, we will delve into a variety of themes and plants recommended by nurseries and artisan growers who are members of the LQ supplier community. These horticultural experts will share their insights, knowledge and expertise to inspire and guide you in creating appealing and trendsetting planting designs for your projects.

CONTEMPORARY CONTEMPORARY PLANTING PLANTING

WITH

Bold, minimal and often architectural, contemporary planting choices can offer a stunning impact LQ supplier member and Awards partner Greenstock Nursery has recently installed a feature garden at their nursery to showcase standard plant species into a contemporary display, focusing on strappy leaf plants creating a similar theme of textures shapes and colours growing happily in sun and shade Some of the contemporary plants they recommend are:

BROMELIAD "VRIESEAFOSTERIANAPATTERNLEAF"

A fleshy understory bromeliad works well in either a contemporary or tropical garden setting Link with strappy leafed foliage and bulk up with mass plantings of different varieties Will prefer a shaded situation.

DRACAENADRACO“DRAGONTREE”

A strappy silver leaf helps make this one a must use in the contemporary garden It will develop a trunk and can form interesting heads of foliage above 1 – 2 metres

NEOMARICACAERULEA“WALKINGIRIS”

Simply needing something to link with the theme of strappy leaf? The walking iris happily spreads and fills a gap in the contemporary or tropical garden. It's bulletproof and always looks fresh. It displays a blue and white iris during spring

STROMANTHESANGUINEA“TRIOSTARSTROMANTHE”

Simply strappy, strong , and sensational A low clumping Brazilian plant enjoys the shade and simply looking good with little care When combined with the previously mentioned plants it contributes some wow to the contemporary garden

Australian Native Planting with

Native plants are an excellent addition to landscaping projects providing an array of benefits Apart from enhancing the beauty of gardens, they are well-suited to the local bioregion, thriving in arid conditions with minimal water and fertilisers These plants attract wildlife, offering food and shelter while eliminating the need for pesticides Additionally, they prevent invasive weed issues and contribute to the preservation of biodiversity Here are some top choices from LQ supplier member and Award partner Wallum Nurseries

Angophoracostata "SmoothBarkedApple"

Recently voted as Eucalypt of the year, the 'Smooth Barked Apple' is known for its salmon pink new bark and large bunches of white showy flowers during Summer months Whilst growing in most well draining soils, this species is best suited to larger gardens and parks as it can grow up to 25m tall

Hardenbergiaviolacea "'PurpleCoralPea"

A favourite bushtucker plant which offers a bounty of sweet white (silver-grey) berries from late Summer to Autumn, attracting birds, bees and plenty of mammals to your planting area This long lived shrub grows up to 1m high and wide, and is adaptable to full sun, low light and a range of soil conditions

Ficinianodosa"ClubRush"

A fast growing favourite among landscapers the 'Club Rush' is an attractive native grass suited to most soil and weather conditions Ficinia nodosa is a hardy plant that will tolerate drought, frost saline soils and flooding and grows 1m high and wide

Acaciapodalyriifolia "'QueenslandSilverWattle"

A much loved species of the wattle family, the 'Queensland Silver Wattle' is decorative in all aspects of its growth with its silver foliage, bright masses of pom pom flowers and ornamental seed pods This fast growing wattle is suitable for any soil and light conditions, growing up to 5m high and wide

Buckinghamia celsissima "Ivory Curl Tree"

The 'Ivory Curl Tree' is perhaps Brisbane's most common bush tucker plant, with long pendulous flowers that produce sweet nectar enjoyed by all pollinators Grows easily in low to high level light conditions and most well draining soils This low maintenance shrub to medium growing tree can grow between 8m to 25m high and 1m to 4m wide

Plantingwith

The key elements of tropical planting themes are dramatic foliage, layered arrangements and vibrant, exotic flowers Create a jungle-like atmosphere with tall, green framing, vibrant colours like orange and red and plants such as Heliconias and Strelitzias with bold, large leaves Indulge in the beauty and serenity of a tropical-themed landscape design Tropical planting allows for a lush and luxurious planting theme and is perfect for the Queensland climate LQ supplier member and Awards sponsor Plantmark Wholesale Nurseries earmarked some key tropical plantings that give the feeling and beauty of a resort-style oasis that also offer privacy and a cooling effect during hot summer months

A popular compact Philodendron with lush, glossy leaves ideal for shady positions Use in court yards, balconies or plant together with other lush plants such as Bromeliads or Alocasias for a tropical look

Grows up to 60cm-1m H x W

Striking climbers with large, bold, tropical blooms in a range of colours. Train them around a pergola or trellis and watch them grow Ideal for bringing a tropical feel and plenty of colour and lushness to poolside areas and patios. Choose a sunny, protected position Grows up to 1-2m H x 60cm-1m W

Prominent, over-sized, thick and glossy leaves for the ultimate tropical look and wow-factor, Giant Elephant's Ear can grow up to 5m tall and 3 5m wide Protect from strong winds and grow in a sheltered spot Grows up to 2-4m H x W

Spectacular, bright flower bracts in pink, yellow or red for the ultimate tropical garden look The attractive, upright lush green foliage is a feature and Heliconias are often mass planted in garden beds or as a tropical, green wall Fabulous as cut flowers Grows up to 2-4m H x 1-2m W

A much loved tree with richly fragrant, exotic looking flowers The trunk is very distinctive with many knobbly branches Best suited to tropical and sub-tropical climates but can be grown in warm coastal areas and next to a brick wall in the micro-climate around a house Grows up to 4-10m H x W

PHILODENDRON XANADU "PHILODENDRON XANADU"

MANDEVILLA SP "BRAZILIAN JASMINE"

ALOCASIA MACRORRHIZA "GIANT ELEPHANTS EAR OR GIANT TARO"

HELICONIA SP "LOBSTER CLAW"

PLUMERIA RUBRA "FRANGIPANI"

BLOOMINGCOLOUR WITH

When seeking advice on colour in the garden, who better to ask than LQ supplier member Pohlman’s Nursery known not only for their trees, fruits and vegetables plants but their range of colourful flowers

The Pohlmans team have recently returned from Spain visiting Drummen Orange, a world-class breeder specialising in perennial and annual colour which performs under high light, heat and humid conditions, which is perfect for the Australian environment Below Pohlman’s provide a guide on colour that can be added to your projects More plant updates to come in future editions

Impatienshawker "NewGuineaimpatiensi"

The new guinea impatien is typically a shade lover, but breeding has allowed this plant to now be grown in full sun as a landscape full flowering plant Two series are available Sunpatiens and the latest bred range ‘Sol Luna ‘which performs in shade and sun They have a thicker leaf and

Dahlias

RudbeckiaSunbeckia

This exciting new plant release has been bred for sun tolerance and long-lasting flowers

With a large number of colours in yellows, bicolours and oranges, the Sunbeckia are a breeding breakthrough Fast growing, large flowers and great in larger containers or in the landscape Produced from tissue culture and long outlasts the typical seed rudbeckia, they will make a huge impact in the landscape and give long-lasting performance

Calibrachoa

Cousin to the petunia, the Cali has a smaller flower but packs a big punch on performance Traditionally for pots and baskets, the breeding from Dummen has put the vigour back into

Kalanchoe

Decked Out- typically seen as a potted plant, the kalanchoe hasn’t been a focus for landscapers until now The new series Decked Out, is bred by Dummen Orange for outdoor performance and larger vigorous plants Fast growing, low maintenance, drought tolerant and long lasting flowers

WHO IS LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND?

Landscape Queensland is a Not for Profit Industry Association

that’s been operating for 40 years In that time we’ve focused on lifting the profile and standards of our industry We support landscape and garden maintenance businesses throughout the state and promote the importance and benefits of landscaping as well as career and training pathways for the broader industry Members benefit from a range of services, products and events that have been developed specifically for the small business owner in the landscape industry

Landscape Queensland is the only industry association in this state focused on representing the landscape industry at all levels of government on the issues relevant to our industry

JOIN LANDSCAPE QUEENSLAND AND ADD CREDIBILITY TO YOUR BUSINESS WHILST SUPPORTING THE ORGANISATION THAT SUPPORTS YOUR INDUSTRY.

WHO CAN JOIN?

Landscape & Garden Maintenace Contractors

Landscape Industry Suppliers & Manufacturers Industry Professionals - Landscape Architects, Lawyers, Accountants

Apprentices & Student Members

Associate Members

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN MEMBERSHIP?

FREE Domestic and Commercial Industry Specific Contracts*

Added Credibility and Professionalism including Member Logos for Advertising & Tenders

Advertise for Staff on the Landscape Industry Jobs Board for FREE

FREE Listing on the Consumer Find-AMember Website Service

Member Support and Back-Up

Important Updates latest Technical and Legislative Information across Landscaping, Construction and Horticulture

National Fleet Discount on ISUZU trucks

HOW MUCH IS MEMBERSHIP?

FREE Buying Group Membership saving $660/pa plus discounts on materials

Industry Events and Industry-specific Training/ Information sessions

Access to Member Pricing and Industry Discounts

Industry-specific Insurance

Industry-specific WHS & HR

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