The Best 2023

Welcome to the 2023 edition of The Best!

As we continue to navigate through the ongoing changes brought by the pandemic, the importance of creating an outdoor haven has become even more apparent. Whether it's for relaxation, work or play, having a space to unwind and connect with nature has become essential for many of us.

At Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers, we have witnessed an increased demand for outdoor spaces that not only add value to the family home but also promote wellbeing, creativity and connection. Our members are experts in creating beautiful and functional landscapes that transform any space into a sanctuary for its owners.

However, we must also acknowledge the challenges that come with delivering these projects in a post-Covid economy. The ongoing material shortages, price rises and resourcing constraints in the Australian job market have made it more challenging to deliver landscaping projects.

Despite these challenges, the passion and commitment of our members remain unwavering.

They continue to provide exemplary standards of professionalism and workmanship to ensure that every landscape transformation is completed to the highest standard. Year on year we are astounded by the immense vision and talent that is showcased at Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show,

This edition of The Best showcases the extraordinary achievements of our 5 Boutique Garden entrants - it's exciting to see the plans and briefs that were put forward months ago transformed from paper into real immersive gardens for visitors to enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this edition of The Best. We are delighted to be able to bring you this collection of inspired ideas by Landscaping Victoria Master Landscaper Members, to help make your dream garden a reality.

WARNERS: PLANT WHAT WHERE

At the 2022 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Warners Nurseries, in collaboration with Robert Boyle, created the ‘People’s Choice’ Gold winning Show Garden, ‘More than Meets the Eye’.

It was a garden designed to showcase a range of plantings traditionally grown by Warners whilst incorporating a mix of new plants in an exciting contemporary design. It achieved this with six distinct zones coming together as one, with minimal hard landscaping and the plants as the focus.

The gardens were linked by a bay hedge, providing a backdrop, and screening the view to what was on the other side. It then gradually revealed the four main gardens; a Traditional Parkland, Mediterranean, a shaded Urban Woodland and a Food Garden with each area highlighting a distinctive look and feel with its diversity of plantings.

The Arbour provided the perfect backdrop to view along the Avenue to the spire of the majestic Exhibition Building. Though temporary in nature the garden sat well placed in the landscape and recalled an historic European influence.

Hydrangea paniculata Sundae Fraise

The Arbour

‘More than meets the eye’ demonstrated how plants can be used to create various and almost unlimited garden styles and endeavoured to tell the story that plants can transform a bare area into a beautiful place in just a few days. ‘More than meets the eye’ was praise to the plants that ultimately create a garden.

Over the course of the four days of MIFGS, visitors lined up in front of the Avenue to capture the perfect view in line with the dome on the magnificent Exhibition Building.

The Avenue of Silver Birch framed and accentuated the long axial view to the dome, with the long grassed pathway and mass under plantings of Hydrangea paniculata.

Other plants that captured the imagination included the stunning Ginkgo in the Woodland, it’s foliage just starting to take on the golden yellow of autumn. Lush ground covers included Persicaria and Heuchera, and the relatively new purple Ligularia ‘pandora’.

Selecting plants for the home garden can be a daunting task with tens of thousands of possibilities. Warners Nurseries Plant What Where is a valuable resource for selecting the ideal plants for your garden design conditions.

Selections based on usage, location, environment and style are included based on their proven ability to perform. Garden styles include a cooling Urban Lush setting to a drought tolerant Aussie Mediterranean garden evoking images of holidays in Tuscany and Provence. Contemporary styles such as Poolside Planting and Screening for privacy are also available.

The Avenue - Hydrangea paniculata and Silver Birch

Woodland - Heuchera and Ginkgo

Woodland - Ligularia pandora and Ginkgo

Hydrangea paniculata

PLANT WHAT WHERE

THE LATEST

Pair up a touch of colour with hard surfaces by placing beautiful plants in concrete-look pots, or making a bold sculptural statement. These products are now available from Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers Supplier Members.

Modcrete Range of Pots by Kellock Pots & Planters

Stockists:

- Lygon St. Nursery (Brunswick East) 0390801242

- Fitzroy Nursery (Fitzroy) 0394173272

- Bayside Gardenworld (Elwood) 0395312666

- Town and Country Gardens (Malvern) 0398223305

Starting from $8000 www.lump.com.au

Inertia

A new sculpture exploring the concept of perpetual motion and the tension of impossible freeze frame physics.

Hydrangea paniculata 'Candlelight' pbr www.warners.com.au

MAKE THE SWITCH TO BATTERY-POWERED OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT

Streamline the way you work outdoors with the M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Attachment System. Milwaukee Tool designed the system to help save time and eliminate the need for a dedicated tool for each outdoor task. It includes multiple tool attachments powered by a single power head.

“Attachment systems are not a new concept,” said Chris Hill, Product Manager at Milwaukee Tool.

“What makes the QUIK-LOK™ Attachment System unique is that, through our advanced M18 FUEL™ battery-powered technology and POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, we’re able to deliver a powerful and versatile solution that achieves instant throttle response.”

"That gives users more control over the equipment and makes this a strong alternative to manual or petrol-powered equivalents.”

Users can easily switch between attachments with the M18 FUEL™ Power Head (M18FOPH-0) to have the versatility to complete a wide range of tasks. The QUIK-LOK™ Attachment line-up includes a Line Trimmer (M18FOPH-LTA), Edger (M18FOPH-EA), 10" (254mm) Pole Saw (M18FOPH-CSA), Articulating Hedge Trimmer (M18FOPH-HTA) and an Extension Attachment (M18FOPH-EXA) that connects to the pole saw and hedge trimmer attachments for reaching in higher areas.

Milwaukee Tool is introducing three new attachments to the system: the M18 FUEL™ Brushcutter, Bristle Brush, and Rubber Broom. These attachments expand the clearing and maintenance capabilities of the QUIK-LOK™ Attachment System.

The M18 FUEL™ Brushcutter Attachment (M18FOPHBCA) is built to tackle demanding applications, such as tall grass, weeds, and thick brush. The M18 FUEL™ Bristle Brush Attachment (M18FOPHBBA) helps to clear debris in cracks in footpaths or paving and can also be used for installing synthetic grass or dethatching natural lawns. The M18 FUEL™ Rubber Broom Attachment (M18FOPHRBA) is the ideal solution for quickly clearing rocks and other debris off grass and hard surfaces while minimising the risk of surface damage. It also has a large clearing capacity that allows it to move standing water.

Combined with the M18 FUEL™ Outdoor Power Head, the entire system is perfect for professionals who rely on the runtime and power of petrol-powered outdoor power tools but don’t want the hassles of pull starts, high noise levels, petrol emissions and regular engine maintenance.

As part of the M18™ system, these M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Attachments are powered by M18™ REDLIUTHIUM™-ION batteries compatible with more than 250 power tool solutions.

“This is a huge breakthrough for users who are frustrated with petrol-powered solutions or investing in multiple battery platforms to use higher voltage options,” Hill added. “Plus, the ability to switch out multiple attachments based on the application will make jobs quicker, easier, and more costeffective in the long term.”

Learn more about the M18 FUEL™ QUIK-LOK™ Attachment System and the entire Milwaukee Outdoor Power Equipment range at milwaukeetool.com.au

2022 INDUSTRY AWARDS: COMMERCIAL LANDSCAPE OF THE YEAR

Every year Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers present Industry Awards to recognise excellence in Landscaping across a variety of categories. PTA Landscapes were the recipients of the Commercial Landscape of the Year Award for 2022.

PTA Landscapes were engaged by Mount St. Joseph Girls’ College in collaboration with the Melbourne Catholic Archdiocese, to design and construct the Northern Communal Garden and Central Hub. The works were staged over a 3 year period and were completed in December 2021.

Northern Communal Garden

PTA Landscapes were commissioned to design and construct the first stage of works, being the link from the school gymnasium to the sports ground. The existing space was outdated, under utilised and in need of repair after a recent building upgrade.

The area was flood prone and contained a Melbourne water easement that cut through the site . Significant design consideration needed to be given to drainage, overland flow and site levels, and relevant Melbourne Water build-over permits sought.

The finished landscape is set on a diagonal axis, constructed from a series of concentric layered ovals forming the outline, with landscaped surfaces and spaces snapped to these lines.

One side of the area is highlighted with low-level glazed-brick walls of Denim Blue, Stein Grey and Calm Day that provide seating options, offer directional guidance, and generate a flood barrier.

Central Hub

The second stage of landscape works was in the heart of the school and this space was give the name the Central Hub. The intent for the central hub was to create seamless and continuous connections between buildings while allowing for student spill out spaces, opportunities for gatherings and a central meeting point.

The landscape includes a large custom outdoor kitchen fitted with two beefeater flat barbecues, sink and granite servicing space with lockable under bench cupboards, perfect for those sausage sizzle and pancake days.

The central focal point of the space is the "meeting point”. It incorporates a raised spotted gum deck, raised timber clad planters, fixed seating and a large 'urban canopee', offering an innovative solution to help combat the effects of climate change in urban environments.

Feature pots and raised planters figure predominantly throughout the space, the bulge pots are planted with citrus allowing students to grow, maintain and produce their own produce, while the rectangle plants are planted with perennial flowering plants adding colour to the space.

Judges Comments:

Whilst not the largest project, PTA Landscapes has absolutely nailed the quality, design and greenlife for this project. Well maintained with not a leaf out of place, correct plan selection has helped deliver a top class project where the plants tell the story ... and are all in great health considering the area is flood prone.

This job highlights a high level of attention to detail with the cuts and construction joints setting it apart from others as the paving, timber, and concrete work could not be faulted.

Professional at every level from paperwork to execution, the project provides a memorable first impression and is close to faultless as an example of the very high standard of work carried out by Master Landscapers in Victoria.

2022 INDUSTRY AWARDS RESIDENTIAL LANDSCAPE OF THE YEAR

C.O.S. Design's "Mount Martha" project won the Residential Landscape of the Year Award.

C.O.S. Design were approached by the client to prepare a landscape and pool design for their large sloping site in Mt Martha. The initial brief was extensive and all revolved around the idea of an entertainers heaven.

Creating the garden style and theme needed to strategically belong to the unique architecture and surrounding coastal environment or in fact be the defining element that gave the home a real sense of belonging.

The big hero of the rear yard is the stunning Laguna Pool which is flanked by locally sourced stone walls for privacy and drama. The wet deck spa adds a tricky, yet timeless feature to the area and the surrounding paved terraces offer ample space for sun lounging and relaxing. The wet edge captures the ocean and coastal foliage vistas perfectly whilst creating a stunning water feature from the garden levels.

The series of deck landings and steps leads you through the terraced garden beds from the home level to the pool level and then down to the fire pit garden.

The raised garden beds around the rear home decks remove the requirement for balustrades and they keep the pool and ocean vistas clear from obstruction.

The lower fire pit zone and pathways introduce curves into the design to soften the heavily structured, dominant pool zones. These curves also create a tapestry of form and function from the alfresco decks above.

An informal pathway leads you down through the modern coastal and classic plants combinations through to the rolling lawn areas whilst the more formal paved steps provides a more structured transition to the lower garden. The banked garden beds throughout offer an eclectic mix of foliage, form and colour to soften the space with a clever balance of disorder to order.

The lower lawns are all about clean, open, usable kids play space while also offer some “white space” to balance out the upper, more structured zones. Locally quarried boulders were used to create natural retainers so we could keep the existing eucalypts on site.

Aesthetically you have a visually striking, timeless, sophisticated yet relaxed beautiful rear garden that perfectly frames, if not enhances, the stunning and priceless Port Phillip Bay and bush views beyond.

Judges Comments

Setting the benchmark for professional presentation, C.O.S. Design have again delivered a remarkable project worthy of this prestigious title.

Massive challenges and site complexities on this steeply sloping block were addressed flawlessly with the design reconciling many elements across changing levels and competing uses, resulting in a beautiful and functional landscape.

The design aesthetic shows a strong connection between the surrounds and architecture of the home, and the palette of surfaces colours and textures work cohesively giving the project a high-end finish.

A truly stunning and highly functional landscape that exemplifies how design perfection drives a showcase outcome.

Where does your recycling go?

Living Living purpose purpose

Watch the new online series hosted by Jamie Durie

We’ve created a new online series that debunks common recycling myths. From breakfast table to backyard join Jamie Durie as he follows your waste from rubbish to repurposed. Scan the QR Code to watch the series online or visit repurposeit.com.au

BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN EVERYDAY AUSTRALIANS AND THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY OF OUR FUTURE

In a world that is experiencing a number of challenges we all want to be empowered to play our part in creating a positive and thriving future for ourselves and generations to come.

Recycling is well-known as a step that everyday Australians can take to help mitigate climate change, but many of us are skeptical about whether this is making any impact, or whether our waste is even going where it should be. Recent research commissioned by leading waste recycler Repurpose It revealed that 30% of Victorians believe recycling goes straight into landfill, while 88% openly admitted they don't know enough about how recycling is conducted.

While we want to play our part in making a positive contribution to recycling and protecting the environment, it can be overwhelming. The good news is that there are many ways we can all make a difference and play a part in contributing to a more sustainable world.

The circular economy is an important concept when it comes to managing waste and resources in a sustainable way.

So, what is the circular economy? Generally, it is described as a model that is based on the reuse and regeneration of materials or products in a sustainable way, with the outcome to ease pollution and waste that goes into landfill. Traditionally, we have looked at resources in a linear way, which means we use something once and then throw it away.

This short-sighted approach has proved to be exploitative and problematic, creating a world that will start to run out of the resources we need to survive and thrive on this earth.

Did you know Victorians throw away 250,000 tonnes of food every year? That could fill Eureka Tower!! 1

So, how do we start fixing this mess we’ve got ourselves in? It starts with a shift in thinking, such as changing our mindset from thinking something is ‘waste’ to being a resource that can be repurposed and used as something else. In Australia, this change is happening with local councils collecting organic materials and working with innovative companies like Repurpose It to turn these valuable resources into compost, instead of sending them to landfill.

1. https://www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/recycling-and-reducing-waste/at-home/avoid-waste/food-waste

This newly created product is being used to create or regenerate local parks and community gardens. Not only is this a smarter way to dispose of our home organic waste, it’s also resulting in less waste going into landfill.

If you want to know more, there are many resources available for you to understand more about the circular economy and how you can play an active role. Among these resources is a new online video series called ‘Living with Purpose’. Hosted by Jamie Durie, who is best known for his international work in landscaping and sustainable design, the series both informs, entertains and inspires viewers on how the circular economy works and what they can do to contribute to this way of managing waste in the future.

From backyards to playgrounds, follow Jamie as he talks with Australian innovators in the circular economy, showcasing how they are making a real difference on home ground. Aside from taking a look at the out-of-the-box thinking businesses and organisations are doing to create a more sustainable future, you will also learn practical tips and tricks that you can do at home or in your business. The series can be found at www.repurposeit.com.au

We

are the designers artists fabricators

We make sculptures. That’s what we do!

We have been specialising in contemporary sculpture and custom metal fabrication for almost 20 years and our standard collection of sculptures now exceeds 60 works. Proud and passionate about what we do, we thrive on producing unique sculptural pieces for residential landscape projects as well as large scale, free-standing pieces for multi-residential foyers and public spaces.

All of our sculptural works are custom made to order. Call or email our creative team today. We will help you select the right size, material and finish for the most successful outcome.

BOUTIQUE GARDENS

A showpiece of the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show, the Boutique Garden Competition offers finalists an opportunity to showcase their design talents, push design boundaries, gain valuable industry experience and promote their business to all visitors at the Show.

Proudly presented by Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers, 5 finalists have been selected to present a space that wows show visitors.

These leading and emerging landscape garden designers are asked to prepare a brief that utilises a 5x5m space and showcases their intimate knowledge of the art of landscape design.

Often these gardens reflect the dream backyards of many modern Australians, and provide visitors with inspiration as to what could be achieved in their own homes.

There are a number of rules and regulations that must be adhered to when building these display gardens in the World Heritage listed space: for example the construction of the garden must not impact the ground or have any construction that will penetrate the soil.

This alone shows that entrants must be able to think outside the box, to think creatively and use original design elements to make their garden a standout at the Show.

The following pages celebrate the 2023 finalists of the Boutique Gardens competition.

Above: 3 of the Boutique Gardens displayed at the 2022 Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show: (clockwise from top) Alison Douglas Design, akas landscape architecture, and Invidia Landscapes.

BOUTIQUE GARDENS

KARRIKIN GARDEN

Alistair Kirkpatrick & Elliot Summers' design of "Karrikin Garden" explores the regeneration and rejuvenation that fire can bring to the Australian landscapes and celebrates a garden that derives its form from the rhythms and systems of our dynamic landscape. Alistair brings a wealth of design experience with a background in horticulture, academic & published writing. He has designed multiple display gardens at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show and had his own garden featured in The Age. After co-owning Akas Landscape Architecture for nine years, Alistair is now a senior landscape architect at Stratis Landscape Architects and teaches horticulture and landscape design at Melbourne Polytechnic.

Elliot Summers is a founder & director of Stratis Landscape Architects, and has been a principal designer & consultant over a wide number of projects spanning the country, specialising in nature play and early learning. He has taught various curriculum at both RMIT and Melbourne University in the last 14 years.

“Karrikin Garden” is located at stand A49.

GARDEN REFLECTIONS

Congratulations to Lachlan Taylor-Nugent of Arrow Landscape Gardening on becoming one of the finalists in our Boutique Garden competition at The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Lachlan's design “Garden Reflections” exudes a cool tonal palette that oozes a soft and textural style. The use of elements in shadow and light juxtapose in harmony to unify the space and the selections of dense foliage, height, depth and texture, combine with the element of water and reflection to create an ephemeral mirror.

Make sure you check out “Garden Reflections” at location A50 at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

DESIGN: Alistair Kirkpatrick & Elliot Summers Stratis Landscape Architects

CONSTRUCTION: Andrew Sutherland Better Landscapes

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Arrow Landscape Gardening

THE DUALITY GARDEN

Bronni Skinner is an up-and-coming designer currently finishing up her studies in Landscape Design.

Bronni's design of "The Duality Garden" explores the nature of duality and of opposing elements that create beauty and balance.

From the soft sway of the grasses against an architectural arid aesthetic, to a dark expanse of water capturing the reflection of light, this is a minimal and modern interpretation of an old world aesthetic, offering reconnection to an inner world within a refuge from the outer world.

Bronni is looking forward to meeting new people at the show, including some of her idols in the industry and is beyond excited to showcase her work as a newcomer to the industry. Years ago Bronni decided to follow her heart and start along a new career path. It was a scary decision but has been hugely rewarding for her; “I feel like I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”

You can see "The Duality Garden" at stand A53.

TECTONIC FLUIDITY

Paul Pritchard of Paul Pritchard Landscape Design is another first time entrant to the Boutique Gardens Competition.

His design of the "Tectonic Fluidity" space represents an exercise in tectonic fluidity and meditation, an opportunity to expand a small area through the use of varying levels, textures & movement. Sharp angles are displayed yet one is able to move seamlessly throughout the dynamic garden.

Paul Pritchard Landscapes are extremely excited to offer a glimpse of their work to the general public at the show and to stand next to some of Australia’s (& International) great landscape designers and landscapers. Paul has enjoyed working with so many amazing and generous people and businesses for the show, “the experience so far is one that will be with us all for years and we look forward to the feedback of all of our hard work.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION: Bronni Skinner, Willow Wood & Moss

Experience "Tectonic Fluidity" for yourself at Stand A51.

55mm x 19mm radial timber decking battens to the boardwalk steps. Timbers to be oiled using a charcoal/black tint.

55mm x 40mm

bevelled timber battens

to the rear screen. The battens to be opened up to allow for Exhibition Gardens beyond. All timbers to the screen to be oiled charcoal/black to give the impression

The timber screen is to dip down from an approximate height of 3000mm to 2000mm above the paving

Angular constructed concrete foot rest/daybed/coffee table to a height of 280mm.

DESIGN: Paul Pritchard Landscapes

CONSTRUCTION: Adam Hompas Landscapes

Black powder coated angular Crystal outdoor chandelier to the Paved porch area to be a random length 406-915x406x18mm, Limestone from Eco Outdoor)

Angular concrete rendered seat

Infinity edge pond to sit level The pond to be made using

BOUTIQUE GARDENS

SLANT

Riley Cooper's design "Slant" was inspired by the undulating hills of where the Otways meets the western stony rises, and looks at how we live within a sloping site without an overuse of traditional hardscape intervention.

Riley is excited for the show garden competition and seeing the distinct approaches each designer adopts. He finds it fascinating to observe how they stretch the limits and conceive innovative ideas in the design.

With a particular interest in plant design and its ability to establish a sensory link with a place or emotion, Riley is an avid enthusiast of creative gardens, and is excited to have the opportunity to create a garden that not only inspires but excites those who visit it.

"Slant" is located at stand A52 at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION:

Riley Cooper Landscape Design & Horticulture

THE LATEST

Create a stunning contrast to compliment the lush greenery of your garden. Copper, Concrete and Colour create interest in every corner. These products are now available from Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers Supplier Members.

Modcrete Range of Pots by Kellock Pots and Planters

Stockists:

- Lygon St. Nursery (Brunswick East) 0390801242

- Fitzroy Nursery (Fitzroy) 0394173272

- Bayside Gardenworld (Elwood) 0395312666

- Town and Country Gardens (Malvern) 0398223305

Faceted Orbs

Displayed as a set, the Faceted Orbs are spherical while celebrating an angular

Ginkgo

biloba 'Lemonlime Spire' pbr www.warners.com.au

SO YOU WANT TO WORK IN LANDSCAPING?

Here's what you need to know.

A very important role Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers' (LVML) plays as an industry body is to raise awareness to the general public of industry standards and regulation requirements. That's why we insist our Members hold all the necessary qualifications in order to become a Master Landscaper.

LVML works with training providers by offering industry consultation on relevant skills and knowledge required for landscape courses and also provides support to student members enrolled in those courses.

LVML also provides support to student members and works with training providers by offering industry consultation on relevant skills and knowledge required for landscape courses.

Study Opportunities

Today, there is more scope for those interested in landscaping to gain a landscaping qualification or, for existing landscapers, designers and horticulturalists to undertake further study to update their qualifications and skill sets. There are many pathways at a wide range of training providers, including flexible delivery of courses and government assistance available. Most landscape courses do not require any prerequisites, including past experience or training, and there are options for part time or full time study.

In some courses, students may be able to shorten the length of their chosen course by demonstrating skills acquired through their work, or prior qualifications obtained from formal studies or training.

Apprenticeship Pathway to Landscaping

The Certificate III in Landscape Construction qualification is a nationally endorsed Training Package and provides the most common entry to the industry.

Delivery: Most students undertake the three year full time course, attending their training provider one day a week and working with their registered employer, with whom they have a formal training agreement, four days a week. Students need to complete 10 Core Units and 7 Electives chosen by the training provider.

RTO's offer flexibility with varying start dates, on site assessments offered by some, and evening courses to fast track achieving a qualification.

Pathways: Inddition to the Certificate III in Landscape Construction, other pathways leading to a career in the Landscaping Industry delivered at TAFE Institutions in Victoria include:

• Certificate III in Landscape Construction

• Certificate IV, or Diploma in Horticulture

• Certificate IV, or Diploma in Landscape Design

• Certificate IV, or Diploma of Parks & Gardens Management

Courses delivered at Victorian Universities include:

• Graduate Diploma in Urban Horticulture

• Bachelor of Design and Bachelor of Environments

• Associate Degree in Urban Horticulture

• Master of Landscape Architecture and Master of Urban Design

Where can a Landscaping qualification take you?

With the right qualifications, the Landscaping industry offers a range of roles that can be hands on or office based, with great scope for creativity and career progression.

Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers encourages both school leavers and those looking for a career change to consider pursuing a career in the landscaping industry which offers a broad range of job options, skills and lifestyle choices. Check our website for further advice, support and information to get started today!

Free LVML Membership for Students, Teachers & Apprentices

Are you a Landscaping student, educator or apprentice? Visit the LVML website to complete the online Education Membership application form & enjoy the benefits of membership at no cost.

That's right! No fees! None, zip, zero, zilch!

www.landscapingvictoria.com.au

David - Business Owner, after completing Apprenticeship

Molly - Apprentice in Commercial Landscaping

Fraser - mature-age Apprentice

FIND A PROFESSIONAL

Members of Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers observe a Code of Ethics which recognises that the landscaping industry is enhanced by:

HONESTY AND COURTESY SKILL AND COMPETENCY INTEGRITY FOR WORK AND INDUSTRY

To further these aims, Landscaping Victoria Master Landscapers members are expected to:

• Enhance and foster professional and ethical practice in rendering services.

• Maintain the highest standards of honesty and integrity to clients, fellow members and the community.

• Comply with all laws and regulations in the conduct of their business.

• Encourage educational development and training at all times. Encourage a spirit of harmony and co-operation between members. Act in a manner which advances the standing of the industry in the community.

MEMBERS OF LANDSCAPING VICTORIA MASTER LANDSCAPERS ARE:

• Registered with the Victorian Building Authority (as required).

• Operating professional businesses.

• Fully insured.

• Leaders within the landscaping industry.

Visit

www.landscapingvictoria.com.au/

The following Directory Pages list all the professionals you need to create every landscape; from the smallest courtyard to the largest civil works.

Winner - 2022 Residential Landscape Construction $30k - $75k Caitlin Mills Photography

GARDENER MEMBERS

Landscape Gardeners are involved with the design, planning and maintenance; but usually only involving the plants in the space. Landscape Gardeners will plant, weed, cultivate, replace and harvest the plants. Gardening is an ongoing activity because gardens require tending and specialised care throughout the year.

Landscape gardeners also have knowledge, from experience and education, of several natural processes including soil ecology, climates, plant physiology, water drainage, and pest infestations.

LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS

Professional landscape designers offer a broad range of planning and design services tailored to a spectrum of client needs. By engaging the services of a landscape designer, outstanding design solutions can be developed while avoiding costly mistakes and unnecessary confusion.

REGISTERED LANDSCAPE BUILDERS – RESIDENTIAL

Landscape Builders plan, lay out and construct gardens and outdoor spaces that enhance the appearance and create usable space for outdoor activities around a home. Landscaping incorporates into the space botanical elements such as trees, lawns, shrubbery and other flora, along with hardscapes, such as pathways and paving, furniture, planting beds, water features, decking and fences.

REGISTERED LANDSCAPE BUILDERS – RESIDENTIAL continued

REGISTERED

BUILDERS – RESIDENTIAL continued

REGISTERED POOL BUILDER

Pool Builders plan, prepare and construct pools and spas within a landscape. In Victoria, pool builders must be registered as practitioners with the Victorian Building Authority to carry out projects valued at $10,000 or more.

POOL BUILDER MEMBER

REGISTERED LANDSCAPE BUILDERS - COMMERCIAL

Commercial Landscape Builders plan, layout and construct gardens and outdoor spaces that enhance the appearance of, and create usable space for outdoor activities around a business or in public spaces. Landscaping incorporates into the space botanical elements such as trees, lawns, shrubbery and other flora along with hardscapes such as pathways, paving, furniture, planting beds, water features, decking and fences.

SUPPLIERS (continued)

EDUCATION & TRAINING

PERFECT POOLS

Design your pool with the changing lifestyle needs of your family.

Written by Darin Bradbury, Mint Pool & Landscape Design

It’s an exciting time when you’re considering adding a pool to your backyard. You’re thinking of all the fun and benefits ahead — from enhanced fitness to entertaining your children, family and friends – and, of course, the aesthetic appeal (and value) it will add. While there’s no shortage of pool inspiration out there, there are many design features to consider to ensure your pool provides for every age and purpose. From catering for young children who can’t swim to teenagers lounging in a spa or adults relaxing on a champagne shelf, we’ll cover the top design elements you need to consider when planning a family pool.

Underwater seating

If you have young children, pool safety is everything. To encourage water confidence and provide a safe retreat where children can play and learn to swim, underwater bench seats and shallow areas are a great design feature. Bench seating often works best when located at the side of a pool, allowing swimmers plenty of uninterrupted space to swim laps. Running a bench seat along the entire length of the long side of the pool means that the little ones always have an easy way to exit the deep end of the pool and encourages them to move into the deeper areas safely.

Oversized entry steps are an equally important feature for children (and grownups) to gradually work your way in to and out of the pool.

Anyone for champagne?

How about a champagne shelf? These are just bench seats in your pool of course but who can resist a catchy name?

Colloquially known as the ‘champagne shelf’ these are the seating areas around the perimeter of your pool that are typically 600mm deep which, as it turns out, is exactly the perfect depth for you to rest your arms and a glass of Veuve Clicquot. How convenient is that?

As much as you may want to have the ability to sit and have a drink anywhere in the pool, it's best to locate these seated spaces near social areas (such as the alfresco or spa) or, if you're lucky enough to have one, facing an amazing view.

Fun and games

As kids grow and more and more of their friends are around to enjoy the pool, there is a 100 per cent chance that pool games and water sports will be taking place.

Wherever kids can stand with their heads above the water is where they tend to gravitate, meaning the angle between the shallow end and the deep end needs to maximise the middle-depth space. Or you could choose a ‘sports pool’ design which has a shallow area at each end and the middle is slightly deeper.

We will often recommend to our clients that they maximise the width of their pool to provide space for ball games and jumping in from the sides. The more width you have, the less you’ll be stressed about them hitting their heads on the side of the pool.

A spa makes sense

We always do a bit of a spiel about spas to our clients. Being pool owners ourselves and evaluating how our clients use their pools over the years, we can tell you that a spa, although a pricey addition, will maximise the use of your pool area more than anything else.

A pool is a big investment so it makes sense to get the most you can out of that investment. Due to its smaller size, a spa can be heated quickly and used all-year-round, even in the depths of winter.

Teenagers in particular use the pool for lounging and chatting. They’re usually drawn to a spa setting for its convenient and cosy bench seating. Most modern pools include provision for a spa and they’re often the most used feature of the pool. Sporty teens (and adults) will also appreciate the warm hydrotherapy benefits of a spa.

...use a registered landscaper.

Use

If your landscape is going to cost more than $10,000 and includes construction works, only a landscaper who is a Registered Building Practitioner is legally covered to do the work and can offer you Domestic Building Insurance for works over $16,000.

By engaging a landscaper with this Registration you are guaranteed that they are experience, carry all the necessary insurances, and operate professional businesses.

They have to be in order to satisfy the strict criteria set down by the government regulatory body, the Victorian Building Authority, and to become a Master Landscaper with the peak industry body in Victoria.

Members of Landscaping Victoria are:

registered with the Victorian Building Authority operating professional businesses

insured leaders within industry deliver quality outcomes