76 | Greenscapes T T Rosa Watson Landscaping services cover the spectrum Greenscapes’ work can be anything from a two-hour garden maintenance job, right through to a 12-month full landscape project CONTRACTING Over 23 years, Christchurch landscaping firm Greenscapes has grown from modest beginnings as a one-man band to an 18-strong team completing large-scale projects across Canterbury. Based out of Templeton, the Registered Master Landscapers offer expert landscaping services and provide comprehensive solutions from small garden design and backyard landscaping to site works and land preparation. “We do everything within the landscaping space. We do landscape design and construction, new lawns, plant supply and planting, irrigation, project management, and we do our own excavation,” owner Craig Thomas tells Business South. Equipment includes two small to medium tip trucks and two small excavators. For bigger jobs they dry hire larger equipment. There are five excavator operators on the team. Being able to do their own excavation meant they could cut out any subcontractors and have complete control over the project, Craig says. “We generally do it in-house.” This gives clients a consistent service, he says. “They don’t want to get five different companies to do different aspects. If a job can’t be done in-house, we have a range of reputable companies to reach out to. We also work closely with companies to do pools, glass balustrades, louvres, fireplaces, as examples.” Subcontractors like plumbers and electricians could also be required. One thing for which Greenscapes has made a name for itself is outdoor kitchens and environments to create indoor-outdoor flow, with landscape renovations making up a large portion of the company’s work, as homeowners look to spruce up their outdoor area. Greenscapes’ work can be anything from a two-hour garden maintenance job, right through to a 12-month full landscape project. They have also worked on social housing projects, and some lifestyle block design. Homeowners these days were looking for an easy to manage outdoor space, Craig says. “Everybody’s busy. They want gardens that are low maintenance.” Structured design is also popular. “People are definitely looking for structure and that in their garden, as opposed to a lot of natives and being random.” While curved lawns with dug-out edges were trendy in the past, people now were looking for a nice straight lawn design with timber edging. “Mix and match between natives and ornamentals is also acceptable.” Craig started Greenscapes 23 years ago, but his experience in the industry extends a decade further. After joining the industry 10 years earlier, he was made redundant in 2001, which gave him the push he needed to go out on his own. “We started Greenscapes two days later.” He started out doing predominately lawns and gardens, “and it grew from there”. Staff work in six teams across construction, soft landscaping and site works, covering an area from Waipara to Rakaia. The yard is close to many of their suppliers, which makes it a handy location, Craig says. Key to the success of the company is a commitment to delivering on what was promised, and strong communication, he says. A lot of companies dropped their price and had to take shortcuts to achieve it. “We don’t do that. We won’t compromise on quality.” It was also important to have the right people that know the industry well. “We put a lot of work into taking time to find the right people and also retain the right people.” Part of that is creating a positive culture in the workplace. The company’s commitment to excellence has been recognised by industry peers, with Greenscapes winning three silver medals at the Landscapes of Distinction Awards 2021, following a successful 2018 awards. “It takes a lot of time to enter, but it’s great kudos doing something like that.” However, it is word-of-mouth and results people can see that generates the most recognition, he says. Water Well. Aquaterra Email: sales@aquaterra.co.nz aquaterra.co.nz Supplying Greenscapes with innovative irrigation solutions
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