Elliot Rehwinkel from Botanica Landscapes, one of Canberra’s most recommended landscapers. Photo: Supplied.
As boundaries between inside and outside living continue to blur, many Canberrans are seeking ways to improve the use of their outdoor space.
Benefits of well-conceived green spaces are documented the world over. They provide engaging social settings; improve air quality and decrease noise; offer privacy and a welcomed natural surround for relaxation.
With landscaped gardens increasing property value and curb appeal; it is no surprise that residents from Forrest to Fadden are finessing their green thumbs. There are however some drawbacks with the do-it-yourself approach.
Landscaping is serious business; seemingly minor tweaks can require licensed construction under the watchful eye of trades. Canberra also has a distinct climate with vast seasonal variances which makes plant selection challenging.
This is where experienced landscapers can help. Great landscapers take your brief and cues from your surrounds to conceptualise, design, and construct your space. They are also expert horticulturalists, with an innate knowledge of plant species, ensuring that you reap the seeds of what you sow.
With the market awash with gardeners come landscapers; finding an experienced and qualified professional with all the right credentials can be challenging. To help you navigate we’ve provided some points to keep in mind along with our recommendations for the best landscapers in the Canberra region.
What makes a great landscaper?
The best Canberra landscapers create breathtaking surrounds with strong structural form that speaks to soul of its inhabitants. Great landscaping not only expands liveable space, it also adds significant value to any property.
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a landscaper:
- Green philosophy. In many ways landscape design is an art form, with artists a plenty and equally as many styles. Understand your own style, and seek a landscaper who specialises in this area. Is your landscaper a classicist embracing formal tradition; are they innovators creating sculptural delights; or do they prefer natural organic flows? A shared philosophy and clear expectations will ensure your vision is aptly translated into a living reality.
- Qualified, licensed, and insured. The best landscapers have completed formal training in horticulture and all aspects of landscaping including construction and design. Whilst a landscaping licence is not currently required in Canberra, a licensed tradesperson will be required for any projects which need planning or permits; structures like patios, porches, and decks; electrical; and pools. Importantly, ensure your landscaper is professionally insured.
- Impeccable project management. A fully landscaped space is a feat in production, dealing with live assets and subject to Canberra’s extreme climate. A great landscaper will have superior project management skills, including clear timelines, agile delivery, and will be prepared for contingencies. Request references from past clients for peace of mind that your project will be delivered on time, and on budget.
- Quality installations. Years of experience set the best landscapers aside from the rest. Look for evidence of quality installations that have been delivered to the highest standards. Also ensure your landscaper is well versed with the variances in Canberra’s climate, and is prepared to guarantee their products and their work. Enquire about the locations of their past projects and be sure to pay them a visit.
- Contracts & maintenance. Good landscapers provide clear contracts details all terms. Ensure you agree upon inclusions, responsibilities, prices, payment terms, and guarantees. Caring for a newly planted landscape in Canberra’s early summer can make even the most confident gardeners uneasy. Agreeing on a maintenance plan beforehand will ensure your garden will be nurtured once laid. Also check on liability for any plants that do not survive as replacement can be a costly exercise.
Important essentials to check before engaging a landscaper
To ensure a quality installation that will stand the test of time a couple of minutes spent checking the following will help to give you peace of mind; and ensure you avoid a mediocre landscaper:
- Confirm that the landscaper runs a registered business through the Australian Business Registration website.
- If you or your landscaper are contracting individual trades for planning or permits; non-habitable structures like patios, porches, and decks; electrical; and any pools or water features; ensure they are appropriately licensed.
- Verify that the landscaper, and any additional trades are professionally insured with public liability insurance.
- Be clear on contracted inclusions, terms, and conditions.
The best landscapers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintain a minimum of 4/5 stars on Google.
Panacea Landscapes
With total passion, Panacea Landscapes provides complete garden maintenance and soft landscaping services for private, commercial, strata and real estate projects.
With friendly, personalised service and attention to detail, Panacea Landscapes offers full landscape maintenance services for every type of garden, one-off or ongoing. It also provides small-scale landscape design and construction services, as well as planting advice. No job is too small or too hard.
Panacea Landscapes is run by a qualified Horticulturist and Landscape Designer with over 15 years' experience in the industry. Quality is assured by forming close client relationships, to determine needs, and following best-practice guidelines.
Free consultation and quotes available.
Clive Rodger wrote on Google, “Shannon has been our gardener for the last five years. Initially this was at in our award-winning, two-acre garden in Red Hill and more recently at our new house in Ainslie. She is fantastic: hard working; totally reliable; knowledgeable …”
Botanica Landscapes
Botanica Landscapes is an award-winning family business with an experienced team of innovative designers and professional landscapers focused on delivering high-quality residential design and construction projects.
The company offers a complete start-to-finish landscape service, from initial consultation through to design and final construction. This ensures a smooth transition at every step.
Owned by the Rehwinkel family, Botanica Landscapes has a long and respected reputation on the horticultural scene in Canberra and region. Managing Director and landscaper Elliot Rehwinkel and his team use their deep local horticultural knowledge, combined with innovative design skills and expertise in construction, to bring landscaping visions to fruition.
Botanica Landscapes excels at tailoring landscape solutions which combine creativity with quality materials and workmanship.
With more than 40 years of industry experience, Botanica Landscapes continually exceeds client expectations. Services include paving, artificial turf, flagstone, planting and mulching, edging, garden beds, turf, irrigation, ponds and water features, retaining walls, as well as granite paths and driveways.
Satisfied client Alivio Tourist Park wrote on RiotACT, "Alivio Tourist Park Canberra, located in O’Connor has recently engaged Elliot from Botanica Landscapes to design and build a significant native feature garden at the entry of the property. The recently completed work speaks for itself and Elliot was a considerate and talented professional to work with. We are thrilled with the result and have no hesitation in recommending Botanica Landscapes for future projects. Please feel free to visit our park and see Elliot’s work for yourself."
In-Depth Landscape Construction
Transforming Canberra’s landscape, one yard at a time - this is the aspiration of In-depth Landscape Construction. As award winning landscaping experts, we specialise in creating outdoor spaces that enhance the comfort, curb appeal, and property value.
Locally owned and family operated, In-depth Landscape Construction serves homes and businesses across the ACT and surrounding regions. They offer a comprehensive range of services, including high-end landscaping, paving, fencing, decking, poolscaping, and concreting etc — all designed to create a unique outdoor oasis while maximising your space.
Their team of qualified tradespeople, masters of their trade, approach every project as if it were their own. In-depth Landscape Construction is a one-stop solution from project management, masonry, plumbing, concreting and timber work just to name a few, making them stand out in the crowded landscaping industry. Their experts provide creative ideas and practical advice, working seamlessly to deliver projects with integrity and to the highest standards.
From design concepts to approvals, construction, and final touches, they will handle every step of the process with care and dedication. Throughout each project, their work is continuously reviewed to ensure we bring your outdoor vision to life.
In-depth Landscape Construction are fully insured and are proud members of Master Builders Association ACT, the Landscape Association and the Housing Industry Association. They are honoured to have been named the 2024 Australian Trades Small Business Champion in the Landscaping category and being named as finalist within the Service and Trade category within the Canberra Region Local business Awards..
Free estimates are available.
Zanne from Jerrabomberra wrote, "I had a large landscaping job and the team from In-depth were fantastic. They were very professional and turned up on time every day. They gave us value-add with some tips and ideas to improve on our original concept plan. Any hiccups, which you always have with a large job, were sorted out quickly and to our complete satisfaction. The job was completed on time and on budget. The final result is fabulous and has added value to our home. We’re very happy."
Gardengigs
Gardengigs creates bespoke landscapes to suit all lifestyles and budgets, in the ACT and surrounds. Qualified designers, horticulturists and tradesman design and construct beautiful spaces to be enjoyed. Well designed and finished to the highest standards, qualified professionals work on domestic and commercial projects. Owner Greg Clues has nearly 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry.
Each project, no matter how large or small, begins with a landscape consultation. Services extend to design, excavation, paving, decks pergolas, retaining walls, general soft and hard landscaping, horticultural services, privacy screening, irrigation, lighting, and water features.
Gardengigs is professional, responsive and guarantees attention to detail with all projects, whether transforming spaces into a private sanctuary, entertainer’s dream or a practical, functional and productive garden.
On Google, Marcia Capon wrote, “Our backyard is absolutely beautiful and has changed the whole house. We now live outside … worth every penny.”
Dust To Lawn
Dust To Lawn Landscape and Construction, family-owned and operated has 22 years of experience servicing the ACT and NSW. Specialising in landscaping, hardscaping, and structures, Dust To Lawn works with private projects, council projects, body corporates, and public schools.
Creative landscaping includes design across diverse projects and no landscaping problem is too difficult. The team at Dust To Lawn manages complex layouts, landscaping across multiple levels, areas challenging to tackle, and whole-yard solutions. Talented landscapers create striking, beautiful results while providing outstanding customer service. They also manage hardscaping projects – patios, decks, retaining walls, and more. Solutions are always amazing.
Dust To Lawn provides detailed quotes and detailed implementation, working with dedication until each job is completed to the highest standards. Safety standards are strictly followed.
As Debby Lang wrote, “Adam and the team did a wonderful job both on our front and back areas. Competitive pricing too. We recommend Dust to Lawn to anyone.”
If your backyard just needs a tidy up, check out our article on the best gardening services in Canberra. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, check out our article on the best landscaping supplies stores. You may also like our articles on the best bricklayers or the best concreters Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with landscapers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the landscaping companies listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is landscape design?
Landscape design is the integration of planning and construction phases of a garden, with its overarching design and plant selection therein.
What should a landscape plan include?
Landscape plans should include any required structural aspects such as retaining walls, pavers, irrigation, and lighting; along with natural elements like flowers, trees, and grasses; and any introduced elements such as benches, fountains or sheds.
What are the basic principles of landscape design?
A visually aesthetic landscape can be created by following six core principles of landscape design: balance, focalisation, simplicity, line, proportion, and unity.
How much does landscaping cost in Canberra?
Landscaping costs vary significantly based on the scale, complexity, and ease of access for the works. Minor work on existing landscapes can cost from $20/hr up to $350+/hr for those which are more complex.
How much should I budget for landscaping?
A general rule of thumb when budgeting for complete landscaping services is to set aside between 5% to 10% of your property’s value.
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