Why create a landscape plan?

Now let’s think about your landscape project. Whether you’re constructing a new project, or renovating your existing backyard, creating your outdoor living areas can be an expensive project to get wrong.

So why start without a plan?

You need to consider hard surfaces such as concrete, paving and decks. Perhaps you want to include a spa, an area for the kids to play, or for your utility area to be out of sight. You may have a budget in mind and will likely start by contacting landscape construction companies to get pricing – but how do they know what to quote, where to start and how long it’s going to take?

These are all reasons why you need a landscape plan. So, what are the risks of not having a plan?

• Without a plan, costs can get blown out pretty quickly and you soon realise that you can’t afford to finish what you started.
• Areas become unusable (e.g. the deck is too small, trees and plants grow too large).
• Materials to use haven’t been considered – decorative concrete or paving? Kwila or pine? What are the pros and cons of each material?
• You want to keep some plants or trees, so how do you know what to build around them and where to start?
• Choosing plants and trees – what is going to work in your soil and climate? How big are they going to grow? Are they easy care?
• Watering – have you considered the benefits of installing an automatic irrigation system for your gardens, saving time and money?
• Different areas of the landscape don’t flow together (imagine yourself walking through your new landscape and using each area – does it connect?).
• Landscape features may block views from your house.

When you create a landscape plan you:

• design the project right from the start and with the whole budget in mind.
• get the entire area measured and scoped and you can see what the final result is going to be before you get started on the construction and planting.
• can stage each area and work towards your final budget over time.
• get the landscape project quoted and have a clear understanding of costs before you build.
• consider existing gardens that you may want to keep that will form part of the design and ensure that anything new will work with these (e.g. new design elements such as concrete, paving, decks, new gardens).

So why choose EPIC Landscape Design?

• We will create a design that will be practical and not only look great when you’re in it, but also when you look out to it from your home.
• We’ll throw lots of ideas at you on how you can use the space and probably get you to think about things you may not have considered.
• We’ll create an indoor/outdoor flow and connect your outdoor areas so they work well on their own and together (creating a harmonious space).
• We’ll develop an achievable design that you can get constructed all at once, or you can create over time.
• We’re horticulturally qualified, understand soil structures and therefore what you can and can’t grow – and just as important what plants and trees are going to be easy care (or not if you’re a keen gardener!).
• We specialise in residential landscapes and want to create an outdoor space that you can use all year round, is suitable for your lifestyle and has planting that looks great all year round, not matter what the season.
•  If you want something unique such as an outdoor kitchen, we will develop a bespoke design construction drawing just for that so the landscape team have all working drawings required.
• We have recommended landscape construction companies who have built EPIC Landscape Designs to the standard that we would expect.

Here’s what a few of our customers have said about their experience:

“Luke was exceptional to deal with. We had a very general idea of what we wanted to achieve and he listened to our ideas and added his magic touch to give us a design far better that we ever imagined. The space that has been created is outstanding, we are absolutely thrilled with the results.” – Phillipa Stewart.

“We are absolutely blown away with how on point Luke was with nailing our brief, but also how much thought was put into ensuring we can take our time creating an amazing space to enjoy over many years. Thank you for being so respectful of our budget and capabilities and our wishes to enhance the surrounds rather than shut them out. You are an absolute magician and we can’t wait to sink our teeth into our landscaping knowing that we have such a bullet proof plan to work to. By far the best contractor we have worked with on our build so far.” – Melissa Finlayson

“Our experience with Epic Landscape Design has been a delightful, exciting journey. The care, knowledge, detail and thought included in our design is extraordinary. Luke listened to our wish list and delivered a stunning plan beyond our expectations and imagination. We marvel at his clever solutions and creative ideas. Luke presented us with a stunning plan that he loves and cares about, his horticultural knowledge and artistic flair providing a unique and flourishing garden that invites you outdoors.” – Terri Ascroft

“Due to our own lack of garden knowledge and vision, we really didn’t know where to start with our new garden! We were fortunate to meet Luke who was able to design a plan for us that has resulted in a beautiful and interesting garden with the added bonus of being easy care. We found with having Luke’s plan to work to, it took all of the guess work away, from where the gardens should go, to what plants to plant. With combining a sharp eye for detail with excellent plant and tree knowledge, Luke came up with innovative ideas and stunning garden combinations. We have been so impressed with Luke’s work that he has designed not just one garden for us, but we are now onto our third garden plan.” – Shayne McLaren

“When we moved off a large semi-rural garden to an urban section we decided it would be really easy to make lots of mistakes in the smaller space. We engaged Luke to help us with the landscape plan and design and we could not be more delighted with what he came up with. He listened to all our requirements with regard to plants and what we needed to do with the space and then added his own flair and ideas. We would never have thought of all the things he came up with (we have been gardening for 30 years) and have been blown away with the skill he has for making the most of every inch of space.” – Bronwyn Downes

Get in touch with Luke today to discuss your landscape project – together we'll make your landscape EPIC!

Check out some of our EPIC projects here.