Create-A-Scape Landscaping / Landscaping Services in Upper Hutt

The work consisted of clearing out a very old, utilitarian backyard that had evolved from property's previous life as a rental. Since then house had been renovated and a wow… courtyard to walk into from french doors and veranda was the dream.

Second phase was to be the development of a very basic front garden into an area that had a 'romantic' garden feel.

Gavin discussed all steps as he went, explaining how and why and listened to our thoughts and the plans and work happened organically, meaning we could explore new ideas as the opportunities arose.

The work in the courtyard (to be) consisted of removing existing veranda and rebuilding a slightly larger, stylish veranda more fit for purpose;

removing existing concrete paths; removing existing washing line and structure; removing topsoil, grass and excavating to required level; packing in base materials, building a pergola, building numerous screens, garden beds, edging and fence and paving. When I came up with the idea of travertine laid in a french plan, Gavin said ok. As we have a dog and often many visiting dogs, we also required a strip of grass, hidden behind pergola and running the length of the house to be installed. All this work had to be done while working from a dual access driveway, where rear neighbour had to have constant access. We discussed screening from neigbours at critical positions in new courtyard and new sceens, or heights were rethought. Planting was discussed, garden centres and nurseries visited and as the planting took place the magic began to happen in a courtyard that already exceeded expectations.

Gavin arranged for an electrician to install outdoor plugs, which meant lights could be installed on the pergola, creating a soft and inviting atmosphere, especially when soaking in the new cedar hot tub!

I couldn't stop going out to admire our new private, perfect courtyard. We were going for a kiwi take on a mediterranean/european courtyard and the result is perfect for us. We recently celebrated Father's Day with a breakfast in the courtyard with most of the family gathered. They were amazed at such a peaceful feeling in the middle of surburbia and the private haven it has become.

I was so in love with our courtyard, I didnt see how the front could possibly be as good...

Gavin returned shortly after this to begin a similar process on the front yard. He found solutions (as with courtyard) for the lack of materials available, often saving the budget a little; Gavin incorporated ideas for drawing details of house into pergola and arbour to give the feeling these new structures had always been there. Again the design had orgainic elements, which meant all opportunities for ehancing the design were taken, where possible. As before, Gavin explained his methods as he went and very quickly the 'bones' of the new design appeared. By this time we were heading from Autumn to Winter and weather was even worse than the fairly wet summer. Weather is not a deterrent for Gavin! We found out early on, he will generally continue to work in the most appalling of weather, which meant the timeline was very close to prediction. The completed front garden has blown us away and now we can't decide which area is our favourite. Magic happens when you enter the front garden. Friends and family struggle to compare before and after. As with the courtyard it will take a few years for the planting to fully mature and as they do the area will continue to evolve. The front will become more like a garden room. We have watched passersby take in the developing front and now they stop and peek through gate and we see the smiles on their faces. A little bit of old-fashioned, semi-formal magic to suit our lovely old house.

I am not an experienced gardener. Gavin has encouraged me to prune a little here and there, instructed on watering and things to watch for and assured me he will keep monitoring as areas grow and will do a maintenance check from time to time. He is passionate about plants and enjoying them and taking care of them and this has helped my confidence and increased my enthusiasm. I'm already feeling the excitement as plants grow, bud, flower etc, as perfumes waft past as I enter the garden. It's that beautiful!

A huge thank you to Gavin for the hard work, creativeness, talent, skills, knowledge and experience that enabled our magical spaces. I have no hesitation in recommending Gavin for designing and bringing your outdoor dream to reality."

It all looks fantastic and the quality is great, Gavin always talks you through options and explains why he uses certain techniques and materials - I… think we could drive a tank over the deck!

Gavin is super reliable and a great guy who takes pride in his work and will inform you about every little decision as he goes. Looking forward to getting him back to do a couple of other bits."

As the job developed I started getting a better picture of what I wanted and it was very different from the job Gavin signed up for.. I would add something and Gavin would just say “I will look after you mate”. The end result is exactly what I wanted and almost a month later I still get people complimenting me… when they walk past..

I already have more plans that Gavin will be helping me with in the new year.

I highly recommend Gavin/Create-a-scape."

Cheers Andy."