OUTDOOR LIVING TRANSFORMATION
AFTER
Love for the long term WHEN UPGRADING YOUR GARDEN LANDSCAPE, H AV E Y O U E V E R C O N S I D E R E D T H E N E E D F O R A N OVERARCHING DESIGN AND PLAN? WE SPOKE TO LUKE ROBERTSON FROM EPIC LANDSCAPE DESIGN, O N H O W T O C R E AT E A D E S I G N T H AT Y O U W I L L LOVE FOR THE LONG TERM.
A
good landscape plan will take cues from the nearby buildings, architecture and environment. People like to have a garden that complements their home. But what about when you have a steep section with not much room for a lawn? Or a flat section that catches limited sunlight? Luke Robertson recognises that every client is unique and aims to make a difference for his clients for many years to come. Luke has been at the helm of Epic Landscape Design for just over a year now and has over 23 years’ experience in the industry. He loves working with clients to design landscapes that suit their lifestyle, reflect the architecture and complement the local environment.
BEFORE
“My experience means that I can design gardens that are going to look funky, contemporary or classical,” says Luke. “I’ve probably seen all the mistakes in the book, so I know what will and won’t work. I know how to maximise areas and plant appropriately.” Luke involves the client as much as possible in the design of the landscape plan. As a horticulturalist, he uses his expertise and knowledge of plants and structures when looking at the location, the climate, the budget and the long-term maintenance requirements. “We recently completed a landscape design for a Merivale townhouse,” explains Luke. “The owners wanted a space that would mimic the interior and create useable outdoor spaces for most of the year.” Working with the clients, Epic Landscape Design created a design that included a large feature garden with bamboo, providing vertical form to soften the height of the home and add sound and movement to the entrance area. Paving was replaced with hardwood decking to add warmth. Over the deck, they installed an automatic louvre roof, and two infrared heaters, and constructed a custom designed gas fire and inbuilt seat. The outdoor kitchen featured a custom designed granite benchtop, hardwood joinery and a built-in barbecue. There is a spa area beside the outdoor kitchen, with some clever feature planting to create a defined space. Luke and his team offer a range of services to meet clients’ needs, from a design consultation, through to full landscape design, including plant positions, full plant list, concept design plans and construction drawings. “Even for those who are happy to do all the work themselves, it’s so vital to have a comprehensive landscaping plan to work from,” says Luke. “It makes life so much easier for clients and they get a garden they truly love.” 027 688 4155 | epiclandscapes.co.nz
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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2020
