Navigating the current landscape

ELLY FOURIE SMART WATER

Spending time outdoors has always been a great comfort in stressful and trying times. When you consider the current circumstance where much of the community is forced to spend more time at home, our gardens and green spaces provide much solace. It is not surprising that appreciation of great outdoor spaces is at an all-time high. Following droughts, bushfires and now coronavirus our community is yearning for a garden that is well-designed, waterefficient, functional and healthy! Adapting to the changing circumstances of the current climate

However, in response to the current situation, landscape designers and irrigation installers have had to alter the way they are delivering their services. ensuring that strict hygiene standards and social distancing measures are followed without sacrificing design and installation standards.

We have great technologies available at our fingertips, but never more than now have circumstances encouraged us to utilise these technologies to their full limits. Phones and conferencing services have proven priceless for contactless consultations with clients; modern irrigation technologies allow for remote access and operation of water systems; working remotely has opened the doors to more flexible meetings and presentation opportunities. With the whole landscaping industry adapting and adopting these new processes and procedures, and finding just how effective they are to continue business as usual, it is likely that our fresh appreciation of modern technology will continue to be used beyond the current situation.

The landscaping industry is one that requires constant communication with clients. From the initial site assessment and consultation, to installation and ongoing maintenance, finding new methods to carry out business effectively while maintaining contact has been essential. To achieve this, service teams can perform private evaluations of a property or site before consulting with a client over the phone, via FaceTime, or through online platforms such as Zoom. By having access to virtual and remote meetings, social distancing measures are able to be properly enforced.

Google Maps and Online Questionnaires have also proven to be priceless applications in the current environment for effective system design. With a client able to submit their water system requirements and current property information, an irrigation installer can gather important information for the design, supply, installation or maintenance of a system without the need for unnecessary contact.

In addition to improved use of our phones and computers, there are also a myriad of priceless irrigation technologies on the market that are more useful now than ever before.

Sales Director of Smart Water, Gary Andrews, provides an insight on these:

“There can be no compromise in our endeavour to construct great landscapes with truly water efficient irrigation systems. Competent design is supported by great products, professional installation, good management and regular maintenance.

Today there are no excuses. We have available a full complement of Smart Technologies, to deliver best possible outcomes on each and every occasion. From drip irrigation to stream rotor sprinklers, and super smart control systems that are not only accessible on the internet, but connect to flow, rain and moisture sensors, and are interactive with weather forecasts in real time.

In essence, there are no barriers to achieve water efficiency and great environmental outcomes.”

Fortunately, while we live in a world of sudden unexpected circumstance, ever-improving technology allows our industry to carry on business as usual – providing the community with healthy, thriving landscapes to enjoy and escape to for years to come.