How Beautiful Backyards are making us Happier

- Andrew Whyte, Whyte Gardens

Andrew Whyte speaks to AQUA magazine about ‘visual amenity’ and how beautiful backyards have the ability to influence the happiness of a society through the creative addition of beauty and function.

How and when did Whyte Gardens begin?

After 12 years in the engineering industry, I decided to work outdoors in nature where I felt happier. This all happened back in 1992. I started with the name of Gorgeous Gardens, which evolved into the Whyte Gardens name years later.

What is your role within the company?

Managing Director/Owner/Marketing & Sales

What’s business like at the moment?

I’ve never been so busy. With recent events pushing society to review our way of life and seeing how the garden can play a greater role in the fulfilment of family life and of spending time with others; or simply relaxing at home without the need for the hustle and bustle of travel to another destination to do what can be achieved in the garden. I have never had so many people ask to include a pool as part of their new lifestyle priority shift.

Whyte Gardens has exhibited at many of SPASAVIC’s consumer expos. How have you found the experience and would you recommend exhibiting to others?

You have the opportunity to meet many people that may not have found you by other means. We have designed and built many projects from the clients we met at the expos some years later. You have to be organised for the influx of leads, have your qualifying in place and know how to answer the enquiries and stage out a timeline of meeting with them.

My wife is a constant companion on my stand and together we have found the expos to be a great opportunity to take on new clients.

What secrets can you reveal about your feature garden build that is planned for our Pool & Spa Expo + Outdoor Living in February 2022?

It’s about adding various elements - from colour, to texture, to shape and proportions. Our last exhibit was a great success with so many people saying, “Can you just lift the stand and drop it off at my house, I love it!” So the secret lies in the instant impact, where you instantly say, “I love this!”

Why do you think consumers should visit SPASAVIC’s expos?

There is no other way for someone in the space of a few short hours to take in so many pool companies, filtration installers, pool covers or lighting - and of course landscape designers/builders. It is the most efficient method to gather ideas and start to lock in what you do and don’t want.

How has the COVID pandemic affect your business?

Honestly, it has been a blessing! The realisation that ‘home’ – and not travel – is truly the greatest influencer of happiness in the life of family. The passion has never been so strong. Not since garden shows like Backyard Blitz came on the scene have I experienced people with such thirst to rejuvenate their gardens.

What changes have you seen in the pool and spa + outdoor living industry over the years?

The complexity of design and the increase in structural elements. What started as a Hills Hoist and grass for cricket is now pools, basketball courts, pool houses and louvred ceilings.

The planting has evolved to a more structural, rather than flowering, desire. It’s about lines and shape and art, with plants as the dressing to bring it all together. A garden isn’t a place of plants anymore - plants are what make it come to life but in a more structured way.

What do you love about the industry?

As I read on the weekend in a study from several US universities, the functionality and - more importantly - the aesthetic quality of the garden can reduce or remove negativity from one’s life and add joy and creativity. Designers have in their hands the ability to influence the happiness of a society by the creative addition of beauty and function. That is a great responsibility and being part of that makes me proud of what my team of designers do every day.

Where to from here for Whyte Gardens?

Pushing the philosophical task of adding to a culture of beauty in a way that connects people to self, to family and to friends - and importantly - to nature, the mother who touches us all and can uplift anyone’s life merely through spending time in it.