Name: Civil and Scape
Address: U5, 12 ABBOTT RD, SEVEN HILLS, 2147
Telephone: 1300 457 457
Price range: $$

February 19, 2024

10 Nature-Filled Backyard Design Ideas

In the heart of every Australian home lies a canvas waiting to be transformed – the backyard. As a leading landscape entity, we, at Civil and Scape, understand the importance of creating a harmonious outdoor space that blends with nature. As the sun-kissed land down under, Australia is not only known for its diverse landscapes but also for its unique flora and fauna.

Your backyard, often an untapped canvas, holds the potential to become a haven that showcases the beauty of the Australian outdoors. We aim to inspire every Australian homeowner to embrace the natural wonders that surround them and transform their outdoor space into a retreat that reflects the essence of this magnificent continent.

Whether it’s a small garden, long and narrow garden, cottage garden or courtyard garden, one should observe where and at what time of the day different parts of the garden get light and sun. Think about access and what you want to use your garden for – planting and growing, sunbathing, barbecues, or simply sitting down to enjoy a cup of tea on a sunny day.

10 backyard garden design ideas

In the world of backyard garden ideas for 2024, the trends revolve around beauty, functionality, and engagement. By integrating these ideas into your residential landscape, one can create a space that goes beyond traditional beauty, offering both personal and environmental benefits. It’s all about choosing the right plants, hardscaping, and other landscape design elements. Whether it is a small or large backyard with lots of room to work with, these landscaping ideas will help you make the most of it.

Native plant oasis: Australia boasts a unique and diverse range of native flora, and incorporating these plants into your backyard can create a lush oasis. Consider species like kangaroo paw, grevillea, and banksia for a low-maintenance garden that attracts local wildlife, such as birds and butterflies.
Water-wise gardens: With Australia’s variable climate, water conservation is crucial. One can go for drought-tolerant plants and incorporate efficient irrigation systems. Rainwater harvesting solutions can also be integrated to further minimise water usage, ensuring your backyard remains green and vibrant year-round.
Eucalyptus retreat: Create a serene retreat with the iconic eucalyptus trees. These trees not only provide shade but also emit a refreshing scent that captures the essence of the Australian bush. Arrange seating areas beneath the trees to enjoy cool breezes and the soothing sound of leaves rustling in the wind.
Sustainable hardscaping: Choose eco-friendly materials for hardscaping elements such as patios and walkways. Recycled timber, natural stone, and permeable pavers not only contribute to a sustainable design but also enhance the overall aesthetic appeal of your backyard.
Bushfire-resistant landscapes: In the face of Australia’s bushfire-prone climate, designing a backyard with fire-resistant plants and materials is essential. At Civil and Scape, our experts are ready to help you implement fire-smart landscaping, ensuring the safety of your property without compromising beauty.
Butterfly and bee haven: Create a haven for pollinators by incorporating nectar-rich flowers such as lavender, daisies, and butterfly bush. A flourishing pollinator-friendly garden not only supports local ecosystems but also adds vibrant colours and movement to your backyard.
Edible gardens: Implement the farm-to-table concept by integrating edible plants into your backyard design. Consider raised vegetable beds, fruit trees, and herb gardens for a functional and aesthetically pleasing outdoor space that provides fresh produce right at your fingertips.
Outdoor living spaces: Designing comfortable and stylish outdoor living spaces is essential for the Australian lifestyle. Create cosy seating areas, outdoor kitchens, and fire pits to encourage year-round enjoyment of your backyard, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a winter bonfire.
Art installations: Celebrate Australia’s rich culture by incorporating art installations into your backyard design. Native-inspired sculptures, or murals can add a unique and culturally significant dimension to your outdoor space.
Sustainable lighting solutions: Enhance the ambiance of your backyard with energy-efficient lighting solutions. Solar-powered lights, LED fixtures, and strategically placed outdoor lighting not only contribute to sustainability but also extend the usability of your outdoor space well into the evening.

Transforming your backyard into a nature-filled haven is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a sustainable and functional outdoor space. Civil and Scape, with our expertise in landscaping, can turn your backyard dreams into reality, ensuring that your outdoor haven reflects the beauty and diversity of the Australian landscape. To help you implement these ideas and more, contact us now!

July 17, 2023

Transforming Dreams Into Reality: Unleashing the Beauty of Rainscaping with Civil and Scape

At Civil and Scape, your dreams for a captivating landscape deserve to be realised. Our company is dedicated to achieving your vision, and one of the ways we do this is through our innovative “dreamscaping” mindset.

We work closely with our clients to include captivating concepts they dream of, such as rainscaping. Rainscaping combines the beauty of landscaping with effective rainwater management, resulting in a beautiful and eco-friendly outdoor space.

Rainscaping is more than just a landscaping technique – it’s a philosophy that embraces the harmony between nature and design. Imagine a garden adorned with vibrant rain gardens, where native plants thrive and gracefully filter rainwater. Envision bioswales that meander through your landscape, gently guiding stormwater while creating a visual spectacle.

Visualise permeable paving that adds elegance to your outdoor areas while allowing rainwater to permeate the ground, replenishing the earth. Rainscaping offers an opportunity to create a breathtaking and sustainable oasis that showcases the beauty of nature and the ingenuity of design.

Before delving into what can be done, we realise that some basics may need to be added, and you wonder what exactly are civil construction services and civil building construction.

Civil construction services encompass many activities involved in constructing infrastructure projects. It consists of planning, designing, constructing, and maintaining various civil structures, such as roads, bridges, dams, airports, and more.

On the other hand, civil building construction refers explicitly to the construction of buildings, including residential, commercial, and industrial structures.

At Civil and Scape, we stand out as a premier provider of civil construction services. With a legacy that began in 1999 as Grand Landscape Services, we have grown to become a reputable and trusted name in the industry. In 2019, we rebranded as Civil and Scape to reflect our expanded service offerings, including civil works that have exponentially grown over time.

Our team comprises industry experts and professionals who adhere to strict codes of conduct, safety policies, environmental management systems, and quality control protocols. We prioritise client satisfaction and take immense pride in the quality of our workmanship.

What we offer:

Site Preparation: We meticulously prepare construction sites, ensuring a solid foundation for your project by clearing and levelling the area to create a clean slate.
Earthworks: Our team excels in earthmoving and excavation services, skillfully shaping and compacting the soil to meet your project requirements.
Concrete Works: From foundations and slabs to columns and beams, we excel in all aspects of concrete construction, delivering precise pouring, formwork, reinforcement, and finishing.
Structural Construction: Our expertise extends to constructing various building structures, including commercial buildings, residential complexes, and industrial facilities, ensuring structural integrity and adherence to architectural plans and engineering specifications.
Road and Pavement Construction: We construct roads, driveways, parking lots, and pathways, offering expert excavation, compaction, base preparation, asphalt or concrete paving, line marking, and signage installation.
Drainage Systems: Our team designs and installs efficient drainage systems, preventing water accumulation and managing stormwater by constructing drains, culverts, and retention systems.
Utility Installation: We have the expertise to install utility services, including water supply lines, sewer systems, electrical conduits, and telecommunications infrastructure, ensuring your building is connected to essential services.
Landscaping and External Works: Enhance your outdoor space with our landscaping services, including installing gardens, lawns, irrigation systems, pathways, and outdoor amenities.
Environmental Considerations: We prioritise sustainability by implementing erosion control measures, managing waste responsibly, and incorporating eco-friendly design elements.

Our collaborative approach, vast resources, operational capacity, and experience in resolving complex situations make us well-equipped to handle projects of any scale or complexity. Our passion for delivering exceptional results and our commitment to client satisfaction set us apart as industry leaders.

Are you ready to elevate your landscape to new heights? Contact Civil and Scape today to explore the possibilities, discuss your dreams, and schedule a consultation. Let us bring your vision to life while incorporating concepts that elevate your experience in your home, transforming your outdoor space into an eco-friendly dream. Together, let’s make it happen.

June 14, 2023July 14, 2023

Maintenance Services: What Is It and Why Is It Important in Landscaping?

Grounds maintenance is an essential part of maintaining the appearance, safety, and functionality of any property. It involves the regular care and maintenance of the grounds, including the landscape, hardscape, and outdoor structures.

Grounds maintenance services are designed to keep your property looking its best year-round, while also ensuring that it is safe and functional for all who use it. Here’s what you need to know about grounds maintenance services.

What Is Grounds Maintenance?

Grounds maintenance encompasses various activities to preserve and enhance the outdoor spaces associated with civil infrastructure and landscaping. It involves the care and upkeep of outdoor areas such as parks, gardens, sports fields, road medians, and public spaces. Grounds maintenance plays a vital role in ensuring that these areas remain visually appealing, functional, safe, and sustainable for the benefit of the community.

The responsibilities of grounds maintenance professionals involve a diverse set of tasks. These include regular lawn mowing, trimming and pruning trees and shrubs, planting and maintaining flower beds, managing irrigation systems, controlling weeds and pests, and ensuring proper waste management. They are also responsible for the upkeep of pathways, fences, signage, lighting fixtures, and other infrastructure elements within the outdoor spaces.

Professionals in this industry work closely with architects, civil engineers, and urban planners to implement and maintain the desired design intent of the outdoor areas. They follow established schedules and maintenance plans to ensure the grounds are consistently well-groomed and meet the expected standards. They also monitor the health and condition of plants, identify potential hazards or risks, and take necessary measures to address them promptly.

In addition to the visual appeal, grounds maintenance focuses on sustainability and environmental stewardship, including employing eco-friendly practices such as water conservation, using organic fertilisers, and implementing green waste management techniques. By adopting sustainable approaches, grounds maintenance professionals contribute to the overall ecological balance and promote the long-term health of outdoor spaces.

Grounds maintenance is essential for creating welcoming and functional environments that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. Well-maintained outdoor spaces provide opportunities for recreational activities, relaxation, and social interaction, contributing to the community’s overall well-being. They also attract tourists, boost property values, and foster a sense of pride and belonging among residents.

Standing your ground: maintenance is important

Grounds maintenance is important for several reasons, including:

Appearance: A well-maintained landscape and outdoor area can enhance the appearance of your property, making it more attractive to customers, visitors, and potential buyers.
Safety: Regular maintenance of the grounds can help prevent accidents and injuries by keeping walkways and parking lots clear and free of hazards.
Functionality: Regular maintenance of the grounds can help ensure that your property is functioning properly and efficiently, which can save you time and money in the long run.

Another important aspect of ground maintenance services is tree care. Trees can enhance the beauty of any property, but they can also pose potential hazards if they are not maintained properly.

Grounds maintenance services can offer various tree care services such as pruning, trimming, removal, and stump grinding to ensure that trees are healthy, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.

In addition to the physical benefits, grounds maintenance services can also improve the overall value of a property.

A well-maintained landscape and grounds can create a positive first impression for visitors, prospective buyers, or tenants. It can also be a factor in increasing the curb appeal, which is a crucial aspect of any property’s market value. Regular maintenance can also prevent costly repairs or replacements in the long run, as issues can be identified and addressed early on.

Why choose Civil and Scape?

Choosing your next grounds maintenance service is important to ensure your property is well-maintained and safe. Here are some tips for choosing the right service:

Experience: Look for a service with a proven track record of success and experience in the industry.
Services Offered: Make sure that the service offers the specific services you need, such as lawn care, landscaping, hardscaping, and snow and ice removal.
Reputation: Look for a service with a good reputation in the industry and positive reviews from past customers.
Customer Service: Choose a service that is committed to providing excellent customer service and is responsive to your needs.

Civil and Scape is a leading provider of grounds maintenance services, offering a comprehensive range of services to meet the needs of any property. Our team of professionals has decades of experience in the industry and is committed to providing the highest level of service to our customers.

May 25, 2023July 14, 2023

4 Outdoor Garden Landscape Ideas To Improve Your Home

Caring for the outdoor garden landscape of your home is important for several reasons.

A beautiful outdoor space can be a source of relaxation and enjoyment for you and your family, improving your overall quality of life.

Transforming your outdoor space can be fun and exciting, especially when designing and creating an attractive and functional garden landscape. An outdoor garden landscape is a great way to boost your property’s aesthetic appeal and create a relaxing and comfortable environment for you and your loved ones. If you are looking for some outdoor garden landscape ideas to bring your backyard to life, then you have come to the right place.

What are some trending outdoor garden landscape ideas?

Incorporating Native PlantsNative plants are a great way to add colour and texture to your outdoor garden landscape while also promoting sustainability. Native plants are low maintenance and can withstand harsh weather conditions, making them a practical and eco-friendly option. Some popular native plants include wildflowers, succulents, and grasses.
Including a Water FeatureWater features such as fountains, ponds, and waterfalls can add a calming and relaxing element to your outdoor garden landscape. They also create a tranquil atmosphere and attract wildlife to your garden
Outdoor LightingOutdoor lighting can enhance the beauty of your outdoor garden landscape while also providing safety and security. From string lights to lanterns and spotlights, there are numerous outdoor lighting options to choose from that can accentuate specific areas of your garden landscape.
Using Hardscaping ElementsHardscaping elements such as stone walls, walkways, and patios can add dimension and texture to your outdoor garden landscape. They also provide functional purposes such as creating seating areas and reducing soil erosion.

What are the benefits of improving your home landscaping?

Improving your home garden can provide numerous benefits, both aesthetic and practical. Here are some of the main benefits:

Increased curb appeal: A well-designed and maintained garden can enhance the appearance of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers and visitors.
Improved air quality: Plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, improving the air quality in your yard and surrounding area.
Health benefits: Gardening is a physical activity that can provide exercise and stress relief, and studies have shown that exposure to green spaces can improve mental health.
Increased property value: A beautiful garden can increase the value of your property, making it a worthwhile investment.
Reduced energy costs: Strategically placed trees and plants can provide shade and help regulate the temperature in your home, reducing your energy costs
Access to fresh produce: Growing your own fruits and vegetables can provide you with fresh, healthy food and save you money on groceries.
Wildlife habitat:A garden can provide a habitat for birds, bees, and other beneficial insects, supporting local wildlife and promoting biodiversity
Educational opportunities: Gardening can provide educational opportunities for children and adults, teaching them about plant biology, environmental science, and sustainable living practices.

When it comes to finding inspiration for your outdoor garden landscape ideas, there are a variety of resources available. Here are a few places you can turn to for ideas:

Home and Garden Magazines: Better Homes and Gardens, House Beautiful, and Garden Design are all great resources for outdoor garden landscape ideas. These magazines feature stunning photography and expert advice on everything from plant selection to hardscaping.
Online Blogs and Websites: Many online resources offer many outdoor garden landscape ideas, inspiring images, and tutorials on creating beautiful outdoor spaces.
Social Media: Platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for finding inspiration for your outdoor garden landscape ideas. You can search for specific keywords or hashtags to find images that fit your vision and style.

At Civil and Scape, we offer comprehensive commercial landscaping services, including outdoor garden landscape design, installation, and maintenance. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing superior service and exceeding our client’s expectations. Contact us today to discuss your outdoor garden landscape project and learn more about our services.

November 4, 2022July 14, 2023

Top 3 Benefits of Great Landscape Design in Commercial Property

Have you ever wondered if commercial landscaping is suitable for your property? Civil and Scape have got the answer for you.

There’s no doubt that first impressions can often make or break individuals’ perceptions of your property after all, aesthetics and visual appeal are a significant part of your commercial building. So, what better way to increase the aesthetic and visual appeal of your building and create a lasting impression on passers-by than with a well-maintained and thoroughly designed landscape?

Commercial landscaping goes beyond visual appeal and can be highly beneficial for your property. As a professional landscaping company, the Civil and Scape team has gathered the top benefits of commercial landscaping to help elevate your property.

What is commercial landscaping?

Commercial landscaping consists of strategically planning, designing and executing designs and maintaining the outdoor landscapes of many types of properties. Landscaping services can work to address visual aesthetics, biodiversity, water management, the creation of habitats and many more.

Commercial landscaping companies can achieve such works to ensure that your landscape is suitable for your property,reflecting the values and personality of your business through a carefully thought-out design while simultaneously increasing its overall value.

Benefits of commercial landscaping

If you’ve been considering uplifting the landscaping of your commercial property, here are some of the top benefits of choosing commercial landscaping services:

Enhance kerb-side appeal

We can all agree that the outdoor aesthetic of a commercial property is a leading factor in enticing you to go in and explore a particular store. This can be credited to the well-designed and implemented landscaping used to improve the outdoor appearance of a commercial building, helping attract customers.

It is known that implementing commercial landscaping coincides with having positive psychological effects on both customers and employees; this suggests that landscaping is a contributing feature helping draw attention to the entrance of a building, allowing the business to appear more attractive and welcoming.

This can be achieved through symmetrical design and careful placements of bright flowers, water features, trees and shrubs; it can also include embellishing hardscapes such as pathways and seating arrangements at the storefront or drawing attention to the entrance of the building.

Encourages customers to spend

As well as attracting customers into your business, a thoroughly maintained and designed landscape is likely to allure customers to spend more on products or services offered in your store. This is because the aesthetic appearance of your business encourages customers to see the value in your business based on the products and services offered, as well as in the way the business is maintained and presents itself.

An adequately maintained business presents characteristics of professionalism, sophistication, care and proficiency. Therefore, the landscape of your business is beneficial in not only improving the look of your property but also in enticing customers to both enter and spend more on a ‘valuable’ company.

Increases the value of your property

Commercial landscaping has also been proven to increase the value of your property. A well-looked-after landscape is bound to do well in the market than a neglected and unappealing landscape. An enhancement of any kind to your external landscape can emphasise characteristics of worth and value to your building.

A building with an aesthetically appealing landscape has its benefits and is considered to be an investment in the long run, making it an attractive property in the market.

Choosing the right company

With a range of benefits stemming from maintained and well-designed commercial landscapes, working with a professional landscaping company is crucial in ensuring that your property is able to take advantage of all benefits obtainable. But how do you choose the right commercial landscaping company? We’ve got you covered with a few things to look out for in the ‘right’ company.

● Experience: having years of experience in commercial landscaping across different property types.

● Well-equipped: having all the necessary tools and equipment needed to perform commercial landscaping services.

● Outstanding communication: ensuring to keep you up to date with designs, plans and installations.

● Keeping up to date with trends: ensures your landscape incorporates the latest trends to stand out and attract customers.

If you’re looking to enhance and uplift your commercial landscaping, the Civil and Scape team can help you. With years of industry experience, we can transform your commercial building’s landscape, making it more appealing and enticing.

Want to uplift and maintain your commercial landscape? Get in touch with us today at 1300 457 457.

October 10, 2022July 14, 2023

Types of Landscaping Services

Hiring a professional landscaping company is crucial for those who hold high regard for the appearance and functionality of their landscapes – whether it be for the aesthetic of a business or for personal preference. A company with an extensive understanding of the various types of services available in the landscaping industry is always a good sign, especially a company that provides these varying services to customers.

What services do landscaping companies offer?

Different types of landscaping services are available based on the preferences and requirements of clients and their spaces. As a professional and qualified company, Civil and Scape offer an extensive range of landscaping services, catered to meet the needs of clients as well as attract the attention of those looking to uplift their landscapes.

Commercial landscaping construction is constantly evolving. It is essential for companies to constantly be on the lookout for newly introduced concepts and trends; doing so will ensure that the services offered are enticing and a point of difference for customers and contractors looking to hire a commercial landscaping services. Nowadays, customers are looking to enhance their spaces by adding sophistication, professionalism and aesthetic appearance. Therefore, it is crucial that as a landscaping company, Civil and Scape is well equipped with a range of services to fulfil these requirements.

Types of landscaping services

Commercial landscaping contractors that provide landscaping services can assist with a broad range of landscape installation and maintenance tasks. Below is a list of services provided by landscaping companies.

Landscape installation

Design:
Many people often require a professional team to help create and design a landscape space that is unique and sophisticated. A landscaping company will design and put together your space; whether it is installing a new flower bed, selecting what plants would be best suitable in the specific area or creating a functional space which for your commercial or residential space, Civil and Scape can help.

Hardscapes:
Landscapes often involve the installation of hardscapes such as paths, steps, driveways, etc all of which provide added elements of functionality and aesthetics.

Irrigation:
Landscape irrigation is a watering system used to help maintain landscapes by ensuring that water is constantly dispersed throughout the lawn or garden. Setting up a system as such is not an easy task and often requires the help of a professional and well-experienced team. Landscapers are able to design, install and upkeep irrigation systems as well as put together an eco-friendly rainwater harvesting approach.

Installation of water features:

Water features such as fountains, ponds, waterfalls, etc., are a very common addition in landscape designs, providing additional elements of aesthetic appeal within a space. The installation of such features requires the help of a professional and capable landscaping company.

Maintenance tasks
After designing and installing certain features in your landscapes, it is important to ensure that your space is constantly being tended to. Many individuals either don’t have the time or are unsure of how to maintain their spaces, leaving their landscapes looking untidy or in need of serious maintenance. Luckily, maintenance is a service offered by various companies, such as Civil and Scape.

Plant and tree planting:
Landscaping companies can assist in planting larger items such as trees and shrubs. They are also equipped to know what sort of plants, trees and shrubs would be suitable for the particular landscape being serviced. Not only that, but they can also help keep your trees and plants tidy, ensuring your landscape constantly looks neat and maintained.

Lawn mowing and trimming:
By upkeeping frequent lawn mowing and trimming, your landscape will retain a tidy and appealing appearance. Helping sharpen edges, keeping the grass short and cleaning up after the job regularly helps improve and enhance the appearance of your property, whether it be in a commercial or residential setting.

Seasonal display:
This process includes the planting and maintenance of annual flowers that are prominent depending on the seasons of spring, summer and autumn. This service focuses mainly on the appearance of landscapes, adding elements of impact to the space while creating enthusiasm for the approaching seasons.

Gardening and weed control:
These services involve the regular activities associated with gardening such as weeding, raking, hoeing, removing dead plants and weeds, watering, feeding and more. Although this can be done by oneself, hiring a landscaper to do such tasks ensures a hassle-free and easier alternative to maintaining your landscapes.

As a commercial or residential property owner, ensuring your landscape is well-designed and maintained is important in the long run. Not only does it ensure your space is in a constant state of neatness and cleanliness but also increases the level of attraction and attention to your property.

The team at Civil and Scape are qualified landscaping experts providing a range of services to help maintain, improve and enhance your landscapes. Offering an extensive range of services in civil construction, landscaping and maintenance, Civil and Scape can assist in transforming your properties.

Looking to transform your landscapes? Get in touch with us today at 1300 457 457.

September 14, 2022July 14, 2023

5 Top Qualities to Look Out For in a Commercial Landscaping Company

Having a well-maintained landscape can be very beneficial for both commercial and residential properties. Your landscape is significant in helping form first impressions about your business or property; it also helps to increase the value of your property, increase kerb side appeal and provide a sophisticated, professional and aesthetically appealing look to your outdoor space.

Behind every maintained landscape is a professional landscaping company. Helping keep your landscape in good shape, the right commercial company can help uplift your property with top results. With numerous landscaping companies offering premium services, it can be challenging to determine which company is a good fit for your landscape. So, how do you know which company to use for your landscaping needs?

Top qualities of a good commercial landscaping company:

If you’re looking for a company that can meet your needs and provide you with premium services you can trust and count on, it’s essential to consider the following qualities.

Multiple services on offer

A company that offers a variety of services, and is good at them, is one that should be considered. To maintain a well-kept area, landscaping requires more than just mowing the lawn and watering the garden. Instead, it involves more forward-thinking approaches and consistent services to ensure the deliverance of long-term results.

A dedicated team will have an array of commercial landscaping services as part of their offering; these services include planting trees and plants, installing water features and street furniture, paving, irrigation, maintenance programs and more. Rather than hiring multiple companies to do one job, hiring a professional company with expertise in many areas of landscaping will ensure exceptional results, as well as simplified billing.

Reputation

Researching and making yourself aware of the commercial landscaping company you’re considering working with is the perfect way to determine whether or not they’re the best fit to deliver the results you’re after. Looking for sources of reference from people who have previously encountered a certain company is beneficial in providing accurate and reliable feedback on the services they offer or have recently performed.

Also, looking at customer reviews and testimonials is another good way to determine if the landscaping company can satisfy your needs. If the reviews indicate contentment with services, that is a good sign of a reliable company.

Well-trained:

A commercial landscaping company must have the appropriate and required skills that cover an extensive range of landscaping tasks. Some skills and experience that a landscaper needs include:

● Attention to detail

● Consistency and reliability in services

● Designing and constructing landscapes for commercial and residential spaces

● Controlling and removing weeds

● Installing structures or water features in landscapes

● Providing advice on development plans

Ongoing training and attention to current trends are crucial in the landscaping industry. A company that is up to date with trending designs can provide quality services, ensuring your landscape design is not outdated and messy but looks neat, presentable and appealing.

Equipment:

The right landscaping company is always equipped with state-of-the-art equipment. Landscapers depend on various tools to help complete specific landscaping and maintenance tasks. Having all required equipment on hand shows excellent signs of a well-prepared, professional and dependable company.

Cost-effective:

It is important to get an idea of what different landscaping companies charge for their services. Considering the type of job and its requirements, selecting a company that does not charge a ridiculously high or suspiciously cheap amount should be considered. A landscaping company that is qualified and assured in their services will be able to quote a fixed, reasonable price that represents the quality of their work.

As commercial or residential property owners, it is essential to consider all signs mentioned to ensure you are receiving the finest services from the right commercial landscaping company.

As commercial or residential property owners, it is important to take into account all signs mentioned to ensure you are receiving the finest services from the right commercial landscaping company.

Civil and scape are highly experienced and skilled commercial landscapers in Sydney with over 10 years of expertise in the industry. We are committed to excelling our client’s expectations and providing superior services with the help of our qualified team and upgraded equipment.

Offering a broad range of services in civil construction, landscaping and maintenance, the Civil and Scape team is here to help you transform your commercial and residential properties.

Looking to transform your landscapes? Get in touch with us today at 1300 457 457.

August 15, 2022July 14, 2023

The Importance of Art and Design in Landscaping

Good landscaping fuses art, design and technology to create the perfect outdoor space. Residential and commercial landscapers should be familiar with these essential principles to achieve the ideal design, while ensuring a functional and well-intended outdoor space—so that an outdoor space is a valid extension of indoor living.

Designing a successful and functional landscape is about more than just visual appeal. It’s all about design elements working harmoniously to create the perfect green space, improving structure, sophistication and practicality for all types of properties.

8 Key Principles of Landscape Design

Landscapers have the responsibility of ensuring a perfect balance between natural and manmade elements of a landscape. Whether a large or smaller scale project, the art of the design must balance in colour, form, texture and scale, working with (not independent of) the entirety of the project.

These elements are then used to create and achieve purposeful design. Key design principles applied in landscaping include:

Unity
Balance
Transition
Focalisation
Proportion
Rhythm
Repetition
Simplicity

Applying the Principles of Design in Landscaping

When designing a perfect outdoor space, there are a few principles landscaping professionals consider to help uplift and transform spaces across Sydney. Carefully implementing these principles in landscaping design allows for a more refined, sophisticated and presentable-looking space.

Below is a description of the design principles along with examples of ways they can be implemented throughout landscape projects in Sydney.

Design Principle	Definition	Example in Landscaping
UNITY	Express a certain idea or concept through a consistent style, making sure all elements are in sync and work together in a way that complements other parts of the landscape design, without compromising functionality.	Plant repetition throughout a design, the use of same plant species for similar textures.
BALANCE	A visual equilibrium between a structure and its landscape, attractive to the eye, whether in symmetry, asymmetry or in equal lines of colour, form or texture.	Long straight planting for symmetry, length to height ratios for asymmetry.
TRANSITION	A logical change between areas, sequential in order, such as a transition in the overall composition of a landscape—the endless combination of size, form, texture, colour, and so on to create a 3D view.	Height transition of plants such as columnar plants to shrubs, different tones of greenery, changing colour schemes in different areas, dense to intermediate planting.
FOCALISATION	A visual break in the landscape where observers are encouraged to view a certain point of the landscape, drawing focus towards a statement or central piece within the area.	A specific plant type, hardscapes, fountains, architectural elements.
PROPORTION	Also, referred to as scale. The relationship between the size of parts of the landscape design, in comparison to one another and their surroundings.	A fountain in a large area, sitting benches in a park.
RHYTHM	An intentionally created motion of landscape design, creating a continuity and flow between different areas of the landscape.	Planting certain species grouped together, colour blocking, stepping stones.
REPETITION	Repeating certain features such as plants, colours and/or textures to create variety and rhythm in design.	Recurring plant themes, repeating architectural lines or features throughout, colour matching or grouping.
SIMPLICITY	Eliminating unnecessary detail.	Using a maximum of 3-4 colours, repeating the same colour/plant theme throughout.

Implementing these design principles in landscape design can shape any landscape or garden and can create unity, flow and connection between all areas of a project.

Landscape design can shape your property. Good landscape design serves purpose, aesthetics and functionality all the while improving its overall value.

Here at Civil and Scape, we know that Sydney developers and homeowners value good landscape design. Our expertise means we create with intention and have the capacity to both transform and create new, appealing and functional commercial building landscaping for your property, whether commercial or residential.

Get in touch with our Civil and Scape team today on 1300 457 457.

May 10, 2022July 14, 2023

Integrating Best Stormwater Management Plan in Your Landscape Design

When designing landscapes that are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing, stormwater management should always be front of mind. Whether your landscape will be used in a residential, commercial or civil setting, you must consider how your creation will deal with heavy rainfall. Failure to do so can convert an otherwise perfect landscape design into somewhere that delivers a poor user experience at best and presents significant dangers at worst.

The key is to integrate stormwater management into the landscape in a subtle but still effective way. Achieving this will require working with stormwater management experts that understand the fundamentals, have up-to-date plants, know the local climate and are experienced in delivering end-to-end projects.

As a professional landscaping company in Sydney, here we are recommending some practical and aesthetically pleasing ways to integrate stormwater management into your landscape. It will also help to get you thinking about how this process can work in practice.

Try to emulate natural landscape features
Be aware of parking spaces
Look on either side of your walkways
Direct water away from structures

Let’s dive into each and evaluate the factors to consider before you plan for storm-water management in your existing landscape design.

1. Try to emulate natural landscape features

The natural environment does well at managing the effects of stormwater, and we can learn a lot by recreating natural landscape features in both residential and commercial landscape designs.

Great examples come in the form of dry creeks, also sometimes referred to as swales. These are narrow linear depressions that can capture rainfall and control the direction of its flow. The efficacy of these features can be enhanced by populating them with local native flora, ideally species that can be found in natural creeks. These plants will help reduce erosion and absorb some water themselves.

Dry creeks can be seamlessly incorporated into your landscape design and often add to its aesthetic appeal and functionality. You must talk to the appropriate authorities first to find an appropriate discharge location for your dry creek.

2. Be aware of parking spaces

Any large stretches of impervious surface, such as concrete car parks, can represent potential problems in stormwater management. These spaces interrupt the natural hydrological cycle and, without proper care, can cause issues such as urban flooding.

A few tips when it comes to stormwater management for car parks include:

Installing curb cuts: curb cuts help the water escape into the surrounding landscape and prevent it from building up on the car park surface. Separate wheel stops, as opposed to one continuous wheel stop, are another way of achieving this.
Considering erosion control: cobbles can be highly effective in preventing erosion from heavy rains. Cobbles must be installed at locations of concentrated flow, meaning such areas should be identified from the start of the project.

3. Look on either side of your walkways

While your focus may be on creating walkways that allow people to move quickly and logically through your landscape, the verges of these walkways are often most important when managing stormwater runoff. This is because, similar to car parks, walkways can be problematic when collecting and retaining stormwater.

Paved areas should be installed directly adjacent to, and slightly elevated from, landscaped zones. By providing a slight grade to the walkway, water can then easily run off into the more porous surrounding substrates. As with car parks, cobbles and climate-adapted plants around the walkway can help reduce erosion from runoff and increase water absorption.

4. Direct water away from structures

Roof runoff is a significant consideration in stormwater management, but fortunately, there are several options to deal with it.

Firstly, try using gravel as the substrate below gutterless roofs. Gravel is better at allowing water to drain than many other substrates and will avoid puddle build-ups.

Rain chains are stylish and functional when reducing the water flow rate from roofs and can be easily integrated into your landscape, especially if you include other ornamental features.

Splash blocks are another tried and tested technique that can be placed underneath the end of a downspout and used to direct water flow away from structures.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list of the ways you can integrate stormwater management into your landscape designs, and the best options for you will depend on the unique requirements of your project. If you’re looking for a landscaping company in Sydney with a track record of delivering effective and tailored solutions, get in touch with Civil and Scape today.

February 8, 2022July 14, 2023

From wellbeing to productivity – why landscaping should be a priority for your business

Computer screens, cubicle walls and loud coworkers are some of the less glamorous sides of the workplace that people don’t speak about all that often. As the working world continues to accelerate at a speed like never before, we’re seeing more and more people on the computer for most of the day and the speed of work continuing to ramp up. With this in mind, many employers are considering how they can make their offices as calm, enjoyable and stress-free as possible. When it comes to creating a therapeutic space, what’s more relaxing than sunshine, outdoor lunches, and sweet-smelling flowers?

Commercial property managers and business owners are uniquely positioned to improve their employee’s productivity and wellbeing through corporate gardens. Designed by landscape construction companies, these thoughtfully designed and well-maintained interactive landscapes are scientifically proven to bring plenty of benefits for the employees and the business too. Whether you call it a therapy garden or office garden, here are five reasons why commercial landscaping should be a priority for your business.

1—Improved memory

What if you could not only help your employees improve their performance at work, but at the same time, add to their overall professional development and enrich their personal lives? Turns out you can do all that and more with a single training topic: memory skills! In a recent study, the University of Michigan found that more time spent outside in close proximity to plants can help increase memory retention by up to 20 percent. The researchers believe these findings may also indicate that time spent outdoors can be super beneficial for anyone suffering from mental fatigue – aka office employees during their busiest times of the year! By also increasing an employee’s attention span and improving their concentration, you’ll boost the overall morale of your workplace and supercharge productivity at the same time. Not only will your teams be getting more done, but they’ll be delivering higher-quality work and enjoying themselves in the process. It’s really a win-win!

2—Stress reduction

There’s no denying that work can get stressful. No matter who you are or what you do, we’ve all experienced the stress that can come with work. However, corporate gardens that encourage employees to prune, pluck or water work wonders for reducing stress. A big part of this comes down to having the opportunity to get in touch with nature. It’s proven that the more time we spend in nature, the calmer we feel. However, few people have the chance to regularly go camping, take a hike in nature or even just enjoy half an hour in the sunshine when they’re working a full-time office job. By introducing a garden into the workplace, your employees will have the chance to introduce the outdoors into their everyday life and divert their attention to something completely stress-free throughout the day. With even just a few minutes spent in the garden, they’ll return to the desk less stressed and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at them.

3—Encourages on-site team building

Team building is common practice for almost every business across the world. Many employers even have dedicated budgets to help facilitate initiatives such as beach days, picnics, hikes, group dinners or even adrenaline-seeking activities. While there are some affordable options, the biggest expense for these events is often the transportation costs and time spent getting to and from the venue. With a landscaped garden on-site, you’ll have the perfect backdrop to host all your team-bonding events – without having to even step foot away from the office. Whether everyone rolls up their sleeves to plant veggies in raised garden beds or you’re hosting a barbecue lunch for the entire office, you’ll create a space for people to get to know each other outside of their professional roles.

4—Increased physical activity

Today’s office workers spend most, if not all, of their day behind a desk staring at a computer screen. After wrapping up the working day, most people then head home to spend the evening watching TV or scrolling on their phone. All up, that results in a whole lot of screen time and not too much movement. We know that any movement is good for the body and that every little bit adds up, so it’s important to look for ways to introduce movement into the regular working day. A free and accessible way to encourage a more active lifestyle is to create a space for your employees to move at work. With an on-site garden, they can head out for a walk in the sunshine on their lunch breaks, take calls on-the-go or even meet with clients in the garden. Regardless of why they’re stepping away from the desk, they’ll come back re-energized and ready to kick goals.

5—Improved social interaction

Did you know that spending time around plants can positively impact the relationships we have with others? Research from Texas A&M found that those who spent more time around plants are much more likely to have advanced social relationships – both at home and at work. For you that means, the more time your employees spend with plants, the more likely they are to reach out to other co-workers, show empathy for their colleagues, and put their hand up to help out when they’re needed. Creating an oasis at your work will bring plenty of short and long term perks that will benefit your company in a variety of different ways. When it comes to commercial landscaping, it’s important to work with a team that understands the scope and requirements of your project, as well as exactly what you’re trying to achieve.

At Civil and Scape, we’ve worked with plenty of businesses to design, construct and maintain commercial spaces that help improve the workplace for every employee. See more of our projects here .