The annual Landscape of the Year awards hosted by Registered Master Landscapers New Zealand, showcase the very best in professional landscaping - and this year Central Otago shone.

The awards recognise achievement in landscape design, construction and maintenance across both residential and commercial projects, and represent the highest professional accolade in the industry, says Registered Master Landscapers chief executive officer, Janine Scott.

“We are also seeing an increase in the quality, scope, and uniqueness of the entries being submitted. 

“Our industry is in good heart despite the challenges of the times and that is a tribute to the dedication and high standards of our members.”

This year, there were five landscape entries from companies in Alexandra and Cromwell which won gold medals; Weka Landscaping of Alexandra was one of those.

Weka Landscaping won a gold medal for their entry, Reid Residence, in the Residential Project Construction (up to $50,000) section of the Registered Master Landscapers, Landscapes of Distinction Awards. 

The Central App spoke with Andrew and Nicola Rae about their win.

Nicola Rae and Andrew Rae of Weka Landscaping, with Taylor Reid at the Landscaping Awards ceremony in Christchurch.

“This was the first time we have entered the awards, which attract a high calibre of entrants from across New Zealand,” says Nicola.

“Andrew was working for Southern Landmarx when he won the Young Landscaper of the Year in 2012. 

“Andrew worked on the philosophy that if he wanted to be the best then he had to start by working for the best and surround himself with the best people, materials and knowledge that he could.” 

Andrew subsequently decided to follow his dream of having his own business and started Weka Landscaping in 2014. 

He went to Western Australia to work on the grain harvest and get some money behind him, so he could purchase his first truck.  

Nicola says the property with their winning landscape construction is located at the base of the clock in Alexandra on a classic hot, dry schist covered site. 

The house was built in 2017/18, with the builders completing decks and an outdoor fireplace. The landscape was designed by Pisa Moorings based landscape architect Michelle Snodgrass. 

Her design included schist gabion baskets, paving, paths, irrigation, planting and lawn, which were completed by Weka Landscaping in 2018. 

“The client wanted to create a really relaxing space with good privacy, in keeping with the look of the site, which is dominated with Central Otago schist rock,” Nicola says. 

“Although they enjoy gardening, their focus was on lifestyle and doing things other than being in their garden every free moment. They wanted good indoor-outdoor flow and an ability to move around their property in private.”

The team worked closely with the builder, landscape architect and client to create an outdoor space they could call home. 

They also focused on the long-term in constructing the landscaped areas.

“With the aid of compost and irrigation, the planting is getting established and creating a private oasis in sunny Central Otago.” 

Nicola says even though the business has grown since it started back in 2014, and they landscape residential properties throughout the Alexandra and Cromwell basins, their ethos has remained the same. 

“We are a family run business who have a small team - and we’re currently looking for an apprentice.

“As with any project, a result like this is not possible without a good team around you. 

“We were fortunate to have two great guys working on the site who took ownership of the project and worked hard through a cold, unforgiving Alexandra winter to get everything complete.”

Images supplied.