Alan, from International Garden Concepts, was employed to renovate an out-of-control bamboo forest, to usefully dispose of a tonne of ugly brown river pebbles, and to create two very low maintenance gardens: one, a dry temperate rain forest strip along a two metre high wooden boundary fence, and two, a serene, succulents’ garden, with a cool and quiet presence, surrounded by the rain forest. Both to be enjoyed year round.
As well, Alan was charged with creating a third, formal garden, which would be in public view, by taking a brackish pond, infested with philodendron plants and weeds, and surrounded by a mixture of weeds and volunteer seedlings from previous gardening attempts, into a contemplative, reflecting pond with calming notes of running water, in the midst of a delicate oriental garden.
All this to be done to a very restrictive budget on a small suburban block.
Alan was happy to have as many consultations regarding design and budget, and World Cup Rugby, as were required to finalise the project. Alan provided all the drawings and design and budget information that was necessary. In fact, Alan went over and above all my expectations regarding design and budget for these gardens. His advice proved to be invaluable in all instances and strong, constructive discussion on all matters was expected.
With Alan’s trusted and very friendly team, the work was commenced and completed as scheduled. Materials supplied were within budget and running costs were always open for discussion. Alan was always very frugal with the budget and very generous with the supply of plants and materials. His knowledge of, and selection of, plants for the formal garden was excellent. The garden’s design with a lovely reflecting pond, beautiful plants and trees, including lighting and irrigation, meets and exceeds the original brief.
As a bonus, Alan skilfully pruned a tall (at least 4 metres high) hedge of Michalia trees, and some overhanging neighbouring tree branches. And his team enthusiastically moved and stacked some 750 concrete bricks from front of house to back yard.
Unlike my experiences with other contractors, Alan was very transparent in his actions and did not regard over-ordered or surplus materials as his to remove from the site. He and his team were always on time, or called to advise of any delay. He worked late and worked extra time if required. He and his team had a great repore, and worked hard and constructively, together. And when asked, they would do the extra bit, without needing a variation to be submitted.
Thanks Alan, you did a great job, and ticked all the boxes. We are looking forward to a visit from you.