How does the Caddans climate influence your plant and material selections?
We prioritise native and drought-tolerant species that thrive in our sun-exposed, often dry conditions. For materials, we choose hardwoods, UV-stabilised composites, and colours/stone that won’t fade excessively in the strong sun, ensuring your landscape remains beautiful and resilient.
Can you work with my steep or sloping block to create usable space?
Absolutely. This is a core strength of our integrated service. We design and build tiered retaining walls, create level platforms, and use strategic planting to stabilise slopes, transforming challenging terrain into functional garden “rooms” or entertainment areas.
What’s the advantage of an integrated concrete and landscaping design?
A seamless design ensures practical outcomes. For example, we can slope a concrete patio to direct water into a hidden drain that feeds a rainwater tank for your garden irrigation. It creates a cohesive, functional, and low-maintenance outdoor living space.
Do you provide 3D renderings of the proposed landscape design?
Yes, for most comprehensive projects. A 3D visualisation allows you to “walk through” your new garden, understand the layout, and make informed decisions about the placement of features, plants, and lighting before any work begins.
What are the best low-maintenance paving options for a Caddans garden?
Porcelain pavers are excellent for their stain and fade resistance. Large-format concrete pavers provide a clean, modern look with minimal joints for weeds. For a more natural feel, high-quality exposed aggregate concrete is a very durable and low-maintenance choice.
How can I make my new landscape more water-wise?
We design with Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) principles. This includes installing sub-surface irrigation, choosing drought-tolerant plants, using mulch to retain soil moisture, and even incorporating permeable paving to allow stormwater to recharge the groundwater on your property.
What type of timber is best for outdoor structures in Caddans’s weather?
Spotted Gum and Blackbutt are superior local hardwoods renowned for their natural durability and resistance to termites and decay. For a lower-maintenance option, we also offer high-quality, UV-stabilised composite decking that won’t splinter or require regular staining.
Can you incorporate my existing trees or structures into the new design?
Where possible, yes. We assess the health and stability of existing trees and can design around them. We can also integrate or repurpose existing structures like old paths or walls to blend the old with the new, often saving on material costs and waste.
What are the typical stages of a landscaping project from start to finish?
The process generally follows:
- Consultation & Design,
- Site Preparation & Earthworks,
- Installation of Hardscape (walls, paths, patios),
- Irrigation & Lighting,
- Soil Preparation & Planting, and finally
- Mulching and final clean-up.
How do you prepare the soil before planting?
We don’t just put plants in the ground. We conduct a soil test and then amend the soil with specific organic matter, compost, and wetting agents based on its needs and the plants selected. This critical step ensures your plants establish quickly and thrive long-term.
Why is professional sub-base preparation crucial for paving and retaining walls?
A compacted, well-drained sub-base is the hidden foundation that prevents pavers from sinking and retaining walls from shifting. Caddans’s reactive clay soils make this step non-negotiable for a long-lasting, stable landscape.
Do you handle the landscaping, lighting and irrigation installation?
Yes, we manage the entire package. We install sub-surface drip irrigation for garden beds and efficient pop-up sprinklers for lawns, all connected to a smart controller. Our low-voltage LED lighting installation highlights features and provides safety and ambiance.
What does a “settling-in” period for a new landscape involve?
New plants need extra water to establish their root systems, and soils may settle slightly. We provide you with a specific aftercare guide for the first 4-8 weeks, covering watering schedules, what to look for, and when to begin a regular fertilising program.
Do you offer ongoing maintenance plans for the landscapes you install?
We can tailor a maintenance plan to keep your investment looking its best. This can include seasonal pruning, fertilising, irrigation system checks, weeding, and surface cleaning, ensuring your landscape matures as intended.
What is your warranty on landscaping work and plants?
We provide a warranty on our workmanship for all hardscape and construction elements. Plants are generally guaranteed for a specific period (e.g., 90 days) against failure, provided the recommended aftercare instructions are followed.