Landscapes Reimagined: From Backyards to Botanical Gardens with Wayne De Klijn | The Front Garden EP108
In this episode…Special guest host Richie Hinton, CEO of Landscaping Victoria, interviews Wayne De Klijn from AQL Landscape Design. Wayne shares his journey from interior landscaping to running a diverse landscape architecture and construction business.
Ballarat Botanical Gardens Fernery partners with AQL Landscape to create a gallery of Australian ferns.
The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show – 29 March – 2 April 2023 at the Carlton Gardens
AQL will be providing free consultations at the Lv dome the link to make booking is below.
Wednesday 29th March, 9am - 1pm
Thursday 30th March, 9am - 11am
Saturday 1st April, 9am - 1pm
How To Solve Your Summer Gardening Problems
Summer is quickly approaching. While you may be enjoying the warmer weather, your garden might be facing a challenging time. However, with the right tips and tricks, you’ll be able to work through any garden problems thrown your way.
The first problem you may encounter is your lawn turning brown. It is inevitable that your lawn will go brown in the scorching heat, so there is no need to waste water attempting to keep it green. Instead, you could consider raising the height of the cut on the lawn mower to delay the browning rate. Grass is a very resilient plant that will turn green again when there is rain, so don’t worry too much about it.
The lack of rain also contributes to the second problem - wilting plants. Plants in pots and hanging baskets depend on you completely for their water supply, so if you are going to be away, ask a neighbour or a friend to help you water them. If you have multiple pots, consider setting up an irrigation system that can be managed by a timer fitted to the tap. You can also increase the size of your pots and baskets, as plants in larger tubs tend to dry out less quickly.
Another problem that your garden may face in the summertime is black spots on roses. This fungal disease often occurs during warm weather or when plants are under stress due to a lack of food and water. To combat this, ensure that there is ample supply of food and water. One way to do this is to mulch the ground around the plants with compost or manure to preserve water during dry spells. Alternatively, you could switch to disease-resistant varieties and plant them in locations that receive plenty of sunshine and air circulation.
If you have a greenhouse, there is a risk of it overheating in the summer. To reduce the temperature in your greenhouse, make sure there are sufficient ventilators. Investing in blinds will also help reduce the amount of direct sunlight shining through the glass and prevent temperatures from skyrocketing. Whitewashing your greenhouse also has the advantage of reflecting sunlight before it enters the greenhouse and increases the temperature. However, you should keep in mind that it can be very troublesome to apply and remove.
The last summer problem is insects attacking your garden. Several ways to limit insect attacks include growing a wide variety of plants, mixing them up, and steering clear of plants that attract certain insects. Many birds eat insects, so you encourage them to come into your garden by setting up birdbaths or birdhouses. There may also be a surge of aphid attacks during the summertime. Aphids are tiny bugs that are very common and attracted to nearly all plants. Ladybirds and wasps eat aphids, so you could attract them into your garden by planting flowers.
If you need solutions to more of your garden problems, feel free to contact us! Call us on 0418 319 309 or email us at landscape@aql.net.au. We’re more than delighted to answer any of your questions.
Glenvalley Play Space Project
Click to expand the images below or download via the 'read more' button.
3 Benefits Of Using Eco-Friendly Landscaping Materials
There are various things you should consider when revamping your garden. While the landscape design is probably the most important, you should also think about what materials you could use. Here are three reasons why we recommend using eco-friendly landscaping materials.
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Eco-friendly materials will benefit the environment
As its name suggests, eco-friendly materials are environmentally friendly and can be beneficial for the environment. Such materials are typically sourced sustainably in a way that won’t result in carbon emissions, thus reducing the greenhouse effect. Moreover, an eco-friendly landscape design would require less water and energy. This can be done by incorporating dry land plants that do not require irrigation or much watering. The AQL team is knowledgeable about the various coloured, formed, and textured drought tolerant plants and will help you select the best ones to fit your garden design.
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Eco-friendly materials won’t leach harmful chemicals
Plastic and other landscaping materials are often manufactured using harmful chemicals that could leach into soil, damaging the ecosystem and impacting the health of people and animals around it. Sustainable substitutes such as eco friendly wood, concrete, or stone are relatively environmentally friendly materials that will not poison your garden and are a much safer choice compared to synthetic alternatives.
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Promotes a healthy garden
A landscape design that does not involve toxic plastics and chemicals can help encourage local wildlife activity, especially if you live in an area that’s frequently visited by birds and other wildlife animals. Using eco-friendly materials can also result in a garden that is greener and in a better condition in general.
If you’re unsure about what sustainable landscaping design will be best for your garden, AQL can help. Our AQL team of landscape architects, designers, and project managers has the knowledge and expertise to ensure that your project is finished to the highest possible standard. We are true experts in environmental and sustainable designs that incorporate recycled elements.
Let’s work on making your garden eco-friendly and sustainable today! For any enquiries, please contact us here. Alternatively, you can call us on 0418 319 309 or email us at landscape@aql.net.au. We are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
Italianate-Style Property in Richmond Victoria
The influence of Italian architecture in Australia has, for good reason, been both widespread and timeless. Italianate architecture is a popular 19th-century style of architecture that takes inspiration from 16th-century Italian Renaissance building.
To pay tribute to the landscaping of countrysides in Tuscany, the ideal Italiante home is built on land that is vast enough to highlight the connection to the outdoors. It also includes picturesque elements such as follies, grottos, and an emphasis on natural and lush landscaping. The aim is for the property to look as beautiful as an oil painting.
Our recent landscaping project in Richmond, Victoria encapsulates the essence of Italianate architecture perfectly, but with a contemporary twist. In order to enjoy the view of the outdoors, Italians value a garden that is pretty and well kept. In line with this, we designed a manicured and well-presented garden that includes various features such as garden beds, sculptures and a water feature. These components will not just delight owners but impress guests as well.
Other notable features are the trees that have been incorporated into the landscaping design. While trees provide oxygen and some shade, they also bring aesthetic value. We selected the Cupressus Sempervirens 'glauca' (also known as Italian Pencil Pine) as it gives off a stylish, formal look and is perfect for structural effect. Meanwhile, the pleached trees form a stunning screen of branches and foliage and have a ‘green wall’ effect, which is great for allowing filtered views through to the street while still maintaining some form of privacy.
If you’re a fan of orderly yet charming gardens with luscious greenery all around, then an Italianate-style landscaping design is what you need. The team at AQL Landscape Design has a wealth of knowledge and experience in constructing and designing such landscapes. With our high level of artistry and first-class materials, you can expect the aesthetic garden of your dreams.
If you have any questions, please contact us here. Alternatively, feel free to call us on 0418 319 309 or email us at landscape@aql.net.au. We look forward to hearing from you!
Winchelsea war memorial - update
AQL has recently design and constructed stage 2 and 3 of the Winchelsea war memorial after extensive consultation with local residents, invested parties and local government.
Please see the left image for more details or connect with us on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest) to follow see the finished project.
Winchelsea War Memorial gets stage 2 and 3 go ahead!
AQL has been contracted for the next stage of design and construction for the Wichelsea war memorial. After consultation with the local community, invested partners and Surf Coast Shire, the original design will be honoured, construction is currently underway which will see an addition of two cairns and landscaping works.
Connect with us on social media (Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest) to follow the construction process.
Focal Points and Highlights - Backyard Creative Australian Living
The team at AQL Landscape Design had their work cut out for them with this design brief. The clients wanted their Melbourne garden to really flourish, with a focal water feature plus a social setting for gatherings, plus they wanted to highlight some areas and soften others.
Backyard and Garden Show - Exhibitor Feature
The award winning AQL Landscape Design Team is led by Principle, Horticulturist, Landscape Designer and Contractor, Wayne De Klijn and has developed a reputation for being a thoroughly professional multi-disciplinary team of Landscape Architects, Landscape Designers, Horticulturists and Project Managers.
With over 38 years of experience, Wayne and the team specialise in the creation of a range of projects types, from residential to large commercial developments, boasting un compromised client satisfaction and dedication to the highest quality level of workmanship. Their design philosophy encompasses cutting edge design techniques within the boundaries of sustainability and future trends.
Wayne and the team will be ready to discuss your outdoor project on Stand F45 at the Backyard and Garden Show, on Saturday 10 - Sunday 11 August at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
AQL teamed up with Porta Timber and Jati Furniture to decorate our booth so check out their fantastic products at our stand!
European Landscape Architect Award
We are being invited by ROSA BARBA international landscape award to submit the Vietnam Veterans Commemorative wall Seymour Australia
Publications
AQL landscape designed and built Award winning Australian Garden, as published in Designer Landscapes.
Seville War Memorial
Vietnam Veterans Commemorative Wall Press Release
While a stainless steel or black granite wall with gold. Gilded and etched names is the traditional approach to creating a memorial for those who served in Vietnam; Mitchell Shire Council and Mitchell Sub Branch of Vietnam Veterans knew this was exactly what they did not want…….
Click here to view full article.
Next Step for Commemorative Walk
A further $500,000 was invested into Seymour’s Vietnam Veterans’ Commemorative Wall last Thursday. Allowing its interested parties to “go beyond finishing the project off’, Vietnam Veterans Association Mitchell sub-branch chairman Ross Stewart said.
Presented by Federal Member for McEwen Rob Mitchell, stage three of the walk will see footpaths constructed, the installation of an Iroquois ‘Huey’ helicopter and a Howitzer artillery cannon, a commemorative wall panel, and the construction of car parks. Click here to view full article.
