Premier landscapers shine at RML awards

A key sponsor of Registered Master Landscapers, PlaceMakers was proud to support two prestigious events – the Landscapes of Distinction awards and the Young Landscaper of the Year competition

Second Nature, based in Auckland, was named Supreme Winner for its work on the ‘Natural Urban Courtyard’, for which it also took the Premier Award for Horticulture. Judges said: “The design of this small, elegant, urban courtyard in the heart of Auckland demonstrates a rare sophistication and is in perfect harmony with the architecture.  

“There is a genuine attempt to reduce the footprint associated with this garden, as evidenced by the high levels of permeability, careful material selection and a desire to support pollinator species.” 

Supplied by PlaceMakers

Goom Landscapes (profiled HERE) won the Premier Award for Design for its residential project ‘The Vibe’, which employed a range of materials supplied by PlaceMakers. This included a BBQ bench and tiles used in the construction of a fireplace, bar and entertainment area under a louvre roof.

Sarah Bradshaw from Goom Landscapes said the project sought to “create a space that seamlessly integrates with its surroundings, while standing out as a unique and aesthetically pleasing addition to the existing house”.

Goom Landscapes also won the Special Judges Award – Heritage category for ‘Mid-Century Cool’, which featured kwila decking supplied by PlaceMakers, selected for its durability, resistance to weathering and overall aesthetic in keeping with the rest of the property.

“By using FSC-certified kwila, the design ensured the longevity of the upper level, while maintaining a visually appealing and functional outdoor space,” said Bradshaw.

The choice of materials resonated with the judges, who praised it for being in ”total harmony” with the architecture of the house.

Construction skills

Nice Pozi from Wellington triumphed in the Premier Award for Construction category for its work on ‘Titahi Bay Playcentre’ – a reimagining of a children’s playground in the Wellington suburb of Porirua.

Judges praised the “wonderful mix of timber work [and] expert carpentry skills” alongside “highly competent concreting work” and a water feature that provided “the crowning glory of this project”.

For the second year in a row, Onlandscapes took the People’s Choice award for ‘Clyde Road’ – a residential new-build site that was transformed into a stunning riverside garden.

Once again, kwila was the timber of choice, with PlaceMakers also called upon by Onlandscapes for the supply of Novaflo pipe, cloth and stone chip used in the construction of the site’s drainage system.

Away from hardscaping, Diva Landscapes won the Premier Award for Garden Management/Maintenance for its work at Millbrook Resort in Central Otago

The Diva team was praised for its “skillful handling of every aspect of plant management” with the judges calling the carefully maintained grounds “delightful, engaging and a joy to be in”.

Young talent

The 2023 Young Landscaper of the Year competition, also sponsored by PlaceMakers, saw nine of the nation’s top emerging leaders go head-to-head in a variety of tasks that showcased every element of their landscaping talent. 

Considered by some industry spectators as demanding “more than many experienced landscapers would know”, the tasks ranged from written and practical tests to public speaking. 

“It takes a wide variety of skills to be a good landscaper, and this competition speaks to that depth and breadth of knowledge required,” said RML board member and organiser Ollie Newman from Onlandscapes.

The morning began with a written test, through which the young landscapers had to estimate the cost of a landscaping project, before heading to Nichol’s Garden Centre for practical tests across seven disciplines – lawn preparation, paving, painting, digger use, profile set out, tool care and plant identification and layout. 

Around midday, all competitors delivered a speech on ways to improve sustainability in landscaping, with suggestions ranging from re-using slash to permeable paving to recycling on site.

Demonstrating the strength in depth of his team, premier award-winning Goom Landscapes’ very own Caleb Washington came out on top in what Newman called “the closest competition and the highest quality of entrants we’ve had so far”.

Caleb, who missed out on his first attempt last year and appeared calm and collected throughout the day, was “absolutely stoked” to take the win.

“Given it was my second go, it really cemented all the work I’d done over the past year to make sure I was as prepared as possible, as the competition touches on quite a diverse range of skills,” he said. 

“Most importantly, it was a big win all round. It’s great to give the team something to be proud of, and hopefully it inspires some of our younger guys and gives them the confidence to have a go as well.”

Caleb takes home the main prize of $2,500, a 12-month affiliate membership to the Registered Master Landscapers, a tool bundle from PlaceMakers and automatic entry to the Young Horticulturist of the Year awards.

Proud sponsors

The competition proved to be hungry work, with the PlaceMakers Dunedin team, including Branch JV Justin Macready, Trade Sales Manager Luke Kendrik and Key Account Managers, jumping on the BBQ to dish up a hearty lunch to demonstrate their ongoing support to the region and show off true Dunedin hospitality. 

Theresa Davies, Landscape Category Manager at PlaceMakers, said it was an honour to be involved in the competition.

“We are so privileged to have such amazing emerging talent and future leaders in landscaping, and PlaceMakers is proud to support them in their careers. To witness such skill, talent, passion and camaraderie is a true demonstration of champions. I can see how these ‘Best of the Best of 2023’ came to be competing for the grand title – every one was a winner in my eyes.” 

RML CEO Janine Scott said that opportunities for young landscapers to compete wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of sponsors like PlaceMakers.

“Industry sponsors are crucial to the survival and growth of the RML as an industry advocacy organisation. 

Without this support, we couldn’t offer these types of crucial learning experiences to the young people in our industry – nor would we be able to hold our annual awards night, which is a vital celebration of the fine body of work our members undertake.”  

 

Main image:  Competition winner Caleb Washington from Goom Landscapes taking part in the digger part of the competition