Waterdale Garden Services is based in Ivanhoe, Melbourne. Fully insured and trade qualified, we provide landscape design, horticultural consultation and garden maintenance services. For company director, Vicky Aikman, a life-long interest in gardening and landscape design developed into a passion following many years of study at the Northern Melbourne Institute of Tafe (Fairfield). She left her job in the tertiary education sector to work full time in Waterdale Garden Services, but brings project management skills and a professional outlook to the company. ‘I really enjoy using my creative and problem solving skills to breathe new life into an established garden, or to create a beautiful landscape on a blank canvas. I love seeing the delighted faces of my clients when they talk about how much they now adore their gardens.’ Landscape Design Working in harmony with our clients’ expectations and goals, we focus on designing gardens that will give pleasure for many years. We consider energy efficiency, reducing the need for mains water use, responsible plant selection, the recycling of soil, plants and other materials onsite, and the selection of sustainable construction materials. We ensure that where possible, waste is retained within the site by using erosion control and retention strategies. Our designs aim to attract and support wildlife to create a balanced eco system to reduce the need for pest management, to reduce the need to use chemicals, and to minimise ongoing maintenance. We are experienced in producing designs for many different styles of gardens, including gardens that make use of indigenous, native, and edible plants. We stay informed about new and emerging materials and design trends which we then incorporate into our designs, for example using green roof and wall gardens to reduce the urban heat island effect, to regulate building temperature, to reduce storm water runoff and to reduce noise levels. We help clients choose plants and other materials that will look great, and perform well; perfectly suited to the environment and climate. Our service includes an initial consultation, the production of preliminary plans, and then master plans are drawn up that can be used by a landscape contractor or easily followed by the home owner. We can also source quality plants and materials at reasonable prices, recommend local trades people, and will prepare a budget and co-ordinate your project if required. Maintenance We offer maintenance services by appointment. We specialise in the kind of maintenance that is not routinely provided by gardening services. We assess the health of you garden and apply our horticultural skills to enhance its aesthetics, and to ensure that your plants perform optimally. We identify and treat pest problems and nutrient deficiencies, and can prune and maintain plants to promote a healthy and beautiful landscape. We renovate neglected gardens and specialise in preparing gardens for the sale or rental of a property. For more information or to see how we can help you out contact us today!!