
Botanica Landscapes owner, Elliot Rehwinkel. Photo: Botanica Landscapes.
As boundaries between inside and outside living continue to blur, many Canberrans are seeking ways to improve the use of their outdoor space.
The benefits of well-conceived green spaces are documented the world over. They provide engaging social settings, improve air quality, decrease noise, offer privacy and are a welcoming natural space for relaxation.
With landscaped gardens increasing property value and curb appeal, it is no surprise that residents from Forrest to Fadden are finessing their green thumbs. There are however some drawbacks with the do-it-yourself approach.
Landscaping is serious business, seemingly minor tweaks can require licensed construction under the watchful eye of trades and Canberra has a distinct climate with vast seasonal variances making plant selection challenging.
This is where experienced landscapers can help.
Great landscapers take your brief and cues from your surrounds to conceptualise, design, and construct your space. They are also expert horticulturalists, with an innate knowledge of plant species, ensuring that you reap the seeds of what you sow.
With the market awash with gardeners come landscapers, finding an experienced and qualified professional with all the right credentials can be challenging. To help you navigate we’ve provided some points to keep in mind along with our recommendations for the best landscapers in the Canberra region.
What makes a great landscaper?
The best Canberra landscapers create breath taking surrounds with strong structural form that speaks to soul of its inhabitants. Great landscaping not only expands liveable space, it also adds significant value to any property.
Here are some things to keep in mind when selecting a landscaper:
- Green philosophy. In many ways landscape design is an art form, with artists a plenty and equally as many styles. Understand your own style, and seek a landscaper who specialises in this area. Is your landscaper a classicist embracing formal tradition; are they innovators creating sculptural delights; or do they prefer natural organic flows? A shared philosophy and clear expectations will ensure your vision is aptly translated into a living reality.
- Qualified, licensed, and insured. The best landscapers have completed formal training in horticulture and all aspects of landscaping including construction and design. Whilst a landscaping licence is not currently required in Canberra, a licensed tradesperson will be required for any projects which need planning or permits; structures like patios, porches, and decks; electrical; and pools. Importantly, ensure your landscaper is professionally insured.
- Impeccable project management. A fully landscaped space is a feat in production, dealing with live assets and subject to Canberra’s extreme climate. A great landscaper will have superior project management skills, including clear timelines, agile delivery, and will be prepared for contingencies. Request references from past clients for peace of mind that your project will be delivered on time, and on budget.
- Quality installations. Years of experience set the best landscapers aside from the rest. Look for evidence of quality installations that have been delivered to the highest standards. Also ensure your landscaper is well versed with the variances in Canberra’s climate, and is prepared to guarantee their products and their work. Enquire about the locations of their past projects and be sure to pay them a visit.
- Contracts & maintenance. Good landscapers provide clear contracts details all terms. Ensure you agree upon inclusions, responsibilities, prices, payment terms, and guarantees. Caring for a newly planted landscape in Canberra’s early summer can make even the most confident gardeners uneasy. Agreeing on a maintenance plan beforehand will ensure your garden will be nurtured once laid. Also check on liability for any plants that do not survive as replacement can be a costly exercise.
Important essentials to check before engaging a landscaper
To ensure a quality installation that will stand the test of time a couple of minutes spent checking the following will help to give you peace of mind; and ensure you avoid a mediocre landscaper:
- Confirm that the landscaper runs a registered business through the Australian Business Registration website.
- If you or your landscaper are contracting individual trades for planning or permits; non-habitable structures like patios, porches, and decks; electrical; and any pools or water features; ensure they are appropriately licensed.
- Verify that the landscaper, and any additional trades are professionally insured with public liability insurance.
- Be clear on contracted inclusions, terms, and conditions.
The best landscapers in Canberra
Region Canberra's editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Region Canberra and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
In-Depth Landscape Construction
Transforming Canberra's landscape, one yard at a time - this is the aspiration of In-depth Landscape Construction.
In-depth is locally owned, having serviced homes and businesses across the ACT and into surrounding NSW for more than a decade. These award-winning landscaping experts specialise in outdoor spaces that enhance the look, feel, security, and value of every property they work on.
The team offers a comprehensive suite of services that includes bespoke landscaping, paving, decks and pergolas, fencing, pool and aquascaping, concreting and more.
Every project is designed to be functional and beautiful while maximising space.

In-depth works closely with clients on all stages of their project, from design concept and approval through to final handover. They are proud members of Master Builders Association ACT, the Landscape Association, and the Housing Industry Association.
"The team from In-depth were fantastic. They were very professional and turned up on time every day," Zanne said online, praising In Depth for completing his large project on time and within budget.
"Any hiccups, which you always have with a large job, were sorted out quickly and to our complete satisfaction. The final result is fabulous and has added value to our home. We’re very happy."
Thanks to their penchant for functional, beautiful, and enduring outdoor spaces, In-Depth Landscape Construction is fast becoming one of Canberra’s top picks for professional landscape architecture and construction.
Gardengigs
Gardengigs creates bespoke landscapes to suit all lifestyles and budgets, in the ACT and surrounds. Qualified designers, horticulturists and tradesman design and construct beautiful spaces to be enjoyed. Well designed and finished to the highest standards, qualified professionals work on domestic and commercial projects. Owner Greg Clues has nearly 20 years of experience in the landscaping industry.
Each project, no matter how large or small, begins with a landscape consultation. Services extend to design, excavation, paving, decks pergolas, retaining walls, general soft and hard landscaping, horticultural services, privacy screening, irrigation, lighting, and water features.
Gardengigs is professional, responsive and guarantees attention to detail with all projects, whether transforming spaces into a private sanctuary, entertainer’s dream or a practical, functional and productive garden.
On Google, Marcia Capon wrote, “Our backyard is absolutely beautiful and has changed the whole house. We now live outside … worth every penny.”
Dust To Lawn
Dust to Lawn is a family-owned and operated business that has been transforming people’s outdoor spaces across the ACT and NSW for more than 20 years.
A garden or front lawn is more than just an accessory to the home, it adds value and provides a beautiful, green space. Dust to Lawn does the work to bring that home dream to reality.
Across residential projects, council projects, body corporate projects and schools, Dust to Lawn creates special outdoor spaces through a range of works including paving, concreting, excavation, walls, fencing and more.
The owner of Dust to Lawn manages each job, working with the client to advise, plan and discuss all stages of the work, ensuring that each project is safe, organised and completed on time and on budget.
Their work extends to raised garden beds, creating a layered outdoor space through structural work, soil and rocks, decorative gravel and mulch.
In addition to their landscaping, they also create patios, decks and more for a complete outdoor area or entertaining paradise.
From small jobs like touching up a garden all the way up to a complete overhaul, Dust to Lawn has the expertise to get the job done to the highest standard.
“We had an amazing experience with Dust to Lawn. From start to finish, Adam demonstrated professionalism, passion, and attention to detail. He suggested creative ideas that we hadn’t considered, resulting in a beautiful finished product,” Dilshani says on Google.
Botanica Landscapes
Botanica Landscapes is an award-winning family business with an experienced team of innovative designers and professional landscapers focused on delivering high-quality residential design and construction projects.
The company offers a complete start-to-finish landscape service, from initial consultation through to design and final construction. This ensures a smooth transition at every step.
Owned by the Rehwinkel family, Botanica Landscapes has a long and respected reputation on the horticultural scene in Canberra and region. Managing Director and landscaper Elliot Rehwinkel and his team use their deep local horticultural knowledge, combined with innovative design skills and expertise in construction, to bring landscaping visions to fruition.
Botanica Landscapes excels at tailoring landscape solutions which combine creativity with quality materials and workmanship.
With more than 40 years of industry experience, Botanica Landscapes continually exceeds client expectations. Services include paving, artificial turf, flagstone, planting and mulching, edging, garden beds, turf, irrigation, ponds and water features, retaining walls, as well as granite paths and driveways.
Satisfied client Wilhelmina Blount wrote on Region Canberra, "Elliot and the team at Botanica Landscapes are beyond excellent – they are outstanding. We came to Elliot with a challenging pool removal which no one else was interested in doing. The result has exceeded our expectations. We now have a beautifully paved courtyard as well a range of soft landscaping that we love. Not only that, but his team returned to re-pave after the installation of screens required the removal of some pavers. Elliot and his team were punctual, kept us informed and were master tradesman – bringing to life a space that was previously an eyesore and unusable. There is a reason Botanica Landscapes is the most recommended landscaper in Canberra – I cannot speak highly enough of them."



Panacea Landscapes
With total passion, Panacea Landscapes provides complete garden maintenance and soft landscaping services for private, commercial, strata and real estate projects.
With friendly, personalised service and attention to detail, Panacea Landscapes offers full landscape maintenance services for every type of garden, one-off or ongoing. It also provides small-scale landscape design and construction services, as well as planting advice. No job is too small or too hard.
Panacea Landscapes is run by a qualified Horticulturist and Landscape Designer with over 15 years' experience in the industry. Quality is assured by forming close client relationships, to determine needs, and following best-practice guidelines.
Free consultation and quotes available.



Clive Rodger wrote on Google, “Shannon has been our gardener for the last five years. Initially this was at in our award-winning, two-acre garden in Red Hill and more recently at our new house in Ainslie. She is fantastic: hard working; totally reliable; knowledgeable …”
Realityscapes CBR
Servicing Canberra and surrounds, Realityscapes CBR provides a range of garden services to create outdoor spaces that truly stand out.
The team works in residential homes and strata buildings, building and maintaining beautiful gardens that thrive long term.
Alongside landscape design, their services include mowing, seeding, pruning, weeding and more, to keep outdoor areas vibrant no matter the season.
Realityscapes CBR understands that each no two gardens are the same, tailoring their work to individual tastes and lifestyles.
This approach has earned them a five star average rating on Google, with customers raving about the genuine care taken with each job and always receiving service with a smile.
"Always professional and does an amazing job with my yards and living on a corner block its a huge job. Mitch is always up for a friendly chat and genuinely cares about his work," Katrina Faulder said online.
If your backyard just needs a tidy up, check out our article on the best gardening services in Canberra. Or, if you prefer to do it yourself, check out our article on the best landscaping supplies stores. You may also like our articles on the best bricklayers or the best concreters Canberra has to offer.
Your experience with landscapers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the landscaping companies listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is landscape design?
Landscape design is the integration of planning and construction phases of a garden, with its overarching design and plant selection therein.
What should a landscape plan include?
Landscape plans should include any required structural aspects such as retaining walls, pavers, irrigation, and lighting; along with natural elements like flowers, trees, and grasses; and any introduced elements such as benches, fountains or sheds.
What are the basic principles of landscape design?
A visually aesthetic landscape can be created by following six core principles of landscape design: balance, focalisation, simplicity, line, proportion, and unity.
How much does landscaping cost in Canberra?
Landscaping costs vary significantly based on the scale, complexity, and ease of access for the works. Minor work on existing landscapes can cost from $20/hr up to $350+/hr for those which are more complex.
How much should I budget for landscaping?
A general rule of thumb when budgeting for complete landscaping services is to set aside between 5% to 10% of your property’s value.