Q&A with Green Care Project
Calling all plant lovers! Last week, we sat down with Aakash Bahuguna of Brisbane based landscaping, design and construction company, Green Care Project to discuss their green thumb. Since being established in 2015, Green Care Project has helped shape the way we view landscaping in residential and commercial sectors. Some notable works include Graya’s Arcos Villa and Unita’s Brisbane headquarters.
Here’s what went down when we chatted all things green:
Q: Do you feel like the landscaping industry has now transformed from what it used to be? Some may view landscaping as simply having a tidy lawn but your projects suggest otherwise?
A: Yes absolutely. We’re seeing the intersection of the built and natural environments becoming increasingly more connected and people are starting to realise the possibilities of how landscape and green space can be integrated into our spaces.
Q: What importance do plant species have to your projects? A lot of your projects seem very playful in regard to colour and texture and work with uniquely shaped environments
A: The selection of our plant species is incredibly important. We push hard to ensure at least 80% of the species in our projects are native and endemic to the area we are working in. We see the work we do as an opportunity to repair ecosystems and give back to the broader environment. There are a few ways we make this happen, but plant selection is definitely a big one.
Our selection process starts by studying the local environment and then identifying the overall vibe and feel we want to create with the space. For example, if we land on Lush, Bold and Tropical, we will generally select plants that are broad-leafed, glossy and deep green. Whereas, if we’re wanting to create a more Arid and Understated vibe, we would use plants with muted tones and there would be more silvers and light greens.
BUILT BY UNITA | Arcos Villa by Graya
Q: You’ve done some amazing work with Graya, do you have a project in particular, that stood out to you? And, what made you want to get on board with that project in particular?
A: We’ve done several projects with Graya over the years, but the most notable would have to be Arcos Villa in Paddington. The main attraction to the project was that it was to be Rob Gray’s personal home and that he was super keen to go all in and take it to the next level. We loved the challenge of creating a European inspired garden but keeping the plants primarily native. The number of hanging gardens was also a fun one for us!
Q: Aside from working with Graya, what is your most memorable project and why?
A: It’s honestly hard to pin it down to one project because there have been so many that we love. Recently we’ve been fortunate enough to be collaborating with Shaun Lockyer Architects and the projects have really given us the space and budgets to explore creatively. It’s amazing working with a team of people who are all equally as invested in achieving an amazing outcome!
Q: A point of difference for your company is having an eco-conscious footprint. Can you elaborate on some of the processes you use to do so?
A: Being ecologically conscious and practising sustainably is at the core of who we are. We study the local environments and eco-systems in which we work to ensure all that we do is ultimately giving something back and enhancing i.e., encouraging birds, bees, and other critters to flourish, or introducing trees that will help balance soil nutrient levels. We minimise the use of harmful chemicals and do our best to manage our waste output; recycling and repurposing as much as we can.
Q: With the increasing trend of bringing the outdoors indoors, do you have any landscaping trend predictions for the future?
A: Hanging gardens, wall creepers, green roofs and walls, indoor gardens – all of these will become more common as we densify our urban living and as people realise the benefits these gardens bring. The cost of constructing the infrastructure to support these types of gardens will also decrease as the industry upskills and becomes more familiar will the process and ongoing maintenance.
I believe we’re only at the start of our journey of re-naturalising our urban environment and am super excited to see what is to come.
QUICKFIRE Q’s
Q: Working in the hot or cold?
A: We’re in South East Queensland – we have the best of both and I love it.
Q: Most difficult plant to care for?
A: Roses? We never use them haha…
Q: Succulents. Yes or no?
A: There’s definitely a place for them!
Q: Any tips for the plant mums and dads out there reading this?
A: Soil, moisture and lighting – get these right and it will be a breeze.
