SHAPING THE INVERLOCH LANDSCAPE

Today we are interviewing Bryan Sheppard, the founder of Seed and Sea Landscaping. Bryan is more than your typical landscape gardener; he develops and designs new spaces in Inverloch and the surrounding region. As we sit down with him, we learn about his work, life by the sea, and his close-knit family that includes wife, Jodie and boys, Sam and Zac.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO START UP SEED AND SEA LANDSCAPING HERE IN INVERLOCH?

My family and I love Inverloch and wanted to continue to live here to raise our family. We knew that starting our own business would be challenging, but also that it would provide us with long-term benefits. There is nothing more rewarding than creating a way to do the work you love, in the area you love. It was a matter of timing when it came down to Seed and Sea, so when the opportunity arose we said “give it a go.” 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT LANDSCAPING AND THE DESIGN PROCESS?

I love working in the outdoors and being able to use products such as natural stones, pavers, rocks and plants. I also really enjoy helping people with their landscaping visions and seeing the impact my work can have when their ideas are implemented. I feel really lucky to live in such a beautiful coastal town where I can be inspired by the natural landscaping and bring parts of it into people’s homes. One of the best aspects of the design process is helping clients extend their ideas and working with them within a budget to create the ideal outdoor living space. Let me add that our company culture revolves around beach life and the seaside that we enjoy every day in Inverloch. As locals, we try and incorporate this theme into many of our projects. 

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MOST COMMON REQUESTS YOU RECEIVE FROM YOUR CLIENTS IN INVERLOCH?

The majority of our clients are people with holiday houses in Inverloch and they are looking for an easy maintenance outdoor area that requires minimal upkeep. It is about assisting them with a design/layout for a brand new or existing home they want to improve for family usage as well as adding value. It often entails updating small spaces (e.g. units or retirement homes) with synthetic grass, paving, garden beds, etc. for permanent living. Many people are looking to spend as much time outside as possible. They often inquire about easy and practical spaces that can be used all year round. ​

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO UNDERSTAND THE ELEMENTS IN THE REGION WHEN DESIGNING A GARDEN?

It is really important to help the client understand their vision and offer helpful advice on how the plans can best be achieved. My role is really to offer suggestions on what types of native plants grow well in the area and in the climate we have here by the ocean. The majority of the homes we landscape are holiday homes, so our clients generally want visually pleasing, low maintenance designs that suit the beautiful surroundings. There are so many fantastic small tracks around with great trees and native plants. Having a good understanding of these close elements gives us a good guide to not only what looks great, but also what grows really well.

WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU NOTICED IN THE STYLES OF GARDEN THAT PEOPLE ARE REQUESTING?

I love to see innovation on the part of clients and the way they are willing to incorporate recycled materials into their gardens. For me it is always about an emphasis on materials such as pebbles, timber, gravel, etc. It is more than just an issue of plants alone.

WHY IS IT BENEFICIAL TO CONSULT A LANDSCAPER TO SUPPORT PEOPLE'S DESIGN DECISIONS?

People need to realize the benefits involved in consulting a professional, even if they think they know what they want. They will get fresh ideas, a knowledge of what works well in this area, and access to a wide range of materials.

WHY DO YOU LOVE LIVING ON THE COAST IN INVERLOCH?

Inverloch is the epitome of the perfect coastal life. It makes for a great family experience, plus there is the warm and welcoming community of people. I can’t say enough about the great beaches and surf!

It is clear by chatting to him that Bryan Sheppard loves what he does. He is full of enthusiasm for his work and the relaxed lifestyle Inverloch has to offer. It has been four years now, and Bryan and his family are enjoying the ride of growing and developing Seed and Sea Landscaping for the future. He plans to implement new customer gardening ideas, new trends, and landscape transformations to Inverloch locals and the many clients who have holiday homes by the beach. As the perfect union of work and lifestyle, his company goes beyond a labor of love.

VIEW SOME SEED AND SEA'S WORK

GET IN TOUCH WITH BRYAN AT SEED AND SEA

DOES YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS NEED A BOOST? 
​WE CAN HELP

LEARN MORE