Evan Gaulke founded Ochre Landscape in January 1996 after travelling and working for five years in various horticultural positions. Evolving over the years into a successful garden design and maintenance business, Ochre now boasts an extensive clientele including both residential and commercial properties, and were granted entry into the Landscape Industries Association of Victoria in 2006. Ochre Landscape designs are regularly featured in magazines such as Australian House and Garden, The Herald Sun’s ‘Home’ and Australian Horticulture. Evan can often be heard as a guest on the Sunday morning Gardening Show on radio station 3CR.
COMMENDATION AWARD 2018
QUANTUM VICTORIA STEM GARDEN
ASSOCIATION FOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AUSTRALASIA
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NATIONAL FINALIST 2015 SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS
IN COLLABORATION WITH BRAND ARCHITECTS
ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN
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VICTORIAN STATE WINNER 2015 OUTDOOR LEARNING AREA
IN COLLABORATION WITH BRAND ARCHITECTS
ASSOCIATION FOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENTS AUSTRALASIA
Read moreView project
Tailored to your needs
We aim to produce exceptional gardens tailored to each client’s taste, utilitarian needs and budget. We consider the existing site and architecture carefully and enjoy developing innovative designs that challenge the common perceptions of garden stereotype.
Diverse & intricate
An important element to Ochre garden designs is, and always has been, our diverse and intricate plantings. Ochre staff have horticultural backgrounds and treat the preparation and planting of gardens with equal importance as the ‘hard’ landscape elements.
Unique design
Ochre’s designers are always striving to create something unique with each design and are constantly on the lookout for new materials and plants to incorporate. We find inspiration in the most unlikely places!
![features_0001_103 [Planting - Forecourt and Occ Care]](https://www.ochrelandscape.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/features_0001_103-Planting-Forecourt-and-Occ-Care-250x250.jpg "features_0001_103 [Planting - Forecourt and Occ Care]")
Precise & efficient
CAD software allows us to offer the associated efficiency, precision, and scale, without compromising on graphics or plan details. Plan presentation is clear, precise and easy to work with, yet still a piece of art within itself.
The Ochre Design Team
An effective planting creates interest and surprise as it transforms not only with the seasons but throughout lifetimes
Evan Gaulke
Evan Founded Ochre Landscape in January 1996.
Evan has extensive skills and 19 years experience in Landscape Design and Project Management through projects in the Residential, Commercial, Resort Landscape Management, Local Government and Educational sectors.
He has worked in Holland and Queensland prior to establishing Ochre Landscape in Melbourne where projects are primarily within Victoria.
As well as his work at Ochre, he is a past Australian Institute of Horticulture Victorian President and National Vice President, a member of Play Australia, the Horticultural Media Association and a Designer Member of Landscaping Victoria.
Evan is a regular presenter on Sunday Morning Gardening Radio 3CR and has made several appearances to showcase his work on Burkes Backyard and Gardening Australia.
Evan's extensive experience and exceptional knowledge of the practical side of landscape construction combined with his flair for innovative garden design means that he has the ability to communicate effectively with the client, other professionals in the design process and most importantly the construction team.
Simple yet striking plant composition is the key to a successful small garden
Clare Colson
Clare joined the Ochre team shortly after completing a Bachelor of Applied Science (Horticulture) at Melbourne University in 2003.
A valued member of the design team, Clare has experience in the design, documentation and management of residential and commercial projects. Clare’s particular expertise lies in concept innovation and development, and she relishes the challenge of transforming a design brief into a unique, artistic and functional garden space. With a particular interest in the softness and life that plants bring to each garden, emphasis is given to balancing bold garden architecture with equally bold and interesting planting design. A perfectionist streak means careful consideration is given to subtle details that are so important in the creation of great gardens.
With open communication and liason with both clients and contractors, Clare has successfully managed numerous projects from brief development through to completion, with a high level of client satisfaction.
Our Work
- Sort Portfolio:
- All
- Custom Pieces
- Early Learning
- Educational Spaces
- Residential Gardens
Educational Spaces
Ochre’s involvement with Gardens for Educational Spaces began at Ruyton Girls’ School back in 1996 where the then Principal Prue Gillies engaged Ochre Landscape to revitalise the grounds of Ruyton. Ochre has a had a close association with Ruyton ever since. Over this time many students, teachers, parents and visitors to the school have enjoyed the beautiful gardens. Similarly Shelford Girls’ Grammar has been under the guidance of the Ochre Team for many years.
Great gardens in schools create great results
The appearance of educational gardens is so important for the vibe of the organisation. It displays the caring nature of the institution as well as providing a relaxed environment for all users. In 2014 both Shelford and Ruyton topped the VCE results and we at Ochre are claiming that great gardens in schools create great results!
Residential Gardens
We aim to produce exceptional gardens tailored to each client’s taste, utilitarian needs and budget. We consider the existing site and architecture carefully and enjoy developing innovative designs that challenge the common perceptions of garden stereotype. An important element to Ochre garden designs is, and always has been, our diverse and intricate plantings. Ochre staff have horticultural backgrounds and treat the preparation and planting of gardens with equal importance as the ‘hard’ landscape elements.
Unique design
Ochre’s designers are always striving to create something unique with each design and are constantly on the lookout for new materials and plants to incorporate. We find inspiration in the most unlikely places! CAD software allows us to offer the associated efficiency, precision, and scale, without compromising on graphics or plan details. Plan presentation is clear, precise and easy to work with, yet still a piece of art within itself.
Ochre Landscape Design Process
You may choose to engage Ochre to develop any combination of concept or planting plans, construction details and specifications, irrigation or lighting plans for use with a licensed contractor.
Concept Plan
Plan, elevation and detail drawings are developed, as required, using CAD software to demonstrate the possibilities for your garden space. The concept plan is not a comprehensive construction document, but rather a detailed vision and collaboration of ideas. A concept plan will often document:
- Major elements of the design such as level changes, hard surfaces, garden areas, water features, focal points, access routes and important views
- The manner in which these elements combine to create a cohesive, interesting and individualised garden
Planting Plan
The planting does as much for the feel of a garden as the built structures. Ochre Landscape specialises in the development of creative designs drawing from a broad palette of interesting and less common plant species; something, both as horticulturists and designers, we are all very proud of. Planting plans generally include:
- Individual plant symbols, positions, quantities and planting requirements
- A plant schedule including botanical and common names
- A reference CD specific to your complement of garden plants, including colour photos
Construction Plans
A comprehensive set of drawings suitable for use with any licensed contractor, these may include:
- Elevation, perspective and detail drawings as required
- Detailed dimensions for all hard surfaces and structures
- Specification listing incorporating materials and finishes, construction details and recommended suppliers
- Irrigation and Lighting Plans
Drainage, electrical and other subsurface construction requirements can be detailed as required.
Implementation
There are several ways in which your garden can progress from design to completion. You may choose to:
- Engage Ochre Landscape for the purpose of project management. We find this to be convenient for most clients
- Use contractors that you are familiar with, but have Ochre provide consultancy and advice as necessary
- Build the garden yourself, have Ochre assist as required and provide plant sourcing/supply services at a competitive rate