Rema Hinds' Design and Landscaping qualifications are impeccable but it is her keen listening skills that help her produce gardens that suit her clients to a tee.

This talented, Howick based landscaper has been in business since 1994 working predominantly on residential properties ranging from courtyard size to lifestyle acreage's.

"My first aim is always to improve the quality of life for clients so that their practical needs are fulfilled while still ensuring that their end result is a stunning garden that goes beyond their expectations."

To achieve this, Rema admits good listening skills are vital. "One also has to ask the right questions and ensure clients are relaxed when discussing their plans. Initially, I prefer to just chat about their ideas, like and dislikes, plant preferences, garden features they admire and the kind of environment that either repels or excites them.

Careful never to impose her own personal preferences on clients, Rema says her role is to accommodate their dreams and to create a garden that works for them.

"I am always looking to produce award-winning designs, and, for this reason, I hate to see a new garden rushed or planted at the wrong time of the year. It is important to start planning well ahead allowing time for designs to be prepared, construction work to be done and plants gathered."

Clients can contract Rema for design work only or they may want her to oversee the whole job from start to finish regardless of whether it is done in one hit or in stages.