NAVIGATING THE CHANGING LANDSCAPE

Adapting to the Changing Circumstances of the Current Climate

Spending time outdoors has always been a great comfort in stressful and trying times. When you consider the current circumstance during which most of the community has been forced to spend more time at home, then it becomes clear how much solace our gardens and greenspaces can provide.

It is no surprise that appreciation of great outdoor spaces is at an all-time high. Following droughts, bushfires and now coronavirus, our community is yearning for a garden that is well-designed, water-efficient, functional and healthy!

However, in response to the current situation, landscape designers and irrigation installers have had to alter the way they are delivering their services – maintaining and operating systems remotely where the appropriate and innovative equipment has been installed, and providing design and landscaping advice through alternate methods rather than holding consultations on site.

We have great technologies available at our fingertips, but never more than now have circumstances encouraged us to utilise these technologies to their full limits. Phones and conferencing services have proven priceless for contactless consultations with clients; modern irrigation technologies allow for remote access and operation of water systems; working remotely has opened the doors to more flexible meetings and presentation opportunities. With the whole landscaping industry adapting to and adopting these new processes and procedures – and finding just how effective they are to continue business as usual – it is likely that our newfound appreciation of modern technology will continue to be used beyond the current situation.

In addition to improved use of our phones and computers, there are also a myriad of priceless irrigation technologies available on the market that are more useful now than ever before.

Sales Director of Smart Water, Gary Andrews, provides insight on these technologies:

“There can be no compromise in our endeavour to construct great landscapes with truly water efficient irrigation systems. Competent design is supported by great products, professional installation, good management and regular maintenance.

“Today there are no excuses. We have available a full complement of smart technologies to deliver best possible outcomes on each and every occasion. From drip irrigation to stream rotor sprinklers and super smart control systems that are not only accessible on the internet, but connect to flow, rain and moisture sensors, and are interactive with weather forecasts in real time.

“In essence, there are no barriers to achieve water efficiency and great environmental outcomes.”

Leading brands in the irrigation industry – such as Rain Bird and Hunter – have adapted their quality products to suit the modern world by introducing smart controllers with improved functions and web-connectivity, ensuring their products work seamlessly with one another to achieve the perfect remotely-controlled water system for any and every landscape.

These ‘Smart Controllers’ offer irrigation teams the ability to run diagnostics, operate systems, and generate system reports from anywhere in the world, by taking advantage of wifi-connectivity and real-time alerts direct to any device. By installing a smart controller to easily and conveniently operate a client’s system, you can rest assured that the days of having to personally attend their property to run problem tests and make seasonal adjustments are long gone!

In addition to remote access and operation, smart controllers can also connect and communicate directly with flow metres and rain/moisture sensors within the system – allowing for automatic shut off in the event of rainfall, providing predictive weather forecasting, and the monitoring of flow.

Fortunately, while we live in a world of sudden unexpected circumstance, ever-improving technology allows our industry to carry on business as usual – providing the community with healthy, thriving landscapes to enjoy and escape to for years to come!