Landscaping is to landscape what urban planning is to the city: at once an art, a science and a technique of organization. This fundamental definition reminds us of the importance and complexity of the profession of landscaper, a profession that is constantly evolving to meet current environmental and societal challenges.
The evolution of the landscaping sector in Geneva
The canton of Geneva, with its rich tradition in the field of landscaping, is establishing itself as a territory of innovation where landscaping companies are developing ever more environmentally friendly approaches. Geneva's private gardens bear witness to exceptional know-how, the result of a solid training provided in particular at the Lullier School, a reference in the field of horticulture and landscaping in Switzerland, or at the Geneva School of Landscape, Engineering and Architecture (HEPIA), born from the merger between the Lullier School of Engineering and the Geneva School of Engineering in 2008.
To create a garden in Geneva, landscapers must not only master traditional landscaping techniques, but also integrate a strong ecological dimension into their work from the study phase of the project. Geneva's landscape architects are distinguished by their ability to offer innovative solutions to create projects that are both harmonious and sustainable.
Current trends in landscaping in Geneva
Through their creations, Geneva's landscape architects wish to create with nature and compose ecosystems that make sense by bringing life back to outdoor spaces. This philosophy reflects a strong trend in the sector that places biodiversity at the heart of concerns.
Landscaping companies also offer a complete garden maintenance service to ensure the sustainability of their achievements. The quality of this maintenance service is decisive in maintaining the beauty and functionality of green spaces over the years.
The environmental approach as an added value
The integration of permaculture represents a significant evolution. Setting up your permaculture garden means creating a harmonious ecosystem that diversifies over time. The landscapers offer traditional and innovative techniques and design each project to measure, taking into account the specific needs of each client.
This approach responds to a growing demand from Genevans for more natural gardens, which require less water and maintenance. The technical design offices of landscape companies now integrate these parameters even before the project is developed, by carefully examining the possibilities and constraints of the site.
From design to completion: a complete process
The creation of green spaces begins with an in-depth study of the land, the site and the client's desires. Landscapers then develop a detailed plan, often in 3D, allowing the exterior design project to be visualized before it is carried out.
Whether it is a question of creating a new green setting or redeveloping an existing garden, the landscapers accompany the client in the realization of the project and ensure that his desires are translated so that this place meets his expectations. Here a driveway, here a wooden terrace, here space for children to play, installation of an underground automatic watering system, installation of a fence, construction of dry stone walls, steps, choice of grass and plants... All these choices during the design process make it possible to finalize a perfect outdoor design project. This personalisation is at the heart of the approach of landscape professionals.
The maintenance of green spaces: a major challenge
For a vegetated area to flourish over the years, it must be given appropriate care at the right time. Landscaping companies generally offer annual maintenance that is divided into various interventions, according to the seasons. These maintenance contracts are particularly popular in Geneva, where private gardens are often seen as an extension of the home.
Maintenance specialists have mastered different techniques, from reasoned tree pruning to ecological turf management, including the maintenance of more complex areas such as permaculture gardens.
Specific skills at the service of customers
Landscaping companies are generally made up of employees with varied and complementary skills: specialists in "Nature in the city", experts in "Playground Safety", professionals trained in "Construction Management", specialists in "Urban Planning and Spatial Planning", biologists, experts in "Sustainable Management", trained in "Permaculture", specialists in "Natural Gardens", "Green Roofs", "Fruit Production", or the "Energy Mutation" and the "Recovery of Organic Matter".
This multidisciplinary approach allows Geneva landscaping companies to manage the most diverse services, from the installation of an automatic watering system to the creation of a wooden terrace, including the installation of green walls or the installation of fences adapted to the site.
Services adapted to all sectors
Landscapers do not limit their activity to private gardens. They also offer their services to local authorities, companies and development professionals. This diversification allows them to intervene in public parks as well as in urban areas, in the vicinity of companies or in prestigious properties in Collonge-Bellerive, Vandœuvres, Cologny or Chêne-Bougeries.
Continuous training for up-to-date skills
Geneva landscapers attach great importance to continuing education. Some have "specialized in natural and edible gardens" or have obtained an arboreal license. Some are "graduates of a famous permaculture school and put their learning into practice in order to design gardens that make sense, sometimes passing on their knowledge through workshops and coaching. Some even speak in the media, or are appointed as members of the selection committee of organizations promoting the transition of the economy to sustainability. In addition, the Lullier school organizes Continuing education at the Lullier Conferences (FCCL – formerly Cours de Perfectionnement).
The importance of customer relations
Customer satisfaction is at the heart of the concerns of landscaping companies in Geneva. Customer testimonials often highlight the "competence and kindness" of the teams, as well as their efficiency – "you had to see the manager grab all the wisteria and what was left of its decomposed trunk in one fell swoop to bring them to the van" – and the little touches such as "pulling out all the weeds that were lurking between the flagstones of the terrace".
Towards ever more sustainable landscaping
To be a landscape architect in Geneva is to consider that "Nature is an immense field of observation, understanding and humility. Many are committed to respecting and protecting biodiversity by adapting to cultural and climate change. This ethical vision guides their daily action.
Conclusion: a sector in full transformation
The profession of landscape architect in Geneva is undergoing rapid change, integrating contemporary environmental concerns while preserving a traditional know-how of excellence. To find out more about each aspect of Geneva's landscaping, we invite you to consult our detailed thematic articles available on our website.
Whether you need simple advice, a quote for your landscaping project or you want to contact a specialist for the maintenance of your green spaces, Braux is there to carry out your projects and create a garden that suits you.
