Brooke’s Blooms is a multi award-winning landscape design, construction and horticultural service delivering exquisite gardening projects to both the residential and commercial markets.
We caught up with Brooke Jennings, owner of Brooke’s Bloom to get an insight into her business, what’s hot at the moment and what’s on the horizon for this fantastic local landscaping business.
Tell us about yourself and the history of your business.
I have worked in the industry since I was 17, so 20 years now. I started out in a retail nursery, the well known Bruce Perrotts and then moved into commercial landscaping when they closed down. This is the time I decided to start my own company and focus more on garden design and residential work. In 2010 Brooke’s Blooms was born, I started out with a wheelbarrow and some tools piled into the back of my Corolla with a few regular maintenance clients and now we are growing bigger every week with a great team of 18 staff, who I consider apart of my family.
When I first started Brooke’s Blooms I never anticipated being this successful, but my love for gardening and creating beautiful places has no limits, and the team at Brooke’s Blooms carry the same vision. I guess that is why we are so successful and now considered to be one of the leaders in our industry.
Have you found it difficult as a female in a male-dominated industry to break down the tradey stereotype?
I have actually found it fine. I’m fairly confident so I don’t mind walking onto a site full of male tradies, it’s no big deal. I have had a lot of experience in the retail industry so talking to people is something I really enjoy. All the trades I have worked with over the years have always been very friendly and respectful, it has actually helped me I believe being a female with clients as we often get comments when we turn up to clients properties that they “weren’t expecting a female”. Karlie, who is our operations assistant has also been well received, clients love a bit of a female touch. We have a number female staff who work in the field as well and clients love them as do I!
What type of work does your business primarily do?
We focus on garden design for commercial and residential, softscape construction and garden maintenance. We have clients such as Solotel Group, Pig and Whistle, Pony Dining, UQ Qld, Zeus Eat Street Greet, Little Big House, Riverbar and Kitchen, BPM, Mantle Group and a number of fantastic residential clients.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
The most exciting part of my job is creating and caring for beautiful gardens. It’s quite simple really, we love what we do, we love gardening and the whole team here at Brooke’s Blooms shares that vision which makes my job easy! I also love seeing our team grow and develop that is important to me, and seeing the joy on our clients face when we deliver them an amazing project.
What was your favourite project completed over the last 12-months?
I don’t really have a favourite project as I love them all, but I was given the opportunity to create a beautiful Hawaiian themed garden last year and it does hold a special place in my heart. Although, all the gardens we create do! What was special about this was the client gave me no boundaries and the project was on acreage so the transformation was incredible.
What project from the last 12-months are you most proud of?
I would have to say our collaboration with Mantle Group on the Red Bank Plains Pig and Whistle. Again, the brief was simple but I was given the freedom to step away from what I would call the normal planting theme used in most pubs/dining areas. It won Best Developed Licensed Premises over $2 million at the 2017 QHA Gala Dinner. We designed all the gardens and then built them and we have continued with the weekly ongoing maintenance. Our team leader in charge of this facility is incredible, the place has grown and is now fast becoming one of Brisbane’s go to places.
What tips can you offer to homeowners just starting the process of planning a new large-scale landscaping project?
To definitely seek advice from someone who knows what they are doing. There are a lot of people out there offering a service they are not suitable for. Like a home, your garden is a huge investment which is often undervalued and you want to consult with the right people and get the correct advice.
What is your signature design inclusion in any landscaping project?
This is a great question, but I don’t have one! I love all garden styles, so it makes it hard to include a signature piece in every design. I do however love a gorgeous pot with Bougainvillea, nothing beats the colour in our climate!
What trends are you seeing at the moment?
Green walls are still very popular and the retro look. Everyone wants green tropical foliage which is fun but this is mainly on the commercial side, in residential no real trends, but people are leaning towards low maintenance and drought tolerant because everyone’s lives are just so busy.
Have you got plans to enter into the 2018 Landscape Qld Construction Excellence Awards?
For sure! We enter every year and we have been successful for the last 4 years. that we have entered. Fingers crossed we are again this year! We are definitely proud of the awards we have won and embrace the opportunity to showcase our work.
What is on the horizon this year for Brooke’s Blooms?
This year we have loads of upcoming projects, if you follow our Facebook or Instagram page you will see plenty of cool stuff, the team are also off to do surf lessons in our annual team day, which will be great fun! I’m sure there will be lots of new faces in the team as we continue to grow, so watch this space.
Check out Brooke’s Blooms website for more information or give them a call on (07) 3166 9037 if you would like to engage a fantastic local landscaping company to transform your home and garden. You can also find them on the socials at facebook and instagram.
Brooke’s Blooms at 2017 Landscape Qld Construction Excellence Awards
HIGHLY COMMENDED & FINALIST – Maintenance Commercial Category
The University of Queensland, Union College
FINALIST – Commercial 1
“Cameron’s Garden” The University of Queensland, Union College
FINALIST – Best Landscape Feature Commercial
“Cameron’s Garden” The University of Queensland, Union College
FINALIST – Contractor Design & Construct 1
Forestdale Residence
FINALIST – Residential 1
Jindalee Residence
FINALIST – Residential 2
Forestdale Residence
FINALIST – Maintenance Residential
Foresdale Residence
FINALIST – Maintenance Residential
Yeronga Residence
FINALIST – Maintenance Residential
Greenslopes Residence
FINALIST – Maintenance Residential
Kenmore Residence