Yards marks 20 years of excellence with more awards – and more gardens
Brisbane-based Horticultural Care and Landscaping company Yards has capped off its 20th year in business with another major accolade, taking out the 2025 Residential Maintenance Award at the Landscape Queensland Excellence Awards.
Among seven finalists in the Landscape Queensland Residential Maintenance Category, Yards claimed the top award for its outstanding work on their Manly Project on Brisbane’s Bayside: a meticulously maintained garden that exemplifies precision, professionalism, and a keen understanding of horticulture.
“This award recognises excellence in ongoing horticultural care, presentation, and performance of residential gardens, where consistency, attention to detail, and horticultural expertise truly shine,” said Ben French, Director of Yards. “As we celebrate 20 years of Yards, this recognition feels especially meaningful. It reflects not only our team’s incredible skill and passion but also the trust and partnership of our long-standing clients who have been part of our journey.”
The Landscape Queensland Awards’ Judges praised the project for its refined presentation and attention to detail: “This Manly residence showcases exceptional landscape care, where every element reflects precision and pride. Dense, healthy plantings, flawless turf, and refined pruning reveal a deep understanding of horticulture. The sharp interface between lawn and native violet is a standout feature, perfectly defined and beautifully maintained. These details demonstrate consistency, professionalism, and an enduring commitment to landscape excellence.” - Landscape Queensland Judges’ Comments
Yards’ success in this category continues a remarkable legacy. The company first entered the Landscape Queensland Maintenance Category in 2018, taking out the overall Commercial title, and has since achieved an unbroken eight-year winning streak, including seven consecutive Residential Maintenance titles since 2019. PLUS Yards’ Director Ben French was last year named Australian Horticulturist of the Year by the Australian Institute of Horticulture, recognising his outstanding contribution to the advancement of horticultural excellence in Australia.
“This latest award is a reflection of our commitment to continual improvement and genuine care for every garden we maintain,” said Mr French. “We’re honoured to see our team’s expertise and commitment to excellence recognised at this level and to celebrate these milestones in such a special year for Yards.”
About Yards
Founded in 2005 by leading landscape and garden design specialist Ben French (MAIH RH), Yards is a Brisbane-based horticultural care and landscaping company dedicated to creating and maintaining beautiful gardens and outdoor spaces across South East Queensland. Now celebrating 20 years in business, Yards employs a team of 16 staff, including a school-based trainee. The business proudly maintains a 50% female full-time workforce, with an average team age of 41, and employees ranging from 16 to 52 years old — a testament to the company’s inclusive and supportive culture. The Yards team includes qualified Horticulturists, Greenkeepers, Landscapers, and Designers, each bringing unique backgrounds and experiences to their craft.
Some of these backgrounds include:
- Kat, Assistant Horticultural Care Manager - transitioned from a career as a Naval Engineer
- Emily, Acreage Turf Technician - previously Farm Manager of a Cattle Station
- Heike, Horticultural Project Leader - joined from the Customer Service industry (and was the lead on this year’s award-winning Manly Project)
- Amanda, Landscape Project Manager - transitioned from the Travel industry
- Sophie, Horticultural Project Leader - holds a Diploma of Nursing
- Mark, Greenkeeper - has served as Superintendent on premium golf courses across Egypt, Fiji, India, and Vietnam
- Dale, Horticultural Care Manager - formerly a Farmer
- Karen, Horticulturist - with a science background
- Penny, Administration - almost a decade with the AFL / Brisbane Lions in Sponsorship and Corporate Relations
This diverse experience underpins Yards’ reputation for care, consistency, and exceptional horticultural expertise. The company has been recognised nationally, achieving awards not only in Maintenance but also in Landscape Design and Construction, including being named Australian Residential Landscaper of the Year (2021 & 2022).
While industry awards are a proud achievement, customer satisfaction remains Yards’ key driver. Yards actively supports the future of horticulture by partnering with TAFE Queensland, volunteering time to mentor students, sponsoring the Horticultural Graduate of the Year Awards, and serving as a guest speaker at the TAFE Queensland Awards Ceremony, held biannually. Yards is a proud member of the Australian Institute of Horticulture, the Australian Sports Turf Managers Association, the Landscape Designers Institute, and Landscape Queensland. Yards has earned numerous Industry accolades over the years, including:
2025:
Winner Residential Maintenance (Manly Project)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2024:
Winner Residential Maintenance (Wynnum Residence)
Highly Commended Construction Excellence (Wynnum Residence)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show
Yards played a pivotal role in the construction of Irish Garden Designer Peter Donegan’s ‘A Moment In Time’ Show Garden, alongside Semken Landscaping at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, which received the People’s Choice Award and A Silver Medal.
2023:
Winner for Residential Maintenance (Chandler Residence)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2022:
Winner for Contractor Design & Construct 1 Excellence (Coorparoo Residence);
Winner Residential 3 Construction Excellence (Coorparoo Residence)
Winner Residential Maintenance (Coorparoo Residence)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2021/2022:
Crowned the overall Australian Residential Landscaper of the Year for the stunning Hawthorne Project.
2021/2022:
Winner Australian Husqvarna Champion of Champions for Residential Construction up to $70K (Hawthorne Project).
2021:
Winner Contractor Design & Construct 1 Excellence (Hawthorne Residence);
Winner Residential 2 Construction Excellence (Hawthorne Residence)
Winner Residential Maintenance (Norman Park Residence)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2020:
Winner Residential Maintenance (Wynnum Residence)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2019:
Winner Contractor Design & Construct 1 (Norman Park);
Highly Commended – Residential 1 Construct (Norman Park);
Winner Residential Maintenance (Camp Hill Residence)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2018:
Winner Residential 3 Construct (Wynnum);
Winner Commercial Maintenance (Murarrie)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2017:
Highly Commended – Residential Construction (Cleveland)
– Landscape Queensland Construction Excellence Awards
2016:
Featured Garden (Bulimba) Hidden Design Festival (one of six gardens featured, below).
– Australian Institute of Designers and Managers (now LDI).
Contact details:
Kath Rose on [email protected] or 0416 291 493