Testimonials from some of our past clients
"Honest... extremely diligent..."
Jacob de Ruiter carried out landscaping work for us on our lifestyle block in Pauatahanui, Porirua. This required him to plan and cost out a proposal and then implement the design. The overall cost (including design, plants, earthworks and lawn) came to around $25,000 so was a reasonably significant piece of work for us.We are very satisfied with what Jacob did. Jacob took great care to ensure that at every step of the way we knew exactly what he was planning to do. He always kept an eye on expenditure and managed well within the budget figures that we agreed with him - he's an honest broker and extremely diligent.
We thoroughly enjoyed having Jacob work with us and would highly recommend him to any future employer or client.
Kind regards,
Janet and John M
"...always professional and well prepared"
I have known Jacob de Ruiter for over ten years during which time he has been a regular guest speaker for our horticulture & landscape classes as well as offering guided tours of his extensive garden.Jacob is always a popular speaker relating well to our students which come from a diverse background. He is always professional and well prepared using extensive slide shows for his lectures. He combines extensive plant knowledge with good practical advice for the students.
Jacob’s particular interest and extensive knowledge of our native flora and ecology is an inspiration to our students. I would recommend Jacob for any horticultural position he applied for, particularly one where his native plant knowledge and ability to relate so well to people of all walks of life is utilized.
Mary B
Horticulture Tutor, Weltec
"Challenging task... completed with enthusiasm and efficiency."
I've known Jacob de Ruiter for several years. My partner and I engaged Jacob to design and construct entrances and landscaping for a new residence in Tawa. Due to the awkward nature of the site it was challenging task, but completed with enthusiasm and efficiency. We were pleased and happy with the result.In the course of this contract we got to know Jacob well. Not only is the depth of his landscaping knowledge and experience impressive, but we enjoyed talking through the design challenges with him. He brought both a fine creative talent, and the ability to listen well to the task. In addition his hands-on building and construction experience is another obviously strong asset of his.
The commercial side of the job was straightforward and conducted with integrity. He delivered what he committed to, on time and on budget. As an existing employee of GWRC in the Water Supply Division I have some sense of the capabilities the Park Rangers bring to their role; the ability to handle people in all manner of public settings, self-managing and trustworthy, and able to work well with other people in a diverse range of tasks. Combined with his almost unique horticultural/landscape/design experience, to my mind Jacob would be a valuable addition to the Parks Division and would make a terrific Park Ranger.
Philip W
Control Systems Technician
"... design showed sensitivity to the environment"
I have known Jacob De Ruiter since 2004. At this time I was managing the commission of a large external art installation on behalf of Meridian Energy Limited, in the small South Island township of Otematata. This was to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the commissioning of the Benmore Hydro Power plant. I had never met Jacob, but based on a referral, I contacted him to tender for the re‐design of the existing landscaping around the site – the tender of which he won.This included providing a solution for aparticularly difficult and central area where retail shops had been removed from a concrete foundation 35 years previous. His design showed sensitivity to the environment. He had an obvious passion and vast knowledge of the native plants of the region. This passion was contagious which enthused and motivated all members ofthe project team.
His design had a special character at the same time as being low maintenance and future‐proofed. Jacob administered all details of the project including consulting with the Waitaki District Council and sourcing supplies and equipment from the community where he could. And finally, Jacob saved my bacon. I had overlooked consulting with those in the community who had planted and maintained the area for the previous 30 years. A huge oversight.
During the build Jacobhad fostered such a great relationship with the community; he easily handled ‘ruffled feathers’ for both Meridian and myself. Over the intervening years Jacob has sent me photographs and otherwise informed me not only on the growth of the garden, but also of the art installation down in Otematata when he has travelled there for other work. I appreciate this very much, and it is typical of his warm and giving spirit.
Tina L
Director | Cycoda Limited
"... ability to source good stock"
I have known Jacob since January 1992. During that time he has carried out a number of plantings on my properties (Urban and Rural). Two of these properties are part of the declared KCDC ecological sites.I have found Jacob to be very knowledgeable about what to plant and why, able to work to a design and adhere to a given budget.
One of the aspects I have found useful is Jacob's ability to source good stock. On a number of occasions where I have sourced stock the result has been less than optimal.
John G
PMC Project Manager
Supply Chain Organisation Project
Conservation volunteers honoured at Encore Awards
Tuesday, 4 December 2012, 12:35 pm - Press Release
Winner, Landowners Conservation Award: John Grant
John Grant's property of grazing pastoral land has been transformed with the help of well-known landscape architect Jacob De Ruiter. The land, bordered by stands of titoki, mahoe and kanuka, has been re-vegetated step by step, connecting areas of high ecological significance and creating a natural garden for birdlife to flourish.
