Garden Makeover in Cambridge: Kelly’s Inspiring Garden Transformation

At Groundcover Landscaping, we specialise in garden maintenance and landscaping services in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Raglan, Morrinsville, Ngaruawahia and the Waikato areas in between. Our Garden Maintenance Makeover Competition gave one lucky winner the chance to completely transform their outdoor space with the help of our expert Garden Maintenance team.

When we opened nominations for our Garden Makeover Competition, we invited people to put forward deserving charities, local heroes, or friends and family in need of a little TLC. The response was incredible, with so many heartfelt stories shared. From there, we shortlisted four finalists and had the privilege of meeting each of them.

After much deliberation, Kelly from Cambridge was chosen as the recipient of a $3,000 garden makeover. Her story is a powerful reminder of how transformative a garden can be - not just for the space itself, but for the people who call it home.

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Meet Kelly - a busy mum in Cambridge who loves her garden

Kelly lives in Cambridge with her two children, Izy (16) and Toby (9). She works two jobs, including at a local vet clinic, while caring for Toby, who has autism.

Despite her busy life, Kelly has always loved her garden and wanted a space filled with colour, flowers, and joy. Like many homeowners, she faced challenges with hedge loss, overgrown plants, and a lack of time to manage it all.

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Winning the Groundcover Landscaping Garden Makeover Competition

Kelly’s mum nominated her for the competition after seeing how much she wanted her garden refreshed.

Kelly said "I was pretty shocked to even be included as a finalist. Lately, it hasn’t felt like luck has been on my side, so just having the opportunity was amazing. Being chosen as the winner was truly a dream come true. I felt very emotional - my garden has always been my safe place through tough times—and I was so excited that it was finally getting the care it deserved, all in just one day! I couldn’t wait for my plants to be in the hands of people who genuinely knew what they were doing, and for the chance to have a hedge again."

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Professional garden naintenance in Cambridge

On makeover day, the Groundcover Landscaping team arrived ready to transform her garden. From pruning and reshaping to planting and hedge replacement, every detail was handled with care.

"The team were all so warm and kind, it was a joy meeting them and then seeing how they worked their magic through the day! I was especially impressed by how efficiently they worked together and how every area of the yard was completed to such a high standard! They all seemed genuinely excited to be here doing this for me, I felt quite emotional seeing my garden getting all this love and care and was blown away by the final results."

Garden transformation before and after: Stunning results

The results were stunning. Overgrown and dark areas were opened up, allowing light and space to flow through the garden. A new hedge was planted to offer privacy from a public walkway. Trees were trimmed and shrubs

Kelly shared that she now enjoys areas she once avoided and describes her refreshed garden in three words: Beautiful. Manageable. Inviting.

"I love what you did, so so much, and I'm still very overwhelmed by how kind you all are. My neighbours were all blown away too, as well as Toby’s school bus driver! You have definitely impressed everyone around here! Toby runs to the window all the time to look out and check the garden is still looking the way it does now!"

Kelly says she can't stop looking at the garden and feels like she is seeing a completely new house.  She is also excited about having friends and family over, where before she had felt embarrassed by her garden.

Why a garden makeover changes more than just your outdoor space

For Kelly, the makeover didn’t just improve her garden - it gave her confidence. After seeing our team in action and learning how to maintain her plants, she feels empowered to keep her garden healthy.

"Having the team here and seeing what they were doing as well as getting professional advice for what fertiliser to use and how often to cut back the shrubs and trees has given me the confidence I need (and the motivation) to keep it looking this lovely."

Kelly’s story proves how a professional garden makeover can change the way you live in your outdoor space.

Meeting Kelly and her family - and being able to give her a dream garden makeover - was an absolute privilege for our team. We loved every moment of creating a space that could truly make a difference in her life. Giving back to our community in such a tangible and heartfelt way reminded us why we do what we do: gardens aren’t just about plants, they’re about people, connection, and creating spaces where life feels a little brighter.

If you’re dreaming of a stress-free, family-friendly garden, Groundcover Landscaping is here to help. We offer expert landscaping services and garden maintenance in Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Hamilton, Raglan, Morrinsville, Ngaruawahia and the Waikato areas in between, to create outdoor spaces you’ll love coming home to.

Frequently Asked Questions about garden makeovers

1. What services are included in a garden makeover? - a garden makeover can include weeding, pruning, seasonal planting, hedge trimming, lawn care, and reshaping overgrown areas. At Groundcover Landscaping, our garden maintenance services in the Waikato are tailored to suit your property, lifestyle and budget - whether that’s creating more light, adding colour, or making your space easier to maintain.
2. How much does a professional garden makeover cost in the Waikato? - The cost of a garden makeover varies depending on the size of your property and the work required. We offer everything from one-off tidy-ups to full landscape transformations. To get an accurate idea, it’s best to book a consultation so our team can provide a personalised quote.
3. How do I know if I need professional garden maintenance? - If your garden feels overwhelming, you’re not sure how to care for certain plants, or you’ve lost control of hedges and trees, it may be time to call in professional help. Our Waikato Garden Maintenance Team not only transform your garden but also give you the knowledge and confidence to keep it looking beautiful.
4. How often would you come to my property to maintain my garden? - We offer regular maintenance ie: weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, quarterly or annually, depending on your garden and preferences. We also offer one-off clean ups if you just need a hand getting things under control.
5. Can you replace diseased or dying hedges? - Yes. Hedge replacement is a common part of our landscaping services. If your hedge has been affected by disease (like Kelly’s was), we can remove it, refresh the soil, and plant a new hedge that suits your garden.

If Kelly’s story has inspired you and you’re ready for your own garden transformation, contact Groundcover Landscaping today. Call, Email or simply book an onsite consultation and our garden maintenance experts will create a space you'll love coming home to.

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