Edmonton Transplants Merle And Katie Kroeker Make Landscaping Dreams Reality In BC
SIDNEY – Katie and Merle Kroeker didn’t set out to get into the landscaping business, but circumstance and some natural ability conspired to put them on that fruitful path.
Katie and Merle Kroeker co-own Pacific Ridge Landscapes in Sidney, crafting stunning landscapes with a talented team and expert subcontractors
Between jobs as a graphic designer, Merle joined a friend’s landscaping business, his design talents and experience as a draftsman made him a natural fit in landscape design. After three years of mentoring, Merle took over, starting his career with a single job lead, one truck and a small installation crew.
Prairie Ridge Landscapes was born.
Having a vested interest in the business and not one to be left out, Katie enrolled in Guelph University‘s Landscape Design Program, soon joining Merle full-time in 2013. After a few too many frigid winters in Edmonton, the Kroeker’s packed up their business and moved west, settling on Vancouver Island in Sidney.
With a new location came a more geographically representative name. Today, Pacific Ridge Landscapes provides a multitude of services in BC, from landscape design and consultation, to installation and maintenance, and their clients love what they do.
Mentored by Rick Bartel, an worldwide industry leader in water features who created designs for the ‘16 Rio Olympics, Merle crafts stunning water features for BC residents
“They tell us how much more time they spend outside,” explains Katie. “They say how much it means to them to have a place to rest and relax. Recently, one of our clients said that our landscaping was the best thing she and her husband had ever done for themselves. Having a business that makes such a significant difference in people’s lives is an incredible privilege.”
Partnering with top-line builders, architects, developers, engineers and biologists on their projects, with an ever-expanding list of professional collaborators in their network, Pacific Ridge does it all.
Beginning with Katie and Merle as co-lead designers, an installation team keeping clients informed and happy throughout the scope of the project, and maintenance crews for long-term care, Pacific Ridge Landscapes is truly a full-service experience.
Active members of the business community, Katie will soon be President of the Saanich Peninsula Chamber of Commerce. She and Merle enjoy a strong relationship with their city and region.
Concludes Kate, “We are proud to be part of the Sidney and Peninsula communities. Our office is on the Waterfront in the heart of Sidney and we couldn’t be luckier. We have incredible clients who continually inspire us to bigger and better things.”
www.pacificridgelandscapes.com
