ABOUT US
WHO WE ARE
Higher Ground Landscaping is a full-service design and build company, on a mission to understand each client’s individual needs and lifestyle, and use that knowledge to craft unique outdoor spaces for them to thrive in. We’re building a future where people are rejuvenated through their outdoor spaces.
Moving through all phases of landscape design, construction and installation, we’ll bring your vision to life with a space that blends art and function from the ground up.
Working in Harmony to Bring Harmony. Collaborative Design For a Truly Personal Result.
Bringing a holistic approach to landscape design and building, we address your unique pain points with creative design, and foster harmony in your space through thoughtful planning and exceptional landscape construction practices.
The way we see it, a beautifully landscaped property doesn’t just bring a substantial increase to your home’s value, it spills over to increase your quality of life as well.
When you walk into your yard, how do you feel? Does your heart rate slow and your shoulders relax as a feeling of peace washes over you? As you take in the surrounding tranquility, we want you to feel transported. To be lulled by the gentle sounds of a calm pond or the scent of blossoms on the air, feel centred as you traverse the winding garden path, or experience delight as you host a dinner party on the patio.
When you leave this place of joyful retreat, you will re-enter the world, rejuvenated, refreshed, and aligned.
That is what we want to achieve for you.
the Know-How to Craft Landscapes With Excellence and Integrity That Are Built to Last.
Higher Ground Landscaping belongs to the following professional associations which allows us access to the most up-to-date training, industry news, and holds us to the highest standards possible:
- BCLNA – BC Landscape & Nursery Association
- CNLA – Canadian Nursery Landscape Association
- Higher Ground Landscaping employs Landscape Certified Industry Technicians. These technicians have successfully completed a certification program that is part of the National Association of Landscape Professionals’ Landscape Industry Certified brand name. The program recognizes proficiency in the landscape workforce and provides consumers with a means of identifying the most qualified landscaping companies.
- Higher Ground Landscaping is part of the Myke Pro Landscape Warranty Program which allows us to offer a 2-year warranty on plant material to each and every customer.
- Higher Ground Landscaping is ITA Registered and is a proud employer of apprentices in BC.
Bringing Beauty and Function to Outdoor Spaces Across the Lower Mainland
Established September 2006, Higher Ground Landscaping serves Langley, Surrey, White Rock, and the Lower Mainland.
Our Vision
We believe in a future where people are rejuvenated through time well-spent in their outdoor spaces.
Our Mission
We strive to understand each client’s needs and lifestyle, to craft a unique outdoor space for them to thrive in.
Our Purpose
We bring a holistic approach, crafting outdoor spaces to foster greater harmony in your life.
Our Values
We’re Always Improving
There’s always more to learn and improve. It’s our job to stay humble, be curious, and strive for excellence.
We Genuinely Care for People and Nature
We’re called to show care and concern for everyone and treat creation with respect, giving more than we receive.
We Collaborate to Find Solutions
We bring more to the table when we work as a team, so we find solutions together, and elevate each other.
We’re Diligent
It’s important to persevere through challenges to do the job right, because the details matter.
We’re Real
Honest and down to earth, if we’re the right fit, we’d love to work together.
If You’d Like to Learn More, Or Are Ready to Get Started, Please Get In Touch.
History
Higher Ground Landscaping initially started as a business class project during Mike’s horticulture diploma studies. He wanted a name with both a nod to his beliefs and appeal as a name for a landscape company, and so Higher Ground Landscaping and Design was born. After over five years as a side hustle, the company became official on September 7th, 2006. 10 years in we incorporated, and to this day, remain just as committed to a collaborative approach for our family-run business.
Leadership Team
MIKE VANDERGUGTEN
OWNER
Growing up across the street from a forest, initiated Mike’s passion for nature and the outdoors. Time well spent creating memories there with his 4 brothers, and occasionally his sister, left a permanent imprint on his life. You could also say that being a green thumb is in Mike’s genes. He comes from Dutch lineage where his grandpa and grandma started and ran a greenhouse business.
His post-secondary career started at BCIT, obtaining his Diploma in Renewable Resources: Forestry, graduating in 1998. Entering the forestry job market at a time when lay-offs were happening steered him to local opportunities, starting at a growing dairy and cattle farm. It was here that he really learned just how much he liked building with his hands, meeting every day outdoors with a can-do attitude, working long hours, and enjoying the care for creation. With a nudge from his future father-in-law, Mike sought out further post secondary education, landing on Horticulture: Landscape Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Finding his niche, he graduated with honours, and just loves this field!
Mike feels there is something beautiful about connecting people to nature, especially in their own backyards. He sees a future where everyone is rejuvenated by their outdoor space. There’s also something redemptive about connecting people with nature, for it’s there that we see the grand design. Order is brought to the chaos in the yard, and consequently, our souls too.
Seeing the team grow and thrive is a delight to Mike, and he is eager to create opportunities for them to advance.
He enjoys the outdoors and putting his creativity and strong hands to work. He feels in his element when he is breathing fresh air, getting his hands dirty, and enjoying nature. Outside of work, he spends his time with his beloved wife and 5 kids, being active in his church community, camping, photography, hiking, and canoeing.
ESTHER VANDERGUGTEN
CO-OWNER AND FINANCIAL CONTROLLER
Esther works behind the scenes, keeping the gears of Higher Ground Landscaping in motion. Her fondness for organization and efficiency, alongside her kind nature, makes things go smoothly. Her time outside of work in the business is spent with Mike and their 5 kids, working her way through schooling towards a career in Child and Youth Care, catching up with friends and over a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, getting into a good book or diving into a craft project.
Careers
Would You Like to Have a Satisfying Career In the Landscape Design Field?
VISIT OUR CAREERS PAGE FOR OUR LATEST JOB OPENINGS.
