Parveen

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Outdoor Entertaining All-Year-Round
Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a cosy courtyard, your garden can be transformed into a entertaining hub for family and…
Multiple benefits of a pergola
Australia’s iconic sunny climate can be a dream come true for outdoor lovers, but it can feel like a scorching desert if…
Rainbow Lorikeets enjoying a good feed.
Australia is home to various birds, from nectar-loving honeyeaters to colourful parrots. Planting native plants in your garden is a great way…
Landscape irrigation 13mm brown pipe
Gardening is more than just a hobby—it’s a journey toward creating a vibrant, thriving oasis in your backyard. But keeping your garden…
Use various colours throughout your garden
Are you ready to transform your garden and outdoor entertaining area with colour? You can change it from ordinary to extraordinary. Mastering…
The beauty of public gardens in Victoria
With its breathtaking natural beauty, Victoria is home to some of the most serene public gardens. These green havens, far from the…
Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design
Are you ready to embark on a journey of self expression through your garden? Discovering your garden style can be both exhilarating…
If you have the space grow your fruit and vegetables in containers in a green house
One doesn't need acres of land to cultivate a thriving oasis of fresh produce in gardening. With the rising popularity of urban…
Curve trend hideaway
It’s the perfect time to explore the latest outdoor space trends. From incorporating vibrant colours like bright yellow marigolds and diverse textures…
My award winning balcony garden
After my little stint at last year’s Melbourne International Flower And Garden Show (MIFGS) Border Gardens, I returned to Carlton Gardens to…
Cottage garden planting in Blackburn front garden design
Knowing your soil pH levels and choosing plants that will thrive are essential when planning a garden in Melbourne. Melbourne's diverse climate…
Salvia leucantha used in Mount Waverley garden design
Having a small garden space doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your green dreams. In fact, with the right approach, careful planning,…
Aerial view of Mount Waverley right garden
A landscape designer can transform a mundane space into a picturesque haven. While many homeowners take pride in nurturing their gardens, there's…
Closeup of orange espaliers in Bundoora landscape design
In a world where sustainability, self-sufficiency, and healthy living are central, designing an edible garden is the best way to connect with…
Fire tearing through dry bushland
Australia's unique climate and landscape make the country particularly vulnerable to fires, especially during the hot and dry months. As a homeowner,…
Bluestone cats paws pavers in Vermont South garden design
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many yearn for a tranquil and lush outdoor space that doesn't demand constant attention.…
Ben the envy of your neighbours with lush green grass for all to see
A lush green lawn has long been a symbol of suburban living, but maintaining it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Looking…
Bright pink rose arbour
Australia's diverse climate and unique flora make it a paradise for garden enthusiasts. Whether you're a city dweller with a balcony garden…
Water logged soil
Swampy or water-logged soils can be a complex problem to deal with. They can wreak havoc on your garden and ruin the…
Backyard merbau decking in Ashburton landscape design
Winter is a beautiful time to be outdoors, with the crisp air and warm sun providing the perfect setting for entertaining. However,…
Rear alfesco area in Wantirna South garden design
Are you looking for ways to maximise your outdoor entertaining space? Look no further! Whether you're hosting a summer barbeque or huddling…
Bright Colours and Smells Are A Must For Sensory Gardens
Creating a sensory garden is both rewarding and fun. It’s a great way to add interest and enjoyment to your outdoor space.…
Leucophyta brownii in Vermont South landscape design
Gardening is an enjoyable hobby (or, for some of us, an obsession ), but not all of us have the time or…
Chickens are easy to look after and make great pets. It also brings you just that bit closer to nature, and if…
Red neoregelia feature bromeliad and red daisies in planting design
Wow, what a month it’s been so far!  If you haven’t kept up with me lately, you might not have known I…
Sneak peak of my eclectic garden at MIFGS 2023
I find competitions fun, and you’ve got nothing to lose. So, I entered the competition that the London College of Garden Design…
Purple metal screen lit up in Wantirna South garden
Heard of the saying “You pay for what you get”? Well, that’s the case when it comes to landscaping. There’s a lot…
Urban food garden in productive part of Kew landscape design
Sustainable living became a buzz word when the pandemic started and many of us spent a lot more time in our homes…
Productive vegetable patch in metal planters in Kew garden design
In a world where sustainable living and self-sufficiency are gaining momentum, growing your fruit and vegetables has become an increasingly popular endeavour.…
Plan your garden space with purpose
I get asked this question a lot, and my two standard responses are as soon as possible (provided that you are mentally…
Yellow rambling rose
The beauty, resilience and fragrance of roses have made them a favourite of gardeners, flower lovers and a symbol of love for…
Where flowers meet wildlife
Imagine entering your backyard and being greeted by wildlife: a symphony of chirping birds, the delicate fluttering of butterflies, and the mesmerising…
Private and Colourful Balcony Garden
Living in an urban apartment often means compromising on outdoor space. While you may not have a sprawling backyard, you can still…
Circular corten garden edging in Nunawading landscape design
A beautifully landscaped garden can transform your outdoor space into a haven of tranquillity and beauty. One often-overlooked element that can significantly…
Rear courtyard planted with citrus trees and clivias in Hawthorn East courtyard garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal
Whether you want to create a unique outdoor space or upgrade your existing garden, the right walls and fences can make all…
Backyard merbau decking in Ashburton landscape design
The details are critical when creating an outdoor space you can be proud of. Paving and decking are essential for creating a…
Side stepped path of a new build in Camberwell paved with bluestone pavers with narrow garden beds
Embarking on an outdoor design project is an exciting journey, but ensuring longevity and enduring beauty requires careful consideration, especially regarding natural…
Hedge Garde Maze
Hedges have been a prominent feature in gardens and landscapes for centuries. They serve various functions, from providing privacy and security to…
Full view of the horse topiary with air plants at the 2023 MIFGS
Gardens are often considered sanctuaries of natural beauty and tranquillity. They are spaces where we can escape the hustle and bustle of…
Closeup of garden sculpture used in Bundoora garden design
When it comes to gardening, the possibilities are vast, and enthusiasts are always looking for new ways to make their gardens beautiful…
Bee pollinating a stunning purple flower in a garden
Australia's gardens are home to various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and flies. They play an essential role in gardens and…
Family planting together and teaching their child about how plants and fruit grow in their backyard
A child-friendly garden can be a fantastic way to help your children explore and learn about nature. It can provide hours of…
Bright pink rose arbour
It's no secret that spending time in nature can calm our minds and bodies. We all know that laughter is good for…
Custom deck shaped like a river bed joining a wall to wall cascading water feature in Maribyrnong landscape design
Creating a healing garden in your backyard can be incredibly beneficial and relaxing. Not only does it provide you with an outdoor…
Before picture of Glen Waverley front garden designed by Parveen Dhaliwal, Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Knowing your site is the first step to creating a wonderful garden. One of the first things landscape designers do when working…
Edible garden design with a mini fruit orchard and vege patch in the backyard of a Camberwell property in Melbourne
Do you want a fruit and veg patch without it being too visible? Be sneaky about it. Vegetables aren’t always the prettiest…
Lavender patch in Brighton landscape design
A modern cottage garden is a combination of traditional and contemporary styles that are intended to create a quaint and cosy atmosphere.…
Close up of bottlebrush flower
Many people think Australian native plants are challenging to grow, but they aren’t. As with all plants, it mainly depends on matching…
Side view of Ashburton landscape design with different types of succulents
If you think of your home as your ‘castle,’ your driveway is the entrance.  It ‘welcomes’ you home every day. Because of…
Clivia flowers in Hawthorn East landscape design
While some of us may have been gardening for quite some time, we all started out as beginners. An ideal plant for…
Sustainable garden design for Vermont South property
Australia is home to diverse native plants, from the hardy and drought-tolerant wattles to the fragrant bush flowers (my favourite). To ensure…
Front garden beds of a new build in Camberwell lit up at night
Planning is everything I know that the outdoor design bug doesn’t usually hit most people until the first lovely spring day. I…
Urban food garden in productive part of Bundoora landscape design
Spring is just around the corner! Have you ever considered a vegetable patch in your garden? We love creating gardens for families…
View of front entry stepper path from the street in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwa
Setting the scene Last year, I was approached by the family who wanted to create a beautiful garden surrounding their newly built…
Kinetic sculpture in landscape design adds to your garden style
Getting a landscaping quote When I first commenced as a designer, it was put to me by a client that I should…
Backyard grassed area in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Winter is the best time for tidying up your garden, pruning the plants, and preparing for spring.  If you can get over…
Red king protea in Glen Waverley landscape design
One of my absolute favourite family of plants to use in my designs and one I absolutely look forward to in my…
Close up of purple shrub in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwal
Creating a Planting Plan So you’ve landed upon a theme for your dream garden and it’s got you so excited that you’ve…
Closeup of lime espalier in Bundoora landscape design
Thought I'd write up on several discussions I've had the past couple of weeks from friends, family and clients about trying to…
Dramatic lighting effect in Hawthorn East front garden design
The brief When Cate contacted me, she wanted a garden that would suit her lifestyle and lift her space. Her impeccable taste…
Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design
The brief When Sarah and her husband contacted me, they wanted a garden design that would suit their family lifestyle and wow…
Cottage garden planting in Blackburn front garden design
The brief When Paul and Valerie came to us, their garden was overgrown but filled with potential. They had 1300 square metres…
Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design
Do you want to learn what it takes to create the perfect outdoor space? A space that you love to look at…
Top view of large bromeliad used in Doncaster East landscape design
Status quo So we understand the direction in which the planting trend is moving, thought that it was best to explore what's…
Brown pebbles for landscaping Melbourne
What is it? What is rock mulch? I get this question a lot. It stems from the general perception that "mulch" only…
Biophilia What does Biophillia actually mean and how is it important to garden design?  It is a fancy term or does it…
Basic soil dispersiveness testing by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
How do I know I have clay soil? It’s relatively easy to do a basic soil type test to help you understand…
Red rose in Vermont South garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Roses

November 19, 2019
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My association with roses goes back to my childhood.  For me, it was the distinctive perfume of the rose that my mum…
Closeup of jasmine used in Vermont South garden design
Jasmines - love them to bits!  Have a look around right now and they should be at their flowering best.  I'm writing…
Productive vegetable patch in metal planters in Kew garden design
The most important thing to do in spring for your productive garden is planting. It is a task that will pay off…
Aphids on helleborus. Landscape design Melbourne by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
With spring well underway, I'm sure you've come across them.  Swarms of soft bodied insects swarming around and eventually ruining your young…
Close up of aloes and echeveria succulents used in Vermont South landscape design
Propagating succulents Succulents are one of the easiest of plants to propagate!  Depending on the species of succulent, they can grown from…
Salvia used in Vermont South landscape design
Given that spring is around the corner, I thought of writing up on this topic as a value add so that you’re…
Urban food garden in productive part of Kew landscape design
What is it? What does “productive garden design” mean for me, personally? Is it a garden with a vegetable patch?  Maybe some…
Nasturtiums in Vermont South landscape design
Given that spring is not that far off, I thought of writing up on this topic as a value add so that…
Closeup view of the slate wall used to create the water feature in Maribyrnong courtyard garden
Water features in your garden Water features are perfect for large gardens as well as for small courtyards. With or without aquatic…
Shadows in the garden in Hawthorn garden design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Hello, I’ve pulled together some features that a home-office should have, in my view.  Yes it’s plant based of course, as I’m…
Garden artwork. Garden rejuvenation of a Doncaster property in Melbourne by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Hello, I’ve pulled together some features that a home-office should have, in my view.  Yes it’s plant based of course, as I’m…
Beautiful elm tree showing its yellow winter leaves in Burwood landscape design
Role of a tree A tree is a key piece in your garden framework.  Depending on the tree of choice, it will…
Black circular water feature in Blackburn garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal
What sort of sounds? What does “sounds in the garden” mean for me, personally? Is it the rustle of leaves and undergrowth…
Kinetic sculpture in landscape design adds to your garden style
People are attracted to movement in the garden.   It creates an interest of all sorts.  Here are some of my tips to…
Clivia flowers in Hawthorn East landscape design
Thought I'd quickly share some of my gardening tips for getting your garden ready this summer.  Every keen gardener I know is…
Close up of bluestone paving and oversized pebbles in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwal
Bluestone - what is it? Bluestone is not a geological term but refers to different types of stone depending on which Australian…
Street view of front entry stepper path in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Thought it may be worthwhile doing a writeup of the main questions I get asked about paving. Hawthorn East - granite Ashburton…
Edible landscaping using trellis in Blackburn landscape design
Trellises or frames are probably one of the more useful structures to be considered in garden design.  Why? They add a bit…
Why?   Gardens are where growth energy gets created and nurture.  It is as important for your garden to attract good energy…
With working lives becoming busier and its becoming more expensive to travel to an oasis, why not create a home oasis of…
Barrel Cactus for Melbourne landscapes
LOL.  Well that's my reaction.  I just have never liked artificial plants.  I love that modern tech has made them almost lifelike…
Closeup of monstera in a Kuala Lumpur backyard

Monstera Madness

April 10, 2018
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What's so popular about it? The Monstera deliciosa plant is a non native that's getting popular again.  And for good reason.  It's…
Corten spherical ring garden sculpture in Blackburn landscape design
Best practice   It is our practice to organise a site meeting for the initial consultation, so that we can visualise the…
Garden artwork. Garden rejuvenation of a Doncaster property in Melbourne by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
With everything getting smaller these days, how do we get the most from our outdoor areas without feeling claustrophobic? Design Tips! Here…
Front garden in Camberwell landscaped using perennials and Australian natives
A retaining wall using sleepers are not difficult to install and can definitely be attempted by any DIYer with a bit of time…
Closeup of pot styling area in Bundoora garden design
It's a must have!   In our garden designs, an irrigation system is one of the things we insist that our clients…
Front garden design plant cluster in Blackburn by Parveen Dhaliwal
We get asked this a lot so we've decided to clarify a few urban myths on this topic.  Specifically, how people perceive…
The rare occurrence Occasionally, we meet clients who are well researched and have a reasonably good idea of what they want and…
Helleborus flower range of colours from white to yellows, pinks, burgundy and black
Hellebores or winter roses are definitely one of my favourites! The onset of some cooler weather and some cooler nights encourage hellebores…
Street view of front garden in Burwood garden design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Motivation Adding value to your property with effective landscaping is easy to achieve if you follow a few simple rules. Whether it…
Beautiful elm tree showing its yellow winter leaves in Burwood landscape design
Well its nearly spring and if you've not been blessed with the delights of flowering buds from your fruit trees, you will…
Large grassed area in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
Ensure that your instant turf receives plenty of water, the turf should be moist but not wet. Depending on the season your…
Bright flowers used around pool area in Brighton landscape design in Melbourne
Spring is nearly here!  I can't wait to see my garden awaken although I've thoroughly enjoyed the winter display thus far.  Benefits…
Staging for sale Sprucing up the outdoors shouldn’t be ignored when preparing your home for potential buyers. Here are 8 key things…
Top view of large bromeliad used in Doncaster East landscape design

Bromeliads

March 28, 2017
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Coming from the tropics I love colour and a lush green look.  There are many that tick these boxes but I have…
Parveen, Author at Inspiring Landscape Solutions