Planning is everything I know that the outdoor design bug doesn’t usually hit most people until the first lovely spring day. I advise anyone that contacts me that they will have a better result if the process starts way earlier than that. With more people now working from home, I see that people have now taken the time to think about when they should start their garden design. When’s …
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Spring is just around the corner! Have you ever considered a vegetable patch in your garden? We love creating gardens for families who appreciate the importance and value of growing your own food!⠀ Here are some practical tips on considering vegetable patches for your design:⠀ 🥕Choosing the location and aspect ⠀ 🥕Materials to be used in the garden bed, eg softwood v hardwood, the chemicals in wood treatment/leeching and …
Setting the scene Last year, I was approached by the family who wanted to create a beautiful garden surrounding their newly built home that they were looking at selling. It was an unusual project for me to take on. As you well know, my gardens are all about the creating spaces that are custom for the family they live in. And which they feel connected to on some level. …
Getting a landscaping quote When I first commenced as a designer, it was put to me by a client that I should offer an advisory value-add service by staying on as an independent consultant. My role is to guide them through the rest of the build process, given that I helped create the vision of their garden. They needed help in getting and interpreting the landscaping quotes that they …
Winter is the best time for tidying up your garden, pruning the plants, and preparing for spring. If you can get over the mental block of how cold it is outside, you’ll reap the rewards in the couple of month’s time and also get some good exercise and keep warm to boot! So here are some tips for your winter garden care! Your winter garden to-do’s Declutter Honestly, winter’s …
One of my absolute favourite family of plants to use in my designs and one I absolutely look forward to in my own garden! Such a great plant for Australian climates too! ⠀ It’s often assumed that proteas are Australian natives, but they in originate from South Africa. However, they are closely related to some of our showiest plants, such as banksias, grevilleas and waratahs. (Which is why i …
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 already decided on the hard materials, accessories, and layout for this oasis. The next step is – many would say – the most fun part. Choosing your plants! But how do you work out what plants to put in and where they should go? You’ve come to …
Thought I’d write up on several discussions I’ve had the past couple of weeks from friends, family and clients about trying to get something edible planted in their garden. Most have said that they have no idea where to begin and some are curious about what else they can plant at this time of year! Well, happy to share some thoughts and tips to keep the spirit of giving …
The brief When Cate contacted me, she wanted a garden that would suit her lifestyle and lift her space. Her impeccable taste in her newly-renovated townhouse and incredible interior detail helped shape the outdoor design. Cate wanted a garden that would flow with the exterior and could be enjoyed both during the day and at night. It had to feel modern and create an urban oasis of lush plant …
The brief When Sarah and her husband contacted me, they wanted a garden design that would suit their family lifestyle and wow their neighbours. Their impeccable taste in their new build and incredible interior detail helped shape the outdoor design. Sarah’s family wanted a garden that would flow with the exterior and could be enjoyed both during the day and at night. It had to feel modern and family …
I wonder if anyone's explored the fact of where they feel most comfortable reading. Is it in a hammock built in your own little spot in the garden, nestled between trees and hopefully hidden away from the kids perhaps? :) Or is it in a little courtyard on a sunlounge where you can look out and enjoy the lush view ahead?⠀
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Until this point I wasn't sure if I had a favourite spot in my current house. But this quote got me thinking. Where do I find the most connection? Until now I know and felt that it was sufficient as long as there was a connection with the outdoors - whether it's was the sun getting into the room or the ability to look out to a lush and inviting green space. But now I know I have to actually be outdoors for my best spot - under my apricot tree. Strange but even when the kids wildly scream about me, the connection I have to this tree and with the "green" around it makes me feel alive and energised! I can actually zone out and enjoy my book!⠀
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Do you love reading outside too? What's your current favourite book?💚🍃
What did I love about this project you say?⠀
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I think that many people read into the glamour that's being represented with the visuals - the pool and the separate entertaining area. ⠀
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But what I enjoyed most was achieving what my client wanted from her garden. She wanted to make it her own and all I needed to do was to understand that and to work within the garden's constraints. ⠀
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We kept a lot the framework and architectural plants but included new ones that made her excited about going into her garden and not making it too much work for her!⠀
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So we weaved in a lot more colour, a heap of succulents and added the vege patch area she wanted growing between what would have otherwise have been overgrown and unkempt raised garden beds! ⠀
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Happy long term client, happy experience! Win-win! 💚🍃
Apart from looking fantastic, rock gardens can be a very useful design tool in your garden.⠀
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Some reasons you might want to consider incorporating rocks in your garden:⠀
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🌳To help with drainage. This may be because your plants require additional support whether due to the type or their position. Or to protect your foundations from risk of water damage.⠀
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🌳 For weed control. Rocks or pebbles can create a stylish alternative to mulch and can be effective in preventing weeds.⠀
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🌳 For paths or decorative features. Many rock types can make for a striking addition to your garden, accentuating the flow of your garden or in creating a natural garden feature.⠀
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Choosing the best rock type for your project is a mission in itself! If you'd like some advice in planning your garden, pop us a DM to learn more about our consultation options.💚🍃
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