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Home
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Main Portfolio
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MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2024
MIFGS 2024
About Us
About Us
Our Process
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Recent Posts

Garden Design with a Flacking Twist
Simple Winter Ideas to Transform Your Garden
How to Use Artistic Expression in Garden Design
How Colour and Scent Transform Your Garden Design
Maximalism in Garden Landscape Design

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inspiringlandscapes.com.au

🌳✨ Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Tr

🌳✨ Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Tree ✨🌳⁠
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Shady trees aren’t just beautiful; they’re one of the most valuable additions you can make to your garden. Whether it’s a place to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, or escape the midday sun, having a shady spot to relax can completely transform how you use your outdoor space.⁠
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☀️ Why does shade matter?⁠
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Because it invites you to slow down and stay outside longer, trees help cool the air, reduce glare, and protect your garden from harsh afternoon heat. They create natural outdoor “rooms” that feel peaceful, sheltered, and soothing.⁠
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Suppose you’re looking to plant for shade. In that case, a few standout favourites include the Crepe Myrtle, with its stunning bark and soft summer canopy, or the ever-popular Jacaranda, which offers wide, spreading shade and a magical purple bloom in late spring. ⁠
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For native gardens, Tristaniopsis Laurina (Water Gum) is a great pick, offering filtered shade and glossy foliage that works beautifully in contemporary landscapes.⁠
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🌿 Bonus benefits? Trees add structure and height, provide privacy, support native wildlife, and increase the value of your home. All while offering you the simplest luxury — somewhere to sit, breathe, and just be.⁠
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So if your garden’s missing that one perfect shady spot, maybe it’s time to plant something that future you will thank you for.⁠
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📸Mark Vanden Boom’s design in Kew 🤩

SNEAK PEEK! 😍⁠ ⁠ You’re the first to see

SNEAK PEEK! 😍⁠
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You’re the first to see this (besides my client). This design is a stunning ⁠retreat area for my client’s wife. It includes a meditation and relaxation space where she can be surrounded by lush greenery and zone out from the hustle and bustle of the real world by reading or relaxing.⁠
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I’ve designed many areas like this for clients before. ⁠The composition consideration in developing the area is always the same: balancing the spatial interaction between practical use and navigation needs. ⁠
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Next is considering seating, styling, and greenery/plants 🌱. However, given that each client is different and has unique needs, the area’s design for each client ultimately becomes unique. ⁠
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While a designer always injects their preferences, ideas, and aesthetic qualities, I believe it’s essential to pay attention to my client’s specific needs. They want to be immersed in things that calm them and bring joy to their day.⁠
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Can you see yourself relaxing in a beautiful courtyard like this?💚⁠ If so, contact me today to get your plans started.⁠
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📸 Glen Iris project’s rear relaxation area⁠. Incoming in 2027!⁠

🦉🐾 Add a Little Personality to Your Garden (

🦉🐾 Add a Little Personality to Your Garden (One Sculpture at a Time!) 🌿✨⁠
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Your garden is more than just a place to grow plants — it’s a space to reflect who you are. One of our favourite ways to give a garden that extra personal touch? Sculptures and small statues! 🎨🪴⁠
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Whether it’s an owl tucked under a tree, a curious fox peeking from behind a shrub, or even a playful dinosaur your kids insisted on keeping (and now secretly love), these little pieces tell a story. ⁠They bring warmth, character, and a touch of surprise to every corner of your outdoor space.⁠
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Do you have a favourite animal? A family joke? A symbol that means something to you? Let it shine in your garden! These details create a space that feels both designed and lived in, and loved.⁠
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Bonus? Kids adore finding familiar faces hidden among the greenery, and guests will always ask, “Where did you get that?” So go ahead, plant your personality right alongside your plants. 🌸💫⁠
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📸Mount Waverley project 2020⁠
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We pass by beauty every single day; on our walks 🚶‍♀️, in our gardens, even in our backyards — but how often do we see it? Not just a glance, but an actual pause. ⁠
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A moment to notice the small things: a single bloom pushing through the grass, the bees busy at work, sunlight hitting a leaf just right. 🐝⁠
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In gardening and life, it’s easy to focus on the big picture 💭—the completed design, the freshly mulched bed, the “before and after” wow factor. But the tiny, quiet details often hold the most meaning. ⁠The kind of beauty that doesn’t demand your attention but offers it freely to anyone is still enough to notice.⁠
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So slow down next time you’re in the garden or walking through the park. Look closer. You might spot a flower you’ve passed a hundred times before … and see it for the first time.⁠ It’s not about having more, it’s about just noticing more. 💚🌼⁠

🚗🌿 Driveway Gardens: Where First Impressions

🚗🌿 Driveway Gardens: Where First Impressions Begin 🌿🚗⁠
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Your driveway garden does more than guide vehicles; it sets the tone for your home. With tall trees, tidy hedges, and sculptural shrubs lining the way, it’s all about curb appeal and clever design. ⁠
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However, with all that greenery right next to a high-traffic area, effective maintenance is crucial. Here’s how to keep it looking polished (and practical!):⁠
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✂️ Keep it clear: Regularly trim hedges and shrubs to avoid overgrowth that can scratch cars or limit visibility. Think clean lines, but still lush enough to soften the hardscape.⁠
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🌳 Lift the canopy: For tall trees, prune lower branches to maintain a clear line of sight and avoid hazards for cars and pedestrians. A well-managed canopy also brings in dappled light without overwhelming the space.⁠
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🪴 Watch root systems: Large trees near driveways need careful monitoring. Choose species with noninvasive roots or consult a landscaper to prevent damage to paving over time.⁠
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🚿 Rinse and refresh: Driveways collect dust and debris. A quick sweep or hose down helps prevent buildup and keeps your green edges from looking tired or grimy.⁠
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🌼 Layer for interest: Plant low-maintenance groundcovers or hardy shrubs at the base of trees for extra visual impact without additional effort.⁠
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A driveway garden should be as thoughtful as any other part of your landscape: beautiful, functional, and easy to live with.⁠
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📸Highett landscape design project⁠

Buddleja (often referred to as the butterfly bush)

Buddleja (often referred to as the butterfly bush) is a true crowd-pleaser. With its soft, spiked clusters of blooms and silvery-green leaves, it’s not a plant just for us humans. ⁠Its flowers come in dreamy shades of lilac, violet, pink, and white, filling your garden with colour and fragrance.⁠
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But here’s the best part: Buddleja is a magnet for life. Bees buzz in, butterflies flutter, and even small native birds stop by for a nectar snack. 🌼🦋🐦 ⁠
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If you’re hoping to create a stunning garden supporting your local ecosystem, this plant is one you’ll want on your team.⁠
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It’s wonderfully low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, sun-loving, and happy in various soils. Give it a good prune after flowering to keep it compact and blooming beautifully.⁠
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Plant it in a sunny border 🌞 near a window where you can watch it grow, or in a wildflower-inspired garden corner. It’s one of those plants that gives back more than it takes. Pretty, practical, and pollinator-approved? Yes, please! 💚🌿 ⁠
⁠P.S. I love how this one looks like it’s peeking over the fence, checking out what’s going on 😉⁠

❄️🌿 Winter Garden Care: Don’t Let the Chi

❄️🌿 Winter Garden Care: Don’t Let the Chill Fool You! 🌿❄️⁠
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While your garden might seem quieter in winter, it’s far from asleep. Beneath the surface, your plants are preparing for spring, and how you care for your garden now can make all the difference when the seasons change.⁠
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Here’s how to show your garden some love during the cooler months:⁠
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🌱 Mulch, mulch, mulch: Adding a thick organic mulch helps insulate roots, suppress weeds, and maintain soil moisture (even in winter!). It also gives your garden beds a tidy, cared-for look during the sparse season.⁠
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✂️ Prune with purpose: Many trees and shrubs benefit from a winter prune. Removing dead or damaged growth shapes your plants and promotes healthy new growth come spring. Just make sure to research the best time for each species.⁠
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🌿 Evergreen structure matters: If your garden feels a little bare, now’s a great time to plant evergreen varieties that provide colour and form all year round. Think viburnum, westringia, or even a camellia or two for winter blooms.⁠
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🚿 Irrigation check-in: Don’t switch off your watering routine completely! Many plants still need hydration, especially in drier climates. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and monitor container plants more closely.⁠
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🧼 Tidy and prep: Clear fallen leaves, clean your tools and check pots and paving for moss or algae build-up. A little maintenance now prevents headaches later.⁠
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Caring for your garden in winter isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing the right things. A little TLC now means stronger, happier plants come spring, and a space you can enjoy even when the mercury drops.⁠
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So grab your beanie, pull on the gloves, and head outside. Your garden still needs you, just in a slightly different way. 🌧️✨⁠
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And for more information on how you can tend to your garden during the cooler months, you can read our blog at https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/winter-garden-care/⁠

❄️🌿 Winter Gardening Trend ALERT: Evergreen

❄️🌿 Winter Gardening Trend ALERT: Evergreens with Texture & Form 🌿❄️⁠
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Just because it’s July doesn’t mean your garden has to look sleepy! One of Australia’s biggest winter gardening trends is incorporating evergreens with bold texture and form to keep outdoor spaces feeling alive, structured, and stylish throughout the season.⁠
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Think sculptural grasses, glossy-leaved shrubs, hardy natives like Acacia ‘Limelight’ or Correa’s, exotics like Leucadendrons, or Magnolia’ Teddy Bear’. These plants don’t just survive the cold — they shine in it.⁠
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Why the trend? It’s all about creating visual interest when flowers take a back seat. By layering foliage shapes and tones, Aussie gardeners are designing spaces that feel dynamic and inviting even in the heart of winter.⁠
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Bonus points for pairing evergreens with mood lighting or a fire pit. Now that’s a winter garden worth rugging up for! 🔥🪴⁠
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Lanterns are more than just light sources.⁠ Acro

Lanterns are more than just light sources.⁠ Across many cultures, they’re symbols of hope, celebration, and connection. From the vibrant red lanterns of Lunar New Year to the floating lantern festivals in Thailand, these glowing orbs carry stories, traditions, and wishes into the night sky. 🌕🌸⁠
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So why not bring a little of that magic into your garden?⁠ Lanterns can instantly add warmth, atmosphere, and a gentle sense of ritual to your outdoor space. They create a peaceful and inviting glow, whether hanging from tree branches, lining a path, or clustered together on a table.⁠
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You can opt for a classic look with paper or bamboo lanterns for a soft, romantic touch, or choose solar-powered metal lanterns for a more modern, eco-friendly appearance. ⁠Either way, it’s more than decoration. ⁠
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It’s about creating moments, quiet, reflective evenings or joyful gatherings that feel more special by lantern light. ✨ Let your garden glow with culture, beauty, and intention.⁠
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Do you have lanterns in your garden or house? If so, share your photos with us below., I would love to see them 💚⁠

In a world where we’re constantly told to hustle

In a world where we’re constantly told to hustle, share, post, and perform, it’s refreshing to remember that quiet confidence sometimes says the most. 🌷⁠
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A flower doesn’t need applause or attention. It doesn’t ask for permission. It grows, appears at its own time, and blooms unapologetically. And we can take that into our own lives and gardens.⁠
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Nature teaches us to trust the process. It teaches us that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful, that beauty can unfold slowly and quietly, and still have an incredible impact. ⁠
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Just as in the garden, where a bud blossoms into a bloom without a word, we too can show up authentically and let our presence speak for itself. 💚⁠
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So here’s to blooming at our own pace, in our own way, in spaces that make us feel grounded and joyful. You don’t have to shout to make a statement. Sometimes, you need to grow. 🌿💫⁠

🎁✨ Give the Gift of a Garden They’ll Never

🎁✨ Give the Gift of a Garden They’ll Never Forget 🌿💚⁠
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Are you looking for something truly thoughtful, lasting, and just a little different? An Inspiring Landscapes Solutions Gift Voucher might be precisely what you’re after.⁠
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Whether it’s a friend with big backyard dreams, a loved one building a new home, or someone who wants to enjoy their garden more, this gift is all about possibilities. 🌱✨⁠
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Instead of guessing what they want, you’re providing them with expert guidance, a creative vision, and the opportunity to create a space that truly reflects who they are. ⁠
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From design consults to complete landscape plans, a voucher with Inspiring Landscapes is more than just a present; it’s a future garden waiting to bloom.⁠
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It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, new homeowners, or even to say, “You deserve something special.” Giving the gift of outdoor inspiration is next-level thoughtful. DM us to organise one or visit our website to learn more!⁠
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🔥 Talk about drama! If plants could strut a red

🔥 Talk about drama! If plants could strut a red carpet, the Sprekelia would own it. 💃🌺⁠
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With its bold, scarlet-red petals and striking, orchid-like shape, this beauty doesn’t bloom — it performs. ⁠
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Commonly known as the Jacobean or Aztec Lily, the Sprekelia brings serious wow-factor to the garden, even when it’s just popping up for its short but show-stopping season.⁠
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Its flowers have a unique, almost sculptural elegance — arching petals, rich colour, and that little bit of unexpected flair that makes you stop and say, “Wait … what is THAT?” 😍⁠
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“Perfect for pots, borders, or adding a splash of exotic charm, Sprekelia is the kind of plant that reminds you: sometimes, the boldest things come in the smallest packages.⁠
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Got a sunny spot that needs a little drama? This could be your garden’s star. 🌞⁠
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📸 Mt Waverley project (my client snuck it in 😉)⁠
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Our project brief for Leonie and Ian was to ensure

Our project brief for Leonie and Ian was to ensure their garden could be enjoyed from inside their house. When they were outside, it needed a spacious and open feel, along with a low-maintenance planting palette.⁠
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Based on the review we received from our client, we believe that we met their brief. Here’s a snippet of their review:⁠
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“Parveen was able to keep to our budget, has such attention to detail, and is just an expert in landscaping. It was a super quick turnaround from start to end. We are so happy with our result and smile whenever we come home.”⁠
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To read more about our project design at Vermont South B, head on over to our website: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/vermont-south-b/⁠
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📸 Vermont South B landscape design 2018

Winter can be one of the most magical times to enj

Winter can be one of the most magical times to enjoy your outdoor space. If you’re wondering how you can make this happen, our latest blog, “Simple Winter Ideas to Transform Your Garden”, is just for you.⁠
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From the warm glow of outdoor lighting to the crackle of a fire pit and the evergreen charm of layered planting, we’re exploring practical, creative, and easy-to-implement ideas that transform even the most uninviting corners of your garden into places you’ll want to be.⁠
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🔥 Create a cosy nook with weatherproof furniture⁠
🔥 Add trees and hedges that shelter you from the wind⁠
🔥 Use lighting to bring warmth and mood to early evenings⁠
🔥 Choose plants that bring colour, structure, and seasonal interest⁠
🔥 And don’t forget — mulch, pathways, and clever layout matter too!⁠
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Your garden doesn’t have to go quiet just because the weather has cooled down. With thoughtful changes, it can become your retreat, perfect for slow mornings, evening catch-ups, or simply a breath of fresh air between Zoom meetings.⁠
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So if you’re ready to love your garden through winter (and not just survive it), this blog is full of inspiration to get you started.⁠
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🛋️🍃 https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/simple-winter-ideas-to-transform-your-garden/⁠

🌿🫰 Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a necessity

🌿🫰 Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a necessity.⁠
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In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to feel like we need to earn our downtime. However, the truth is that making time to rest and reset isn’t indulgent; it’s vital.⁠
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And your garden? It can be so much more than something to water or weed. It can be the pause you’ve been craving. That is one place where there are no to-do lists, screens, and no pressure to be anywhere else.⁠
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Maybe it’s a shady corner where you sip your morning coffee. A comfy chair under a tree where you can read a few pages in peace. Or just a moment standing barefoot on the lawn, breathing in the scent of lavender or freshly turned soil.⁠
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We design our homes for function. Why not create our gardens for well-being? A few small changes, such as adding a spot to sit, incorporating a plant that brings a smile, and incorporating the gentle sound of water, can transform your outdoor space into a daily dose of calm.⁠
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So this is your gentle nudge: build rest into your life, not around it. Let your garden remind you to pause, recharge, and just BE. 🌸✨⁠
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⁠Scent is such a powerful part of our experience

⁠Scent is such a powerful part of our experience in the garden — it’s not just something we smell; it’s something we feel. ⁠
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A whiff of jasmine on a cool evening, the peppery scent of a rosemary bush as you brush past, the sweet, heady notes of roses in full bloom — each one is like a little message from nature — unseen but deeply felt.⁠
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Fragrance can trigger memories, change our mood, and turn a simple moment in the garden into something truly special. That’s why when we design with scent in mind, we’re not just planting — we’re curating an experience.⁠
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Want to bring more “feeling” into your garden? Try planting lavender near your entryway, citrus blossoms along a path, or a patch of mint by your outdoor seating area. These small touches create something more than just beauty—they create connection.⁠
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Because in the end, flowers don’t just look good … they speak to us. 💐💛⁠

One of the biggest perks of artificial grass? It s

One of the biggest perks of artificial grass? It stays green all year round — no mowing, watering, or muddy patches. But even the most low-maintenance lawn needs a little TLC to stay fresh and fabulous. 💚⁠
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Here’s how to keep your synthetic turf in top shape:⁠
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🧹 Brush it regularly – Use a stiff broom or plastic rake to lift the blades and keep them looking lush (especially in high-traffic spots).⁠
🍃 Clear debris – Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt to prevent buildup and maintain a tidy appearance.⁠
🚿 Rinse it down – A quick hose off now and then helps clear dust and refresh the surface.⁠
🐾 Pet owner? – Scoop solids, rinse liquids, and use a turf-safe cleaner to maintain hygiene.⁠ There are even pet-safe deodorisers that you can apply post-cleaning!⁠
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Maintenance goes a long way in keeping your artificial lawn looking (almost) as good as the real deal, without any weekend mowing chores!⁠
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Additionally, if you’re looking for a lawn aesthetic in a shady area or have a challenging site where it’s difficult for real grass to grow, this is the perfect product to achieve your needs.⁠
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📸 Glen Waverley 2018 landscape garden design⁠

There’s something so inviting about a curved foo

There’s something so inviting about a curved footpath in the garden. Unlike straight lines, curves feel organic, like they belong. They encourage you to slow down, take in your surroundings, and enjoy the journey rather than just rushing to the destination. But here’s the trick: how you line and frame that path makes all the difference.⁠
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🌾 Border with Soft Planting—Use low-growing or trailing plants to gently define the edge without rigid lines. Think Thyme, Dichondra, or Native Violet. These plants can spill slightly into the path, softening the edges and adding colour and scent as you walk by.⁠
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🌸 Add Movement and Colour –Plant ornamental grasses like Lomandra, Poa, or Pennisetum along the curve. Their natural sway brings the life path, especially when they catch the breeze or morning light. For colour, try cold-season bloomers like Violas, Salvias, or Grevilleas to brighten up winter days.⁠
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🪴 Create Moments Along the Way – Curved paths allow you to add small moments of interest. A feature pot, a cluster of rocks, or a sculptural plant can act as visual pauses that draw the eye and enhance the journey.⁠
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🌞 Make It Walkable Year-Round—Even without edging, you can keep your curved path practical. Use compacted gravel, crushed granite, or large stepping stones for a clean, low-maintenance surface. These materials drain well and look beautifully natural beside planting.⁠
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💡 Layer in Light and Shadow – Solar path lights, hanging lanterns, or uplighting around plants can bring your curved path to life in the evening, creating a welcoming glow and extending its use well beyond daylight hours.⁠
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Curved paths aren’t just practical; they bring rhythm and story to your garden. They create flow, invite exploration, and make even a small space feel like a thoughtful escape. So lean into the curve, let the plants talk, and enjoy the magic of meandering through your slice of nature. ✨🌿⁠

Imagine softness and increased plant diversity in

Imagine softness and increased plant diversity in a compact tiny frontyard! 🌷⁠
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Achievable? Oh yes!⁠
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And a lot more interesting than a boring flat grassed area which it is usually the case!⁠
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So in this design, the front yard was a simple grassed area before the goldies decided to turn it into a MASSIVE patch of mud!! ⁠
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What I’ve proposed will be a HUGE improvement aesthetically, to be enjoyed not only by my lovely client and goldies but also by her lovely neighbours!⁠
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I emphasised natives but snuck in some compatible exotics to achieve my vision of seasonality, importantly fostering a manageable maintenance routine whilst keeping true to a cottage garden look which my lovely client loves and needs!⁠
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It was certainly a challenge balancing all the requirements — reasonable seating area, dog play/navigation 🐶, and enough space for a thriving garden that is lush, interesting to be in, and to also be enjoyed from inside the house. BUT I got there in the end 😄. ⁠
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In choosing the plants, the garden was also in a lot of shade but had many pockets with a sunnier aspect 😎, so it was tricky to balance all of the plant composition to make it work and safe for the resident goldies to play in!⁠ I loved the challenge though! ⁠
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And my favourite part? Note the path to the street. The goldies love saying hello to friendly neighbours 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 who stop by, pat them, and chat!⁠ ⁠
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Here’s what my lovely client had to say about the draft 💚:⁠
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“Hello Parveen,⁠
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I have had a chance to look at the design and plants this weekend. I love the plants you have chosen and have definitely made the front garden welcoming. It will also be a lovely relaxing and peaceful place to sit and enjoy.⁠
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Trish Edwards”⁠
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Would love to know what you think about this design! 😊⁠
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📸 Pic 1: May 2025 Mitcham planting design (after)⁠
📸 Pic 2: May 2025 Mitcham planting design (before)⁠

In a low-maintenance garden, there’s always spac

In a low-maintenance garden, there’s always space for a little artistic flair.⁠⁠ These fibreglass spheres might look like simple garden ornaments, but they’re so much more than that. ⁠
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Sure, they bring a beautiful sense of texture and form to the space, breaking up the greenery, complementing the planting palette, and adding contrast against the natural elements.⁠
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Depending on where you stand, the time of day, or even the season, they cast different shadows, reflect the light uniquely, and offer fresh perspectives. They’re not just decorative — they bring depth. Emotion. A sense of quiet presence.⁠
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I often think of gardens as living galleries, and these fibreglass balls add that extra layer—something unexpected and abstract—a focal point that doesn’t shout but gently draws the eye and gives the mind something to linger on.⁠
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A low-maintenance garden doesn’t have to mean low character; with the right touches, it can still be full of meaning, texture, and a sense of story. ✨⁠
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📸Avenue of Achievable Gardens MIFGS 2025.

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