Construction

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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 such as soft, feathery ferns to embracing cultural influences and the timeless allure of sculptures. The world of gardening is abuzz with exciting trends that are reshaping the way we design and experience our outdoor sanctuaries.  Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just beginning to cultivate your green…
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Fireproofing your house and garden is vital in Australia
Australia's unique climate and landscape make the country particularly vulnerable to fires, especially during the hot and dry months. As a homeowner, it's crucial to proactively fireproof your outdoor area and protect your property from the devastating impact of bushfires. Fortunately, you can take several proactive measures to minimise the risk and create a fire-resistant outdoor haven. In this article, we'll discuss five essential steps to fireproof your outdoor area…
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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, it's also a season of harsh conditions that can take its toll on your outdoor timber decking if you're not careful. Timber decking adds a touch of natural elegance to any home but requires proper care to withstand winter's harsh conditions. Fear not! Whether your deck is a…
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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 had one of my border garden designs presented at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) last week. It was a fantastic experience that I’d do again if given a chance. A Bit About MIFGS MIFGS is Australia's premier horticultural event. It brings together some of the…
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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 ready to commit to the process) and with the expectation that you give the process enough thought/time to create a space that truly suits your needs. However, many of us think about our gardens sometimes as an afterthought or as a reaction to specific triggers like warmer weather…
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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 affect your garden's overall aesthetics and functionality is garden edging. Garden edging serves both practical and aesthetic purposes, defining the boundaries of different garden areas, preventing soil erosion, and enhancing the visual appeal of your outdoor space. This blog post will explore options and offer guidance on choosing the…
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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 safe and attractive area for you and your family, but knowing where to start when choosing the perfect option can be challenging. Let’s look at the different paving and decking options available to create the outdoor area of your dreams. Assess Your Needs and Style Consider a few…
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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 this, it needs to be something you enjoy looking at and, ideally, needs to be low maintenance, as many of us are time-poor these days. Your driveway is a prominent feature of your house, so it’s a crucial decision. These days, you’re spoiled for choice in the type…
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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 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. So…
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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 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 were…
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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 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 life…
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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 and spend time in? We have developed a free comprehensive eBook just for you! This 10-page eBook will take you through: how to design the garden of your dreams. practical tips and inclusions based on your lifestyle. how to create harmony and flow between your home and garden.…
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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 relates to material made from chipped wood. Rock "mulch" is basically a groundcover material made of your chosen size of screenings, pebbles or small rocks. Now you're going to ask me, what are these in turn as they all seem to mean the same thing? In fact they…
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Salvia used in Vermont South landscape design
Do you want to learn what it takes to create your dream garden? A space that you love to look at and spend time in?   We have developed a free comprehensive eBook just for you!   This 17-page eWorkbook will help: Map out your existing garden and identify problem areas Brainstorm new ideas Clarify what you want before contacting a landscape designer or contractor If you are not sure…
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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 state your located. In Victoria Bluestone means Basalt. Basalt is one of the most commonly occurring igneous or volcanic rocks used in construction.  It is supplied as building blocks, cobblestones and statues.  Bluestone paving comes in all shapes and sizes and until recently it was the trendiest stone…
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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 B Blackburn - bluestone Glen Waverley Ashburton A Vermont South B Brighton Caulfield Camberwell Maribyrnong Surrey Hills Paving v decking Which one should you go for?  Basically it boils down to a couple of considerations ranging from your personal preference to use of space and cost drivers.  If…
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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 of visual interest and are at times functional!  Therefore, if you're thinking of creating a space that seems like an enclosed room or a special destination where you want to be in the garden, don't hesitate to use one! With trends in landscape design shifting towards ideas of…
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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 and muscle! Sleepers generally come in two types – treated pine or red gum. Although we have installed some in railway sleepers (looks amazing but it is costlier). What's the right type of wood based sleeper for you? Using treated pine sleepers for building a retaining wall is…
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The rare occurrence Occasionally, we meet clients who are well researched and have a reasonably good idea of what they want and how much it will all cost.  All they needed from us is to complete the picture by confirming a couple of things they were thinking of doing and a quick sketch of what the overall result will look like. In this instance we will usually offer to draw…
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Construction - Inspiring Landscape Solutions