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MIFGS 2023
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MIFGS 2024
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Health

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Recent Posts

How Garden Designers Create a Connection Between People and Nature
Designing a Garden That Grows With You
What Summer Reveals About Your Garden (And How to Fix It)
Simple Garden Tips to Set Your Garden Up for 2026
Prediction – Landscape Garden Trends For 2026 in Australia

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🔥🌿 If a flower could look like its mid–firework, t

🔥🌿 If a flower could look like its mid–firework, this would be it.⁠
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Meet Lotus Berthelotii, often called Parrot’s Beak, and yes, it’s just as dramatic as it sounds. With its wild, claw-shaped blooms, this plant brings serious wow-factor wherever it grows.⁠
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The flowers come in fiery shades of red, orange, coral, and golden yellow, often glowing even brighter against their soft, silvery foliage. It’s the kind of plant that stops people mid-walk and makes them ask, “What is THAT?”⁠
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As for where it grows best, pots are the winner. Lotus berthelotii loves excellent drainage and being admired up close, making it perfect for hanging baskets, raised pots, or spilling over the edges of containers. ⁠
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While it can be planted in the ground in the right conditions, pots really let its trailing habit and colour shine.⁠
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🌸 Bold, playful, and a little bit wild; this is one flower that doesn’t believe in blending in.⁠
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👉 Would you go for fiery red or golden yellow?⁠
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📸Lotus berthelotii flower in a pot, Fairfield

Tomorrow is ‘National Eucalypt Day’, and this year

Tomorrow is ‘National Eucalypt Day’, and this year’s theme is ‘Our Eucalypt Home’; and what a home it is! With over 900 species across Australia, eucalypts aren’t just trees; they’re entire ecosystems that form the backbone of our unique biodiversity.⁠
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These incredible natives support countless species, from tiny insects in their bark crevices to birds nesting in their hollows, possums sheltering in their branches, and lizards basking on their trunks. ⁠
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Their flowers provide nectar for birds, bats, and bees, while their seeds feed parrots and their leaves sustain everything from beetles to our beloved koalas. In fact, eucalypts are so vital that many Australian animals have evolved specifically to depend on them!⁠
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Speaking of koalas, they’ve scored possibly the best real estate deal in nature. They live in eucalyptus trees because they’re basically the ultimate all-in-one apartment: bedroom, kitchen, and hideout rolled into one! ⁠
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Koalas munch on eucalyptus leaves (eating up to a kilogram a day!) and barely need to come down for water since the leaves are so moisture-rich. Plus, those toxic oils that would make most animals sick? Koalas have a special digestive system that handles them like a champ. 🐨⁠
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National Eucalypt Day aims to celebrate and raise awareness about these iconic trees and the critical role they play in Australia’s environment. It’s a reminder that protecting our eucalypts means protecting the incredible web of life they support.⁠
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How you can get involved:⁠
🌱 Plant a native eucalypt in your garden⁠
📸 Share photos of your local eucalypts⁠
🚶 Take a nature walk and appreciate these trees up close⁠
💚 Support local conservation groups protecting eucalypt habitats⁠
📚 Learn about the different species in your area⁠
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What’s your favourite Aussie eucalypt? The towering mountain ash? The iconic river red gum? Drop a 🌳 if you love our eucalypt home!⁠

Mount Waverley February ‘26 design. One massive ex

Mount Waverley February ‘26 design. One massive exercise in crazy paving and experimenting with new ideas and plants! ⁠
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Quite a challenging site with lots of water drainage issues, but the client’s done a lot of work investigating the problems and ways to address them, which is amazing and extremely helpful so that the design won’t be undone down the track!⁠

Ps there’s also a little bit of humorous fun happening with little story telling statuettes spread through the garden paths! 🥰
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Can’t wait to get this implemented soon!!⁠ 💚💚💚

Think retaining walls are just practical? Think ag

Think retaining walls are just practical? Think again.⁠
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Retaining walls are often seen as purely structural, something you have to include if your block slopes. But when designed thoughtfully, they can completely transform a garden.⁠
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They create levels. Define spaces. Add strength and structure. And when paired with the right materials and planting, they become a feature, not just a necessity.⁠
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A well-designed retaining wall can:⁠
✔ Prevent erosion and manage drainage⁠
✔ Maximise usable space⁠
✔ Create beautiful tiered planting⁠
✔ Add architectural interest⁠
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The difference between a retaining wall that feels heavy and one that feels intentional? Design.⁠
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In our latest blog, we explore how retaining walls can elevate both the function and the aesthetic of your outdoor space, and why they should be considered early in the design process.⁠
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👉 Read the full blog and see how retaining walls can reshape your garden for the better: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/retaining-wall/⁠

❤️🦜 Meet one of Australia’s most stylish locals, t

❤️🦜 Meet one of Australia’s most stylish locals, the Crimson Rosella.⁠
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With its bold red feathers, flashes of blue, and almost painted-looking details, the Crimson Rosella looks like it belongs in an art gallery rather than perched on a fence. ⁠
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These beauties are proudly native to Australia, and lucky for us, they’re often spotted in bushland, parks, and even suburban gardens.⁠
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They’re not just easy on the eyes either. Rosellas are gentle, curious, and known for their soft whistles as they move through the trees. Spotting one usually means you’re in a healthy, well-balanced environment, a little reminder of how important green spaces are for our native wildlife.⁠
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🌿 Next time you see a flash of red fly past, take a moment. It’s one of Australia’s natural icons, stopping by to say hello.⁠
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📸 Mount Dandenong, Melbourne (very adorable to sit and eat with them being around you but please don’t feed them!!!)

Wow, autumn already?! 🍂 ⁠ ⁠ Autumn has a way of qu

Wow, autumn already?! 🍂 ⁠
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Autumn has a way of quieting everything down. The light softens, the air cools, and the garden seems to exhale. Leaves turn warm and rich, skies glow a little deeper, and suddenly the world feels more balanced; less hurried, more in tune.⁠
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In the garden, autumn is where harmony truly shines. Plants settle into themselves, colours feel intentional rather than loud, and the changing light brings a gentle lustre that’s impossible to rush past. It’s a season that invites reflection, slowing down, and noticing beauty in transition.⁠
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Maybe that’s why autumn feels so grounding. It reminds us that change doesn’t have to be chaotic; it can be calm, graceful, and deeply beautiful.⁠
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🌿 Take a moment today to look up, breathe it in, and let the season do what it does best.⁠

🥕🌿 Raised veggie patches might look neat, but they

🥕🌿 Raised veggie patches might look neat, but they’re little productivity powerhouses that need the right care to keep thriving.⁠
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The beauty of raised beds is control; better drainage, improved soil quality, and easier access (your back will thank you). But because they drain faster than in-ground gardens, they also dry out more quickly. ⁠
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That means consistent watering is key, especially during warmer months. A deep soak less often is better than a light sprinkle every day.⁠
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Healthy soil is everything in a raised veggie patch. Veggies are hungry plants, so topping up with compost, organic fertiliser, and a generous layer of mulch keeps nutrients cycling and moisture locked in. Think of it as feeding the soil, not just the plants.⁠
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Regular harvesting also makes a difference. The more you pick, the more vegetables will produce. And don’t forget crop rotation: switching plant families each season helps prevent nutrient depletion and reduces pest and disease build-up.⁠
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Weeding little and often saves you from a jungle later on, and keeping airflow between plants helps reduce fungal issues.⁠
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A well-maintained raised veggie patch doesn’t just grow food; it grows flavour, satisfaction, and that unbeatable feeling of stepping outside to pick dinner straight from the garden.⁠
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🌱 What’s growing in your veggie patch right now?⁠
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📸Project Detail: Upper Ferntree Gully Project 2025-2026⁠
📸 1 - Veggie patch on installation⁠
📸 2 - Veggie patch all lush with produce!⁠
📸 3 - Yummy fresh lettuce, my lovely client gifted me! 💚⁠
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🌺🔥 Red nasturtiums are the rebels of the garden, a

🌺🔥 Red nasturtiums are the rebels of the garden, and we love them for it.⁠
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Bright, bold, and impossible to ignore, red nasturtiums don’t politely blend in… they burst onto the scene. Their fiery blooms weave through garden beds, spill over edges, and trail from pots as if they owned the place. And honestly? They do.⁠
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But here’s the fun part, they’re not just pretty faces. Nasturtiums are edible (yes, really!). Their peppery leaves and flowers can be tossed into salads for a splash of colour and a little zing. Beauty and bite? That’s a win.⁠
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They’re also wonderfully easy-going. Give them some sun, reasonably well-drained soil, and they’ll happily scramble and spread, softening hard edges and filling gaps with effortless charm.⁠ There’s something joyful about them; a little wild, a little untamed, and full of personality.⁠
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If your garden needs a shot of confidence and colour, red nasturtiums might be the spark it’s been waiting for 🌿🔥⁠
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📸Project Detail: Nasturtiums, Glen Iris Project

When we think about adding colour to our gardens,

When we think about adding colour to our gardens, most of us go straight to the bold stuff; the colours that pop. Fiery reds. Punchy oranges. Sunshine yellows.⁠ Or we lean the other way: soft pastels, calming blues, dreamy purples that create that relaxed, exhale kind of feeling.⁠
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But here’s a little secret. One of the most underrated colours in the garden is actually white, and even silver. 🤍✨⁠
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White and silvery tones don’t shout for attention. They glow. They soften. They reflect light. They create contrast and elegance without overpowering the surroundings. ⁠Suddenly, the whole space feels fresher, lighter, and just a little bit more refined.⁠
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Take this miscanthus, for example. It’s practically a feature plant all on its own, don’t you think? Soft and feathery, yet somehow it brings drama and glamour at the same time. It catches the light, moves beautifully in the breeze, and adds texture that’s impossible to ignore.⁠
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Proof that sometimes the quietest colours make the biggest impact. Would you consider adding more white or silver to your garden palette?⁠
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📸Project detail: Miscanthus, Glen Iris Project

🎨🌿 Who says gardens have to be serious all the tim

🎨🌿 Who says gardens have to be serious all the time?⁠
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Yes, structure matters. Yes, plant selection is important. But sometimes a garden just needs something that makes you smile.⁠
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A cheeky sculpture tucked between the plants. A whimsical metal bird peeking out from behind a hedge. A colourful mural that catches you off guard. Artwork in the garden adds personality, and sometimes a little bit of mischief.⁠
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Gardens are places we escape to. So why not include pieces that make you laugh, spark conversation, or remind you not to take life too seriously? ⁠
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The contrast between soft greenery and bold, unexpected art creates magic. It turns a beautiful garden into a memorable one.⁠
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🌸 Because if your garden can make you pause and grin, it’s doing more than growing; it’s living. I know I had a good laugh and enjoyed this artwork! Would you?⁠
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📸Playground, Paradise Country, Gold Coast - 🐑 Shaun the Sheep artwork⁠ 🐑⁠

🌿 What if your garden didn’t need to be finished,

🌿 What if your garden didn’t need to be finished, just flexible?⁠
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Life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your garden. The most successful outdoor spaces aren’t designed for one perfect moment in time; they’re designed to grow with you. ⁠As routines change, families evolve, and seasons roll on, a thoughtful garden adapts quietly in the background.⁠
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Designing a garden that grows with you is about strong foundations, not rigid plans. It’s choosing structure that lasts, plants that mature gracefully, and spaces that can shift in purpose without needing a full redesign. ⁠
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A lawn that becomes a retreat. A play space that softens into a garden room. A planting palette that gets better, not harder, with time.⁠ This approach takes the pressure off. Less chasing trends. Less reworking. More ease, longevity, and connection to how you actually live.⁠
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We dive deeper into this idea in our latest blog: Design a Garden That Grows With You 🌱 https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/designing-a-garden-that-grows-with-you/⁠
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Read our blog and start thinking about your garden as something that evolves alongside you, season after season.⁠

There’s something deeply comforting in this though

There’s something deeply comforting in this thought. Trees quietly witness every chapter of our lives; they stand through beginnings and endings, through growth, loss, joy, and change. ⁠Just like us, they’re never truly still. They grow, shed, rest, and begin again.⁠
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Changing leaves remind us that transformation is not only natural but necessary. That beauty exists in every phase: the fresh green of spring, the fullness of summer, the golds of autumn, and the quiet strength of winter branches. Our lives move in much the same way.⁠
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In gardens, trees ground us. They offer shade, shelter, and a sense of continuity in a world that’s always shifting. They remind us that while moments pass, something steady can still exist alongside change.⁠
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🌿 Maybe that’s why we’re drawn to them; they mirror our own journeys, season by season.⁠

😄 Indoor plants are low drama, until they’re not.⁠

😄 Indoor plants are low drama, until they’re not.⁠
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One minute, they’re thriving, the next, they’re dropping leaves like they’re making a statement. The good news? Most indoor plants want a little consistency, not perfection.⁠
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💧 Water when the soil needs it, not when you remember it⁠
☀️ Light matters more than you think (yes, even for “low-light” plants)⁠
🍃 Dusty leaves = unhappy plants, so give them a gentle wipe now and then⁠
🪴 Rotate pots occasionally so they don’t lean like they’re chasing the sun⁠
🌱 And remember: over-loving is a thing; too much water is the #1 plant killer⁠
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Indoor plant care isn’t about getting it right all the time. It’s about learning their quirks, noticing small changes, and adjusting as you go.⁠
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👉 Which plant in your house is thriving, and which one are you still negotiating with?⁠
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📸 Shopping mall in Central Phuket, Thailand

😄 The only thing that should be slippery is the sl

😄 The only thing that should be slippery is the slide (not the situation).⁠
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Cubby houses are serious business in the backyard — especially when there’s a slide involved. A little TLC keeps the fun flowing and the scraped knees to a minimum.⁠
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✨ Give it a spa day: Dirt, sunscreen, and mystery stickiness build up fast. A quick wash with mild soap keeps slides fast but friendly.⁠
☀️ Hot slide alert: Summer sun can turn slides into lava. A shade sail or a well-timed play session saves the “ouch!”⁠
🔩 Wiggle check: If it wobbles, squeaks, or rattles, it’s time to tighten things up.⁠
🍃 Clear the landing zone: Leaves, mulch, and bark at the bottom can turn a graceful exit into a dramatic dismount.⁠
🛠️ Look for battle scars: Fading, cracks, or rough bits are signs the slide’s ready for a repair (or retirement).⁠
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A few quick checks = hours of carefree fun, big laughs, and peace of mind for grown-ups.⁠
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👉 When did you last give your cubby house a once-over?⁠

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📸Narre Warren project detail⁠

🌹✨ Meet the rose that doesn’t ask for constant att

🌹✨ Meet the rose that doesn’t ask for constant attention.⁠
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This groundcover rose is proof that roses don’t have to be high-maintenance divas. Specifically bred to be highly resistant to fungal diseases that commonly affect roses, this variety is all about strong performance with minimal fuss.⁠
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Give it a good start: proper pruning, the right feed, consistent water, and a good layer of compost and of mulch, and it rewards you by largely looking after itself. ⁠
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Once established, this plant lushens up beautifully, into a lovely bush with healthy foliage and generous colour while keeping maintenance refreshingly simple.⁠
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Perfect for softening edges, cascading over retaining walls, or filling larger areas with ease, these roses bring romance and reliability to the garden.⁠
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👉 Thinking about adding a low-maintenance rose to your garden? Have a good with this one! 🌹⁠
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📸 Murrumbeena project detail

These stunning images and Simon’s review are from

These stunning images and Simon’s review are from my Mooroolbark project. It’s quite large and is being completed over a couple of years.⁠
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“I’m genuinely grateful for the entire design journey; it’s been a pleasure from the first ideas through to seeing it come together”. - Simon Taylor⁠
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Working with such wonderful clients has made the process especially rewarding, and collaborating with a landscaping team that is not only highly skilled but also ethical, supportive, and truly collaborative has made it an exceptional experience all-round. ⁠
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I’m also excited to continue watching the design come alive through the remaining phases of the project over the coming years. ⁠
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I look forward to one day sharing this garden with family, friends, and fellow garden enthusiasts as part of an Open Gardens Victoria event, when it’s fully lush and beautifully mature.⁠
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Parveen 💚⁠

🌿🕊️ Where remembrance is held gently by the garden

🌿🕊️ Where remembrance is held gently by the garden.⁠
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ANZAC Square is more than a place you pass through; it’s a place you pause. Set beside the Dunedin Railway Station, its carefully considered gardens play a quiet but influential role in how we experience this space of remembrance.⁠
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The lawns, trees, and seasonal plantings soften the surrounding stone and structure, creating a sense of calm and reflection. Gardens here aren’t decorative; they’re purposeful. ⁠
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They offer a place to slow down, to remember, and to feel connected to history in a way that words or monuments alone can’t consistently achieve.⁠
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Green spaces like this remind us that remembrance doesn’t have to be loud. It can live in stillness, in living plants that grow and change with time, symbolising continuity, resilience, and respect. ⁠
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The gardens invite people to sit, reflect, and carry those moments with them long after they leave.⁠
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🌱 ANZAC Square shows us how landscape and memory work hand in hand; using nature to honour the past while grounding us in the present.⁠
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⁠📸ANZAC Square, Dunedin ⁠

☀️🌿 “Summertime is always the best of what might b

☀️🌿 “Summertime is always the best of what might be.”⁠
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Summer carries possibility in the air. Longer days, warmer evenings, and that familiar feeling that anything could happen, or at least slow down enough to be noticed. It’s the season where plans feel lighter, conversations last longer, and time spent outdoors feels effortless.⁠
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In the garden, summertime shows us potential at its fullest. Plants are thriving, spaces are being lived in, and moments are made almost without trying. It’s where memories form quietly: barefoot walks, shared meals, golden light at dusk; all wrapped up in the promise of what might be.⁠
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Maybe that’s why summer feels so hopeful. It reminds us to enjoy what’s here, while still dreaming of what’s ahead.⁠
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🌱 Here’s to soaking up the season, one warm moment at a time.⁠

🌾✨ A great garden isn’t just something you look at

🌾✨ A great garden isn’t just something you look at, it’s something you feel.⁠
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Movement is one of the most underrated elements in garden design. The way ornamental grasses sway in the breeze, leaves rustle overhead, water gently ripples, or light shifts across a space throughout the day, these moments bring a garden to life.⁠
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Movement adds rhythm, softness, and calm. It slows us down. It draws our attention. And it creates gardens that feel immersive rather than static. ⁠
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Whether it’s through plants, water features, or even the way pathways guide you through a space, movement shapes how a garden is experienced, not just how it looks.⁠
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We’ve explored this idea in our latest blog “Movement in the Garden” 🌿⁠
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👉 Read the blog below and discover how thoughtful movement can transform the way your garden feels every single day: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/movement-in-the-garden/⁠

🧡✨ Roses are lovely… but orchids? Orchids tell a l

🧡✨ Roses are lovely… but orchids? Orchids tell a love story that lasts.⁠
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Orchids are the ultimate Valentine’s Day flower for when you want to give something a little more meaningful. They symbolise love, beauty, strength, and luxury; all wrapped up in a bloom that doesn’t fade after a few days.⁠
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Unlike a traditional bouquet, orchids keep flowering long after Valentine’s Day has passed. They’re elegant, sculptural, and quietly romantic, making them perfect for someone who appreciates beauty with depth. ⁠
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Every new bloom feels like a reminder of the moment they were given; thoughtful, intentional, and enduring.⁠
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They also suit any kind of love story. Modern or classic. Bold or understated. Orchids don’t shout, they captivate.⁠
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🧡 This Valentine’s Day, skip the expected and give a flower that keeps saying “I love you” long after the chocolates are gone.⁠
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👉 Would you choose an orchid over roses?⁠
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⁠📸Orchids from my Glen Iris project

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