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MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2024
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Water Features

All the posts published

Recent Posts

How to Create a Slow Living Garden
When Landscape Designers and Architects Join Forces, Gardens Come Alive
Making Your Garden Wildlife-Friendly This Spring
Garden Design with a Flacking Twist
Simple Winter Ideas to Transform Your Garden

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inspiringlandscapes.com.au

🌸💭 “You can bury any number of headaches i

🌸💭 “You can bury any number of headaches in a garden.” 💭🌸⁠
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Isn’t it true? A garden has this quiet way of taking what feels heavy and softening it. The moment your hands hit the soil or your eyes land on fresh blooms, the noise of the world seems to fade. 🌿⁠
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Gardening isn’t just about plants; it’s about healing. It’s the rhythm of watering, the patience of waiting for seedlings, the joy of seeing something thrive under your care. Each small act becomes a reminder that growth takes time, and peace can be found in simple, earthy moments.⁠
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So the next time stress weighs you down, head outside. Plant something. Pull a few weeds. Breathe in the scent of the soil. You might find your “headache” doesn’t feel quite so big anymore. 🌱💚⁠
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👉 What’s the one garden ritual that brings you instant calm?⁠

🌳 It’s National Tree Week! And honestly, wher

🌳 It’s National Tree Week! And honestly, where would we be without trees? ⁠💚⁠
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Think about it: trees give us shade on hot days, fresh air to breathe, homes for wildlife, and even calm our busy minds just by being near them. They’re nature’s unsung superheroes, working quietly in the background, yet making life so much richer. 🌱✨⁠
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Trees don’t just stand tall; they support life. From the bees buzzing around their blossoms, to the birds nesting in their branches, to us humans enjoying a cool spot under their leaves, they’re the ultimate givers. ⁠
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And here’s the best part: every tree we plant today is a gift that keeps growing for generations to come. 🌍💚⁠
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So this National Tree Week, let’s celebrate these giants of nature. Plant one. Hug one. Or take a moment to appreciate the tree that shades your street, your park, or even your own backyard.⁠
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👉 What’s your favourite tree memory? Share it with us below; we’d love to hear your story. 🌳✨⁠

🌼☀️ Meet the flower that lives for sunshine

🌼☀️ Meet the flower that lives for sunshine, the Osteospermum! ☀️🌼⁠
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Also known as African Daisies or Cape Daisies, these vibrant blooms are the ultimate garden mood-lifters. With their dazzling colours and sun-loving personality, they’ll brighten up any corner of your garden (and your day!).⁠
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🌿 How to make them thrive:⁠
✨ Give them full sun — they love basking in it!⁠
💧 Water moderately — they’re drought-tolerant once established, so no fuss here.⁠
🌸 Deadhead spent blooms regularly to keep the show going longer.⁠
🌱 They’re happiest in well-drained soil — no soggy feet, please!⁠
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Want to make them shine even more? Pair them with friends like:⁠
💜 Lavender for contrast and scent.⁠
💛 Coreopsis for extra bursts of sunshine.⁠
💚 Dusty Miller for that soft, silvery backdrop.⁠
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Together, they create a picture-perfect garden that feels effortless but looks extraordinary.⁠
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Ready to fill your garden with colour, charm, and sunshine energy? Plant a few Osteospermums this season and watch the magic unfold! 🌸⁠
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📸Vermont South A project detail⁠, 2012⁠

Native, lush and wildlife attracting! 💚⁠ ⁠

Native, lush and wildlife attracting! 💚⁠
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A really bushy native garden is being designed, which also allows for space in the rear garden for the family to have a practical vegetable patch, shed storage, and enough space for the kids to run around and enjoy themselves.⁠
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Loving the native planting scheme being developed to navigate the council’s hurdles for the SLO (Significant Landscape Overlay) impacting the property!⁠ ⁠
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The council planners are very happy with the proposal which means it would be easier for my clients to get their plans approved and also keep their neighbour’s really happy!⁠
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If I was to design your dream garden, what would it look like?⁠
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📸Forest Hill front garden draft design, 2025⁠

Ever heard someone cackling away in the treetops l

Ever heard someone cackling away in the treetops like they just listened to the best joke in the world? Yep, that’s the kookaburra! ⁠
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These cheeky Aussie icons aren’t just the class clowns of the bird world; they’re also one of nature’s best pest controllers. 🐍🦎 ⁠
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While you’re chuckling at their laughter, they’re keeping your garden clear of snakes, insects, and small reptiles (talk about multitasking!).⁠
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And here’s a fun fact: kookaburras don’t actually laugh because they’re happy; it’s their way of marking territory. That famous “koo-koo-ka-ka-ka” chorus at sunrise and sunset? They’re basically saying, “Oi mate, this is our patch!” 😆⁠
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If you’re lucky enough to have kookaburras visit your garden, give them some space and enjoy the show; their laughter has a way of making any morning feel brighter. 🌞💚⁠
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👉 Tell us — do you have a kookaburra that likes to visit your backyard? Share your funniest encounter below!⁠

Isn’t this photo so inviting? With the winding p

Isn’t this photo so inviting? With the winding path and the beautiful garden chair, I could see myself curling up with a good book and a relaxing cup of tea, while listening to the birds chirp away in the morning. With Melbourne’s “four seasons in one day”, keeping a blanket on hand is definitely a good idea. 😉⁠
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In a world that never stops moving, your garden could be the one place that helps you slow down. 🌸⁠
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Imagine stepping outside to a space that encourages you to pause, breathe, and reconnect, where every sound, scent, and colour reminds you to take life at a gentler pace. That’s the magic of a slow living garden. 🌿⁠
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A slow living garden isn’t about keeping up with trends or striving for perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels calm, balanced, and uniquely you. ⁠
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Think soft, flowing paths, low-maintenance plants that move gently in the breeze, and quiet corners that invite reflection; all designed to bring you back to what really matters. 🌞⁠
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We share how to design your own slow living sanctuary. From choosing the right plants and creating peaceful reflection zones to embracing imperfection and the beauty of the seasons.⁠
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👉 Read the full blog here: ⁠https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/how-to-create-a-slow-living-garden/⁠
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🌿 Slow down. Breathe deeply. Let your garden guide the pace.⁠
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📸 Berwick project 2023

🌿✨ “Spring is the time for plans and projec

🌿✨ “Spring is the time for plans and projects”, and what better project than your garden? ✨🌿⁠
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Spring has that undeniable buzz in the air. The days are longer, the flowers are blooming, and suddenly, all those ideas you’ve been saving through winter feel ready to burst into life. 🌸☀️⁠
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Whether it’s finally planting that veggie patch, refreshing your outdoor entertaining space, or just adding a splash of colour with some new blooms, spring is your chance to reset and reimagine your garden. 🏡💚⁠
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Here’s the beautiful part: spring projects don’t have to be huge or overwhelming. Sometimes it’s the little things, like a pot of herbs on your windowsill, a bird bath to invite wildlife, or a new tree that’ll grow with your family, that bring the most joy. 🌱🐦⁠
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Think of your garden as a blank canvas, and this season as the perfect fresh start to paint it with plans, projects, and a whole lot of green joy.⁠
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👉 What garden project are you starting this spring?⁠
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☀️🌿 Summer’s on the horizon, and your gar

☀️🌿 Summer’s on the horizon, and your garden’s already dropping hints. Are you listening? 🌿☀️⁠
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Here’s what it’s trying to tell you before the heatwave kicks in:⁠
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💧 Water smarter. Forget quick sprinkles: your plants want long, deep drinks so their roots grow strong enough to handle summer scorchers.⁠
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🪑 Show some love to your outdoor furniture. A scrub, check for loose bolts, maybe a little oil on wood, and boom, your BBQ throne is ready for action.⁠
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🍂 Mulch wisely. Mulch is a hero for locking in moisture, but here’s the trick: don’t pile it up around stems or trunks. Give your plants breathing room and avoid the dreaded “mulch volcano.”⁠
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🌱 Weed before the heat. Sounds boring? Think again. Tackling weeds now saves your plants from having to fight for water and nutrients when things really dry out. Future-you will be grateful.⁠
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Your garden doesn’t need overcomplicating; it just needs a little prep now and then to shine all summer long. ✨⁠
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Which one of these are you guilty of forgetting? Tell us in the comments 👇⁠
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📸Pic 2: Highett project detail⁠, 2023

⁠🌸 Ever chosen a plant not just for how it lo

⁠🌸 Ever chosen a plant not just for how it looks, but for how it makes you feel? That’s the beauty of a truly personal garden; every bloom tells a story. 💕⁠
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For me, that story starts with my Clematis Montana ‘Elizabeth’; my favourite view from the upstairs bathroom window in early spring. Its soft pink blooms spill into the garden like a gentle blush across the landscape, reminding me of mountains, open green spaces, and that wonderful sense of freedom that only nature can bring. 🌿✨⁠
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Plant choices are often sentimental, and they should be. Gardens are living reflections of what we love, where we’ve been, and even who we are. ⁠
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Whether it’s a flower that reminds you of a holiday, a colour that brings calm, or a name that sparks a memory, those small details make your garden uniquely you. 🌷⁠
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And when it comes to clematis, it’s worth knowing there’s more to them than meets the eye! These stunning climbers come in both evergreen and deciduous varieties; something many people don’t realise.⁠
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🌱 Evergreen clematis (like my Montana Elizabeth) keeps its lush foliage year-round, perfect for adding structure and colour even in the cooler months.⁠
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🍂 Deciduous clematis, on the other hand, drops its leaves and bursts back to life with spectacular flowers in spring or summer — ideal if you love a seasonal show.⁠
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Whichever you choose, pick the one that speaks to you. After all, the best gardens aren’t just designed; they’re felt. Do you have a plant in your garden that holds special meaning? Share your story below — we’d love to hear it! 💚⁠
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📸Vermont South A project detail⁠, 2012

💬✨ “From the moment we met Parveen and her

💬✨ “From the moment we met Parveen and her team, we knew we were in good hands.”⁠ Now that’s the kind of feedback that makes all the hard work worthwhile! 🥰⁠
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Our Maribyrnong project, and our client Vyanne Lai, were all about transformation. Turning a tired outdoor space into a modern, low-maintenance garden that perfectly complements the home and the lifestyle of our amazing client. 🌿⁠
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From the first design sketch to the finishing touches, it was collaboration at its best; creative ideas, clear communication, and a shared vision for a garden that’s not only functional but full of soul.⁠
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And hearing words like “professional, passionate, and easy to work with” reminds us why we do what we do. Every garden tells a story, and this one? It’s a story of trust, teamwork, and a stunning result that the whole family can enjoy. 🌸⁠
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Ready to see what a thoughtful design can do for your outdoor space? Visit the link below and get inspired by the Maribyrnong project, where creativity met craftsmanship and magic bloomed. 🌼⁠
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👉 https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/maribyrnong/⁠

🏯✨ What if I told you a single feature could

🏯✨ What if I told you a single feature could turn an ordinary garden into a tranquil escape? ✨🏯⁠
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That’s exactly what a Japanese pagoda does. Nestled among greenery, it’s more than just a decorative piece; it’s a symbol of peace, harmony, and timeless beauty. This stunning pagoda creates a serene focal point, inviting you to slow down, breathe deeply, and soak in the calm. 🌿💮⁠
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Pagodas aren’t just eye-catching; they also carry deep cultural meaning. Traditionally, they represent a connection between heaven and earth, making them the perfect addition for gardens designed to inspire mindfulness and balance.⁠
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Whether surrounded by lush plantings, reflected in water, or standing proudly on its own, a pagoda adds that ‘wow’ factor that makes any garden feel like a sanctuary. 🌸⁠
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🏯 Thinking about adding a unique touch to your outdoor space? Take a leaf from Japanese gardens and consider a pagoda; its beauty, culture, and tranquillity rolled into one.⁠
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📸Murrumbeena project detail⁠, 2021⁠

✨ Crazy paving might look wild … but keeping i

✨ Crazy paving might look wild … but keeping it beautiful is easier than you think! ✨⁠
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Crazy paving has made a big comeback in garden design, and it’s no surprise why. With its natural, organic feel and one-of-a-kind patterns, it turns paths, patios, and courtyards into stunning features. But, like any good investment in your garden, a little care goes a long way in keeping it looking its best.⁠
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Here are some simple tips to maintain your crazy paving:⁠
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✅ Regular sweeping – Keeps leaves, dirt, and debris from staining or breaking down between the cracks.⁠
✅ Weed control – Use a natural weed killer or boiling water to stop weeds sneaking through the gaps.⁠
✅ Seal it up – Applying a good quality stone sealer protects against stains, moss, and water damage, while also deepening the colour of the stone.⁠
✅ Gentle cleaning – Skip the harsh chemicals; a soft brush and mild soapy water will do the job without damaging the stone.⁠
✅ Check the grout – Over time, grout or mortar between the stones may loosen — topping it up will keep the paving stable and safe.⁠
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The beauty of crazy paving is its charm; no two designs are the same. With a little maintenance, it will remain a striking, timeless feature in your garden for years to come. 🌿✨⁠
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👉 Got crazy paving in your garden? Show it some love and it’ll keep rewarding you with character and durability season after season.⁠
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📸Mooroolbark 2025 project⁠

🎨🌿 Not all artists use brushes … some use

🎨🌿 Not all artists use brushes … some use gardens. 🌿🎨⁠
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When you step into a garden, you’re stepping into a living masterpiece. Every flower is a brushstroke, every leaf adds texture, and every season shifts the palette. ⁠Unlike traditional art, a garden is never truly finished: it grows, changes, and evolves, influenced by the weather and care.⁠
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That’s what makes it so meaningful. Your hands shape the space, but nature adds its own touch; sunlight filtering through branches, rain nourishing the roots, bees and butterflies completing the scene. ⁠Together, you and the earth create something no gallery could ever contain: beauty that’s alive.⁠
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So next time you’re in your garden, take a moment to look at it like a canvas. What colours are you painting with? What feelings is your masterpiece creating, not just for you, but for everyone who steps inside it? 🌱💚⁠
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Because in the end, gardening isn’t just about plants; it’s about creating art that speaks to the soul.⁠
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🥦🍓 No backyard? No worries, your balcony can

🥦🍓 No backyard? No worries, your balcony can be a farm! 🍓🥦⁠
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Think fresh strawberries for breakfast, crisp lettuce for lunch, and juicy tomatoes for dinner… all grown just a few steps from your kitchen. That’s the beauty of container gardening; it’s easy, space-friendly, and oh-so-rewarding. 🌱✨⁠
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The truth is, you don’t need acres of land to enjoy homegrown goodness. With the right pots and a little know-how, you can grow a surprising variety of fruits and veggies in containers. From vibrant capsicums to sweet strawberries, leafy greens to dwarf citrus trees, your options are far juicier than you might think. 🍋🍅⁠
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And the best part? Container gardens are:⁠
✅ Perfect for renters and small spaces⁠
✅ Easier to maintain than big garden beds⁠
✅ Great for experimenting with new produce⁠
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🌟 We’ve rounded up 10 fruits and vegetables that thrive in pots; whether you’re working with a balcony, courtyard, or just a sunny windowsill.⁠
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👉 Read the complete list in our latest blog: “Ten Fruits and Vegetables That Are Perfect for Container Gardening.”⁠
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https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/ten-fruits-and-vegetables-perfect-for-container-gardening/⁠

Tips to help you smoothly transition from winter t

Tips to help you smoothly transition from winter to spring!⁠
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Melbourne’s September weather is a tricky blend of sunny days and unexpected frosts, so here are a few tips to help you navigate the transition.⁠
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💚 The “Heat Mat” Hack: Give your summer seedlings (tomatoes, capsicum, etc.) a head start! Instead of buying a fancy heat mat, place your punnets on top of a hot water service or in a sunny windowsill. This consistent warmth helps them grow strong before they encounter the cold garden soil. 🍅⁠
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💚 Smart Companion Planting: Plant garlic or onions near your veggies to naturally deter pests. Add nasturtiums or marigolds to attract bees and beneficial insects that will pollinate your crops and prey on unwanted pests. It’s a win-win for a healthy garden ecosystem! 🧄⁠
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💚 Citrus Gall Wasp Prevention: The citrus gall wasp is a common and frustrating pest in Melbourne, and September is a critical month for its management. A proactive and hands-on approach is key.⁠
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Don’t let citrus gall wasps ruin your harvest! In September, “scalp” the galls on your citrus trees with a sharp knife. This exposes the larvae to the air, killing them and protecting your tree’s health without sacrificing a whole branch.⁠
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What’s on your spring planting list this year?👩🏻‍🌾⁠

🔥🌿 When a plant can light up the darkest cor

🔥🌿 When a plant can light up the darkest corner of your garden, you know it’s something special … 🌿🔥⁠
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Enter the clivia: a bold, brilliant burst of colour that transforms shady spaces into show-stopping displays. With their fiery orange, yellow, and red blooms, clivias don’t just sit quietly in the background. They demand attention, creating instant drama and joy in the garden.⁠
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Clivias aren’t just beautiful, they’re a gift to the wildlife around us. Their trumpet-shaped flowers attract pollinators, while the lush green foliage provides shelter for small creatures.⁠
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They are proof that plants can be more than just decoration; they’re mood-lifters, wildlife-attractors, and storytellers all in one. Whether you grow them in a shaded courtyard, beneath trees, or as a bold border, they’ll reward you with years of low-maintenance beauty and bursts of colour that never fail to impress.⁠
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👉 If your garden has a shady spot waiting for a bit of magic, consider planting clivias. They’ll bring the glow, the wildlife, and the joy.⁠
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📸Glen Iris project, 2022⁠

Small space design with a huge impact! Love it!!⁠
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I’m thrilled to share that I’ve been busy working on a landscaping project in Oak Park, which kicked off the design phase in February 2024. This journey has been a delightful mix of challenges and successes, and I’m genuinely enjoying diving into the details of cozy spaces while crafting fresh ideas.⁠
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My main goal is to create warm and welcoming areas. It’s crucial to balance the project’s wishes and needs, ensuring everything fits together seamlessly. This means taking a hands-on approach and being dedicated to making sure the visuals are just as stunning from inside the property.⁠
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I’m also really excited to be using Castlemaine slate crazy paving in this design. It’s a bit different from my usual work, as I generally prefer bluestone, limestone, and granite, but it really aligns with my client’s vision! ⁠
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The colour brings out his style perfectly and adds a fun vibe to the space. I can’t wait to add some vibrant touches that will create a lovely contrast with the subtle tones.⁠
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📸Oak Park courtyard draft design, 2025⁠

💜 A field of sunflowers or lavender isn’t jus

💜 A field of sunflowers or lavender isn’t just a view … it’s an experience 💛⁠
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There’s a reason people travel across the world to stand among endless rows of golden sunflowers or breathe in the calming fragrance of lavender fields. These landscapes aren’t just beautiful, they’re deeply cultural, symbolic, and soulful. 🌻🌿⁠
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In many cultures, sunflowers represent joy, loyalty, and warmth. Their golden faces follow the sun, a daily reminder to seek light and positivity no matter what. Walk through a sunflower field, and you’ll feel it: the energy, the optimism, the simple happiness radiating around you.⁠
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Meanwhile, lavender carries centuries of meaning. From Provence to the Mediterranean, it’s been celebrated for its healing, soothing, and cleansing properties. ⁠
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A lavender field isn’t just a feast for the senses; it’s a sanctuary. The colour, the scent, the hum of bees weaving through purple blooms … it’s peace in its purest form.⁠
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Together, sunflowers and lavender tell a story of balance: the vibrant energy of joy and the calming presence of serenity. Standing in fields like these feels like being wrapped in the best of both worlds—uplifted yet grounded, alive at ease. 🌸⁠
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👉 So here’s a thought: what if we carried that lesson into our own lives and gardens? A little joy, a little calm … sometimes that’s all we need.⁠

🌸✨ Spring isn’t just a season; it’s a fee

🌸✨ Spring isn’t just a season; it’s a feeling. ✨🌸⁠
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The air softens, the light lingers longer, and suddenly the world feels alive again. And while Spring is beautiful everywhere, there’s something truly magical about experiencing it in a garden.⁠
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This quote says it all. A garden in Spring is more than flowers and fresh leaves; it’s a reminder of renewal. It’s waking up to birdsong, catching the first whiff of jasmine on the breeze, and noticing how a bud becomes a bloom almost overnight. It’s slowing down long enough to witness life pushing forward, quietly but powerfully.⁠
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And maybe that’s why gardens feel so grounding in Spring. They don’t rush. They don’t compare. They grow. Each plant, in its own time, adds beauty to the bigger picture. There’s something deeply comforting in that lesson, especially when the rest of life feels busy or overwhelming.⁠
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So if you can and if you haven’t already, take time this Spring to step into a garden — whether it’s your own backyard, a neighbour’s flower patch, or a public park. Breathe it in. Notice the colours, the textures, the sounds. Let it remind you that new beginnings are always just around the corner. 🌸💚⁠
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👉 How are you greeting Spring this year?⁠

🌿💚 “Forget fancy décor; indoor plants are

🌿💚 “Forget fancy décor; indoor plants are the real game-changers for your space and your wellbeing.” 💚🌿⁠
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That’s the magic of indoor plants, and this week, we’re celebrating them for Indoor Plant Week! 🎉⁠
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Beyond looking gorgeous on your desk, kitchen bench, or coffee table, indoor plants do so much more than we give them credit for:⁠
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💚 They purify the air, making your home healthier to breathe in.⁠
💚 They boost mood and reduce stress (yes, even just looking at greenery can calm the mind).⁠
💚 They bring life and vibrancy to spaces that might otherwise feel flat or lifeless.⁠
💚 And let’s be honest—they make any room instantly more stylish.⁠
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From the tough-as-nails snake plant to the lush peace lily or the ever-popular monstera, there’s an indoor plant for every space, lifestyle, and skill level (yes, even the so-called “black thumbs” 🌱😉).⁠
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The best part? Indoor plants remind us to slow down. Watering, pruning, and watching them grow creates small, mindful moments that add up to something powerful: a deeper connection with nature, even when we’re indoors.⁠
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👉 This Indoor Plant Week, why not add a little green to your life? Your mind, body, and home will thank you.⁠

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Water Features - Page 2 of 3 - Inspiring Landscape Solutions