Landscaping

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Use various colours throughout your garden

Transform Your Garden With Colour

July 25, 2024

Colour, Flowers, Garden, Landscaping, Outdoor Entertaining, Plants, Scented gardens

Are you ready to transform your garden and outdoor entertaining area with colour? You can change it from ordinary to extraordinary. Mastering colour's transformative power is the key to creating a vibrant, inviting space that will inspire and motivate you to elevate your outdoor spaces. Thoughtfully incorporating colour can transform your space, making it a visual feast and a haven for relaxation and entertainment. The strategic use of colour can…

2024 Garden Trends

May 9, 2024

Construction, Flowers, Garden, Garden and Landscaping Trends, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Materials, Paving, Plants, Structures, Water Features

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Posted by Parveen

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…

Aerial view of Mount Waverley right garden

Why Hiring A Landscape Designer Is Worth Every Cent

January 12, 2024

Garden, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

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Posted by Parveen

A landscape designer can transform a mundane space into a picturesque haven. While many homeowners take pride in nurturing their gardens, there's a distinct advantage to entrusting the artistry of a landscape designer. Beyond the allure of a beautifully curated garden, these professionals bring a wealth of expertise and benefits to the table, saving homeowners time and effort. Let's explore the advantages of hiring a landscape garden designer to handle…

Bluestone cats paws pavers in Vermont South garden design

Ten Tips On How To Have A Flourishing Low-Maintenance Garden

December 6, 2023

Budgeting, Garden, Gardening For Beginners, Gardens for Life, Irrigation, Landscaping, Maintenance, Paving, Plants, Pruning

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Posted by Parveen

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many yearn for a tranquil and lush outdoor space that doesn't demand constant attention. The reason is that we are innately connected with nature and that the colour green is connected to our feeling of being happy, at peace and calm. A flourishing, low-maintenance garden is an achievable dream and a source of solace and beauty. However, this is separate from a…

Ben the envy of your neighbours with lush green grass for all to see

Thinking of Replacing Your Lawn? Here Are Four Ideas For You

November 1, 2023

Blog, Garden, Irrigation, Landscaping, Lawn, Plants

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Posted by Parveen

A lush green lawn has long been a symbol of suburban living, but maintaining it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Looking after your yard can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and even environmentally unsustainable. With increasing concerns about water scarcity, chemical usage, and biodiversity loss, many homeowners are reconsidering the traditional grass lawn. Fortunately, numerous creative and eco-friendly alternatives can transform your outdoor space into a stunning and functional area. Whether…

How To Drain Swampy and Water-Logged Soils: Best Practice Guidelines For Soil Improvement and Plant Selection For Those Areas

August 15, 2023

Garden, Gardens for Life, Irrigation, Landscaping, Uncategorized

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Posted by Parveen

Swampy or water-logged soils can be a complex problem to deal with. They can wreak havoc on your garden and ruin the look of your yard, not to mention how uncomfortable they can make it when you’re walking around outside! This issue takes time to fix, and sometimes it has to be tackled from many angles. No single solution resolves excess drainage (in my view), especially with the continued heavy…

Bright Colours and Smells Are A Must For Sensory Gardens

Creating A Sensory Garden

June 4, 2023

Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Pruning, Scented gardens, Sustainable Gardening, Uncategorized

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Posted by Parveen

Creating a sensory garden is both rewarding and fun. It’s a great way to add interest and enjoyment to your outdoor space. Sensory gardens are an exciting place for kids and adults to connect with nature as it combines hardscape elements and plants in such a way as to entice the person wandering through the garden to have that sense of amazement viewing the space, touch, smell, hear sounds and…

Leucophyta brownii in Vermont South landscape design

12 Low Maintenance Garden Ideas

May 28, 2023

Australian Natives, Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Materials, Paving, Plants

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Posted by Parveen

Gardening is an enjoyable hobby (or, for some of us, an obsession ), but not all of us have the time or energy to maintain a garden that requires constant upkeep. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your outdoor space with minimal effort, try these 12 low maintenance garden ideas. Plant Drought-Resistant Plants Many types of succulents, cacti and other plants are naturally adapted to survive in…

Red neoregelia feature bromeliad and red daisies in planting design

My Experience At MIFGS

April 7, 2023

Balcony Gardens, Construction, Flower and Garden Shows, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

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Posted by Parveen

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…

Sneak peak of my eclectic garden at MIFGS 2023

Preparation For The Melbourne International Flower And Garden Show

April 6, 2023

Balcony Gardens, Flower and Garden Shows, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plant collectors, Plants

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Posted by Parveen

I find competitions fun, and you’ve got nothing to lose. So, I entered the competition that the London College of Garden Design put on for the Border Gardens category. So what is a Border Garden? In layman’s terms, this means a planting design for a small space garden. With the increase of units and apartments, many of us don’t have large backyards as we used to, BUT we still want…

Purple metal screen lit up in Wantirna South garden

Be Realistic When It Comes To Your Garden Budget

March 16, 2023

Budgeting, Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Paving, Plants, Scented gardens, Sustainable Gardening, Water Features

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Posted by Parveen

Heard of the saying “You pay for what you get”? Well, that’s the case when it comes to landscaping. There’s a lot of work involved and a lot of long hours put in behind the scenes by the landscaper. Depending on how big the job is, they may well have someone working with them as well. I’ll give credit where credit is due, hiring a landscaper isn’t something that you…

How Far In Advance Should I Hire A Garden Designer?

November 22, 2022

Budgeting, Construction, Gardens for Life, Home, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants

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Posted by Parveen

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…

How to Choose the Right Garden Edging For Your Outdoor Space

June 8, 2022

Construction, Garden, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Lawn, Maintenance, Materials, Paving, Structures

Posted by Parveen

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…

Rear courtyard planted with citrus trees and clivias in Hawthorn East courtyard garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

How to Choose Your Garden Walls and Fences

April 8, 2022

Garden, Landscaping, Maintenance, Materials, Structures

Posted by Parveen

Whether you want to create a unique outdoor space or upgrade your existing garden, the right walls and fences can make all the difference (especially if you like privacy). We’ll give you all the inspiration and guidance you need to choose the perfect walls and fences for your garden. From picket fences to brick walls, there are many options. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each and offer tips…

Side stepped path of a new build in Camberwell paved with bluestone pavers with narrow garden beds

Sealing Stone: The Ultimate Guide to Longlasting Outdoor Design

March 8, 2022

Garden, Landscaping, Maintenance, Materials, Paving

Posted by Parveen

Embarking on an outdoor design project is an exciting journey, but ensuring longevity and enduring beauty requires careful consideration, especially regarding natural stone surfaces. Applying a sealant on natural stone outdoor pavers is not readily discussed, but it is the better way to protect your investment in that stone for the long term. What Is A Sealant? It is a protective coating to stone-based surfaces, such as patios, driveways, and…

Custom deck shaped like a river bed joining a wall to wall cascading water feature in Maribyrnong landscape design

Creating A Healing Garden

April 8, 2021

Australian Natives, Balcony Gardens, Garden, Gardening For Beginners, Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plant collectors, Plants, Scented gardens, Water Features

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Posted by Parveen

Creating a healing garden in your backyard can be incredibly beneficial and relaxing. Not only does it provide you with an outdoor escape to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it can also help improve your physical and mental health. Healing gardens are places of tranquillity and refuge. They have been used for centuries to restore, refresh and relax the body, mind and soul. They may be small or large, but…

Lavender patch in Brighton landscape design

What Is A Modern Cottage Garden?

January 8, 2021

Gardens for Life, Irrigation, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Scented gardens, Structures, Water Features

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Posted by Parveen

A modern cottage garden is a combination of traditional and contemporary styles that are intended to create a quaint and cosy atmosphere. It combines plants and flowers that were once widely used in traditional cottage gardens with more modern varieties and design elements. This includes roses, daisies, lavender, and hollyhocks. Modern cottage gardens typically feature lush, colorful plantings, bold shapes, and unique pathways or walkways, which create an intimate atmosphere.…

Side view of Ashburton landscape design with different types of succulents

What Material Should I Use For My Driveway?

November 8, 2020

Budgeting, Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Materials, Paving

2 Comments

Posted by Parveen

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…

Front garden beds of a new build in Camberwell lit up at night

When’s best to start your garden design?

August 4, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Planning is everything I know that the outdoor design bug doesn’t usually hit most people until the first lovely spring day. I advise anyone that contacts me that they will have a better result if the process starts way earlier than that. With more people now working from home, I see that people have now taken the time to think about when they should start their garden design. When's best…

Urban food garden in productive part of Bundoora landscape design

Vegetable patches in Spring

August 1, 2020

Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Productive gardening, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Spring is just around the corner! Have you ever considered a vegetable patch in your garden? We love creating gardens for families who appreciate the importance and value of growing your own food!⁠⠀ Here are some practical tips on considering vegetable patches for your design:⁠⠀ Choosing the location and aspect ⁠⠀ Materials to be used in the garden bed, eg softwood v hardwood, the chemicals in wood treatment/leeching and considering…

Kinetic sculpture in landscape design adds to your garden style

Getting better landscaping quotes

July 5, 2020

Budgeting, Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping

Posted by Parveen

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…

Backyard grassed area in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Winter Garden Care

June 10, 2020

Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Productive gardening, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Winter is the best time for tidying up your garden, pruning the plants, and preparing for spring. If you can get over the mental block of how cold it is outside, you’ll reap the rewards in the couple of month’s time and also get some good exercise and keep warm to boot! So here are some tips for your winter garden care! Your winter garden to-do’s Declutter Honestly, winter’s the…

Close up of purple shrub in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Choosing plants for your garden

May 3, 2020

Biophilia, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Creating a Planting Plan So you’ve landed upon a theme for your dream garden and it’s got you so excited that you’ve already decided on the hard materials, accessories, and layout for this oasis. The next step is - many would say - the most fun part. Choosing your plants! But how do you work out what plants to put in and where they should go? You’ve come to the…

Closeup of lime espalier in Bundoora landscape design

Vegetable patches & fruit orchards in Autumn

April 7, 2020

Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Productive gardening, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Thought I'd write up on several discussions I've had the past couple of weeks from friends, family and clients about trying to get something edible planted in their garden. Most have said that they have no idea where to begin and some are curious about what else they can plant at this time of year! Well, happy to share some thoughts and tips to keep the spirit of giving going…

Dramatic lighting effect in Hawthorn East front garden design

Before & After – Hawthorn Garden Design

April 5, 2020

Construction, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

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…

Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design

Before & After – Glen Waverley Garden Design

April 5, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

The brief When Sarah and her husband contacted me, they wanted a garden design that would suit their family lifestyle and wow their neighbours. Their impeccable taste in their new build and incredible interior detail helped shape the outdoor design. Sarah’s family wanted a garden that would flow with the exterior and could be enjoyed both during the day and at night. It had to feel modern and family friendly…

Cottage garden planting in Blackburn front garden design

Before & After – Blackburn Garden Design

April 4, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

The brief When Paul and Valerie came to us, their garden was overgrown but filled with potential. They had 1300 square metres to enjoy in their dream home, nestled in one of the prettiest parts of Blackburn. They wanted a practical and playful garden for a young family to compliment their newly renovated modern home. The design used a mixed planting palette, including natives and perennials to provide a cottage…

How to create your perfect outdoor space

April 3, 2020

Construction, Gardens for Life, Home office, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Scented gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

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.…

Top view of large bromeliad used in Doncaster East landscape design

Latest planting trends

March 17, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

Status quo So we understand the direction in which the planting trend is moving, thought that it was best to explore what's been happening to date. (But please bear in mind that this is a very generic summary though!) There was a strong urge to mimic English gardens - so the cottage garden style. Then came the movement to go native and explore the delights we have on offer here.…

What is rock mulch?

March 3, 2020

Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Materials

Posted by Parveen

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…

Basic soil dispersiveness testing by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Clay soil – how to work with it?

January 21, 2020

Landscaping, Maintenance, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

How do I know I have clay soil? It’s relatively easy to do a basic soil type test to help you understand your soil profile. It’s called the hand texturing or extrusion test. Basically, you take a fist full of your soil, wet it so that you are able to shape it into a ball. Then you lightly “extrude” the ball using your forefinger and thumb and see whether what…

Salvia used in Vermont South landscape design

Creating your dream garden – steps before hiring a “landscaper”

December 25, 2019

Construction, Gardens for Life, Home office, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Scented gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

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…

Front garden design plant cluster in Blackburn by Parveen Dhaliwal

Why a landscape designer, landscaper and not a gardener?

November 11, 2017

Landscaping, Maintenance

Posted by Parveen

We get asked this a lot so we've decided to clarify a few urban myths on this topic. Specifically, how people perceive the skillset required to be a designer, landscaper (i.e. landscape contractor) or a gardener. Landscaping and landscape design Landscaping is a 4 year apprenticeship. Its a commitment of 4 days a week of on-the-job training and 1 day a week at TAFE. The TAFE landscaping course…

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