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Outdoor entertaining while keeping cool in the shade
Australia’s iconic sunny climate can be a dream come true for outdoor lovers, but it can feel like a scorching desert if you don't have any shade in your garden. Creating a shady retreat is not just essential; it’s a comforting relief, whether you’re an avid gardener or enjoy spending time outdoors. With these solutions, you can protect your plants and yourself from the sun’s harsh rays, bringing a sense…
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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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My award winning balcony garden
After my little stint at last year’s Melbourne International Flower And Garden Show (MIFGS) Border Gardens, I returned to Carlton Gardens to showcase my interpretation of what a balcony garden could look like. Small space design is tricky, so I was excited to showcase my Balcony Garden at MIFGS 2024!⁠  I received second place in the Balcony Garden design category. As you know, I don’t like to toot my own…
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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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Leucophyta brownii in Vermont South landscape design
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…
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Urban food garden in productive part of Kew landscape design
Sustainable living became a buzz word when the pandemic started and many of us spent a lot more time in our homes and were needing to find things to do. It’s a great way to save money and if you choose to have a home garden, picking your own fruit, vegetables and herbs is very rewarding. For some people, when they first start looking into sustainable living it can be…
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Private and Colourful Balcony Garden
Living in an urban apartment often means compromising on outdoor space. While you may not have a sprawling backyard, you can still create a functional and inviting small balcony with the right design approach. Urban balconies, regardless of size, offer a unique opportunity to connect with nature and create a personalised outdoor haven. With just a bit of creativity, even the tiniest city balcony can become a charming outdoor oasis.…
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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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Rear courtyard planted with citrus trees and clivias in Hawthorn East courtyard garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal
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…
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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 stepped path of a new build in Camberwell paved with bluestone pavers with narrow garden beds
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…
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Full view of the horse topiary with air plants at the 2023 MIFGS
Gardens are often considered sanctuaries of natural beauty and tranquillity. They are spaces where we can escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life, reconnect with nature, and find solace. While the lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and well-tended landscapes are essential elements of a beautiful garden, there is another facet that can elevate these spaces to new heights: garden art. The question that often arises is whether garden art is…
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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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Sustainable garden design for Vermont South property
Australia is home to diverse native plants, from the hardy and drought-tolerant wattles to the fragrant bush flowers (my favourite). To ensure that these natives thrive for years to come, choosing the right soil profile for planting them is essential. When it comes to the long-term health of your native plants, the most important thing is soil preparation and maintenance. We all know how much joy we get out of…
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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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