Home
Home
Main Portfolio
Main Portfolio
MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2024
MIFGS 2024
About Us
About Us
Our Process
Our Process
Services
Services
Design Fees & Packages
Design Fees & Packages
Media Publications
Media Publications
Design Resources
Design Resources
Contact Us
Contact Us

Home
Home
Main Portfolio
Main Portfolio
MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2023
MIFGS 2024
MIFGS 2024
About Us
About Us
Our Process
Our Process
Services
Services
Design Fees & Packages
Design Fees & Packages
Media Publications
Media Publications
Design Resources
Design Resources
Contact Us
Contact Us

Outdoor Entertaining

All the posts published

Recent Posts

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
How to Use Artistic Expression in Garden Design

Instagram

inspiringlandscapes.com.au

✨“Love the look of spring blooms but hate the

✨“Love the look of spring blooms but hate the sneezes that come with them? 🌸🤧 You’re not alone!”✨⁠
⁠
Spring is all about fresh starts, vibrant colours, and lush greenery. But if you’ve got hayfever or asthma, this season can feel more like a sneeze-fest than a celebration. ⁠
⁠
The good news? You don’t have to give up on having a stunning garden or a cosy balcony full of plants!⁠
⁠
👉 We’ve rounded up the best low-pollen, asthma-friendly, allergy-safe plants to keep your outdoor (or indoor) space thriving without triggering endless sneezes and wheezes. ⁠
⁠
Think gorgeous camellias, cheerful daffodils, and lush ferns that give you all the beauty without the sniffles.⁠
⁠
Here’s what you’ll discover in the blog:⁠
⁠
🌼 Which flowers add pops of colour without triggering allergies⁠
🌱 The underrated greenery that’s perfect for clean, breathable air⁠
🚫 Plants you might want to avoid if pollen makes you miserable⁠
💡 Bonus tips on making your garden more hayfever-friendly⁠
⁠
So, whether you’re dreaming of a lush spring garden or want a couple of potted plants that won’t set off your allergies—this guide is for you.⁠
⁠
👉 Read the full blog here: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/selecting-plants-for-hayfever-and-asthma/⁠
⁠
✨ Your garden should be a joy, not a tissue-consuming nightmare!⁠

How COOL is this mural! 🤩🐯⁠ ⁠ It’s an

How COOL is this mural! 🤩🐯⁠
⁠
It’s an amazingly vibrant & colourful piece by Gina Kiel - an artist whose work often features nature and spirituality as mediums that connect us to something bigger and more meaningful than ourselves.⁠
⁠
⁠These murals are more than just pretty pictures; they’re a story on a wall.⁠ They combine a deep symbolism of imagery with the emotional impact of the vibrant colours used to create themes of connection and transcendence. 🎨⁠
⁠
🦁 Here, the tiger represents powerful qualities such as courage, loyalty, and transformation, which connect us to nature.⁠
⁠
🎨 The bright colours carry meaning. The red creates a sense of danger and drama, whilst the blue brings a sense of calmness to the mural. ⁠
⁠
Together, these elements create a beautiful, shared experience that brings art and meaning to our communities. ⁠Next time you come across a beautiful piece of art, take a little extra time to appreciate it truly!⁠ 💚⁠
⁠
📸Wellington Chocolate Factory - Entrance Mural, Wellington, New Zealand

A garden starts with small things: a handful of se

A garden starts with small things: a handful of seeds, a young plant, a vision in your mind. You nurture, protect, and patiently wait … and one day, you realise you’ve created more than you ever dreamed.⁠
⁠
That tiny lavender cutting you almost gave up on is now buzzing with bees. The tomato vines have exploded into a tangle of green and red. Flowers you planted for “a bit of colour” have turned your whole border into a masterpiece.⁠
⁠
It’s not just about the blooms or the harvest. It’s about the pride in seeing your care and effort turn into something beautiful and alive. Gardening rewards you in unexpected ways; it feeds the body, soothes the mind, and fills the soul.⁠
⁠
So, if you’ve never felt that quiet, overflowing joy, plant a garden; you might grow more than just flowers. 🌿💚⁠

🌸✨ Spring has ARRIVED. Your garden is calling

🌸✨ Spring has ARRIVED. Your garden is calling for a glow-up!⁠
⁠
This season, landscaping is blossoming with fresh ideas that bring style, sustainability, and a touch of outdoor magic. Here are four trends to watch (and try!):⁠
⁠
💚 Edible gardens with flair – Blend herbs, veggies, and fruit trees with ornamentals for a space that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. 🍓🌱⁠
⁠
💚 Natural textures – Stone paths, timber screens, and raw finishes are in. They create timeless designs that feel grounded and connected to the natural world.⁠
⁠
💚 Wildlife-friendly zones – Design with pollinators, birds, and bees in mind. Native flowers, water bowls, and shelter plants = your garden buzzing with life. 🐝🌼⁠
⁠
💚 Outdoor “rooms” – Think cosy lounges, firepit corners, or alfresco dining zones. Spring is all about turning the garden into a true extension of your home. 🔥🍷⁠
⁠
Spring is the season of fresh starts… is your garden ready to bloom with these trends? 🌷✨⁠

Preserved moss, anyone?⁠ It’s so very zen!⁠

Preserved moss, anyone?⁠ It’s so very zen!⁠
⁠
This isn’t just a plant alternative; it’s a piece of tactile, textural art. Housed in a cool, minimalist stone pot, it brings all the lush, vibrant energy of a forest floor into your home with literally ZERO maintenance. ⁠
⁠
No watering. No finding the ‘perfect’ sunny spot. It just sits there looking effortlessly cool.⁠ But here’s the real secret ✨ It’s all about the styling. ⁠
⁠
This isn’t just an object; it’s the final, perfect punctuation mark for your space.⁠ On a stack of coffee table books? Instant sophistication. On your desk to battle the Tuesday morning slump? A teeny pocket of zen. On a bathroom vanity? Spa-level vibes.⁠
⁠
The power lies in where you place it to fit your aesthetic. Whether your home is coastal, industrial, or boho-chic, this little pot of forever-green is the ultimate style chameleon. It’s not about following a trend; it’s about finding that unique piece that feels like you.⁠
⁠
Where would you style this in your home? Drop your ideas below! 👇⁠
⁠
📸Surrey Hills project interior detail courtesy of a very cool client; 2025⁠
⁠

🏡Preparing to sell? 🏡⁠ ⁠ Are you needing

🏡Preparing to sell? 🏡⁠
⁠
Are you needing to get your garden prepped and pampered so you can put your house up for sale? This is precisely what Dominic needed to do in our Doncaster project. ⁠
⁠
Dominic was looking for a pet-friendly, minimalistic, and low-maintenance garden, which appeals to many new house buyers, particularly those who plan to rent out the property.⁠
⁠
We excel in staging for sale projects and would be delighted to help you add more value to your home.⁠
⁠
“I feel Parveen goes out of the way to ensure things are done properly, with a fine eye”, Dominic said. “She was very pleasant to deal with and offers great suggestions which are practical, beautiful and cost-effective.”⁠
⁠
To read more of Dominic’s review and our pre-sale garden pamper, go to the link 👇🏻⁠
⁠
https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/doncaster/⁠

Garden arbours - the underused sculptural element.

Garden arbours - the underused sculptural element.⁠
⁠
Beyond just an entrance or a support for climbing blooms, a garden arbour can truly be appreciated as a sculptural piece of art within your outdoor sanctuary. ⁠
⁠
For this project, the idea of the arbour inspired the use of the shape in a different form.⁠ A water feature! ⁠
⁠
Thank you to @tread_sculptures for creating this beautiful piece that my client loves and enjoys, especially the visits from the friendly neighbourhood birds!🦜⁠
⁠
I was lucky enough to enjoy that on one of my garden visits! What unexpected art do you find in your garden? Share your thoughts below! 👇⁠
⁠
📸 by @pk____photography. Highett project 2023⁠

🌱 Ready to transform your garden the Aussie way

🌱 Ready to transform your garden the Aussie way?⁠
⁠
Imagine stepping outside to a vibrant garden buzzing with bees, alive with bird songs, and blooming with flowers that thrive without constant fussing. Sounds dreamy, right? Well, that’s exactly what happens when you start growing Australian native plants! 💚⁠
⁠
Why natives are a game-changer:⁠
⁠
🌼 Low-maintenance beauty – They’re perfectly adapted to our soils and climate, meaning less watering, fewer chemicals, and way less stress for you.⁠
🐦 Wildlife-friendly – Native birds, bees, and butterflies absolutely love them (and your garden will thank you for the extra pollinators!).⁠
🌞 Eco-smart choice – They conserve water and support Australia’s unique biodiversity.⁠
⁠
In our latest blog, we’ll walk you through:⁠
⁠
✅ How to choose the right native plants for your backyard or balcony⁠
✅ Tips for planting, watering, and long-term care⁠
✅ A list of crowd-favourite natives that thrive in different regions⁠
⁠
💡 Whether you’re a beginner gardener or a seasoned green thumb, this guide is packed with inspiration to help you create a thriving, sustainable oasis right at home.⁠
⁠
👉 Tap the link to explore the full blog: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/growing-australian-native-plants/⁠
⁠
💬 Tell us—what’s your favourite Aussie native plant? Kangaroo paw? Bottlebrush? Wattle? Share your picks in the comments below—we’d love to hear! 🌸🌿⁠

Every seed you tuck into the soil is a promise to

Every seed you tuck into the soil is a promise to the future. A quiet hope that the rain will come, the sun will shine, and something beautiful will grow.⁠
⁠
Gardening is the ultimate act of optimism. You don’t just plant for today, you plant for the days, weeks, and seasons ahead! ⁠
⁠
Imagine the scent of jasmine on a warm summer evening, the buzz of bees around a lavender hedge, the crunch of homegrown carrots pulled fresh from the earth. You see a patch of dirt and picture a wildflower meadow, a shaded retreat, or a border bursting with colour.⁠
⁠
And it’s not just about plants. It’s about creating a sanctuary for the birds, bees, and butterflies that will visit. It’s about building something that will bring joy not just to you, but to everyone who wanders past.⁠
⁠
As Spring marches on, gather your seeds, your tools, and your dreams. Get your hands in the soil and imagine the magic that will unfold in the months ahead. Every garden starts with a dream, and yours might be tomorrow’s paradise! 💚🤩⁠

Hot off the press!⁠ ⁠ A lively cottage garden!

Hot off the press!⁠
⁠
A lively cottage garden!

This was designed for the lovely Hannah and her family all the way in Novar gardens, South Australia!⁠ She’s a friend of a past client and I really appreciate the recommendation @equinity!
⁠
Loving the shapes so far in this one! Reminds me of butterflies, and yes, many of the plants used in this design do attract them. 🦋⁠
⁠
Still a work in progress, as I need to fit in another spare car spot now. Can you guess where it’s going to be, whilst not compromising on the visuals from inside the house?⁠
⁠
Can’t wait to see this one come to life, as it features a custom kids’ play area and seating built into the design too! 💚🤩⁠
⁠

⁠Is your backyard less of a ‘lush oasis’ and

⁠Is your backyard less of a ‘lush oasis’ and more of a ‘sprawling savannah’? Taming a big lawn doesn’t have to be a full-time job! Here are three game-changing tips to keep your massive patch of green looking ✨ top-notch ✨.⁠
⁠
1️⃣ MOW HIGH⁠
Set your mower to a higher setting! Taller grass blades (think around 40mm) create shade for the soil, keeping it moist and crowding out weeds. 🌱 Plus, switch up your mowing pattern each time (diagonals, horizontals, etc.) to prevent ruts and encourage the grass to grow upright. No more tired-looking turf! 💪⁠
⁠
2️⃣ DRINK DEEPLY, NOT DAILY⁠
Instead of a quick daily sprinkle, give your lawn a deep, thorough soaking once or twice a week. 💧 This encourages the roots to grow way down deep in search of water, making your grass more resilient to those hot Aussie days. ⁠
⁠
Pro tip: Water in the early morning to beat the heat! ☀️⁠
⁠
3️⃣ FEED YOUR SOIL⁠
A big lawn has a big appetite! For large areas, a broadcast spreader is your best friend. It ensures even coverage with a slow-release fertiliser, preventing patchiness and providing long-lasting results. Feed it at the start of the growing seasons and watch it thrive! 🚜⁠
⁠
What’s YOUR secret weapon for managing a huge backyard? Share your tips below! 👇⁠
⁠
📸Blackburn project, 2016⁠

Don’t let its delicate looks fool you — Tulbag

Don’t let its delicate looks fool you — Tulbaghia (also known as Society Garlic) is a quiet achiever in the garden world. 💜🌿⁠
⁠
With its dainty, star-shaped blooms dancing on tall, slender stems, Tulbaghia adds a soft, graceful touch to any planting scheme. It’s especially loved for its lavender-pink flowers that pop through spring and possibly till late autumn, and its delicate, strappy foliage that holds its own even when not in bloom.⁠
⁠
But this little beauty isn’t just about good looks! Tulbaghia is tough, low-maintenance, and drought-tolerant, making it a favourite in formal and relaxed garden designs. And bonus — it’s known to help deter pests thanks to its subtle garlicky scent (hence the nickname Society Garlic!).⁠
⁠
Whether edging a path, filling a pot, or softening a sunny garden bed, Tulbaghia brings a gentle charm and plenty of resilience. Pretty and practical? Yes, please! 🌸⁠
⁠
⁠
📸Mt Waverley detail snap, project 3 years on ⁠
📸Berwick project 3 years on ⁠
📸Berwick project 3 years on

🌿🌼 Happy Father’s Day! 🌼🌿⁠ ⁠ Tod

🌿🌼 Happy Father’s Day! 🌼🌿⁠
⁠
Today we’re celebrating dads, grandads, and father figures who’ve taught us some of life’s most valuable lessons—sometimes without even saying a word.⁠
⁠
Think about it: a garden and a dad have a lot in common.⁠
🌱 They both teach us patience (you can’t rush a seed, just like you can’t rush Dad when he’s fixing something!).⁠
🌱 They remind us of growth—small steps, steady care, and a bit of sunshine go a long way.⁠
🌱 And they both provide roots and stability while giving us the space to flourish.⁠
⁠
Whether it’s sharing a Saturday afternoon mowing the lawn together, planting veggie patches side by side, or just enjoying a cuppa surrounded by blooming flowers, gardens have a way of holding family memories.⁠
⁠
So here’s to the dads who water more than just plants—they nurture dreams, support growth, and help us bloom. 🌸⁠
⁠
Happy Father’s Day from our garden to yours. 🌿💚⁠

Do you not just love this view?! The softness of t

Do you not just love this view?! The softness of the brown grasses contrasts⁠
with the deep, serene blues of the sea beyond.⁠
⁠
There’s a harmony here, a meeting of land and water that feels almost timeless. The scene is calm, yet there’s an undeniable drama added by the tall, architectural spikes of flax, crowned with their striking flowers. It’s nature’s artwork: rugged, wild, and beautiful, yet soothing to the soul.⁠
⁠
As you take it in, you can almost hear the rhythmic hush of waves meeting the shore, a soundtrack that makes the grasses sway feel choreographed to the ocean’s tempo. ⁠
⁠
The salty air mingles with the faint, sweet scent of the blooms, grounding you in the present moment. It’s the kind of view that reminds you how effortlessly nature balances contrast, softness and strength, calm and power, earth and sea.⁠
⁠
📸My Cavendish Scenic Reserve, New Zealand ⁠

#naturephotography #exploringnature #relaxingspaces #happyinnature

Spring is FINALLY here!!!⁠ ⁠ Flowers don’t o

Spring is FINALLY here!!!⁠
⁠
Flowers don’t overthink. They don’t worry if their petals are perfectly in place or if they clash with the greenery around them. They exist in full colour, following the sun and growing where they’re planted.🌷⁠
⁠
Imagine if we lived our lives and gardens with the same unapologetic vibrancy, deep roots in what matters, and a constant reaching for the light. 🌞⁠
⁠
From the soft sway of daisies in the breeze to the unapologetic blaze of sunflowers, nature reminds us that beauty isn’t about perfection; it’s about thriving exactly as you are. ⁠
⁠
And just like flowers, we too can find joy in soaking up the sunshine, dancing with the wind, and sharing our colours with the world.⁠
⁠
So next time you’re in the garden, take a moment to breathe in the blooms and let them be your reminder: life is better when it’s a bit wild, a lot beautiful, and completely sun-drenched. 🌸⁠
⁠

Picture this: early morning sunlight glows across

Picture this: early morning sunlight glows across your garden, a wattlebird calls from the trees, bees hum softly as they gather nectar from grevillea flowers, and a butterfly dances through the air. ✨⁠
⁠
This isn’t just a dream – it’s the magic of a wildlife-friendly garden. By making small, thoughtful choices, your garden becomes more than a space for you – it becomes a living sanctuary, brimming with life.⁠
⁠
Here are some tips on how to attract wildlife to your garden:⁠
⁠
🌻 Plant Natives, Plant Variety – Local plants like banksia, bottlebrush, and kangaroo paw aren’t just beautiful – they’re nature’s pantry for pollinators and birds. A mix of flowering times means there’s always something on the menu.⁠
⁠
💦 Add Water Features – From a simple birdbath to a small frog pond, a water source brings your garden alive with visits from creatures seeking a sip or splash. (Pro tip: keep the water shallow and clean.)⁠
⁠
💚 Create Shelter – Wildlife need places to rest and hide. Dense shrubs, hollow logs, or an insect hotel give critters the security they need to thrive.⁠
⁠
💚 The joy of a wildlife-friendly garden is that it gives back to you, too – it’s resilient, low-maintenance, and endlessly rewarding to watch. ⁠
⁠
☕ Imagine sipping your morning coffee with the chorus of birdsong as your soundtrack. That’s gardening with soul.⁠
⁠
Click below to find out how you can make your garden sing, buzz & flutter 🦋🐦🎶⁠ https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/making-your-garden-wildlife-friendly-this-spring/⁠
⁠

🌿Beautiful, Natural, and Worth the TLC - Wood i

🌿Beautiful, Natural, and Worth the TLC - Wood in the Garden🌿⁠
⁠
Wood brings warmth, texture, and timeless charm to any garden, whether it’s rustic garden borders, stylish timber pots, or raised veggie beds. But let’s be real: while wood looks impressive, it also needs a bit of love to keep it looking (and lasting) its best.⁠
⁠
Here are a few easy maintenance tips to help your wooden garden elements thrive through the seasons:⁠
⁠
🔨 1. Seal the Deal⁠
Apply a garden-safe wood sealer or natural oil (like linseed or tung oil) once a year to protect against moisture, UV damage, and rot, especially for timber that’s in direct contact with soil or water.⁠
⁠
🚿 2. Elevate Where You Can⁠
If you’re using wood pots or planters, raise them slightly off the ground using feet or bricks to prevent water from soaking into the base. Drainage = wood longevity!⁠
⁠
🌧️ 3. Watch for Trouble Spots⁠
Keep an eye on areas where water pools or where soil stays damp. Rot loves those hidden corners. A quick brush and dry-off after heavy rain can do wonders.⁠
⁠
🌿 4. Choose Wisely⁠
Hardwoods like spotted gum or ironbark hold up better outdoors, but even treated pine or recycled sleepers can do the job if they are well-maintained.⁠
⁠
🧼 5. Clean Seasonally⁠
A gentle scrub with a brush and soapy water can help remove dirt, algae, and mildew before they have a chance to settle in.⁠
⁠
Wood blends beautifully into garden spaces, softening hard edges and adding a natural feel, but a little care goes a long way in keeping it strong, stylish, and ready for years of garden glory.⁠
⁠
📸Hollowed out log used as a pot, Phuket, Thailand

🌼🎨 Colour-Packed Crowd-Pleasers - Argyranthe

🌼🎨 Colour-Packed Crowd-Pleasers - Argyranthemums! 🎨🌼⁠
⁠
If your garden needs a splash of colour and a whole lot of cheer, look no further than the Argyranthemum — also known as the marguerite daisy. These little floral firecrackers are bursting with personality and make every garden bed or pot pop with vivid colour and life.⁠
⁠
From brilliant whites and buttery yellows to punchy pinks and fiery oranges, Argyranthemums are all about making a statement. And with their compact shape and long flowering season, they’re not just pretty — they’re practical too.⁠
⁠
🌞 Sun-loving? Yep.⁠
🐝 Pollinator-friendly? Absolutely.⁠
👨🏻‍🌾 Happy in pots, borders, and garden beds? 100%.⁠
⁠
They’re the kind of plant that instantly lifts a space, drawing the eye and creating instant impact. Perfect for gardeners who love bold blooms without the fuss.⁠ Because let’s be honest — sometimes your garden just needs a little extra zing. ❤️⁠
⁠
📸Argyranthemums, Phillip Island⁠

Geometry in Motion 🎋⁠ ⁠ Part of the brief f

Geometry in Motion 🎋⁠
⁠
Part of the brief for the backyard was to create an extended outdoor entertaining area that is multifunctional and relatively low-maintenance. My client wanted her front garden to have street appeal, and to be honest, who doesn’t? ⁠
⁠
Here is a snippet of my client, Shelley Kaur’s review:⁠
⁠
“I found Parveen from Inspiring Landscapes to be extremely professional and knowledgeable. We did not have a complete picture of what our garden should look like. ⁠
⁠
Parveen listened to our needs and then applied her expertise - the result is a beautiful and vibrant outdoors that we are now enjoying. Quite often, strangers and neighbours walk past and compliment us on our garden. I am very happy with Parveen’s work and will gladly use her services again.”⁠
⁠
If you would love to read all of Shelley’s review and their project brief for their stunning garden, head on over to my website: ⁠
⁠
https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/murrumbeena/⁠
⁠
📸Murrumbeena - April 2021

🐞Not All Garden Guests Are Pests! 🐛🕷️⁠
⁠
Sure, they might crawl, buzz, or wriggle — but insects and critters are the unsung heroes of your garden. While they may not win any beauty contests (sorry, slaters), they’ve got some serious skills when it comes to keeping your green space happy and healthy. 🌿✨⁠
⁠
🐞 Ladybugs gobble up aphids like it’s their full-time job.⁠
🕷️ Spiders? Nature’s pest control experts.⁠
🐛 Worms work the night shift, aerating your soil and boosting nutrients.⁠
🐝 Bees and butterflies are your ultimate pollinator pals, making sure your flowers bloom and your fruit trees thrive.⁠
⁠
Even those odd little beetles and mysterious mini critters have a purpose — they break down organic matter, improve soil health, and keep your garden ecosystem balanced. 💪🌏⁠
⁠
So before you squish, spray, or shoo, take a moment to observe. Your garden is a bustling, buzzing world full of helpful life. And yes, even the creepy crawlies have earned their place.⁠
⁠
After all, a thriving garden isn’t just about plants — it’s about the whole community that keeps it growing. 🐜💚⁠

Follow on Instagram

Archives

Categories

Follow us on social media

ACN: 617 529 914

contact +614 0332 9128

contact@inspiringlandscapes.com.au

Outdoor Entertaining - Page 2 of 3 - Inspiring Landscape Solutions