Seasonal tips

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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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Front garden beds of a new build in Camberwell lit up at night
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…
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Urban food garden in productive part of Bundoora landscape design
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…
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Backyard grassed area in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
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…
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Close up of purple shrub in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwal
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…
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Closeup of lime espalier in Bundoora landscape design
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…
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Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design
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.…
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Basic soil dispersiveness testing by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
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…
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Salvia used in Vermont South landscape design
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…
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Closeup of jasmine used in Vermont South garden design
Jasmines - love them to bits!  Have a look around right now and they should be at their flowering best.  I'm writing this from my deck where I've surrounded myself with the variety of my choice. Reminds me of home. Reminds me of my childhood experiences.  Can't go wrong with a scented garden! There are many species and styles of jasmine available.  The biggest difference between jasmine varieties is their…
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Productive vegetable patch in metal planters in Kew garden design
The most important thing to do in spring for your productive garden is planting. It is a task that will pay off big dividends! So forget all those other spring tasks you've got on your plate at the moment and get planting before it's too late! I know it's hard to get organised.  I have young kids and a busy work schedule but I do love the taste of home…
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Aphids on helleborus. Landscape design Melbourne by Inspiring Landscape Solutions
With spring well underway, I'm sure you've come across them.  Swarms of soft bodied insects swarming around and eventually ruining your young buds. They are present in my garden too.  Used to attack my roses but much less now, having implemented some preventative measures discussed below.  However, they still attack my hellebores! Here's some insights into what aphids are and what you should consider when dealing with them. What are…
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Clivia flowers in Hawthorn East landscape design
Thought I'd quickly share some of my gardening tips for getting your garden ready this summer.  Every keen gardener I know is worried about the forecasts for this summer - it's predicted to be hot and dry so best to get your preparation underway to tackle the heat and ensure your garden survives the onslaught!! Irrigation A key gardening tip is to ensure that your irrigation system, if you have…
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Helleborus flower range of colours from white to yellows, pinks, burgundy and black
Hellebores or winter roses are definitely one of my favourites! The onset of some cooler weather and some cooler nights encourage hellebores to put on some new growth which foretells an exciting flowering season on the horizon!  Hellebores are definitely one of the stars of a winter garden when few other plants are in flower. The old fashioned hellebores bloom face down whilst the new varieties are more upright.  They…
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Bright flowers used around pool area in Brighton landscape design in Melbourne
Spring is nearly here!  I can't wait to see my garden awaken although I've thoroughly enjoyed the winter display thus far.  Benefits of designing a garden catering for seasoning impacts I guess!  Yes, selecting plants is so important.  Especially the right plants!  I can imagine the beautiful influx of butterflies, native bees, cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets that will visit my garden soon.  Not to mention the colourful floral display that…
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Seasonal tips - Inspiring Landscape Solutions