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Bright Colours and Smells Are A Must For Sensory Gardens

Creating A Sensory Garden

June 4, 2023
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Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Pruning, Scented gardens, Sustainable Gardening, Uncategorized
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No comments
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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 if possible, eat the plants!

From growing aromatic herbs such as lavender, rosemary and thyme to planting blossoming flowers of all colours, textures and sizes, there are endless possibilities to make your outdoor space truly unique. Here’s how you can get started:

Berwick garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Start By Designing Your Garden Layout

Decide on the size of your garden and what area it should be in. Next, consider the natural conditions of where you want to plant – the amount of sunlight it will get, how much shade or shelter from wind it will need, etc.

Think about what type of plants and flowers you would like to include, and any additional features that could make your garden more enjoyable. Once you have a plan in mind, start measuring and mapping out the area you will be working with.

This will help you to visualize how the different elements of your garden will fit together, and it can also help you determine where to purchase plants and materials.

Choose Plants To Suit Your Needs

Once you plan your garden layout, it’s time to choose the plants. A critical factor is selecting plants that will be pleasing to your senses.

Look for plants with fragrant flowers, unique textures and colours, edible fruits or vegetables, etc.

Additionally, selecting plants for health benefits or aesthetic reasons can help create a healthy, vibrant living space.

Red and blue marguerite daisies
Kinetic sculpture in landscape design adds to your garden style

Get Creative

Don’t be afraid to get creative with your sensory garden – add decorative items such as birdhouses or wind chimes, use different coloured mulches for visual interest, or include some accent lighting for night-time enjoyment.

With careful planning and creative thinking, you can create a beautiful outdoor space that will be the envy of your neighbors.

Take advantage of all the possibilities when creating your garden by exploring different materials and colors to create a stunning landscape.

With enough time and effort, you can transform your outdoor space into a beautiful and unique oasis. Have fun, and let your imagination run wild!

Make It Sustainable

If you want to take your garden to the next level, consider making it sustainable. Use native plants adapted to your local climate and don’t require a lot of water or fertiliser. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds, and create habitats for wildlife.

Consider planting edible fruits and vegetables that you can use in your kitchen.

Additionally, using energy-efficient tools like solar-powered lights, drip irrigation systems and eco-friendly materials can help reduce your impact on the environment.

Composting is another great way to reduce waste and provide nutrients for your soil at the same time.

Finally, consider adding rain barrels or other water-saving methods to help conserve water. By using these sustainable practices, you not only create a beautiful garden but also help conserve natural resources.

Productive vegetable patch in metal planters in Kew garden design
Family planting together and teaching their child about how plants and fruit grow in their backyard

Make It A Learning Experience

If you have children, a sensory garden is an excellent way to teach them about nature and the environment.

Talk to them about how plants grow, why some plants need more water than others, or even what animals live in your area. 

You can also make it a fun activity by having them help with planting and caring for the garden – they’ll be sure to love it!

With a little bit of effort you’ll be able to create an enjoyable and educational experience for your whole family.

Keep Experimenting

Your sensory garden doesn’t have to stay static – don’t be afraid to try new plants and add different elements.

For example, change up the colours of your flowers or experiment with different textures to keep things interesting. 

You can also research which plants attract butterflies or local birds for extra visual interest.

Making small changes over time can keep your garden fresh and inviting for years!

Saphna Bagh - an eclectic garden at MIFGS 2023
Garden Maintenance of hedge

Maintenance

Regular maintenance is essential to keep your sensory garden looking its best. This includes removing dead or diseased plants and pruning existing plants to keep them healthy.

Pruning can help promote healthy growth and shape the plants, while mulching helps insulate your soil and keeps it moist. 

Fertilising will provide essential nutrients that boost plant health and encourage stronger growth. Removing weeds and pests before they become a major problem is also important to ensure a pest-free garden. 

Finally, check on the soil moisture levels of your plants and water accordingly. Watering your plants regularly is the best way to ensure they stay healthy and vibrant. A little bit of extra care can go a long way in keeping your garden looking beautiful!

Remember to have fun with your project! Creating a sensory garden should be a relaxing and enjoyable experience – so don’t get overwhelmed if things don’t go according to plan. Instead, try different plants and combinations until you find something that works for you. 

Take breaks from time to time to appreciate the beauty of your garden and look forward to watching it grow over the years. With patience, creativity, and dedication, you can create an outdoor space that will bring joy for many years!

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This reminder is comforting, especially when life This reminder is comforting, especially when life feels messy, unpredictable, or overwhelming. Chaos might be loud and persistent, but nature is quietly resilient. Wildflowers are the perfect symbol of that. 🌻⁠
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They don’t ask for perfect soil. They don’t wait for the ideal conditions. They appear bold, colourful, and full of life in unlikely places. Cracks in the pavement. Forgotten fields. Windy hillsides.⁠
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In many ways, they reflect something in us, too: that quiet ability to grow through what we go through, to find beauty in the mess, to be soft but stubborn, delicate but determined.⁠
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Your garden might be full of carefully planned beds and structured design—or it might be a little wild around the edges. Either way, let the wildflowers remind you: growth doesn’t need permission. Hope doesn’t ask for perfect timing. And beauty? It often arrives unannounced.⁠
🐝✨ It’s National Pollinator Month! But wait 🐝✨ It’s National Pollinator Month! But wait… it’s winter. So does pollination still happen? The answer is yes—just a little differently. ❄️🌼⁠
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While most of the buzzing action slows down during the colder months, some native bees, hoverflies, and other cold-hardy pollinators are still out and about on mild winter days, searching for nectar and pollen. ⁠
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That’s why winter-flowering plants are crucial in keeping your garden—and your local ecosystem—alive and thriving year-round.⁠
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Here are a few pollinator-friendly plants worth adding to your winter garden:⁠
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🌿 Grevillea – Bold, beautiful, and a favourite for bees and nectar-loving birds.⁠
🌸 Correa (Native Fuchsia) – Blooms right through winter with bell-shaped flowers perfect for smaller pollinators.⁠
🪻 Hellebores (Winter Roses) – Elegant and hardy, offering early-season pollen for hungry insects.⁠
🌱 Winter-flowering Rosemary – Aromatic, hardy, and full of nectar—what’s not to love?⁠
💜 Lavender – Some varieties continue to bloom through cooler months and attract bees when the sun peeks out.⁠
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Winter pollination may be quieter, but it’s just as important. By planting thoughtfully and providing seasonal food sources, you’re helping pollinators survive the cold and return stronger in spring. 🐝💚⁠
🌿 Got a vine climbing its way along a wire? Let 🌿 Got a vine climbing its way along a wire? Let’s keep it looking lush, healthy, and under control! Whether it’s jasmine, clematis, star jasmine, or even a passionfruit vine, properly training and maintaining your vine will make all the difference.⁠
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Here are a few key tips to keep your climbing beauty in top shape:⁠
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🔧 Support is everything – Ensure your wire is firm, taut, and anchored well. Loose or sagging wires can cause uneven growth and limit your plant’s potential.⁠
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Guide the growth – Vines won’t always grow where you want them to. Weave or tie new shoots along the wire using soft plant ties, especially when young and flexible.⁠
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✂️ Prune regularly — Light, regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents your vine from getting wild and tangled. Snip back any dead or unruly stems and shape the vine to keep things neat.⁠
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💧 Water smart — Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth, and always check the base of the plant rather than the leaves to determine when it needs a drink.⁠
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🌞 Check for sun – Most flowering vines love full sun, so ensure they get plenty of light for a full, vibrant display.⁠
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With the right support (literally and figuratively!), a climbing vine can turn a simple wire into a stunning green wall or floral feature. Just give it a little attention and it’ll reward you with beauty all year round! 🌼✨⁠
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📸Mount Waverley project 2023⁠
Cacti!!!⁠ ⁠ If you’re after something bold, Cacti!!!⁠
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If you’re after something bold, low-maintenance, and packed with personality, cacti are perfect for it. 🌵 ⁠
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These sculptural beauties bring instant style to any space, whether planting a full desert garden or adding a few statement pots to your balcony. Group them in clusters, let them stand solo (like the one in our picture), or dot them along a path for some serious architectural flair.⁠
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Are you all about design? Here’s a cactus tip for you: play with colour! Cactuses don’t just come in vibrant greens—some lean grey or silver, which can bring a whole new mood to your space. 🎨⁠
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Green cactuses feel fresh and lively, while grey varieties add a more serene, earthy tone. Mixing both can create contrast and texture that feels modern but grounded.⁠
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💡 Fun fact: Did you know cactuses have tiny spines instead of leaves to minimise water loss and keep them cool? It’s nature’s built-in air conditioning—and why they thrive in dry conditions with minimal fuss. Plus, those spines can even create a tiny shade on their surface!⁠
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So if you’re all about stress-free gardening with maximum style, a cactus (or five) might be your garden’s new best friend. Tough, timeless, and totally on trend.⁠
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Do you prefer green or grey cactuses? Let me know in the comments below.🌵⁠
This video is of my Bundoora project from 2014. Me This video is of my Bundoora project from 2014. Mei Sze and her husband were beautiful clients who needed a balance between functionality and practicality. A kitchen garden with elements of play 😉 ⁠
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Here is some of what they had to say:⁠
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“My husband and I wanted a practical and functional backyard to accommodate our two active and growing kids. Previously, our backyard was a haphazard zone with no appeal whatsoever.⁠
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My husband and I now enjoy the low-maintenance garden beds and vegetable patch. We’ve harvested some homegrown vegetables, figs, herbs, lemons, and oranges from espalier varieties — a space-saving alternative to full trees, as Parveen suggested, given our limited planting space.⁠”⁠
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Mei Sze Lim⁠
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To read more about the practical but very functional garden in Bundoora, head on over to https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/bundoora/⁠
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📸Bundoora project, completed 2014
There’s always something magical about water flo There’s always something magical about water flowing between beautifully placed rocks!⁠
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From the tranquil koi ponds of Japan to the grand fountains of European estates, water has always held a deep place in garden design, not just for beauty, but for meaning. Across cultures, water represents life, reflection, calm, and movement. It’s symbolic, spiritual, and entirely sensory.⁠
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In Islamic gardens, water channels mirror paradise. In Chinese landscapes, still ponds reflect balance and harmony. In modern Western design, it can be a peaceful retreat or an energising focal point.⁠
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🌊 A water feature isn’t just an aesthetic choice — it’s an invitation to pause. To reflect. Feel connected to nature, culture, and something more profound than ourselves.⁠
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Whether it’s a bubbling basin or a minimalist rill, ask yourself what you want your garden to say with water?⁠
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📸Between Moments, by Ben Hutchinson, MIFGS 2025
Isn’t it funny how some things anchor us? In a w Isn’t it funny how some things anchor us? In a world that often feels like it’s moving at a million miles an hour, the simple, grounding constants in life matter more than ever.⁠
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Your house is more than walls and a roof — it’s your little slice of the world where your story unfolds. Your friends? They’re the people who know how you take your tea, who you text when life feels too big or too dull. And your garden … oh, your garden is where everything breathes.⁠
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A garden doesn’t just grow flowers — it grows perspective, peace, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a tiny balcony jungle, a sun-drenched courtyard, or a winding backyard path, your garden reflects your mood, memories, and hopes. It’s where life slows down enough for you to feel.⁠
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Maybe it’s the way the light hits a particular leaf, the daily ritual of watering, pruning, or simply sitting in silence. It’s in those small, quiet moments that we reconnect with ourselves.⁠
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So today, let’s take a moment to be thankful for the spaces and people that make life feel whole. And if your garden’s looking a little wild? That’s okay. Maybe so are you, and perhaps that’s just perfect.⁠
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A garden can be much more than a place to grow pla A garden can be much more than a place to grow plants. When you bring artistic expression into garden design, you create a space that reflects who you are, not just what looks good in a catalogue.⁠
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Artistic expression in the garden is about making intentional choices. It’s the colours that evoke emotion, the shapes that draw your eye, and the materials that create rhythm or contrast. ⁠
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It might be something like a bold garden sculpture that adds interest to a quiet corner or climbing vines to soften the look of a plain wall. These choices aren’t just about how your garden looks—they help shape how it feels and how you experience the space every day.⁠
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The best part? There’s no single right way to do it. Whether your space is wild and untamed or sleek and structured, it becomes meaningful when it reflects your perspective and personality.⁠
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So, if you’re planning a new garden or refining an existing one, ask yourself: What do I want to feel here? From there, design with purpose. Let colour, texture, and structure support that feeling, just like an artist would with a canvas.⁠
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A well-designed garden doesn’t grow — it communicates. Let yours say something worth listening to. ⁠
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You can read our latest blog about artistic expression in garden design here: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/how-to-use-artistic-expression-in-garden-design/⁠
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📸Maribyrnong project 2012⁠
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Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean your garden’s gone into full hibernation. Your plants still need water in a more balanced and mindful way.⁠
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During the cooler months, overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering. Roots still need moisture to stay healthy, especially evergreens and newly planted trees or shrubs. And while rainfall might help, it’s often not enough or evenly distributed.⁠

Melbourne seems to be experiencing low rainfall at the moment so please be careful with how much water you’re using to water your garden!
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✅ Check your soil before watering — if it’s still damp a few inches down, you can hold off.⁠
✅ Adjust your irrigation timers to avoid overwatering and reduce fungal risk.⁠
✅ Water during mid-morning so roots absorb moisture before the evening chill sets in.⁠
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Irrigation isn’t just a summer task — year-round care keeps your garden resilient and ready to thrive come spring! 🌱❄️⁠
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Ever wandered through a garden and felt instantly Ever wandered through a garden and felt instantly uplifted, calm, or even energised? That’s not by accident—it’s the power of colour in garden design at play.⁠
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Choosing the right planting scheme is like painting with nature’s palette. Want a peaceful vibe? Go for cool tones like blues, purples, and silvers. Craving drama or excitement? Bold reds, oranges, and yellows can bring the fire! And don’t underestimate green—it’s the ultimate background hero, tying everything together.⁠
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By thoughtfully mixing colours through your planting choices, you can:⁠
🌸 Create mood and atmosphere⁠
🌼 Draw the eye to key areas⁠
🌻 Make small spaces feel larger—or cozy them up⁠
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Colour isn’t just pretty—it’s a tool for expression. So whether you’re aiming for harmony, contrast, or a riot of joyful chaos, there’s a colour story waiting to bloom in your garden.⁠
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#PlantingSchemes #GardenColourTheory #GardenDesignTips #ColourInTheGarden #GardenInspiration #PlantWithPurpose #GardenMood #LandscapeDesign #BloomsAndBalance #ExpressYourselfOutdoors⁠
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📸 Pic 1: Sedate & pastel planting schemes in Ode, garden designed by Brent Reid, Candeo Design, MIFGS 2025⁠
📸 Pic 2: Autumnal & pastel planting scheme in a Border garden, MIFGS 2023⁠
📸 Pic 3: Vibrant planting scheme, Brighton, 2016⁠
📸 Pic 4: Planting snippet, peaceful tones of white and purple, Yarraville design, 2020⁠
📸Pic 5: peaceful tones of white and purple⁠
📸Pic 6: coastal tones of silver and green, Blackburn project 2016⁠
📸Pic 7: colourful vibes of a cottage garden!
📸Pic 8: sedate tones of beige and white broken up with some cheery orange and pinks, Brighton project 2016⁠
🌿 Green isn’t just something we see — it’ 🌿 Green isn’t just something we see — it’s something we feel. Across cultures and generations, plants have shaped the way we live, celebrate, heal, and connect with the world around us.⁠
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From ancient medicinal gardens to sacred groves and lush courtyards, greenery has always been part of the human story. It’s in how we bring fresh flowers to a loved one, sip herbal tea to soothe the nerves, or tend a backyard veggie patch to feed both body and soul. Plants aren’t just decoration — they’re part of our well-being.⁠
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Science backs it up, too. Spending time around plants has been shown to reduce stress, lower blood pressure, improve concentration, and even speed up recovery. ⁠
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On a cultural level, gardens have long been places of gathering, reflection, ritual, and renewal.⁠
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So, the next time you’re in your garden or even just admiring a humble houseplant, take a moment to appreciate the deep roots we share with the plant world. ⁠
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Greenery grounds us, heals us, and reminds us of our place in something larger.⁠
Let’s not just grow gardens — let’s grow connections. 🌱⁠
This design snap is from my Ardeer project. The br This design snap is from my Ardeer project. The brief was for a romantic and naturalistic garden with flowers that could be picked for all the rooms in the house. How dreamy!!! 🤩💐⁠
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The private area at the rear of the garden is stunningly colourful and has a private pergola for my lovely client to use as a personal relaxing space. 🧘‍♀️⁠
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There’s plenty of storage, entertainment, and play areas for the children to explore and run around. It’s full of colour, noise, and fun!!! 👨‍👩‍👦⁠
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I love using a mixed palette of materials here, and I’m finally getting clients brave enough to try out new ideas and make their gardens unique! ⁠
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This garden will stand out on their street and have lots of seasonal interest! Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below 💚⁠
Flowers bloom boldly, yet they ask for very little Flowers bloom boldly, yet they ask for very little. They brighten gardens, tables, and hearts. Their fleeting beauty reminds us to pause, breathe, and appreciate what’s right in front of us. ⁠
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Like flowers, women often hold the world together, nurturing, growing, and showing up even in the most challenging conditions.⁠
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What’s truly powerful is how flowers, like women, are never just one thing. Some are soft and delicate, others wild, bright, and untamed. Some thrive in the spotlight, others in quiet corners. Some bloom early, some take their time—but all bring richness, colour, and life to the spaces they touch. 🌼⁠
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Both women and flowers deserve to be celebrated in the garden and life, not just for their beauty, but for their resilience, diversity, and ability to bring joy simply by being. Here’s to the beauty that blooms, nurtures, inspires and endures. 💐✨⁠
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Tag a woman who reminds you of a flower—and tell her how much she brightens your world. 💚👇⁠
Winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden. Winter might seem like a quiet time in the garden... but behind the scenes, there’s plenty you can do to give your outdoor space a little TLC ❄️🌿⁠
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Think of it as the garden’s self-care season – time to rest, recharge, and prep for a strong comeback in spring 💪⁠ Here are a few easy winter garden care tips:⁠
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🌱 Mulch like a pro – A thick layer of Mulch protects roots from frost, keeps moisture in and keeps weeds out. It’s a cosy blanket for your plants!⁠
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✂️ Prune and tidy – Winter is the perfect time to prune many deciduous trees and shrubs. Just check what looks like a winter haircut— and what doesn’t!⁠
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🌼 Plan and plant – Got big garden dreams? Winter is the time to plan them out. And don’t forget, some stars like hellebores and camellias bloom through the chill!⁠
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Even on the coldest days, the garden still has magic—sometimes it’s quieter. What’s your go-to winter garden ritual? Let me know below! 👇⁠
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To read more about winter garden care, head to my blog:⁠
https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/winter-garden-care/⁠

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📸Burwood East project, completed 2019
🎨✨ Murals: More Than Just Art on a Wall! ✨🎨⁠
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Ever walked past a vibrant, larger-than-life mural and felt an instant mood boost? That’s the magic of colour and design at work! 🌈💫⁠
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Murals aren’t just eye-catching — they tell stories, evoke emotions, and transform spaces in ways that plain walls never could. ⁠
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A bold, geometric design can energise a space, while soft pastels create a calm atmosphere. Even a splash of unexpected colour can shift your mood, spark creativity, and make a space feel alive!⁠
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In gardens, murals can add depth, personality, and a touch of the unexpected. Imagine a botanical masterpiece behind your outdoor seating or a dreamy sky scene extending your space beyond its borders. The possibilities are endless! 🌿🖌️⁠
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Beyond aesthetics, murals also bring communities together. A striking public artwork can turn a blank wall into a local landmark, sparking conversation and connection. ⁠Look at this one in the picture - it’s near an ice creamery in Sorrento, and it caught my eye!⁠
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Whether it’s a personal mural in your backyard or a large-scale piece in your neighbourhood, these creations have the power to inspire and unite. ❤️🎭⁠
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How do colours and murals influence your mood? Let’s chat in the comments! 👇🎨⁠

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📸Mural, Sorrento
Totally in love with some of the concepts and desi Totally in love with some of the concepts and designs at MIFGS 2025 (Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show). ⁠
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I’ve been musing about what I like about this year’s garden show and how it resonates with my design, thoughts, and feelings about the gardens I create.⁠ I’ve narrowed it down to this, even though I took almost 1,000 pictures that day! ⁠
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I love gardens that are rich in culture and have an incredible story. I also love gardens that have something fun or unexpected and enjoy them immensely, no matter how quirky or unusual. As long as it’s achievable, the garden should be highly personalised to the person it is being created for. ⁠
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It has to be a curated space that makes my clients smile or ponder, allowing them to enjoy every moment spent in their garden.⁠ Below is a selection of gardens presented at this year’s show that represent that!
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Pic 1 - How gorgeously vibrant is that fluorescent pink? I’m not one to shy away from using bright colours in designs, but I love how this was used to exemplify the cultural aspect of colour in creating a Spanish garden. ⁠
📸Avenue of Achievable gardens⁠
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Pic 2 shows a gorgeous pop of colour and the unexpected use of the Japanese Kintsugi concept (gold repair). A pink fluorescent lighting strip around the windows is subtle but quite fun. ⁠
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I loved seeing the Venus flytrap in the planting palette! Something I’ve associated with one of the designers involved in this project. It seems to be something that I find quirky and cool! ⁠
📸Boutique gardens⁠
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Pic 3 - The pink accents come through in this garden, reminding me of a season I love - Autumn. I love how dreamy and inviting this looks, and how it will create movement through the garden⁠
📸Border gardens⁠
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Pic 4 - Insect hotels⁠
📸Border gardens⁠
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Pic 5 - Fun shapes and colours⁠
📸Welcome garden⁠
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Pic 6 - Fun use of shapes and practicality⁠
📸Paul Pritchard, Show garden⁠
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Pic 7 - Cultural story of family, ties with Africa and memories of childhood⁠
📸Avenue of Achievable gardens⁠
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Pic 8 - Texture, calming and practicality⁠
📸Christian Jenkins, Show garden⁠
🌿✨ Climbing Vines: Let’s Keep Them Looking 🌿✨ Climbing Vines: Let’s Keep Them Looking Fabulous! ✨🌿⁠
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There’s nothing quite like a lush, climbing vine transforming a wall, fence, or trellis into a green paradise! But if left unchecked, they can turn from charming to chaotic. Here’s how to keep your vine thriving while growing exactly where you want it! 🌱⬆️⁠
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🌿 Guide and Train It — Vines need a little direction! Gently weave new growth through a trellis or use soft ties to secure wayward stems. This keeps them from taking over your garden (or your neighbour’s yard!).⁠
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✂️ Prune Regularly – A quick trim here and there keeps your vine healthy, encourages fuller growth, and prevents it from becoming a tangled mess. Plus, it keeps your flowers blooming beautifully! 🌸⁠
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💦 Water and Feed — Vines are hungry plants! Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) and give them a nutrient boost with a balanced fertiliser for strong, vibrant growth.⁠
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With a little care, your climbing vine will stay lush, lovely, and under control, creating the dreamy garden backdrop you’ve been wishing for! ✨ What’s your favourite climbing plant? Drop it in the comments! 👇💚⁠
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📸Mt Waverley project detail, completed 2023
Your deck might be your favourite spot to relax wi Your deck might be your favourite spot to relax with a cuppa, entertain friends, or soak up the sunshine surrounded by pots of lush greenery—but when was the last time you gave it a proper safety check? 👀⁠
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A well-designed deck can be a valid extension of your home—a space for creating memories, hosting BBQs, and enjoying quiet Sunday mornings. But even the best-built decks need a little TLC to stay safe, especially after braving the elements year after year.⁠
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May is International Deck Safety Month, so it’s the perfect time to show your deck a bit of attention. Whether it’s a cosy ground-level setup or a grand two-storey structure with stairs and railings, every deck benefits from a seasonal check-up, and your family, especially the little ones running barefoot, will thank you for it. 🏡💚⁠
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Here are a few key things to check this month:⁠
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🔩 Loose Nails, Screws or Fasteners – These might seem small but can become significant safety risks. Tighten anything wobbly or sticking out.⁠
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🪚 Rotting or Splintered Wood – Moisture, time, and weather can break down even quality timber. Check for soft spots or cracked boards and replace them immediately.⁠
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🧱 Stability of Railings and Stairs—Give the railings a good shake. Are they solid and secure? The stairs should feel stable and not move underfoot.⁠
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🌧️ Water Damage & Drainage—Look for signs of mould, mildew, or pooling water. Good drainage is key to keeping your deck materials strong and safe.⁠
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🧼 Slippery Surfaces—Moss, algae, and general grime build-up can make decks slippery and dangerous. A good clean might be all they need!⁠
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🔍 Check for Movement—If your deck feels shifting or bouncy underfoot, it might be time for a professional inspection.⁠
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💡 Bonus tip: If your deck is 15 years old or older, it’s a good idea to assess it professionally, even if it looks fine. Wind, rain, UV exposure and general wear all take their toll.⁠
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For more tips, check out our blog, Eight Ways to Look After Your Timber Decking: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/eight-ways-to-look-after-your-timber-decking/⁠
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There’s something incredibly poetic about this s There’s something incredibly poetic about this season—the crisp air, the golden light, and the way the leaves put on their most dramatic performance before drifting to the ground. There’s no rush, no panic. This is a gentle reminder that change can be stunning, graceful, or necessary.⁠
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“Autumn, the year’s last loveliest smile” is more than just a pretty quote—it’s a way of thinking. It whispers, “Slow down. Soak it in.” There’s beauty in letting go, winding down, and making space for rest and reflection.⁠
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Gardens feel it too. Summer’s showstoppers might be fading, but autumn brings its quiet magic—rusty reds, deep burgundies, warm golds. It’s a time when structure, texture, and mood shine—the garden shifts from centre stage to a softer, more soulful beauty.⁠
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✨ Planting Tip: Now’s the perfect time to plant spring bulbs or introduce cold-hardy veggies and leafy greens. Think garlic, broad beans, or silverbeet if you’re feeling productive.⁠
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🌿 Garden Design Tip: Autumn light is golden and low—take advantage of it. Frame your garden beds or paths to catch the sunset rays, and don’t forget to consider foliage texture and contrast. Grasses and deciduous shrubs can steal the show this time of year.⁠
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🍷 Lifestyle Tip: Make your outdoor space work for the season. Add a fire pit, pull out the woolly throws, pour a mulled wine, and entertain alfresco. Autumn is for slow moments, hearty meals, and good conversation under starry skies.⁠
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So if you love a fresh start, but also romanticise every fallen leaf and cup of tea in hand… autumn is your season. It’s nature’s way of showing us that there’s joy in transition—and that endings can be just as lovely as beginnings. 🍁🧡⁠
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Tell me—what’s your favourite autumn ritual in your garden?⁠
🌿Meet Sedum ‘Blue Feathers’ – The Perfect 🌿Meet Sedum ‘Blue Feathers’ – The Perfect Low-Maintenance Beauty!💙⁠
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Looking for a plant that’s tough, stunning, and incredibly easy to care for? Sedum reflexum’ Blue Spruce’ is a standout! ⁠
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With its fabulous blue-green, needle-like foliage (resembling a miniature spruce tree 🌲) and bright yellow summer blooms that attract pollinators, this little gem brings year-round texture and colour to any garden. ⁠Plus, Autumn’s foliage takes on a gorgeous golden hue for an extra seasonal surprise! 🍂 ✨ ⁠
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Why You’ll Love It:⁠
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✔️ Super low maintenance – Thrives on neglect! Once established, it hardly needs water. 💧⁠
✔️ Perfect for tough spots – Dry soil? Poor conditions? No problem! ‘Blue Spruce’ loves it. 🌱⁠
✔️ Versatile & hardy – Use it as ground cover, in rock gardens, as edging, or even in containers. 🌿🪴⁠
✔️ Pollinator-friendly – Bees and butterflies can’t resist those starry yellow flowers! 🐝🦋⁠
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Whether filling in gaps, adding texture to a succulent garden, or looking for a plant that thrives with minimal fuss, the ‘Blue feathers’ stonecrop is a must-have. Do you have a spot in your garden that could use this tough little beauty? Let me know below! 👇💚⁠
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