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Before picture of Glen Waverley front garden designed by Parveen Dhaliwal, Inspiring Landscape Solutions

How To Analyse Your Outdoor Site

March 8, 2021
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Garden, Site surveys
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No comments
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Posted by Parveen

Knowing your site is the first step to creating a wonderful garden. One of the first things landscape designers do when working on a garden plan is to make a site survey. This involves looking at the existing features of your backyard and collecting information about them.

Aerial view of Mount Waverley right garden

What A Site Survey Should Include

A site survey should cover the following:

*The location and orientation of the garden

*The shape, size, and boundaries of the plot

*Fencing or walls that may affect traffic patterns or sunlight

*Slopes, levels, and drainage patterns within the garden

*Existing plants that you would like to keep in place or remove entirely

*Any complex landscaping features such as paths, fencing, or patios could remain in place or be changed.

Physical Characteristics Of Your Garden

It is essential to consider these physical characteristics when planning your garden. Everything about your garden can impact your space. Once you have identified your garden’s features, start imagining how it will look. Next, think about how you want to use the area:

*Are there any specific plants or features that need to be included? 

*What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? 

Once you know this, start drawing out possible plans for the garden layout, considering factors like sunlight and drainage patterns.

Finally, consider practical considerations such as budget, maintenance requirements, and materials needed to build your plan. Make sure that these details fit in with your overall design concept so that everything works together cohesively.

Berwick garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal
Clayton garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Site Plans

If you’re looking for an existing site plan, it can be helpful to ask around – your local planning office should be able to tell you if any plans are available for the area. Otherwise, you may have luck searching online or through archives of old records.

If no existing plan is available, drawing up one yourself can be achievable. Start by taking site measurements – which you can do using a tape measure, surveyor’s wheel, or even counting your steps while pacing the area.

Make sure to note any natural features such as trees, hills, and rivers to represent them accurately in the plan. Then, sketch out the shape of the land on a piece of paper or your computer/tablet. Ensure the dimensions and features are correct before adding other details, such as buildings, fences, or pathways.

Assessing Outdoor/Indoor Links

Once you have identified your garden’s outdoor and indoor links, assessing their impact on your overall design is vital.

Examine how much of the garden is dedicated to outdoor living compared to indoors–do you have a large patio or balcony that takes up most of the space? Or perhaps there’s an abundance of trees and grassy areas? 

Additionally, consider how you access the outdoor and indoor spaces. Are they connected by a doorway or some bridge? Is there a sense of flow between both parts of your garden that makes it easy to transition between them?

Night view of Wantirna garden design 6 years on

Think about the layout of your garden. Does it have an open and airy feel, or is it more intimate and enclosed? Are there focal points that draw the eye in different directions? These are all things to consider when assessing your indoor/outdoor links.

Finding North

There should be a north point on any site plans drawn up by an architect or a design professional. Here are a couple of tips if you’re a newbie to finding north:

*Look for the Sun – The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, so if you can see it (and you’re not inside!), you can use it to determine which direction is north.

*Observe the Moon – Like the sun, the moon follows an east-to-west pattern throughout the night sky. This means that if you can find the moon in the night sky, you can also use it to figure out which way north is.

There’s a fantastic app for your smartphone called Sun Surveyor, which shows your current location’s solar paths throughout the seasons.

Also, in three months, you can assess the solar paths throughout the year by checking the moon’s location at night. The moon will be at the exact location of the sun six months later, so you can quickly identify the sun’s position by tracking the moon’s location.

Sun Surveyor is an excellent tool for any aspiring solar enthusiast! It provides valuable information to help you determine the best area to install your solar panels to maximise efficiency.

Sun Surveyor app to help you find north. It can be used all around the world.

In addition, you’ll be able to see how much sunlight they receive during different parts of the year and even use this information to optimise the installation of your solar panels to reduce their cost.

Sun Surveyor also has a great feature that allows you to simulate the exact angle of sunlight for any time or location, enabling you to accurately assess how much energy is available at any given moment.

Designing your garden with your garden style in mind

Marking Key Features

These features could include existing trees, pathways or ways, ponds and water features, patios or decks, utilities such as sprinklers and power lines, fences, walls or hedges – anything you’d like to keep in its current location.

Once these critical features are marked, you can start to plan how the rest of your garden will fit around them.

Using a measuring tape and marking flags, measure out and mark the size and shape of these features. This will give you an accurate record for reference in the future.

You can also take measurements from existing gardens or hardscapes, such as patios or decks, and note these down.

Using a garden hose is also an effective way of creating the outline for more prominent features such as pathways, ponds, and patios. This will help you visualise exactly how they’ll fit into your garden space and allow you to make any necessary adjustments before laying them.

Assessing Terrain Levels

When assessing the terrain levels in your garden, you should keep a few things in mind. First, it can be helpful to understand how to level your garden before you start any landscaping or planting projects.

Knowing the terrain levels can help you make better decisions about designing and planting your garden.

For example, planting trees or large shrubs may not be feasible when dealing with a steep slope. Therefore, you must ensure that your chosen plants suit a steep incline. On the other hand, if your garden is mostly level, you have many more options for landscaping and planting.

Glen Iris garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

You’ll need a few tools to assess the terrain levels in your garden. A level, measuring tape, and shovel can all come in handy. You can also use a rope or string to measure the different elevation levels in your garden. You’ll note significant changes in terrain levels. 

It’s important to remember that even small changes in terrain level can significantly impact how your garden looks and functions. Therefore, assessing the terrain levels before starting landscaping or planting projects is critical to a successful garden.

Cloud pruned camellia in Murrumbeena landscape design

Analysing Environmental Conditions

By understanding the conditions of your garden, you can make informed decisions about what plants and techniques work best for you.

The first step to analysing environmental conditions in your garden is to observe the area. Take note of how much sunlight it receives at different times during the day and how much shade, wind, and rain the site gets.

Next, consider soil type, fertility, drainage, and water availability factors.

Depending on these conditions, you can choose which plants will thrive in your garden. Observe the soil type and fertility – sandy or clay-based soils require different treatments, while nutrient-rich soils may be better suited for specific varieties.

Make sure to take note of the drainage of the soil as well. Knowing how much water your garden will get is essential when deciding which plants to pick.

Finally, consider your climate and weather patterns. Different climates may require different types of fertilisers or pest control techniques, so it’s essential to be aware of the conditions you are dealing with.

Rainwater/Harvesting Water

Harvesting and analysing rainwater is a great way to maximise natural resources. Not only can you save money on your water bill, but it can also help keep your garden thriving.

Once you’ve set up your barrel or tank, ensuring that the water you’re collecting is safe for use is crucial. This is where analysing the rainwater comes in! Test the water regularly to make sure it meets safe drinking standards. 

You’ll also want to measure the amount of nitrates and phosphates in the water to protect your plants. If these levels are too high, they can create an unhealthy environment for your garden.

Rain water containers
Mild steel raised planter in Mulgrave garden design

Microclimates

Have you ever noticed that some parts of your garden grow better than others? A microclimate could cause this. This is when one small area experiences its unique climate, which can differ significantly from the surrounding environment.

Several factors, such as geographical location, weather patterns, and nearby buildings or trees, can cause a microclimate. Each element affects the area’s temperature, wind, and humidity, creating its standalone climate.

This means that different parts of your garden could have significantly different microclimates, each with unique challenges and opportunities.

Understanding your garden’s microclimate can be a great way to help determine which plants are best suited for different areas, as it will allow you to create the perfect conditions for each species.

How The Wind Affects Your Garden

The wind can have a significant impact on your garden. It can affect how your plants grow and the overall health of your plants, so it’s essential to be aware of how the wind might factor into your garden planning.

One way that the wind can cause an issue in gardens is through soil erosion. Windy conditions can cause soil erosion by blowing away topsoil and organic matter, which is vital for the health of your plants. 

To help prevent this, use a layer of mulch on your garden beds, which can help keep the wind from reaching the soil directly. But, unfortunately, wind can also damage young or delicate plants.

Mulch can protect your plants from heat stress

Analysing your backyard site to create a garden plan can seem daunting, but it is an exciting and rewarding process with the right approach.

By understanding all the elements that make up your space, you can create an outdoor environment that reflects your vision and adds value to your home.

Good luck with turning your backyard into your oasis!

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🎁✨ Give the Gift of a Garden They’ll Never 🎁✨ Give the Gift of a Garden They’ll Never Forget 🌿💚⁠
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Are you looking for something truly thoughtful, lasting, and just a little different? An Inspiring Landscapes Solutions Gift Voucher might be precisely what you’re after.⁠
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Whether it’s a friend with big backyard dreams, a loved one building a new home, or someone who wants to enjoy their garden more, this gift is all about possibilities. 🌱✨⁠
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Instead of guessing what they want, you’re providing them with expert guidance, a creative vision, and the opportunity to create a space that truly reflects who they are. ⁠
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From design consults to complete landscape plans, a voucher with Inspiring Landscapes is more than just a present; it’s a future garden waiting to bloom.⁠
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It’s perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, new homeowners, or even to say, “You deserve something special.” Giving the gift of outdoor inspiration is next-level thoughtful. DM us to organise one or visit our website to learn more!⁠
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🔥 Talk about drama! If plants could strut a red 🔥 Talk about drama! If plants could strut a red carpet, the Sprekelia would own it. 💃🌺⁠
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With its bold, scarlet-red petals and striking, orchid-like shape, this beauty doesn’t bloom — it performs. ⁠
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Commonly known as the Jacobean or Aztec Lily, the Sprekelia brings serious wow-factor to the garden, even when it’s just popping up for its short but show-stopping season.⁠
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Its flowers have a unique, almost sculptural elegance — arching petals, rich colour, and that little bit of unexpected flair that makes you stop and say, “Wait … what is THAT?” 😍⁠
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“Perfect for pots, borders, or adding a splash of exotic charm, Sprekelia is the kind of plant that reminds you: sometimes, the boldest things come in the smallest packages.⁠
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Got a sunny spot that needs a little drama? This could be your garden’s star. 🌞⁠
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📸 Mt Waverley project (my client snuck it in 😉)⁠
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Our project brief for Leonie and Ian was to ensure Our project brief for Leonie and Ian was to ensure their garden could be enjoyed from inside their house. When they were outside, it needed a spacious and open feel, along with a low-maintenance planting palette.⁠
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Based on the review we received from our client, we believe that we met their brief. Here’s a snippet of their review:⁠
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“Parveen was able to keep to our budget, has such attention to detail, and is just an expert in landscaping. It was a super quick turnaround from start to end. We are so happy with our result and smile whenever we come home.”⁠
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To read more about our project design at Vermont South B, head on over to our website: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/vermont-south-b/⁠
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📸 Vermont South B landscape design 2018
Winter can be one of the most magical times to enj Winter can be one of the most magical times to enjoy your outdoor space. If you’re wondering how you can make this happen, our latest blog, “Simple Winter Ideas to Transform Your Garden”, is just for you.⁠
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From the warm glow of outdoor lighting to the crackle of a fire pit and the evergreen charm of layered planting, we’re exploring practical, creative, and easy-to-implement ideas that transform even the most uninviting corners of your garden into places you’ll want to be.⁠
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🔥 Create a cosy nook with weatherproof furniture⁠
🔥 Add trees and hedges that shelter you from the wind⁠
🔥 Use lighting to bring warmth and mood to early evenings⁠
🔥 Choose plants that bring colour, structure, and seasonal interest⁠
🔥 And don’t forget — mulch, pathways, and clever layout matter too!⁠
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Your garden doesn’t have to go quiet just because the weather has cooled down. With thoughtful changes, it can become your retreat, perfect for slow mornings, evening catch-ups, or simply a breath of fresh air between Zoom meetings.⁠
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So if you’re ready to love your garden through winter (and not just survive it), this blog is full of inspiration to get you started.⁠
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🛋️🍃 https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/simple-winter-ideas-to-transform-your-garden/⁠
🌿🫰 Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a necessity 🌿🫰 Rest isn’t a reward, it’s a necessity.⁠
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In the rush of daily life, it’s easy to feel like we need to earn our downtime. However, the truth is that making time to rest and reset isn’t indulgent; it’s vital.⁠
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And your garden? It can be so much more than something to water or weed. It can be the pause you’ve been craving. That is one place where there are no to-do lists, screens, and no pressure to be anywhere else.⁠
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Maybe it’s a shady corner where you sip your morning coffee. A comfy chair under a tree where you can read a few pages in peace. Or just a moment standing barefoot on the lawn, breathing in the scent of lavender or freshly turned soil.⁠
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We design our homes for function. Why not create our gardens for well-being? A few small changes, such as adding a spot to sit, incorporating a plant that brings a smile, and incorporating the gentle sound of water, can transform your outdoor space into a daily dose of calm.⁠
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So this is your gentle nudge: build rest into your life, not around it. Let your garden remind you to pause, recharge, and just BE. 🌸✨⁠
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⁠Scent is such a powerful part of our experience ⁠Scent is such a powerful part of our experience in the garden — it’s not just something we smell; it’s something we feel. ⁠
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A whiff of jasmine on a cool evening, the peppery scent of a rosemary bush as you brush past, the sweet, heady notes of roses in full bloom — each one is like a little message from nature — unseen but deeply felt.⁠
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Fragrance can trigger memories, change our mood, and turn a simple moment in the garden into something truly special. That’s why when we design with scent in mind, we’re not just planting — we’re curating an experience.⁠
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Want to bring more “feeling” into your garden? Try planting lavender near your entryway, citrus blossoms along a path, or a patch of mint by your outdoor seating area. These small touches create something more than just beauty—they create connection.⁠
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Because in the end, flowers don’t just look good … they speak to us. 💐💛⁠
One of the biggest perks of artificial grass? It s One of the biggest perks of artificial grass? It stays green all year round — no mowing, watering, or muddy patches. But even the most low-maintenance lawn needs a little TLC to stay fresh and fabulous. 💚⁠
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Here’s how to keep your synthetic turf in top shape:⁠
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🧹 Brush it regularly – Use a stiff broom or plastic rake to lift the blades and keep them looking lush (especially in high-traffic spots).⁠
🍃 Clear debris – Remove leaves, twigs, and dirt to prevent buildup and maintain a tidy appearance.⁠
🚿 Rinse it down – A quick hose off now and then helps clear dust and refresh the surface.⁠
🐾 Pet owner? – Scoop solids, rinse liquids, and use a turf-safe cleaner to maintain hygiene.⁠ There are even pet-safe deodorisers that you can apply post-cleaning!⁠
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Maintenance goes a long way in keeping your artificial lawn looking (almost) as good as the real deal, without any weekend mowing chores!⁠
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Additionally, if you’re looking for a lawn aesthetic in a shady area or have a challenging site where it’s difficult for real grass to grow, this is the perfect product to achieve your needs.⁠
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📸 Glen Waverley 2018 landscape garden design⁠
There’s something so inviting about a curved foo There’s something so inviting about a curved footpath in the garden. Unlike straight lines, curves feel organic, like they belong. They encourage you to slow down, take in your surroundings, and enjoy the journey rather than just rushing to the destination. But here’s the trick: how you line and frame that path makes all the difference.⁠
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🌾 Border with Soft Planting—Use low-growing or trailing plants to gently define the edge without rigid lines. Think Thyme, Dichondra, or Native Violet. These plants can spill slightly into the path, softening the edges and adding colour and scent as you walk by.⁠
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🌸 Add Movement and Colour –Plant ornamental grasses like Lomandra, Poa, or Pennisetum along the curve. Their natural sway brings the life path, especially when they catch the breeze or morning light. For colour, try cold-season bloomers like Violas, Salvias, or Grevilleas to brighten up winter days.⁠
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🪴 Create Moments Along the Way – Curved paths allow you to add small moments of interest. A feature pot, a cluster of rocks, or a sculptural plant can act as visual pauses that draw the eye and enhance the journey.⁠
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🌞 Make It Walkable Year-Round—Even without edging, you can keep your curved path practical. Use compacted gravel, crushed granite, or large stepping stones for a clean, low-maintenance surface. These materials drain well and look beautifully natural beside planting.⁠
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💡 Layer in Light and Shadow – Solar path lights, hanging lanterns, or uplighting around plants can bring your curved path to life in the evening, creating a welcoming glow and extending its use well beyond daylight hours.⁠
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Curved paths aren’t just practical; they bring rhythm and story to your garden. They create flow, invite exploration, and make even a small space feel like a thoughtful escape. So lean into the curve, let the plants talk, and enjoy the magic of meandering through your slice of nature. ✨🌿⁠
Imagine softness and increased plant diversity in Imagine softness and increased plant diversity in a compact tiny frontyard! 🌷⁠
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Achievable?  Oh yes!⁠
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And a lot more interesting than a boring flat grassed area which it is usually the case!⁠
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So in this design, the front yard was a simple grassed area before the goldies decided to turn it into a MASSIVE patch of mud!! ⁠
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What I’ve proposed will be a HUGE improvement aesthetically, to be enjoyed not only by my lovely client and goldies but also by her lovely neighbours!⁠
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I emphasised natives but snuck in some compatible exotics to achieve my vision of seasonality, importantly fostering a manageable maintenance routine whilst keeping true to a cottage garden look which my lovely client loves and needs!⁠
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It was certainly a challenge balancing all the requirements — reasonable seating area, dog play/navigation 🐶, and enough space for a thriving garden that is lush, interesting to be in, and to also be enjoyed from inside the house. BUT I got there in the end 😄. ⁠
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In choosing the plants, the garden was also in a lot of shade but had many pockets with a sunnier aspect 😎, so it was tricky to balance all of the plant composition to make it work and safe for the resident goldies to play in!⁠ I loved the challenge though! ⁠
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And my favourite part?  Note the path to the street. The goldies love saying hello to friendly neighbours 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 who stop by, pat them, and chat!⁠ ⁠
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Here’s what my lovely client had to say about the draft 💚:⁠
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“Hello Parveen,⁠
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I have had a chance to look at the design and plants this weekend. I love the plants you have chosen and have definitely made the front garden welcoming. It will also be a lovely relaxing and peaceful place to sit and enjoy.⁠
⁠
Trish Edwards”⁠
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Would love to know what you think about this design! 😊⁠
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📸 Pic 1: May 2025 Mitcham planting design (after)⁠
📸 Pic 2: May 2025 Mitcham planting design (before)⁠
In a low-maintenance garden, there’s always spac In a low-maintenance garden, there’s always space for a little artistic flair.⁠⁠ These fibreglass spheres might look like simple garden ornaments, but they’re so much more than that. ⁠
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Sure, they bring a beautiful sense of texture and form to the space, breaking up the greenery, complementing the planting palette, and adding contrast against the natural elements.⁠
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Depending on where you stand, the time of day, or even the season, they cast different shadows, reflect the light uniquely, and offer fresh perspectives. They’re not just decorative — they bring depth. Emotion. A sense of quiet presence.⁠
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I often think of gardens as living galleries, and these fibreglass balls add that extra layer—something unexpected and abstract—a focal point that doesn’t shout but gently draws the eye and gives the mind something to linger on.⁠
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A low-maintenance garden doesn’t have to mean low character; with the right touches, it can still be full of meaning, texture, and a sense of story. ✨⁠
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📸Avenue of Achievable Gardens MIFGS 2025.
Let’s talk walls and fences — the unsung heroe Let’s talk walls and fences — the unsung heroes of garden design! 🌿🧱⁠
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They might not steal the spotlight like a flowering tree or water feature, but trust us — your choice of fencing or walling can make the space. Think of them as the frame to your outdoor masterpiece. A good one? Seamless, stylish, and supportive. A bad one? Well ... let’s say it’ll distract from even your most glorious blooms.⁠
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Want a modern vibe? Go sleek with timber slats or rendered finishes. After more charm? Brick, stone, or a climbing vine-covered trellis can bring serious character. And don’t forget the practical stuff — privacy, security, and keeping your neighbour’s dog firmly on their side. 🐶💬⁠
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Your garden walls should work with your plants, not against them — so match the vibe, play with texture, and don’t be afraid to add personality. Because in the end, even your fences deserve to feel fabulous. 💁‍♀️🌱⁠
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To find out more about how to choose your garden wall and fences, read our blog here: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/how-to-choose-your-garden-walls-and-fences/⁠
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📸Highett project 2023⁠
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.⁠
⁠
✂️ 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.⁠
⁠
🌞 Check for sun – Most flowering vines love full sun, so ensure they get plenty of light for a full, vibrant display.⁠
⁠
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!!!⁠
⁠
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. 🎨⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
💡 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!⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
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 😉 ⁠
⁠
Here is some of what they had to say:⁠
⁠
“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.⁠
⁠
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.⁠”⁠
⁠
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!⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
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?⁠
⁠
📸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.⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
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.⁠
⁠
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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