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Red neoregelia feature bromeliad and red daisies in planting design

My Experience At MIFGS

April 7, 2023
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Balcony Gardens, Construction, Flower and Garden Shows, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants
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No comments
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Posted by Parveen

Wow, what a month it’s been so far! 

If you haven’t kept up with me lately, you might not have known I had one of my border garden designs presented at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS) last week. It was a fantastic experience that I’d do again if given a chance.

Sneak peak of my eclectic garden at MIFGS 2023

A Bit About MIFGS

MIFGS is Australia’s premier horticultural event. It brings together some of the world’s best gardeners, landscape designers, florists, horticulturists and exhibitors to display their craftsmanship in stunning gardens and floral displays.

MIFGS is held annually in March, attracting over 100,000 visitors across its four-day program.

MIFGS provides a rare opportunity for gardeners to explore and experience the latest gardening trends and techniques from some of the world’s most talented experts.   I certainly learned a thing or two visiting other displays around me!

My Border Garden – Meaning & Design Intent

My garden was Sapna Bagh which translates to “garden of dreams”. It is an eclectic garden that attempts to represent the joy of coming home & immersing yourself in your carefully curated space.⁠

Brimming in the moods, colours & textures created by your very own collection of plants, heavily influenced by your cultural origins, travels & interests. ⁠

⁠It’s a garden style that’s bold, uniquely you, fun & exciting to experience every time you’re in the garden, every season!⁠

The design uses plants in different ways to create a living artwork, i.e. akin to a painting or sculpture in a gallery. It evokes the senses & creates an emotional response to the curation.⁠

Textural and colourful planting

There is a lot of detail & thought that goes into planning a garden and one which uses layers of hidden elements of symbolism which I’m finding underrepresented in design practice in residential spaces (given the heavy focus on practicality and aesthetics).

Horse topiary with air plants at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show

For example, this garden incorporates a “living” horse sculpture with several meanings.  At one level, the horse represents the spirit of joy, adventure and wonderment, but it also links to a personal connection with this majestic creature as my spirit animal.  ⁠It also aligns with my /(cultural) zodiac sign. 

The horse, in many cultures, embodies a sense of independence &adventure, which extends to this garden via the plant selection representing the bountiful forms, textures and beauty existing in nature to explore and experience!  ⁠

⁠⁠The colours red, yellow & blue nod to some of my cultural roots whilst adding to the cheer, elevating my thoughts and life outlook! I’m celebrating that I’m a plant collector for an excellent reason!⁠

My MIFGS Highlights

These are some of the experiences I had with some of the visitors from the show:

The horse was certainly a big hit and will be in my garden soon, as will most of the plants I displayed. I’ll save a few for clients. 

A lovely lady from Malta connected to a plant I’d used, and she loves it used in the design as it brings back childhood memories for her.

A gentleman thought of another layer in the design, which I didn’t know, where he could see the garden as having a huge smiley face complete with eyes etc.! People have such beautiful imaginations!! Love it! 

Many people said I should have been given a prize, which was very kind of them to say, but honestly, I think I was amply rewarded by the visits I was getting and compliments to boot! They loved the colour and texture and use of different plants. That is exactly the reaction I was after, so I’m thrilled that the design strategy was effective! 

Spiral aloe feature plant

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Eucalyptus Baby Blue glistening in the sun

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Red Marguerite Daisy glistening in the sun

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Picture of me and my MIFGS border garden

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Everyone loved the horse, which was cool and especially the use of various air plants in its tail and mane!  Many people said they wanted to vote for me in the People’s choice awards, but they couldn’t, unfortunately, as it was only open to the larger show gardens! Maybe I’ll have to do a larger garden next time, lol, if I have the time and means to do so!

Everyone loved the horse, which was cool and especially the use of various air plants in its tail and mane!  Many people said they wanted to vote for me in the People’s choice awards, but they couldn’t, unfortunately, as it was only open to the larger show gardens! Maybe I’ll have to do a larger garden next time, lol, if I have the time and means to do so!

3D Design for the Melbourne international flower and garden show

It was also lovely to hear visitors’ stories, relationships with their gardens and desires to get them to the next level of satisfaction.  People saw the garden as their sanctuary and believed in having fun and experimenting with unusual plant combinations. If you know me well enough, I love to experiment with my gardens, and it’s worked well so far!

Interestingly enough, my Tafe design teacher from eight years ago popped past and liked my garden, so I’m glad he didn’t think I’m still crazy about complexity. But, on the other hand, he was happy I was still “pushing the boundaries, ” which I suppose I like to do. So he stood beside me in amusement as I explained my garden to some visitors. 

He got the textural element I was creating and loved it, so I’m sure he wasn’t in as much pain as when he saw my Achievable Gardens submission from 8 years ago as a student. I still remember the design school’s reaction to it as I put it together, being heavily pregnant and lacking time! All on rough scribbles of paper and madman annotations all over the place!

I’ve never forgotten him, as he was so kind and supportive. Plus, he put up with my quirkiness and intense thirst for knowledge, which isn’t easy! So seeing him after what felt like an eon was very lovely. I remember nursing my daughter between classes and the Tafe team at Melbourne Polytechnic, allowing my husband and baby to be present on campus so I could do that.  So they rock, in my view! (Horticulture & Landscaping)!

Ethereal impact from sunlight against phylica pubescens
Fan Girl Moment As I Met Angus Stewart

Some clients, family and friends I know stopped by, which was lovely and entirely unexpected, so it was heartwarming for me to have their support and presence to warm the freezing atmosphere! 

I shook hands with Graham Ross and was a little bit taken aback as that was unexpected, and then turned into a silly 16 year old school girl when I saw Angus Stewart standing right in front of me at my garden display.  He liked my horse!!  Cool!!  We spoke for a while about kangaroo paws etc., which was nice!

A few Senior designers even visited to explore some of my chosen plants, which was pretty cool and humbling! Some visitors liked my plant selection so much that they wanted cuttings of my plants on the spot!

Further Reflections

The hardest thing about this competition category was the clarity about the judging criteria and the rules around the timings/prep. However, it was a good learning experience and something I’d bear in mind for the future.  You never know; I may have another go at the boutique gardens someday and get in!

Part of me sort of says I should have stuck to the usual suspects to have a winner’s spot in the competition and should have concentrated on things I’d done before, such as themed country-style gardens, etc. 

However, I wanted to represent what I feel reflects a portion of my client base – the collectors’ garden for highly creative individuals who dare to be different and want to inject their personalities into their outdoors. 

Tillandsia Ionatha

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Aloe polyphylla feature plant

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Final garden set up for 2023 MIFGS

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Red Marguerite Daisy beautifully contrasting each other

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Therefore, the “collectors garden” is a garden I believe is highly reflective of an individual’s sanctuary/zen space. Furthermore, it reflects my philosophy of having a strong emotional pull/interest/attachment so that the interest in the outdoors doesn’t wane over time!

So although the top three spots went to gardens I’ve designed before (Japanese, Cottage mixing exotics & natives, Grassy meadow), I’m glad I went this different route and ask feedback on what people were experiencing and seeing. Whether there was a different appetite for this type of garden style, and to my absolute delight – there is!!.  

The garden show was interesting, and I got to see some ideas I have designed in clients’ gardens in real life, as the gardens I’ve designed them in are currently being constructed right through to 2024.

This included using different landforms in grassed areas, where they act as raised mounds to rest on as a practical feature and double up as a strong design component.  So it’s good to know that I’m not lagging, lol!

I also loved using different wall textures and wood treatments, from charred to renders and stone effects and the superb lime wash finish, which I LOVE to use when I can!!. Crazy paving and cacti were also well represented, so I was delighted with that!! 

I can’t wait to use the few more plants I’ve added to my knowledge bank and learn about them. So if you’re thinking of becoming a client of mine, watch out, as I have more ideas than normal that I’d love to design into yours!

Projects to be constructed 2023/2024:

Berwick 2D Rear garden Landscape Concept Plan

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Glen Iris 3D Rear garden Landscape Elevation Plan

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Clayton South 2D Rear garden Landscape Concept Plan

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Brunswick East 3D Front garden Landscape Elevation Plan

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If you need further suggestions, design or plantscaping for both indoors and outdoors, please contact us for an onsite 90 minute consultation. 

Refer to our packages for further detail on how we can help you in the consults and subsequently throughout your garden implementation process.

Our passion your garden! xx

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📸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.⁠
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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.⁠
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So, if you’ve never felt that quiet, overflowing joy, plant a garden; you might grow more than just flowers. 🌿💚⁠
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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!):⁠
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💚 Edible gardens with flair – Blend herbs, veggies, and fruit trees with ornamentals for a space that’s as tasty as it is beautiful. 🍓🌱⁠
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💚 Natural textures – Stone paths, timber screens, and raw finishes are in. They create timeless designs that feel grounded and connected to the natural world.⁠
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💚 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. 🔥🍷⁠
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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!⁠
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Where would you style this in your home? Drop your ideas below! 👇⁠
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📸Surrey Hills project interior detail courtesy of a very cool client; 2025⁠
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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. ⁠
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For this project, the idea of the arbour inspired the use of the shape in a different form.⁠ A water feature! ⁠
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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! 👇⁠
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📸 by @pk____photography. Highett project 2023⁠
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💬 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! 🌸🌿⁠
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Hot off the press!⁠ ⁠ A lively cottage garden! Hot off the press!⁠
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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!
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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. 🦋⁠
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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?⁠
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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! 💚🤩⁠
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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! ☀️⁠
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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! 🚜⁠
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What’s YOUR secret weapon for managing a huge backyard? Share your tips below! 👇⁠
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📸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!).⁠
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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! 🌸⁠
⁠
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📸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.⁠
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So here’s to the dads who water more than just plants—they nurture dreams, support growth, and help us bloom. 🌸⁠
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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.⁠
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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.⁠
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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. ⁠
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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.⁠
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📸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.⁠
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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. ✨⁠
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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:⁠
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🌻 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.⁠
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💦 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.)⁠
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💚 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.⁠
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💚 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/⁠
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🌿Beautiful, Natural, and Worth the TLC - Wood i 🌿Beautiful, Natural, and Worth the TLC - Wood in the Garden🌿⁠
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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.⁠
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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!⁠
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🌧️ 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.⁠
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🌿 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.⁠
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🧼 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.⁠
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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.⁠
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📸Hollowed out log used as a pot, Phuket, Thailand
🌼🎨 Colour-Packed Crowd-Pleasers - Argyranthe 🌼🎨 Colour-Packed Crowd-Pleasers - Argyranthemums! 🎨🌼⁠
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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.⁠
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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.⁠
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🌞 Sun-loving? Yep.⁠
🐝 Pollinator-friendly? Absolutely.⁠
👨🏻‍🌾 Happy in pots, borders, and garden beds? 100%.⁠
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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. ❤️⁠
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📸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/⁠
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📸Murrumbeena - April 2021
🐞Not All Garden Guests Are Pests! 🐛🕷️⁠
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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. 🌿✨⁠
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🐞 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.⁠
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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. 💪🌏⁠
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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.⁠
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After all, a thriving garden isn’t just about plants — it’s about the whole community that keeps it growing. 🐜💚⁠
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