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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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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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🍂 Winter may be winding down, but your veggie p 🍂 Winter may be winding down, but your veggie patch is just getting started! Did you know the real secret to a thriving spring harvest begins now? Here’s how to get ahead while everyone else is packing away the garden gloves:⁠
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🥦 Feed your soil like it’s at a 5-star restaurant — compost, manure, worm castings, the works.⁠
🌱 Plant cool-season legends (think garlic, kale, spinach, broad beans) that love the crisp air.⁠
🍂 Clear out old crops and weeds — but compost them to recycle nutrients back into your soil.⁠
🚿 Don’t overwater! Cooler temps mean slower evaporation.⁠
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✨ Pro tip: Plan your spring crops now. The gardeners who dream ahead are the ones with the fullest baskets later.⁠
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So before autumn waves goodbye, give your veggie patch the TLC it deserves. Come spring, you’ll be thanking your past self with every crunchy carrot and juicy tomato! Read our blog below to get started. 🍅🥕⁠
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👉 https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/what-to-grow-in-your-vegetable-patch-in-spring/⁠
🌿✨ From Garden to Plate: The Magic of Herbs & 🌿✨ From Garden to Plate: The Magic of Herbs & Spices ✨🌿⁠
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There’s something incredibly satisfying and rewarding about stepping into your garden, cutting a sprig of rosemary or a handful of basil, and using it moments later in the kitchen. Growing your herbs and spices isn’t just practical, it’s flavour, fragrance, and freshness right at your fingertips.⁠
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👩🏻‍🌾Why grow your own?⁠
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Nothing beats the taste of herbs harvested straight from the garden. They’re cost-effective, easy to grow (even in pots or small spaces), and most are naturally pest-resistant. Plus, the scent of thyme, mint, or lemongrass in the garden is an experience in itself.⁠
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🌱 Herbs to try:⁠
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– Basil for pastas and pestos⁠
– Coriander for zesty salads and curries⁠
– Rosemary & thyme for roast veggies and meats⁠
– Mint for teas, cocktails, and desserts⁠
– Chilli for a fiery kick in just about everything!⁠
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💡 Don’t forget: many herbs double as stunning garden plants, attracting pollinators and adding lush greenery or even delicate flowers to your beds.⁠
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And the best part? You don’t need a sprawling garden to make it work. A sunny windowsill, a balcony pot, or a corner of your veggie bed is all it takes to grow your fresh flavours.⁠
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Go ahead and plant something delicious. Your future self (and your dinner guests) will thank you. 🍃🍽️⁠
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With its rich, deep burgundy foliage that looks al With its rich, deep burgundy foliage that looks almost too perfect to be real, Sedum ‘Desert Black’ is one of those plants that makes you stop and stare. ⁠
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Its glossy, smooth leaves catch the light in a way that gives them an almost sculptural quality, as if they’ve been handcrafted from polished stone or dipped in molten glass. Honestly, it’s no wonder people often mistake it for being artificial!⁠
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But this plant is more than just good looks. It’s part of the stonecrop family, which means it’s incredibly hardy, drought-tolerant, and thrives with minimal fuss. Whether it’s in a container, rock garden, or lining a sunny border, this sedum adds drama, texture, and contrast without asking for much in return.⁠
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Pair it with soft grasses, silvery succulents, or bright green foliage for an extra wow factor. ⁠
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Nature outdid herself with this one. 😍⁠
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📸Mt Waverley project 3 years on
🎨🌿 Why Colour Captivates Us 🌿🎨⁠ ⁠ 🎨🌿 Why Colour Captivates Us 🌿🎨⁠
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Ever wondered why a deep red rose stops you in your tracks? Or why a bright yellow daisy feels like sunshine on a cloudy day? Colour isn’t just something we see, it’s something we feel.⁠
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In nature, colour is a silent language. It draws us in, lifts our mood, and creates an emotional connection. From the calming greens of foliage to the joyful burst of pink in a blooming camellia, each hue plays a role in shaping our experience of the world around us.⁠
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🧠 Scientifically, colour affects our brain chemistry.⁠
💛 Emotionally, it connects us to memories, feelings, and places.⁠
🌺 Visually, it’s what turns a garden from a space into a story.⁠
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And then there’s blue, the colour of water, and one of the most universally loved hues in nature. Whether it’s a turquoise sea, a deep navy lake, or the clear blue of a swimming pool, there’s something about water that draws us in. ⁠
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Blue is a calming, expansive, and reflective colour. It reminds us to breathe, to pause, to let go. For many, simply looking at the ocean can shift a mood entirely, offering a sense of peace and perspective that’s hard to find elsewhere.⁠
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In our gardens, colour gives us the chance to express personality, evoke emotion, and create atmosphere. A palette of cool blues and whites can soothe, while fiery oranges and purples can energise and excite. Whether intentional or instinctive, the colours we’re drawn to often reflect something within us.⁠
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So next time you’re planting, designing, or even just going for a walk, notice which colours catch your eye — and how they make you feel. Nature doesn’t choose colours by accident … and maybe we don’t either.⁠
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📸Oyster Cave, Phuket, Thailand
There’s something quietly powerful in this quote There’s something quietly powerful in this quote, isn’t there?⁠
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In a world filled with noise, explanation, and constant updates, flowers do the opposite. They don’t ask for attention or justify their beauty; they bloom. Fully. Boldly. Without needing to say a word.⁠
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It’s a gentle reminder that presence can be more impactful than performance. Being true to your nature, showing up with colour, grace, and resilience, speaks volumes, without needing to say a word.⁠
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In the garden, this is where the real magic happens. A single blossom can brighten a corner. A quiet bloom can lift your mood. And an unexpected burst of colour can stop you in your tracks, reminding you to slow down and take it all in.⁠
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So today, take a moment to appreciate the flowers, not just for how they look, but for what they teach us: to lead by example, to live in full colour, and to show up without needing to explain why.⁠
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🌸 How to Keep Your Rhododendrons Happy (and Flo 🌸 How to Keep Your Rhododendrons Happy (and Flowering Like Magic) ✨

There’s something undeniably stunning about a Rhododendron in full bloom. With their lush, glossy leaves and show-stopping clusters of flowers, they bring a burst of elegance and drama to any garden. 

Here’s how to give your Rhododendrons the VIP treatment this month:

🧹 Clean-up & Deadheading
Start by gently removing any dead or spent flowers left over from last season. This not only tidies up the plant but also helps direct energy into new growth and bud development. Just remember to snip carefully just above the first set of healthy leaves.

🌿 Check the Soil
Rhododendrons love slightly acidic, well-drained soil, so now’s a great time to check your pH levels and top up with some organic compost or specialised rhododendron fertiliser. If your soil is too alkaline, consider adding a bit of sulphur.

🍂 Mulch Magic
Add a fresh layer of mulch (pine bark or leaf litter) around the base of the plant. This helps retain moisture, keeps the roots cool, and slowly feeds the soil.

✂️ Light Pruning
August is perfect for light shaping. If your rhododendron has grown a little wild, trim back any unruly or crossing branches to encourage a more compact, bushy form. This also improves air circulation, which keeps fungal issues at bay.

☀️ Sunlight & Shelter
Ensure your plant receives the optimal amount of filtered sunlight. Too much direct sun can scorch the leaves, while too much shade can limit flowering. If your plant’s in a pot, now’s the time to reposition it before buds start forming.

💧 Water Wisely
Although the weather may still be calm, don’t let your rhododendron dry out. They like consistently moist (but not soggy) soil. Deep watering every couple of weeks during dry spells will keep the roots strong and ready to support blooming.

🌸 Final tip? Be patient.
The groundwork you do now sets the stage for a brilliant season ahead. 
Got a favourite rhodo colour? Let us know in the comments — white, pink, crimson, or bold magenta? 🌺

📸Glen Iris design 2023
✨ Ever heard of flacking? It’s mosaic’s more ✨ Ever heard of flacking? It’s mosaic’s more relaxed, creative cousin, a joyful garden art form where broken tiles, plates, and glass find new life under your feet, on a table, or lining your garden beds.⁠
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Flacking brings colour, personality, and a touch of imperfection to your space — and that’s the point. It’s not about precision; it’s about expression. ⁠
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From vibrant stepping stones to decorative risers or a mosaic feature wall, flacking turns everyday items into art with soul.⁠
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What’s even more beautiful? Every piece tells a story. That chipped teacup from your grandma’s set or the plate you dropped at a dinner party? ⁠
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In flacking, it’s not a waste; it’s a legacy. Like kintsugi, it embraces the cracks and turns them into something golden.⁠
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💡 Here’s a tip: Start small! Try a single stepping stone or a decorative pot. Once you get the hang of it, you might find yourself flacking your way through the garden like a creative whirlwind.⁠
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Got a collection of broken treasures hiding in a box? It might be time to bring them out, dust them off, and let them shine in your garden — not as clutter, but as living, storytelling design. 🌿🎨⁠
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To read more about flacking, check out our latest blog post: www.inspiringlandscapes.com.au/garden-with-a-flacking-twist/⁠
🌳✨ Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Tr 🌳✨ Never Underestimate the Power of a Good Tree ✨🌳⁠
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Shady trees aren’t just beautiful; they’re one of the most valuable additions you can make to your garden. Whether it’s a place to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, or escape the midday sun, having a shady spot to relax can completely transform how you use your outdoor space.⁠
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☀️ Why does shade matter?⁠
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Because it invites you to slow down and stay outside longer, trees help cool the air, reduce glare, and protect your garden from harsh afternoon heat. They create natural outdoor “rooms” that feel peaceful, sheltered, and soothing.⁠
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Suppose you’re looking to plant for shade. In that case, a few standout favourites include the Crepe Myrtle, with its stunning bark and soft summer canopy, or the ever-popular Jacaranda, which offers wide, spreading shade and a magical purple bloom in late spring. ⁠
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For native gardens, Tristaniopsis Laurina (Water Gum) is a great pick, offering filtered shade and glossy foliage that works beautifully in contemporary landscapes.⁠
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🌿 Bonus benefits? Trees add structure and height, provide privacy, support native wildlife, and increase the value of your home. All while offering you the simplest luxury — somewhere to sit, breathe, and just be.⁠
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So if your garden’s missing that one perfect shady spot, maybe it’s time to plant something that future you will thank you for.⁠
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📸Mark Vanden Boom’s design in Kew 🤩
SNEAK PEEK! 😍⁠ ⁠ You’re the first to see SNEAK PEEK! 😍⁠
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You’re the first to see this (besides my client). This design is a stunning ⁠retreat area for my client’s wife. It includes a meditation and relaxation space where she can be surrounded by lush greenery and zone out from the hustle and bustle of the real world by reading or relaxing.⁠
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I’ve designed many areas like this for clients before. ⁠The composition consideration in developing the area is always the same: balancing the spatial interaction between practical use and navigation needs. ⁠
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Next is considering seating, styling, and greenery/plants 🌱. However, given that each client is different and has unique needs, the area’s design for each client ultimately becomes unique. ⁠
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While a designer always injects their preferences, ideas, and aesthetic qualities, I believe it’s essential to pay attention to my client’s specific needs. They want to be immersed in things that calm them and bring joy to their day.⁠
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Can you see yourself relaxing in a beautiful courtyard like this?💚⁠ If so, contact me today to get your plans started.⁠
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📸 Glen Iris project’s rear relaxation area⁠. Incoming in 2027!⁠
🦉🐾 Add a Little Personality to Your Garden ( 🦉🐾 Add a Little Personality to Your Garden (One Sculpture at a Time!) 🌿✨⁠
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Your garden is more than just a place to grow plants — it’s a space to reflect who you are. One of our favourite ways to give a garden that extra personal touch? Sculptures and small statues! 🎨🪴⁠
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Whether it’s an owl tucked under a tree, a curious fox peeking from behind a shrub, or even a playful dinosaur your kids insisted on keeping (and now secretly love), these little pieces tell a story. ⁠They bring warmth, character, and a touch of surprise to every corner of your outdoor space.⁠
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Do you have a favourite animal? A family joke? A symbol that means something to you? Let it shine in your garden! These details create a space that feels both designed and lived in, and loved.⁠
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Bonus? Kids adore finding familiar faces hidden among the greenery, and guests will always ask, “Where did you get that?” So go ahead, plant your personality right alongside your plants. 🌸💫⁠
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📸Mount Waverley project 2020⁠
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We pass by beauty every single day; on our walks 🚶‍♀️, in our gardens, even in our backyards — but how often do we see it? Not just a glance, but an actual pause. ⁠
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A moment to notice the small things: a single bloom pushing through the grass, the bees busy at work, sunlight hitting a leaf just right. 🐝⁠
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In gardening and life, it’s easy to focus on the big picture 💭—the completed design, the freshly mulched bed, the “before and after” wow factor. But the tiny, quiet details often hold the most meaning. ⁠The kind of beauty that doesn’t demand your attention but offers it freely to anyone is still enough to notice.⁠
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So slow down next time you’re in the garden or walking through the park. Look closer. You might spot a flower you’ve passed a hundred times before … and see it for the first time.⁠ It’s not about having more, it’s about just noticing more. 💚🌼⁠
🚗🌿 Driveway Gardens: Where First Impressions 🚗🌿 Driveway Gardens: Where First Impressions Begin 🌿🚗⁠
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Your driveway garden does more than guide vehicles; it sets the tone for your home. With tall trees, tidy hedges, and sculptural shrubs lining the way, it’s all about curb appeal and clever design. ⁠
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However, with all that greenery right next to a high-traffic area, effective maintenance is crucial. Here’s how to keep it looking polished (and practical!):⁠
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✂️ Keep it clear: Regularly trim hedges and shrubs to avoid overgrowth that can scratch cars or limit visibility. Think clean lines, but still lush enough to soften the hardscape.⁠
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🌳 Lift the canopy: For tall trees, prune lower branches to maintain a clear line of sight and avoid hazards for cars and pedestrians. A well-managed canopy also brings in dappled light without overwhelming the space.⁠
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🪴 Watch root systems: Large trees near driveways need careful monitoring. Choose species with noninvasive roots or consult a landscaper to prevent damage to paving over time.⁠
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🚿 Rinse and refresh: Driveways collect dust and debris. A quick sweep or hose down helps prevent buildup and keeps your green edges from looking tired or grimy.⁠
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🌼 Layer for interest: Plant low-maintenance groundcovers or hardy shrubs at the base of trees for extra visual impact without additional effort.⁠
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A driveway garden should be as thoughtful as any other part of your landscape: beautiful, functional, and easy to live with.⁠
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📸Highett landscape design project⁠
Buddleja (often referred to as the butterfly bush) Buddleja (often referred to as the butterfly bush) is a true crowd-pleaser. With its soft, spiked clusters of blooms and silvery-green leaves, it’s not a plant just for us humans. ⁠Its flowers come in dreamy shades of lilac, violet, pink, and white, filling your garden with colour and fragrance.⁠
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But here’s the best part: Buddleja is a magnet for life. Bees buzz in, butterflies flutter, and even small native birds stop by for a nectar snack. 🌼🦋🐦 ⁠
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If you’re hoping to create a stunning garden supporting your local ecosystem, this plant is one you’ll want on your team.⁠
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It’s wonderfully low-maintenance, drought-tolerant, sun-loving, and happy in various soils. Give it a good prune after flowering to keep it compact and blooming beautifully.⁠
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Plant it in a sunny border 🌞 near a window where you can watch it grow, or in a wildflower-inspired garden corner. It’s one of those plants that gives back more than it takes. Pretty, practical, and pollinator-approved? Yes, please! 💚🌿 ⁠
⁠P.S. I love how this one looks like it’s peeking over the fence, checking out what’s going on 😉⁠
❄️🌿 Winter Garden Care: Don’t Let the Chi ❄️🌿 Winter Garden Care: Don’t Let the Chill Fool You! 🌿❄️⁠
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While your garden might seem quieter in winter, it’s far from asleep. Beneath the surface, your plants are preparing for spring, and how you care for your garden now can make all the difference when the seasons change.⁠
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Here’s how to show your garden some love during the cooler months:⁠
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🌱 Mulch, mulch, mulch: Adding a thick organic mulch helps insulate roots, suppress weeds, and maintain soil moisture (even in winter!). It also gives your garden beds a tidy, cared-for look during the sparse season.⁠
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✂️ Prune with purpose: Many trees and shrubs benefit from a winter prune. Removing dead or damaged growth shapes your plants and promotes healthy new growth come spring. Just make sure to research the best time for each species.⁠
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🌿 Evergreen structure matters: If your garden feels a little bare, now’s a great time to plant evergreen varieties that provide colour and form all year round. Think viburnum, westringia, or even a camellia or two for winter blooms.⁠
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🚿 Irrigation check-in: Don’t switch off your watering routine completely! Many plants still need hydration, especially in drier climates. Adjust your watering schedule based on rainfall and monitor container plants more closely.⁠
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🧼 Tidy and prep: Clear fallen leaves, clean your tools and check pots and paving for moss or algae build-up. A little maintenance now prevents headaches later.⁠
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Caring for your garden in winter isn’t about doing less; it’s about doing the right things. A little TLC now means stronger, happier plants come spring, and a space you can enjoy even when the mercury drops.⁠
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So grab your beanie, pull on the gloves, and head outside. Your garden still needs you, just in a slightly different way. 🌧️✨⁠
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And for more information on how you can tend to your garden during the cooler months, you can read our blog at https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/winter-garden-care/⁠
❄️🌿 Winter Gardening Trend ALERT: Evergreen ❄️🌿 Winter Gardening Trend ALERT: Evergreens with Texture & Form 🌿❄️⁠
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Just because it’s July doesn’t mean your garden has to look sleepy! One of Australia’s biggest winter gardening trends is incorporating evergreens with bold texture and form to keep outdoor spaces feeling alive, structured, and stylish throughout the season.⁠
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Think sculptural grasses, glossy-leaved shrubs, hardy natives like Acacia ‘Limelight’ or Correa’s, exotics like Leucadendrons, or Magnolia’ Teddy Bear’. These plants don’t just survive the cold — they shine in it.⁠
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Why the trend? It’s all about creating visual interest when flowers take a back seat. By layering foliage shapes and tones, Aussie gardeners are designing spaces that feel dynamic and inviting even in the heart of winter.⁠
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Bonus points for pairing evergreens with mood lighting or a fire pit. Now that’s a winter garden worth rugging up for! 🔥🪴⁠
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Lanterns are more than just light sources.⁠ Acro Lanterns are more than just light sources.⁠ Across many cultures, they’re symbols of hope, celebration, and connection. From the vibrant red lanterns of Lunar New Year to the floating lantern festivals in Thailand, these glowing orbs carry stories, traditions, and wishes into the night sky. 🌕🌸⁠
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So why not bring a little of that magic into your garden?⁠ Lanterns can instantly add warmth, atmosphere, and a gentle sense of ritual to your outdoor space. They create a peaceful and inviting glow, whether hanging from tree branches, lining a path, or clustered together on a table.⁠
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You can opt for a classic look with paper or bamboo lanterns for a soft, romantic touch, or choose solar-powered metal lanterns for a more modern, eco-friendly appearance. ⁠Either way, it’s more than decoration. ⁠
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It’s about creating moments, quiet, reflective evenings or joyful gatherings that feel more special by lantern light. ✨ Let your garden glow with culture, beauty, and intention.⁠
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Do you have lanterns in your garden or house? If so, share your photos with us below., I would love to see them 💚⁠
In a world where we’re constantly told to hustle In a world where we’re constantly told to hustle, share, post, and perform, it’s refreshing to remember that quiet confidence sometimes says the most. 🌷⁠
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A flower doesn’t need applause or attention. It doesn’t ask for permission. It grows, appears at its own time, and blooms unapologetically. And we can take that into our own lives and gardens.⁠
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Nature teaches us to trust the process. It teaches us that growth doesn’t have to be loud to be meaningful, that beauty can unfold slowly and quietly, and still have an incredible impact. ⁠
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Just as in the garden, where a bud blossoms into a bloom without a word, we too can show up authentically and let our presence speak for itself. 💚⁠
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So here’s to blooming at our own pace, in our own way, in spaces that make us feel grounded and joyful. You don’t have to shout to make a statement. Sometimes, you need to grow. 🌿💫⁠
🎁✨ 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
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