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Bluestone cats paws pavers in Vermont South garden design

Ten Tips on How to Have a Flourishing Low Maintenance Garden

December 6, 2023
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Budgeting, Garden, Gardening For Beginners, Gardens for Life, Irrigation, Landscaping, Maintenance, Paving, Plants, Pruning
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No comments
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Posted by Parveen

In the hustle and bustle of modern life, many yearn for a tranquil and lush outdoor space that doesn’t demand constant attention. A flourishing, low-maintenance garden is an achievable dream and a source of solace and beauty. However, this differs from a zero-maintenance garden, which does not exist!

You can create a garden that thrives with minimal effort with the right strategies. This allows you to enjoy nature without feeling overwhelmed. Here are ten tips to help you cultivate a flourishing, low-maintenance garden.

Serpentine pathway in Mulgrave garden design

Strategic Plant Selection

Many clients I’ve come across believe that plants add more maintenance time. It’s not by much and depends on the type of plants you’d like to put in your garden. Also, contrary to popular belief, you have similar maintenance challenges if you replace plants with grass or hardscaping.

Grass must be irrigated, fed, mowed, aerated, cut to the correct height and weeded. A shrub may or may not need pruning, but it needs irrigation, fertiliser (plant-dependent) and weeding around its base.

Hardscaped surfaces, whether concrete or natural stone, need to be pressure washed/cleaned and sealed, and you also need to ensure that the weeds don’t get in overtime as cracks do happen.  

Depending on your choice based on the above, you are simply trading one maintenance routine for another. That’s the point I’m trying to make. So, in my view, why not just choose a few right plants and have a good time with seasonality, inviting flora and fauna into the garden and maybe also cool your surroundings with a lovely looking shade tree?

Choosing the right plants is paramount to a low-maintenance garden in the long term. Again, the common misconception is that you can get that from the get-go. A garden needs time to establish. When you start a garden, there is an initial time and cost investment to get the garden going and firmly establish good maintenance routines, and then you will be surprised how that pays off in dividends in the long term. So, in short, it’s a little more heavy at the outset, but it does taper off over time!

Opt for native or drought-resistant species that are well-suited to your climate and require minimal or no pruning to keep it tidy. It would be best if you were realistic about what you can maintain and how you can let these plants thrive so that you make the right choices. Many people fall in love with a particular plant and must have it in their garden, but they need to be more realistic about how much upkeep that specific plant will have over time.  

Generally, a fruit tree requires more maintenance than a non-fruiting tree. You’ve also got to deal with the fruits, prune the trees accurately to get a good amount of fruit, and deal with excess fruit. It may be enjoyable for some people to have all of that, but it may not be for others, as it sounds like a lot of work!!

To select the right plants, consider those adapted to local conditions that tend to thrive with minimal intervention. Some aspects of care, such as irrigation, can be automated – taking the load off your hands so all you do is to check, say on an annual basis at least, that the actual infrastructure you put in place works. Understanding your plants’ sunlight and soil preferences is also crucial—place sun-loving plants in sunny spots and shade-loving ones in shaded areas. By respecting the natural inclinations of your plants, you reduce the need for constant adjustments and interventions.

Mulching Magic

Mulching is a game-changer for low-maintenance gardening. A layer of mulch around your plants helps retain soil moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature. Organic mulches like bark, straw, or compost enrich the soil as they break down, promoting a healthier ecosystem for your plants.  

Establish an annual routine to top up on the mulch, as this process can be outsourced. If you are inclined to save labour costs, that’s something that you can get friends and family to help with over the course of a day (for an average-sized property). Heat the BBQ for a treat for those you’ve roped in!

Mulch can protect your plants from heat stress
Landscape irrigation 13mm brown pipe

Efficient Irrigation Systems

As mentioned above, investing in an intelligent irrigation system can save time and water. Drip irrigation delivers water to the base of plants, minimising evaporation and reducing weed growth.

Timers can be set to water during the early morning or late evening, maximising absorption and minimising water waste. Watering deeply and less often encourages plants to develop deep root systems, making them more resilient to drought.

Grouping Plants By Watering Needs

Design your garden with an understanding of the water requirements of different plants. Grouping plants with similar watering needs together allows for more efficient irrigation. This way, you can avoid overwatering some areas while underwatering others, promoting a healthier, more balanced garden.

Many clients get stuck on this aspect, and that’s where you need to spend a lot of time figuring this out or simply get in touch with a garden designer or horticulturalist to suggest a good combination for your garden.

Aeonium patch in Brighton landscape design
Make Gardening Easy By Using Separate Containers and Pots

Use Smart Containers

Container gardening is an excellent option for those with limited time and space. Select containers that are lightweight and have built-in reservoirs or self-watering systems to reduce the frequency of watering.

Additionally, container gardens can be easily moved to optimise sunlight exposure or protect plants from harsh weather conditions.

Low-Maintenance Hardscaping

Incorporate hardscaping elements like stone pathways, decorative stones, and gravel or raised beds. It creates a visual interest while reducing the ground that needs tending. Not only do these features add aesthetic appeal, but they also minimise the areas where weeds can take root.

Less time spent weeding means more time enjoying your garden. Embrace simplicity and functionality in your design to make maintenance a breeze.

Front garden of Wantirna garden design with dwarf pink kangaroo paws
Maintenance is important in keeping up your garden style

Regular Maintenance Routine

While the goal is a low-maintenance garden, some upkeep is still necessary. Establish a simple routine, including deadheading spent flowers, pruning overgrown branches, and removing weeds.

Regular, small efforts can prevent more significant issues and keep your garden well-kept with minimal fuss.

Prune Thoughtfully

Regular pruning is essential for maintaining a tidy and healthy garden. Focus on removing dead or damaged branches and spent flowers. This enhances the overall appearance, promotes air circulation, and reduces the risk of diseases. Opt for plants that require minimal pruning, and use sharp, clean tools for the job.

Have a maintenance routine in place to spread the workload over time rather than feeling overwhelmed at the start of spring, when you start to feel like giving up as you had let the garden get out of hand over the colder months.

Prune and maintain your hedges
Night view of Wantirna garden design 6 years on

Outsourcing The Upkeep

It is best to outsource if you are not keen on maintenance. Set a budget and stick to it regularly as irregular maintenance unravels the garden.  Even simple gardens with a lot of grassed areas, hardscaping and pots need help regularly.  

Working through all the conflicting needs is a delicate balance – a pleasant garden versus finances, but if you think smartly about it, you’ll be able to work it out. 

Prioritise areas important to your feeling of being happy outdoors or that help with views from inside of your house and ensure that these areas are well looked after either by yourself or outsourced.

Composting For Soil Health

Healthy soil is the foundation of a flourishing garden. Instead of relying solely on chemical fertilisers, establish a composting system.

Compost improves soil structure, enhances water retention, and provides essential nutrients to your plants. It’s a sustainable and low-maintenance way to ensure the long-term health of your garden.

Use compost to increase the permeability of the soil
Basic soil pH testing by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Minimal Fertilisation

Avoid over-fertilising your garden, which can lead to excessive growth and increased maintenance demands. Choose slow-release fertilisers or incorporate compost into the soil to provide a steady supply of nutrients. Conduct soil tests to determine specific deficiencies and adjust your fertilisation approach accordingly.

Creating a flourishing, low-maintenance garden is a rewarding endeavour that allows you to reap the benefits of nature without the constant demands of upkeep. By choosing the right plants, implementing clever watering practices, and embracing efficient garden design, you can cultivate a space that brings joy and tranquillity into your life. Remember, thoughtful planning goes a long way in creating a garden that thrives with minimal effort. With these ten tips, you’re well on your way to cultivating a haven of tranquillity in your backyard.

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

Refer to our packages for further details 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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🎁✨ 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.⁠
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✂️ Prune regularly — Light, regular pruning encourages bushier growth and prevents your vine from getting wild and tangled. Snip back any dead or unruly stems and shape the vine to keep things neat.⁠
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💧 Water smart — Water deeply but less frequently to encourage strong root growth, and always check the base of the plant rather than the leaves to determine when it needs a drink.⁠
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🌞 Check for sun – Most flowering vines love full sun, so ensure they get plenty of light for a full, vibrant display.⁠
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With the right support (literally and figuratively!), a climbing vine can turn a simple wire into a stunning green wall or floral feature. Just give it a little attention and it’ll reward you with beauty all year round! 🌼✨⁠
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📸Mount Waverley project 2023⁠
Cacti!!!⁠ ⁠ If you’re after something bold, Cacti!!!⁠
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If you’re after something bold, low-maintenance, and packed with personality, cacti are perfect for it. 🌵 ⁠
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These sculptural beauties bring instant style to any space, whether planting a full desert garden or adding a few statement pots to your balcony. Group them in clusters, let them stand solo (like the one in our picture), or dot them along a path for some serious architectural flair.⁠
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Are you all about design? Here’s a cactus tip for you: play with colour! Cactuses don’t just come in vibrant greens—some lean grey or silver, which can bring a whole new mood to your space. 🎨⁠
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Green cactuses feel fresh and lively, while grey varieties add a more serene, earthy tone. Mixing both can create contrast and texture that feels modern but grounded.⁠
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💡 Fun fact: Did you know cactuses have tiny spines instead of leaves to minimise water loss and keep them cool? It’s nature’s built-in air conditioning—and why they thrive in dry conditions with minimal fuss. Plus, those spines can even create a tiny shade on their surface!⁠
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So if you’re all about stress-free gardening with maximum style, a cactus (or five) might be your garden’s new best friend. Tough, timeless, and totally on trend.⁠
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Do you prefer green or grey cactuses? Let me know in the comments below.🌵⁠
This video is of my Bundoora project from 2014. Me This video is of my Bundoora project from 2014. Mei Sze and her husband were beautiful clients who needed a balance between functionality and practicality. A kitchen garden with elements of play 😉 ⁠
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Here is some of what they had to say:⁠
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“My husband and I wanted a practical and functional backyard to accommodate our two active and growing kids. Previously, our backyard was a haphazard zone with no appeal whatsoever.⁠
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My husband and I now enjoy the low-maintenance garden beds and vegetable patch. We’ve harvested some homegrown vegetables, figs, herbs, lemons, and oranges from espalier varieties — a space-saving alternative to full trees, as Parveen suggested, given our limited planting space.⁠”⁠
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Mei Sze Lim⁠
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To read more about the practical but very functional garden in Bundoora, head on over to https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/portfolios/bundoora/⁠
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📸Bundoora project, completed 2014
There’s always something magical about water flo There’s always something magical about water flowing between beautifully placed rocks!⁠
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From the tranquil koi ponds of Japan to the grand fountains of European estates, water has always held a deep place in garden design, not just for beauty, but for meaning. Across cultures, water represents life, reflection, calm, and movement. It’s symbolic, spiritual, and entirely sensory.⁠
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In Islamic gardens, water channels mirror paradise. In Chinese landscapes, still ponds reflect balance and harmony. In modern Western design, it can be a peaceful retreat or an energising focal point.⁠
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🌊 A water feature isn’t just an aesthetic choice — it’s an invitation to pause. To reflect. Feel connected to nature, culture, and something more profound than ourselves.⁠
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Whether it’s a bubbling basin or a minimalist rill, ask yourself what you want your garden to say with water?⁠
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📸Between Moments, by Ben Hutchinson, MIFGS 2025
Isn’t it funny how some things anchor us? In a w Isn’t it funny how some things anchor us? In a world that often feels like it’s moving at a million miles an hour, the simple, grounding constants in life matter more than ever.⁠
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Your house is more than walls and a roof — it’s your little slice of the world where your story unfolds. Your friends? They’re the people who know how you take your tea, who you text when life feels too big or too dull. And your garden … oh, your garden is where everything breathes.⁠
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A garden doesn’t just grow flowers — it grows perspective, peace, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a tiny balcony jungle, a sun-drenched courtyard, or a winding backyard path, your garden reflects your mood, memories, and hopes. It’s where life slows down enough for you to feel.⁠
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Maybe it’s the way the light hits a particular leaf, the daily ritual of watering, pruning, or simply sitting in silence. It’s in those small, quiet moments that we reconnect with ourselves.⁠
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So today, let’s take a moment to be thankful for the spaces and people that make life feel whole. And if your garden’s looking a little wild? That’s okay. Maybe so are you, and perhaps that’s just perfect.⁠
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A garden can be much more than a place to grow pla A garden can be much more than a place to grow plants. When you bring artistic expression into garden design, you create a space that reflects who you are, not just what looks good in a catalogue.⁠
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Artistic expression in the garden is about making intentional choices. It’s the colours that evoke emotion, the shapes that draw your eye, and the materials that create rhythm or contrast. ⁠
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It might be something like a bold garden sculpture that adds interest to a quiet corner or climbing vines to soften the look of a plain wall. These choices aren’t just about how your garden looks—they help shape how it feels and how you experience the space every day.⁠
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The best part? There’s no single right way to do it. Whether your space is wild and untamed or sleek and structured, it becomes meaningful when it reflects your perspective and personality.⁠
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So, if you’re planning a new garden or refining an existing one, ask yourself: What do I want to feel here? From there, design with purpose. Let colour, texture, and structure support that feeling, just like an artist would with a canvas.⁠
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A well-designed garden doesn’t grow — it communicates. Let yours say something worth listening to. ⁠
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You can read our latest blog about artistic expression in garden design here: https://inspiringlandscapes.com.au/how-to-use-artistic-expression-in-garden-design/⁠
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📸Maribyrnong project 2012⁠
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Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t Just because the temperature’s dropped doesn’t mean your garden’s gone into full hibernation. Your plants still need water in a more balanced and mindful way.⁠
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During the cooler months, overwatering can be just as damaging as underwatering. Roots still need moisture to stay healthy, especially evergreens and newly planted trees or shrubs. And while rainfall might help, it’s often not enough or evenly distributed.⁠

Melbourne seems to be experiencing low rainfall at the moment so please be careful with how much water you’re using to water your garden!
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✅ Check your soil before watering — if it’s still damp a few inches down, you can hold off.⁠
✅ Adjust your irrigation timers to avoid overwatering and reduce fungal risk.⁠
✅ Water during mid-morning so roots absorb moisture before the evening chill sets in.⁠
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Irrigation isn’t just a summer task — year-round care keeps your garden resilient and ready to thrive come spring! 🌱❄️⁠
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