Inspiring Landscape Testimonials Archives

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Ben the envy of your neighbours with lush green grass for all to see

Thinking of Replacing Your Lawn? Here Are Four Ideas For You

November 1, 2023

Blog, Garden, Irrigation, Landscaping, Lawn, Plants

A lush green lawn has long been a symbol of suburban living, but maintaining it isn’t as easy as it sounds. Looking after your yard can be time-consuming, resource-intensive, and even environmentally unsustainable. With increasing concerns about water scarcity, chemical usage, and biodiversity loss, many homeowners are reconsidering the traditional grass lawn. Fortunately, numerous creative and eco-friendly alternatives can transform your outdoor space into a stunning and functional area. Whether…

10 Tips For Novice Gardeners in Australia

September 7, 2023

Australian Natives, Garden, Gardening For Beginners, Gardens for Life, Maintenance, Plants, Pruning, Scented gardens, Sustainable Gardening, Uncategorized

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Australia's diverse climate and unique flora make it a paradise for garden enthusiasts. Whether you're a city dweller with a balcony garden or lucky enough to have a sprawling backyard, gardening in Australia offers many possibilities. If you're a novice gardener eager to nurture your green thumb, we've got you covered with essential tips to help you successfully embark on your gardening journey. Gardening is rewarding and fulfilling, especially in…

How To Drain Swampy and Water-Logged Soils: Best Practice Guidelines For Soil Improvement and Plant Selection For Those Areas

August 15, 2023

Garden, Gardens for Life, Irrigation, Landscaping, Uncategorized

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Swampy or water-logged soils can be a complex problem to deal with. They can wreak havoc on your garden and ruin the look of your yard, not to mention how uncomfortable they can make it when you’re walking around outside! This issue takes time to fix, and sometimes it has to be tackled from many angles. No single solution resolves excess drainage (in my view), especially with the continued heavy…

Backyard merbau decking in Ashburton landscape design

Ways To Look After Your Timber Decking

August 7, 2023

Blog, Construction, Garden, Landscape Design, Maintenance, Materials, Outdoor Entertaining, Seasonal tips

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Winter is a beautiful time to be outdoors, with the crisp air and warm sun providing the perfect setting for entertaining. However, it's also a season of harsh conditions that can take its toll on your outdoor timber decking if you're not careful. Timber decking adds a touch of natural elegance to any home but requires proper care to withstand winter's harsh conditions. Fear not! Whether your deck is a…

Rear alfesco area in Wantirna South garden design

Enjoy Your Outdoor Entertaining Space All Year Round

July 6, 2023

Blog, Garden, Landscape Design, Outdoor Entertaining

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Are you looking for ways to maximise your outdoor entertaining space? Look no further! Whether you're hosting a summer barbeque or huddling around the firepit on chilly winter evenings, here are some tips and tricks to help you create the perfect space for all-year-round entertaining. Let Your Style Shine When creating an outdoor area, the sky is the limit regarding style. Whether you want to create a traditional entertaining space…

Bright Colours and Smells Are A Must For Sensory Gardens

Creating A Sensory Garden

June 4, 2023

Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Pruning, Scented gardens, Sustainable Gardening, Uncategorized

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Creating a sensory garden is both rewarding and fun. It’s a great way to add interest and enjoyment to your outdoor space. Sensory gardens are an exciting place for kids and adults to connect with nature as it combines hardscape elements and plants in such a way as to entice the person wandering through the garden to have that sense of amazement viewing the space, touch, smell, hear sounds and…

Leucophyta brownii in Vermont South landscape design

12 Low Maintenance Garden Ideas

May 28, 2023

Australian Natives, Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Materials, Paving, Plants

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Gardening is an enjoyable hobby (or, for some of us, an obsession ), but not all of us have the time or energy to maintain a garden that requires constant upkeep. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your outdoor space with minimal effort, try these 12 low maintenance garden ideas. Plant Drought-Resistant Plants Many types of succulents, cacti and other plants are naturally adapted to survive in…

Keeping Chickens In Your Garden

May 2, 2023

Animals, Garden, Nature

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Chickens are easy to look after and make great pets. It also brings you just that bit closer to nature, and if you want to start moving towards a sustainable life, having chickens is a great way to start. Before purchasing chickens, check with your local council about the rules and regulations they impose. Most councils allow you to keep at least five chickens without a permit. Some impose other rules,…

Red neoregelia feature bromeliad and red daisies in planting design

My Experience At MIFGS

April 7, 2023

Balcony Gardens, Construction, Flower and Garden Shows, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

No comments

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. A Bit About MIFGS MIFGS is Australia's premier horticultural event. It brings together some of the…

Sneak peak of my eclectic garden at MIFGS 2023

Preparation For The Melbourne International Flower And Garden Show

April 6, 2023

Balcony Gardens, Flower and Garden Shows, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plant collectors, Plants

No comments

Posted by Parveen

I find competitions fun, and you’ve got nothing to lose. So, I entered the competition that the London College of Garden Design put on for the Border Gardens category. So what is a Border Garden? In layman’s terms, this means a planting design for a small space garden. With the increase of units and apartments, many of us don’t have large backyards as we used to, BUT we still want…

Purple metal screen lit up in Wantirna South garden

Be Realistic When It Comes To Your Garden Budget

March 16, 2023

Budgeting, Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Paving, Plants, Scented gardens, Sustainable Gardening, Water Features

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Heard of the saying “You pay for what you get”? Well, that’s the case when it comes to landscaping. There’s a lot of work involved and a lot of long hours put in behind the scenes by the landscaper. Depending on how big the job is, they may well have someone working with them as well. I’ll give credit where credit is due, hiring a landscaper isn’t something that you…

Urban food garden in productive part of Kew landscape design

Sustainable Living For Beginners

March 7, 2023

Gardens for Life, Home, Materials, Plants, Sustainable Gardening

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Sustainable living became a buzz word when the pandemic started and many of us spent a lot more time in our homes and were needing to find things to do. It’s a great way to save money and if you choose to have a home garden, picking your own fruit, vegetables and herbs is very rewarding. For some people, when they first start looking into sustainable living it can be…

How Far In Advance Should I Hire A Garden Designer?

November 22, 2022

Budgeting, Construction, Gardens for Life, Home, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants

No comments

Posted by Parveen

I get asked this question a lot, and my two standard responses are as soon as possible (provided that you are mentally ready to commit to the process) and with the expectation that you give the process enough thought/time to create a space that truly suits your needs. However, many of us think about our gardens sometimes as an afterthought or as a reaction to specific triggers like warmer weather…

The Beauty Of Roses

November 10, 2022

Gardens for Life, Home, Plants, Pruning, Scented gardens

No comments

Posted by Parveen

The beauty, resilience and fragrance of roses have made them a favourite of gardeners, flower lovers and a symbol of love for centuries. They’re known as the flower of choice for Valentine’s Day, although I’m sure many of us would be happy to receive any variety of flowers! There is a rose to suit every sunny spot in your garden, particularly if there is limited space. You can have them…

Bee pollinating a stunning purple flower in a garden

Pollinators In Your Garden

August 8, 2021

Australian Natives, Garden, Gardens for Life, Plants, Scented gardens

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Australia's gardens are home to various pollinators, including bees, butterflies, moths, wasps and flies. They play an essential role in gardens and ecosystems. Each has a vital role in helping plants reproduce and thrive, so it is necessary to provide suitable habitats for these animals if we want our gardens to be full of colour and life. Pollinators transfer the pollen between flowers so plants can be fertilised and produce…

Family planting together and teaching their child about how plants and fruit grow in their backyard

How To Make Your Garden Child-Friendly

July 8, 2021

Children, Garden, Plants, Scented gardens

No comments

Posted by Parveen

A child-friendly garden can be a fantastic way to help your children explore and learn about nature. It can provide hours of entertainment and adventure while being outdoors and not on their tablets or computers. With proper preparation, you can ensure your backyard is safe and enjoyable for them. Potential Dangerous Areas In Your Garden *Sharp objects should always be kept out of reach of young children; if any areas…

Are Plants And Gardens Better Medicine Than Laughter?

May 8, 2021

Balcony Gardens, Garden, Gardens for Life, Health, Plants, Scented gardens

No comments

Posted by Parveen

It's no secret that spending time in nature can calm our minds and bodies. We all know that laughter is good for us, and we often feel better after we’ve had a good laugh. What if I told you that gardens and plants could be better for your health than a good laugh? Let’s look at both laughter and gardens. Always Feel Great After A Good Laugh Laughter is great…

Custom deck shaped like a river bed joining a wall to wall cascading water feature in Maribyrnong landscape design

Creating A Healing Garden

April 8, 2021

Australian Natives, Balcony Gardens, Garden, Gardening For Beginners, Gardens for Life, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plant collectors, Plants, Scented gardens, Water Features

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Creating a healing garden in your backyard can be incredibly beneficial and relaxing. Not only does it provide you with an outdoor escape to enjoy the beauty of nature, but it can also help improve your physical and mental health. Healing gardens are places of tranquillity and refuge. They have been used for centuries to restore, refresh and relax the body, mind and soul. They may be small or large, but…

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

How To Analyse Your Outdoor Site

March 8, 2021

Garden, Site surveys

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Knowing your site is the first step to creating a wonderful garden. One of the first things landscape designers do when working on a garden plan is to make a site survey. This involves looking at the existing features of your backyard and collecting information about them. What A Site Survey Should Include A site survey should cover the following: *The location and orientation of the garden *The shape, size,…

Edible garden design with a mini fruit orchard and vege patch in the backyard of a Camberwell property in Melbourne

Hidden gems – do you have to have a proper vegetable patch?

February 8, 2021

Landscape Design, Productive gardening, Productive gardens

Posted by Parveen

Do you want a fruit and veg patch without it being too visible? Be sneaky about it. Vegetables aren’t always the prettiest looking plants, mainly if they grow quicker than you had envisioned. Once you've decided on the edibles you want to grow, it's time to plan how to incorporate them into your garden. Here are some tips for creating a planting scheme to maximise the space and ensure your…

Modern cottage gardens in Melbourne

January 8, 2021

Blog

Posted by Parveen

Coming soon!

Lavender patch in Brighton landscape design

What Is A Modern Cottage Garden?

January 8, 2021

Gardens for Life, Irrigation, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Scented gardens, Structures, Water Features

No comments

Posted by Parveen

A modern cottage garden is a combination of traditional and contemporary styles that are intended to create a quaint and cosy atmosphere. It combines plants and flowers that were once widely used in traditional cottage gardens with more modern varieties and design elements. This includes roses, daisies, lavender, and hollyhocks. Modern cottage gardens typically feature lush, colorful plantings, bold shapes, and unique pathways or walkways, which create an intimate atmosphere.…

Growing Australian Native Plants

December 8, 2020

Australian Natives, Home, Plants

No comments

Posted by Parveen

Many people think Australian native plants are challenging to grow, but they aren’t. As with all plants, it mainly depends on matching suitable plants to a particular garden environment. Indigenous vs Native Australian Plants These terms are confusing, so I wanted to explain as I get asked this a lot. It took me some time to get my head around using these terms when I started learning horticulture in detail.…

Side view of Ashburton landscape design with different types of succulents

What Material Should I Use For My Driveway?

November 8, 2020

Budgeting, Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Materials, Paving

2 Comments

Posted by Parveen

If you think of your home as your ‘castle,’ your driveway is the entrance. It ‘welcomes’ you home every day. Because of this, it needs to be something you enjoy looking at and, ideally, needs to be low maintenance, as many of us are time-poor these days. Your driveway is a prominent feature of your house, so it’s a crucial decision. These days, you’re spoiled for choice in the type…

Clivia flowers in Hawthorn East landscape design

Clivias – A Perfect Plant For Beginners

October 20, 2020

Gardening For Beginners, Plants, Propagation, Pruning

Posted by Parveen

While some of us may have been gardening for quite some time, we all started out as beginners. An ideal plant for the beginner gardener are clivias. They require very little care, and they will thrive in low-light areas with minimal water. Clivias come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes. They bloom all year round, making them perfect for sprucing up any backyard or garden. These plants are…

Sustainable garden design for Vermont South property

Compost for Natives

September 8, 2020

Australian Natives, Maintenance, Materials, Plants, Pruning

Posted by Parveen

Australia is home to diverse native plants, from the hardy and drought-tolerant wattles to the fragrant bush flowers (my favourite). To ensure that these natives thrive for years to come, choosing the right soil profile for planting them is essential. When it comes to the long-term health of your native plants, the most important thing is soil preparation and maintenance. We all know how much joy we get out of…

Front garden beds of a new build in Camberwell lit up at night

When’s best to start your garden design?

August 4, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Planning is everything I know that the outdoor design bug doesn’t usually hit most people until the first lovely spring day. I advise anyone that contacts me that they will have a better result if the process starts way earlier than that. With more people now working from home, I see that people have now taken the time to think about when they should start their garden design. When's best…

Urban food garden in productive part of Bundoora landscape design

Vegetable patches in Spring

August 1, 2020

Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Productive gardening, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Spring is just around the corner! Have you ever considered a vegetable patch in your garden? We love creating gardens for families who appreciate the importance and value of growing your own food!⁠⠀ Here are some practical tips on considering vegetable patches for your design:⁠⠀ 🥕Choosing the location and aspect ⁠⠀ 🥕Materials to be used in the garden bed, eg softwood v hardwood, the chemicals in wood treatment/leeching and considering…

View of front entry stepper path from the street in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwa

Achieving amazing on a tight garden design budget

July 7, 2020

Budgeting, Construction, Maintenance, Plants

Posted by Parveen

Setting the scene Last year, I was approached by the family who wanted to create a beautiful garden surrounding their newly built home that they were looking at selling. It was an unusual project for me to take on. As you well know, my gardens are all about the creating spaces that are custom for the family they live in. And which they feel connected to on some level. So…

Kinetic sculpture in landscape design in Glen Waverley in Houzz

Getting better landscaping quotes

July 5, 2020

Budgeting, Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping

Posted by Parveen

Getting a landscaping quote When I first commenced as a designer, it was put to me by a client that I should offer an advisory value-add service by staying on as an independent consultant. My role is to guide them through the rest of the build process, given that I helped create the vision of their garden. They needed help in getting and interpreting the landscaping quotes that they were…

Backyard grassed area in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Winter Garden Care

June 10, 2020

Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Productive gardening, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Winter is the best time for tidying up your garden, pruning the plants, and preparing for spring. If you can get over the mental block of how cold it is outside, you’ll reap the rewards in the couple of month’s time and also get some good exercise and keep warm to boot! So here are some tips for your winter garden care! Your winter garden to-do’s Declutter Honestly, winter’s the…

Red king protea in Glen Waverley landscape design

The lovely Proteas

June 2, 2020

Landscape Design, Plants

Posted by Parveen

One of my absolute favourite family of plants to use in my designs and one I absolutely look forward to in my own garden! Such a great plant for Australian climates too! ⠀⁠ It’s often assumed that proteas are Australian natives, but they in originate from South Africa. However, they are closely related to some of our showiest plants, such as banksias, grevilleas and waratahs. (Which is why i probably…

Close up of purple shrub in Burwood landscape design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Choosing plants for your garden

May 3, 2020

Biophilia, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Creating a Planting Plan So you’ve landed upon a theme for your dream garden and it’s got you so excited that you’ve already decided on the hard materials, accessories, and layout for this oasis. The next step is - many would say - the most fun part. Choosing your plants! But how do you work out what plants to put in and where they should go? You’ve come to the…

Closeup of lime espalier in Bundoora landscape design

Vegetable patches & fruit orchards in Autumn

April 7, 2020

Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants, Productive gardening, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Thought I'd write up on several discussions I've had the past couple of weeks from friends, family and clients about trying to get something edible planted in their garden. Most have said that they have no idea where to begin and some are curious about what else they can plant at this time of year! Well, happy to share some thoughts and tips to keep the spirit of giving going…

Dramatic lighting effect in Hawthorn East front garden design

Before & After – Hawthorn Garden Design

April 5, 2020

Construction, Gardens for Life, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

The brief When Cate contacted me, she wanted a garden that would suit her lifestyle and lift her space. Her impeccable taste in her newly-renovated townhouse and incredible interior detail helped shape the outdoor design. Cate wanted a garden that would flow with the exterior and could be enjoyed both during the day and at night. It had to feel modern and create an urban oasis of lush plant life…

Corten wall lightbox used in Glen Waverley garden design

Before & After – Glen Waverley Garden Design

April 5, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

The brief When Sarah and her husband contacted me, they wanted a garden design that would suit their family lifestyle and wow their neighbours. Their impeccable taste in their new build and incredible interior detail helped shape the outdoor design. Sarah’s family wanted a garden that would flow with the exterior and could be enjoyed both during the day and at night. It had to feel modern and family friendly…

Cottage garden planting in Blackburn front garden design

Before & After – Blackburn Garden Design

April 4, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

The brief When Paul and Valerie came to us, their garden was overgrown but filled with potential. They had 1300 square metres to enjoy in their dream home, nestled in one of the prettiest parts of Blackburn. They wanted a practical and playful garden for a young family to compliment their newly renovated modern home. The design used a mixed planting palette, including natives and perennials to provide a cottage…

How to create your perfect outdoor space

April 3, 2020

Construction, Gardens for Life, Home office, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Scented gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Do you want to learn what it takes to create the perfect outdoor space? A space that you love to look at and spend time in? We have developed a free comprehensive eBook just for you! This 10-page eBook will take you through: how to design the garden of your dreams. practical tips and inclusions based on your lifestyle. how to create harmony and flow between your home and garden.…

Top view of large bromeliad used in Doncaster East landscape design

Latest planting trends

March 17, 2020

Landscape Design, Landscaping, Plants

Posted by Parveen

Status quo So we understand the direction in which the planting trend is moving, thought that it was best to explore what's been happening to date. (But please bear in mind that this is a very generic summary though!) There was a strong urge to mimic English gardens - so the cottage garden style. Then came the movement to go native and explore the delights we have on offer here.…

What is rock mulch?

March 3, 2020

Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Materials

Posted by Parveen

What is it? What is rock mulch? I get this question a lot. It stems from the general perception that "mulch" only relates to material made from chipped wood. Rock "mulch" is basically a groundcover material made of your chosen size of screenings, pebbles or small rocks. Now you're going to ask me, what are these in turn as they all seem to mean the same thing? In fact they…

Biophilic garden design

February 11, 2020

Biophilia, Home office, Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

Biophilia What does Biophillia actually mean and how is it important to garden design? It is a fancy term or does it carry more meaning? The term "biophilia" means the "love of life or living systems." It describes a psychological orientation of being attracted to all that is alive and vital. It tries to explain why humans strive to connect with nature and the world around us. For me, maybe that…

Basic soil dispersiveness testing by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Clay soil – how to work with it?

January 21, 2020

Landscaping, Maintenance, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

How do I know I have clay soil? It’s relatively easy to do a basic soil type test to help you understand your soil profile. It’s called the hand texturing or extrusion test. Basically, you take a fist full of your soil, wet it so that you are able to shape it into a ball. Then you lightly “extrude” the ball using your forefinger and thumb and see whether what…

Salvia used in Vermont South landscape design

Creating your dream garden – steps before hiring a “landscaper”

December 25, 2019

Construction, Gardens for Life, Home office, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Maintenance, Plants, Productive gardening, Scented gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Do you want to learn what it takes to create your dream garden? A space that you love to look at and spend time in? We have developed a free comprehensive eBook just for you! This 17-page eWorkbook will help: Map out your existing garden and identify problem areas Brainstorm new ideas Clarify what you want before contacting a landscape designer or contractor If you are not sure…

Red rose in Vermont South garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Roses

November 19, 2019

Landscape Design, Plants

Posted by Parveen

My association with roses goes back to my childhood. For me, it was the distinctive perfume of the rose that my mum grew that drew us to this plant. Even risking a cut or two from its thorns just to take as many deep breaths in of its intoxicating perfume! My mum is the real gardener in the family and who has the most green fingers. There is nothing that…

Closeup of jasmine used in Vermont South garden design

Jasmines – which one is right for you?

November 5, 2019

Landscape Design, Maintenance, Plants, Scented gardens, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Jasmines - love them to bits! Have a look around right now and they should be at their flowering best. I'm writing this from my deck where I've surrounded myself with the variety of my choice. Reminds me of home. Reminds me of my childhood experiences. Can't go wrong with a scented garden! There are many species and styles of jasmine available. The biggest difference between jasmine varieties is their…

Productive vegetable patch in metal planters in Kew garden design

What to Plant in Spring, a Planting Guide

October 22, 2019

Landscape Design, Productive gardens, Seasonal tips, Sustainable Gardening

Posted by Parveen

The most important thing to do in spring for your productive garden is planting. It is a task that will pay off big dividends! So forget all those other spring tasks you've got on your plate at the moment and get planting before it's too late! I know it's hard to get organised. I have young kids and a busy work schedule but I do love the taste of home…

Aphids on helleborus. Landscape design Melbourne by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Aphids – a friend or a foe?

October 8, 2019

Maintenance, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

With spring well underway, I'm sure you've come across them. Swarms of soft bodied insects swarming around and eventually ruining your young buds. They are present in my garden too. Used to attack my roses but much less now, having implemented some preventative measures discussed below. However, they still attack my hellebores! Here's some insights into what aphids are and what you should consider when dealing with them. What are…

Close up of aloes and echeveria succulents used in Vermont South landscape design

How to grow succulents

September 8, 2019

Maintenance, Plants, Propagation

Posted by Parveen

Propagating succulents Succulents are one of the easiest of plants to propagate! Depending on the species of succulent, they can grown from seeds; you’re able to create mini me’s from their leaves/stems; or set off wee cute little baby versions of them themselves and which are aptly called pups! From leaf Pick one of their leaves, leave the wounded end to dry (called callousing) for about a day then put…

Growing herbs [Part 2]

August 8, 2019

Landscape Design, Plants, Productive gardens

Posted by Parveen

Given that spring is around the corner, I thought of writing up on this topic as a value add so that you’re able to refer to this for some ideas on how to approach growing your own herbs! Soon it’ll be time to sow your herb seeds to grow into young saplings you can plant out when the frost risk is minimal and the ground warms up! Have a read…

Productive garden design – an example

July 7, 2019

Landscape Design, Productive gardens

Posted by Parveen

What is it? What does “productive garden design” mean for me, personally? Is it a garden with a vegetable patch? Maybe some fruit bearing trees thrown in? Having edibles secretly injected into your outdoor spaces? Or is it something practical for the family with young kids to forage through and discover the bounty of nature? Does it need to be aesthetically pleasing? What about inviting wildlife into the garden? For…

Nasturtiums in Vermont South landscape design

Growing herbs [Part 1]

June 8, 2019

Landscape Design, Plants, Productive gardens

Posted by Parveen

Given that spring is not that far off, I thought of writing up on this topic as a value add so that you’re able to refer to this for some ideas on how to approach growing your own herbs! Soon it’ll be time to sow your herb seeds to grow into young saplings you can plant out when the frost risk is minimal and the ground warms up! Have a…

Closeup view of the slate wall used to create the water feature in Maribyrnong courtyard garden

Water features & aquatic plants

May 8, 2019

Landscape Design, Maintenance, Plants, Structures, Water Features

Posted by Parveen

Water features in your garden Water features are perfect for large gardens as well as for small courtyards. With or without aquatic plants, they will transform your garden into an amazing space! Sometimes it’s a bit confusing to choose which one will be appropriate in your garden. When choosing water features for your garden, try to consider the price, the size of your space and the design of your garden.…

Shadows in the garden in Hawthorn garden design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Home offices – why include plants and the how to? PART 2

April 8, 2019

Home office, Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

Hello, I’ve pulled together some features that a home-office should have, in my view. Yes it’s plant based of course, as I’m a plantaholic designer! Anyway, there was so much to write on this topic that I have broken it down to two articles. Part 1 Why have plants in the workplace and the how to use them effectively Part 2 Maintenance considerations and the types of plants you can…

Garden artwork. Garden rejuvenation of a Doncaster property in Melbourne by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Home offices – why include plants and the how to? PART 1

March 8, 2019

Home office, Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

Hello, I’ve pulled together some features that a home-office should have, in my view. Yes it’s plant based of course, as I’m a plantaholic designer! Anyway, there was so much to write on this topic that I have broken it down to two articles. Happy reading! Part 1 Why have plants in the workplace and the how to use them effectively Part 2 Maintenance considerations and the types of plants…

Beautiful elm tree showing its yellow winter leaves in Burwood landscape design

Choosing the perfect tree for your garden

February 8, 2019

Landscape Design, Plants

Posted by Parveen

Role of a tree A tree is a key piece in your garden framework. Depending on the tree of choice, it will add height and beauty to your garden and determines which part of it is shaded. Its an important investment to realise your dream garden’s full potential! So choosing the perfect tree is key for designing your dream garden! How trees help wildlife There is a current trend in design…

Black circular water feature in Blackburn garden design by Parveen Dhaliwal

Sound effects in the garden

January 7, 2019

Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

What sort of sounds? What does “sounds in the garden” mean for me, personally? Is it the rustle of leaves and undergrowth as we walk path? Could it be the wind billowing softly that makes it exciting to be in the garden? What about the birds and then buzz of the bees? Other insects maybe? What about the delightful sounds of moving water as it laps around edges of a…

Movement in the Garden

December 10, 2018

Landscape Design, Plants

Posted by Parveen

People are attracted to movement in the garden. It creates an interest of all sorts. Here are some of my tips to create it! Doncaster - water feature view Maribyrnong - water movement Blackburn Glen Waverley Water cascading into a pool, for instance, always attracts attention from most people, especially young children! If created to provide a subtle sound effect, it will not only add a visual wow factor to…

Special edition – My top gardening tips for summer

November 3, 2018

Irrigation, Maintenance, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Thought I'd quickly share some of my gardening tips for getting your garden ready this summer. Every keen gardener I know is worried about the forecasts for this summer - it's predicted to be hot and dry so best to get your preparation underway to tackle the heat and ensure your garden survives the onslaught!! Irrigation A key gardening tip is to ensure that your irrigation system, if you have…

Bluestone paving

October 10, 2018

Construction, Paving

Posted by Parveen

Bluestone - what is it? Bluestone is not a geological term but refers to different types of stone depending on which Australian state your located. In Victoria Bluestone means Basalt. Basalt is one of the most commonly occurring igneous or volcanic rocks used in construction. It is supplied as building blocks, cobblestones and statues. Bluestone paving comes in all shapes and sizes and until recently it was the trendiest stone…

Street view of front entry stepper path in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Paving in landscape design & construction

September 9, 2018

Construction, Paving

Posted by Parveen

Thought it may be worthwhile doing a writeup of the main questions I get asked about paving. Hawthorn East - granite Ashburton B Blackburn - bluestone Glen Waverley Ashburton A Vermont South B Brighton Caulfield Camberwell Maribyrnong Surrey Hills Paving v decking Which one should you go for? Basically it boils down to a couple of considerations ranging from your personal preference to use of space and cost drivers. If…

Edible landscaping using trellis in Blackburn landscape design

Trellises

August 8, 2018

Construction, Structures

Posted by Parveen

Trellises or frames are probably one of the more useful structures to be considered in garden design. Why? They add a bit of visual interest and are at times functional! Therefore, if you're thinking of creating a space that seems like an enclosed room or a special destination where you want to be in the garden, don't hesitate to use one! With trends in landscape design shifting towards ideas of…

Designing based on Feng Shui Principles

July 11, 2018

Feng Shui, Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

Why? Gardens are where growth energy gets created and nurture. It is as important for your garden to attract good energy as it for your home interiors to bring you luck! Which method? There are a couple of ways in which start the process of designing a feng shui garden. Note, however, that the information in this article is based on the general principles and are therefore…

Balcony Gardens

June 10, 2018

Balcony Gardens, Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

With working lives becoming busier and its becoming more expensive to travel to an oasis, why not create a home oasis of your own? A balcony garden is a perfect initiative!! Personally, its not about adding to clutter, but its about organising your space to be more of what you need in life with plant friends along the way and which can improve the air quality to boot!! There are…

Artificial plants? Are you for real?

May 10, 2018

Plants

Posted by Parveen

LOL. Well that's my reaction. I just have never liked artificial plants. I love that modern tech has made them almost lifelike though. But they can't give you what real plants can. The sheer joy and satisfaction of watching your little baby grow and bloom and at the same time enliven the space that it's in! Pros of artificial plants Well ... just to humour this topic ... …

Closeup of monstera in a Kuala Lumpur backyard

Monstera Madness

April 10, 2018

Plants

Posted by Parveen

What's so popular about it? The Monstera deliciosa plant is a non native that's getting popular again. And for good reason. It's simply gorgeous and easy to look after. I came across one recently on a site inspection. Such a beauty and probably worth a lot with its propagation value and sheer size! It definitely adds to the tropical, lush or jungle feel. Whichever design intent appeals to you! Growth…

Corten spherical ring garden sculpture in Blackburn landscape design

Initial Consultation Meetings – What to expect

March 11, 2018

Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

Best practice It is our practice to organise a site meeting for the initial consultation, so that we can visualise the area we will be designing. That's best practice. We charge for our initial consultations. Preparation is Key! We strongly believe in being value for money so we come prepared. Once contacted, we send you a short questionnaire prior to the initial consultation so that you…

Small gardens – creating a big impact

February 11, 2018

Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

With everything getting smaller these days, how do we get the most from our outdoor areas without feeling claustrophobic? Design Tips! Here are some simple tips in getting an awesome design underway for your small garden or outdoor space! Choose the right plant palette - go for the smaller dwarfs and cultivars and don`t forget to layer them and group their sizes accordingly to create the visual effect you want. Striking…

Front garden in Camberwell landscaped using perennials and Australian natives

Retaining walls

January 11, 2018

Construction, Structures

Posted by Parveen

A retaining wall using sleepers are not difficult to install and can definitely be attempted by any DIYer with a bit of time and muscle! Sleepers generally come in two types – treated pine or red gum. Although we have installed some in railway sleepers (looks amazing but it is costlier). What's the right type of wood based sleeper for you? Using treated pine sleepers for building a retaining wall is…

Closeup of pot styling area in Bundoora garden design

What Irrigation System Is Right For You?

December 11, 2017

Irrigation, Maintenance

Posted by Parveen

It's a must have! In our garden designs, an irrigation system is one of the things we insist that our clients invest in. Parveen has a live example garden which is not irrigated on purpose. We can prove how cumbersome it gets, over time, when you don't have an irrigation system. Even the toughest of plants will wither and perish over a prolonged period of lack of watering. Additionally,…

Front garden design plant cluster in Blackburn by Parveen Dhaliwal

Why a landscape designer, landscaper and not a gardener?

November 11, 2017

Landscaping, Maintenance

Posted by Parveen

We get asked this a lot so we've decided to clarify a few urban myths on this topic. Specifically, how people perceive the skillset required to be a designer, landscaper (i.e. landscape contractor) or a gardener. Landscaping and landscape design Landscaping is a 4 year apprenticeship. Its a commitment of 4 days a week of on-the-job training and 1 day a week at TAFE. The TAFE landscaping course…

Budgets for your Landscape

October 11, 2017

Budgeting, Construction, Landscape Design

Posted by Parveen

The rare occurrence Occasionally, we meet clients who are well researched and have a reasonably good idea of what they want and how much it will all cost. All they needed from us is to complete the picture by confirming a couple of things they were thinking of doing and a quick sketch of what the overall result will look like. In this instance we will usually offer to draw…

Helleborus flower range of colours from white to yellows, pinks, burgundy and black

Hellebores or Winter Roses

September 9, 2017

Plants, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Hellebores or winter roses are definitely one of my favourites! The onset of some cooler weather and some cooler nights encourage hellebores to put on some new growth which foretells an exciting flowering season on the horizon! Hellebores are definitely one of the stars of a winter garden when few other plants are in flower. The old fashioned hellebores bloom face down whilst the new varieties are more upright. They…

Street view of front garden in Burwood garden design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

Adding Value to your Property with Landscaping

August 31, 2017

Landscape Design, Maintenance

Posted by Parveen

Motivation Adding value to your property with effective landscaping is easy to achieve if you follow a few simple rules. Whether it is your home or an investment property, adding value will be a key consideration when looking to design the garden and construct it. The main elements when adding value are aesthetics, budget and low maintenance. Questions to ask yourself - aesthetics When looking at how to design or…

The art of pruning

July 31, 2017

Maintenance, Pruning

Posted by Parveen

Well its nearly spring and if you've not been blessed with the delights of flowering buds from your fruit trees, you will be soon. Oh imagine the bountiful fruit on my trees, you say. But then your hopes come crashing down when you venture out and inspect the fruit trees closely. That was me this morning. This is me now. Feeling annoyed. Extremely annoyed. My horticulturist qualified gardener or so…

Large grassed area in Burwood landscape design by Inspiring Landscape Solutions

New Instant Turf Care

June 30, 2017

Maintenance

Posted by Parveen

Ensure that your instant turf receives plenty of water, the turf should be moist but not wet. Depending on the season your turf may need to be watered daily. * Do not install your instant turf in shade areas. Consider artificial lawns in those circumstances. There are turf types that are sold as suitable to grow in the shade, however, from experience, they do not take as well as those…

Bright flowers used around pool area in Brighton landscape design in Melbourne

Springtime plant selection noting hayfever & asthmatic symptoms

May 31, 2017

Landscape Design, Seasonal tips

Posted by Parveen

Spring is nearly here! I can't wait to see my garden awaken although I've thoroughly enjoyed the winter display thus far. Benefits of designing a garden catering for seasoning impacts I guess! Yes, selecting plants is so important. Especially the right plants! I can imagine the beautiful influx of butterflies, native bees, cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets that will visit my garden soon. Not to mention the colourful floral display that…

Staging for Sale

April 30, 2017

Landscape Design, Staging for sale

Posted by Parveen

Staging for sale Sprucing up the outdoors shouldn’t be ignored when preparing your home for potential buyers. Here are 8 key things you could do when you're staging your house for sale: De – clutter & tidy up – get rid of bits and bobs and broken down items lying around. Get rid of dead or dying bushes, pull out the weeds and mow the lawn. Repair – minimise spend by…

Bromeliads

March 28, 2017

Plants

12 Comments

Posted by Parveen

Coming from the tropics I love colour and a lush green look. There are many that tick these boxes but I have found Bromeliads to be the most versatile. They have varied texture from soft to hard/serrated and come on all sort of colours and fun patterns such as spots! It has been fun learning about them over the years and implementing them in my garden designs. I found them…

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