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Side view of Ashburton landscape design with different types of succulents

What Material Should I Use For My Driveway?

November 8, 2020
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Budgeting, Construction, Landscape Design, Landscaping, Materials, Paving
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2 Comments
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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 of material you can use for driveways. Going back a decade or so, the only options you had were asphalt (road base), plain concrete, paving, or gravel.  What type of material you choose for your driveway may ultimately come down to price, so knowing your price range before you start looking will make it easier for you.

Selecting a suitable material will be crucial and adds value to your property.  Good drainage is vital, and you may also need to see if there are any specific drainage/permeability regulations in your areas. You certainly don’t want to get a new driveway and then find out that you must rip it all up as it doesn’t meet the requirements.

Paving

Paving used to be the popular choice for driveways. Asphalt was practical but something that needed to be resurfaced when it wore down, and aesthetically it wasn’t an option most people went for.

The three main types of paving used were stone, clay (brick), or concrete. These days, high end houses still have paved driveways as they give off a “high-end look” and have “curb appeal.”  But you’ll also have to pay a “high-end price.” They take longer to lay than other pavers, adding to your labour costs. So you’ll have to weigh whether you want to fork out the dollars.

The materials have evolved with this option with the availability of cobbles, crazy paving, or larger porcelain pieces.  Intricate brickwork is not usually designed unless it suits the house’s character and surroundings.

Benefits of Paving

The benefits of natural stone paving are that they’re hard-wearing and long-lasting, with some lasting up to a century if they’re appropriately laid. In addition, they won’t fade in sunlight and tend to look better with age. Finally, with their curb appeal, they can also add value to your property.

Paving stones, sourced from quarries around the world, can be relatively eco-friendly. If possible, use local rocks that have been harvested nearby.

Maintaining Your Pavers

With natural stone paving, you’ll need to keep the maintenance up for weeding as the grout between the pavers does wear down over time.  This is an essential routine as otherwise, it severely detracts from the aesthetic that is trying to be created.  

The other key thing to remember is that paving needs to be pressure cleaned & sealed at least every couple of years to ensure the driveway looks good over time.  This is where a lot of people falter, and as a result, the paved driveway will not look good over time.

Bluestone Cobbles Melbourne
Front entrance garden beds of a new build in Camberwell

It should be noted that porcelain is not natural stone and will retain more heat (generally compared to the natural stone of the same depth) but is easier to maintain as it doesn’t need to be sealed.  It is just a pressure wash and cleans whenever it looks like it needs it, so some clients choose this option over natural stone.

Red bricks used as driveway material

Clay (Brick) Pavers

Fashion comes and goes, and this is even the case with pavers. Buyers fell out of love with clay pavers a while back, but they now seem to be back in fashion again. They’re naturally fired in a kiln, and they have more of a rustic look which can often suit older looking houses. They are generally more expensive than concrete pavers but cheaper than natural stone (per square meter).

Clay has the benefit of not fading, so you won’t need to replace them to lose its colour, and they also last for decades. One downside is that they can be prone to moss, so speaking to an expert about how you can keep on top of that so it doesn’t get out of control would be a good thing to do.

Permeable Pavement Options

Permeable pavement can be an essential tool for the retention and detention of stormwater runoff. It may provide additional benefits, including reducing the need for de-icing chemicals, and providing a durable and aesthetically pleasing surface. 

The most commonly used are:

  • Pervious Concrete – Concrete with a high void content allows water or air to permeate.
  • Porous Asphalt – Porous material offers many great environmental benefits as it allows water to drain through it, returning water naturally and helping to manage stormwater runoff and drainage problems.
  • Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers – Solid concrete paving units with joints that create openings in the pavement surface when assembled into a pattern. This allows water to enter the surface freely.
  • Plastic and Concrete Grids – Provide a green solution for erosion. environmentally friendly, allowing water to enter the ground rather than stormwater systems.

Pros and Cons Of Using Permeable Pavement

Advantages:

  • With many of us trying to be more self-conscious of being environmentally friendly, permeable payment can be made using recycled materials. This also helps with reducing landfill space.
  • For those who live in colder areas of the country, you won’t find any ice formation on your driveway as any water and precipitation seeps through the pavement.
  • On the other hand, in the summertime, your pavement will stay cool due to the spread of water and precipitation. Additionally, its lighter colour also helps in the same.

Disadvantages:

  • It’s generally more expensive to install compared to traditional options
  • It does require a fair bit of maintenance. It is prone to clogging if the water in the tank isn’t drained out effectively. The sand and small particles that block the area between the pavers must be extracted using a vacuum cleaner. 

It can even block when you sand for ice during the wintertime. If you do not accommodate blocking swiftly, it will cause the water and toxins to run off the surface area, eliminating the purpose of setting up permeable pavements.                 

Concrete Pours

Plain and Painted/Stencilled Concrete

Concrete provides a smooth, stable, and secure foundation that holds up well in any climate. Again, you’re spoiled for choice with various mixes, and colours available. As discussed above, it has the bonus that it’s usually cheaper than paving your driveway.

At the base level, the driveway can be plain concrete, where the top layer is not washed off to reveal the aggregate/stones within its mix/composition.  It’s finished with a rough finish eg. a stippling effect so that it’s not smooth and slippery.

It’s a simple look that can also be personalised and updated with driveway paint (with roughage) if you wish.

Toppings path and plain concrete driveway in Mulgrave landscape

This option also allows for stamping/stencilling part of the driveway if you’d like to introduce some patterns onto an otherwise “boring” and plain surface.  Some may say this option is outdated but it’s a ,personal choice and can suit some clients/designs.

Maintenance

From a maintenance perspective, like the paved driveway option, you still need to pressure wash, clean and seal every couple of years. This is not a maintenance aspect that you can forgo if you like your driveway to look good over the long term.

While concrete can last a long time, the downside is that the colour of the plain concrete option will eventually start to fade, so you’ll need to consider whether you’ll still like the faded look. But, on the other hand, you could update it with paint as described above if you wish.

If having an environmentally friendly driveway is crucial to you, then there may be a better way to go, as cement is one of the most significant contributors to carbon dioxide emissions (CO2).

Aerial view of Mount Waverley garden design

Aggregate Concrete

This is a modern option that most people go for with slight modifications as required (eg mixing it up with paving, brickwork etc.).  It looks good and suits most houses, from the most contemporary to the most traditional.  

The key difference with the plain concrete pour option, as mentioned above, is that the finished result of this option reveals the aggregate/stones that you have chosen after washing off the top layer of the concrete, ie. you select the colours of the stone mix.  This layer is sealed.  

The base concrete colour is another variant that you can choose – the dark/greyer bases are less expensive than the lighter coloured ones (which were very popular in the ‘80s). 

The cost of an aggregate pour driveway is more than the plain concrete pour option but would be less than having a fully paved driveway, mainly due to less labour time.  

The trend tends to be blacks/greys presumably because of the perception that it shows less dust/dirt and is “easier” to maintain but lighter colours are making a comeback.

Maintenance

From a maintenance perspective, irrespective of the colour base (dark or light) or mix (stones) you use, I can’t stress enough, you still need to pressure wash, clean and seal every couple of years. This is not a maintenance aspect that you can forgo if you like your driveway to look good over the long term.

Grassed/Turf Grid Driveways

Grass block pavers, which can also be known as turf block pavers or grow-through pavers—are an alternative to traditional options. They can be made from concrete or recycled plastic. They have open cells that allow grass to grow through them. At the end of the day, they’re an eco-friendly option for driveways.

The turf grid is a simple solution to control soil erosion around your home. They’re great for slopes where you need to stop erosion. Let’s take a look at the pros of using this option for your driveway:

  • They reduce stormwater runoff which is one of the biggest sources of water pollution. The grass and soil in your grow-through pavers will filter out the pollutants, so the water that returns to the earth is clean.
  • They’re definitely easier on the eye than slabs of concrete.
  • As they absorb water, grass block pavers slow down the water that races over pavement in a rainstorm, preventing erosion.
Turf grid melbourne

With everything that has advantages, there are bound to be some disadvantages as well so let’s take a look at the cons of having grass and turf block pavers.

  • Where you find grass you’re likely to find weeds, so there is maintenance when it comes to this option. You’ll need to water, mow and maybe fertilise
  • If cost is a factor then this eco-friendly option may not be for you. They can cost up to double the price of asphalt.
  • They’ll need to be replaced every 10-15 years and cracks may need to be patched up.
Toppings path and grassy planting in Mulgrave front garden

Toppings Driveways

Toppings is essentially a composition of gravel/screenings/pebbles, dirt and cement so it hardens up like concrete after a few rains.

Like the gravel option further discussed below, this is a very cost effective option but falters when it comes to maintenance and aesthetics (unless you’re after a more natural rustic style). It is a practical option but won’t give you curb appeal if that’s what you are after. 

It’s low maintenance in the sense there will not be weeds coming through the bottom of the material, given the cement mixed in but will have weeds/algae growing on it over time.  So like the gravel option below, it needs to be weeded on a routine basis to keep it looking the best.

It’s also a stable surface that sheds water quickly so it is “permeable”.  It can easily be refreshed with a ‘top-up’ application once the material has settled or if it requires refilling after some time – that’s usually every 2-3 years to keep the driveway looking good.

Gravel Driveways

Out of all the materials we mention today, gravel is the cheapest driveway material (in the short term). It’s a natural product that can be reused and can also be a reusable choice. In addition, gravel has many benefits, lasting up to 100 years, and is an excellent option for budget-conscious buyers. 

It’s low maintenance, with raking over it once a week to keep the weeds at bay, so you can see if it’s sunk in any areas. It’s a stable surface that sheds water quickly. It can easily be refreshed with a ‘top-up’ application once the material has settled or if it requires refilling after some time.

The downside of gravel driveways is that it’s VERY prone to weeds as more people are not great at raking it often or weeding the weeds out as they occur, not great for pushing a pram, and DEFINITELY do not work if you’re wearing high heels after a night out

Gravel path

Conclusion

So now all you have to do is decide what type of driveway you want for the entrance to your “castle.”

For more information on paving have a look at our earlier articles here:

Paving in landscape design and construction

Bluestone paving

If you need further suggestions or design or plantscaping 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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inspiringlandscapes.com.au

✨ 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.⁠
⁠
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. 🌱✨⁠
⁠
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. ⁠
⁠
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! 😊⁠
⁠⁠
📸 Pic 1: May 2025 Mitcham planting design (after)⁠
📸 Pic 2: May 2025 Mitcham planting design (before)⁠
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2 Comments

on What Material Should I Use For My Driveway?.
  1. Sam
    January 17, 2023 @ 5:11 pm
    -
    Reply

    I have been searching for the perfect materials for my driveway for what feels like forever! After weeks of research and countless hours spent talking to different contractors, I finally found the answer to my problem in this amazing article. It provided me with all the information and a comprehensive list of different materials I needed to make an informed decision. Thanks to this article, my driveway project is finally underway, and I’m confident I have made the right choice.

  2. Landscape Wellington
    September 4, 2023 @ 7:15 pm
    -
    Reply

    This is a great, comprehensive guide to driveway materials. I’ve always been torn between the durability of paving and the cost-effectiveness of gravel, but this article really breaks down the pros and cons. One tip I’d like to add is considering your climate – if you live in an area with harsh winters, you might want to opt for materials that can withstand freezing temperatures and de-icing chemicals.

    Thanks,
    Matt

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What Material Should I Use For My Driveway? - Inspiring Landscape Solutions