After completing hundreds of landscaping projects across Melbourne's eastern suburbs, I've seen what works and what doesn't. Here are 10 ideas that consistently deliver great results.
1. Bluestone Stepping Stones Through Lawn
Simple, elegant and low maintenance. Large format bluestone stepping stones (600×600 or 800×800) set into lawn create a functional pathway that's also a design feature.
2. White Pebble Garden Beds
White pebbles under plants look great and suppress weeds without ongoing maintenance. Pair with low-maintenance natives for a no-fuss garden.
3. Recycled Brick Border Edging
Using recycled bricks as lawn or garden bed edging ties the landscape together and adds character to period homes.
4. Raised Garden Beds with Timber Sleepers
Timber sleeper raised beds are practical and attractive. They can grow veggies, herbs or ornamentals and add level change to flat gardens.
5. Low-Maintenance Native Planting
Grevilleas, lomandras, westringia and kangaroo paw are Melbourne-hardy natives that need minimal water once established. Pair with pebble mulch for a clean look.
6. Outdoor Entertainment Zone
A paved area directly off the back door for entertaining — with a pergola or shade sail overhead — is the highest-value landscaping investment for most Melbourne homes.
7. Concrete Paver and Grass Grid Pattern
Alternating concrete pavers with turf or pebble strips creates a modern, textured look that works well in contemporary homes.
8. Lawn Edging with Steel Strips
Steel lawn edging creates a clean, crisp line between lawn and garden beds that looks professional and lasts forever.
9. Feature Rock Garden
A cluster of large boulders with ornamental grasses creates a low-maintenance feature that adds character to any garden.
10. Outdoor Lighting Integration
Low-voltage LED path lights, in-ground uplights under feature plants and deck lighting transform an outdoor space at night and add value beyond daylight hours.