How to design your perfect backyard

Type of plants

The kinds of plants which you choose will create the atmosphere of your garden. Native Australian plants are a great choice because of their low maintenance and water saving attributes. Another avenue to consider is an edible garden, where you can grow your favourite fruits, vegetables, and herbs to harvest throughout the year. The key to a successful edible garden is research; conditions such as sunlight, moisture, and temperature will determine which crops thrive.

Plants can make a great aesthetic addition to a home, so you should consider factors like colour, height, and texture, and how these can complement the style of your house. Finally, look for plants which are locally grown so as to be already acclimatised to your garden’s climate. These plants will be easier to care for and help to reach their full potential.

Purpose

Consider what your backyard will be used for. Perhaps you need somewhere for children and pets to run and play, or you might prefer a quiet place to read a good book in the afternoon sun. Many homeowners enjoy outdoor kitchens and entertainment areas as a natural extension of their home. It helps to have an idea of what type of features you would like as points of interest, such as a fire pit, water feature, or sculpture.

One of the most important things to consider is maintenance, and how much time you are realistically going to put into the garden. Lush lawns and greenery look amazing if they are maintained, but if you prefer a no-fuss approach, a paved area featuring hardy, low-maintenance gardens might provide a welcome reprieve from mowing, fertilising, weeding, and trimming. A landscape designer can help you weigh up the pros and cons of each type of landscape. For example, a natural lawn is cooler in summer than synthetic grass or pavers.

Contact a professional landscape designer to create a specialised plan for your backyard, complete with price estimates, and compliant with government regulations for your area.

For more information, please contact the expert contributor.