When considering landscaping for your property, one of the more significant features that you may wish to discuss with our landscape design team is retaining walls. Whether you are considering one retaining wall or more, they require careful thought to ensure that they are both structurally sound and add to rather than subtract from your garden’s aesthetics. Let us explore what those retaining wall considerations are.

Location

It is first important to know that there is more than your preferences to consider when choosing the location of any retaining wall within your landscaping design. This is especially true if your garden borders a neighbouring property and your wall could, in effect, be facing their property as well as yours. As such you should discuss the wall with them in advance as well as any other neighbouring properties to ensure there are no objections.

In addition, you will likely be required to comply with local building regulations that may be a factor in determining where you can locate a retaining wall if it is going to be higher than 1 metre. Other issues which may affect where you can locate the wall are nearby public utilities such as drainage systems.

Type

There are four main types of retaining walls, although variations of them can be created meaning that your choices are considerable. The four types are Anchored, Cantilever, Gravity, and Sheet.

• Anchored: These, as their name suggests, are anchored directly to the ground using cables. Rarer than the other types, they are often used for difficult or awkward spaces and scenarios.
• Cantilever: These are normally made from stone or concrete and are normally strengthened internally by steel bars. Often configured in an L-shape, they are extremely strong and ideal if you wish to create taller walls.
• Gravity: The name for these walls is derived from the fact that they are used to stop soil movement within a landscaped garden. They are made from concrete or stone blocks and are the perfect type if you want a short wall.
• Sheet Piling: This is a simple wall constructed using a thin sheet of either timber or steel at its core and these are placed into the ground. They work well in small spaces, but on occasion may require some anchoring.

A common problem that homeowners face when carrying out landscaping tasks is deciding what plants to have. Sure, you could just choose all the plants you like, but will they survive an intense Australian summer?

Think about your climate, and let the rising mercury decide. Read on to learn about some of the hardiest landscaping plants to survive those harsh temperatures.

Oyster Plant – Acanthus Mollis

Plants have adapted over time to thrive or at least survive in full sun. Some make sure their stems and trunks can retain water, while others grow hairy or skinny leaves. The oyster plant remains beautiful and original, all while managing full sun and partial shade.

The oyster plant is evergreen and grows well in most parts of Australia. You can grow it in borders, pots, and even mass planting situations. It has tall purple and white flowers that grow year-round, and you only need to worry about providing it with a slow-release fertiliser once per year. Essentially, this plant thrives on neglect.

Fraser Island Apple – Acronychia Imperforata
If you have been looking for plants to attract wildlife to your landscaping, then start with the Fraser Island Apple. This evergreen tree has mini berries and is a massive drawcard for the blue tiger butterfly. It grows big and strong with dark glossy leaves, and it has a stunning cream summer blossom.

What people also like about this plant is that it thrives in sunny and partial shade conditions. It doesn’t like frost, but it’s overall reasonably hardy. It’s even suitable for coastal areas and exposed gardens from Queensland to New South Wales.

While much of Australia experiences blistering hot temperatures at various times of the year, some parts of the country can get quite wet. As a result, homeowners must think long and hard about their landscaping to ensure their plants will survive and thrive.

Whether you live in Queensland, New South Wales, Tasmania, or somewhere equally as prone to rainfall, read on. Here are some of the best landscape plants for wet climates. You’ll be pleased you did your homework.

Iris

Irises are a showy perennial that adds much-needed vibrancy to any section. Whether you’re starting your garden from scratch or you’re investing in landscaping, they are certainly worth having around.

Iris flowers thrive in many different climates, including sub-tropical, cold, warm, semi-arid, and wet. Most importantly for those who live in a damp area, they love wet conditions. In fact, they require regular watering if you don’t tend to get a lot of rainfall.

Plant irises in deep, well-drained soil in full sunshine and watch as they thrive. This beautiful flower will not disappoint with its vibrancy and hardiness.