6 WAYS TO LANDSCAPE PRIVACY
21 May

6 Ways to Landscape Privacy

privacy wallPrivacy plays a massive part in how much time you spend in your own backyard. Still, without the best landscaping, it’s not always that easy to get. How are you supposed to feel relaxed and free to be yourself when neighbouring properties are staring in? It’s easier to achieve than you think.

  1. Tall Fencing

The most obvious solution to achieve privacy is tall fencing. If your current perimeter fencing is looking a little worse for wear, then consider your options surrounding an upgrade. Changing your fences may rely on your neighbours to agree to it, but it can benefit both properties once it’s complete.

  1. Privacy Screens

Sometimes, it’s not the entire yard you want to keep private, but your entertaining area instead. There’s something quite invasive about spending time with friends and family, only to be able to see your neighbour hanging their washing on the line.

Fortunately, privacy screens are something that are effortless to incorporate into your landscape design. You can buy all manner of permanent and temporary ones and screen off the area you intend to keep private.

Category  :  Landscape Design Posted by Principal Landscapes
Landscaping Floreat
27 April

What to Consider When Installing a Swimming Pool

Swimming PoolsIf you have just made it through a particularly sweltering summer without a swimming pool, then well done. Nearly three million Australians were able to cool off in their backyard pools, and you battled through without one. But could next summer be the one that you start looking at your pool and landscaping options?

Before you jump into the installation process, take a moment to think about what you want. Here are a few helpful hints and things to consider before installing a swimming pool.

Who Will You Get to Install it?

A swimming pool can either be something you incorporate seamlessly into your landscaping design or something that detracts from it. What you end up with can depend on who you choose to install it.

Some of the best landscape designers can offer the full package, above and beyond just pool installation. They can help with various pool options, heating, water features, wading areas, poolside plants, and even lighting. You can end up with not only a pool, but a beautiful feature in your back yard.

The Size and Shape

Unlike inflatable pools, built-in ones have very few limitations regarding size and shape. In fact, your only real barriers are your property boundary and budget.

If you are not sure what shape and size will work best with home styling and configuration, then ask the experts. Landscaping professionals in your area will be more than happy to show you past builds and potential options that tick all the boxes for your needs.

Category  :  Swimming Pools Posted by Principal Landscapes
16 March

5 Best Landscape Plants for Dry Climates

Autumn RubyWhether you’re in WA, QLD, NT, or another hot state in Australia, you’ll likely struggle to achieve the landscaping you desire. After all, many plants need water to thrive, and the hot summer sun combined with temperatures over 30 degrees-Celsius gives you limited options.

But while options for what plants you can have are limited, they aren’t lacking. Read on to learn what are some of the best landscape plants for dry climates in Australia.

Amber Velvet

Amber velvet is a mid-sized kangaroo paw plant that grows up to 40cm high and 50cm wide. You can plant it in the ground, in pots, and low maintenance gardens and landscapes. It’s clear to see that amber velvet is as versatile as they come.

This plant thrives in well-drained soil in full sun and has a beautifully vibrant flower that can add a much-needed attitude to any garden. The best part is, it thrives in some of the hotter states in Australia like WA, QLD, VIC, and NSW.

Category  :  Landscape Design Posted by Principal Landscapes ,
21 February

Party Paradise: How to Landscape for Entertaining

party paradise landscapingEveryone has different landscaping dreams. Some people want that sprawling lawn and cottage garden. In contrast, others desire a peaceful and relaxing space with water features and cobblestone paths. Then some want somewhere they can hang out with friends and family, a place of fun and excitement.

Landscaping for entertainment can take a lot of planning, and even an expert with an eye for detail. But one thing’s for sure; there is a lot you can do under the name of entertaining. Read on to learn how you can turn your backyard into a party paradise.

  1. Create a Focal Point

Nothing in your landscape design should ever be random. There needs to be a point of focus, so what will it be? Some people like to install a spa or swimming pool, as this tends to be the significant drawcard for a gathering of friends. Swimming pools and spas can also be a pleasant way to unwind after a hard week at work or a way to cool down or warm up.

  1. Let There Be Light

Entertaining can be a daytime event or a night-time one, but day can soon turn into night. Cater for both. You can install both temporary and permanent forms of lighting into your softscape and hardscape elements. For example, a landscape expert may recommend inbuilt lighting in any steps, or angled lighting in your plants. Something as simple as solar lighting can have a striking effect.

Category  :  Landscaping Posted by Principal Landscapes
27 January

Best Ways to Landscape on a Slope

slope landscapingA hillside property is a brilliant way in which to highlight a home’s style and take advantage of spectacular views. But for all its positive points, slopes can be quite tricky to work with, especially when it comes to landscaping.

Before you get started, why not consider the following helpful tips? They could make a significant difference in your landscape design.

Try Tiers

Planting flowers and plants on a sloping property will not always give the result you desire. Given the angling, they can be hard to control and even harder to make aesthetically pleasing. That’s why tiers are a popular option for homeowners with sloping land.

With the use of concrete, railroad sleepers, stone pavers, or wood, you can create multiple levels that start from the top of your slope and work their way down to the bottom of it. A expert landscape designer can offer assistance with this process while also guiding you on the best plants to complete the look.

Install a Water Feature

Water features look stunning in any property, but they can be even more enchanting on a sloping property. Take advantage of the steep angle of your land and incorporate an elaborate water feature. A landscaping team can help with both the planning and installation of it, as well as the best plants to tie the look together.

Category  :  Landscape Design Posted by Principal Landscapes
sustainable mulch
17 December

Why It’s Time to Manage Your Mulching

Think about how much time you dedicate to gardening when you could be doing something much more fun. The truth is, even with some of the most incredible landscaping designs, you will always have to spend at least some time tending to your garden.

However, there’s one thing that can certainly help reduce the maintenance aspect, and that’s mulch. Read on to learn why it’s time to manage your mulching.

Suppresses Weed Growth

Mulch is an organic or non-organic material that you can put over the top of the soil in your garden. Not only can it offer a more uniform look, but it can also suppress weed growth. The mulch stops light from reaching the dirt, thus restricting the number of weeds that grow. Over time, they may still find a way through, but not nearly as quickly as if you didn’t have any mulch at all.

Retains Soil Moisture

In hot Australian summers, it’s not easy keeping your soil moist. Sun has the annoying ability to be able to dry everything out. However, mulch can certainly be of assistance. By putting a layer of mulch on your soil, you can reduce the amount of water it loses. Therefore, it helps to maintain your soil moisture.

Controls Your Soil Temperature

Some plants can be quite finicky with soil temperatures. If they aren’t perfect, the plants won’t thrive and may even die. So, have you thought about the benefits of mulch for this task, too? Mulch allows your soil to remain warm on cold nights, but relatively cool on hot days. Such temperatures can prevent your plants from being subjected to temperature extremes.

Category  :  Landscaping Posted by Principal Landscapes
14 November

How to Attract Native Birds to Your Garden

Attract Native Birds to Your GardenHave you often wondered how your neighbour’s landscaping attracts dozens of birds, while your own sits empty? You might think it’s a coincidence, but it can all be down to what goodies your neighbour has, and you don’t have. Read on to find out how to attract native birds to your garden.

Invest in Nectar-Rich Flowers

There are more than 700 native bird species in Australia, so why not try and attract some of your favourites with nectar-rich flowers? Your local landscaping team can recommend some of the best plants for nectar production, such as bottlebrushes and banksias.

The native species of bottlebrush, known as Callistemon, have beautiful nectar-filled flowers that attract a variety of birds and insects. With enough bottlebrushes, you may be treated to visitors such as honeyeaters, lorikeets, and rosellas.

Banksias, on the other hand, are a shelter-offering plant that is also jam-packed full of nectar. They provide ample sustenance for birds like cockatoos.

Non-native plants have their place, as well. Camellias can bloom at various times of the year, depending on the type. For at least three quarters of the year, birds can benefit from plenty of nectar. The best part is, Camellias thrive in the shade, whereas many native plants don’t.

Plant Grasses

Grasses are a favourite plant type for a number of reasons. Homeowners enjoy the low maintenance aspect, but they also attract birds, as well. Finches and wrens love grasses for both shelter and seeds. They can also feast on garden pests hidden underneath them. Talk to your local landscaping company about the best grasses for your soil type.

Category  :  Landscape Design , Landscaping Posted by Principal Landscapes
23 October

Groundcover Plants to Save You Hours on Weeding

myoporum parvifolium white creeping boobiallaYou won’t find too many people thrilled about the idea of weeding their gardens. In fact, many people go to their local landscaping company to ask for garden ideas that won’t require them to give up their free time to the task.

The reality of any garden, though, is that weeds will appear. Still, some plants give the pesky weeds their marching orders better than others. If you would prefer to leave your free time to things you enjoy, then read on. Here are some of the many groundcover plants you can find in Australia that can save you hours on weeding.

Creeping Boobialla – Myoporum Parvifolium

Creeping boobialla would have to be one of the most versatile groundcover plants in Australia. As a result, it tends to be one of the most popular for weed suppression. If you plant it in a tropical-style garden that might see a lot of rainfall, it grows as a beautiful green blanket over your ground. You will have very few weeds to contend with as a result.

However, if you live somewhere drier and sunnier, it remains low and thick, while producing beautiful white flowers. Essentially, no matter the soil type or conditions, you can expect this lovely form of groundcover to thrive.

Category  :  Landscaping Posted by Principal Landscapes

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