Ready to plan your new build’s garden, but not sure where to start? Greg Soster, Director of Outside Space, gives us his professional advice on the perfect garden to grow, depending on your climate zone, architectural style and maintenance level!
Coastal gardens
Coastal gardens reflect on their proximity to the ocean and a laid-back beach lifestyle. They make allowances for sea breezes, salty conditions and sandy soils. Additionally, by nature, they’re often less ‘shaped’ and left to grow as they will — how much is up to you!
Soil:
- No clay
- Well-draining, quality soil
- Monitor PH levels
Climate:
- Hot through cool
- Tropical through temperate climates
Architectural style:
- Cottage
- Contemporary
- Cape Cod
Maintenance level:
- Low maintenance
- Drought-resistant
- Salt tolerant
Maintenance tips:
- Provide adequate drainage
- Shelter from strong winds
Specific plant suggestions:
- Succulents
- Sedge grass
- Herbaceous perennials (e.g. lavender, salvia, sedum)
- Evergreen perennials (e.g. banksia)
- Heaths and heathers (e.g. hebe, diosma)
Tropical gardens
Tropical gardens make the most of heavy rainfall (or a serious irrigation system), allowing you to feature some spectacular tropical plants with large leaves and some very tall trees. However, keep in mind their need for heavy mulching and fertiliser.
Soil:
- No clay
- Well-draining, quality soil
- Monitor PH levels
Climate:
- Hot & tropical
Architectural style:
- Contemporary
- Balinese
- Queenslander
- Byron Bay style
Maintenance level:
- Low maintenance
Maintenance tips:
- Provide adequate drainage
- Raised beds for herbs, fruit and vegetables
- Heavy mulching
- Regular fertilising
Plant suggestions:
- Palm grass
- Tree ferns
- Palms
- Colourful flowering plants, such as Bird of Paradise
Arid gardens
Arid gardens take their lead from dry conditions, whether hot or cold, and often rocky soils. They reflect on nature stripped back, allowing you to accentuate sharp and hard edges. They also give you the chance to create featured paving, walls and rockeries! For this reason, they are the perfect option for front gardens.
Soil:
- No clay
- Well-draining, quality soil
- Monitor PH levels
Climate:
- Dry
- Cool
Architectural style:
- Contemporary
- Mid-century modern
- Palm Springs
Maintenance level:
- Low
- Salt tolerant
Maintenance tips:
- Allow of adequate drainage
Plant suggestions:
- Succulents
- Tussock grass
- Cacti
- Kangaroo Paws
- Sturt Desert Pea
Cottage gardens
Cottage gardens offer sanctuary from busy lives, often catering to avid cooks with edible gardens as a feature. Most importantly, they also tend to feature bright colours and areas for reflection and contemplation of nature’s bounty.
Soil:
- No clay
- Well-draining, quality soil
- Monitor PH levels
Climate:
- Temperate climate, with possible frosts
- From the mountains to the sea
Architectural styles:
- Hamptons
- Coastal
- Classical
- Cottage
Maintenance level:
- Low maintenance
Maintenance tips:
- Make use of drip irrigation and water tanks
- Allow for adequate drainage
- Shelter from prevailing conditions
- Raised beds for herbs and vegetables
Plant suggestions:
- Colourful, small – medium sized plants
- Salvia, verbena, agapanthus, lavender
- Fountain grasses
- Tulips
- Daffodils
Who is Greg Soster?
Greg Soster is the Director & Construction Manager at Outside Space, combining over twenty-five years of industry experience in landscaping, building and carpentry. Greg launched Outside Space back in 2005, with the desire to provide and construct exceptional gardens. Over recent years, the team have taken great pride in their work for National Award-winning landscape designers and architects, recently appearing on Dream Gardens (S2 Ep2) and various episodes of Better Homes and Gardens.
Along with his team, his passion for landscape, design, natural creativity and technical background push landscape construction practices to the limit. Outside Space prides themselves on constructing high quality garden transformations that add value and purpose to your outdoor space. Greg has also had the pleasure of being on the Board and Vice President (2016) of LNA Master Landscapers Association (now The Landscape Association). A past board member for close to 6 years, he has enjoyed giving back to the industry through training and mentorships to younger landscape trades.
