If you’re into relationships then be aware that one exists between your landscaping and your home. The house exists in reference to its surroundings. It can be a good relationship, or it can be a not so good one, or maybe somewhere in between.

According to Landscaping Sydney, the idea is for the two to co-exist, growing together over time as your landscape meshes to the house.

Garden Planning

Early Planning

When do you get the best landscapes? When the house and landscaping are both in the design stage. If it’s at all possible, especially when building a custom home, make plans for your house and garden together. That way you can get both the landscape design and the home design to work well with each other. Some homes are built with a landscaping package. That’s a good starting point.

Whether it’s custom designed, or part of a deal, you will be able to add, modify and create after you move in, and over the years. Here are some basic landscaping tips:

Save the Trees

If you have mature trees on the property, retain if possible. In fact, there are council and building regulations about cutting down trees, so be aware, and be careful.

All is not lost if the property has no trees. Landscape nurseries are everywhere and you can buy mature plants and they do deliver.

Mature plants come at a reasonably high cost, but a couple of well-placed trees or shrubs will provide a quick transformation and make the home look a little more established a lot quicker.

Select a Range of Plants

Even if you were talking with a landscaper, it’s a good idea to know a bit about the plants you want in your garden, otherwise you will end up with ordinary plants that everybody else has. And maybe plants that are not indigenous to your area. Native plants mean less work as they thrive in that environment.

Native Plants

Native plants look better because they blend in with the surroundings. Who wants a Texan landscape in Margaret River?

The local agricultural website has heaps of information on native plants and you will find, in your own area, a landscape and garden supply business that not only sells local native plants, but also has everything you need to know about planting, feeding and loving them.

Another way to decide on what looks good is to drive around and see what other people have planted. Try not to look too suspicious. Take pictures if you can.

Using Space the Best Way

Once you know what plants you want, how will you arrange them? Your outdoor spaces will govern your landscape. Have a discussion with your partner or family about what each wants within the landscape. Think about these possibilities: Do you like dining outside? Entertaining? Swimming? These activities will help you decide on whether you allocate space for a table, a pool, a spa or a patio.

Make sure that your end design is the beginning of a great relationship between your house and garden.