Blogs

To understand Drought Tolerant landscaping, we need to first understand some of the technical terms in the world of soil chemistry and how that affects drought tolerance.   “Plant Available Water” “PAW” Is the amount of water in the soil…

The Outdoor Entertaining area is the ideal addition to the Melbourne Garden. Melbourne’s climate and lifestyle makes this a very practical part of the landscape design.   The Outdoor Entertaining area kitchen Chelsea Flower Show 2018 The outdoor kitchen trend…

The current decline of insects. It was alarming to read recently of the decline in populations of flying insects in Europe. Studies in Germany alone has seen a reduction 76% since 1989 in nature reserves. The reasons for the die…

Integrated swimming pool and landscaping packages are a cost-effective solution for Melbourne homes.   1.     Landscape Design The swimming pool or spa should be the landscape design focal point for the home landscape. Creating the design as a swimming pool…

The Landscape Design trends we are seeing in Melbourne owe much to practicality as well as the aesthetic. These trends reflect the lifestyle of summer in Melbourne but are also provide a practical landscape design with drought tolerant plants and…

Eco-friendly Concrete, as the name suggests, is a kind of concrete that is relatively environment friendly. It is not just a single type of Concrete, rather one of at least four different types of Concrete. Concrete is a major contributor…

The pool designs we are now seeing as the trend or fashion for residential swimming pools were once only seen in exclusive holiday resorts. Occasionally these swimming pool designs would be seen on Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, but…

The Swimming Pool, as the name suggests, is a man-made pool which holds water for the family to swim in. Swimming pools can be made with a variety of different materials depending on the application and location. A roof-top swimming…

After hugely successful installations in Zwolle and Giethoorn in the Netherlands, plastic roads and paths are about to become mainstream. Now, two years after the concept was first tested, a team of plastic road specialists are taking the idea global,…

Melbourne Landscaping companies are now turning to an unlikely material for some of their wood finishes. The material: recycled plastic composite. Why not use wood itself? Here are the five best reasons…   Reason One: Toughness and Durability of Recycled…

The Salvia plant is available in a huge range of colours and sizes for your garden. It is not really that surprising when you consider there are more than 950 species to choose from. The salvia is a member of…

Why create an Eco Garden Our gardens are our sanctuaries; places where we relax, entertain and create memorise with our loved ones. Yet sometimes the time, effort and resources required maintaining a garden can be overwhelming. Eco gardening is a…

Concrete Path Construction makes use of one of the world’s most versatile materials. Concrete is world’s second most consumed product for a reason. Concrete and construction come hand in hand. It is used not only in buildings, irrigation projects, artificial…

Eco Pools, a new type of swimming pool on an old theme. With the rise of climate change and awareness of our environmental impact on the world, many of us are trying to incorporate everyday practices that reduce our environmental…

The Pages for Balwyn Landscaping have moved. Please see the links below.   Balwyn Landscaping – Commercial Project   Tennis Court Construction Balwyn Community Centre   The tennis court surface. 4 best modern surfaces   13 Best Reasons To Preserve…

A new lawn can add a great deal of kerb appeal to a new home landscaped garden, as well as providing a recreation area for kids and dogs. It is often a dream of home owners to have a beautiful…

A Concrete Retaining wall can be described as a structure that retains the lateral pressure – usually formed due to soil. In simple terms, it is nothing but a wall that holds the soil on one side of it so…

The tennis court surface is a fundamental part of the game of tennis. Without any doubt, tennis is one of the most entertaining and favorite games among millions of people of all ages across the globe. It improves both physical…

Outdoor gym equipment is a growing trend in the landscaping of public spaces. Our recent landscape construction projects at Balwyn Community Centre and Mill Park Leisure, north of Melbourne, have both made use of outdoor exercise equipment. Now, more than…

Permeable Concrete or pervious concrete is changing the way public spaces are landscaped. Concrete is the second most consumed product in the world. And contrary to our belief, its usage is much wider than constructing buildings only. With recent developments…

Urban wetlands are now recognised as an important part of the landscaping of public spaces. Landscaping urban wetlands and surrounding  areas can be a challenge for landscapers not least of which is controlling the runoff from the landscape work. For…

Tennis court construction requires attention to detail and a very solid foundation.  First of all, the area must be excavated to a good depth. Any organic material under the tennis court will eventually rot away leaving a void under the…

Lavender or lavendula is a very hardy evergreen aromatic shrub which is grown for its scent as well as its flowers. Lamiaceae There are many species to choose from as the genus Lavandula has more than 30 known members. The…

Concrete is without a doubt it is one of the most versatile used materials in landscape construction. From in situ concrete walls to pavers to fence posts it has a wide range of uses. What are the different types of…

Landscaping is a word that is often used but can mean different things to different people. If we study the history of landscaping we can learn how these different interpretations of landscaping came about. Historically, architecture and landscaping are concepts…

Xanthorrhoea and Anigozanthos are great companion plants for several reasons. Xanthorrhoea and Anigozanthos as companion plants. Both Xanthorrhoea and Anigozanthos prefer sandy well drained soil. Both of these Australian native plants will die if given too much phosphorus. The watering…

Weeds are a part of gardening in Melbourne. One of the great things about gardening in Melbourne is the enormous range of plants that can be grown and also how quickly everything grows especially when some good rain comes. Unfortunately, this…

Creating a hedge and tree pruning are gardening techniques which can be used to great effect in any virtually any size of garden. These techniques can be used to control and direct the size, shape and direction of plant growth….

Climbing plants can transform a dull wall or grey fence into a colourful and spectacular feature of your garden and enhance garden privacy. If your garden is so small that you do not have room for a tree, then a…

Anigozanthos are tufted rhizomatous evergreen  perennials that are members of the bloodwort family. Bush Pearl Anigozanthos ‘bush pearl’ also known as Pink Kangaroo paw. Native to Western Australia, Anigozanthos ‘bush pearl’ are lovers of harsh dry arid conditions. Kangaroo paw…

Screening plants cannot not only increase the privacy in your garden, they can make your garden appear larger. Obscuring the fence or border with screening plants or climbers will help to fix the “closed in” look that bare fences will…

Bunnings announced in 2018 that pesticides based on Neonicotinoid would be phased out by the end of 2018. On the 27 April 2018 the European union has banned the use of the three neonicotinoids on open ground. This is an…

Espaliered plants were originally developed in Europe to grow fruit trees in a warm microclimate. A warm wall was used to provide heat and support to the plant. Later, trellises were also used to support espalier plants. Supports for Espaliered…

Melbourne Landscaper Red’s Landscaping and Civil has begun landscaping work at the Mill Park Leisure Centre. About the Mill Park Leisure Landscaping Project Building facilities by CICG The redevelopment of the facilities is being completed by CICG Pty ltd. The…

Balwyn is an inner eastern suburb of Melbourne and lies in the northern part of the city of Boroondara. It was in this area that grazier John Gardiner settled near the point where Gardiners creek meets the Yarra River. The…

Construction of a landscape for a new home can be easier and more cost effective than putting the landscaping in afterwards. The key is to start the new landscaping and in particular, the planning, design and construction as early as…

The home garden can be landscaped to add enormous value to your home without spending a fortune to achieve it. It is more than just adding street or kerb appeal to your front yard garden, but also the illusion of…

Commercial landscaping involves much more than planting trees and grasses. In the commercial world, keeping to the required timing plan is essential. This is especially the case when working with large commercial construction companies with strict deadlines and millions of…

Path design for cottage gardens is not only a way to provide access, but the path can provide a design feature in itself. How do you plan a garden Path? Designing a garden path for your cottage garden Traditional cottage…

Pool landscaping design provides some challenges for the horticulturist as well as for the hard landscaper and landscape designer. Plant selection pitfalls The landscape designer should choose plants that will not shed too much material into the pool which would…

Japanese gardens evoke the feeling of peace and tranquillity. These gardens are not only beautiful, but they are practical too as a visit to the Kew Botanical gardens shows. Professor Fukuhara of Osaka University designed this garden in 1996 based…

Landscaping Mission Statement As a professional Landscaping Company, we will strive to the goals of; Creating customer delight by the design and construction of dramatic low maintenance Melbourne outdoor and roof top living spaces, whilst ensuring they are functional, self-contained…

Topsoil in Melbourne Topsoil in Melbourne is heavily dependent on the underlying geological material, if there has not been a history of topsoil ameliorations or importation of topsoil from other locations. According to the Department of Agriculture, topsoils of Melbourne…

Tree landscape design is an essential part of commercial or residential landscape gardening. As the Chinese proverb goes, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now”. With the cooler months, it…

Exposed aggregate concrete is a great design solution for public spaces. The attractive durable not slip surface makes it an ideal choice for landscape architects. High traffic areas around public buildings often use this type of concrete path. Exposed Aggregate…

In-situ Concrete, also known as insitu concrete, is an outstanding landscaping construction technique. In terms of long terms long term quality, robustness and longevity very few landscape construction techniques come close. To many people in-situ concrete is better know as…

Concrete architecture in landscaping is often seen of as a brutalist approach to landscape design. It is however possible to soften the design of concrete architecture with the use of landscape design techniques such as ponds or garden beds as…

Cottage Garden Plants to include in your home garden design include many of the flowering plants traditionally grown in cottage gardens. In the list below, we have included some of our favourite cottage garden plants for you to use in…

Cottage garden ideas can be found in many of the gardens open to the public. These include Open Garden Scheme Gardens and the many home gardens worldwide. One great source of cottage garden ideas is the National Trust of Great…

Melbourne Cottage Gardens owe much to the English cottage gardens of the 1800s. If you have a Cottage Style Home or a heritage style home, there is a lot you can do in the garden to give your home garden…

Environmental Policy aims The aim of the Red’s Landscaping and Civil Environmental’s and Sustainability Policy is to provide effective environmental management that emphasises: a planned and proactive approach commitment and involvement of managers and officers at all levels meaningful and…

Sketchup is a key tool for Landscape design. Its features including he collection of plants and garden features in the 3D warehouse make it a great choice. Key Sketchup 3D design software features Sketchup can combine with Lumon to create…

For quality landscaping services, at Red’s Landscaping and Civil, we pride ourselves in our workmanship. Excellent landscaping involves much more than the workmanship of our landscapers, concreters and horticulturists. Central to our quality system is our quality statement. Landscaping Quality…

French Landscape design French landscape design were said to originate in 1662. It was during this time that King Louis XIV imprisoned the then superintendent of finances Nicolas Fouquet for embezzling royal funds. Fouquet’s ambition to build his own private…

The winter is characterised with weeds, heavy soaking, low sunlight levels, and frost, which, for us humans, means rugging up, staying covered and resting mostly indoors. But for lawns, the winter is a critical time to survive and need as…

The winter is characterised with weeds, heavy soaking, low sunlight levels, and frost, which, for us humans, means staying covered and resting mostly indoors. But for lawns, the winter is a critical time to survive and require as much help…

Proper garden maintenance is critical to your property value in Melbourne the heart of the garden state. A well maintained garden will also save money in the long term and give visitors a sense of well being. Garden maintenance can…

Salvia leucantha or Mexican bush sage. Salvia leucantha or Mexican bush sage an Autumn flowering perennial which can add colour to your Melbourne garden in early May. Salvias are generally drought tolerant and can handle subtropical as well as temperate…

Tulips are members of the Lily (Liliaceae) family. They have a very diverse range of colours, sizes shapes and forms. Tulips have an incredible impact when they are grown in mass plantings in a garden bed but are also great…

Banksia Coccinea, like all Banksias, is a member of the proteaceae family, which is in turn a member of the protea order.  Banksias, also known as the Australian Honeysuckle, are named after the famous botanist Joseph Banks, who sailed to…

Melbourne Coastal Garden design, depends heavily on selecting the right plants for the conditions. Coastal garden plants have to endure salt spray, wind and often not very fertile sandy soils. If you have a home in one of Melbourne’s beachside…

The daffodil is a springtime favourite amongst many gardeners in Melbourne. This hardy perennial bulb is easy to grow and can be a stunning feature in your garden design. Originating in northern Europe and widely cultivated in gardens both in…

The Magnolia is a garden plant well known to most Melbourne Gardeners and also to gardeners in cooler climates like Tasmania and Northern Europe. Varieties and cultivars available locally in Melbourne include Grandiflora Teddy Bear, Magnolia Grandiflora Little Gem,  Grandiflora…

CAD Garden Design using 3D design tools CAD Garden Design for Melbourne Gardens provides us some unique challenges. Getting your landscaping design ideas on paper, or on the computer, is a great help with the overall landscape design plan. One…

Lawn renovation is best done in early Autumn in Melbourne gardens. Take the  time to assess your lawn and plan for some renovation and repair work. Start by walking over your lawn and checking for any bald patches, or high…

Caring for your new Melbourne Landscape Garden. If you have just spent tens of thousands of dollars on your new landscape garden, then you will probably be looking at ways to protect that investment. Ongoing gardening maintenance for your new…

Generally, redesigning your landscape involves choosing features of landscaping and incorporating them into the perfect design. You want a landscape that will last for years, so get ready to invest some time. Ask yourself these 6 questions before you re-design…

If you’ve been neglecting your yard for a while, we think it is about time you made a change. Seeing brown grass and withered plants in your garden can get you to avoid going outdoors even in a place as…

Gardening Services is one of the gardening and landscaping services provided by Red’s Landscape Gardening. We believe that excellent garden maintenance is both great for your business image and great for property values. Gardening services work in progress on a Melbourne nature…

The hardy and Drought Resistant Lomandra Plant   The Lomandra plant is considered a common plant in Australia and a key feature of any Melbourne Seascape. Hardy and drought resistant, thrives in the salty air of the Melbourne and always…

Landscaping costs are, not surprisingly, one of a client’s biggest areas of concern. Like other fields of construction, often some labour-intensive processes are needed as well as the use of heavy machinery. Also, with good quality landscaping, much of the…

Garden Lighting for Landscaping Melbourne Gardens The well-planned installation of  lighting can draw attention to your garden’s focal point. It will make your garden stand out as a place of interest throughout the evening and during the night. Even relatively…

Murraya Paniculata is a versatile plant for Melbourne Landscaping. At Red’s Landscaping and Civil, we put a lot of thought into exactly which plants best suit your local environment and your specific outdoor area. There’s never a one-size fits all…

The Mediterranean garden design is not just beautiful, it is often a very practical low maintenance garden solution for landscaping Melbourne gardens. Historically Melbourne winters are cool but short in duration. The summers are hot and  we have experienced more…

Gardening ideas from all around the world and from the world’s best landscapers are on display each year at the Chelsea Flower Show. Amongst the many great Landscaping and Gardening ideas on display at the 2018 Chelsea flower show, was…

Landscaping ideas from the worlds best landscapers are on display annually at Chelsea near London. The annual Royal Horticultural Society flower show in the south grounds of the Royal Chelsea hospital could be the most famous flower show in the…

Pandanus tree under threat on the Gold Coast The coastal Pandanus tree (Pandanus tectorius) is now under threat from the native leaf hopper (Jamella australiae) in South East Queensland. Although the two have co-existed for a long time, the leaf…

English classic garden design. There is no doubt that the Australian garden style, especially prior to the 1930s, was heavily influenced by the design of English gardens. These gardens were in turn influenced by French, Italian and Spanish gardens and…

Xanthorrhoea is a icon of the Australian bush and the Australian coastal garden. Whether you are designing a small garden, a medium sized garden or a large garden, the Australian Grass tree or Xanthorrhoea is a great choice. For a…

Orchids are a great plant for landscape design and have many practical uses. Vertical Gardens For the creation of vertical gardens, the use of epiphytic species from the Orchid and Bromeliads families are a beautiful and practical solution. If you…

Melbourne International Flower Garden Show is a great place to develop your landscape garden design ideas. If you are not in Melbourne, see if you can get to one of the annual garden shows around the country or around the…

The eucalyptus is an icon of the Australian native bush garden and is a favourite amongst many Australian landscapers.Every year in late March the National Eucalypt day is celebrated. Events and celebrations take place all around Australia. Some of the…

Palm trees form a quintessential part of the Melbourne Landscape. Palm trees such as the Canary Island Date Palms (Phoenix canariensis) were amongst the earliest landscape garden plantings in Melbourne seaside parks. These, along with other varieties are often used…

A Small garden  can be a design challenge for even experienced landscape designers. If you are living in a Melbourne townhouse with a small backyard, and you might be thinking about what can be achieved in such a small space….

The Melaleuca or Paperbark The melaleuca is a genus of flowering evergreen Australian native shrubs and trees. It is a member of the myrtle family, Myrtaceae. What soil does the Melaleuca prefer? Melaleucas generally prefer well drained friable soil and…

Landscaping Concrete must to be the correct grade with the correct reinforcement for the job it is selected for. If this is not the case, cracking can occur. To properly decide on which mix to use, it is important to…

Dog friendly landscape design often involves a play area with a nice patch of lawn.  People often ask how can I have a nice garden with my dog? A small path of lawn will provide recreational space for children and…

Christmas trees have been part of the European Christmas tradition since at least the 16th century, but the tradition of bringing evergreen trees indoors during the winter solstice goes back even earlier. Christmas Trees in Germany Germany is credited with…

Wildlife In The Garden Australian cities are rapidly expanding into greenfields areas to accommodate our way of life, however, this is threatening the habitats of Australia’s wildlife. In order to sustain healthy populations of native wildlife, we need to adapt…

Hampton Court palace Hampton Court gardens and palace lie around 20 kilometres south west of London. It is near to Kingston upon Thames and is within the borders of the borough of Richmond upon Thames. There was a substantial building…

Sandringham Gardens in Norfolk is one of the the most beautiful of all the Royal properties. The grounds, which are more than 25 hectares, have been redeveloped by successive monarchs since the original purchase by King Edward VII (Then Prince…