Garden makeovers to complete the seachange dream

When people move into the country seeking a 'sea change' or 'tree change' they often find themselves with a larger space in which to plan for garden makeovers. 

Sometimes there is a garden already established around the house; at other times there is nothing but virgin bush or an open paddock as a blank canvas.

Kevin Walsh, a landscape designer based in central Victoria and the author of Australia's first and most successful book on waterwise gardening, is often called upon to design gardens for people who have moved to rural areas from the city.

"One of the biggest traps for these people is that they often bite off more than they can chew," he says. "It's better to have a smaller garden that you know you can maintain, rather than taking on a larger area and finding that you can't keep on top of it in terms of the pruning and mowing and so on." 

Begin a garden makeover with the basics

Kevin suggests that people start off by working on the area immediately surrounding the house. This is usually the highest maintenance zone, which involves the most water, the most careful planting, pruning and mowing, and even the most pest-control measures. This area might be considered the 'premium zone', with a more manicured and cared-for feel.

As you move away from the house, you can create zones which progressively involve less care and maintenance. The last zone might blend man-made garden and natural bush or farmland. 

Understand your environment

Kevin advises getting to know the climate of the area you are moving into. This includes prevailing winds. Is it a salt-laden breeze from the sea? Does a drying northerly blow in summer?

"If you're planting a completely new garden, then one of the first things to do is establish wind breaks," says Kevin. "Then you can go ahead and plant out the rest of the garden."  

High temperatures and severe frosts are other factors that come into play. And then there are the two elements that people in rural areas must always have at the forefront of their minds: water and fire. Many people living far from town only have tank and dam water (apart from rivers and creeks) and so must incorporate this into any plans for the garden. 

And the ever-present danger of fire means areas near the house must be kept clear of debris and long grass, and this will also affect the sorts of plants you can use and how close to the house they can be.

Larger space means more family fun

Of course, the larger space brings with it many advantages. Your kids will have so much more room to play, for one thing. But creating a beautiful, sustainable and safe garden means finding a balance between all these factors. Talk to a landscape designer today.

Talk with a landscape designer in your area to find out how you can create perfect garden makeovers for your property: