Aussies are starting to look at their backyards a little differently...
The garden isn’t just a patch of grass anymore — it’s becoming an extra part of the home that’s practical, relaxing and better for the environment. Here are some of the big ideas shaping gardens around the country this year.
Sustainability & Climate Smarts
Saving water, handling tough weather and keeping things low-maintenance are top priorities. Native and hardy plants like kangaroo paw, bottlebrush and grevillea are go-tos because they can handle the heat and don’t need much watering.
People are also rethinking what they build with — using recycled timber, natural stone, and materials that let rain soak through instead of running off. Rainwater tanks, drip systems and smart irrigation setups are becoming pretty standard, helping gardens stay green without wasting water.
Outdoor Living as an Extra Room
These days, backyards are being treated like another living area. Think outdoor kitchens, fire pits, pergolas with weather protection, comfy furniture and good lighting. It’s all about creating spaces you can actually use — whether that’s cooking dinner outside, having friends over, or just chilling out after work. Instead of just keeping a neat lawn, people are designing gardens that suit how they live day-to-day.
Edible & Useful Planting
More homeowners are mixing practical with pretty — adding veggie patches, herbs and fruit trees alongside their ornamental plants. Raised garden beds, herb borders and even fruit trees used as privacy screens are becoming common. The idea is to have a garden that looks good and gives something back.
Simple Designs, Bold Plants
Garden layouts are getting cleaner and more minimal — using natural materials like stone, gravel and timber for a tidy, modern look. This simple base is then brought to life with eye-catching plants, vibrant turf and natural textures such as mulch and timber. It’s about keeping things easy to maintain but still full of character.
Smart Tech
Tech is sneaking into the garden too — for example, our irrigation systems use Rainbird Smart meters which can be controlled on your phone via bluetooth, or set to a timer.
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