Hit refresh on your garden for 2024 with these tips from a landscape designer

Embarking on a garden makeover tempts us to head to the nursery and buy plants impulsively. Yet success lies in the planning, even for small projects.

Without this, your garden may lack coherence and struggle to thrive.

“If you genuinely want to ensure a successful result, there are a few things that need to be considered first,” says Adam McDonald, landscape designer and creative director of Impressions Landscapes and Design.

Follow these steps to ensure you get the best from your garden makeover.

Draw it out

Start with a map of your space, marking out north, McDonald advises.

“This will help plan a garden that is best prepared for the characteristics of the site,” he says. “Understanding where north is will influence the sun and shade requirements for planting.”

You will have difficulty growing fruit trees in a south-facing garden, while a west-facing spot requires plants tolerant of heat.

“Understanding the aspect is also useful for planning seating areas or entertaining zones,” McDonald says.

While scoping the site, check if screening is required to block out neighbouring properties or unsightly views, and if there are any problem areas that need to be addressed, like waterlogged soil or sloping areas.

“Once you have these basics down, you can then start to draw a layout for the garden,” McDonald says.

“Consider what you’re hoping to achieve: How does the garden need to function and what do you need to make that happen? Is there a specific look or style required to match the home? How much maintenance will the garden need or receive? And, of course, the budget.”

Pull garden inspiration from online, magazines, social media and your neighbourhood to assist with your decision.

Do the dirty work

Understanding your soil is an important part of a garden makeover. If the soil is compacted or drains poorly, most plants will struggle, and while importing garden soil is a solution, it can be costly.

You can improve soil structure with compost and organic matter, like aged animal manure or pelletised chook poo. However, this takes time to take effect and is an ongoing process.

Alternatively, opt for plants better suited to poor conditions or consider planting raised garden beds or pots.

Plant palette

There are numerous resources to assist with choosing the right plants for your space.

Which Plant Where is a free online service developed by Macquarie University, Western Sydney University and Hort Innovation to provide information on choosing plants for your locality.

Online nurseries are also a valuable resource, and so is speaking to a horticulturist at your local garden centre.

When you’re armed with the knowledge about aspect, soil conditions and the intended purpose of the plant, it’s easier to find what you need.

Need a hand?

If you’re still lacking confidence or feel out of your depth, a professional landscape designer can help.

“A landscape designer is comparable to an architect for house design or interior designer for home styling,” McDonald says. “They can bring to life the vision which you might be struggling with.”

The cost varies depending on the experience and profile of the designer, but the value they provide is significant.

“This can manifest in enhanced beauty, changes to functionality, improved lifestyle and happiness for users, or even just an increase in property value,” McDonald says.

Get the right tools

There’s a myriad of tools you can buy to help shape and maintain your garden. Here are some of the basics to get you gardening on the right foot:

+ Spade

+ Shovel

+ Garden fork

+ Hand tools (trowel, fork, weeder)

+ Secateurs (loppers or pruning saw if you have trees)

Tammy Huynh is a horticulturist, a presenter on Gardening Australia and the owner of Leaf an Impression.