Things To Think About

Apples For Apples

Getting Value for Your Money in Landscaping

How do you know if you're getting value for money? The key is to fully understand what you're getting and ensure that when comparing quotes, you're truly comparing apples to apples.

The challenge is that cost and specifications can vary significantly, making it difficult to pinpoint the differences. Let’s use a simple analogy to explain:

Think about a car. Any car. You have the base model, then two or three upgraded versions—each adding more features, safety enhancements, or cosmetic improvements. At a glance, they all look similar and share the same core components, but once you drive them or inspect them closely, the differences become obvious.

Landscaping is no different. Price variations often stem from factors such as:

• Preparation Quality: The time and effort put into preparing the site can significantly affect the final result.

• Materials Used:

• Timber: Different grades and types affect durability and aesthetics.

• Decking: Varies in material, thickness, and finish.

• Pavers: Differences in strength, slip resistance, and mold resistance impact both cost and longevity.

• Lighting & Electronics: The quality of pumps, irrigation controllers, and electric gate motors can change performance and reliability.

• Soil & Mulch: The quality and depth of topsoil, garden mix, and bark influence long-term plant health.

There are also aesthetic choices that influence cost:

• Concrete: Adding pebbles or oxides enhances appearance but increases cost.

• Pavers, Tiles, and Decking: Locally sourced materials may differ in price from imported options, and quality varies widely.

Finally, the scope of work and quality of workmanship can be a major factor. A project’s starting point can vary—some begin before site works, while others commence after. The level of post-project support also differs: does the contractor include establishment and initial maintenance, or is it left to the client? Quality of finish takes skill and time.

Since many of these details aren't immediately clear, it's crucial to work with a contractor you trust. Having an open conversation will help you understand exactly what you're getting and how adjustments—whether adding or removing elements—impact costs.

Ultimately, the best value comes from transparency, quality craftsmanship, and making informed decisions that align with your expectations and budget.

Common Landscaping Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Landscaping sounds fun — until you’ve planted a tree too close to the house, built a patio that floods, or realised your “low-maintenance” garden is anything but.
Here are some of the most common landscaping blunders (we’ve seen a few in our time) — and how to steer clear of them.

Planting Without a Plan
You saw a plant on Instagram or at Mitre 10. It looked cute. You bought it. Now it’s 3 metres tall and shading the entire lawn.
Avoid it:

• Know your plants before you plant them

• Check their mature size, spacing, and sun/water needs

• Stick to a planting plan (or get help creating one)

Ignoring Drainage
“Water always finds a way” — especially if you haven’t allowed for proper drainage.
Avoid it:

• Consider slope, runoff, and where water naturally goes. If you’ve altered ground levels, think about where the water used to go — it will find a way, often where you least want it

• Use free-draining base layers under paving, and make sure water can escape

• If in doubt, it’s far easier to do it right once than to fix a problem later

Doing Everything at Once
We get it — you’re excited. But blowing the budget trying to finish the whole property in one go can lead to rushed decisions and cut corners.
Avoid it:

• Prioritise key zones (like the front entry or outdoor living area)

• Stage your landscaping in manageable chunks

• Get the structure right first — then add to it one step at a time

Choosing the Wrong Plants for the Site
Some plants hate wind. Others don’t like wet feet. Choosing what “looks nice” instead of what will thrive can lead to sad, struggling gardens — and wasted money replacing dead plants.
Avoid it:

• Learn your site’s sun, wind, and soil profile — it likely varies across your property

• Choose tough, reliable plants suited to local conditions

• Ask a nursery or landscaper for advice — make sure they understand your site, not just the plant

• It’s far easier (and more cost-effective) to choose the right plant for a site than to try and manipulate the environment. If you're an experienced gardener, you can do this — but you need to know what you're doing

Underestimating Maintenance
That lush green hedge? It grows like mad. That cute pebble path? It’s now a weed farm. Even “low-maintenance” gardens need some love.
Avoid it:

• Choose plants and materials that suit your lifestyle

• Use mulch where it makes sense — it suppresses weeds and helps retain moisture

• Understand what upkeep will be required before installing

Going Too Trendy
Timber sleepers as steps? Nice. Painted blue rocks shaped like dolphins? Hmm. Trends come and go — and outdoor features are hard to undo.
Avoid it:

• Choose timeless materials for key areas

• Use trendier plants or features in ways that are easy to update or that will age well

• Ask yourself: Will I still love this in 5 years?

DIY Beyond Your Skill Set
We love a good DIY — but some things (like retaining walls, irrigation, or drainage) are best left to the pros.
Avoid it:

• Be honest about what you can and can’t do

• Get help for the technical or heavy stuff

• Combine DIY with professional help where it makes sense

Overlooking Council Regulations
Oh yes — there are rules about what you can and can’t do. Nothing worse than building something and finding out it’s non-compliant.
A lot can be done without council involvement, but this can be a trap — there’s often a fine line between what’s okay and what needs consent.
Avoid it:

• If you’re building any structure (sheds, pergolas, outdoor rooms), check the rules with your council

• On newer urban sites, too much paving or concrete can breach site coverage limits

• Retaining walls near boundaries, and any structure with a fall greater than 1 metre, often require fencing to a specific standard

• Pools are obvious, but spas may also require fencing unless the right lockable lid is used; water features over 400mm deep may also need fencing

• There’s more — but these are the most common traps

Landscaping should be exciting, not frustrating. Avoid these common pitfalls and you’ll save money, time, and maybe even your back.
When in doubt, ask someone who’s done it (many times) before.

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.