Browse Forums Landscape & Garden Design 1 Aug 25, 2011 11:04 am Hey Guys,
I have just officially became the owner of 546sqm of land in the outer northern suburbs of Brisbane. I want to start thinking really early on about how I want the landscaping done so we can prepare what we need to make sure it thrives. I have done up a small plan but what Im really clueless about is what plants to use, I know where I want them, what size but the main issue is this: http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z247/brissygal84/Our%20House/Block1.jpg There is a retaining wall along the fence line on 3 of the 4 sides of the block and Im really frightened of planting something thats going to bring the wall down with a really invasive root system. So here is what I want to do: http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z247/brissygal84/Our%20House/LANDSCAPEDRAFT1.png So around the outskirts of the backyard I want trees/tall shrubs/small shrubs/ground covers so that I cover most of the fence (would rather feel fenced by beautiful plants than strips of pine), then I have my chicken coop and shed which can go wherever but I think there is good as its out of the direct line of sight through the alfresco doors, I want some raised garden beds with veges/fruit/flowers in them as well so I popped those around in that section. Also outside the windows on the eastern wall I put a few plants, probably small shrubs there too that will fill in the gaps beside the water tank. Then down the southern fence line I want some climbing plants on a frame, the side is really narrow but I need to keep access for the A/C unit and hot water service but there are 2 long thin windows from the kitchen out there and I want something nice to look at again rather than a fence. Along the front (western) wall I have put a garden bed as there is a large window to my partners study there and I want to block some of the western sun in the afternoons. Im very open to suggestions for the front yard, I don't want a big messy patch of shrubs but I don't want it to be ultra modern and all stones and little leafy things either. I would happily put in another large garden area in the front yard but I just have no idea how to make it look good. So the plant suggestions Im after: Trees approx 4-8m high Tall shrubs approx 1-3m high Small shrubs under 1m high Ground covers Flowering climber with thick foliage and the restrictions we have for these are the following: All plants (except of course veges/fruit) must be Australian natives Non toxic to dogs Non-invasive root systems so they don't mess with the retaining walls Tallest tree max height 6-8m Low maintenance Re: My Landscape Plan - Help! Retaining walls + plants 2Aug 25, 2011 9:00 pm Is there a reason you are restricting your tree height to 3m? Lovely block. Would be a shame not to have some large trees. Re: My Landscape Plan - Help! Retaining walls + plants 3Aug 25, 2011 9:57 pm Thanks for your reply Dollar I would love some bigger trees, Im just not sure how any bigger trees would work, do they dominate when the yard is only 11m x 14m? Also it seems like every native tree I read about has a height of around 10m which sounds really big to me. Its hard to picture it but I do love natives and the idea of having proper trees is a lovely one. Also I guess the bigger the tree the more roots to worry about. If there is a magical tree out there which has non invasive roots and will grow to about 5m I would be happy I have no idea at all about plant varieties so Im very open to suggestions. Re: My Landscape Plan - Help! Retaining walls + plants 4Aug 26, 2011 7:56 am HI Sounds like you are more keen to have large shrubs. Not many trees are only 3m. But then re-reading you've mentioned to 6m. which is practical. I notice Fu suggested someone have a fruit tree as their tree. 2 pluses in one. Fruit and there are dwarf fruit trees out there. Not all are decidious if you are looking for foliage Re: My Landscape Plan - Help! Retaining walls + plants 5Aug 26, 2011 10:09 pm You may find this site helpful. http://www.flemings.com.au/topten.asp?type=1 I am no garden expert but we have a fairly large backyard so have been very privileged with what we can have in the form of trees which has been great. My most fave trees of many would have to be Forest Pansy (grows to about 5m and a very stunning tree IMO) and Corymbia (we have hybrid varieties) along with ginkgo and a few other larger trees. Do a bit of research to see what will grow well in your area. Make up a list of the plants in what areas and of course factor in where the sun will be, what plants will be in shade, exposed to frost etc..... ....and of course there are plenty of people on here that will be able to help. Re: My Landscape Plan - Help! Retaining walls + plants 6Aug 27, 2011 6:12 pm I think you need to choose trees that can deal with the dry and rain stress of the queensland climate. Also fruit trees have dual purpose of beautifull blossoms and fruit. Apples, flowering plums, lime and lemon trees. Also if you live in brisbane, apparently the council has a free native plant programme thru the council. Native plants with flowers attract birdlife also Murraya could be a great option for you. It creates a great tall screening hedge but doesn't drop fruit like lily pilly. The flowers smell divine. 2 10220 Landscape Design Parramatta We have been doing a large amount of landscape design work in Sydney… 0 3 Need advice on the backyard plan above. Should I excavate and cut all of the dirt to level with the house slab or semi-excavate as per photo above? Both left and right… 0 24832 |