Getting creative with landscape design

I have been landscaping for many years and when a client comes to me with a blank space it lights up the creative side of my brain.

Whether it’s an educational space or a residential area, my goal always is to create something amazing for them and get people connected to the environment.

Putting pencil to paper to create a space that excites but is also functional for the client is the fun part.

Then adding elements that are often difficult to create on site but essential to make the space pop.

There have been a lot of landscaping trends that have come and gone throughout my 25 years in the industry, from rock cladding to funky garden lighting there is always something new in this space.

As a landscaper, I always try to create something that provides the clients with an original space that is unique to their property and their needs.

I’m originally from the eastern suburbs of Melbourne and started my career creating more formal-style gardens, neat Buxus lines and lots of green with the occasional white or purple flower popping through was my forte.

I still love formal gardens as they stand the test of time if executed well.

At present there is an exciting shift in landscaping, especially with regards to planting – anything goes it seems!

The mix of formality with the use of a Miscanthus planted behind or in combination with a bush rose, or a circular hedged westringia, is now the norm.

Risk taking in the garden is now in vogue.

In this edition of My Coastal Home (see page 10), I decided to showcase a recent school project we designed and created last year. It was the largest project that we have ever taken on and
I am so proud of our hardworking team that we were able to achieve such a wonderful result. This project shows the range of skills and techniques required to create a landscape of this size.

If you have a big space or small space that needs some attention, drop Mark Gabell and Associates a line and we would love to come up with a design that you will be proud and excited to come home too.

Phone 0425 793 872, email [email protected] or visit mgalandscapes.com.au.