Need some landscaping ideas for a bungalow...
flufftop
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
we have purchased my husbands parents house when we married... which basically just had a tree out the front... some ferns down the side and a whole lot of straggly geraniums (the geraniums have been removed!)
have planted a pittosporum hedge down both sides of driveway... some buxus heding around front gardens... some topiarys... (the 3 in front of balcony were stolen.. a bit anxious to replant in case it happens again!)
need ideas for some 'wow' feature in front yard...
don't want to spend much
don't want to put a fence up.. that's happening back at the start of the house once we have painted.
we are also extending about 12m onto back of house, to make more bedrooms/another living area, so have kept that area free of plantings
any ideas for some 'wow' statement in front, that is budget friendly, easy to maintain and survives our cold Ballarat winters?
thanks heaps
have planted a pittosporum hedge down both sides of driveway... some buxus heding around front gardens... some topiarys... (the 3 in front of balcony were stolen.. a bit anxious to replant in case it happens again!)
need ideas for some 'wow' feature in front yard...
don't want to spend much
don't want to put a fence up.. that's happening back at the start of the house once we have painted.
we are also extending about 12m onto back of house, to make more bedrooms/another living area, so have kept that area free of plantings
any ideas for some 'wow' statement in front, that is budget friendly, easy to maintain and survives our cold Ballarat winters?
thanks heaps
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flufftop
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Need help with landscaping idea
Comments (13)Hello, I am hoping this may be of relevance to your build. If you are looking at any retaining walls and water tanks then Landscape Tanks may be the option for you. See some images below; Retaining walls and front fences that store rain water - seems impossible doesn't it? All these lovely pictures above are actually retaining walls that store rain water, which may seem hard to believe - well its not and lots of people are using them already with stunning results. Many people stare at these pictures and can't see the tanks without realising the lovely structures are the tanks themselves. Many people also like the appearance of the tanks so much they don't even fill them with water. These great Landscape Tanks are designed for use as structural retaining walls and front fences that store rain water and they can also be used for many other structures around the home. You can even have your front fence as your on site detention system if you like. They are made from high grade concrete (50mpa) and provide a fantastic alternative to traditional retaining walls or front fences and are very cost effective. The Landscape Tanks do not require any footings, are very easy to install and may be placed straight on a firm level base for great savings. They are are pre-engineered (empty) for use as retaining walls, which means they are also ideal for other structures around your home, such as front fences, on site detention systems, pool or pergola surrounds, water tanks, fire fighting water tanks, and raised garden beds. The planter top also has many other uses (apart from growing plants) including water features, outdoor kitchens, decking and even spectacular light shows all at the same time while still being used for your retaining wall or front fence. The Landscape Tanks are all quality and designed to last over 100+ years (or even 150 years) and they add that WOW factor to your home. So whether you are looking for retaining walls in Sydney or retaining walls in Melbourne or just browsing for retaining wall ideas, block retaining walls or concrete sleeper retaining walls, look no further than the fantastic multi purpose quality Landscape Tanks. You may be very surprises at just how cost effective they can be. Product sizing and capacities also available at http://www.landscapetanks.com.au/technical-info/specifications/ Our Landscape Tanks may be used for any of the following individually or concurrently in the same project and they deliver great savings and results. Retaining Walls Simply place into position for instant results - no footings required. On site detentions systems Save money - you may avoid using a detention system altogether. Front Fences Stunning front fences that store rain water and even double as retaining walls. Rain Water Tanks Turning rain water tanks into a feature for your property. Pool landscaping Stores rain water for the pool and keeps plants out of chlorine level. Raised Garden Beds Ideal working height for growing vegetables and herbs. Water Features and Light Show Using the planter tops for other uses can deliver amazing results. Features Pre-engineered - we provide you with your own set of engineering drawings. No footings required - easy to install - no excavation required. They will look the same in 100+ years as the day they are installed. They turn water tanks into a feature of your property. Made from 50mpa high quality concrete for exceptional long life. Enhance to appearance of your property - attractive landscape architecture. Let us design your OSD system and chances are you wont need an OSD system at all. Add value and that WOW factor to your quality home. Very cost effective...See MoreNeed landscaping ideas please.
Comments (5)Having undergone the same process in the past 12 months (and discovering that the entire cost can be very expensive), I'd suggest bluestone pavers for the concrete edge with a rounded coping (edge), merbau decking to fence and use the same material for retaining walls. Glass fencing is the trend but you'd get away with the cheaper option of metal fencing plus less cleaning! For plants, consider the splash zone and pool water type (salt or chlorine?) as well as spreading of roots (some bamboos are renowned for damaging pools and plumbing!) and leaf litter in/around the pool. Unfortunately unless you've got carpentry and paving skills, it will cost you. I did the planting myself but was ~$15k for smaller area but all bluestone + glass fencing for a 9x4m pool in Melbourne. Good luck with your choices - it makes a huge difference to the enjoyment of the pool to finish it off properly :-)...See Morelandscaping ideas needed
Comments (7)Your renovation looks fabulous, I think your decking ideas sound great, I would keep the landscaping quite sharp to compliment the house, a mixture of decking, paving, seating would look stylish, tall ornamental pears along boundary, viburnum hedges, keep planting uniformed for a contemporary look, while the grey decking is nice I think a natural timber would really look luxurious and show off that fab Reno....See MoreSloped land landscaping ideas needed!
Comments (9)anything to do with building and landscaping can be expensive but it doesn't all have to be done at once..from the contour lines it looks like there's a relatively gently slope from the alfresco to about halfway down the back and best options depends on what you need/want in the backyard... gardens are quite happy planted on slopes and grass grows anywhere but if you prefer a flat area then you need help to work out the best location for retaining walls and extra fill to level out some of the space .i'd invest in professional help to build a retaining wall that follows along the 112 contour line and fill in to make a flat lawned area with gardens beds along the edges..there are numerous DIY options for retaining walls under 1m but if you wouldn't do you own carpentry invest in professional help to build a wall..get some quotes from landscapers and bricklayers for a variety of options so you know exactly how much is involved..every situation is different and strength, safety and good drainage are worth investing in to give the basis for a great new backyard...See More
mandylou33
9 years agolast modified: 9 years agoHi flufftop! So cute!!! This front is crying out for some definition. Are you keen to keep the grass, or replace with plants? If you are not fussed, I'd ditch the lawn out the front (less mowing!) Put in a front path (recycled bricks, crushed granite are both very affordable), Then plant out the rest with easy care, low maintenance, drought tolerant cottage style plants (Salvia, Lavender, Euphorbia, Rosemary, Iris etc). it will create a visual barrier, without having a fence. Oh, to get rid of lawn with not much hard labour, is the no-dig method (loads of newspaper and lucern), you just plant straight into it after a few weeks. Looks a bit fugly for a whiles though... :P Good luck!! PS: I'd keep the tree! It ads height and interest. Just prune off some of the bottom branches, so you can get under it easily.
flufftop
9 years agoflufftop
9 years agoflufftop
9 years ago
Carole
9 years agoThe photos below might provide you with some inspiration for landscaping your federation/californian bungalow.
flufftop thanked CaroleCarole
9 years agoAnd a couple more..
If you have room to do the circular bed in the path it could add that wow you are looking for.
flufftop thanked Caroleflufftop
9 years agoflufftop
9 years agothinking about a birdbath... archways... here are some pics off ebay & gumtree of things that are close to us. would prefer a metal arch so we don't have to paint it... want to grow something over it
flufftop
9 years agoOK... here's a quick pic showing the birdbath & archway & a gravel path in situ.... the birdbath is supposed to be on a round garden bed, and some conifers down the side fence... any ideas? sorry, old pic of house before our plants are in...
flufftop
8 years agoflufftop
8 years agoupdate...
the front urn only lasted 3 weeks before it was STOLEN!!!!!!!!!! SO CROSS!!
Now we have just purchased a bird bath for our 2nd anniversary, and the spring flowers are looking good..and thoroughly glued it together with concrete adhesive.
but STILL Cross about the burgulars! They have also taken topiarys etc in the past. a downside of living on a busy street?
oh well. i guess one day we might have a fence, but more interested in keeping people in our backyard, not closing up the frontyard. thanks for all your advise.
PROArthur Lathouris Garden Designer
8 years agolast modified: 8 years ago
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