At our Brisbane landscape design studio, we often work with clients who are building or renovating their dream homes. Sometimes though, our job is to help prepare a property for sale, giving it the final touch to help it stand out in the market.
That was the case with a recent project in Ashgrove. After completing the build on the new home, the owners needed a garden to create curb appeal and add warmth and character.
A Welcoming Front Entry
With the house styled in a Hamptons aesthetic, we took cues from the architecture and colour palette, opting for a soft planting scheme with whites, silvers, and greens.
The front garden was anchored with a Magnolia ‘Little Gem’ as a feature tree, helping to set the tone for an elegant front entry. We underplanted it with clipped balls of Lilly Pilly, adding formal structure to the space. Gardenias and Star Jasmine were also added at the front, bringing seasonal fragrance.
The front entry now feels warm and welcoming.
Side Access As A Garden Feature
Often, the narrow sides of a home are neglected, especially when they are shaded and grass struggles to grow. Instead of trying to fight the conditions, we embraced them. On one side, we installed bluestone steppers laid in pale grey pebbles, with appropriate planting to turn a utility zone into a mini tropical hideaway.
Narrow form plants such as heliconia, Brazilian walking iris, and cordylines were used, creating a lush, garden highlight. On the other side of the house, another stepper path provided clean access from the garage, also laid with gravel for ease and durability.
The new path tempts you out in to the rear garden.
Low Maintenance Backyard
The rear garden was designed to be low-maintenance, yet inviting, with a focus on hardy plants that would perform in a full sun position. We focused on using Australian native plants where possible, that are suited to the local climate and soils, and plants that look good year-round with minimal care.
Crepe myrtles are an old favourite and we chose the white ‘Natchez’ as a feature tree for the rear garden. It’s profuse flowers in spring and summer make it the perfect Hamptons-style accent to complement this home. In the other corner, a native gardenia with it’s glossy foliage and white flowers sets the tone for a low maintenance garden with coastal rosemary, Natal Plum and Michelias were added for texture and interest. Fresh turf and a pot by the front door were the finishing touches for this project.
Planting in the rear garden helps soften the fence and blur the boundaries.
The Result: A Home That Felt Complete
This landscape gave the home a sense of completion and character. It didn’t just look beautiful, it felt welcoming, well thought out, and anchored in its environment.
When the client saw the plans, their reaction said it all:
"Wow, we wish this was our place. You've knocked it out of the park!"
Thinking About Selling Your Home?
A thoughtfully designed garden can be a game-changer when preparing your home for sale.
Get in touch with us today and let’s create a landscape that helps your home truly shine.