SUGGESTED PLANTING PLAN
1 OUTDOOR LIVING Add a deck or paved terrace onto the existing front porch to create a more generous outdoor living space.
2 WELL CONNECTED Add another planter on the other side of the door, and plant both areas with upright, drought-tolerant plants to connect the garden to the house.
3 ON SCREEN Screen boundaries with green hedges of coastal-tolerant plants to provide privacy without creating a fortress effect – these can be planted in front of a dog-proof fence if required. Keep sides trimmed and the height at a maximum of 3m for screening without creating excessive shade. Living screens will give the property a greener, more friendly look both from inside and the street.
4 IN FRUIT Plant fruit trees (citrus, nectarine, avocado) in the sunniest part of the garden near the street boundary and underplant with low-maintenance flowering shrubs and perennials that will attract bees and other pollinators.
5 IN THE ROUND Shape garden beds in curves around the edges of your lawn to create a semi-circular profile. Remove the unused driveway and replace it with a footpath of large concrete slabs or pavers leading directly to the door.
6 ON THE EDGE Plant low edging perennials at the front of borders to define the curve of the lawn and give it a neat edge for mowing. To emphasise the curved shape, install a mowing strip as well. DIY mowing strips are available to suit curved lawns.