Bunnings

Sign in or sign up

No Bunnings account? Sign up
or
PowerPass customer?
Visit the dedicated trade website

Project list

Sign in to your account

A diverse mix of materials including rocks, brick and stone pavers in a garden
Draw inspiration from the latest landscape design trends to create change in your garden.

What’s new in landscape design trends?

The wonderful world of gardening is ever-evolving, so we’ve compiled a list of the latest design trends to help you stay ahead. Captured at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, the largest landscape and garden show in the Southern Hemisphere, these innovations show you how to update your space and transform it into a modern haven. From rock features and planting schemes to hardscaping choices, there are plenty of great ideas here that can be adapted to suit any outdoor space.

1. Stone age

Introduce rocks or granite boulders to the landscape to achieve a wonderfully natural aesthetic. Not only do they have a grounding effect, they are durable, low maintenance and incredibly versatile. Use rocks to edge garden beds, as sculptural steps, to punctuate plantings or even to serve as outdoor setting pieces. Their organic shapes add dimension to any landscape – they are perfect for native gardens and rockeries, but can be used to equally lovely effect in more contemporary settings.

Stone features nestled in a garden

2. Material world

A diverse mix of materials makes a garden more dynamic and engaging. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different textures to edge beds, line paths or define zones. Bricks, timber and rocks in complementary tones can add interest to a space – consider cladding existing surfaces instead of a complete makeover. Arranging these materials more organically, rather than with harsh, over-structured lines, will give a more natural feel.

A diverse mix of materials including rocks, brick and stone pavers in a garden bed

3. Ideal destination

An arbour or pergola creates a perfect sanctuary in the garden, and also acts as a focal point. The structure can be open, making it feel like part of the landscape, or covered with a climbing plant, such as ornamental grape vine or star jasmine, to give the space privacy and a sense of enclosure.

A pergola in a garden setting

4. Green carpet

A grassed area, large or small, encourages rest or play. Traditional lawn varieties – couch, kikuyu, buffalo and zoysia – are ideal for areas where there’s regular foot traffic. For spaces that are seldom traversed, consider planting a non-grass carpet of dichondra, dymondia or native violet.

5. Plant for impact

Whether it’s big floral borders or a mixed bed of shrubs and perennials, plant choices should create drama and interest. Ensure there is variety between beds or, if space is limited, at least within each bed – for example, by weaving perennial sage through clipped buxus balls.

Find your garden style

Explore the essential elements of coastal, traditional, country and modern gardens.

 

Photo credit: Sue Stubbs

Health & Safety

Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.

When following our advice in our D.I.Y. videos, make sure you use all equipment, including PPE, safely by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Check that the equipment is suitable for the task and that PPE fits properly. If you are unsure, hire an expert to do the job or talk to a Bunnings Team Member.