There are common pitfalls that homeowners and gardeners experience when landscaping their properties in Australia.
A common mistake is the lack of proper anticipation to the extreme conditions in the Australian environment.
With hot summers, erratic rains, and many locations around the country having difficult soils, the most important consideration is constantly choosing well-suited plants that will survive and thrive in the climate.
In this article we will see some of the common landscaping mistakes to avoid in Australia.
1. Understanding the Australian climate
Understandably so, landscape greenery becomes best seen depending on the weather and climatic conditions in Australia, all in goodwill to avoiding the errors of costly mistakes that would cause one or a few cents.
Among the many mistakes will be trying to plant one's favorite plants without considering if they would be able to survive the harshest Australian weather.
It really is hot during summer, it rains unpredictable torrents, and then come the bushfire threats to many well-populated areas.
So, native and/or climate-appropriate species are those that can face the heat- not requiring gallons of that precious commodity to survive.
Another is not preparing the soil prior to planting, poor soil conditions apply to many areas in the richer sections of Australia, and here again, organic matter has to be supplemented with good drainage.
2. Failing to plan the landscape design
Not really the best way to do landscaping in Australia; there's just one way, and that is to plan properly for your landscape design before jumping to it.
It's exciting to start digging and planting, but with no well-thought-out plan, you will probably have a very higgledy-piggledy, incohesive yard that misses the target.
Before breaking ground ask yourself what it will end up looking like, which plants will thrive with your climate, and how every element will interact with each other and sketch out some rough designs and play around with some ideas till it suits you.
3. Overlooking soil quality
In landscaping Australia, one of the worst mistakes is to overlook soil quality. You could be so fascinated with the pretty plants you have chosen or the layout of your dream garden that you would not consider taking the time to properly assess, prepare, and improve your soil, thus damming yourself from disappointment.
Poor soil quality often brings a string of problems associated with plant growth, such as dull and yellowish leaves, disease, and pest infestations.
It becomes even graver in such harsh weather, especially with the scorching Australian summer and drought-prone conditions. All this points to the need for adding health to soil, and before digging and planting, there should be a good hard stare at your soil.
4. Watering mistakes
In Australia, some common watering mistakes can keep your garden looking lush and thriving. A biggie is overwatering drowning of your plants' root systems gives the drama of root rot, fungal growth, and sometimes even annoying garden pests.
Then again, there's underwatering; with thirst levels high during on scorching summer months, this is not so good either.
Variation in watering also stresses plants, so try to convince you to get into a routine. Watering in the middle of the day is another big nono-even though that water is available, it is evaporating in the high sun and heat.
Rather, assume early morning or evening watering sessions.
Also, don't spray like you are spraying with machine guns-animals are different from each other and therefore will need different watering conditions, so do your research.
5. Neglecting native plants
It is one of the major mistakes when landscaping in Australia, not using native plants. It attracts foreign such exotic species with their flashy flowers and even lush leaves.
Here's the thing though - native Aussie plants are evolved to survive in tough environments and harsh soil conditions.
These are the true blue battlers of the plant world! By not including those native plant materials in your garden, you are then robbed of plants that are naturally drought tolerant, low maintenance, and perfectly adapted to deal with whatever Mother Nature throws their way.
6. Ignoring hardscaping considerations
One major fact that most Australian landscapes neglect is paving up in their outdoor spaces or gardens.
Definitely, plants, grass, and all vegetation are important, but in addition, hardscaping gives completeness to function and beauty in your space.
Hardscapes include paths, retaining wall installations, decks, and pergolas. All such items can take your landscaping to higher levels, but not planning properly will lead to noncompliance in distance for your outdoor area.
Conclusion
There are so many common landscaping mistakes that Australians can commit. Plan and design the layout of your yard; if you do not, the overall view can be disjointed and unattractive.
The wrong plant selection for your climate zone and soil type equals struggling, unhealthy plants that require a lot of care.
Overwatering your lawn and garden wastes a precious resource and also causes diseases and shallow roots. It should be avoided.
Overgrown yard maintenance like these: pruning, weeding, fertilizing. Finally, improper irrigation and drainage problems are what lead to erosion, standing water, and sapling health issues. THQ provides the expertise to help you avoid these common pitfalls and achieve a thriving, well-maintained landscape.
