Gardens · 5 min read

Low-water native garden ideas for Sydney

Plants that thrive in Sydney summers and need little watering.

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Garden makeovers, decks, retaining walls and turf. Get matched with local landscapers who want your job.

What affects the price

  • The size of the area
  • Hard landscaping such as walls and decks
  • Plant sizes and number
  • Access for machinery

What the job usually includes

  • Garden design and planting. Native and low-water gardens, garden beds and mulching.
  • Decks and pergolas. Timber and composite decks, pergolas and outdoor living areas.
  • Retaining walls. Sleeper, block and sandstone walls, with drainage.
  • Turf and lawns. Site preparation and new turf laid.
  • Paving and patios. Outdoor entertaining areas in pavers or stone.
  • Garden clean-ups. Clearing overgrown gardens and removing green waste.

Licences in NSW

In NSW, structural landscaping such as retaining walls and decks worth more than $5,000 needs a licensed contractor. Planting and garden care don't. We record licences where the work needs one.

Questions to ask

Do I need a garden design first?

Not for most jobs. Many landscapers include simple design advice in their quote, and some offer full plans.

When is the best time to plant?

Autumn and spring suit most plants in NSW. Your landscaper can suggest natives that cope with your soil and sun.

Do retaining walls need approval?

Low walls usually don't. Higher walls, or walls near a boundary, may need council approval or an engineer.

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