What Happens in Landscaping?

Looking at a well-maintained garden or yard often makes one wish their space were as beautiful. That is what landscaping services does; it goes beyond planting flowers and mowing the lawn, it transforms an outdoor area into a breathtaking masterpiece. 

Landscaping combines elements of design and construction with nurturing to create attractive spaces. Everything, from tree planting to path laying and wall building, helps achieve elegance and beauty. 

Some things in Australia can make landscaping more challenging than you would think.

Every state has its own weather patterns, some places have very dense soils while others are sandy, not to mention restrictions set by local councils. It is for these reasons why I had put together this 2025 guide on landscaping for myself, which covers everything from A-Z regarding landscaping.

What Do Landscapers Actually Do?

 Landscaping has many parts. Here’s what usually happens:

1. Design the Plan

 A landscaper will look at your yard, draw a plan (sometimes in 3D!), and show what it will look like after.

2. Get the Site Ready

 They clean up the area, dig up the ground, and make sure the soil is good for planting.

4. Hardscaping

 This means adding solid stuff like:
• Concrete paths
• Wooden decks
• Retaining walls
• Fences

5. Softscaping

 This means adding soft, green things like:
• Grass
• Flowers
• Bushes
• Mulch (wood chips to cover soil)

6. Irrigation (Watering Systems)

 They set up pipes or sprinklers to keep plants watered without wasting water.

7. Lighting

Lights are added to paths or to highlight garden features at night.

8. Maintenance

 This includes things like:
• Mowing the lawn
• Trimming bushes
• Controlling weeds and bugs

Types of Landscaping

 There are 4 main types of landscaping:

1. Hardscape
   Uses things like concrete, stones, bricks, and wood.
2. Softscape
   Uses living things like grass, flowers, and trees.
3. Waterscape
   Adds water features like ponds, waterfalls, or fountains.
4. Xeriscape
   Uses special plants that do not need much water. This is great for dry parts of Australia.

What is Xeriscaping?

 Xeriscaping is a smart way of gardening using plants that do not need much water. This is great in places where it does not rain a lot—like some areas of Australia. Learn more about landscape architecture.

What is the Cheapest Landscaping Option?

 Want to make your yard look nice without spending too much? Try these ideas:

Low-Cost Landscaping Ideas:

• Use native plants that grow well in Australia
  • Put mulch around plants to stop weeds
  • Make gravel paths yourself
  • Use old timber for garden edges
  • Try clover or fake grass instead of real turf

Cost Ranges (2025 in Australia):

• Mulch & plants: $15–$35/m²
  • Gravel paths: $20–$50/m²
  • Timber edging: $5–$15/m
  • Turf alternatives: $10–$25/m²
  • Basic xeriscaping: $20–$40/m²

Top 3 Budget Landscaping Tips:

1. Use native plants
2. Add mulch to save water and stop weeds
3. DIY simple paths or garden edges

Landscaping Costs in Australia (2025)

Here’s how much different landscaping jobs cost in Australia this year:

• General work: $55–$110 per hour
  • Full garden design: $1,500–$5,000+
  • Laying turf: $10–$30 per square meter
  • Retaining walls: $250–$600 per square meter
  • Watering systems: $800–$3,000
  • Garden care: $45–$70 per hour

Quick Price Table:

Service	Cost (AUD)	Details
Design Plan	$300–$800	Bigger yards cost more
Turf Laying	$15–$30/m²	Depends on grass type
Retaining Wall	$250–$600/m²	Materials change the price
Irrigation Setup	$800–$3,000	For all watering systems
Garden Maintenance	$45–$70/hour	Regular mowing, trimming, etc.

 

Should You DIY or Hire a Pro?

Can you do it yourself, or should you call in the experts? Here is a simple guide:

Task	Can You DIY?	Better with a Pro?
Laying Grass	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (if it’s a big area)
Retaining Wall	❌ No	✅ Yes
Planting Beds	✅ Yes	❌ No
Watering System	❌ No	✅ Yes
Adding Mulch	✅ Yes	❌ No

DIY is great for small, fun projects. However, for big things like walls or irrigation systems, it is smart to use professional landscaping services.

Final Thoughts: What Landscaping Really Means

Landscaping is more than just gardening? It is about making your outdoor area look good and work well. You can build cool paths, grow your favorite plants, or make a peaceful place to relax.
Whether you want a fancy garden or just a low-cost makeover, it helps to understand the types, prices, and who to call. In Australia, the weather and soil are special—so using native plants and smart water systems makes a big difference.
In 2025, landscaping services are smarter, greener, and more creative than ever. Therefore, whether you do it yourself or hire a team, your perfect garden is just a plan away. Contact John Walters Landscaping services to get your landscape done by professionals.