We all dream of a garden that feels just right, the kind of space that reflects our lifestyle and adapts to the dry and sun-drenched climate of Perth. However, deciding on the right type of landscape design can be tricky.
Should you go for a clean, modern look, or something that’s more natural and can blend into the local environment? Both designs have their pros and cons.
As an accomplished industry voice with a true understanding of the Western Australian soil, the team at Divine Landscapes has seen how both designs can transform a property.
When done right, they can make your outdoor space stand out. But how do you decide which one is right for your home and lifestyle, while also considering Perth’s conditions?
Let’s dig deeper into what makes each style work and might not. That way, you can make an informed decision before bringing in a professional landscaper.
The weather is the biggest deciding factor
Perth’s climate is something else. Hot summers and minimal rainfall mean your garden design should not only look good. It should be able to survive the harsh weather as well.
While a modern landscape design can make your outdoor space look sleek and give off an architectural feel, it also requires using plants that are water-hungry. If you go for this route, you could spend most of your time daily watching the sprinklers!
It is for this reason that landscape designers usually start by considering the climate before deciding on the style to go for. Perth landscapers want to make sure that the underlying plan can deal with the wind, heat, and long dry spells.
The coastal air in Perth is another deciding factor. Breezes laden with salt can be harsh on delicate plant varieties. So, if you’re someone close to the beach, and you want a coastal-inspired garden, some of the best varieties to go for are kangaroo paw, grevillea, and westringia.
These varieties can thrive well in coastal conditions, so you will not have to keep replacing plants every few months.
Should you go for modern landscape design?
When you look at modern gardens, one of the things you’ll notice is their unmistakable order: symmetry, balance, and minimal clutter.
They look clean and uncluttered, featuring concrete paths, raised planters, rendered walls, and some lighting that highlights architectural features. It feels very calming and everything feels deliberate.
In the newer suburbs of Perth, where there are plenty of contemporary-designed houses, the modern landscape design is perfect. The neutral colours and structured forms suit the architecture so well, and it also helps make the smaller blocks look bigger.
But it’s worth noting that modern design is not only about having smooth finishes and straight lines. If you do it the right way, it can also make your outdoor spaces more efficient, which is perfect for Perth homeowners.
The key is to go for low-maintenance plants, invest in automated irrigation, and choose clean hardscaping. Doing so can help minimise weekend chores and even lower your water expenses.
If you opt for a modern design, make sure it is well-planned. You can include limestone paving or exposed aggregate to give it a crisp, local look.
It’s also a good idea to add raised garden beds with drought-tolerant plants like flax, agave, and native grasses. They help add structure and won’t demand plenty of care. Don’t forget the lights. When evening comes, they help turn the space into an evening showpiece.
There is a sense of longevity in modern landscaping, which is why many homeowners prefer it. The design usually makes use of durable materials like stone, concrete, and steel. They also don’t age badly, even in Perth’s dry air. In fact, they could get better with time.
Remember, there are also downsides to choosing a modern landscape design. They are too minimalist and can feel sterile, especially those that lack softness or shade.
If you don’t add enough greenery or texture, it can look more like an outdoor showroom instead of a welcoming place. This is why proper balance is the key.
Try to introduce plants and organic elements to the design since they help soften the edges without losing that crisp modern feel.
When to go natural?
A natural garden is a totally different story. Unlike the modern design, it is less about control and is more about flow.
These designs are often characterised by curved pathways and filled with native plants and materials that look like they have always belonged there. A natural design gives your outdoor space that sense of ease and authenticity.
The native and Mediterranean gardens in Perth fall into this category. These landscape designs have plants that thrive in local soil and can handle heat with no issues, while also attracting birds and pollinators.
Many homeowners love this natural look. Just imagine walking outside your home and seeing a garden that feels so alive.
Another benefit of natural landscaping is that it gives off a sense of connection. In places where summer can last really long, it is such a relief to have a yard that won’t demand constant fertilising and watering.
A natural garden design can include mulched pathways winding between local shrubs and groundcovers, which give off a soft texture underfoot. It can also feature trees like jacaranda and eucalyptus, which can help create shade.
The design can also include seating made of stone, which adds a sense of permanence.
The natural design can work well for those with older homes, usually in the more established suburbs in Perth. Coastal properties can also go natural if they want a wilder and more relaxed garden.
The key is to use native flora creatively, such as placing banksias and kangaroo paws next to Mediterranean herbs and succulents.
Still, the natural look isn’t for everyone. If you don’t manage it well, it can look chaotic. Also, if it does not have a strong design backbone, there is a risk of it becoming overgrown. If you really want to go natural, though, it may be best to hire a Perth landscape designer.
It is not about choosing sides
You do not really have to choose one style and then commit to it forever. Some of the best-looking gardens in Perth feature a combination of modern shapes and a natural look, with native plants framed by structured edges.
Others would use modern landscaping techniques, such as geometric paving, and soften the space with native grasses. When executed properly, the result feels curated and grounded in place.
The hybrid approach is perfect for Perth, where conditions reward practicality. Some homeowners resort to using sleek materials such as polished concrete or steel and plant hardy species that can thrive in the sun and salt.
Most landscapers in Perth would encourage homeowners to combine modern and natural looks. The architecture borrows from Mediterranean and contemporary styles, and its landscape demands resilience.
It works regardless of which area you are in, whether your home overlooks the coast or sits in the hills.
How to know which design suits you?
Are you still torn between modern and natural design? Here are some ideas that may help you make the best decision:
If you are someone who is into clean finishes, proper symmetry, and contemporary outdoor furniture, a modern design is undoubtedly the best design to go for. It gives your outdoor space order and elegance, which is perfect for those houses in newer suburbs where the architecture is mostly sleek.
On the other hand, if you’d rather go for softer lines and a garden that changes with seasons while also attracting wildlife, you should lean on the natural look. It makes your outdoors feel relaxed, forgiving, and deeply tied to the local landscape.
Sometimes, your decision should not be solely based on pure aesthetics. You have to look into your lifestyle, too.
Are you someone who enjoys tending to a garden, or would you prefer your yard to take care of itself? Do you love having visitors over, or do you prefer to have a quiet spot you can relax in the evenings? Answering these questions may help you decide whether to go modern or opt for the natural design.
Bringing it all together
If you plan on giving your outdoor space a whole new look, but you can’t decide which style to go for, it may be best to hire landscape designers in Perth.
Professional landscapers will not push one style over the other. Instead, they will help you weigh what matters the most. Would you prefer something aesthetically pleasing or what that doesn’t require plenty of maintenance? They will also educate you on the soil and weather conditions in Perth and how these things might affect your decision.
In most cases, they will suggest blending elements instead of sticking to a single concept. Perhaps, they would suggest having a modern courtyard surrounded by native shrubs. Or maybe a garden with a naturalistic front and neat pathways with lighting to soften the texture.
In the end, the best landscape design doesn’t scream its style. They simply fit. You step outside, and it just feels right. That’s when you know the design has done its job.
