If you’re considering planting a hedge, you probably already know that a hedge — a dense row of shrubs or low trees — can be a classy yet economical alternative to a fence, providing privacy, screening, and a host of other great benefits. 

A hedge enhances a garden’s appearance and brings many other lifestyle and environmental benefits as well.

This blog will discuss which hedging plants work best here in Perth, and highlight other key considerations in hedging projects. 

Not only that, but for comprehensive advice on garden design and plant selection, you can always reach out to our experienced team at Perth Landscaping Experts!

We’d love to help you make a great garden design decision, so your future garden is beautiful, manageable, liveable and sustainable. 

If that’s what you want, read on to decide whether hedging is for you!

Reasons to Grow Hedging 

Homeowners plant hedges for various reasons — we’ll cover some of the main ones, to help you clarify what you want to achieve, and what to grow.

For Aesthetic Appeal

A hedge can transform your garden, adding structure, visual contrast and a stylish look. 

Whether your garden style is formal, contemporary, native or “cottage”, a well-designed hedge with complementary plantings can lift it out of the ordinary.

To Add Value

Property buyers pay more for established, landscaped gardens and experts estimate that hedging adds around 4%  to the sale price.

To Disguise Flaws

As well as being integral to many stunning garden designs, a hedge can also hide flaws. It can be less expensive than replacing an unsightly wall or fence.

Hedging can screen visually unappealing objects like sheds, clotheslines, solenoid boxes, and air-conditioners (remember, maintain access where needed and always consider the root systems and mature growth of whatever you plant).

For Security

Hedging creates a dense barrier, far more difficult for intruders to breach than a normal fence.  

A hedge makes your home safer, without it looking like a fortress!

For Privacy

A hedge can provide privacy for your front garden, or around areas where privacy is particularly important, like your pool.

Councils place height restrictions on fences. Anything above 1.2 metres must be ‘visually permeable’. This makes privacy hard to achieve. 

A hedge need not be  ‘visually permeable’ and is often permitted to exceed the usual fence height.

Clarify what is permitted with your local council.

To Minimise Noise and Pollution

All plants provide environmental benefits, and improve quality of life, cooling, hydrating and purifying the air.

Researchers have found another benefit of hedges — noise reduction. 

On busy roads a hedge can be particularly useful, absorbing noise and air pollution.

As A Windbreak

Hedges were traditionally grown in cold climates for protection from icy winds. 

In Perth’s climate, a hedge can also shelter your home and garden from hot, dusty, salty winds. It can help to create a microclimate where delicate plants thrive.

To Keep Animals In or Out

A strategically planted hedge can help keep pets and children from wandering. It can also keep unwanted animals out — the neighbour’s dog won’t be digging up your precious garden!

To Attract Wildlife

Birds and other wildlife like tree frogs inhabit hedges, feeding on insects before they become garden pests. Flowering hedges attract bees and butterflies, making your garden more environmentally friendly.

Choosing the Right Hedging Plants

So, you’ve decided hedging is for you. What next?

We recommend you design your hedge to complement your existing home and garden. Or for new builds, create a ‘whole garden’ concept before planning your hedge. 

Whether you’re hoping to achieve security, privacy, shelter, aesthetics, or just want to hear more birdsong, hedging and companion plants that complement one another will give a more harmonious outcome!

Planning and execution are both crucial to achieving your ideal look and result.

The process is not always straightforward though, so we recommend you seek help when deciding on the right heading plants. This will ensure you choose plants that look beautiful and suit our climate and soil! You may even want to seek expert advice on soil preparation before you begin. 

Best Hedging Plants in Perth

In this post, our focus is on helping you become familiar with hedging plants that thrive in Perth.

Issues to consider when selecting plants will include:

• your purpose in planting the hedge
• your garden’s size, layout, and style   
• your budget. 

Also consider whether you want hedging plants that:

• attract birds and bees (choose fragrant flowers for this)
• create less leaf and petal litter (this helps keep your pool clean!)
• are drought resistant and need less hand-watering
• have non-invasive roots for safety near pipes or paving 
• fit your height/width constraints so power lines and pedestrians aren’t impeded
• grow quickly — this means more maintenance.

When investing in extensive hedge plantings, you want a lasting result. That’s why we recommend you work with professionals. They can evaluate soil and conditions (for example sun, water and space), recommending plants that will thrive in your garden! Book a consultation for expert landscaping design advice.  

Meanwhile, here are some hedging plants to check out — this will give you an idea of what you like before talking to a designer.

Medium to Tall Hedges

These hedges all grow over 1m tall.

Agonis Flexuosa

An attractive drought-tolerant WA native with white flowers, used in many types of gardens. 

Dwarf varieties grow to 1.2m tall. Taller varieties are available. 

Bamboo

Dense and fast-growing, with many sub-varieties, bamboo suits a modern garden, but can be intrusive.

Only plant non-invasive varieties and check how tall and wide the variety will become.

Bottlebrush (Callistemon)

A tough, fast-growing native plant, bottlebrush tolerates most soils and maintains a good shape without much pruning. It attracts birds and bees. Choose a variety that suits your height requirements.

Hibiscus

A popular choice for its colourful flowers and informal, contemporary look, hibiscus is attractive yet tough, fast-growing, and salt-resistant. 

Orange Jessamine (Murraya Paniculata)

Orange Jessamine has bright green foliage, growing up to 3m. 

Its orange-scented white flowers attract wildlife in spring and autumn. 

It suits privacy screening or hedging. 

Photinia

Fast-growing, with striking red foliage and white flowers, Photinia suits formal and informal settings and is salt and drought resistant.. 

Red Robin is a popular variety, growing up to 3m tall.

Lilly Pilly (Syzygium)

Lilly Pilly (Syzygium) is a salt and drought-tolerant native, ideal for hedging, screening and topiary. It has glossy, dark green foliage, colourful new growth, flowers and edible berries. 

Bush Christmas is a popular variety, growing up to 3m tall.

Viburnum

A traditional favourite — hardy, quick to establish, with attractive flowers and berries. 

Fragrant Sweet Viburnum is a popular variety that grows up to 6m tall. 

Grevillea

A hardy native, with flower colours ranging from crimson to golden yellow, Grevillea attracts birds and butterflies and makes a great hedge, screen or windbreak. 

Robyn Gordon is a popular cultivar, flowering year-round. Some other varieties are close to extinction.

Buxus

Box hedges are a classic option for everything from screening hedges to topiary. They need more water than natives.

Taller varieties can grow 2m high. Slow growth makes them low-maintenance. 

African Box is popular in Perth.

Low to Medium Hedges

These are smaller plants, suited to borders and hedges up to 1m tall.

Nandina (dwarf)

Small, manageable shrub, with varied colourful foliage. Stays in good shape without much pruning.

Murraya (dwarf)

Dwarf Orange Jessamine is easily kept to 1m. It has beautiful flowers and fragrance.

Gardenia

Dwarf Gardenia varieties like Florida make a beautiful perfumed display and stay under 1m. 

Gardenias like morning sun, good soil, and plenty of water.

Chinese Star Jasmine

Popular climber with fragrant white flowers that can be clipped into a hedge.

Syzygium

Also known as Lilly Pilly — some varieties grow to 8m, but a few remain under 1m. The most popular is Tiny Trev.

Westringia

A hardy native resembling rosemary, with delicate white or mauve flowers. Some varieties are under 1m. 

Other Considerations Before Choosing Hedging Plants in Perth

Before making any final decisions on your hedging plants, consider your unique circumstances and seek expert advice. 

For example, the topography of your block means you might be considering a hedge to retain subsiding soil, or you may have particular soil issues which limit planting options. 

Before you commit, why not talk to our experienced team at Perth Landscaping Experts to make sure you’ve thought of everything?

How Many Hedging Plants Are Needed?

How many plants you need will depend on why you want the hedge, and what plant you choose. 

For example, a hedge planted for security should be dense, so more plants are planted closer together, than for a purely decorative hedge. 

A general rule of thumb is 3 plants per metre if the hedge is to be around 1m high. 

But here are some examples that show how much variation there can be:

• English Box: up to five plants per metre
• Orange Jessamine: two to three plants per metre
• Viburnum: for tall varieties above 2m, less than one plant per metre

These rules are not hard and fast — if you’re on a budget, you can get away with fewer plants, just by being patient.

Variegated or Regular?

Variegated plants are attractive, but some revert to plain green over time. This is disappointing when they cost more than the plain version — especially if some plants revert and others don’t!

Hedge Repair

Buying a classic plant variety that’s been around a long time will make it easier to replace any plants that don’t flourish — newer varieties can be hard to source.

Hedge Maintenance

It pays to consider hedge maintenance before you plant — some hedges need a lot more TLC than others! 

Planting Your New Hedging Plants in Perth 

Now you know which hedging plants do best here in Perth, you’ll be keen to make a decision and start planting! But how can you set your hedge up for success?

Start by digging a hole or trench as deep as the plant’s pot. Remove any rocks, adding compost and fertiliser. 

Loosen surrounding soil. Tease out roots and gently plant. Water well, adding mulch on top.

It all sounds simple, but if you feel overwhelmed by plant choices, undecided about your garden style, or daunted by the size of the task, why not get some help? 

The friendly professionals at Perth Landscaping Experts can help with your entire project – from advising on the ideal plants, to sourcing and installing them!

Call us today on (08) 6263 4646, email us at [email protected] or contact us via the website to find out more!

Here is our guide on all you need to know when it comes to landscaping – even if you are a total beginner. 

What is Landscaping?

So let’s get straight to the point and start answering the question “what is landscaping?”

Landscaping refers to the process of modifying the visible features of an area of land, including altering the terrain, planting trees and shrubs, installing structures such as patios and walkways, and creating outdoor living spaces. It can also involve designing and maintaining gardens and other areas of plants, as well as managing the overall appearance and functionality of the outdoor space. Landscaping is a popular way to improve the appearance and value of a property, and it can also provide practical benefits such as providing shade, creating privacy, and controlling erosion.

There are many different approaches to landscaping, and the style and design of a landscape will depend on the goals and preferences of the homeowner, as well as the local climate and available resources. Some people may choose to hire a professional landscaper to design and install their landscape, while others may prefer to do the work themselves.

No matter what approach is taken, there are several important considerations to keep in mind when landscaping.

Let’s go more in-depth in this blog to find out more about what landscaping is and its benefits… 

Benefits of Landscaping

There are many benefits to landscaping a property, both practical and aesthetic. A well-designed landscape can improve the overall appearance and value of a property, and it can also provide practical benefits such as providing shade, creating privacy, and controlling erosion. Landscaping can also provide an opportunity for outdoor recreation and enjoyment, and it can contribute to the overall health and well-being of the homeowner. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced landscaper, there are always new things to learn and discover in the world of landscaping.

Some of the many benefits to landscaping a property include:

Improved Appearance

A well-designed and maintained landscape can significantly improve the appearance of a property, making it more attractive and appealing to potential buyers or renters.

Improved Lifestyle

A well-designed landscape can add huge value to the lives of the people who live there! From encouraging the kids to play outside through the use of play spaces and lawn areas, to entertaining areas or relaxed spaces which make spending time at home more enjoyable and fulfilling, your landscape should make your property and outdoors more attractive, livable and lifestyle friendly.

Increased Property Value

Landscaping can also increase the value of a property. A beautiful landscape can make a property more valuable, and it can also increase the resale value of a home.

Practical Benefits

Landscaping can provide practical benefits as well, such as providing shade, creating privacy, and controlling erosion. A landscape may also include outdoor living spaces such as patios and walkways, which can be used for recreation and relaxation.

Improved Health and Well-Being

Landscaping can also have positive effects on the health and well-being of the homeowner. Being surrounded by nature and having access to outdoor spaces can improve mental health and reduce stress, and it can also encourage physical activity.

Environmental Benefits

Landscaping can also have environmental benefits. Planting trees and other vegetation can help to improve air quality and reduce carbon dioxide levels, and it can also provide habitat for wildlife.

Energy Savings

Landscaping can also help to save energy and reduce energy costs. For example, strategically placed trees and shrubs, natural lawn and other green areas can provide shade and an overall cooling effect for your property, which can help to reduce the need for air conditioning in the summer.

Two Key Landscaping Terms

There are two types of landscaping – hardscaping and softscaping.

Hardscaping

When you hear the term ‘hardscaping’ this simply refers to any ‘hard’ landscaping elements such as decking, concrete, paving etc.

Softscaping

You may have guessed based on the above, but ‘softscaping’ refers to the green elements in a landscape; trees, shrubs, flowers and lawn, etc.

Types of Landscaping Services

While it’s possible to do your own landscaping if you have the time, resources and skills, you’ll get much better results, quicker and of a higher, enduring quality if you enlist the help of an expert Landscaping company like us at Perth Landscaping Experts with our professional team of landscapers.

Landscape Design

No landscaping project should begin without a careful, thorough design and planning process. This makes sure that the end result is a space to enjoy, admire and inspire – ensuring that the landscape is well-suited to the local climate and the needs and goals of the homeowner.

A professional local landscape designer has the training and experience to create a landscape that is both visually appealing and functional. They can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on their knowledge of plant materials, design principles, and local conditions. 

A key element that often goes wrong in a DIY landscape is the plant choice. A designer with expert plant knowledge will select plants and other elements that are well-suited to the local climate and soil conditions, which can help to reduce maintenance costs and improve the overall health of the landscape.

Landscape Construction

It’s not enough to design the perfect landscape, you need to be able to construct it with quality results. Using poor quality materials, incorrect site preparation, or cutting corners during landscape construction will leave you with many headaches and problems in the long-run, so it’s best to bring in a professional landscape construction company for this part. 

An expert Landscaping company should be able to offer all areas of landscape construction services, including:

Lawns

Lawns are an area of grass that is maintained and kept short. They are often used for recreational purposes such as playing sports or lounging, and they can also provide a nice green backdrop for a landscape. There are many different types of grass that can be used for lawns, and the right lawn choice will depend on the local climate and the desired appearance and maintenance requirements.

Trees

Trees are large, woody plants that are often used in landscaping for their aesthetic value and practical benefits. Choose your landscape trees carefully to make sure that their size, type and root systems are right for each location in your landscaping. Trees can provide shade, create privacy, and improve air quality. They can also provide habitat for wildlife and contribute to the overall health of the environment. Trees can be either deciduous or evergreen, and they can be flowering or non-flowering.

Shrubs

Shrubs are often used in landscaping as hedging or screening plants for their compact size and versatility. Shrubs can be used as border plants, as screens, or as standalone specimens, and they can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. Like trees, shrubs can provide shade, create privacy, and improve air quality, and they can also provide habitat for wildlife.

Garden beds

Garden beds are any areas of a landscape that are dedicated to growing plants. These beds can be used to grow a variety of plants, including flowers, vegetables, and herbs. Planting beds can be designed in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they can be raised or ground level.

Water features

Water features are decorative elements in a landscape that incorporate water, such as fountains, ponds, or waterfalls or fountains. Water features can add visual interest to a landscape, and they can also provide a soothing sound and a cool, refreshing environment.

Pathways

Pathways in a landscape that are used for separating areas and providing clear access throughout the landscape. They can be made of a variety of materials, such as concrete, brick, or stone, and they can be straight or winding. Pathways can be used to connect different areas of a landscape, or they can be used as a decorative element. They can also have spaces between them to allow greenery to grow, creating a softer look. 

Driveways

Driveways are paved areas that are used for parking or driving vehicles. They can be made of a variety of materials, such as asphalt, concrete, or pavers, and they can be straight or winding. Driveways can be used to provide access to a property or to create an attractive entrance to a home.

Walls

Walls can be used in landscaping for a variety of purposes, such as creating boundaries, providing privacy, or adding visual interest. Walls can be made of a variety of materials, such as stone, brick, or concrete, and they can be found in a variety of styles and sizes. They can also have features such as climbing plants or screens added to soften their look and make them a great backdrop in a landscape. 

Fences

Fences can be used in landscaping to create boundaries, provide privacy, or add visual interest. Fences can be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, vinyl, or metal, and they can be found in a variety of styles and sizes. These can also have elements such as screens, climbing frames affixed to them to improve the overall appearance. 

Garden Sheds

Garden sheds can be used for storage or as a workspace. They can be made of a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, or plastic, and they can be found in a variety of styles and sizes. Work with your landscape designer to add screening or planting to make them a part of the landscape or hide them so they don’t negatively impact the overall look of the design – but you still get the advantage of additional storage to keep your garden areas tidy. 

Decking

There are a myriad of decking options to suit any landscape, from hardwood to composite, or other materials, and they are used for creating additional outdoor living spaces. Decking can be used to create an outdoor living space, such as a patio or a seating area, and it can be found in a variety of styles and sizes.

Styles of Landscaping

Before starting any landscaping, it’s important to decide on the style you want for your property. There are many different types of landscaping, and the style and design of a landscape will depend on the goals and preferences of the homeowner, as well as the local climate and available resources. 

If you’re struggling to come up with ideas or make a decision, below are some styles you might consider. 

Tropical

Want a lush, tropical landscape to ‘escape’ to? This type of landscaping is characterised by lush, tropical plants and a warm, humid climate. Tropical landscaping design may include elements such as palm trees, exotic flowers, and water features. While trickier to achieve in Perth due to our dry climate and sandy soils, it is still possible with careful planning and soil preparation, along with a great reticulation system and maintenance. 

Japanese Garden

The ultimate landscape style for relaxation and a still, zen atmosphere, this type of landscaping is characterised by the use of natural materials such as stone, water, and plants to create a peaceful and serene environment. Japanese garden landscaping may include elements such as waterfalls, koi ponds, and carefully pruned trees and shrubs.

Native

This is our favourite type of landscaping – focusing on using plants that are native to the local area. Perth has a wide range of natives to choose from which are all adapted to the local climate, making it easier to maintain as well as requiring fewer resources to keep healthy. Native landscaping can also help to conserve natural resources and provide habitats for local wildlife. Not to mention – this style of landscape looks amazing!

Desert – or Xeriscape style

This type of landscaping is designed to conserve water, and it is often used in areas with limited water resources – a popular option for us here in Perth. Xeriscape landscaping typically includes drought-resistant plants from the succulent family (such as such as Aizoaceae, Cactaceae, and Crassulaceae), mulch, and efficient irrigation systems. While you might think it would look sparse and boring, these landscapes can look striking while being incredibly easy to maintain!

Formal landscaping

This type of landscaping is characterised by a symmetrical and organised layout, with straight lines and precise shapes. Formal landscaping often includes elements such as formal gardens, topiaries, and carefully manicured lawns. Think Versailles or English mansions – straight from Downton Abbey. This is a very popular modern style but will require a lot of maintenance, so if you aren’t up to it but love the look, make sure you find a great garden maintenance company in Perth to take care of your investment for you. 

Informal / Cottage Gardens

Think wildflowers and lush and varied planting. This type of landscaping is more relaxed and natural, with a less formal layout and a focus on native plants and natural materials. Informal landscaping may include elements such as wildflower gardens, natural stone pathways, and meandering streams. These also require expert maintenance to make sure the look stays natural and wild but attractive and true to the design – not overgrown and messy. 

These styles are just the tip of the iceberg – the options for landscaping styles are endless. Do plenty of research to find what you like and don’t, then work with a professional landscape designer to customise your look and make the most of your space. 

What to Consider Before You Start Landscaping

Along with choosing your landscape design, style and ideal landscaping elements, you need to first think of your goals. Will you be staying in the property forever, or is the landscaping purely to add curb appeal to sell the property? This helps determine the scale of your investment and the complexity of the elements you choose. Also, think about the overall lifestyle requirements. Do you need an entertaining area, pool, play area or relaxation areas? What do you want/need to be able to do outside? 

Now that you have a good framework and overall goals, it’s time to think about the details… 

What to Think About When Starting Your Landscaping Project?

1. First, it’s important to consider the layout and design of the landscape. This includes determining the overall theme or style of the landscape, as well as deciding on the location of different elements such as plants, trees, and structures. It’s also important to consider the size and scale of the landscape, as well as the surrounding environment and the available sunlight and water resources. Need help with this step? Starting your project with a professional landscape design consultation can get you off to a great start.

2. Next, it’s important to choose the right plants and trees for the landscape. This will depend on the local climate and soil conditions, as well as the desired appearance and function of the plants. Some plants may be chosen for their aesthetic value, while others may be chosen for their practical benefits such as providing shade or attracting pollinators. It’s also important to consider the maintenance requirements of different plants, as some may require more care and attention than others.

3. In addition to plants, there are many other elements that can be included in a landscape design, such as patios, walkways, and retaining walls. These elements can provide functional benefits such as creating outdoor living spaces or controlling erosion, as well as adding visual interest to the landscape. It’s important to consider the materials and design of these elements, as well as their maintenance requirements and overall cost.

4. Once the landscape is designed and installed, it’s important to maintain it to keep it looking its best. This may involve tasks such as watering, pruning, and fertilising plants, as well as controlling pests and weeds. It may also involve regular maintenance of any structures or other elements in the landscape. Whatever you choose to include in your landscape, make sure you think about the maintenance required so that it suits your needs in the long term. 

Where to Find Landscaping Ideas

Now that you’ve read our beginners guide explaining what landscaping is, I’m sure you’re eager to get started. So, here are a few tips for where to find good landscaping ideas:

• Observe your friends and families landscaping designs and talk to them about it and the reasons behind what they chose for the style and various features
• Research using magazine, books, television and the internet (you can find some great ideas on Pinterest)
• Get a professional design consultation with a company such as us at Perth Landscaping Experts
• Read landscaping blogs or check out recent design award winners

Ready to Start Your Landscaping Project? 

If all of the above has given you some great ideas but also made the idea of your project seem quite overwhelming – don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We can take you from design to the finished construction and make it easy to build the landscape of your dreams.

Call our friendly team today on (08) 6263 4646 or contact us here to begin.