Shawn Hickman

11 Tips for Garden Landscaping Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin A garden is a soothing, life-affirming place and the perfect sanctuary in which you spend time during perplexing times and landscaping in Sydney is one of the most fun activities there is. All you have to do is put all your creativity into creating a space that you want and you will be amazed at how well you can do. However, if you are not sure about being your own landscaper in Sydney, you can always hire professional help. Here are some tips you can use for your landscaping in Sydney.  1. Make use of everything that is around you. For example, if you have a wooden France lying around, make use of it to make your garden more appealing by painting it. 2. Keep your grass watered and green, along with your plants. It is important to make your space happy and welcoming. And what better way to do it than keeping a healthy set of grass!3. If you want your lawn to look appealing all year long, it is important to choose plants and flowers that look good no matter which season it is.4. Before deciding on the type of plants you want for your landscaping in Sydney, check the climatic conditions. Having different species and types of plants can help too.5. Go for plants that are easy to plant and maintain. With a little watering, light and pruning, a good plant should remain beautiful and not die.6. Create curved edges to add some style to your natural straight landscape. You can do this in the garden on the sidewalk and around the house. 7. You can also use artificial landscaping products like lighting, flower pots, flagstones and patio stones to make your garden more appealing and attractive, not just for you but for others as well who visit it.8. Add a water feature to your beautiful space. This will add beauty and a touch of appeal to your landscaping in Sydney. Either a small water fountain or a fish pond, anything can do justice to your beautiful space. 9. If you have a small garden space, you can try vertical landscaping. Take advantage of different plants to make your backyard more interesting. You can even use plant hangers and suspended pots to add more plants vertically.10. Choose bold colours that can liven up your small backyard. You can also plant flowers with strong colours upon blooming. However, it is important to use one colour theme since overdoing several colours may give a tiring sight.11. It is a great idea to plant different types of herbs. Planting different herbs will make your garden look more attractive and they’ll also offer you multiple health benefits once cooked. If you want to get an old yet fancy aspect, then use a metallic tub for planting random herbs or colourful flowers. Landscaping in Sydney might seem pretty easy. But this is not always the case. In some cases, you might want to consider consulting professional landscapers, who have the right equipment to test the soil PH, as well as the right tools to … [Read more...] about 11 Tips for Garden Landscaping

8 Affordable Landscaping Ideas that Work Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Is your garden looking a little lacklustre and needs an upgrade? Well, there is no time like the present to give your garden an uplift. Whether it's painting an old shelf and existing accessories, getting clever with pots and paints or repurposing old household items, we've curated lots of creative ideas which can infuse a new life into your existing garden without breaking the bank.  If you're hunting for such inexpensive landscaping ideas to turn your garden 'drab' to 'fab', then check out these amazing, affordable landscaping ideas that work.1. Make use of an old wooden palette Making your own furniture is always going to prove more budget-friendly, additionally, you get what you want. For this DIY idea, you will need some wooden palettes which can be sourced for free or cheaply from local shops that do lots of deliveries. Arrange them into L shape or horizontally, use some more palettes to create a backrest and tada! you have a cosy outdoor setting.To add an extra touch of style, you can paint with trendy colours, add some comfortable sitting cushions, a centre table and lighting to make it a wholesome space.  2. Go crazy with your creativityAdding a splash of vibrant colour behind your existing containers will help to breathe new life into your Sydney landscaping. For this splash of colour, you only need to invest in some quality exterior paints - Choose a coordinating colour palette for pots and paint them to create a cohesive look. Using old tyres is another great and widely used idea to add interest to your garden. Grab the old used tyres from your garage and paint them in bright or pastel colour for a chic look. Fill the centre with prepared soil and plant your favourite flowering plant.  3. Upcycle your old furnitureWhether you have an old bench, desk or ladder, give them a room in your backyard. Paint them with your favourite colour, use the desk and ladder as an excellent potting table. Place the ancient bench somewhere in the garden to create more sitting spots while also hinge of rustic features into the landscaping. 4. Add borders Borders are a great way to create a professionally landscaped look. Almost all Sydney landscapers use this method to create a clean look as well as to divide the areas. Either use native flowers and wooden or plastic borders to divide the area and make it look well-groomed or you can also go with crushed stone or rock as an alternative.  5. Let nature accentuate your gardenIt's not always big things that change the feel of your garden, sometimes a tiny change and addition possess the power to alter the atmosphere. Boost your garden environment by inviting natural elements into your garden. Attract native birds by adding a DIY bird feeder or by infusing native flowers into the flower belts.Another great way to attract wildlife is with a tiny pond. Using the gravels or stones create … [Read more...] about 8 Affordable Landscaping Ideas that Work

5 Factors to Consider in Choosing a Tree Service Company - Our GuideShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on linkedinWhat do trees give us? There's one answer the whole world knows i.e oxygen, but what else? Actually, there is a list of benefits a tree lends us. Aside from oxygen, fruits and shade, and medicine for mortals, they also take a few more steps to intensify the aesthetic appeal of your home. So if you're planning to this bring beauty into your yard then you're killing two birds with one stone, which is you're going to add value to your property and family. Giving them a place in your yard is just not enough, taking good care of them is paramount for their health and growth. However, neglecting them can create liability and pose a probable threat for anyone in the vicinity.  So if you're bound to time yet want them in your home then we recommend hiring a professional gardening service in Sydney and a reliable tree service company who will get the job done for you. There're a lot of companies out there who are providing solutions for tree services; but, how do you know they're worth your trust and money? Before you decide on one company here are some food-for-thought you should take into consideration.  Credential and professional associationsWe all certainly know trees require fertiliser and water to thrive healthily, and the other thing is how much do they need? Even the slightest mistake can drag them to death, but this mishap can be avoided by seeking the help of qualified, professional tree care experts. Along with taking their help, always first ask about their qualifications, even though they have a reputation, it doesn't harm to ask for their certification. The other things you should mind about their team and their previous projects. Alongside, it's an added bonus if the chosen company has public liability insurance just in case any accident occurs on-site.Check the testimonials Testimonials can be the best way which could lead you to the best gardening service in Sydney. And when you're seeking out tree care then it's even more important to do your share of research about the company's reputation and what their previous clients say about them. If you want to get an insight into the knowledge and expertise the tree service companies possess, check their existing reviews and testimonials on their website or anywhere available online. A good company will be able to provide you with references from their past customers. While you're at it, peep at the pictures of the latest projects and if they satisfy you then you can check on them. Safety and insuranceTree removal can sometimes be a dangerous chore, so safety should always be on top priority as well as it's another factor to consider that the company you choose for your service is fully licensed and insured. As performing tree service comes with potential risk, if the company is carrying liability … [Read more...] about 5-factors-to-consider-in-choosing-a-tree-service-company

Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin The previous year has made us realise the value of an outdoor space since then our garden has become a sanctuary to escape the boring four walls. Now when people have realised the significance of much needed outdoor rooms then why don't give it a twist of modern & nature. And blend it together for cultivating an aesthetically pleasing outdoor living space where you can share the room with those tiny crippling birds, colourful butterflies and energetic hamsters.Whether you own a small, narrow, long or big backyard, follow these tips to transform your yard into an outdoor living room. Making whatever space you do have as stylish, comfortable and inviting as your living room but with green hues, the essence of nature and little creativity. Start with good planningBefore selecting plants and furniture, the first thing you should give thought to, how you want to use the space - do you want to make claiming zen niche or partying sport?Have a look at the space and surrounding for a vision of what you can experiment in that area and what design can leverage you to utilise it the utmost. Get the lawn into shapeA well-shaped lawn is the key element of the venture as it will set the entire garden on the right track. If it isn't manicured and attains a strong shape for the foundation.The shape of a garden doesn't limit your designs so even though you don't have a rectangular lawn - try out different shapes like oval, circle, square or oblong. Select pants wiselyThe best outdoor living designs are those which are infused with structural plants and infilled with pretty blooming plants. So use green shrubs on the edges and end of each border as punctuation along the way. In between the gaps, give room to pretty flowering plants which will add colour and attract local birds. But whatever plants you choose, arrange them in a repeated pattern for a coordinated and harmonised effect. Brilliantly combination of hardscapeInfusing natural elements for hardscaping gives a sense of living in the lap of nature yet delivers modern, contemporary, inviting and enough hard surface for furniture. So, try incorporating natural flagstones, decomposed granite, wood decking, boulders. Water featuresCreate a sense of calm by adding a water feature. The addition will stimulate a refreshing and relaxing sensation. It doesn't necessarily mean adding an expensive elaborate fountain or waterfall, in fact, just a trickle can have an impact. Aside from aesthetic purpose the sound and sight lend health benefits by soothing the mind and lowering blood pressure. Let it be warmThe next time when the chilled breeze tries to ruin your outdoor party you won't need to hustle and shift the party inside if you incorporate the outdoor space with fire features such as a pit or fireplace. And you can enjoy evenings being warmed by the fire all year round and best of all, it … [Read more...] about 12 Tips For Designing Your Ideal Outdoor Living Space

Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin It would be wrong if we said gardening is a boring job. On the other hand, it is this one activity that has the power to lighten our mood and provide peace to our tired minds. In our busy lifestyles in Sydney, Gardening is one of those things that keeps us sane. Everything from soiling our hands to planting saplings to watch them grow everyday, it gives us immense pleasure. However, as fun as it may seem, sometimes, doing everything by yourself might look like a stretch and the help of a professional gardener might seem like a perfect fit.  Professional gardeners are actively involved in a variety of gardening activities ranging from landscaping and gardening services in Sydney to maintaining it which involves regular weed removal, lawn trimming, tree and hedge pruning.  Garden Landscaping in Sydney also depends on a lot of factors that only a professional gardener from Sydney would be able to judge before planting any saplings. Some factors that affect gardening in Sydney include its temperate climate with warm summers and mild winters. The professional gardeners in Sydney would reconsider planting any plant that would not be able to survive the temperate climate. The gardeners in Sydney while planning a landscape also keep in mind that Sydney gardens are heavily focused on outdoor living and people generally enjoy a large outdoor area dedicated to entertaining and hanging out and enjoying the sun and outdoors. The professional gardeners of Kangaroo Paw Gardening and Landscaping Services in Sydney keep all these factors in mind while assisting any client in their landscaping. While planning a landscape, a professional team of gardeners and experienced landscapers will bring your ideas to life. Gardening is more of an experience than an activity, and that is why, our set of professional gardeners in Sydney are trained to bring your imagination to reality.  A good Landscaping in a Sydney household is a combination of beauty and functionality. Landscaping in Sydney is a large undertaking, which requires the support and assistance of a team with considerable experience. The right plants, the right size situated at a perfect angle for the sunlight and proper maintenance are some works that can be handled perfectly by a professional gardener in Sydney. Our team takes the time to learn what you need, so that they can design a landscape or garden that suits your specific needs, lifestyle, and family. We create an aesthetic and a practical space with your ideas and our collaboration. While taking any undertaking or a project, our professional Sydney gardeners follow the local regulations in regards to removing any indigenous trees and shrubs from the property. We first plan the project and then manage it within the planned budget and timeline, allowing our clients to just sit back and enjoy the new space and their backyard ideas being realized. Once the council permits are obtained … [Read more...] about A Guide to the best Gardeners in Sydney

Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin While a garden has become an essential element of the house, it has brought along the requisite of giving it a mesmerising design. After all, well-cultivated landscaping increases the aesthetic appeal of a house. But as much as a garden is important for a magnificent home, it's equally important to coordinate the palette of your garden and house to achieve an artful manifestation and cohesive design. And actually, this is the toughest task! Although it can be accomplished by linking a house and garden by using paint colours that can be repeated in foliage or flowers, such as natural colour paint will blend perfectly with Burgundy trim, these combinations flawlessly suit with home's charm and provide a fitting background for the garden. So if you're planning on buying a new home or envisioning upgrading the current look of your house then start planning your garden with us. With our overarching gardening & landscaping designs, harmonise with your home's architecture and interior style while lending you achieve your own oasis which matches your lifestyle as well.  Match the colour schemeMatching your house colour as a backdrop for your garden's foliage or flower is apparently the simplest way to link the interior and exterior. Think of your house colour as the flower painting canvas. So you can either echo your home's colour scheme, or you can select a plant countering colours to make the alcove pop. Generally, simple colours such as beige, white, pastels, brown or cool blue, are easiest to integrate with a garden, precisely the simple colours scheme often work best as background. However, palettes may be sophisticated, dramatic, natural, depending on your own personal preferences and taste which blends with the surrounding landscape. The colour of the foliage and flowers are basically needed to add contrast so all those colours that show up well against your house will be an ideal fit. Luckily, many modern homes are painted with pastel or natural colour which makes them perfect to meld into the natural greenery. While dealing with the simple coloured house, the landscape's colour scheme should harmonize with the backdrop. Suppose a cool house colour such as blue, green, purple blends well with cool plants colours. Likewise warm coloured houses like yellow, pink, and apricot, harmonize well with warm featured plants. The next you can do to animate things is incorporate colours that are opposite each other on the colour wheel. A bright painted house is quite dramatic and is better off with equally spectacular colours in the landscaping. Therefore with a bright house, include plants having vivid hues such as plants with red leaves or flowers, black rose succulents, red cyclamens or blood leaf.  Size of your yardIf you're blessed with a huge yard, then indeed you can put in as much creativity you can. You can intensity the design with winding pathways that outline different … [Read more...] about Matching your Garden to your home

Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin When you think of a beautiful garden, then what all comes to your mind? Green lush tickling grass? Colourful perennial flowers? A striking focal point, and the marvellous road leading to the little heaven? Yes! This is apparently the idea of an elegant garden. Now imagine the picture without any flowers, foliage and greenery, does that look as pleasing as before? I guess no! I suppose that's why shrubs and bushes are essential for a landscape. But now the question is, how would you maintain the magic all year round? Yes, you can do it, by researching the shrubs that stay alive and healthy. By picking up the right one, you can ensure that your little Paradise is as beautiful as you wanted it to be. We believe plant selection should always be initiated by researching the qualities of the specific specimens. These come in many different sizes, shapes, flowers and foliage. So, select the element that will give your yard the structure and looks you were striving for. To help you make the right decision, we've singled out shrubs that will do just right in your garden. Choose the Right ColoursThe Colour of shrubs, foliage and flowers influence the visual impression of your garden.  So, before you randomly pick anything, make a rough sketch of the garden that you want to achieve. It will help you navigate in the correct direction. The leaves of shrubs come in various colours or say in almost all colours that you can enjoy their abundance throughout every season. From red to yellow, green to brown and even black, you get all the options in your platter. The colour you choose will directly impact the visual of your yard while some options may flatter your garden in multiple ways. Keep all the options in and don't limit your imagination, go beyond green, including soft blue, red, violet, and cream with green. These hues will look more striking and add dept to the landscape. Thus you should carefully evaluate while selecting the right one for your yard.  Shape and SizeYou must have seen rounded shaped shrubs, they are the most usual shape but apparently, it's not the only option you've got. You can give them any shape you desire. But again not any shrub can do the job, for this you will be required to pick up something which has low outward branches (prostrate), or whose branches droop downward. And just prune them into any interesting shape you want. Regardless of the shape, size is another factor you should consider while selecting. If you've got a small yard then do not go for larger leaves as it will eat up most of the area while making it look more compact. Don't worry you still have options though! Luckily some species are also available in dwarf form, especially conifers which can do absolutely well in smaller areas.  Drought Tolerant OptionsAlthough most of the shrubs are quite drought-tolerant, they still require good care in the initial days. To make sure of their longevity, … [Read more...] about How to Select a Shrub For your Yard

Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on linkedin Living in the heart of the city comes with lots of perks but there is certainly one thing which most of the homeowners miss: it's none other than a cosy backyard. As we already know the inner city of Sydney has high traffic which makes it hard to own a property that has a yard alongside and perhaps the reason why buildings are climbing the chart. Although urban houses lack yards, we can't refute that the rooftops are not much behind in the race. The rooftop lends us the same chance to escape the chaos and enter in our own little alcove as well as enjoy the great view of suburbs in complete secrecy. The best part of these urban rooftop designs is they provide a perfect place to enjoy our summer evening, the enchanting sunset view and relax after a long day. And if you blend the lush and blooms with a well-designed rooftop then you can indeed achieve a ubiquitous and gorgeous little paradise. An intelligently designed rooftop garden has the magic to turn an uninviting area into a beautiful urban oasis while providing the same backyard feel. So if you want to have your green oasis then check out our latest terrace garden design ideas. Keep it openEven if you've got a small rooftop yet you make it look big by creating an illusion. Keep it open and let the breeze in! Other things you can consider are transparent glass instead of the parapet wall. Create fences, railing, or hedge around the border and this will do the job. But if you're concerned about privacy or don't like the constantly prying eyes of your neighbours then drop this idea.  Have tall plantsThis idea is perfect for a large area and if you don't have a pleasing view from the rooftop or if you want to achieve a real garden feel then do a little mix and match of small shrubs and tall plants. Infuse high vegetation around the edges/walls to maximise the greenery and corner yourself from the city lights. Bamboos and tall grasses are great combinations and low maintenance picks, but you've time then you have an array of options available to choose from. Choose smartlyWhen it comes to creating an aesthetic niche in a limited area then ensure you don't rush and carefully maintain the diversity in the size of plants. Make it a complete package by adding a few large plants, shrubs, small trees and ground covers. Also, infuse containers of different sizes for creating a fallacy and cultivating a great look for your rooftop garden. Add furnitureThis step is something that should be decided on in the first stage of planning. So deduced what look you want to cultivate, would you like to make it an enjoying cocktail party space or a big dinner feast. When you've decided on then pick the furniture which compliments the theme of your garden. Light it upLighting plays a very crucial role in intensifying the aura of the niche and during the evening your rooftop garden must be well-lit. It has two reasons: first, it's essential to … [Read more...] about Rooftop gardens