top of page
Living waters example work (5).jpg

Landscaping in
Park Orchards, Melbourne

With expansive blocks (often over 1,000m²), a semi-rural atmosphere, and a deep connection to nature, Park Orchards is embracing landscaping trends that honour its bushland charm while enhancing modern outdoor living. Here are the current trends, based on Living Waters' experience as local landscapers in the area.

 

From fire-wise planting to layered native gardens and smart outdoor features, these designs reflect both lifestyle aspirations and the unique environmental character of the area.

​

Maximise the potential of your Park Orchards property with a tailored, sustainable landscape design. Contact us today to start planning your ideal outdoor space!

Sustainability and Native Planting


For Park Orchards properties, Living Waters recommends embracing sustainable gardening, prioritising drought-tolerant and low-maintenance native plants that thrive in the suburb’s well-drained soils, leafy surroundings, and bushfire-prone environment.

Popular native species include:

  • Small to Medium Shrubs: Grevillea, Bottlebrush, Coastal rosemary, Native fuchsia, Tea tree, Wax flower, Emu bush

  • Ground Covers and Low Plants: Flax lily, Mat rush, Creeping boobialla, Fan flower, Groundcover grevillea

  • Trees and Large Shrubs: Eucalyptus, Silver wattle, Black she-oak, Coast banksia, Paperbark

  •  Feature Plants: Kangaroo paw, Waratah, Yellow buttons, Everlasting dais

  • Climbers: Climbing guinea flower, Running postman, Bower vine


Why natives are ideal for Park Orchards:

  • Blend seamlessly with the local bushland setting

  • Require less water and fertiliser

  • Are generally fire-resistant and wildlife-friendly

  • Help preserve the suburb’s semi-rural character

Bushfire-Responsive Landscaping


Given its location in a bushfire-sensitive area, Park Orchards gardens are increasingly designed with fire safety in mind. This includes:

  • Creating defensible zones around homes

  • Using low-flammability native species

  • Incorporating gravel paths, stonework, and low-fuel planting zones

  • Avoiding dense hedges near structures


This design approach protects homes while maintaining natural beauty.

Living waters example work (6)_edited.jpg

Terraced Gardens and Rock Features


The undulating blocks in Park Orchards offer creative landscaping opportunities. Many homeowners are:

  • Building retaining walls with natural stone

  • Designing tiered garden beds to manage slope

  • Integrating rock work and boulders into naturalistic designs


These features provide structure, stability, and visual harmony with the bushland setting.

Smart Outdoor Technology


Technology is becoming a key feature of modern gardens, offering convenience and eco-efficiency.


Popular smart features:

  • Automated irrigation systems (ideal for water conservation)

  • Solar-powered lighting for paths and feature trees
  • Remote-controlled pumps for water tanks and pool features
  • Robot lawnmowers

 

This will reduce water and energy use, while making garden management easier and support sustainable living. These technologies will also improve efficiency and sustainability—perfect for large garden lots.

Contact Living Waters to see how we can assist with creating a Smart Outdoor area!

Outdoor Living Spaces


With family-oriented living and larger block sizes (average around 1,000m2), many Park Orchards homes are expanding their living space outdoors.
 

Trending features:

  • Pergolas and shade structures

  • Outdoor kitchens or pizza ovens

  • Fire pits

  • Integrated (Sunken) seating areas

  • Timber or composite decking

  • Decking and paved entertaining areas

  • Covered alfresco zones​

  • Native garden surrounds that feel open, yet private

​

These outdoor spaces cater to families and social gatherings, blending luxury with natural charm.

Modern Villa

Naturalistic and Layered Landscaping


Garden styles are moving away from formality towards soft, flowing designs that reflect the native landscape. This includes:

  • Using a mix of textures, colours, and layers

  • Allowing organic paths and wildlife-friendly planting

  • Retaining and enhancing existing bushland where possible
     

This approach mirrors Park Orchards’ peaceful, wooded ambiance and supports biodiversity.

Embracing the Local Landscape

 

Designers and homeowners in Park Orchards are opting to work with the land, not against it. This is certainly the approach of Living Waters.

​

Strategies include:

  • Preserving mature trees and topography

  • Incorporating natural slopes into pool and deck positioning

  • Using local stone and materials for a grounded, authentic feel
     

The result: sustainable, harmonious spaces that reflect the beauty of Park Orchards’ bushland environment.

Let us help you design

Call Tim to discuss what is possible for you space.

​

We can work with any budget or idea!

contact@lwlandscape.com.au

0422 929 232

bottom of page