I'm Thinking of Landscaping; What Can I Get for my Budget?

3rd July 2024

Good question! Let's have a frank discussion about the costs involved in landscaping a small garden.

Landscaping is labour-intensive, and many little steps are involved that eventually add up. For example, before we start the installation, we have to source and order all the supplies and ensure they are delivered on time. Sometimes, we must visit several suppliers to find specific plants and materials. Before installing significant design elements like plants, pavers, decks and the like, we'll need to organise waste bins to clear your property, dig and remove soil, and bring new soil on site. At the beginning of the day, there is setting up, then clearing up at the end. Sometimes we have to access your garden through your house, which means we need to apply protection to your floors, so we don't make a mess.

Your time and money are precious, so we like to ensure we set expectations from the start. We don't want to over-design or under-deliver. Clarifying the process and budget expectations at the get-go will help us create the most appropriate design for your space and avoid potential misunderstandings.

Below, we will try to give you as good an idea as possible of what you can get for your budget. There will be variations and options in between.

Explainer:

We start with a basic 50 to 70sqm backyard with a concrete patio - a reasonably standard townhouse layout as seen in the image above. In the images and descriptions below, we illustrate what can be created/delivered in that space at various budget levels. There are a few underlying assumptions, which we note below:

Assumptions

  • We assume the space is primarily bare, and soil quality is poor.
  • There is minimal demolition required.
  • The garden is easily accessed through a side pathway or garage (i.e. not through a house).
  • Remember that some of your budget will need to be allocated to the design—approximately $995-$1295, depending on its complexity.

Under $5000

For this budget, there are a couple of options to consider:

  1. Take a long-term view and put the money towards a design plan that you can either install yourself or in stages as your budget allows.
  2. Focus on one or two elements that will make your garden more comfortable, such as a table and chairs and a quality shade umbrella or adding pots, planters, or a vege pod from big-box retailers like Mitre 10.

Budget $5000

At this budget, we can create basic garden beds around your ground-level lawn. We would focus on improving your soil with compost, fertiliser, and mulch. We can provide small-grade, basic plants—no hard surfacing.

Budget $10,000

Option A (above)

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mix premium-grade plants with large-grade plants—e.g., trees for privacy. Note: large specimens are expensive!
  • Very little surfacing, if any.

OR

Option B

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil greatly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed-grade, premium plants - no large grade.
  • Simple surfacings, such as gravel, mulch or shell pathways.

Budget $20,000

Option A

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed grade, premium plants, with larger plants included – e.g. trees for privacy.
  • Improved Lawn.
  • Paved pathways and basic timber edging.

Option B

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed grade, premium plants, with larger plants included – e.g. for privacy.
  • Simple surfacing, such as gravel pathways.
  • Premium edging - e.g. corten steel, curved metal.
  • Improved Lawn.
  • Some construction – raised garden beds or a small deck (< 10 sqm) pine timber, unstained.

Budget $30,00

Option A

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed grade, premium plants, with larger plants included – e.g. for privacy.
  • Paved pathways with premium metal edging.
  • Raised garden beds and a small (< 10 sqm) deck in pine timber, stained.
  • Some accessories, such as pots or screens.

Option B

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed grade, premium plants, with larger plants included – e.g. for privacy.
  • A smaller area of paving with premium metal edging.
  • A moderate size deck (20sqm) using pine timber, stained.
  • Some accessories, such as pots or screens

Budget $40,000

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed grade, premium plants, with larger plants included – e.g. for privacy.
  • Paved pathways with premium metal edging.
  • A moderate size deck (20sqm) using hardwood or composite.
  • Raised planter beds.
  • Accessories, such as pots, wall planters and screens.
  • Some furniture.

Budget $50,000+

  • Garden beds at ground level and soil significantly improved with compost, fertiliser and mulch.
  • Mixed grade, premium plants, with larger plants included – e.g. for privacy.
  • Paved pathways with premium metal edging, lots of choice in variety, e.g. porcelain tiles.
  • Raised garden beds - corten steel
  • A moderate to large deck (20-30sqm) using pine timber, stained.
  • Accessories, such as pots or screens.
  • Focal Points, e.g. water features.
  • High-end finishes and choices with pavers, stones etc.

Optional costs:

  • Irrigation - $1000-3500
  • Lighting - $1500-4000
  • Painting Fences - $3000-7000

If you find this helpful, please give us a little thumbs up at the bottom of the page! Your feedback is essential to us 😊.

Our designers specialise in small urban gardens, terraced housing, balconies, and decks. If you are considering transforming your outdoor space, contact us for a no-obligation consultation.

*The cost estimates provided in this article are intended as a rough guide only, are subject to change and will depend on the intricacies of each design.

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