Gardens That Thrive in Melbourne’s Climate
At John French Landscape Design, we believe that beautiful gardens should also be sustainable gardens. Our planting designs emphasise species that thrive in Melbourne’s variable climate—tolerant of summer drought, winter cold, and everything in between.
With over 44 years of horticultural experience, we understand which plants succeed in different conditions across Melbourne’s northeast. From the bushland settings of Eltham to the established gardens of Templestowe, we select plants that will flourish in your specific environment.
Our Planting Philosophy
Native First
We prioritise Australian native plants for their:
- Drought tolerance: Adapted to low-water conditions
- Wildlife habitat: Food and shelter for birds and insects
- Low maintenance: Thriving without constant attention
- Sense of place: Connecting your garden to the Australian landscape
Sustainable Practices
Our planting approach includes:
- Right plant, right place: Matching species to conditions
- Water-wise design: Grouping plants by water needs
- Organic soil health: Building living, healthy soil
- Integrated pest management: Minimal chemical intervention
Planting Services
Plant Supply
We source plants from reputable Melbourne nurseries:
Size Options
- Tubestock (140mm pots): Cost-effective mass planting
- 200mm pots: Standard garden plants
- 300mm pots: Larger specimens
- Advanced trees: 45L to 400L containers
- Mature trees: For instant impact
Quality Standards
- Healthy root systems
- True to type specimens
- Pest and disease free
- Hardened off for your conditions
Soil Preparation
Healthy gardens begin with healthy soil:
Our Process
- Soil testing and analysis
- Removal of construction waste
- Organic matter incorporation
- pH adjustment if required
- Proper cultivation and levelling
Premium Soil Mixes
- Custom blends for different planting areas
- Raised garden bed mixes
- Native planting mixes
- Lawn preparation soils
Plant Installation
Professional planting ensures establishment success:
- Correct planting depth
- Root ball preparation
- Proper staking (trees)
- Quality mulching
- Initial watering
Mulching
Mulch is essential for Melbourne gardens:
Benefits
- Moisture retention
- Weed suppression
- Temperature moderation
- Soil improvement (as it breaks down)
Materials
- Recycled hardwood
- Pine bark
- Eucalyptus mulch
- Decorative gravels (for natives)
Lawn Installation
Instant Turf
We install premium turf varieties:
Sir Walter Buffalo
- Australia’s most popular lawn
- Shade tolerant
- Drought resistant
- Soft underfoot
TifTuf Bermuda
- Excellent drought tolerance
- Fast recovery from wear
- Fine leaf texture
- Lower water requirements
Lawn Preparation
Success depends on preparation:
- Weed treatment of existing areas
- Soil cultivation and levelling
- Premium underlay soil
- Proper grading for drainage
- Starter fertiliser application
Establishment Care
We provide guidance for lawn success:
- Watering schedules
- First mow timing
- Fertiliser programs
- Ongoing maintenance
Plant Palette Examples
Native Garden
- Correa varieties
- Westringia species
- Lomandra grasses
- Grevillea selections
- Prostanthera (Mint Bush)
- Dianella (Flax Lily)
Contemporary Garden
- Ornamental grasses (Miscanthus, Pennisetum)
- Agave and succulents
- Architectural plants (Cordyline, Yucca)
- Mass plantings of single species
Mediterranean Garden
- Lavender varieties
- Rosemary and herbs
- Olive trees
- Citrus (in protected areas)
- Ornamental grapes
Irrigation
Successful planting requires adequate water, especially during establishment. We install:
- Drip irrigation for garden beds
- Pop-up sprinklers for lawns
- Smart controllers (Hunter Hydrawise)
- Rain sensors and weather adjustment
See our Irrigation & Lighting service for more details.
Establishment Period
New plantings require attention:
First 6-12 Weeks
- Regular deep watering
- Monitoring for stress
- Replacing any failures
- Adjusting irrigation
First Year
- Gradual reduction in watering
- Fertiliser applications
- Pruning to shape
- Weed management
Ongoing Care
- Seasonal maintenance
- Mulch top-up
- Irrigation adjustment
- Plant replacement if needed
Ready to Create Your Dream Garden?
Contact us to discuss your planting project. We’ll help you select the right plants for your conditions and create a garden that thrives for years to come.
