If you live in Perth, you already know the climate can be a bit of a mixed bag. Long, dry summers. Bright, endless sunlight.
Then, suddenly, a burst of rain that turns the streets into rivers for a week! It’s the kind of weather that makes gardening rewarding and, well, occasionally frustrating.
The experts at Martin Cuthbert Landscapes understand that these extremes are exactly what define the local landscape.
But that same climate, with its sandy soils, salty air, and warm winters, is what gives Perth gardens their charm.
The trick is working with it, not against it. Smart landscape design in Perth is all about creating outdoor spaces that actually survive the heat, conserve water, and still make you want to sit outside when it’s 38 degrees.
Let’s be honest: a garden that looks good in January here deserves a medal.
A gardener’s puzzle
Perth sits in one of the world’s few Mediterranean climates, characterised by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
On paper, that sounds ideal for outdoor living. But in practice? It can be a nightmare for lawns and thirsty plants.
The soil here doesn’t help much either. In many suburbs, it’s basically sand. Water drains faster than you can blink, taking nutrients with it.
So, traditional gardens that thrive in wetter climates, such as those lush, English-style ones you see in magazines, often struggle.
That’s why so many Perth homeowners are rethinking how they landscape. Instead of fighting nature, they are instead trying to learn from it.
A garden that’s planned around the local climate can help save you water. This also means long-lasting, cheaper to maintain, and feels more connected to the place you live.
Plants that actually survive in Perth
You know where most people go wrong first? In the type of plants they choose!
While those moisture-loving, delicate flowers may look really beautiful in photos, come Christmas, they will probably be dead.
Sunshine in Perth is relentless. So, unless you have shade cloths or unlimited budget for water, you might as well go for plant species that thrive in hot and dry conditions.
Embrace the Mediterranean-style or coastal way of planting. This can mean growing rosemary, olive trees, citrus, and lavender. These plants love the warmth and are able to survive long dry spells.
Give your garden a native touch, too. You can also grow grevillea, kangaroo paw, and banksia. They are very tough and they look beautiful too, and could even attract bees and birds into your garden.
If you are in the coastal suburbs of Scarborough, Rockingham, and City Beach, you may have to deal with another challenge.
The plants that thrive well in this area are hardy coastal species, such as pigface and coastal rosemary. You can also consider native grasses that don’t mind the sea breeze or sandy soil.
When it comes to choosing the right plants to grow, the rule of thumb is to check what’s growing strong in your neighbour’s front yard in February.
Water-wise design is a necessity
Water restrictions in Perth are real. But honestly? That’s not really a bad thing. Because of these restrictions, everyone seems to be thinking smarter about how they can use water outdoors.
Many have resorted to drip irrigation systems, which are indeed a game-changer! Instead of using sprinklers to blast the surface, the system sends water right into the roots of the plants.
Therefore, it’s more efficient and minimises water waste. And if you also invest in a smart controller capable of adjusting according to weather conditions, then you could save a lot in the long run.
Mulching is another excellent alternative. A thick layer of coarse mulch (about 5 to 10 cm) can significantly help to cool the soil, lock in moisture and prevent weeds from taking over. More importantly, it makes your garden look cleaner with less effort.
And if you want to introduce new plants to your garden, always choose varieties that can survive dry spells. As mentioned, Mediterranean plants are the best in Perth, and so as some of those native varieties.
Don’t underestimate the shade and structure
It’s worth noting that a well-designed garden is not only about having the right plant varieties. But it is also about properly utilising the space.
As a matter of fact, shade is everything in Perth. Without it, your outdoor spaces can become like an oven at midday! This is why thoughtful planning is crucial.
You have to be strategic about where to place the pergola, a shade tree or any garden feature. Proper placement can certainly change how an outdoor space can feel livable.
Consider growing trees like jacarandas, peppermint trees, or ornamental pears, as they give beautiful dappled shade. And don’t forget to add some seating areas, too. If done right, your outdoor space can feel 10 degrees cooler.
Don’t forget about paving. Lighter materials such as limestone reflect heat and stay cooler underfoot, which makes them suitable for courtyards or poolside areas.
On the other hand, concrete or granite gives a modern edge. As for brick, it feels warm and classic, perfect for older homes. The trick is to not overdo it. Stick with two or three main materials across the space. Any more, and it can make the place look messy!
Low maintenance or high maintenance?
Before committing to any landscape design, be honest with yourself. How much time can you allocate towards gardening?
If you prefer to have a relaxing evening instead of working on your garden, pulling weeds, then there’s no shame in that. You can always choose a low-maintenance garden.
For gardens that don’t require plenty of time to maintain, the key is to use native plants or those that are considered drought-tolerant.
These plants don’t require plenty of water and with minimal lawn care needs. You can throw in some feature rocks too, and perhaps gravel much. That should be enough for a garden to take care of itself.
But for those who want to potter around, you can have a garden requiring medium maintenance. Perhaps one that combines shrubs, herbs, and flowering plants requiring occasional pruning.
Now, for those lucky enough to have plenty of time on their hands and genuinely love gardening, you can go for cottage or tropical styles. They may be demanding, but they can make your outdoor space shine.
This is the type that has plenty of colour and texture. But to achieve that, you must be willing to dedicate time to keep up with fertilising, trimming, and watering.
Consider getting help from a good landscaper in Perth who can help balance the landscape’s looks with practicality. In some cases, simply tweaking your layout may significantly help cut your maintenance time.
Think of the materials too
Sure, plants set the tone of your landscape, but it is the materials that bring it to life.
The landscape style of Perth is often defined by what’s underfoot and around the edges.
Limestone is almost a local trademark here, as it feels coastal, natural, and reflects the sun beautifully.
Timber softens those hard surfaces and brings warmth to the mix. Meanwhile, concrete and granite give off that sleek, modern vibe that works perfectly for minimalist spaces.
The best gardens use materials that feel consistent. You do not really need to have five different paving colours or three types of edging.
Doing so might just make it look chaotic. The best approach is to think of a theme and stick to it. Two or three key finishes are usually enough to tie the whole look together.
And don’t forget the texture, too. Even subtle contrasts between rough stone and smooth decking can add layers of interest that can make a garden feel more natural, less “designed.”
Local insight goes a long way
Every Perth suburb has its quirks. The conditions in Fremantle are totally different from those in Kalamunda or Joondalup.
The closer you are to the coast, the more you’ll be dealing with wind, salt, and sandy soil. And if you’re more inland, you’ll deal with heavier clay and slightly cooler temperatures.
This is why local experience matters. Hiring professional landscapers familiar with Perth’s microclimates is definitely worth it.
They can recommend the right plants, materials, and irrigation setup for your exact area.
You can even see the difference street by street sometimes. That patch of lawn that always looks perfect? It’s probably been built around smart design, not pure luck.
Small details that make it work
Sometimes, little choices can make the biggest difference.
For instance, opting for a raised garden bed may be the key to improving drainage on sandy blocks.
Another example is choosing a gravel pathway that will allow water to soak through instead of pooling.
Even strategically placed pots can help fill bare corners not to mention adding colour and texture without committing to permanent planting.
Lighting also deserves attention. Those evenings in Perth are perfect for lingering outside.
Thus, consider adding soft, warm lighting that can turn an ordinary yard into something special.
Forget about splurging on expensive outdoor lighting. Just be smart with the placement.
And here’s a small trick – if you are not sure what’s lacking, take a step back and admire your garden from afar, as if it’s a photograph. Your eyes could spot the gaps instantly.
