Expert Plant Selection for Victorian Gardens

The Living Heart of Your Garden

Plants are what transform a constructed landscape into a living garden. They provide colour, texture, movement, and fragrance. They attract birds and butterflies, create shade and privacy, and change with the seasons in ways that no hardscape element can match.

At David Claude Landscape Design, we bring over 30 years of horticultural expertise to every planting design, selecting species that will thrive in Melbourne’s unique climate while achieving your aesthetic vision.

Our Planting Philosophy

We believe the best gardens feel like they’ve always existed - as though nature, not a designer, placed each plant exactly where it belongs. This organic approach guides our planting designs:

Right Plant, Right Place - We select species suited to each microclimate within your garden, considering sun exposure, soil conditions, drainage, and competition from established trees.

Layered Planting - Like natural plant communities, we create layers - canopy trees, understory shrubs, groundcovers, and bulbs - that work together as a functioning ecosystem.

Year-Round Interest - We plan for colour, texture, and flowering across all seasons, ensuring your garden offers something beautiful to appreciate every day of the year.

Long-Term Vision - We select plants at appropriate sizes and space them for mature growth, so your garden looks better in ten years than it does on completion.

Native and Indigenous Plants

Melbourne’s indigenous vegetation offers remarkable beauty and resilience. Our native plant designs draw on species from the local area and broader Victorian region:

Popular Native Choices

Trees: Yellow Box, Silver Banksia, Black Wattle, She-oaks

Shrubs: Westringia, Correa, Grevillea, Banksia spinulosa

Groundcovers: Lomandra, Dianella, Kangaroo Grass, Running Postman

Feature Plants: Kangaroo Paw, Grass Trees, Tree Ferns

Native gardens offer significant advantages in Melbourne: lower water requirements once established, support for local wildlife, and a sense of belonging to the Australian landscape.

Drought-Tolerant Design

With Melbourne’s increasingly variable rainfall and periodic water restrictions, drought-tolerant planting isn’t just environmentally responsible - it’s practical common sense.

Our drought-tolerant designs incorporate:

• Mediterranean Species - Lavender, rosemary, olive, and ornamental grasses that thrive in dry conditions
• Australian Natives - Naturally adapted to our climate
• Succulents and Sedums - For contemporary gardens and green roof applications
• Silver-Foliaged Plants - Which reflect heat and conserve water

Importantly, drought-tolerant doesn’t mean boring or brown. With careful selection, these gardens can be lush, colourful, and dynamic.

Exotic and Heritage Plantings

Not every garden calls for natives. Period homes often suit heritage-style planting with roses, hydrangeas, and European trees. Contemporary architecture might call for structured plantings of ornamental grasses and architectural specimens.

We design with the full palette of plants suited to Melbourne’s climate, matching selections to your home’s character and your personal aesthetic preferences.

The Planting Process

Soil Preparation

Melbourne’s clay-heavy soils can challenge even the toughest plants. Before any planting begins, we:

• Assess existing soil conditions
• Incorporate organic matter to improve structure
• Address drainage issues
• Apply appropriate soil conditioners

Quality Plant Selection

We source plants from wholesale nurseries we’ve worked with for decades, selecting specimens that are:

• Healthy and pest-free
• Properly hardened for Melbourne conditions
• Appropriately sized for the design
• True to species and variety

Professional Planting

Correct planting technique is crucial for long-term success. We ensure:

• Proper depth and positioning
• Backfill with appropriate soil mix
• Adequate mulching
• Initial watering and hydration

Establishment Care

For the first few months after planting, young gardens need careful attention. We provide guidance on watering schedules, early feeding, and what to watch for as plants establish.

Creating Your Garden

Whether you’re looking for a complete garden transformation or expert advice on plant selection for a specific area, we can help. Contact us to discuss your vision and discover how professional planting design can bring your garden to life.