I'm thinking of landscaping; what can I get for my budget?
Updated: Apr 12
Good question! Let's have a frank discussion about the costs involved.
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 of the supplies and ensure they are delivered on time. Sometimes we need to go to several suppliers to find specific plants and materials. Before we even get to installing the significant design elements like plants, pavers, decks and the like, we'll need to organise waste bins so that we can 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. Being clear about 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 and give you as best an idea as possible of what you can get for your budget. There will be variations and options in between.
Explainer: (left) We start with a basic
50-70sqm backyard with a concrete patio - a reasonably standard townhouse layout.
We then 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).
Don't forget that some of your budget will need to be allocated to the design - approximately $995-$1295, depending on complexity.
Under $5000
For this budget, there are a couple of options to consider:
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.
Just focus on one or two elements that will make your garden more comfortable, e.g. 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.
Mixed grade, premium plants with larger grade plants – e.g. trees for privacy.
Very little surfacing, if any.
OR
Option B (left)
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 (above)
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 (above)
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 (above)
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 (above)
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, don't hesitate to get in touch for a free, 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.