Structural Landscaping

Structural Landscaping Melbourne

Looking for professional structural landscaping in Melbourne? Art of Gardening & Landscaping designs and constructs structural landscape features for residential properties across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including retaining walls, paving, decking, steps and outdoor living areas.

Structural landscaping creates the framework of an outdoor space. While planting, lawn and garden beds bring softness and colour to a landscape, structural elements help manage levels, improve access, define different areas and make the property more practical to use.

With over 25 years of landscaping experience and a background in civil engineering and agriculture, we consider how each structural element works with the property, site levels, drainage and surrounding landscape.

Structural Landscape Design & Construction

Structural landscaping should be planned around the conditions of the property rather than treated as a collection of separate features.

Before construction begins, we consider factors such as:

• Existing ground levels and slopes
• Site access
• Drainage and water movement
• Connections between the home and garden
• Pathways and pedestrian access
• Outdoor living requirements
• Existing and proposed planting
• Materials and finishes
• How different structural elements connect

This approach allows retaining walls, paving, decking, steps and other features to work together as part of one landscape.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls can help manage changes in ground level, support soil and create more defined areas within a sloping landscape.

Depending on the property and project requirements, retaining walls may be constructed using timber, concrete, natural stone or other suitable materials.

The wall needs to be considered alongside drainage, access, garden beds, pathways and other nearby landscape elements.

Learn more about our retaining walls in Melbourne.

Paving & Pathways

Paving can provide practical connections between different parts of a property while also contributing to the overall landscape design.

It may be used for pathways, courtyards, entrances, entertaining areas and other outdoor spaces.

The choice of paving material depends on the style of the property, intended use, surrounding landscape and desired finish. Options may include natural stone, bluestone, travertine, brick and other suitable paving materials.

Good preparation, levels and drainage are important considerations when incorporating paving into a structural landscaping project.

Decking & Timber Structures

Decking can create a practical transition between the home and garden and provide a defined area for outdoor dining, entertaining or relaxing.

Depending on the landscape, a deck may be incorporated alongside paving, lawn, garden beds, steps or other outdoor structures.

When levels vary across a property, the relationship between the deck and surrounding landscape should be considered during the planning stage.

Explore our decking installation services in Melbourne.

Outdoor Living Areas

Structural landscaping can help turn an underused part of a property into a more practical outdoor living space.

Outdoor areas may combine paving, decking, steps, garden beds, retaining walls and other landscape features depending on how the space will be used.

Rather than designing each element separately, we consider how people will move between the home, entertaining areas and garden.

Learn more about our outdoor living areas.

Steps & Changes in Level

Steps are often an important part of structural landscaping on properties with sloping or uneven ground.

They can provide practical access between different levels while becoming part of the overall landscape design.

Depending on the project, steps may be integrated with retaining walls, pathways, paving, garden beds or other structural features.

Driveway Landscaping

Driveways can form a significant part of the front landscape, so their relationship with surrounding garden areas should be considered carefully.

Structural landscaping around a driveway may include retaining walls, paving, steps, garden beds, drainage, edging and planting.

Considering these elements together can create a clearer transition between the driveway, pedestrian entrance and surrounding landscape.

Garden Edging & Defined Landscape Areas

Edging can help create clear boundaries between lawn, garden beds, pathways and other landscape surfaces.

Although it may be a smaller structural element, good edging can improve the definition of a landscape and make transitions between different materials feel more intentional.

Structural Landscaping for Sloping Properties

Sloping properties often require more planning because levels affect access, drainage and the way different parts of the garden can be used.

Retaining walls, steps and pathways can help connect different levels and create more defined outdoor areas.

On these sites, drainage also needs to be considered alongside structural construction so water movement is addressed as part of the overall landscape.

Structural Landscaping & Drainage

Drainage is an important consideration in many structural landscaping projects.

Retaining walls, paved surfaces, changes in level and other hard landscape features can all influence how water moves through a property.

We consider drainage during the planning and construction stages, particularly where structural elements connect with lawns, garden beds or other parts of the landscape.

Structural Landscaping for New Homes

A newly built home often provides an opportunity to plan the outdoor areas as one complete landscape from the beginning.

Structural elements such as retaining walls, pathways, steps, paving and outdoor living areas can be coordinated with turf, planting, irrigation and drainage rather than being added separately over time.

This can help create clearer connections between the house, garden and different outdoor areas.

Structural Landscaping & Garden Design

Structural and soft landscaping work best when they are considered together.

Hard landscape elements create the framework of the outdoor space, while planting, lawn and garden beds soften those structures and bring the landscape to life.

For properties that need a wider transformation, structural landscaping can form part of a complete garden makeover.

Why Choose Art of Gardening & Landscaping?

Our approach combines landscape design and construction with an understanding of levels, drainage, planting and how people use outdoor spaces.

• 25+ years of landscaping experience
• Civil engineering background supporting our understanding of levels, drainage and structural landscape work
• Background in agriculture supporting our understanding of gardens, plants and soil
• Integrated landscape approach considering structural and soft landscaping together
• Different material options including timber, concrete, stone and paving materials
• Local experience across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs

Art of Gardening & Landscaping is registered with Victoria’s Building and Plumbing Commission (BPC) and is a member of Landscaping Victoria.

Structural Landscaping Across Melbourne’s Eastern Suburbs

We provide structural landscaping for residential properties across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

Our main service areas include Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood, Rowville, Balwyn, Blackburn, Chadstone, Glen Iris and Camberwell, as well as surrounding suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions About Structural Landscaping

What is structural landscaping?

Structural landscaping generally refers to constructed elements within an outdoor space, such as retaining walls, paving, steps, decking and other hard landscape features that help shape and organise the property.

What can be included in a structural landscaping project?

Depending on the property, a project may include retaining walls, paving, pathways, steps, decking, outdoor living areas, edging, drainage and other constructed landscape features.

Can structural landscaping help with a sloping garden?

Yes. Retaining walls, steps and pathways can be used to manage changes in level and create better connections between different areas of a sloping property.

Is drainage important in structural landscaping?

Yes. Structural landscape features can influence how water moves through a property, so drainage should be considered during planning and construction.

Can structural and garden landscaping be completed together?

Yes. Structural features can be planned alongside planting, turf, irrigation and garden beds so the hard and soft landscaping work together as one outdoor space.

Can structural landscaping be included in a new home project?

Yes. New homes can benefit from planning retaining walls, paving, pathways, outdoor living areas, drainage, turf and planting together from the beginning.

Where do you provide structural landscaping?

Art of Gardening & Landscaping provides structural landscaping across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Glen Waverley, Mount Waverley, Wheelers Hill, Burwood, Rowville, Balwyn, Blackburn, Chadstone, Glen Iris and Camberwell.

Ready to Discuss Your Structural Landscaping Project?

Whether your project involves retaining walls, paving, decking, steps or a larger outdoor transformation, we can help plan how the structural elements work with the rest of your property.

Contact Art of Gardening & Landscaping to discuss your structural landscaping project and request a quote.