Adam Richards
Landscaping
For a free quote give Adam a call on
0412 362 806
McKinnon
Sandringham
Elwood
McKinnon
SERVICES
Paving can be broken down into two categories..... flexible and rigid.
Flexible paving is laid on a compacted crushed rock base and screeded washed sand. The pavers are laid tight joined and fine washed sand is swept into the joins. This is the most affordable method of paving and is suitable for any area that will only have pedestrian traffic like paths and courtyards. Most pavers can be laid using this method but they should be uniform in thickness. Otherwise you can end up with small lips where the pavers vary in thickness. Pavers that have been calibrated are usually the most consistant with their thickness. It is not recommended that natural stone pavers be laid using this method.
Rigid paving is laid on a re-inforced substrate concrete base and a bed of mortar. The pavers are laid with a 5 - 10mm gap (depending on which product you are using) and then grouted and sponged clean afterwards. This is the far superior and durable way to lay paving. It is suitable for any areas including driveways and is suitable for any paver. Natural stone should only be laid using this method. Not only will rigid paving last for ever, but you wont have the problem of pesky weeds growing through the joins
As well as being practical, decking looks great and can really add the "wow" factor to your backyard design. It comes in a range of timbers including Merbau, Spotted gum, Jarrah and Blackbutt. Modwood is another great alternative. It is a composite product made essentially from a mixture of ground sustainable wood waste and plastic. Its big advantage is that it never needs to be oiled. Whilst you can use nails and nailgun to fix your decking boards to the joists, we only use screws (stainless steel or galvanized). Screws are far more durable and wont see your decking boards starting to lift in a few years time. If you don't like the look of screws or nails in your decking then concealed clips (hidden fasteners) can be used instead for an extra cost.
Sometimes retaining walls are a necessity. It might be to retain a high garden bed, split level in your yard, or a neighbours property may be more elevated than yours leaving the under part of your fencline exposed. Whatever the reason may be, retaining walls can be a real feature in your garden.
Instant turf is a great way to bring instant results to your yard. It comes in a range of varieties such as buffalo, kikyu, couch and fescue. Each has its own advantages and textures (soft leaf, thin leaf etc). If you dont want to spend time looking after your new lawn then Sir Walter Buffalo is the grass for you. It is the toughest and most drought tolerant of all the grasses.
If mowing the lawn is not for you or if you just cant get your lawn to grow no matter what you do, then you may want to consider artificial grass. The advances that have been made in this industry over the past few years have been remarkable. Artificial grass now looks and feels a lot like the real thing
Whether its from a pool, a pond, a fountain or free standing... Water features are the icing on the cake when it comes to landscaping. They are a real focal point in a design. Not only can they be visually stunning, but they bring our sense of sound alive in the garden. Nothing is more relaxing than the sound of trickling water.
Whilst paving and decking look fantastic, it's the plants that bring your garden to life. With their vibrant colours and amazing aromas, quality planting is crucial to achieving the feel that you want your garden to have. Tropical, resort, cottage, formal and balinese are just a few types of gardens. All have vastly different planting schemes. Once you have decided on a theme for your garden we can then advise you on the best plants to suit its needs