Landscaping in Aspendale Gardens

The suburb sits on ground drained from the old Carrum Carrum swamp, and the winter water table here rises close to the surface. Sand drains quickly until the ground below it is already saturated, at which point there is nowhere left for the water to go. The fix is built drainage rather than better soil - agricultural drain wrapped in geotextile through the low points, connected to a legal discharge, and hard surfaces set with proper falls. It is the first thing we look at on any Aspendale Gardens quote.

Excavate to depth, then compact at least 100 millimetres of class 3 crushed rock in layers rather than in one lift, then screed 25 to 30 millimetres of bedding sand to a consistent depth with falls away from the house. On sandy ground the critical extra is a concrete edge restraint haunched around the perimeter, because without it the field spreads sideways under load and the joints open. We also use a polymeric jointing sand rather than plain kiln-dried sand, since loose sand joints wash out fast in this soil.

Often, and for two specific reasons in this suburb. Rear yards in the estate are frequently small and shaded by fences on two or three sides, and real turf will not thrive on under about four hours of direct sun a day whatever variety you choose. The other is winter wet, which turns a small, heavily used lawn into mud. Synthetic turf on a properly compacted and drained base sidesteps both, though we would still recommend real lawn for an open, sunny yard with room to mow.

Estate rear yards here are usually compact, and on average a rebuild combining a paved alfresco, some screening, garden beds and either turf or synthetic lawn runs $8,000 to $20,000. A paved patio on its own at around 25 square metres averages $2,500 to $4,000 in concrete pavers. Drainage is quoted separately because it varies so much block to block in this suburb. Every job is unique, so these are averages rather than quotes. Every figure comes from measuring on site, and you get it in writing before any work starts.

Coastal-tolerant species do the heavy lifting, and there is a good range that will thrive rather than merely cope. Westringia, coastal rosemary, correa, banksia, coastal tea tree and lomandra all handle salt-laden wind and sandy soil without constant attention. What struggles here are soft-leaved exotics and anything that wants consistently moist, rich soil. Improving the beds with genuine organic matter at the start matters more than the plant list, because sand holds neither water nor nutrients for long.

Yes, we work right across Aspendale Gardens including the lower-lying streets backing onto the Braeside side and the pocket toward Governor Road. Those lower blocks are the ones where drainage tends to dominate the quote, so it is worth mentioning any wet patches when you call. We also cover the wider Kingston coastal area and the south-east generally. Call 0423 422 866 and we will confirm your street straight away.