Our Approach to Planting Design |
Planting Design Is Where Good Landscapes Begin Most people can picture the garden they want. What is far harder, and far more important, is knowing which plants will actually deliver that vision once they are in the ground. At Botanical Traditions, planting design is not an afterthought. It is one of our greatest strengths and the area where our deep horticultural background sets us apart.With over 25 years of hands-on experience working with plants across a wide range of project types, climates, and conditions, we bring a level of plant knowledge to every project that goes well beyond aesthetics. The result is planting that looks considered, performs well over time, and requires a level of maintenance that is realistic for the people who own and use the space.
Every Planting Plan Is Tailored to the Project There is no single planting palette that suits every garden, and we do not design that way. When developing a planting plan, we consider the full picture, the style and character of the building, the surrounding streetscape and neighbourhood, the soil conditions, the available light, the local climate, and the long-term maintenance expectations of the client. We work with hardy exotics, Australian native plants, and indigenous species, selecting plants that are genuinely suited to where they will be planted, rather than simply what is currently fashionable or convenient. Where a local council recommends or requires specific species, we incorporate these into the design thoughtfully — ensuring they work within the broader planting composition rather than appearing as a compliance afterthought. Throughout every plan, we consider:
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Thinking Carefully About Plant Size at Installation |
One of the most common questions we are asked is what size plants should be used at installation. The answer depends on the project, the site, and the budget, and we will always give you an honest recommendation. For most projects, larger trees and established shrubs are preferred where the budget allows, as they provide immediate visual impact and a greater sense of the finished landscape from day one. However, a significantly wider range of species is available in smaller sizes, and in certain conditions, particularly sites without additional irrigation, larger plants can actually be harder to establish than their smaller pot sized counterparts. We factor all of this into our recommendations, so that the plants we specify are set up to succeed from the moment they go into the ground. |
Plants Do More Than Look Beautiful |
The case for good planting design extends well beyond appearance. A well-planted garden contributes positively to the health and wellbeing of the people who use it, something that is increasingly supported by research and reflected in how we design across all project types, from residential gardens to early childhood environments and commercial spaces. Strategically placed trees and dense planting can also reduce energy consumption. Shade trees positioned to intercept summer sun, and hedges or windbreaks designed to reduce wind exposure, can meaningfully decrease heating and cooling costs over time. Good planting design is, in this respect, an investment with ongoing returns.
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A Landscape Grows Into Its Design |
It is important to be honest about one of the fundamental realities of landscape design: unlike a building, a planted landscape is not complete on the day it is installed. Plants need time to establish, fill their intended space, and grow into the composition that was envisaged at the design stage. This is not a limitation, it is simply the nature of working with living material. What it does mean is that the planting plan needs to account for the journey from installation to maturity, ensuring the landscape looks considered and intentional at every stage, not just when it is fully grown. We design with this in mind from the outset, selecting plants with appropriate establishment rates and building planting compositions that read well at installation and continue to improve over time.
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Talk to Us About Your Project |
Whether you are planning a new garden, refreshing an existing one, or require a planting plan as part of a council permit application, we would be delighted to discuss how we can help.
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