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The project:
We transformed our front garden into a low-maintenance native sanctuary using Cor-Ten weathering steel garden bed edging, pea gravel throughout the courtyard area, and a curated selection of Australian native plants. The Cor-Ten steel develops a beautiful rust patina over time, creating a striking contrast against the silver and green native foliage. A bird bath takes centre stage as a feature piece, and the pea gravel surface keeps things neat and weed-suppressed while allowing excellent drainage. The result is a drought-tolerant, wildlife-friendly front garden that looks stunning year-round with minimal upkeep.
- Materials:
MATERIALS LIST
- Tools:
TOOLS LIST
- Step 1:
Decide on the shape and layout of your garden beds. Use a string line and stakes to mark out the curves and edges. Consider the flow of foot traffic and where you want the gravel courtyard area to begin and end. Spray paint or mark the ground as a guide before you start digging.
- Step 2:
Dig out the garden bed areas to a depth of approximately 150–200mm to allow for soil, mulch and root depth. For the gravel courtyard areas, excavate to about 80–100mm to allow for weed mat and gravel depth. Remove all existing grass and weeds.
- Step 3:
Push or knock the Cor-Ten steel edging into the ground along your marked lines using a rubber mallet, following the manufacturer's instructions. The steel can be curved gently to create flowing organic shapes. Cor-Ten steel will begin to develop its signature rust patina naturally over time once exposed to the elements — no painting or sealing required.
- Step 4:
Lay landscape fabric/weed mat across the courtyard areas before adding gravel. Overlap joins by at least 150mm and secure with pegs. This significantly reduces weed growth and helps the gravel stay clean and in place long-term.
- Step 5:
Fill the raised garden bed areas with a quality native potting and garden mix. Natives require low-phosphorus soil, so avoid standard mixes with added fertiliser. Top up to just below the top of the steel edging.
- Step 6:
Arrange your native plants in the beds before planting to finalise spacing and composition. Plant taller specimens toward the back and low groundcovers at the front and edges. Water in well after planting and add a native controlled-release fertiliser at planting time.
- Step 7:
Apply a generous layer of dark mulch across the garden beds to retain moisture, suppress weeds and give a neat finish that contrasts beautifully with the Cor-Ten steel.
- Step 8:
Pour pea gravel over the weed mat in the courtyard areas and rake evenly to a depth of around 50–70mm. Position your bird bath or any feature pieces before finalising the gravel level around them.
