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Front garden advice wanted

Hope i can post here, I'm trying to get some inspo for these front gardens, I have a bit of an idea but I get lost in a deep google search 😅

The mailbox front garden already has 2 dwarf magnolias - I'm thinking just small shrubs i.e. small Gardenias or similar between the trees. (So to not take away from the garden behind)

The other garden I have thought about port wine magnolia/s maybe? with a variety of smaller plants- mix of green and floral.

Both gardens get mostly sun and are north facing. Thought different small magnolia/magnolia family would kind of tie both gardens together a bit.

There will be a privacy screen in front of the door also.

Qld - Toowoomba Region - Wyreema.

Black soil but would obviously mix good soil with it.

Thank you for any assistance !!

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Planting and Growing

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Comments

MitchellMc

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @ajs_. It's brilliant to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about planting out a front garden.

It sounds like you have a good idea of what you want for your front gardens. For the mailbox garden, small shrubs such as Gardenias, Azaleas, or Dwarf Boxwoods would be good options to plant between the dwarf magnolias. These plants will provide a nice contrast in texture and colour without overpowering the magnolias. Port Wine Magnolias would be a great choice for the rear garden for their fragrant blooms and attractive foliage. You can pair them with smaller plants such as Loropetalum, Mondo Grass, or Morning Glory for a mix of green and floral. You may also consider adding some decorative rocks or stepping stones to add some texture and visual interest to the space.

You can add some common elements to tie both gardens together, such as a similar colour scheme or theme. For example, you can use similar planters, garden ornaments, or decorative rocks in both gardens to create a cohesive look.

Since your location is in the Queensland region, it is important to choose plants that can tolerate the hot and humid weather. Make sure to choose plants that are suitable for your specific climate and soil type.

You'll find a ton of helpful information for your project on the community. I'd recommend you start by reading through these guides:

How to plan a garden makeover

How to give your garden a makeover

How to choose plants for your garden

How to choose a screening plant

How to plant a tree, shrub or a rose

How to give your front garden a D.I.Y makeover.

You'll then find plenty of inspiration in these articles on 10 ways to improve your home's street appeal, Top 10 most popular garden makeovers, 10 fast growing plants for privacy and Great ideas for outdoor privacy.

Some previous discussions on similar topics:

Front yard garden bed screening by @suequarford

Any ideas for landscaping a front yard? by @jennih

Landscaping front yard by @WoodenGregsWood

Front yard makeover by @Tara86

Seeking inspiration for outdoor/garden makeover by @Ankur.

You might like to try out the Gardena garden planner, which can really assist in visualising the layout of your yard.

Make sure you check out the new Make It Happen series. In the first couple of episodes, the team transformed the house facade and the front garden, so it should be a great source of inspiration.

I look forward to seeing your garden makeover progress, please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

ajs_

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/26503#Comment_26503

Hi, Thank you so much! Just the helpful advice I need!

Yes, I thought Gardenias or green shrubs for the mailbox garden would look good but simple as I wanted the dwarf magnolias to still stand out.

I thought port wine magnolia/s or similar like even little Sarah-white flowers (links with the existing dwarf magnolias) in the rear garden would work best as its keeping with the magnolia family (as with the dwarf magnolias), same but different especially size, considering the sight bit of roof above. (definitely want an evergreen type)
I'm not sure whether to go a few port wine or little sarah, together as a hedge feature or singular though?

I did have a thought about raised section/s within the rear garden, not sure if or how that idea would work in though.
Definitely would like to work in some type of decorative rock or paving/step stone feature in once I work out a good layout !

Yeah it's warm here and the front gardens do get alot of sun (rear garden gets afternoon shade) so definitely making sure I get tolerant plants.

Thank you again !
Amanda

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/75919#Comment_75919

The choice between the hedge or singular magnolia would likely come down to the amount of privacy you want to create. Bear in mind that the taller plants you have in the rear garden, the less light you'll receive through the front door and window @ajs_.

Raised planters could work well if you use them appropriately. It is a relatively small garden, so I wouldn't go too overboard. Perhaps just one at the end of the garden bed to finish it off that runs perpendicular to the white wall. Here's a helpful step-by-step guide on How to build a raised garden bed.

Mitchell

ajs_

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/101804#Comment_101804

Thank you, definitely getting a better idea for these gardens now.

One last thing, are there less fragrant michelia magnolia options? Or a plant similar to michelia magnolias, don’t want something too over powering.

Someone had mentioned to me today that port wine magnolias can be very fragrant.

Thank you again for any help 🙂

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/117870#Comment_117870

Michelia species are generally known for their fragrant flowers @ajs_. Michelia champaca has the most fragrant flowers, even more so than the Port Wine. There are no options I could put my finger on that would be significantly less fragrant than the others. Let me mention one of our horticultural specialists @Noelle to see if she has any thoughts.

What about Camelias or Nandina? They have a very mild fragrance to their flowers.

Mitchell

Noelle

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/127241#Comment_127241

Hi @ajs_

In your location you could look at murraya, also known as orange jessamine or mock orange (Murraya paniculata) as an option - it likes warmth and should do well for you, or some of the sun-hardy sasanqua camellias

Murraya

Sasanqua camellia - shades from white to dark red depending on variety

ajs_

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/133428#Comment_133428

Thank you !

I have a more of a variety of options now, I can now work out some ideas

😊😊

ajs_

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/137238#Comment_137238

Hi,

After brain storming a bit with designs/plant options for our front gardens, using your above suggestions I think I've come up with an idea (mainly the rear garden near the house) and I'd just like to share 😊.

Mailbox garden I'm still working out but I'm thinking of going with maybe a combo of encore azaleas/dwarf boxwood or sticking to just the one type of plant between the dwarf magnolias as suggested above.

As for the rear garden I've actually attached a drawing as well as an edit I've done of my idea so hopefully makes sense 😅 Trying to keep it simple but nice.

Just need to decide on the exact plant types for the back privacy shrubs and the blank area to add colour- (seen in attached photos)

Thanks again for the assistance and advice 😊

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/139873#Comment_139873

That looks fantastic, @ajs_; well done. I look forward to seeing your project completed.

I'd be going with gardenias as the lower shrubs and Gardenia florida can tolerate full sun.

Please let us know if you have further questions.

Mitchell

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