How to fix front garden patch?

Hi all,

My front garden looks like the below

I've also got a side garden which looks like

I want to make it more pleasant looking, I've got some ideas and inspiration from the below images:

I'm thinking of redoing the mini patch Infront of the window with some plants (similar to the attached photos) with some rocks/mulch. And then putting some rocks/mulch around the side garden where the palm trees are.

Now I've got some questions:

- what are those type of plants called? Or something similar that's not too large. I couldn't find many on the Bunnings website. I prefer to have a few of those plants spaced out nicely at the front. I live in WA so there's water restrictions so something that doesn't require too much water would be ideal

- to ensure there's no weed or grass growth around the plants. Do I spray weed killer, put a black sheet like this - Platinum Weed Control Mat, to avoid sun and cut holes where then plants would be? Would the plants still grow/won't die this way?

- what would be some rocks/mulch that may look nice? I've seen these - Tuscan Grey Pebbles Tuscan Natural Stone Mix that I like. Any other suggestions?

Any other tips or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

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Comments

MitchellMc

Hi @Hamster101,

It sounds like you're on the right track with your garden plans, and the inspiration images you've shared are definitely achievable with a bit of prep and the right plant selection. The plants featured in the example photos appear to be Buxus (commonly called box hedge), which are often used for neat, clipped hedging or spaced-out formal plantings. However, given you’re in WA and dealing with water restrictions, you might want to consider drought-tolerant alternatives. Some great low-maintenance options that have a similar compact and sculpted look include Westringia (coastal rosemary), Correa, dwarf Grevilleas, or Dianella varieties. These natives are well-suited to dry conditions and will perform better than thirsty exotics like Buxus in Perth’s hot, dry climate.

For weed control, your approach is solid—spray existing grass and weeds with a non-selective herbicide like glyphosate and allow time for it to take effect. Once the area is cleared, lay a quality weed control mat like the Platinum Weed Control Mat you mentioned. These mats allow water and air to pass through while blocking light, which helps prevent new weed growth. Just cut holes or slits where you intend to plant, and yes, the plants will still grow fine as long as they’re watered in properly and you keep the mat clear around the base of each plant to avoid collar rot.

The Tuscan Grey Pebbles and Tuscan Natural Stone Mix are lovely and suit that neat, contemporary look you’re after. They’ll contrast well with green foliage and help reflect some light into the space. Other options to consider might include River Pebbles for a smoother, rounder look. Whichever you choose, make sure to apply the rocks after you’ve finished planting and installed the weed mat, and aim for a layer at least 40mm thick for good coverage.

One last tip: consider adding a simple edging (like metal garden edging) to separate your rock or mulch area from the lawn. This keeps things looking tidy and makes maintenance easier. With the right plants and prep, you’ll have a beautiful, low-maintenance garden that looks great year-round.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/52885#Comment_52885

Hi @MitchellMc thanks for taking the time to assist me. It's been a horrible few weeks of weather in Perth so haven't had a chance to do anything yet.

I've also got some further questions. After the rain, I've had the green four leaf clover looking things grow all over my front yard. I've hand picked them out before but they keep regrowing back. How can I kill them for good without damaging the grass underneath?

I've also got patches of grass/weed growing in these spots. How can I also kill them for good? I don't want anything to grow their ever preferably. So something more strong?

Thank you and have a great day!

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/89694#Comment_89694

Hello @Hamster101

It sounds like the recent wet weather in Perth has really encouraged the clover to take over, especially in the more nutrient-poor patches of your lawn. While you've done the right thing by pulling them out by hand, clover has a tendency to regrow unless the conditions that favour it are changed. Because clover thrives in low-nitrogen soil, applying a nitrogen-rich fertiliser will give your grass a much-needed boost and help it outcompete the clover over time. In terms of weed control, a selective broadleaf weed spray is the most effective way to remove clover without damaging the surrounding grass.

A great option available at Bunnings is Yates 500 mL Bindii & Clover Lawn Weedkiller Concentrate. It's specially formulated to kill clover and other common broadleaf weeds, and it's safe to use on most lawn types, though not suitable for buffalo grass. It treats a large area, is easy to apply, and works best when sprayed during dry weather while the clover is actively growing. Once you've got the weed under control, following up with regular fertilising and proper lawn maintenance will help prevent the clover from returning and encourage a thick, healthy lawn.

In regards to the grass growing in the pebbled area I suggest following Mitchell's recommendation and using glyphosate along with the steps he suggested to use weedmat. Once the area has been sprayed, it will stop the growth of weeds in the area for a while. A follow up spray will be needed once the effect wears off and the weeds start to grow again.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when spraying chemicals in your garden.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/110678#Comment_110678

Hi @EricL, thanks for taking the time to reply.

For removing the clovers, would these be the best steps?

1. Remove clovers by hand

2. Apply the Yates bindi and clover lawn weed killer

3. Apply fertiliser - is there one you recommend. I don't have buffalo grass

In regards to the other areas, I can't apply mat on all areas due to the spot they're in. Like below:

For these areas, regularly spraying glyphosate would be the best option? Is there any particular one you recommend? And would you recommend removing them by hand first then spraying glyphosate or spray whilst they're still there?

Thanks,

Hamza

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/122720#Comment_122720

Hello @Hamster101

I suggest using Scotts Lawn Builder 4kg Extreme Green Slow Release Lawn Fertiliser. As for the glyphosate, I suggest Yates 1L 490g/L Zero Weed Killer Super Concentrate. Please note that this is non-selective and any plant sprayed with this chemical will die. Keep in mind that this is a concentrate and must be diluted. Mitch is currently on well-deserved leave and will be returning soon.

Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when spraying chemicals in your garden.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/130547#Comment_130547

Thanks @EricL.

Just confirming, for removing the clovers, would these be the best steps?

1. Remove clovers by hand

2. Apply the Yates bindi and clover lawn weed killer

3. Apply fertiliser

And for areas where I can't put a mat and don't want any growth - would you recommend removing them by hand first then spraying glyphosate or spray whilst they're still there?

Thank you

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/135393#Comment_135393

Hi @Hamster101,

In less dense areas, manual removal would be worthwhile, but removing the clover on your front verge by hand would be a monumental task.

I wouldn't bother trying to remove the clover by hand. I'd just spray it with the Yates Bindii And Clover, then wait three weeks for it to take effect and assess whether you need to reapply.

After the clover is dealt with, give your lawn a mow and then apply a lawn fertiliser such as this Scotts Lawn Builder Extreme Green Slow Release Lawn Fertiliser.

For the areas where you can't put a mat, just spray them with glyphosate. Glyphosate should be applied to fresh, actively growing green vegetation that has enough leaf surface area to effectively absorb the chemical.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/138642#Comment_138642

Thanks Jacob, it's meant to rain throughout the next 3 weeks. Would that have any affect on the bindi and clover killer's effectiveness?

Thank you all for the help with this

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/140803#Comment_140803

Hi @Hamster101,

Yes, it will have an effect in that it will wash the weedkiller off the clover, and it won't be able to take any effect.

The instructions say that it should not be applied if rainwater is expected in the next 24 hours. If you can find two sunny days in a row during that period, that would be your best time. Otherwise, you would need to wait until the rain stops.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/142397#Comment_142397

Thank you, I sprayed the bindi and clover killer yesterday. How long do you recommend I wait until I mow?

Raining again here from Friday

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/143538#Comment_143538

Hello @Hamster101

After spraying bindi weed and clover killer with herbicide, it's generally best to wait at least 7 to 10 days before mowing. This waiting period allows the herbicide time to fully translocate through the weed and effectively kill the plant, including its roots. Mowing too soon can reduce the effectiveness of the treatment by removing the foliage that absorbs the chemical. In regards to the spray that you used, please double check the waiting time period printed at the back of the container.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/144406#Comment_144406

Thanks Eric, I used the one you suggested

Hamster101

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145036#Comment_145036

Hello all, thanks for the help so far. It's been a few weeks since spraying the weed killer and applying fertiliser. My grass is looking a lot better.

I've seen some posts about pre emergents and to apply before spring? Is this something you'd recommend?

JacobZ

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/145546#Comment_145546

Hi @Hamster101,

A pre-emergent would certainly be worthwhile, especially as we are coming into spring, when the growth of both your lawn and weeds will start to take off.

You'd need to confirm that whatever pre-emergent herbicide you use is safe for use on your grass type. It looks like you have couch grass, but if you can rip out a small clump and take a photo, this would certainly help us identify it and be more confident.

Freehand Lawn Herbicide is one option that can be used to control over 60 common weeds.

Oxafert is another option for pre-emergent control of common lawn weeds. It also contains a fertiliser which may sway you in this direction.

Let me know what you think.

Jacob

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