Elegant landscape designs for Perth homes and urban projects
At Kelsie Davies Landscape Architecture (KDLA), we are passionate about beautiful and sustainable landscape architecture. We take the time to understand your vision, provide thoughtful solutions and guide you through your landscape design journey.
Our all-encompassing services range from bespoke pools and gardens to dynamic outdoor lighting and alfresco areas, all designed to create a unique and inviting garden space. From our first meeting to the final unveiling of your project, we 're with you every step of the way, ensuring a tailored approach and quality outcome.
Elevating residential and commercial outdoor spaces
Imagine a landscape that blends elegance with functionality, transforming any outdoor area into a peaceful retreat or a vibrant public space. These landscapes are crafted to align with both the natural surroundings and your personal or commercial aspirations.
From rejuvenating a garden to softscape and hardscape design for residential developments, our focus is on sustainable, visually appealing solutions that meet your specific needs.
Ready to get started?
Get in touch to arrange a design consultation & find out how we can help you achieve your landscape vision.
Your frequently asked landscaping questions
1. What plants grow best in Perth’s hot, dry climate and sandy soils?
Plants that thrive in Perth’s hot, dry climate and sandy, loamy or clay soils and are suited for various landscape theme include, such as Creeping Boobialla, Native Violet, Grey Cottonhead, Westringia, Grevillea, Snake Bush, Banksia, Bottlebrush, Cushion Bush, Eremophila, Scaevola, Groundcover swamp sheoak, and Prostrate Glow Wattle. Kangaroo Paw, Lomandra, Liriope and Dianella does well amongst strappy plants.
These plants can be paired with succulents ike Agave, Aloe, Blue Chalk Stick, Echeveria, and Silver Spoon. For non-native choices consider: Star Jasmine, Birds of Paradise, Indian Hawthorn, Creeping Fig, Miss Miss Muffet, Viburnum, Philodendron, Bay Trees. These species are well-adapted to long, dry summers and need minimal water while still adding colour, structure, and resilience to your garden.
To give them the best start, enrich sandy soils with soil improvers to boost nutrients and cover with mulch to retain moisture. Remember to top up mulch with time.
2. How can I design a low-maintenance garden that still looks attractive year-round?
Start by understanding your garden’s orientation, identify which areas are north-facing and how sunlight moves through your garden. Define zones based on their purpose, and use paving or pathways to create clear, functional connections between them.
Choose a palette of evergreen and drought-tolerant plants that provide interest throughout the seasons. Ideally, group species according to their water requirements for efficient irrigation, and consider creating separate irrigated and non-irrigated zones. Keep in mind each plants mature size and light needs when position them. Don’t be afraid to combine structural plants like Agave with softer, strappy native varieties such as Lomandra or Poa to create texture and contrast.
Automating irrigation can reduce ongoing maintenance, while applying a layer of mulch helps retaining moisture and suppress weeds. To further simplify care, minimise lawn areas or replace hem with hardy groundcovers that tolerate foot traffic, interspersed with steppers for access.
Incorporate locally sourced pebbles, and rocks of varying sizes to add texture and visual interest, flat-topped stones or timber logs can also double as informal seating.
3. What’s the best way to save water in my garden (irrigation, mulch, drought-tolerant plants)?
The most effective way to save water is to combine waterwise, drought-tolerant plants with smart garden design. Minimise irrigated areas and make use of collected rainwater whereever possible. When choosing paving, consider using compacted gravel or loose stone finishes.
In Perth’s hot, dry climate, planting shade trees is essential, they help cool your garden, protect surrounding plants, and make outdoor spaces more enjoyable throughout the long summers. Applying mulch to all garden beds will also help retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation, allowing plants to thrive. For added texture and interest, consider incorporating locally sourced boulders into your garden.
4. How much does professional landscape design and installation cost in Perth?
Costs vary depending on block size, choice of materials, and the complexity of the design. In Perth, professional landscape design and installation typically ranges from around $40,000 to over $250,000, with many homeowners using 5–15% of their property’s value as a guide. Additional features such as natural stone paving, irrigation, lighting, ornamentation or feature screening can raise the total, but the investment can also add significant value to your property. A professional consultation is the best way to receive a tailored estimate.
5. What are the most popular garden styles in Perth?
The most popular garden styles in Perth include coastal designs with clean lines and hardy grasses, native Australian gardens, cottage gardens, contemporary, Mediterranean, Palm Springs, or tropical resort-inspired spaces. Native gardens are ideal for Perth’s climate and water conditions, while coastal gardens use hardy, wind-resistant plants that thrive near the coast. Cottage gardens provide vibrant colour with perennials and annuals, and contemporary styles highlight bold forms, textures, and structured planting.
The best choice depends on your lifestyle, architectural character, and the level of time and maintenance you’re willing to invest.
6. Do I need council approval for landscaping features like retaining walls, decks, or pools?
Yes, certain features such as retaining walls over 500mm (especially those altering ground levels, near boundaries, or supporting driveway access), swimming pools and spas (including isolation pool fencing), and shade structures like pergolas or elevated alfresco decking classed as ‘building works’ are subject to local rules under the Building Act and local planning regulations. Feces and boundary walls, infill panels in most cases also require a building permit or planning approval depending on their height, location, and visual permeability ratio prior to installation.
Minor features may be exempt in some cases, but each local council has its own rules and processes. Checking with your council before starting will help you avoid compliance issues and costly delays.
Before you begin, review your local council’s building and planning requirements, confirm whether your proposed structure meets deemed-to-comply provisions, and determine if engineering certification and/or neighbour consent is required.
If you need guidance, KDLA can assist you though the process and help ensure your landscape design meets local compliance standards.
7. What’s the difference between using native vs exotic plants in Perth gardens?
Using native plants in Perth gardens offers a range of benefits, from water efficiency and low maintenance to supporting local ecosystems. Because they’re naturally adapted to Perth’s sandy soils and hot, dry summers, they generally require less water, fertiliser, and pest control. This makes them an ideal choice for anyone wanting a sustainable, waterwise garden that thrives with minimal intervention.
Exotic plants, on the other hand, can introduce unique colours, textures, and design possibilities that aren’t always available with native species. They may require more water and maintenance, but many homeowners find the aesthetic variety worth the extra effort. In some cases, exotic species or cultivars have been bred for greater tolerance, while some natives have been developed for easier cultivation, which blurs the line between the two categories.
When choosing between native and exotic plants for a Perth garden, several factors come into play, including water use, habitat value, and design preferences. Native species are well-suited to the region’s dry climate, requiring less water and maintenance while supporting birds, pollinators, and other local wildlife. Exotic plants, meanwhile, can add striking colour schemes (that evolve through the year and highlight seasonal flowering) and design flexibility, making them ideal for themed gardens such as tropical, mediterranean, or formal styles.
For most homeowners, the best approach is a thoughtful blend of both, combining the resilience and sustainability of natives with the diversity and visual impact of carefully chosen exotics to create a waterwise, attractive, and environmentally supportive landscape.
8. How do I design an outdoor entertaining area (alfresco, patio, BBQ space) that suits my home?
Designing an outdoor entertaining area that suits your home starts with defining how you plan to use the space. Consider whether it will be mainly for dining, relaxing, or cooking, and think about how it connects with your indoor living areas to create a natural flow between inside and out. Taking this step ensures the space is practical, functional, and enjoyable for your lifestyle.
Next, plan the layout and select durable, weather-resistant furniture that can withstand Perth’s hot summers and coastal conditions. A built-in BBQ, comfortable seating, dining settings, and layered lighting add both practicality and atmosphere. Shade structures such as pergolas or umbrellas make the area usable year-round with louvered pergolas offering adjustable control of sun and ventilation.
Finally, soften the space with greenery, whether through potted plants, vertical gardens, or surrounding garden beds, to add colour and texture. Personalised details like outdoor rugs, cushions, and feature lighting bring warmth and character. By blending function, comfort, and style, you can create a seamless, inviting outdoor entertaining area that feels like a natural extension of your home.
9. What’s better for Perth lawns, natural turf or artificial grass?
Neither natural nor artificial turf is inherently “better” for a Perth lawn; the right choice depends on your budget, lifestyle, and overall design goals.
Natural grass is cooler underfoot, environmentally friendly, and self-repairing, but it requires regular watering, mowing, and ongoing maintenance, including access for installation, and storage for tools. To make natural lawns more suitable in Perth, consider drought-tolerant varieties and plant shade trees to reduce heat.
Artificial turf, on the other hand, delivers year-round greenery with minimal upkeep, saves water, and can help with allergies, though it comes with higher upfront costs, heat retention, and environmental concerns such as microplastics. To reduce heat and improve comfort, choose lighter-coloured turf, provide shaded areas with pergolas or trees, and ensure proper installation, including drainage.
Carefully weighing these pros and cons, along with practical measures, will help you decide which option best suits your needs, whether your priorities are sustainability, convenience, or aesthetic appeal.
10. How can I make my garden more sustainable (rainwater harvesting, permeable paving, shade trees)?
There are many ways to make your garden more sustainable, and the best results come from combining several practices.
Rainwater harvesting: Install tanks or rain barrels to collect runoff from your roof. This provides a free, sustainable water source for your garden and reduces reliance on scheme water.
Greywater reuse: Consider reusing water from sinks, showers, or washing machines (where allowed by local regulations) for garden irrigation, reducing demand on mains water.
Drip irrigation: Use a drip irrigation system rather than overhead sprinklers. Drip systems deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing evaporation and water waste.
Sustainable materials: Choose locally sourced or recycled materials for paving, furniture, and garden structures to reduce embodied energy and environmental impact.
Permeable paving: Use materials such as gravel or porous pavers for paths and patios. These allow water to soak into the soil, improving soil health and enabling the exchange of air, water, and nutrients between layers.
Shade trees: Planting trees for shade helps regulate temperature and creates a stable microclimate. They also enhance biodiversity and contribute to carbon sequestration.
Native plants: Choose native species naturally adapted to Perth’s climate. They require less water and fertiliser, making them ideal for sustainable, low-maintenance gardens.
Compost and mulch: Apply organic mulch to retain soil moisture, reduce evaporation and regulate soil temperature. Adding compost improves soil structure, fertility, and overall plant health and growth so your garden can thrive.
Pollinator habitats: Incorporate flowering plants to attract bees, birds, and beneficial insects. Supporting pollinators strengthens your garden’s ecosystem and encourages natural growth cycles.
Habitat features: Add birdhouses, bat boxes, or insect hotels to support urban wildlife and increase garden biodiversity.
Edible gardens: Incorporate fruit trees, herbs, or vegetables. Edible gardens reduce your carbon footprint, promote local food production, and add functional value to your outdoor space.
Energy-efficient lighting: Use solar-powered or low-energy LED garden lighting to reduce electricity use while enhancing usability at night.
By combining together these sustainable practices, you can create a resilient, waterwise, and eco-friendly garden that thrives in Perth’s unique conditions.