25th February, 2026
By Andrea Uren

How to Design a Low-Maintenance Luxury Garden

Less is more these days, and the same can be said for gardens in the Mornington Peninsula.

The term luxury in outdoor design is no longer defined by excessive foliage or one that requires constant upkeep. Today, the most desirable, high-value gardens are those that feel calm, intentional, and effortless to maintain.

The rising trend in low-maintenance luxury garden design proves that sometimes, simple is best, and you can create outdoor spaces that look exceptional without demanding endless time and energy.

At Foliage Landscaping, we create personalised gardens shaped around how people actually live. While we don’t specialise in low-maintenance gardens, we design luxury landscapes tailored to your needs. For many clients, that includes functional, low-effort solutions that still feel bespoke.

So let’s take a look at what a low-maintenance luxury garden is.

What a Low-Maintenance Luxury Garden Really Looks Like

A low-maintenance luxury garden is designed to feel refined, timeless, and high-end — without requiring constant attention. Through thoughtful planning, careful planting, and materials chosen for longevity.

Here’s what a low-maintenance luxury garden typically includes:

Mature, Established Plants: Advanced trees and feature shrubs that provide immediate structure and presence, avoiding the long wait for growth.

Repetition of key species: Using fewer plant varieties creates rhythm, cohesion, and visual calm while making care easier.

Low water needs once established: Plants in these garden types are selected to thrive in local conditions with minimal irrigation after establishment.

Minimal pruning requirements: Foliage with natural, shorter growth habits is prioritised, allowing the garden to hold its form without frequent trimming.

Quality plants and materials: Premium stone, durable decking, corten steel, and healthy plants make the garden durable, especially in coastal or high-use environments.

Let’s look at the three key features of a low-maintenance garden.

Choosing Plants That Deliver Effortless Beauty

Plant selection is one of the most important factors in reducing maintenance without sacrificing style. In Melbourne’s climate, native and drought-tolerant plants often outperform delicate or high-demand species, as they need far less intervention.

If an easy garden is what you’d like, avoid high-maintenance plants - those that require frequent attention to stay healthy and attractive. Here are some of its common characteristics:

Frequent pruning (more than once a year): Fast-growing hedges, formal topiary, and vigorous climbers typically need constant shaping.

High water needs: Plants that struggle without regular irrigation can quickly decline during warmer months.

Susceptibility to pests or diseases: Species prone to fungal issues or infestations will need ongoing monitoring and treatment.

Messy or heavy leaf drop: Constant shedding increases clean-up, particularly around pools, paving, and alfresco areas.

Plants that outgrow their space quickly: Quicker growth leads to repeated cutting back and even replacement.

Special soil or nutrient requirements: Plants needing frequent fertilising or soil changes can increase long-term effort.

High-demand flowering plants: Those requiring deadheading, staking, or seasonal replacement can feel genuinely labour-intensive.

Materials and Features That Reduce Ongoing Upkeep

Smart material choices can make a big difference long term. When materials are selected with maintenance in mind, upkeeping a beautiful garden becomes less of a concern.

Porcelain pavers, composite decking, and natural stone finishes are highly durable, weather-resistant, and visually refined. These materials maintain their appearance over time, reducing the need for repairs or replacement.

Automated irrigation systems and drip watering solutions can also ensure plants receive consistent moisture without overwatering. Additionally, mulch and ground covers help retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and stabilise garden beds.

Designing for Function, Flow, and Everyday Living

A luxury, low-maintenance garden should feel effortless to move through, with zones that feel easy to manage. During design, it's important to ensure there’s access for maintenance while keeping the zones clean and free of excessive foliage. Pathways and planting beds should be arranged thoughtfully to support both practicality and aesthetics.

Minimising lawn areas can significantly reduce upkeep. In their place, consider hardy ground covers or artificial turf to provide greenery without ongoing mowing or watering. Additionally, designing multi-purpose spaces allows a single area to serve several functions, from entertaining to quiet relaxation, reducing unnecessary complexity.

Low-maintenance gardens are those that adapt easily to different moments and seasons.

Create Luxury That Lasts

A low-maintenance luxury garden is possible, and you don’t have to compromise beauty to get it. With careful planning, climate-appropriate plants, and durable materials, you can create an outdoor space that remains beautiful with minimal intervention.

Having the right professional design is key here, as an experienced landscaper considers sustainability, lifestyle, and long-term performance from the start. Investing in experienced designers ensures your garden matures gracefully and supports the way you live.

For a personalised solution that combines refinement with practicality, Foliage Landscaping offers expert luxury landscaping that homeowners can rely on. Contact our team for a free consultation and quote.

FAQs

1. What makes a garden low-maintenance?

A low-maintenance garden is one that is intentionally planned to require minimal intervention throughout the seasons. This includes selecting plants suited to the local climate, limiting plant variety, using durable materials, and designing clear access points. Automation, such as irrigation, also reduces effort while keeping the garden healthy, balanced, and visually consistent throughout the year.

2. Can a low-maintenance garden still look luxurious?

Absolutely. Luxury is often defined by quality and thought rather than excess. A well-designed low-maintenance garden uses premium materials, mature planting, and cohesive layouts to create a calm, refined aesthetic. The absence of clutter and over-planting often improves the sense of space, elegance, and timeless appeal.

3. Which plants are best for low-maintenance gardens in Melbourne?

Many plants thrive in Melbourne with minimal care. Native options like Lomandra, Westringia, Correa, Hardenbergia, and dwarf Banksia are resilient plants that also provide structure to a garden. Meanwhile, exotic choices such as ornamental pears, Hydrangea paniculata varieties, olive trees, Viburnum, and feather reed grass can bring seasonal interest while remaining hardy, reliable, and easy to manage.