The 4 Biggest Landscaping Mistakes Homeowners Make (And How to Avoid Them)!
Expert insights from Lorraine at LP Garden Design
A beautiful garden doesn’t happen by accident.
When you’re building your dream home, it’s easy to focus all your energy on what’s inside — the kitchen layout, the master suite, the perfect living room flow. But what about the space outside your four walls?
Your outdoor spaces deserve just as much consideration as what’s inside. Yet time and time again, we see homeowners make the same landscaping mistakes — mistakes that cost them time, money, and years of frustration.
We sat down with Lorraine from LP Garden Design to talk through the most common pitfalls she sees, and more importantly, how thoughtful planning from the start can transform your outdoor space into something truly special.
Mistake #1 “Winging It” Without a Garden Designer
The Problem:
It’s tempting to think you can figure out landscaping as you go. Buy some plants from the garden centre, scatter them around, plant a few trees, and hope for the best. After all, how hard can it be?
This is the biggest mistake Lorraine sees — and it’s one that leads to the most frustration down the track.
Why It Matters:
A professional garden designer brings so much more than just plant knowledge. They bring:
- Years of hands-on experience — they’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) in countless gardens
- Creative ideas you’d never consider — fresh perspectives that transform ordinary spaces into something special
- Extensive plant knowledge — understanding which plants thrive in which conditions, how big they’ll grow, what they need to flourish
- The right plant in the right place — avoiding the heartbreak of watching your plants struggle or fail
- Subdivision requirement expertise — they’ll create your landscaping plan to meet all the necessary compliance, so you don’t have to think about it (just let them do their thing)
The Result:
A garden that’s not just beautiful, but functional and tailored to your lifestyle. One that you’ll love for years to come, not one you’re constantly battling against.
Mistake #2: Planting Without a Plan
The Problem:
Buying plants randomly or planting trees “wherever they look good” might feel exciting at first. There’s something satisfying about bringing home new plants and getting them in the ground.
But without a proper plan? It quickly leads to frustration.
What Goes Wrong:
- Overcrowded borders that choke your plants and prevent them from reaching their potential
- Poor flow between indoor and outdoor spaces — your garden doesn’t work with how you actually live
- Plants that struggle or completely fail because they’re in the wrong spot for their needs
- Trees planted too close to foundations, driveways, or powerlines — creating expensive problems years down the track
The Key:
Plan your landscaping at the same time as your home design.
Think of your garden as another room — an extension of your indoor living. When you design them together, everything works in harmony.
Mistake #3: The Pitfalls We See All The Time
Lorraine has seen certain mistakes crop up again and again in her work. Here are the most common:
❌ Borders That Are Too Narrow
When garden beds are too narrow, plants can’t grow to their full potential. They become cramped, struggle to establish root systems, and never achieve the impact they could have.
The Fix: Design borders that give plants room to breathe and grow. This isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about plant health.
❌ Using the Wrong Weedmat
Not all weedmat is created equal. Many homeowners choose cheap, plastic-based options that create more problems than they solve — preventing water and nutrients from reaching plant roots and breaking down into microplastics.
The Fix: Opt for compostable, biodegradable weedmat options that work with your soil, not against it.
❌ Planting the Wrong Tree (or Plant) in the Wrong Location
This is perhaps the most costly mistake. Every plant has different requirements:
- Sunlight needs — full sun, partial shade, full shade
- Space requirements — how big will it actually get?
- Drainage preferences — does it need well-drained soil or can it handle moisture?
- Climate suitability — will it thrive in your specific microclimate?
Getting these wrong doesn’t just mean a struggling plant. It can mean dead plants, overcrowding, blocked views, damage to structures, and thousands of dollars in removal costs.
The Fix: Work with a designer who understands your site’s unique conditions and knows which plants will genuinely thrive there.
Mistake #4: Not Budgeting Properly
The Problem:
Many homeowners either don’t budget for landscaping at all, or they significantly underestimate what quality landscaping requires.
The Guide:
A helpful rule of thumb is to budget around 10% of your build cost for landscaping.
This might sound like a lot — but consider what you’re getting:
- Increased property value — good landscaping can add significant value to your home
- Enhanced lifestyle — outdoor spaces you actually want to use
- Long-term savings — done right the first time means less money spent fixing mistakes later
- Instant impact — especially with mature plants and trees
Even small courtyards can deliver huge impact with:
- Smart hard landscaping choices (paving, decking, screening)
- Thoughtful plant selection that works for your specific conditions
- Well-designed outdoor living spaces that function as extensions of your home
And here’s a key insight from Lorraine: “The best time to plant a tree was 10 years ago. The second best time is now.”
If you want presence and impact, invest in larger, more mature trees rather than tiny starter plants. Yes, they cost more upfront — but they deliver immediate scale and character that takes decades to achieve otherwise.
What’s Trending in Landscaping Right Now
While we’re talking about what works (and what doesn’t), Lorraine shared some of the landscaping trends she’s loving at the moment:
🌿 Mediterranean, Low-Water Planting
Think drought-tolerant plants, silvery foliage, and gardens that thrive with minimal water. Beautiful, sustainable, and perfect for our changing climate.
🌿 Gravel Gardens
Low-maintenance, high-impact spaces that provide excellent drainage and a contemporary aesthetic. Gravel gardens work beautifully with the right plant selection.
🌿 Relaxed, Flowing Layouts
Moving away from rigid, formal designs toward more natural, flowing layouts. Gardens that feel less “designed” and more organic — while still being carefully planned behind the scenes.
The Common Thread:
All these trends balance low-maintenance style with sustainability. They’re about creating beautiful spaces that don’t demand endless hours of upkeep.
But remember: no garden is truly “no maintenance”. Good design simply saves you time and effort for years to come.
Why Hiring a Garden Designer Changes Everything
When you work with a professional garden designer, you’re not just paying for plant recommendations. You’re getting:
✓The right plant in the right place — so everything thrives, not just survives
✓ Design for YOUR lifestyle and preferences — not cookie-cutter solutions
✓ Beauty balanced with practicality — gorgeous AND functional
✓ Long-term planning — thinking years ahead, not just next season
✓ Peace of mind with compliance — all subdivision requirements handled
They’re truly passionate about their work, living and breathing gardens and plants in everything they do.
Engaging a designer early — alongside your house design — helps create an outdoor space you’ll love for years to come.
The Hallmark Homes Approach
At Hallmark Homes, we work with experts in their field to make sure our clients get their dream home.
From garden designers like Lorraine at LP Garden Design to lighting specialists, architects, and interior designers — we bring together the right team to ensure every aspect of your home is thoughtfully considered.
Your outdoor space deserves the same care and attention as what’s inside. That’s why we make sure your home and garden are designed to work together from day one.
Thoughtful design isn’t an afterthought — it’s an integral part of creating a home that truly works for you.
Ready to start the conversation?
Whether you’re just starting to think about your build or you’re already well into the planning process, we’d love to chat about how working with the right experts can bring your dream home to life.
Get in touch today — let’s create something special together.
