Spring Fever

Spring is the season of possibility – gardens are bursting with colour, fragrance and fresh growth. We’ve gathered ideas from beautiful outdoor spaces brimming with seasonal magic, ready for you to bring into your own garden. From creative pot displays and striking plant pairings to clever ways of filling bare spots.

 

Riot of rhodo

Rhododendrons in full bloom are a stunning statement. If you don’t have room for a large tree, you can find smaller specimens that fit in pots. They thrive in cool climates and must be planted away from the hot afternoon sun.

Wisteria wonder

There’s nothing quite like a wisteria-draped arbour to create a dreamy garden moment. Ensure your structure is sturdy, and made from treated hardwood or metal, as wisteria vines are heavy and need strong support. Prune wisteria after flowering to help tame its vigorous growth.

Go for a gazebo

Add a gazebo to your garden to create a cosy, sheltered spot for relaxing or entertaining. It offers protection from sun and light rain, and invites you to enjoy your outdoors in comfort all year round.

TOP TIP

Many private gardens open in spring – make a trip out for inspiration. This spectacular garden (pictured above), Nooroo in Mt Wilson, NSW, is a stunning “ example.

 

Now is the perfect time to soften and enliven your outdoor structures and spaces. Pergolas become frameworks for climbing blooms that add colour, fragrance, and shade, while steps offer prime spots to layer pots bursting with seasonal flowers, guiding guests with charm and inviting pauses along the way.

Invite nature in

Surround your pergola or deck with verdant greenery. It softens their hard edges and brings the structure seamlessly into the landscape, creating a peaceful retreat where you can reconnect with nature.

Add a little magic

Train climbing roses up pergola supports to create a romantic canopy of lush, fragrant blooms. This adds height and structure while filling your garden with soft, fragrant charm and timeless beauty.

Shape and define

Use elegant pots with sculpted greenery, such as clipped buxus to anchor corners and add formality. Only prune buxus when it's actively growing to avoid issues with disease and dieback.

Layer for lushness

Place pots at varying heights – from ground to ledges and shelves – to add depth and dimension. Use plants with different heights and textures to draw the eye upward, making small gardens feel more open, lush and full of life. This layered look adds structure, interest, and warmth to cosy spaces.

Keep it cohesive

For a unified garden style, choose pots in the same material, like warm terracotta, to create harmony while letting your plants’ colours truly shine. Grouping pots of varying sizes and shapes adds interest without disrupting the flow, making your garden feel thoughtfully designed.

Step this way

Line your stairs with an array of pots to turn a simple climb into a delightful experience. Keep pots close to the edges to avoid creating trip hazards, and choose stable containers that won’t easily tip.

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When soil or plants settle in a pot and roots become exposed, it’s time to add more potting mix. Be careful not to overfill – just cover the roots without burying them.

Brighten up your balcony and pathways with colourful plants and stylish accents. With a little design flair and thoughtful plant choices, these often-overlooked spots can become vibrant, inviting highlights of your garden, creating cheerful spaces to relax and enjoy.

Bring on colour

Use a mix of pots and baskets on your balcony railing to add layers of colour and texture without taking up floor space. Bright spring blooms like tulips, hyacinths and pansies instantly lift the mood.

Swap them out

Place potted annuals in decorative baskets instead of planting them directly. This lets you easily change colours and varieties throughout the season, keeping your display fresh and vibrant all year.

Maximise space

Combine leafy greens with your flowering plants to make your balcony both productive and pretty. Fresh salad leaves are easy to grow in shallow pots or planter boxes. Snip regularly to enjoy!

Raise the standard

Give honeysuckle (Lonicera) a formal twist by training it into a neat standard. This upright form lifts its clusters of sweetly scented blooms to eye level, where their fragrance can be fully enjoyed. Thriving in temperate to cool climates, it's perfect for small gardens or as a feature along a pathway.

Let it spill

Soften the edges of pathways or borders with catmint (Nepeta). This flowering perennial has a low sprawling habit, which allows it to spill gracefully over edges. Its small lavender-blue flowers are adored by bees, and you'll love that it's hardy and low maintenance, too.

Roll out the gravel

A gravel pathway adds rustic charm and texture to your garden. It lends itself beautifully to various styles, including Mediterranean, cottage, coastal or formal – it turns a simple stroll into a sensory experience.

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Feed fading spring bulbs such as jonquils and freesias with a liquid fertiliser when they start to fade to boost their strength and help ensure next year's flowers.