After Melbourne’s unpredictable weather patterns or a period of neglect, gardens across our beautiful city can quickly become overgrown and messy. Whether you’re facing weeds that have taken over after heavy rains, heat-stressed plants, or just general disarray, Jordan’s Gardening Service is here to help you reclaim your outdoor space. This guide will walk you through the process of transforming your Melbourne garden back into the beautiful oasis you envision.

Assessing Your Melbourne Garden

Before diving in with tools and enthusiasm, take time to properly assess your garden:

• Survey the entire space – Walk through your garden and make note of areas that need the most attention. Look for invasive weeds common to Melbourne, overgrown native shrubs, damaged structures, and neglected beds.
• Identify what’s worth saving – Some Australian natives may appear dead following our hot summers but could simply be dormant. Learn to distinguish between truly dead plants and those that just need some care to bounce back.
• Check your soil condition – Melbourne’s clay-heavy soils can become compacted or water-repellent. Understanding your soil’s current state will help guide your restoration efforts.
• Make a priority list – Rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything that needs doing, create a manageable plan that breaks down the revival into stages, or contact Jordan’s Gardening Service for a professional assessment.

First Steps: Clearing and Cleaning

The initial cleanup is often the most satisfying part of garden revival:

• Remove debris and dead material – Clear away fallen branches, eucalyptus leaves, and other debris that has accumulated over time.
• Tackle the weeds – Focus first on removing perennial weeds with deep roots that thrive in Melbourne’s climate. For large areas, consider using a weed barrier temporarily to smother persistent weeds.
• Prune overgrown plants – Remove dead or damaged branches from shrubs and trees. For severely overgrown specimens, consider a hard pruning to rejuvenate them (particularly important for many Australian native plants which respond well to pruning).
• Edge your beds – Redefine the boundaries between lawn and garden beds with a sharp spade or edging tool—clean edges instantly make a garden look more cared for.

Revitalizing Melbourne Soils

Healthy gardens start with healthy soil, especially in Melbourne’s varied soil conditions:

• Test your soil – Consider getting a soil test to understand its pH and nutrient content. Many Melbourne gardens have alkaline soil that may need specific amendments.
• Add organic matter – Work in compost, well-rotted manure, or leaf mold to improve soil structure and fertility. This is especially important for our clay-heavy soils which benefit tremendously from added organic material.
• Mulch appropriately – Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around plants (keeping it away from stems and trunks) to suppress weeds and retain moisture—crucial for Melbourne’s hot, dry summers.
• Address drainage issues – If certain areas remain waterlogged during our wet winter months, consider creating drainage solutions like French drains or raised beds.

Replanting and Reorganizing for Melbourne’s Climate

Now comes the creative part:

• Divide overcrowded perennials – Many perennials benefit from division every few years. This rejuvenates them and gives you free plants to fill gaps elsewhere.
• Consider water-wise design – Group plants with similar water needs together, emphasizing drought-tolerant natives and Mediterranean species that thrive in Melbourne’s climate.
• Add key specimens – Strategically place a few new plants that offer multiple seasons of interest to give your garden structure and appeal year-round. Consider native options like Grevilleas, Correas, and ornamental grasses.
• Install supports early – Put stakes, cages, or trellises in place for plants that will need support as they grow, particularly important for protection against Melbourne’s occasional strong winds.

Maintaining Your Melbourne Garden

Keeping your newly revived garden in good shape throughout Melbourne’s four distinct seasons:

• Establish a seasonal maintenance schedule – Set regular times for weeding, deadheading, and general garden care based on Melbourne’s seasonal needs.
• Water wisely – Install a rain barrel to capture water during wet periods or consider drought-tolerant landscaping options. Remember that Melbourne water restrictions may apply during summer months.
• Watch for pests and diseases – Check plants regularly for issues common to our region, like scale insects, possums, or fungal problems that can emerge during humid periods.
• Prepare for extreme weather – Have a plan for protecting sensitive plants during heatwaves and unexpected frost events that Melbourne occasionally experiences.

Professional Help When You Need It

While many garden revival tasks can be DIY projects, sometimes professional assistance makes all the difference:

• Complex tree pruning – For safety and tree health, Jordan’s Gardening Service can handle large tree maintenance.
• Regular maintenance – For busy homeowners, our scheduled maintenance services keep your garden looking its best year-round.

Conclusion

Bringing a neglected Melbourne garden back to life takes time and effort, but the transformation is incredibly rewarding. At Jordan’s Gardening Service, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities of gardening in Melbourne’s climate. Whether you’re tackling the project yourself or would like our expert help, we’re here to support your garden revival journey.

Take before and after photos to document your progress—you’ll be amazed at what can be accomplished. For a professional assessment or to book our services, contact Jordan’s Gardening Service today!