Let’s face it:
The idea of a sprawling 185 sq m garden is enough to make anyone’s heart jump with excitement. The thought of setting up your own garden, watering it in the morning and watching it bloom beautifully over time can be a tempting prospect for many people in Australia.
But that picture-perfect scene can quickly turn into a budget nightmare if you’re thinking about creating a natural garden.
The truth is, the cost of setting up a natural garden in 185 sq m depends on several factors.
So, before you head to the nursery to buy gardening gloves with visions of pink bougainvillea flowers dancing in your head, let’s talk about the not-so-green part: the cost.
Because transforming 185 square metres into a natural garden can be a serious investment of time and money.
Let’s explore the hidden costs of setting up a natural garden and in the process, find out a surprisingly low-maintenance (and wallet-friendly) alternative.
Cost to Set Up a Natural Garden
Setting up a natural garden comes with various expenses, including but not limited to:
| Category | Description | Set-up Cost |
| Plants and Seeds | Various native plants, shrubs, trees, and flowers. Prices can vary greatly. | $1000 to $3000 or more |
| Soil and Mulch | Essential for healthy plant growth. Might need several cubic yards of soil. | $500 to $1000 |
| Tools and Equipment | Shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, and other gardening tools | $200 to $500 |
| Professional Services | Might need the help of landscaping professionals for design, labour, and consultation. | $1000 to $5000 or more |
Prices are averaged out from top providers across Australia
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
Once your natural garden is in place, ongoing maintenance keeps it looking its best. Here’s a breakup of the ongoing maintenance costs for a natural garden:
| Category | Description | Ongoing Cost |
| Watering | Regular watering based on climate and rainfall patterns. | $50 to $150 per month |
| Fertilisers and Pest Control | Organic fertilisers, compost, and pest control measures for healthy plant growth and pest prevention. | $200 to $500 per year |
| Pruning and Trimming | Regular pruning and trimming to maintain garden appearance. If hiring professionals, expect these costs. | $500 to $1000 per year |
Prices are averaged out from top providers across Australia
In total, setting up a natural garden in a 185 sq m area can cost anywhere from $3000 to $10,000 in the first year alone.
Furthermore, depending on the size of your garden, gardening tasks such as watering, fertilising, pruning, and pest control may take several hours each week. If you decide to do all the work yourself, it’s crucial to set aside enough time and energy to keep your garden thriving.
Cost to Set Up an Artificial Garden
Now, let’s flip the coin and explore the costs associated with setting up an artificial garden:
Initial Setup Costs
What goes into planning an artificial garden? Unlike its natural counterpart, setting up an artificial garden is much more straightforward and requires less time and effort while being a slightly larger investment that can last for decades or till you’re in the mood for a new batch. Let’s look at some of the initial setup costs:
| Category | Description | One-Time
Cost |
| Turf and Plants | High-quality artificial turf and plants, essential for the foundation of the artificial garden. | $5,000 to $10,000 |
| Additional Materials | Supplementary items like gravel, decorative rocks, or pavers, depending on the garden’s design requirements. | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Professional Installation | Hiring a professional ensures a flawless finish in installing the artificial garden. | $2,000 to $5,000 |
Prices are averaged out from top providers across Australia
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
One of the main selling points of artificial gardens is their low-maintenance nature. Unlike traditional gardens, which require constant watering, pruning, and weeding, artificial gardens only need occasional cleaning and minor touch-ups to maintain their pristine appearance. Let’s look at some maintenance costs:
| Category | Description | Ongoing Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning | Artificial gardens require occasional cleaning to remove debris and prevent mould growth. | $0 |
| Repairs | While artificial plants and faux turfs are durable, they require occasional repairs or replacement of damaged sections. | $200 to $500 every few years |
| Long-Term Savings | Unlike natural gardens, artificial gardens require minimal ongoing maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run. | Save $2000-$3000 per year |
Prices are averaged out from top providers across Australia
Why Artificial Gardens Might Be Better
We would like to address the elephant in the room- the one time cost of setting up an artificial garden is larger than that of setting up a natural garden. That being said, the sheer savings in time, money and effort from the day of your purchase cover up for any seemingly hefty prices paid at the start.
Also, have you considered the fact that purchasing a synthetic garden can actually be good for our environment? Here’s how- water scarcity is a real problem that cannot be reversed overnight; it can only be managed. An artificial garden does not demand even a single drop of water except a few sprays to wipe them when needed. This coupled with the fact that you can set up an artificial garden or fake turf anywhere regardless of it being indoor or outdoor, come rain, shine or the scorching sun.
The Bottom Line
Artificial gardens require significantly less water, fertiliser, and labour compared to their natural counterparts, resulting in long-term cost savings. Additionally, artificial turf offers year-round greenery without the need for seasonal planting or upkeep.
Stay tuned for our next blog post, where we’ll unveil how to install artificial gardens in your 185 sq m space!
Where Can I Get Premium Quality Artificial Vertical Garden?
Designer Plants Australia is a top-tier destination for premium quality artificial vertical gardens. With a reputation for exceptional realism, durability, and innovative design, they offer a diverse range of lifelike foliage options suitable for both indoor and outdoor spaces.
Ready to transform your space with a stunning artificial vertical garden? Visit Designer Plants Australia online or in-store today!
FAQs
Do artificial vertical gardens hold up well in Australia’s hot weather?
Designer Plants Australia’s UV-resistant artificial vertical gardens are designed to withstand Australia’s diverse climate, including hot summers and occasional heavy rainfall. They are UV stabilised to prevent fading and degradation from sun exposure. Additionally, you may want to consider using a UV protection spray to help preserve the colour and integrity of your plants during the hot months.
Do artificial vertical gardens attract pests like insects or birds?
Our artificial vertical gardens are made from synthetic materials that simply do not attract any pests. Unlike natural plants, they do not provide food or shelter for insects or birds, making them an ideal choice for pest-free landscaping.
Our fire-retardant artificial vertical gardens are compliant with Australian Standards AS/NZS 1530.3:1999. This means that they have been tested and proven to resist fire, making them a safe choice for areas prone to bushfires. In fact, many homeowners in New South Wales and Victoria choose our artificial vertical gardens as an alternative to natural plants due to their low maintenance and fire-resistant properties
Are artificial vertical gardens environmentally friendly in any sense?
Well, Designer Plants’ artificial vertical gardens are eco-friendly alternatives to traditional landscaping in the sense that they require no water, fertilisers, or pesticides, conserving natural resources and reducing environmental impact. Additionally, our products are made from recyclable materials and are free from harmful chemicals.
Can artificial vertical gardens be customised to fit specific dimensions or design preferences?
Yes, our artificial vertical gardens can be tailored to suit your unique requirements. Whether you need a small accent wall or a large-scale installation, we offer customisable solutions to fit any space or design concept.
Our artificial vertical gardens are low-maintenance and easy to clean, making them suitable for coastal areas. Simply remove any debris with a gentle spray of water or a soft brush to keep them looking fresh and vibrant. We recommend using our artificial plant cleaner, specifically designed for our products.
About the Author
David Eden is a plant enthusiast and the founder of Designer Plants Australia and Designer Vertical Gardens. He is passionate about bringing life and greenery into spaces through artificial plants. He has extensive knowledge and expertise in selecting and crafting the highest quality artificial plants for various applications. His goal is to provide customers with beautiful, low maintenance options that bring nature into their homes and businesses.
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