Date Published: 09 October 2026
Landscaping for your new home can feel like a big task, especially once the build itself is done and dusted. The good news is you don’t need a landscape designer to get a great result. Your local nursery can often help with a basic garden design if you buy your plants from them, so take along some photos and a plan of your block showing where the house sits, and they’ll be able to recommend the right plants for your new home landscaping. Spring is one of the best times of year to get started in South East Queensland, with mild weather that gives new plants the best chance to establish. Here are our top tips to help with your new house landscaping.
Landscaping is often left until last, simply because it’s the final step after the build. But it can have a huge impact on the look and feel of your home, and it can add real value too. Setting aside a budget for landscaping from the start, even a modest one, means it won’t be squeezed out later in the process.
Do you love spending your weekends in the garden, or would you rather it looked great with very little upkeep? Be honest with yourself here. It’s easy to start out with good intentions, so choose plants that genuinely suit your lifestyle, not just the garden you picture in your head.
Good soil prep is one of the best things you can do for a garden that thrives long term. Make sure you’ve got good drainage, and the soil isn’t compacted. If you’re turfing, aim for at least 100mm of quality topsoil, and for garden beds, work in good compost and nutrients. Your local nursery can point you in the right direction here.
Choose plants that will genuinely do well in your soil and climate, not just ones you like the look of. In South East Queensland, native plants are a great option as they’re suited to our conditions and will reach a mature, healthy stage much faster than something better suited to a different climate.
If you’re on a budget, laying turf is a quick way to transform your new home’s garden without spending a fortune. It also makes a great play space for the kids. The key is to lay it as soon as possible after delivery and water it straight away. Your climate, soil quality and location will determine which grass variety suits your yard best, so it’s worth asking the experts.
A clean edge between lawn and garden beds makes the whole space look tidy and considered. You can create this with a sharp spade for a simple, defined line, or go for a physical border like concrete, timber, brick or stone.
Strategic planting can solve a lot of problems at once. If you’re on a busier road or want more privacy from neighbours, a hedge of the right plants can create a visual barrier and reduce noise. It takes a little patience, but there are plenty of fast-growing options, and your local nursery can also source more established plants if you’d like a quicker result.
Mulching is one of the easiest ways to make a new garden look finished. Choose a mulch like pine bark rather than lucerne or sugarcane for a neater look that complements your new home. It also helps your garden retain water, suppress weeds, prevent soil erosion and improve drainage.
Display villages are one of the best places to find landscaping ideas, especially for low-maintenance gardens that still look polished. Visiting a Hallmark Homes display home is a great way to see landscaping in action alongside your new home’s design, so it’s worth planning your visit or exploring our virtual tours if you’re pressed for time.
For more ideas to bring your new home to life, take a look at our Inspiration Gallery, with styling ideas for the kitchen, dining, living room, bedrooms and bathroom, plus ways to make the most of your alfresco space. You’ll also find a range of styles to explore, from Contemporary and Coastal through to Farmhouse, Mediterranean and Mid-Century Modern.
If you’re thinking of building a new home in South East Queensland, the team at Hallmark Homes is ready to help. Come and see some of our stunning new home designs for yourself at one of our display centres, including our acreage display home at Mahoney’s Pocket in Woodhill. If you have any questions about our single storey home designs or house and land packages, please contact Hallmark Homes today.
Landscaping costs vary quite a bit depending on your block size, the design you’re after and how much of the work you take on yourself. It’s worth setting aside a portion of your overall build budget for landscaping from the outset, even if you plan to do it in stages. Your local nursery or a landscaper can give you a more accurate quote once they know your block and what you have in mind.
Laying turf and mulching your garden beds are two of the quickest, most affordable ways to make a new house feel finished. From there, strategic planting and a tidy lawn edge go a long way without a big spend.
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