Before summer, make sure your garden can be watered, clear the overgrowth that is getting in the way and check the mulch around existing plants. If you are planning new planting or lawn, arrange the care it will need before booking the work.
Start with the garden you have
Walk through the garden and separate the work that would improve everyday use from changes that can wait. A blocked path, weeds through beds or a hedge crowding the sitting area may matter more than adding another feature.
| What needs attention? | First decision |
|---|---|
| Established beds look tired | Keep suitable plants and identify the weeding, pruning or mulch needed |
| Paths or sitting areas are overgrown | Agree what should be cleared and what planting must stay |
| New plants or turf are planned | Confirm watering, access and care while they establish |
| You will be away | Arrange someone to check the garden and adjust watering to conditions |
A garden restoration can refresh an established garden without changing the whole layout. We book this work when it is needed, rather than on a fixed seasonal or maintenance schedule.
Make a watering plan
Check that your hose or watering system reaches the areas that need it. Look for leaks, missed sections and water running onto paving. Pots, recently planted beds and established trees do not all need the same amount of water.
Sydney Water’s Water Wise Guidelines currently allow ordinary garden watering with drinking water before 10 am and after 4 pm, with separate provisions for smart or drip systems and newly planted gardens. Runoff and overspray onto hard surfaces are not permitted. Check the current rules when setting your schedule; source checked on 22 October 2026.
Our new-turf watering guide explains establishment and the new-turf allowance. A timer still needs someone to check coverage and change the schedule after rain or during hot weather.
Deal with beds and overgrowth first
Clear weeds before adding mulch, and assess the existing mulch rather than adding another thick layer automatically. Keep stems and trunks clear and make sure water can reach the soil. Our mulching guide covers materials, depth and quantities.
Pruning depends on the plant and the reason for cutting, not simply the arrival of summer. Read when pruning helps or the overgrown-hedge guide before planning a large cutback.
If hot weather is approaching
Check soil moisture and the condition of new planting more closely. Wilting is a reason to investigate; it is not an instruction to keep adding water to already wet soil. If a plant does not recover or several plants are declining, seek advice about the cause.
Think about whether new planting can be cared for through the forecast conditions. If you will be away or unable to water, discuss moving the planting date rather than installing a garden and leaving it unattended. Gardening Australia’s summer-care guidance explains the value of appropriate mulch and watering without keeping soil constantly wet. Source checked on 22 October 2026.
Refresh or change the garden?
If the layout still works, restoration may be enough. If you want new beds, different planting or lawn, a garden makeover may be a better fit.
Our Gladesville work shows a tired garden strip rebuilt as a raised timber bed while the lawn remained alongside it. It demonstrates a focused change to one area rather than rebuilding the entire garden.
See the before-and-after photographs and decide which parts of your own garden need a similar change in layout or planting.
Plan the work and budget
Start with gardening costs for restoration, or makeover budgets for more substantial change. Agree the areas, clearing, materials and waste removal so the quote reflects the work you actually want.
Tell David your suburb, priorities and any dates you have in mind. He will discuss scope and availability with you; a requested date is not a confirmed booking. Photos are optional and the on-site quote is free.
Free on-site quote. Tell David your suburb and what you would like done; photos are optional.
