How to do a makeover of a small & curvy front yard?

[praviink]

Hi there, 

We have recently moved into our first home and wish to do a makeover of our small and curvy front yard. I am also new to DIY but would like to take this project opportunity as my first step towards learning, understanding and executing a DIY. 

1. Attaching a hand drawn plan with dimensions of the front yard.

2. Attaching photos of the existing landscape for clarity.

Would appreciate any help in this regard. All makeover ideas are welcome!

Thanks in advance.

PK

Complete Side ViewView from door to road sideDimension drawingEnd to end viewPebble patch to other end viewPebble patch and cemented drive wayThe other side soil patch next to drivewayTop-side view

[MitchellMc]

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community @praviink. It's terrific to have you join us, and many thanks for your question about your garden makeover.

Congratulations on your first home! It’s fantastic that you’re keen to take on a DIY project as a learning opportunity. 

When it comes to a garden makeover, though, it really depends on what you want the space to become. That’s the starting point. Do you want a lush, green garden filled with plants and colour? Or would you prefer a clean, low-maintenance space that looks neat year-round? Maybe you’d love a little corner nook for a morning coffee, or perhaps you’re after something with a more modern feel using gravel, pebbles or structured plantings. Think about whether you enjoy gardening or would rather minimise upkeep. 

If you’re short on time or experience, starting with simple landscaping features like well-defined garden beds, hardy plants and tidy pathways might be the way to go. On the other hand, if you’re excited about planting, nurturing and shaping your space over time, you might look at creating more densely planted areas with seasonal interest. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here — it’s really about what will make you feel good every time you come home and look at that front yard. Once you’re clear on your goal, I’d be happy to help with more specific ideas on layout, plant selection or materials.

Here are a couple of helpful guides to get you started: How to plan a garden makeover and How to give your garden a makeover. Also, check out our Top 10 most popular garden makeovers for inspiration.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell
 

[praviink]

Hello Mitchell,

Thanks for your quick response. Really appreciated!

After reading your response and referenced links and discussions with my family, we think that the best way to go would be to  start with “simple landscaping features like well-defined garden beds, hardy plants and tidy pathways”.

We also would like to add that we are located in South-East Victoria (cold weather) and the front yard soil seems to be very dry (poor soil).

Based on the above information and pictures sent earlier, would you please be able to suggest any landscape design ideas with plant selection etc for our first DIY project?

Thanks again and kind regards,

PK

[MitchellMc]

Hi @praviink,

You could define a couple of curved garden beds that follow the natural shape of your yard—maybe one larger bed along the outer curve and a smaller one near the entrance. Use edging (like metal, timber, or stone) to clearly mark these out from the rest of the space. Here's a helpful guide: How to choose garden edging. For pathways, crushed rock or compacted gravel works well and gives a neat, modern look that drains easily and suits dry conditions.

In terms of plants, hardy and drought-tolerant varieties are your best bet. Think correas, westringia, liriope, kangaroo paw, or salvias—they cope well in poor soils and offer seasonal interest. Lomandra and dianella are also fantastic for structure and texture. You can soften the space with a groundcover like native violet or dwarf grevillea if you want a green, living carpet effect. In the sunnier spots, consider adding a feature plant like an olive tree or callistemon.

To give the whole space a boost, consider improving the soil in your new garden beds with compost before planting. Mulching heavily will also help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. 

Mitchell

[praviink]

Thanks so much Mitchell.

 I will start working on the front yard project with the cleaning up and levelling the soil and take it from there.

I will keep you posted as we go!

Kind regards,

praviink