Emmins Landscape & Design

Home
Australia
Cheltenham, VIC
Emmins Landscape & Design

Joel Emmins - Emmins Landscape Design
(Personal blog)
🌿Diploma of Landscape Design Graduate| 10+ years in the industry.

Lead designer at Complete Landscape Solutions

01/03/2026

Soil profile is everything when it comes to planting.

When I moved into my place, I wanted a better garden but the budget was tight. Instead of ripping everything out, I focused on what actually matters, the soil.

Here’s how I went from a tired, lifeless garden (slide 2) to a healthy, thriving space in under 12 months:

1. Remove dyed mulch
Dyed or recycled timber mulch often contains construction waste and can introduce contaminants. It also adds very little organic value to the soil and can create a hydrophobic (water-repellent) layer over time. Strip it back and start fresh.

2. Rebuild the soil profile
My existing soil was a sandy loam that had become compacted and completely dry. I incorporated organic compost (Surecrop from ) through the top 300mm of the profile to improve structure, microbial activity and moisture retention.
Also, remove any builder’s waste. You’d be amazed what ends up below the surface. I pulled out a full 90L bin worth of bricks, tiles, and other construction waste.

3. Rehydrate before planting
If water can’t pe*****te the soil profile, roots won’t either. Thoroughly soak the garden bed prior to planting to break surface tension and restore infiltration capacity.

4. Plant, irrigate, mulch & be patient
Install plants into improved soil, irrigate consistently, and apply an organic mulch (Surecrop again) that feeds the soil while reducing evaporation. Then give it time.
Within 12 months, the transformation can be as dramatic as above.

Always build from the ground up.

12/01/2026

Wild to think that 12 months ago I was preparing for MIFGS 2025 and building elements of the garden at HQ. Can’t wait to see what this year’s show has in store.

Since then, life has been a whirlwind. I completed 6 units of my studies, 18 designs completed through CLS, 6 already built and another 3 signed for construction in 2026/27.

At home, any renovations and gardening has slowed down.. but for good reason, I got engaged and the focus has shifted to wedding planning for 2027

Reflecting on milestones like MIFGS are a good reminder to look back, appreciate the progress, and keep pushing forward.

📸:

16/05/2025

14•05•25 — Cloudehill Gardens
Another Diploma course excursion, and we visited the breathtaking Cloudehill Gardens in Olinda. This remarkable garden was established in 1992 by Jeremy Francis, who transformed the former Woolrich family’s flower farm and nursery dating back to the 1890s into a series of stunning garden areas inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement.

Walking through the garden’s structured terraces and diverse plantings, it’s incredible to see how Jeremy has honored the site’s horticultural legacy while creating a space that’s both historically rich and beautifully designed.

If you’re in the Dandenong Ranges, Cloudehill is a must-visit for garden enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

15/05/2025

30•04•25 — Rippon Lea Gardens
As part of my Diploma course, I was lucky to visit Rippon Lea Estate in Elsternwick. Established in 1868, the estate features the original mansion and 14 acres of garden that offer a glimpse into Victorian-era landscape design and early experimental gardening in Australia.

We also had the chance to tour the mansion and learn how its history shaped the surrounding gardens.

If you haven’t been, I highly recommend setting aside a few hours—or a full day—to explore everything the estate has to offer.

03/05/2025

Designing with texture and tone.

When I began designing my garden, I knew I wasn’t chasing flowers or bursts of colour. I wanted people to pause, explore, and feel immersed—so texture and tonal variation became my strongest tools.

Instead of relying on floral impact, I layered a planting palette that captured eyes through form and foliage. From soft and velvety to architectural and strappy, every leaf was selected to play a role—without clashing.

The silvers and pale greens created contrast and cohesion. The structure was achieved not through height alone, but through how each plant interacted in tone, light, and texture.

Plants as shown:
- Eucalyptus caesia ‘Silver Princes’
- Stachy Lanata ‘Lambs ear’
- Teucrium fruiticans ‘Silver box’
- Senicio candicans ‘Angel wings’
- Carex appressa
- Westringia fruticosa ‘Jervis Gem’
- Euphorbia silver swan ‘Wilcott’
- Zoysia tenuifolia ‘Nomow Grass’
- Senecio Serpens ‘Dward chalk stick’
- Viola hedercea ‘native violet’

Photography:
Plant supply: + + + +
Construction:

13/04/2025

Mistakes happen, gardens evolve, and along the way we learn what works—and what doesn’t.

Here are 3 things I always recommend keeping in mind when planning your garden.

02/04/2025

And just like that, 18 months of planning, designing, and preparing—wrapped up in just under 2.5 weeks.

This little album is a glimpse into my experience.

It was a wild ride filled with highs, (not many) lows, and some seriously long days. But without a doubt, I’d do it all over again in a heartbeat.

The partnerships with sponsors and suppliers were incredible, but nothing compares to the friendships made and the camaraderie between exhibitors—something I’ll cherish forever.

One of the best parts of was Finally meeting designers, builders and landscapers I’ve always looked up to, only to walk away feeling like peers. While I may still be a while off the levels they are, it’s reassuring to know support is just a call or message away.

Until next time, &

28/03/2025

“Elemental” captured by

This garden stemmed from the idea of a garden that could reflect the elements that create the gardens around us.

Stone carved by the WATER that runs through it, stone that reflects the EARTH we walk on, plants that show the AIR breeze that ripples through and FIRE that creates a sense of invite and warmth.

The man made products within the garden selected to reflect the effects these elements can have in time. While the furniture reflects the beautiful Banksia Leaf Green tones that create a sense of calm and belonging.

Thankyou to all the sponsors who all made this garden go from a dream to a reality. Without the support of all involved gardens at the would not be possible.

26/03/2025

MIFGS Ticket Giveaway

I’m giving away two passes to the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show for Saturday entry 10am - 9pm (Free Pass-out included).

How to enter:

1️⃣ Vote for “Elemental Garden – Joel Emmins” via the link in my bio.
2️⃣ Comment “ ” below and tag who you’d take.
3️⃣ Follow .emmins.landscape.design & .

Every vote counts as an entry. Winner announced Friday at 6 PM.

09/02/2025

Absolutely loved bringing this project to life! The modern planting scheme was carefully designed to complement the sleek architecture of the home.

Architect:
Builder:
Carpentry: .carpentry
Landscape: .emmins.landscape.design
Synthetic turf:

12/01/2025

Elemental Garden - MIFGS 2025

The plant selection in the Elemental Garden brings a sense of lightness and movement, echoing the element of air. Soft, flowing grasses sway gently in the breeze, while silvery foliage adds a luminous touch that reflects the serenity of dawn. Rounded, cloud-like forms contrast beautifully with vertical accents, creating depth and texture throughout the garden. Fragrant climbers and lush ground covers complete the design, enhancing the tranquil, airy atmosphere while ensuring year-round interest and low maintenance.

Address

Cheltenham, VIC

Website

http://instagram.com/emmins.landscape.design/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Emmins Landscape & Design posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Emmins Landscape & Design:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Contractor in Cheltenham?