Landscaping Glossary & Knowledge Base — Redbelly Landscapes

Outdoor spaces should feel like a natural extension of your lifestyle. Redbelly Landscapes, based in Broadbeach, has been transforming Gold Coast homes and businesses with designs that are practical, long-lasting, and uniquely suited to Queensland conditions.

This Glossary & Knowledge Base was created to help you understand landscaping terms, materials, and processes while also showing how we handle these services differently. If you’re planning a complete landscaping, redesign, adding functional hard surfaces, or improving soil health, this guide will give you clarity before you take the next step.

Landscaping Design

Landscaping design is the planning stage where your outdoor space is mapped, styled, and made practical. It includes concept drawings, plant selection, material choices, and layouts tailored to suit your lifestyle, property, and climate.

Redbelly Landscapes does more than draw a plan. Our team considers Gold Coast weather conditions, drainage requirements, and how you intend to use your outdoor area—whether that means weekend barbecues, family-friendly play spaces, or low-maintenance gardens.

What’s included in landscaping design?

Landscaping design includes a complete concept plan covering plant layouts, hard surfaces, lighting, and water management tailored specifically to your property.

Do I need a design before construction?

Yes. Having a design in place ensures your project runs smoothly, prevents costly mistakes, and results in a finished landscape you can enjoy for years to come.

Landscaping Construction

Landscaping construction is the stage where the approved design becomes reality. It involves site preparation, earthworks, structural installations, and planting.

Our construction team takes a hands-on approach, ensuring that every surface is level, every wall is structurally sound, and every detail is executed to a high standard. We follow council requirements and always prioritise long-term durability.

How long does construction take?

Most projects take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on their size and complexity.

Do you handle permits?

Our team helps manage council approvals for retaining walls, drainage systems, and structural elements as part of the process.

Hard Landscaping

Hard landscaping refers to the non-living, structural elements of a garden. These are permanent or semi-permanent features such as paving, decking, retaining walls, edging, lighting, and courtyards.

Hard landscaping forms the backbone of an outdoor space. It defines pathways, entertaining zones, boundaries, and levels while providing the framework to support soft landscaping elements like plants and turf.

At Redbelly Landscapes, our hard landscaping solutions are designed to look appealing while withstanding Queensland’s climate. From slip-resistant paving around pools to engineered retaining walls on sloping blocks, we build for both everyday use and long-term durability.

Services under hard landscaping:

• Paving for patios and walkways
• Timber or composite decking
• Retaining walls for sloped sites
• Garden edging for clean finishes
• Courtyards for compact outdoor living
• Outdoor lighting for safety and ambience

Paving

Paving involves creating durable surfaces with materials such as stone, brick, or concrete.

We use slip-resistant, weather-appropriate materials suited to the Gold Coast’s coastal conditions, ensuring both style and safety.

Which pavers are best for pool areas?

Textured, non-slip stone or concrete pavers are best, as they resist heat and algae growth.

Decking

Decking is the installation of timber or composite platforms for outdoor living and entertaining.

We recommend durable hardwoods and modern composites that withstand termites and humidity, providing lasting performance in coastal environments.

Do you offer composite decking?

Yes. Composite decking is a popular choice because it is low-maintenance and highly durable.

Retaining Walls

Retaining walls are engineered structures designed to hold back soil and prevent erosion.

We build walls from stone, timber, or blocks that combine structural integrity with a pleasing aesthetic.

Do I need council approval for a retaining wall?

Yes. Retaining walls over one metre in height generally require council approval, which we help organise.

Garden Edging

Garden edging creates clean borders between lawns, pathways, and garden beds.

We design edging that is both durable and visually appealing, reducing maintenance while keeping lawns and beds neat.

What materials do you use for edging?

Options include stone, brick, concrete, and metal, chosen to match the style of your garden.

Courtyards

Courtyards are small, enclosed outdoor spaces designed for relaxation and entertaining.

We make the most of compact spaces, incorporating seating, plants, and lighting to create inviting courtyards.

Can a courtyard add value to my home?

Yes. A well-designed courtyard increases usable space and improves property value.

Lighting

Outdoor lighting highlights garden features while improving visibility and safety.

We install energy-efficient LED and solar lighting that enhances functionality and atmosphere.

Do you handle electrical work?

Yes. All outdoor lighting installations are completed by licensed electricians.

Soft Landscaping

Soft landscaping refers to the living elements of a garden, such as plants, turf, trees, and soil. It also includes treatments like mulching and composting.

Soft landscaping brings colour, movement, and character to outdoor areas. It softens hard surfaces, improves air quality, and supports biodiversity while contributing to sustainable water and soil management.

We design soft landscaping with the Gold Coast climate in mind. From selecting salt-tolerant species to installing efficient irrigation systems, we create gardens that are beautiful and practical all year round.

Services under soft landscaping:

• Planting and plant selection
• Turfing (natural or artificial)
• Drainage solutions
• Irrigation systems
• Mulching for soil protection
• Weed control treatments

Planting & Selection

Planting and selection involves choosing suitable shrubs, trees, and flowers for your property.

We focus on using native and climate-appropriate plants that are resilient, water-wise, and low-maintenance.

Do you help with plant selection?

Yes. We guide clients in choosing plant species that thrive in Gold Coast soil and climate.

Turfing

Turfing involves laying natural or artificial grass to create functional, attractive lawns.

We source premium turf varieties suited to local conditions, including shade and coastal environments.

Which turf performs best in coastal areas?

Couch and Zoysia turf varieties perform particularly well in sandy soils and salty air.

Drainage

Drainage systems redirect excess water away from gardens, lawns, and structures.

We design and install subsurface and surface drainage that prevents flooding and protects foundations.

Do you fix waterlogging issues?

Yes. We identify problem areas and install drainage systems to resolve waterlogging.

Irrigation

Irrigation refers to automatic systems that water lawns and gardens.

We design efficient systems that meet council water-use regulations while keeping gardens healthy year-round.

Are irrigation systems expensive to run?

No. Modern irrigation systems save water and reduce costs by targeting specific areas efficiently.

Mulching

Mulching involves applying organic or inorganic material to soil surfaces to retain moisture and regulate temperature.

We supply mulches that protect soil while adding texture and visual appeal to garden beds.

How often should mulch be replaced?

Organic mulch should generally be refreshed every 12–18 months, depending on how quickly it breaks down.

Weed Control

Weed control is the prevention and removal of invasive plant growth.

We favour natural, sustainable methods where possible, using chemical treatments only when absolutely necessary.

Do you use chemicals for weed control?

Chemicals are only used when essential. We typically rely on manual removal and eco-friendly treatments.

Landscaping Terms You Should Know

Aggregate — Crushed stone, gravel, or sand used as a base layer for paving, drainage, or concrete. At Redbelly, we use the right aggregate mix to ensure stability in sandy Gold Coast soils.

Arbour — A garden structure made from timber or metal, often used to frame an entrance or support climbing plants.

Backfill — Soil or gravel used to refill an area behind retaining walls or around structures. Proper backfilling is key to preventing erosion. 

Bedding Sand — A layer of sand laid beneath pavers to create a stable and even surface.

Compost — Decomposed organic material that enriches soil. We recommend locally produced compost for sustainable gardens.

Curtilage — The defined outdoor area around a home or building, often used in design planning.

Cut and Fill — Earthmoving technique where soil is cut from higher areas and used to fill lower ones, creating level ground.

Drainage Cell — A modular system used under lawns or paved areas to improve water flow and prevent waterlogging.

Drip Irrigation — A water-saving irrigation system that delivers moisture directly to plant roots.

Focal Point — A design feature, such as a sculpture, water feature, or striking plant, that draws the eye in a landscape.

Gabion Wall — A type of retaining wall made of wire cages filled with rocks. Durable and highly effective for sloped Gold Coast properties.

Groundcover — Low-growing plants that spread across soil, helping to suppress weeds and reduce erosion.

Hardscape — The non-living elements of landscaping, such as decks, paving, and retaining walls.

Horticulture — The science of cultivating plants, forming the foundation of all planting and garden design.

Hydroseeding — A method of spraying a slurry of seed, mulch, and fertiliser to establish lawns quickly.

Leveling — The process of grading soil or surfaces to create flat, usable outdoor areas.

Native Plants — Australian species adapted to local conditions. Redbelly often recommends native plants for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens.

Organic Mulch — Natural materials like bark, straw, or leaves placed on soil to conserve moisture and regulate temperature.

Permeable Paving — Paving designed to allow water to filter through, reducing runoff and aiding drainage.

Pergola — An open-roofed structure, usually timber, providing shade and framework for outdoor living areas.

Plant Hardiness — A plant’s ability to withstand local climate conditions, especially important in hot, humid Gold Coast summers.

Pruning — Selective cutting of plants to maintain shape, health, and growth.

Reticulation — Another word for irrigation systems—commonly used across Queensland.

Seasonal Planting — Choosing plants suited for growth in specific seasons to maximise success.

Site Preparation — Clearing, grading, and soil improvement carried out before landscaping begins.

Softscape — The living, organic parts of a landscape—plants, turf, soil, and mulch.

Soil Amendment — Adding materials such as compost, gypsum, or fertilisers to improve soil quality.

Subsoil Drainage — Piping systems installed underground to redirect excess water away from lawns or structures.

Topsoil — The nutrient-rich upper layer of soil essential for healthy plant growth. Redbelly uses screened topsoil to ensure consistency.

Vertical Garden — A “living wall” where plants grow vertically, often used in compact courtyards.

Water Feature — Any decorative element involving water, such as fountains or ponds.

Weed Mat — A permeable fabric laid beneath mulch or gravel to suppress weeds while letting water through.

Xeriscaping — Landscaping designed to reduce water usage, increasingly popular in drought-prone parts of Australia.

Still have questions? We’re here to help. Contact Redbelly Landscapes for professional landscaping guidance.