Business Details
45 Years
experience
Your Trusted Landscaping Partner in Eltham
Established in 1981, John French Landscape Design has cultivated a reputation as a leader in creating bespoke outdoor spaces across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Our team of experienced designers and landscape architects specialises in transforming properties of all sizes, from challenging steep blocks to expansive acreage, into functional and aesthetically striking environments. With over four decades of industry expertise, we combine creative vision with technical precision to deliver sustainable solutions that prioritise ecological awareness and client satisfaction. Our commitment to quality is reflected in our partnerships with trusted contractors and our emphasis on using drought-tolerant native plants to ensure long-term environmental harmony. Recognised with multiple Australian Achiever Awards for Excellence in Customer Service, we maintain a client-centric approach, offering tailored consultations and transparent communication throughout every project phase.From initial concept development to final construction oversight, our process ensures that each design aligns with individual client needs while adhering to budgetary constraints. Our portfolio showcases diverse styles, including Japanese gardens, French provincial estates, and contemporary urban retreats, demonstrating our adaptability to varied architectural contexts. The business continues to evolve while preserving its founding ethos of creating landscapes that provide enduring beauty, relaxation, and enhanced property value for generations of homeowners.
Services
Landscape Design
Garden Design
Pool Landscaping
Patio Design
Construction Administration
Native Gardens
Courtyard Design
Turf Management
Floristry Services
Steep Block Solutions
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We offer 40+ years of landscape design expertise in Melbourne
- Our team specialises in sustainable, drought-tolerant garden solutions
- We maintain partnerships with reputable local contractors
- We have won multiple customer service excellence awards
- We provide transparent budget management throughout projects
Associations and certifications
- Australian Achiever Award for Excellence in Customer Service
What people say
Professional and pleasurable process
Transformed backyard into paradise
Excellent communication skills
Team worked tirelessly
Outstanding customer service
Services
Landscape Design
Our landscape design service creates custom outdoor environments tailored to property characteristics and client preferences. We specialise in integrating sustainable practices with aesthetic appeal, ensuring each design maximises functionality while complementing architectural styles. With over four decades of experience, our team develops detailed plans that address drainage, soil conditions, and microclimate considerations while maintaining budgetary constraints.
Pool Landscaping
Transform your pool area into a cohesive outdoor oasis through our specialised pool landscaping service. We combine water features with natural elements to create seamless transitions between aquatic and garden spaces. Our designs incorporate safety considerations, entertaining areas, and drought-tolerant plant selections while ensuring compliance with local regulations and construction standards.
Native Gardens
Our native garden solutions focus on creating sustainable landscapes using Australian flora. We select plant species suited to local conditions while maintaining visual appeal throughout the seasons. These low-water gardens promote biodiversity and require minimal maintenance, making them ideal for environmentally conscious homeowners seeking both ecological responsibility and aesthetic value.
Courtyard Design
Maximise the potential of compact outdoor areas through our courtyard design expertise. We create functional, visually appealing spaces that optimise limited dimensions while maintaining privacy and usability. Our solutions incorporate creative storage, multi-purpose features, and strategic plant selection to transform underutilised spaces into inviting extensions of living areas.
Steep Block Solutions
Specialised landscaping for challenging terrain addresses erosion control and accessibility concerns while creating usable outdoor spaces. Our team develops innovative retaining systems and tiered garden designs that transform difficult slopes into attractive, functional areas while ensuring long-term structural stability and water management.
People
John French
Founder & Lead Designer
With over 40 years in landscape design, John established his consultancy in 1981 after being inspired by Ellis Stones' native gardens. He specialises in creating award-winning designs across diverse styles while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and client satisfaction through transparent communication and budget management.
Questions
What landscaping services do you offer in Melbourne?
We provide comprehensive landscape design, garden creation, poolscaping, courtyard development, and steep block solutions across Melbourne and regional Victoria.
How do you ensure sustainable garden designs?
We prioritise drought-tolerant native plants, implement efficient water management systems, and use eco-friendly materials to create environmentally responsible outdoor spaces.
What makes your approach different from other landscapers?
Our 40+ years of experience combined with formal design training and partnerships with quality contractors ensures both creative vision and reliable execution.
Can you handle challenging terrain projects?
Yes, we specialise in transforming difficult sites including steep blocks, waterlogged areas, and rocky terrain into functional, beautiful landscapes.
What payment terms do you offer?
We require a minimum consultation fee upfront, with design payments due after plan presentation and staged construction payments aligned with project milestones.
How do you manage projects during budget constraints?
We work closely with clients to develop cost-effective solutions while maintaining quality, offering budget-friendly options without compromising on essential design elements.
Reviews (5)
Harvey Nguyen
Jan 28, 2022
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Their team was amazing in my home. They applied perfect design in my backyard. Everything went really smooth. Customer service was excellent! I would definitely use their service again!
Ashley Paterson
Jan 26, 2022
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Russell is knowledgeable in his work. He helped me to choose the best landscape design for my home. Finished product was looking amazing and I have no issues with customer service. Highly recommended!
Mariam Leschen
Jan 18, 2022
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Russell was a great personnel. He arrived in my home for a backyard landscape designing. He provided us with a smooth and beautiful design. He was very professional and his knowledge about this kind of work was vast. Really happy with his work. Thanks a lot man.
William Fisher
Jan 15, 2014
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We have received many compliments from friends, family and neighbours on the quality of design and execution of workmanship. Cheers.
Raju Singh Rathore
Nov 30, 2013
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When we employed them to landscape our backyard, John French came and sat with me to find out what ideas I had and how I wanted it to look. John arranged everything, he was very professional, friendly and made everything so easy. The sub-contractors he used were very nice people. There were no problems whatsoever and they did a sensational job."
