7 Designer-Approved Landscaping Ideas for Mornington Peninsula

1. Outdoor Kitchens Essential for Backyard Living

Outdoor kitchens are now the centrepiece of modern Mornington Peninsula gardens. For many of our clients, an outdoor kitchen is the first step in their landscaping project, especially when the house doesn’t feel big enough.

Why Outdoor Kitchens Are So Popular:

Outdoor kitchens are more than just a trend, they’re a genuine lifestyle upgrade. By adding one to your backyard, you’re not just investing in an appliance, you’re creating an entirely new space to cook, relax, and entertain. It turns your outdoor area into a seamless extension of your home, making it easier to keep an eye on the kids, chat with guests, or enjoy a quiet morning coffee - all without feeling cramped indoors.

They're especially brilliant when you want to make the most of good weather. Picture hosting Christmas lunch under the sun, weekend barbecues with friends, or birthday dinners that don’t require everyone to squeeze around the kitchen island. With an outdoor kitchen, your backyard becomes the heart of your home, and a place designed for connection and celebration.

Beyond the lifestyle perks, an outdoor kitchen also adds long-term value to your home. Buyers love the idea of a well-designed entertaining space, and it makes your property more functional and desirable. It’s a smart investment that pays off whether you’re planning to sell or simply want to enjoy your outdoor area to the fullest.

And don’t worry about Victoria’s famously unpredictable weather... Outdoor kitchens can be designed for year-round use. With a bit of planning, such as shelter and heating, you’ll stay cosy and comfortable even on cooler nights. Plus, they naturally draw everyone outside, which means more fresh air and face-to-face time, and a little less screen time for the whole family.

2. Outdoor Entertaining Areas: The Heart of the Garden

Outdoor entertaining areas are one of the most requested features in our recent projects across Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula.

Why Outdoor Entertaining Zones Are Essential:

Creating an outdoor entertaining area is one of the best ways to transform your backyard into a more functional and inviting space. Whether you’re in Mount Eliza, Red Hill or Mt Martha, a pergola or paved seating zone adds structure and style, making your outdoor area feel like a true extension of your home. It’s the perfect solution when you need more room to relax, entertain or simply admire your beautiful garden without committing to a full renovation.

With thoughtful landscaping design, you can enjoy your outdoor living spaces all year round. A well-positioned pergola, outdoor blinds and smart plant selection - like hardy native plants, lush greenery or even fruit trees - help create comfort in every season. These spaces become ideal for everything from reading a book in the sun to sharing Sunday lunch with family, turning your garden into a natural focal point. Our Mornington Peninsula landscapers work with the local climate and use high-quality materials to ensure every project lasts.

Whether you’re dreaming of vegetable gardens, retaining walls, water features or just a quiet nook to unwind, a well-designed outdoor entertaining zone can meet your specific needs. From Cape Schanck to Crib Point, we help homeowners bring their landscaping ideas to life with expert advice, creative planning and years of experience in garden landscaping and construction. It's the first step toward a beautiful outdoor space that suits your lifestyle and adds long-term value to your home.

3. Fire Pits: A Focal Point for Outdoor Entertaining

Fire pits are now a must-have feature for modern Mornington Peninsula landscape design.

Why Fire Pits Are a Backyard Favourite:

A fire pit is one of the most loved features in any backyard, and for good reason. It creates a beautiful focal point that instantly draws people in, making it the heart of your outdoor entertaining area. Whether you're hosting friends in Mount Eliza, sharing stories with family in Mount Martha, or simply enjoying a quiet moment under the stars, a fire pit brings warmth and atmosphere to any garden landscape.

Fire pits are perfect for year-round living, especially when paired with clever landscape design and quality construction. They help you make the most of cool evenings on the Mornington Peninsula and encourage more outdoor time, even during the chillier months. From roasting marshmallows with the kids to cooking over open flames, they offer a fun and practical way to enjoy your outdoor living spaces without relying on screens or indoor distractions.

More than just a cosy spot, a custom-built fire pit adds real value to your landscaping project. It enhances your garden’s natural beauty, complements features like retaining walls, stonework or planter boxes, and gives your backyard a unique, personal touch. Whether you're creating a new garden in Red Hill or upgrading your existing space in Frankston South, a fire pit is a simple way to turn your vision into a beautiful and functional reality.

4. Pool Construction That Connects with Your Home

Pool construction is a timeless addition to Mornington Peninsula gardens, but smart positioning is everything.

Why Well-Placed Pools Matter:

Positioning your pool close to the home is a smart design move that creates a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor living spaces. It draws the eye through to the garden, adds a calming sense of flow and brings that relaxed, resort-style feel to your backyard. For homes across the Mornington Peninsula, from Mount Eliza to Arthurs Seat, a well-placed pool becomes a standout feature in any landscape garden.

Pools also make family life easier. When your pool is within view of the kitchen or outdoor entertaining area, it’s simple to supervise the kids while they swim and play. This design approach is especially popular with clients looking to create a backyard that feels safe, family-friendly and easy to manage. It encourages more outdoor time and supports an active lifestyle for everyone, turning the pool into a key part of daily life rather than just a summer treat.

At Flo Landscapes, we design pool surrounds that blend beautifully with their environment. Using native plant selection, garden beds, and custom planter boxes, we create outdoor living spaces that feel natural and low-maintenance. Whether you’re planning a new garden in Red Hill or refreshing an existing one in Mt Martha, our landscaping design ensures your pool fits the local climate and becomes a lasting focal point in your dream garden.

5. Play Spaces That Keep Kids Off Screens

We love creating garden landscaping that makes your backyard more appealing than screen time. We remember the days of swings, slides, and hoops in the yard that made hanging out with friends super fun.

Why Families Prioritise Play Spaces:

Designing a backyard with practical, family-friendly spaces encourages kids to get moving and spend more time outside. Whether it’s swimming, kicking a ball around, or exploring garden landscapes, these outdoor areas support active lifestyles and help create a backyard that’s full of life. On the Mornington Peninsula, families in places like Mount Eliza, Crib Point and Frankston South are using their outdoor areas not just for entertaining, but for everyday living and memory-making.

Outdoor play has a powerful impact on a child’s physical, social and emotional development. Gardens that include open lawns, retaining walls, native plants and natural textures invite movement, exploration and connection. Time spent climbing, running or helping in the garden supports strength and coordination, while also improving mood, building resilience and encouraging teamwork and communication. It’s a simple but meaningful way to support children’s growth and wellbeing right in your own backyard.

When designed with intention, these spaces also nurture creativity, focus and a love of the outdoors. Natural play areas with thoughtful landscaping elements, like planter boxes and varied terrain, offer gentle challenges that help children learn problem-solving, build confidence and enjoy imaginative play. Whether you are creating a new garden in Mt Martha or updating an existing one in Red Hill, a safe and stimulating outdoor area becomes a space for lifelong learning and connection with nature.

6. Water Features: A Timeless Focal Point for Garden Landscaping

Water features continue to be key in Mornington Peninsula landscape design, offering a peaceful and stylish addition.

Why Homeowners Love Water Features:

A water feature is a simple yet striking way to elevate your backyard and create a strong focal point in your garden landscaping. Whether it’s a tranquil pond, a sleek water blade or a sculptural stone wall, it naturally draws the eye and adds a sense of balance to your outdoor space. Across the Mornington Peninsula - from Mt Eliza to Mt Martha - water features are a popular choice for homeowners wanting to add elegance and atmosphere to their landscape design. They pair beautifully with native plant selection, natural stone, garden beds and lush greenery, helping your outdoor area feel both refined and connected to its natural surroundings.

Beyond aesthetics, the sound of flowing water introduces a calm, sensory-rich element to the garden. As Chef Jeong Kwan describes, the sound of a creek can feel like an orchestra - a gentle, meditative background that soothes the mind and enhances your connection to nature. Incorporating a water feature into your landscaping project brings that same tranquillity into everyday life, turning your outdoor space into a peaceful retreat you’ll enjoy year-round.

7. Pickleball Courts: A New Backyard Trend

Here's one you might not be expecting! Pickleball courts are becoming one of the hottest landscaping ideas Mornington Peninsula families are asking for.

Why Pickleball Courts Are On the Rise:

A multi-use outdoor space is one of the most practical additions to any backyard, offering room for sports, socialising and family fun all in one place. These areas are space-efficient and work beautifully in gardens of all sizes, making them ideal for busy families looking to maximise their outdoor living. Whether it’s a casual kick of the footy, a weekend barbecue or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon together, these flexible spaces help you make the most of every good weather day.

Mornington Peninsula homeowners trust Flo Landscapes to transform their outdoor areas into beautiful, functional spaces that reflect both lifestyle and location. With years of experience and a full suite of landscape design and construction services, we tailor every project to your specific needs. From retaining walls and pool construction, to native plant selection and garden maintenance, our team combines expert craftsmanship with high-quality materials to create timeless, low-maintenance outdoor spaces that complement your home and thrive in the local climate.

Whether you're planning a simple front yard update or a complete backyard renovation, Flo Landscapes is here to guide you through every step of the journey.

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