Landscaper in Emerald

Emerald has gardening in its history. The Nobelius Nursery, founded in 1886, once covered around 180 hectares, and its old packing shed still sits beside the Puffing Billy line at Nobelius Siding. Add Emerald Lake Park, Puffing Billy and Cardinia Reservoir on the doorstep, and it's easy to see why people move here. The catch is that most Emerald blocks are sloping, treed and wet in winter, so a good garden needs solid structure underneath.

Puffing Billy steam locomotive taking on water beside the old water tower at Lakeside station in Emerald Lake Park, Emerald

Photo: ghatamos, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Front yard with charcoal block garden bed edging, planting and stepping-stone paving

What we build in Emerald

  • Retaining walls and terracing. Turn a slope into level lawn, garden beds or an entertaining area. Timber, concrete sleeper, block or rock, with drainage behind every wall. More on retaining walls.
  • Steps and paths that stay safe on wet, leafy slopes.
  • Decks for flat outdoor space without heavy excavation.
  • Drainage to manage run-off from the hill above and the roof.
  • Garden renovations for established gardens with big old trees: clearing, green-waste removal, replanting and mulching.
  • Paving for outdoor dining areas and paths around the house.

One town, two councils

Emerald is split between Cardinia Shire and the Shire of Yarra Ranges. That can affect which planning rules apply to tree removal, earthworks and bushfire overlays. A free VicPlan property report will confirm your council and overlays before work starts.

Puffing Billy steam train puffing smoke as it runs through the bush near Emerald in the Dandenong Ranges

Photo: Philip Mallis, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good to know: bushfire overlays

Emerald is in the Hills fire belt, and many properties have a Bushfire Management Overlay. If you're adding a deck or replanting near the house, the CFA's "Landscaping for Bushfire" guide is a great free resource.

See our services, our Dandenong Ranges page and the gallery.

Nearby: Avonsleigh, Cockatoo and Menzies Creek.

Timber sleeper retaining wall along a side boundary fence under construction

FAQ

Can you build around big old trees? Yes. We'll plan walls, paths and excavation to protect the root zones of trees you're keeping. Some trees are protected, so check with Council before removing any.

Do you install irrigation and drainage too? Yes. Both are often part of a Hills garden job.

Do you quote in Emerald for free? Yes.

Emerald project in mind? We're often booked a month or two ahead, so it pays to get in touch early. Call 0466 211 273 or contact us.