Landscaping in Sassafras

Sassafras sits right up on the ridge of the Dandenongs, at around 500 metres, in a saddle just south of Mount Dandenong. Water literally splits here: the village is on the watershed between the Yarra catchment and Dandenong Creek. Up this high it's cooler, wetter and mistier than the suburbs below, and gardens grow differently.

Shops and cafes of Sassafras village along the Mount Dandenong Tourist Road under tall trees

Photo: Matthew Paul Argall from Australia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Japanese maple planted in a white pot beside a new lawn and rock border

A cool-climate garden is the starting point

The tea rooms and nurseries along the main road show what Sassafras does best: lush, layered, cool-climate gardens. We can help with the hard landscaping that holds a garden like that together:

  • Stone or block steps and paths that stay safe in mist and drizzle.
  • Retaining walls to terrace sloping beds and hold back banks, in rock, timber or concrete sleeper.
  • Drainage. On a high-rainfall ridge it isn't optional. Ag pipe and gravel behind walls, and planned run-off paths across the yard.
  • Garden beds, planting, mulching and irrigation.
  • Decks for a dry outdoor spot that catches whatever sun gets through the trees.

Which council?

Sassafras is split between the City of Knox and the Shire of Yarra Ranges, so permit rules can depend on which side of the boundary you're on. A free VicPlan property report will show your council and any overlays, including bushfire and vegetation controls, which are common up here.

Tall mountain ash and tree ferns along the walking track in Sassafras Creek Nature Conservation Reserve near Sassafras

Photo: Kellbert, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Good to know: bushfire overlays

Sassafras is surrounded by Dandenong Ranges National Park, and the area has a long fire history. If you're replanting near the house, the CFA's "Landscaping for Bushfire" guide is worth a read.

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

Nearby: Kallista, Monbulk and Upwey.

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

FAQ

My garden beds keep washing out in heavy rain. Can you help? Usually, yes. A mix of low retaining walls, edging, mulch and drainage can slow the water down and keep the soil in place.

Do you only do hard landscaping? No. We also do planting, mulching and garden makeovers.

Do you work up on the ridge? Yes. Sassafras is in our regular service area, and quotes are free.

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