Low maintenance landscaping isn’t just about plants — the materials you choose for walls, paving, and garden edges play a huge role in reducing long-term water use, chemical dependency, and overall maintenance.  Masonry products like concrete blocks, sleepers, and pavers offer a durable, low-impact way to create elegant landscapes that are easy to maintain.

Here’s how to use masonry to build a greener, smarter low maintenance garden.

Lawn can be a water-hungry and labour-intensive feature. Consider replacing it with:

• Concrete pavers for outdoor living areas
• Decorative masonry blocks to define spaces
• Gravel or decomposed granite with paving insets

This reduces:

• Water usage
• Fertiliser and chemical needs
• Mowing and maintenance time

Explore Austral Masonry’s paving solutions for sustainable surfacing ideas.

Smart retaining wall design supports water flow and soil stability.

• Use tiered walls to slow runoff and retain moisture
• Install gravel and geotextiles behind walls to capture rain
• Direct flow toward garden beds using slope or sleeper positioning

Concrete sleepers and blocks outlast timber, reducing the need for replacements and preserving natural resources.

Benefits:

• No termites or rot
• Less waste over time
• Zero need for chemical treatments

Pair with native plants and groundcovers for a robust, low-input garden.

Raised beds offer control over soil quality and watering, while reducing physical strain.

Use masonry to:

• Frame productive veggie patches
• Prevent weed intrusion
• Insulate soil for improved plant health

Pro tip: Match masonry colour to your home or fence to visually integrate your garden with architecture.

Masonry walls and pathways can house solar bollards, embedded strip lighting, or hidden conduits for low-energy lights — improving safety and extending use without increasing energy bills.

Hardscaping elements like retaining walls and paver paths:

• Reduce exposed soil
• Minimise sediment runoff
• Support sustainable drainage systems

Learn more from erosion and the best practices.

Eco-friendly landscapes begin with thoughtful design — and durable, low-maintenance masonry is one of the smartest choices you can make. With reduced water usage, fewer chemicals, and long-term reliability, these materials help you create beautiful, functional spaces with less impact on the planet.

Browse Austral Masonry’s landscaping solutions to start building your low-maintenance garden today.

Here are answers to common questions to help you create a low-maintenance outdoor space with durable materials:

A professional-looking landscape relies on clean lines, balanced design, and durable materials like masonry blocks, pavers, and retaining walls. Incorporating symmetry, layering plant heights, and matching materials to your home also enhances a polished look.

You can do low maintenance landscaping by combining hardscaping (like pavers and concrete sleepers) with drought-tolerant native plants and automated irrigation. These reduce the need for watering, weeding, mowing, and chemical treatments over time.

Gravel, mulch, and decomposed granite are cost-effective fillers that also help suppress weeds and retain moisture. For larger areas, using basic concrete pavers or masonry blocks can provide structure without the need for constant upkeep.