
Thoughtful landscaping for Kensington homes, from compact front gardens and courtyards to complete backyard renovations.
ONE TEAM FOR DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION AND PLANTING.
★★★★★"The dedication and craftsmanship exhibited by the PJR team surpasses all others in their field. My garden has never been more beautiful and welcoming. I strongly encourage you to give them a try. You won't be disappointed!"
★★★★★"PJR is a fantastic team, with extensive experience in landscape and backyard renovation. Such an incredible group of people, who never failed to put a smile on my face and would recommend to anyone looking for an easy and reliable landscaper!"
★★★★★"Zahn and the team at PJR did an amazing job transforming our yard into a beautiful and vibrant space! Their communication, craftsmanship and professionalism is unmatched. Very happy!"
★★★★★"Recently had PJR at my house building a new deck and putting in new grass. Couldn't be happier with how Zahn and his team were from start to finish. Completed in a timely manner at a very fair price."
★★★★★"Loved having the PJR crew overhaul my backyard… they all worked so hard in everything from 35 degrees to 18 degrees. The whole team was fab to deal with from start to finish and the result is amazing. Thank you!"
★★★★★"Amazing landscapers. Experience shone through in their approach and the end results. Massive effort, and we're super happy! 100% recommend!"
★★★★★"Working with Zahn and the PJR team has been brilliant! He has an amazing energy and passion for what he does and brought along a team of really hard working people to get the work done."
★★★★★"The dedication and craftsmanship exhibited by the PJR team surpasses all others in their field. My garden has never been more beautiful and welcoming. I strongly encourage you to give them a try. You won't be disappointed!"
★★★★★"PJR is a fantastic team, with extensive experience in landscape and backyard renovation. Such an incredible group of people, who never failed to put a smile on my face and would recommend to anyone looking for an easy and reliable landscaper!"
★★★★★"Zahn and the team at PJR did an amazing job transforming our yard into a beautiful and vibrant space! Their communication, craftsmanship and professionalism is unmatched. Very happy!"
★★★★★"Recently had PJR at my house building a new deck and putting in new grass. Couldn't be happier with how Zahn and his team were from start to finish. Completed in a timely manner at a very fair price."
★★★★★"Loved having the PJR crew overhaul my backyard… they all worked so hard in everything from 35 degrees to 18 degrees. The whole team was fab to deal with from start to finish and the result is amazing. Thank you!"
★★★★★"Amazing landscapers. Experience shone through in their approach and the end results. Massive effort, and we're super happy! 100% recommend!"
★★★★★"Working with Zahn and the PJR team has been brilliant! He has an amazing energy and passion for what he does and brought along a team of really hard working people to get the work done."
Kensington Landscaping Services

End-to-End Outdoor Builds
Full Landscape Construction

Bluestone, Concrete & Stone
Paving

Timber & Composite Decks
Deck Builder

Custom Outdoor Structures
Pergola Builder

Trees, Hedges & Feature Plants
Planting

Steel & Timber Edging
Edging

Timber, Concrete & Stone Walls
Retaining Wall Builder

Natural & Artificial Turf
Turf Installation
Landscaping in Kensington: Planning for the Home and the Space
Kensington's mix of period cottages, terraces and newer homes calls for gardens that respond to the property rather than a standard layout. A front garden may need a clear route to the door and planting that complements the house, while a compact rear courtyard needs room to move, sit and enjoy the outdoors.
Space, shade and access are important early considerations. Narrow side access can affect material delivery and construction sequencing. Existing trees, adjoining buildings and fences influence where lawn will grow well, which planting suits the site and how much privacy a garden can provide.
Read more about landscaping in KensingtonRead less about landscaping in Kensington
We service Kensington, VIC 3031, from Newport. Our approach is to coordinate the layout, finished levels, hard surfaces and planting before building starts, so the garden feels connected to the home and is practical to look after.
Paths, Decks and Usable Courtyards
A compact garden needs clear circulation before extra features are added. Paving can define an entry or seating area, while a deck may connect indoor living to the backyard. Door thresholds, drainage and the relationship to boundaries need to be considered together.
Material choices should suit the house as well as the garden. Natural stone, concrete paving and hardwood each create a different finish. We discuss the intended use, exposure and maintenance needs rather than treating one material as the right answer for every Kensington property.
Planting, Lawn and Defined Garden Edges
Planting at different heights can give a small garden depth without filling every space with shrubs. A feature tree or planted focal point, lower foliage and groundcover can work together, provided their mature sizes, light and watering needs suit the site.
Turf needs suitable soil preparation and enough light for the chosen lawn. Defined edges between lawn, beds and paths help keep the layout legible and maintenance manageable. The garden-reference image below shows how a circular raised bed can create a focal point beside layered planting and lawn.
Heritage Controls and Property-Specific Planning
For a period home, check the property's planning controls before changing fences or adding structures. The City of Melbourne explains that heritage-overlay requirements can apply across a heritage precinct, not only to individually listed buildings. Do not assume that a house or garden is exempt because it is not shown as an individual heritage place.
Permit requirements depend on the address and proposed work. VicPlan can help identify overlays, and the council can advise on planning requirements. Building permits are a separate consideration for some decks, pergolas and retaining walls. Confirm the relevant approvals before committing to construction.
Nearby Project Ideas for Your Kensington Garden
Our Newport front-garden project shows how concrete steppers, layered planting, steel edging and fresh lawn can be planned as one space. It is a useful reference for a contemporary entry, while our West Footscray garden renovation illustrates planning a deck and planting around established trees.
These nearby projects offer different ideas for combining hard surfaces and planting. For your own Kensington property, the design starts with the site and the way you want to use it. We can bring the relevant services together in a complete landscape build.
Garden Details for Compact Spaces

Common Questions — Kensington
Do you provide landscaping services in Kensington?
Yes. PJR Landscaping & Design is based in Newport and services Kensington, VIC 3031, as part of our Melbourne inner-west service area. We provide garden design and construction, paving, decks, pergolas, retaining walls, edging, planting and turf.
Can you landscape a compact courtyard or front garden?
Yes. We plan paths, planting, seating and usable lawn around the available space, access and finished levels. On a compact site, choosing the right layout and materials is more useful than trying to fit every feature into the garden.
Do I need permits for landscaping a Kensington home?
Requirements depend on your property, overlays and the proposed work. Heritage controls can affect alterations, fences and structures, while building approvals are a separate consideration for some construction work. Check the property in VicPlan and confirm applicable requirements with the City of Melbourne and a building surveyor before starting relevant works.
Can the design work around existing trees?
We can plan the garden around suitable existing trees, considering their condition, mature canopy, roots, shade and the proposed construction. A site inspection helps establish which layout, paving and planting choices are appropriate. Retaining a tree does not mean building over its roots without assessment.
How do I start a Kensington landscaping project?
Send an enquiry with your Kensington location, the areas you want to improve, a few site photos and an indicative budget. We can discuss access, your priorities and the next steps for a site visit and quote.
How PJR Works — Our Landscaping Process
Pre-Site Qualification
A quick conversation before any visit to confirm scope, alignment, and that we're the right fit for your project.
Site Visit & Walkaround
We walk the site with you, exploring the space and identifying every opportunity to uncover its full potential.
Proposal & Scope
A clear, considered design plan outlining our recommended approach, scope of works, and investment required.
Confirmation of Works & Site Planning
With the quote approved, we lock in the start date, confirm all works, and order materials ahead of commencement.
Construction & Delivery
Our team brings the design to life with care and precision, keeping you closely informed at every stage.
Final Walkthrough
An on-site quality check with you to ensure every detail meets the brief before client sign-off.

Family Owned & Operated
20 Years Building Melbourne's Best Outdoor Spaces
We're an independent, family-run business based in Newport, in Melbourne's inner west, with over two decades of hands-on landscaping experience. A genuine commitment to quality and craftsmanship is what sets us apart. PJR's reputation is built on honest communication, skilled trades, and outdoor spaces that genuinely reflect what each homeowner wants.
Start Your Project
Start Your Kensington Landscaping Project
Send An Enquiry