How Would We Transformed a WA School’s Outdoor Space in 6 Weeks

For many schools, the outdoor space is more than just a place for students to run around. It's an extension of the classroom—a dynamic environment that fosters learning, social interaction, and a connection with nature. However, a neglected or poorly designed outdoor area can be a missed opportunity, failing to support the educational and developmental needs of students and staff.

At Cut and Grow, we understand that a well-designed landscape can dramatically improve the functionality and aesthetic appeal of a school. We believe that every patch of green space, every pathway, and every garden bed has the potential to become a learning tool and a sanctuary. Recently, we were theoretically presented with a challenge to revitalise an underutilised outdoor area at a school in Perth. The space was a vast expanse of dry, patchy grass with little shade and even less character. Ideally, schools should be a multi-functional space that was not only beautiful but also sustainable, safe, and conducive to a variety of activities. Our mission was to bring this vision to life, and we had a strict six-week deadline to do it.

• Initial Consultation and Design Strategy

• Pre-Construction Preparations and Groundwork

• Installation of Hardscaping and Irrigation Systems

• Strategic Planting and Garden Creation

• Creating Engaging Play and Learning Zones

• The Final Reveal and Ongoing Maintenance Plan

The journey began with a comprehensive initial consultation. Our team would met with the school’s principal, a few teachers, and members of the P&C committee to understand their specific needs and desires. The feedback was clear: they wanted a space that was not only aesthetically pleasing but also low-maintenance, water-wise, and provided ample shade. The teachers expressed a need for outdoor learning areas, while the students craved more opportunities for creative play and socialising. We conducted a thorough site analysis, taking into account soil conditions, sun exposure, and existing infrastructure. This initial phase was crucial, as it allowed us to gather the necessary data to create a design that was both ambitious and achievable within the six-week timeframe. Our design proposal was a true collaboration, integrating the school's vision with our expertise in sustainable landscaping and smart space utilisation.

Following the site analysis and stakeholder discussions, our lead designer developed a concept that segmented the large area into distinct zones. We proposed creating a sensory garden with native plants to attract local wildlife, a shaded amphitheater-style seating area for outdoor classes, and a new network of winding pathways to improve accessibility. The plan also included the installation of new playground equipment, a water-wise irrigation system, and a feature wall with climbing plants. The detailed design drawings and 3D renderings gave the school a clear picture of the final outcome, allowing them to provide valuable feedback and approve the plan with confidence.

With the design approved, our team immediately moved into the pre-construction phase. This involved meticulous planning and preparation to ensure a smooth and efficient build. We coordinated with our suppliers to order all necessary materials, from paving stones to plant species, well in advance. We also secured all required permits and conducted a final safety audit of the site. The first week on-site was dedicated to groundwork. Our crew used excavators and bobcats to clear the existing sparse grass and compacted soil. We then carefully graded the land to ensure proper drainage and create the desired contours for the different zones. This step is often overlooked, but it is the foundation of any successful landscape project, preventing future issues like water pooling and soil erosion.

After the initial clearing and grading, we began installing the sub-base for our hardscape elements. This involved laying down layers of compacted gravel and sand where our new pathways and seating areas would be. This preparation is essential for the long-term durability of the hard surfaces, preventing cracking and shifting over time. Concurrently, our team worked on amending the soil in the future garden beds. We brought in truckloads of high-quality, organic soil enriched with compost and other nutrients to give our new plants the best possible start. This preparation was key to ensuring the sustainability of the landscape, reducing the need for chemical fertilisers and promoting healthy plant growth.

The second and third weeks were dedicated to the installation of hardscaping and the new irrigation system. This is a critical period where the skeleton of the new landscape takes shape. Our skilled team of landscapers worked tirelessly to lay the new paving stones for the main pathways and seating areas. We chose durable, non-slip pavers that were both aesthetically pleasing and safe for high-traffic school environments. The amphitheater seating was constructed using a combination of timber sleepers and compacted soil, creating a natural and inviting space for outdoor learning. The feature wall, a key design element, was erected, providing a future canvas for climbing plants.

Simultaneously, our irrigation specialists were hard at work. We installed a state-of-the-art, smart irrigation system designed for maximum water efficiency. The system included rain sensors and a smart controller that would adjust watering schedules based on weather forecasts, significantly reducing the school's water consumption. The drip irrigation lines were carefully laid in each garden bed to deliver water directly to the plant roots, minimizing evaporation and waste. A robust sprinkler system was installed for the new lawn area, calibrated to avoid over-spraying. This strategic approach to water management was a primary concern for the school and a core part of our commitment to sustainable landscaping practices.

With the hardscaping in place and the irrigation system ready, we began the most transformative part of the project: the planting. This is where the landscape truly came alive. Our horticulturists had meticulously selected a palette of native Western Australian plants that were well-suited to the local climate. We chose hardy species like Grevillea, Kangaroo Paw, and various types of Eucalyptus that are known for their low water needs and resilience. We created a vibrant sensory garden filled with plants that have interesting textures, colours, and scents, encouraging students to engage with their environment through multiple senses.

We also introduced a variety of shade-providing trees. These young trees were strategically planted to provide future shade for the play areas and seating zones, creating cooler, more comfortable spaces during the hot WA summers. Our team paid close attention to plant spacing and layering, ensuring each plant had room to grow and thrive. The result was a diverse and dynamic landscape that would evolve and mature over time. The careful selection of native plants also meant we were supporting local biodiversity, providing a habitat for native birds and insects. This was a key educational outcome the school was excited about.

The final phase of the build involved adding the finishing touches that would make the space truly functional for the students. We installed new, purpose-built playground equipment that was both safe and challenging, encouraging physical activity and creative play. A colourful rubber soft-fall surface was laid around the equipment to ensure maximum safety. We also added a variety of outdoor furniture, including picnic tables and benches made from recycled materials, to create more social and informal learning areas. The new network of pathways connected all the zones, making the entire outdoor space accessible to everyone, including those with mobility challenges.

One of the most exciting additions was the designated outdoor classroom. We created a circular seating arrangement using large, natural timber logs, positioned around a central chalkboard. This simple but effective design provides a unique learning environment where teachers can hold lessons surrounded by nature. The sensory garden, with its mix of aromatic herbs and textured plants, became a living laboratory for science lessons. Every element was carefully considered to maximise the educational and recreational value of the space, ensuring it was a place where students could learn, play, and connect with nature for years to come.

In just six weeks, the transformation was complete. The once-bare and uninviting space was now a vibrant, multi-functional landscape that exceeded the school's expectations. The final reveal was met with a chorus of "oohs" and "aahs" from students and staff alike. We provided the school with a comprehensive maintenance plan to ensure the long-term health and beauty of their new landscape. This plan included detailed instructions on watering schedules, pruning, and fertilising, as well as a list of our recommended ongoing maintenance services. We also offered a one-year warranty on all plants and workmanship, giving the school peace of mind.

Our commitment to our clients extends far beyond the final build. We are proud to offer ongoing maintenance services to ensure our landscapes continue to thrive. We work with our clients to create a tailored maintenance schedule, whether it's a simple fortnightly visit or a more comprehensive seasonal plan. Our team takes care of everything from pruning and mulching to pest control and irrigation system checks. The school now enjoys a beautiful and functional outdoor space with the confidence that it will be professionally cared for, allowing them to focus on what they do best: educating the next generation.

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