Double Bay gardens are some of the most distinctive in Sydney — and some of the most demanding to maintain well. Amended beds over sandstone substrate, salt air from the harbour, established heritage plantings on properties that have been gardened for decades, and a presentation standard that matches some of the most valuable real estate in the Eastern Suburbs.
Garden Managers maintains gardens across Double Bay for private homeowners, strata committees and investment property managers. We work in this suburb regularly — we know its soil conditions, its microclimates and what the best gardens here actually require. Here is what that means in practice.
What Makes Double Bay Gardens Different
Double Bay sits within the Woollahra Local Government Area and shares with its neighbouring suburbs a consistent garden profile: amended soil beds over sandstone substrate with limited root depth, salt-laden harbour breezes that narrow your viable plant species, and a mix of formal heritage plantings on older properties alongside contemporary structured landscaping on newer builds.
The sandstone substrate means drainage is generally good but soil depth is limited — plants that need deep root systems struggle without proper bed preparation and consistent nutrition. Salt tolerance is non-negotiable for anything exposed to harbour aspect. And the Woollahra heritage overlays on many Double Bay properties shape what can and cannot be done with significant trees and structural planting.
We work on both sides of this divide — the formal Buxus and Clivia plantings of older established estates, and the structured hedge programs and clean lawn edges of contemporary homes. Both require precise, consistent care to look their best.
Our Garden Services in Double Bay
Routine Garden Maintenance
Fortnightly or monthly programs covering lawn care, weeding, edging and general presentation. Double Bay properties have specific presentation standards and we understand what that looks like week to week. Our team is uniformed, punctual and works with the rhythm of your garden.
Hedge Trimming and Shaping
Formal hedges of Lilly Pilly, Photinia, Murraya and Buxus are common across Double Bay properties. Precise structural shaping twice yearly with tidy cuts in between keeps them at the level this suburb expects. Overgrown hedges are assessed honestly — we tell you upfront whether it is a maintenance job or a restoration job and what each involves.
Courtyard and Small-Space Care
Enclosed rear courtyards with sandstone paving, planter boxes and established climbers are typical of Double Bay’s older streets. We maintain these with the detail they require — weeding between pavers, climber management, planter box soil health and seasonal colour rotation.
Strata Garden Maintenance
Double Bay has a significant strata stock across its boutique apartment buildings and converted terrace complexes. Our strata programs include photo reporting after every visit, irrigation compliance documentation and committee-ready maintenance records. We understand the Owners Corporation’s obligations under the Strata Schemes Management Act 2015 and provide the documentation your committee needs.
View our strata garden maintenance programs →
Irrigation Service and Smart Controller Upgrades
Double Bay gardens benefit from properly designed drip and spray irrigation — particularly through summer when harbour breezes increase evapotranspiration significantly. We install, service and upgrade irrigation systems including Hunter Hydrawise WiFi smart controllers and Hunter Node BT Bluetooth systems for strata valve boxes. Annual audits include Sydney Water compliance confirmation and a written report.
View our irrigation services →
Pre-Sale Garden Preparation
Double Bay property values are among the highest in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs. Garden presentation at sale makes a real difference in this market. We work with vendors, agents and stylists on targeted preparation programs — typically 2–4 weeks before listing — covering clean-up, mulching, hedge shaping and quick-win planting.
Mulching
Eucalyptus chip at 75–100mm is our standard for Double Bay garden beds. It handles the harbour wind well without blowing, retains moisture through summer and delivers the clean finish that prestige Eastern Suburbs properties expect.
Plants That Thrive in Double Bay Gardens
The following species consistently perform well in Double Bay’s combination of sandstone substrate, harbour salt air and limited soil depth:
Structural Screening and Hedging
- Lilly Pilly (Syzygium varieties) — excellent screening, handles harbour exposure, responds well to regular shaping
- Murraya paniculata — fragrant, fast-growing, reliable in Double Bay conditions
- Viburnum tinus — winter flowering, dense screening, tolerates coastal exposure
- Photinia × fraseri — strong structural form, red new growth, good salt tolerance
Shade Garden Plantings
- Clivia miniata — classic for the shaded rear courtyards of older Double Bay properties, tolerates dry conditions under established canopies
- Camellia varieties — well-suited to slightly acidic amended soils over sandstone, long-flowering through winter
- Aspidistra — near-indestructible in deep shade, minimal maintenance once established
- Bird’s nest fern (Asplenium australasicum) — suits the humid shade of enclosed courtyards
Sun-Exposed and Harbour-Aspect Positions
- Westringia fruticosa (coastal rosemary) — salt-tolerant, low-maintenance, clean structured form
- Agapanthus — reliable summer flowering, handles coastal exposure well
- Lomandra longifolia — drought and salt tolerant, excellent structural groundcover
- Agave and Aloe species — handle thin soil and salt wind better than almost anything in exposed harbourfront positions
Garden Maintenance Costs in Double Bay 2026
| Service | Typical Cost 2026 |
|---|---|
| Fortnightly maintenance visit (2-person crew) | $180–$320 |
| Monthly maintenance with hedge tidy | $220–$380 |
| Annual hedge structural cut (per 10 linear metres) | $180–$380 |
| One-off garden clean-up | $380–$750 |
| Mulching (supply and apply) | $220–$550 |
| Irrigation service and seasonal adjustment | $180–$380 |
| Pre-sale garden preparation | $450–$950 |
All prices are indicative for Double Bay in 2026. We provide free on-site assessments and fixed-price quotes — no hidden extras, no surprise bills.
Frequently Asked Questions — Garden Maintenance Double Bay
Do you maintain both private homes and strata properties in Double Bay?
Yes — Garden Managers works across both. Private residential programs are tailored to each property’s specific garden and presentation standard. Strata programs include photo reporting after every visit, irrigation compliance documentation and committee-ready maintenance records for Owners Corporations across Double Bay’s apartment and boutique building stock.
How do you handle the sandstone soil conditions in Double Bay gardens?
Sandstone substrate with amended beds is the dominant soil profile across Woollahra LGA including Double Bay. It means good drainage but limited depth for deep-rooted plants and faster nutrient leaching than heavier soils. We adjust fertilising programs and plant selection accordingly — slow-release nutrition, species matched to the available root depth and soil conditioner applications where beds need refreshing.
Can you manage formal hedge programs on established Double Bay properties?
Yes. Formal Buxus, Lilly Pilly and Murraya hedges are a significant part of our Double Bay maintenance work. We provide twice-yearly structural shape cuts and maintain between cuts with tidy visits. For hedges showing Lilly Pilly psyllid pressure or Buxus decline we include a health assessment and treatment recommendation as part of the program.
Do you service irrigation systems in Double Bay?
Yes — we install, service and upgrade irrigation systems across Double Bay residential and strata properties. This includes smart controller upgrades to Hunter Hydrawise WiFi and Hunter Node BT Bluetooth systems, annual system audits, solenoid valve servicing and Sydney Water restriction compliance documentation. View irrigation services →
What areas near Double Bay do you service?
We cover all of Double Bay and surrounding Eastern Suburbs suburbs including Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Woollahra, Paddington, Edgecliff, Point Piper and Darling Point. Based in Randwick, our team is in the Eastern Suburbs daily.
How much does garden maintenance cost in Double Bay?
Garden maintenance in Double Bay typically costs $180–$320 per fortnightly visit for a two-person crew. Monthly visits with hedge tidy run $220–$380. One-off garden clean-ups range from $380–$750 depending on size and condition. We provide free on-site assessments and fixed-price quotes — no hidden extras.
Get a Garden Quote in Double Bay
Garden Managers maintains gardens across Double Bay’s prestige streets, strata complexes and harbour-facing properties. Free on-site assessment, fixed pricing, photo reporting after every visit.
