I have been designing gardens in central Victoria for over 17 years. An
Agricultural Science degree has been the first step in gaining an understanding
of soils and plant growth and this skill base has been added to with a Certificate
in Landscape Design.
Further education has increased my drawing skills so that plans are now
prepared using CAD software – providing greater flexibility and reducing
costs.
My designs are mostly for domestic gardens – the ‘average quarter
acre block’ - although I have also been involved with designs for
schools, unit developments and large rural gardens. Lately, the impact of
water restrictions has led to the redesign of many front gardens as clients
seek to develop an attractive alternative to poorly performing grass.
The impact of our changing climate is recognised in my designs which focus
on using local materials and plants. Gardens naturally achieve a sense of
place and sit well within a landscape when using these products. Sustainable
garden design can be maximised by sourcing products from within the region
thus reducing transport costs. Selection of native or indigenous plants
means less ongoing inputs are required in your garden – lower fertiliser
use, less maintenance time and of course reduced demand on our most precious
resource – water.
There are also many other considerations when designing gardens –
house style and materials, personal preference and site constraints for
example – which may lead to the development of a different garden
style. Your garden may be an informal, flowing design; a more formal linear
design or a combination of the two. I am conscious of the fact that it is
your garden I am designing – you will be living in it and maintaining
it – so you need to be 100% happy with the design.
The ongoing challenge of working in the central Victorian climate is something
I relish. It’s a rare combination of hot, dry summers, frosty winters,
sparse rainfall, minimal topsoil and lots of shale/clay subsoils. The opportunity
to create gardens in this climate which are beautiful, restful, practical
and yours to enjoy for many years is what I love doing.
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