Here we name Australia’s Best landscape designers who are shaping the way we use our outdoor spaces- one garden, one courtyard, one terrace at a time. Each of the landscapers in our list has a vision: some are innovators, some are classicists, but all are supremely confident. From dynamic designers recalibrating beloved traditions to enterprising plantsmen shaking up a landscape near you, these 10 thought leaders- are raising the bar for Australian garden design today. (in no particular order).
PARTERRE
Owner Richard Haigh probably has the most glittering client list of any Australian designer- creating exteriors which are just as impressive as his interiors. Renowned for blurring the boundaries seamlessly between inside and out, balancing architecture, hero pieces and an abundance of planting. A visionary www.parterre.com.au
PAUL BANGAY
Has a reputation for creating idylls, rich in English, French and Italian allusions. Expect the formality of parterres and statuary framing ponds that appear elegant and expensive. www.paulbangay.com.au
MYLES BALDWIN DESIGN
A brilliant plantsman who draws on a wide palette of plants to suit every environment and setting. Projects include Sydney landmarks from Bronte House to Boomerang, Parliament House and Government House to name a few. The big names in architecture love Baldwin, including BKH, Tobias Partners, SJB and Greg Natale. www.mylesbaldwin.com.au
ANTHONY WYER
Cultivating breathtaking landscapes with strong structural form. Defined layers. Sophisticated, refined stuff. www.anthonywyer.com
WILLIAM DANGAR
For decades – trees, hedges, grasses and flowers have bent to the will of Dangar who provides Sydney with an excellent (and complete) landscape service covering all skills. Solid design, construction and maintenance. www.williamdangar.com.au
SECRET GARDENS
Takes ordinary exteriors to the next level. A big firm that can handle big projects. Swimming pools, architectural, the lot. www.secretgardens.com.au
PETER FUDGE
The style set favourite, renowned for profoundly beautiful gardens rich with English and French allusions and monumental geometrics. One of the best. www.peterfudgegardens.com.au
SPIRIT LEVEL DESIGNS
Hugh Main specialises in garden design, contruction and maintenance with the focus very much on the naturalistic and lyrical. These gardens have the appearance of inevitability in that it’s hard not to imagine any other garden in the settings. The big names in architecture come here (repeat clients include Howard Tanner, Sam Marshall, Alex Tzannes, Stanic Harding, Chenchow Little, Campbell Architecture, Philip Abram, Corben Architects, Collins & Turner, Architecture Saville Isaacs and Nic Graham). Gardens you would not see anywhere else in the world. www.spiritlevel.com.au
GARDEN LIFE
Richard Unsworth is your secret design weapon when it comes your small outdoor city spaces. www.gardenlife.com.au
GOOD MANORS
For traditional garden looks and a good design service, head here. www.goodmanors.com.au
