This article by Quentin Kirley of Q Gardens and Design discusses garden design styles and themes, particularly around Melbourne Australia. Before beginning any landscape design project, I sit down with the client and discuss what expectations they have for their new garden. Another question is, do they have a particular style or theme they fancy that can influence the garden design?

One of my recent garden designs was for a client in Middle Park, Melbourne, who loves to travel to Japan, and so wanted a Japanese influenced garden, set within a courtyard. The key is to use plants and materials that are compatible to Melbourne conditions that can still assume Japanese qualities. Plants include tall and short Bamboo, Nandina, Japanese Maples and Palms. The Palm trunk is wrapped in hessian and then wound in a natural fibre rope which is an interesting focal point. Feature rocks were carefully positioned within the courtyard and a glass water bowl added the important water element often found within Japanese landscapes but with a contemporary feel.

Another client loves the Tuscan style of landscape which includes olive trees for picking, lemons, rosemary and lavender. This garden not only looks beautiful, it smells beautiful and provides fruits and herbs for the kitchen. Gravel is another important element within a Tuscan garden which gives a relaxing crunch underfoot. We are very fortunate in Melbourne to have a large selection of gravels to choose from.

One of my favourite gardens I have created a design for was for a family in Kingsville with two young children. This couple wanted to introduce their children to healthy eating at a young age and wanted a garden design to reflect these values. This design focused on food plants, featured a ‘moon – gate’ entrance into a ‘secret garden’ consisting of raised vegetable garden beds, including herbs and fruit trees. Centred within this space are some stunning natural rocks arranged around a fire pit.

A client in Ocean Grove is an artist who loves to draw and paint using bright colours. It was very important for her to have a garden created that was full of colour and texture which can be a place of ‘inspiration’ for her beautiful artwork.

If you are considering having a garden designed, consider what is important for you to include in your landscape. Is there a certain style or theme which you love? If you are not sure, I recommend you go out and visit fabulous gardens and landscapes to get some ideas. Check out Victoria’s open garden scheme, visit the Botanic Gardens in Melbourne and Cranbourne. Keep an eye out for the Garden Design Fest. Look in garden design books and magazines, as well as thinking about influences within your life.

A professional landscape and garden designer is there to help you piece all this information together to create your ideal garden.