Candeo Design

I was sent this photo a few weeks ago by our client. He just wanted to show me the garden 2.5 Years on. They are doing a great job of looking after the the garden themselves everything has grown in and the lawn looks great. The @lumpsculpture finish to the facade of the carport changes the entire courtyard. Thanks for the photo Mark, I’m so glad you love your garden. This garden was constructed by @mode_landscape

A garden that quietly said thank you. Last year at the @melbflowershow our Director Brent Reid created ODE, a garden that resonated deeply with many who experienced it at the show. Designed through his practice @candeodesign and brought to life by @semkenlandscaping ODE was a tribute to the mentors, colleagues and friendships that shape careers in landscape design. Rather than celebrating one person, it honoured the many people who quietly influence the paths we take. The teachers who guide us. The collaborators who challenge us. The friends who walk alongside us in this profession. Through flowing water, sculptural forms and thoughtful planting, the garden reflected the idea that knowledge and inspiration are always being shared and passed on. For many in our community, it felt personal. A reminder that this industry is built not just on design, but on generosity, connection and the willingness to support the next generation. And with another year of the show approaching, it feels like the perfect moment to revisit a garden that captured exactly what this industry is all about. Design: @candeodesign Build: @semkenlandscaping and @inkilandscapes Lighting: @gardens_at_night Photography: @mitchlyonsphotography

Just appreciate the little things or details sometimes. Morning light playing with our @phillip.butters piece from our great friends at @thehiveoceangrove

It’s one thing to hear about planting layers in the classroom. It’s another to walk through them in a garden designed by your lecturer. Brent Reid, LCGD lecturer and Director of @candeodesign brought ODE to life at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, and for our students, it was more than just a beautiful space. It was a living, breathing lesson in spatial rhythm, restraint and storytelling through plants. A reminder that when you’re guided by designers who are actively shaping the industry, the learning hits differently. Design: @candeodesign Build: @semkenlandscaping and @inkilandscapes Photography: @mitchlyonsphotography . . #mifgs2025 #plantingdesign #gardendesigndiploma #landscapedesign #designwithheart #ode

A garden built from gratitude. ODE, designed by @candeodesign and built by the exceptional teams at @semkenlandscaping and @inkilandscapes was recently featured on @gardeningaustralia Created for the @melbflowershow ODE was a heartfelt tribute to the mentors, friends and pioneers who have shaped Brent’s 28-year journey in landscape design. This space was imagined not just as a garden, but as a living homage - a place for reflection and quiet celebration. Every element speaks to the strength of community, the power of guidance and the friendships forged through creativity and shared passion. Woven throughout are symbols of legacy, trust and growth, values that Brent brings not only to his design work, but also to his role as Director at @lcgdmelbourne where he mentors the next generation of designers. Thanks for your support Gardening Australia and particularly @thethriftygardener and @costasworld #ODE #MIFGS2025 #gardeningaustralia #showgarden #landscapedesign #mentorship #australiangardendesign #gardenstorytelling

As Candeo turns 19, I’m not thinking about milestones or accolades. I’m thinking about the next garden, the next student, the next opportunity to learn and share because, at the heart of it all, I’m still that curious guy who loves plants, good design and the quiet magic of a well-made garden. When I started Candeo Design, my goal was simple: to design gardens that felt good to be in. Practical, beautiful and grounded in solid horticultural thinking. Back then, I was fresh from years with @semkenlandscaping + studying horticulture at Burnley and Holmesglen, and learning everything I could from the brilliant designers I’d met at the @melbflowershow Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of designing gardens across Melbourne and beyond, from small inner-city spaces to wide open country properties. Every project has taught me something. Every garden has been a chance to grow. In 2019, that journey evolved as I took on the role of Australian Director and helped establish @lcgdmelbourne - Teaching wasn’t something I set out to do, but it’s been one of the most meaningful chapters yet. Watching students find their feet, often in the middle of career change or creative rediscovery, has been a reminder of where it all began for me, too. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been part of the path so far - the clients, collaborators, mentors and friends who’ve shaped this story. Thank you for being part of the journey. 🌱 #candeo #gardendesign #19yearsyoung

A number of years ago I was asked to design the front garden, courtyard and balcony gardens for the last weather board cottage in Melbourne CBD. I live the histories and the snippets of history you find out as a Landscape Designer if you listen. Some rogue plants have made it in over the years since but the history is cool.

You can now watch @veryclint as he interviews Director of @candeodesign Brent Reid for his @melbflowershow Show Garden titled 'ODE'. ODE is a tribute to Brent's mentors, friends and trailblazers who have shaped his 28-year journey in the landscape industry. The garden was designed by Brent and Candeo Design, with the construction taken on by @semkenlandscaping alongside @inkilandscapes Thank you to Brent for taking the time to talk with us and allowing us to share this magnificent garden with our followers. You can watch the tour on our YouTube channel - link in our bio 🔗

Now I’m home I just can’t stop thinking about the beautiful garden “Ode” by Brent Reid and @semkenlandscaping @candeodesign at the @melbflowershow So many elements I’d like to replicate in my home garden! The stunning red gums with the names of our beloved family and friends name who have passed but mean so much to us! @mona_vane_garden @peterbillaustralia #melbflowershow #semkenlandscaping #ode

@melbflowershow has come to an end for 2025 and our award winning show garden 'Ode' designed by @candeodesign was a huge undertaking by our team and had an amazing reception from the shows attendees. Constructed alongside @inkilandscapes we were able to showcase some amazing products in this garden. 🪨 Bamstone Bluestone was the feature paving in the garden. Extracted and crafted in South-West Victoria, Bamstone provide our states finest quality natural stone product and we are thrilled to work alongside the team. 🌿 Warners Nurseries are show legends and always assist us with high quality plants and are so generous with their contributions and time. The Waterhousea hedge at 'Ode' was flourishing during the show and was a crowd favourite. 🌳 Established Tree Transplanters supplied a Quercus palustris 'Pin 'Oak' providing a grand back drop to the garden. We take great pride in being able to showcase ETT's magnificent stock. 🌸Plant Growers Australia supplied small flowering stock and it was absolutely spectacular. Salvia Heatwave Glow and Echinacea Sunseekers were at hit and we look forward to years ahead working with PGA at the show. 🌾Chartwell Nurseries supplied show stopping flowering plants for 'Ode'. Miscanthus Adagio provided beautifully fluidity against the sculptural trees, however the most asked about plant for the whole show was Sanguisorba Plum Drops! 🪹Biogro supplied all the mulches for 'Ode'. Biogro are a huge supporter of the show and we thank them greatly for their ongoing support. Biogro operate a fantastic recycling system at the show allowing for continual improvement on the shows sustainability efforts. ✨Gardens at Night light up our gardens at every show and all our ongoing projects outside the show. We couldn't do this show without them and loved having an extra twilight session this year to show off their amazing work. 🦔Willie Wildlife Sculptures created the amazing bird bath and echidna. Willie's creations are always a crowd favourite and it was no different this year, especially with the precious echidna. Our full list of exceptional suppliers and more details on the remaining contributors are in the comments. 📷@whte

ODE 〰️ A tribute garden by Brent Reid of @candeodesign , built by @semkenlandscaping and @inkilandscapes . Awarded silver at this year’s Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show 🥈 ODE is a heartfelt tribute to the mentors, friends and pioneers who have shaped Brent’s 28-year journey in the landscape industry. Designed as a space for reflection and inspiration, it celebrates the lasting legacy of mentorship, innovation and connection — honouring those whose influence has left a deep and lasting imprint. This living homage acknowledges the strength of community, the power of guidance and the value of friendships forged through shared creativity and passion. With thoughtful design and symbolic elements woven throughout, ODE stands as a quiet but powerful tribute to a career built on trust, collaboration and growth.