Listen out for my conversation with Jonathan Green on Blueprint for Living, ABC Radio National, this Saturday from 1pm. Jonathan came to visit our garden and we chatted about Gordon Ford, naturalistic design, creating habitat with understory and other topics. Link in profile 🌱 #naturalism #naturalisticgardendesign #livingintheenvironment #bushgarden #gordonford #indigenousgarden #nativegardendesign
Gordon Ford was a pivotal figure in the development of the naturalistic landscape school here in Melbourne.
For those who would like to learn more about Gordo’s place in our garden history this article in our website journal is a good place to start. The story by @foregroundnews covers Annette Warner’s doctoral research and 2018 exhibition.
My Friday started with a muddy concrete pour and ended chewing the fat with these two legends.
Bev Hansen and Bob Grant both worked with Ellis Rocky Stones.
Bob at 98! He had some great memories of his time as forman for Ellis. He then went on to work at Eltham council in the parks and gardens department.
Bev’s career began with Ellis as his chauffeur at the tender age of 17 to running his office and designing with his direction until he passed away in 1975.
Our hour long chat had me thinking of the people involved more than the work. The names came quickly to Bob while the jobs were hazy.
This reminds me in the now global world of design and ‘image’ the relationships we have are most important.
A local family of those who create together and a bigger community of those we make gardens for.
As we sat and discussed boulder placement I felt a strong connection through this simple art. Bob quick to mention his rock outcrop at the front of his house.
Rocky and Gordo would approve!
Alistair Knox’s ability to site a building in the landscape is second to none.
It’s always a please making a contribution to this living environment.
Beautifully cared for by the owners.
Eltham
#livingintheenvironment #bushgarden #nativegardendesign #naturalism #naturefix
The third phase of design.
The landscape @swansong_tas is a case study into our take on the total living environment. The house being a platform for viewing and immersion into the bush surrounds.
Garden design starts with concept. Develops with construction, and most importantly continues with garden care.
Lisa and I gently work with this indigenous garden to connect to the bush around us and promote an environment for wildlife to thrive. Keeping dense foliage and layered shrubbery around the building gives small birds the shelter they need to feel safe close to the house.
Our reward is the calming presence of the Australian bush filled with wildlife.
Thank you @robin.boyd.foundation for a great exhibition about the development of landscape architecture in Australia.
A meeting of institutional trained and experienced base knowledge for the betterment of Melbournes communities.
Merchant Builders. Ellis Stones @tractconsultants and all the leading names in design at the time.
Last days this weekend so check @robin.boyd.foundation website for available times.
See the Ramsey House by Charles Duncan or just stand under these trees. Either way it will be a good day. Open house with @robin.boyd.foundation beautifully renovated by @richardstamptonarchitect . Big thank you to the loving custodians for the opportunity.
Sunday week. Bookings only.
LEAVE & DEFEND
As another serious fire season arrives, we’re preparing to defend our garden and home with the use of @daveywaterproducts remote start firefighter pump.
On catastrophic days, we’ll leave our home while doing our best to defend it.
While technology is making this possible it’s not guaranteed,but I feel it’s worth a try.
#livingintheenvironment #bushgarden #nativegardendesign #bushnaturalism
