We’re excited to announce a new columnist to Sage Journal – Australian garden designer, Ashley James.
In his first piece, he shares where his love of gardening began and how his romantic, European-inspired style took shape.
Ah, gardening! The glorious intersection of dirt and creativity, where a humble seed can transform into something utterly magnificent. I’m a Australian garden designer, a creator, and a writer – someone who doesn’t shy away from the muck!
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, and in my case, that tree happens to be one of the finest horticulturalists you’ll ever meet. My father, a true Aussie, and my expat mother have been pivotal in shaping not only my career but the very core of my design philosophy.
Imagine this: a young apprentice under the watchful gaze of my father, a man capable of coaxing life from the most obstinate soils, all while I soaked in the British sensibilities from my mother and grandparents. It’s no surprise that my style is a blend of my English and Welsh roots, infused with a cheeky Aussie spirit.
Now, let’s talk about my garden. It sits at the gateway of the Yarra Valley in Victoria, in a place called Kangaroo Ground. With rolling green hills that could make even the most seasoned artist weep, this spot has been my family’s home for over three decades. Our charming farm cottage, dating back to the 1860s, is steeped in history and character. In 2020, my family took the reins from my parents, turning this beloved place into our own.
I’m raising my three little ones here, just as my parents did years ago – a full-circle moment that’s both heartwarming and a tad terrifying. Here I am, a proud product of Kangaroo Ground, nurturing the next generation in the same fields that shaped my upbringing. It’s like a horticultural saga, filled with joy, soil and the occasional visit from a kangaroo.
What propelled me into this wild world of gardens and design? At just 14, I started a pre-apprenticeship in horticulture with my father. Initially, it was just a clever ruse to escape school one day a week. Yet, before long, I discovered a genuine passion for the outdoors. By 16, I was knee-deep in a full-time apprenticeship and by 19, I had my qualifications.
At 22, I took the leap and launched my own business. In those early days, I subcontracted with landscape companies to grasp the gritty realities of hard landscaping. My company blossomed into a design, construction and maintenance firm, complete with a dedicated team. But I found myself drowning in management duties instead of getting my hands dirty. So, I made the decision to downsize and focus on what I truly love – designing and creating projects that light my fire, spanning across Australia and, fingers crossed, soon New Zealand!
As a garden designer, I’m all about crafting spaces that beckon you to roll up your sleeves and dig in. Forget sterile, lifeless landscapes – give me the glorious chaos of nature! I want to embrace the transformation that each season brings. Hand me the soil, the blooms and the intoxicating scents of a thriving garden.
What excites me the most about gardening? Everything! Sure, there are days when I’d rather stay in bed rather than face the dreariness, and those frosty mornings are a battle! But I adore the entire process – dreaming up wild ideas, sketching them out, then getting my hands dirty installing them. Watching those ideas flourish is like nurturing a bunch of unruly kids, each one brimming with potential.
What I’ve learned along this journey is that qualifications are utterly meaningless! I’d take a wise grandmother with a lifetime of hands-on experience over any fancy degree any day. Every single day is a new lesson when you’re working with nature. Sometimes, you just have to embrace the chaos and imperfections. It’s a concept that seems to baffle those in other trades, but in my world, it’s the quirks and unpredictability that make it all the more thrilling. Nature has a way of keeping us on our toes.
Now, let’s tackle the question of favourite plants – an outrageously tricky one! I want to say it’s ALL of them! There’s pure magic in sowing seeds and nurturing vegetables and flowers. But let’s not overlook the joy of planting a stunning deciduous tree – spending winter pruning and shaping it into something spectacular. And don’t even get me started on mass perennials! I’m obsessed with growing them and then filling my home with their blooms. Each aspect has its own charm.
When it comes to design elements, I’m drawn to the raw beauty of natural materials, like wood and landscape boulders. Reclaimed red bricks and natural stone for paving? Absolutely. I want my gardens to look like they’ve been lovingly crafted by time itself, not just plopped down from a garden centre. A bit of nature’s wear and tear? Bring it on! It adds character and depth that no modern architecture could replicate.
For those starting their gardening journey, I say: dive right in. Mark my words – everyone will end up gardening at some point. And when you finally decide to dip your toes into the soil, brace yourself, because you’ll be hooked.
