Matt Cantwell
As the founding director of Secret Gardens, Matt has turned his life passion in design, plants and building into a successful company currently celebrating its 30th year, earning him a reputation as one of Australia's leading garden designers. Along with his qualifications in design and 35 years experience, he combines an ability to think outside the square. Whatever the challenge, with a pragmatic approach to comprehend, assess and respond. His role extends beyond creative direction as he works closely with our managers across all departments to deliver our gardens successfully.
Articles by Matt Cantwell
It’s hard to imagine the modern age without steel. It’s the engineering backbone of major industry, from car manufacturing and infrastructure such as rail, roads and powerlines to the residential and commercial building sectors.
When clients discuss plans for their gardens, they often picture lazy summer days, relaxing by the pool or entertaining friends and family while the outdoor kitchen is put through its paces. But in a city like Sydney, known for its mild climate, designing for the colder months of the year can pay big dividends.
We’ve been underestimating the importance of trees in the urban landscape. And it’s time to stop. From sources of solace during lockdown to battling the damaging effects of urban heat islands, trees are a critical part of city landscapes in both private and public spheres.
It makes for alarming reading. The latest global warming report released in August by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change paints a bleak picture of increasing temperatures and rising sea levels. As individuals it can feel as though affecting change is beyond our reach. But even the smallest efforts can make a difference.
The Chelsea Flower Show is over for another year and, as always, has been a rich source of inspiration for the team at Secret Gardens. Though it’s on the other side of the world, the Show has provided plenty of ideas we can apply to an Australian setting. Here are a few of the standouts for us.
Building storage into the garden is not so much a luxury as a necessity. As our homes get smaller – and our accumulated stuff not so much – architects are obsessed with squeezing storage into every room, in new and innovative ways. Gardens are no different; the primary focus is creating an enjoyable, liveable space, which requires clutter be tamed and tucked out of sight!
Winter can be an unexpectedly productive time in the garden. Though the rampant new growth and budding blooms of spring are yet to arrive in the majority of the garden, the vegetable beds can be chock-full of delicious, fresh winter vegetables.
Loading...
Articles by