Local landscaper growing global

THIS March Daniel Althaus will show his designs at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, giving regional landscaping a boost.

His 20-square-meter garden titled The Circle of Life portrays the unique sounds, textures and smells of the Victorian landscape.

Mr Althaus said the installation is about reconnecting with nature.

“It’s basically to showcase how you can have a residential garden that attracts wildlife, and you can have all these things at your doorstep like frogs and birds and native bees,” he said.

“We’ve kind of lost touch with nature I think a little bit.

“There’s been many instances in my life when I look at nature and try and reconnect.

“I’ve always been a pretty creative person so having the opportunity to be creative with something that is living is pretty special.”

The installation includes a tricking water feature, Castlemaine rocks, native grasses, and layered shrubs, highlighting the features unique to the Australian ecosystem.

The name of the garden is inspired by Mr Althaus’ own experiences like playing with tadpoles outdoors as a child.

“Even though I’ve come into this industry quite late, it’s been in my life ever since I was a kid and feels like it’s come full circle,” he said.

As part of his display at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, Mr Althaus said he hopes to use the opportunity to promote regional landscaping and build support for local designers.

“In the tail end of 2022, we had the garden design fest, which featured many great talents here in Ballarat and regional Victoria,” he said.

“I feel we can keep that ball rolling and really push Ballarat, its designers and suppliers. The work we do is pretty special, and it deserves to be propped up a bit.”