Women’s landscape design set to bloom

FOR the first time in history, an all-female trade team will install a landscape designers work at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show.

Design for the outdoor space has a strong local connection with Ballarat’s Emma Sheppard-Simms the winner of Open Gardens Victoria student design competition, providing her with $10,000 to develop the creation.

“I’m delighted that Open Gardens Victoria has provided me with this opportunity,” said Ms Sheppard-Simms.

“It’s so important that we showcase the skills of women currently working in the landscape industry.

“To this end, my garden will be entirely built by a team of female landscape architects, landscapers, horticulturists, and volunteers.”

Her installation titled A Place for Us features a range of native plants and showcases biodiversity, water conscious gardening techniques and local materials.

“Gardens are often described as healing and calming spaces that provide an escape from our worries,” said Sheppard-Simms.

“But they can also be positive, energising spaces that remind us of the resilience and power of the living world.

In celebration of this vitality, I have designed a garden that hums with colour, sensory and textural interest. An inviting space that attracts visitors, insects, and birds alike.”

Dr Karen White, head of giving at Open Garden’s Victoria said the design stood out with its creative portrayal of the brief.

“An all-female installation team added extra appeal to the project,” she said.

“Our hope is that women who see the garden at MIFGS will be encouraged to take up a career in horticulture.”

Sheppard-Simms currently studies horticulture at University of Melbourne’s Burnley campus.