My Garden Path: Simon Rickard

In the cool climate, central highlands of Victoria lies the sleepy hamlet of Trentham. Nestled on the edge of the Macedon ranges and the ever-popular Spa Country of Daylesford and surrounds, Trentham seamlessly blends history and rural character with artistic, creative, diverse and, at times, downright quirky undertakings of the town and its’ residents. If there is one place that encapsulates the feel of this special township, it is the private garden of Simon Rickard – a man with as many facets as the town he now calls home.

Simon has always been a gardener and alongside his grandmother started an orchid collection around age nine. This collection grew and, by the age of 12., Simon was the founding member of the Orchid Society of Canberra. Having spent time working within gardening and horticultural pursuits, as well as time as a musician, Simons passion for gardening is obvious as you enter his property. There is an artist’s eye at play in this space, which was nothing more than a blank canvas when Simon moved himself (and a small house) there from Melbourne 12 years earlier. “We are in the sub-alpine area of Victoria here” says Simon “so the garden design truly had to incorporate plants that would cope with our extended winters, and look beautiful”.

Plant selection is key to this gardens winter success, with many of the plants in his garden hailing from cool Mediterranean climates, with seasons like those experienced in Trentham. Gopher Spurge (Euphorbia rigida) from Turkey and Greece is one such plant, its acid green foliage contrasting spectacularly against vibrant yellow flowers with splashes of bronze. “I consider myself a plantsman, I’m interested in sourcing plants from different parts of the world and combining them in ways that I find emotionally interesting. I like a garden that challenges me, not one that is restful and romantic” explains Simon.

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