The Ground Beneath Our Feet: Why I Use Gravel and How I Keep It Looking Beautiful

Gravel is one of those humble yet hard-working elements in a garden—beautiful in its simplicity, endlessly useful, and, when done well, incredibly low maintenance.

At both Oak & Monkey Puzzle and Little Cottage on a Hill, I’ve used 20mm Tuscan gravel throughout the garden. Also known as Safari, it’s a warm-toned crushed stone that’s become my favourite. The colour is soft, layered, and earthy—never cold, never flat.

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 Why I Always Choose Tuscan (Safari) Gravel

• The colour matters. I work with a mostly monochromatic palette in my exteriors and interiors—black and white—and I’ve found that white or grey gravel can feel too stark, too cold, too dull. Tuscan, by contrast, feels alive. It shifts beautifully through the seasons, catching the warmth of autumn leaves, the softness of winter light, the exuberance of spring growth.

• 20mm with no fines. That means there are no fine particles or stone dust, which can compact and create a hard crust where weeds thrive. Instead, this gravel is free-draining and forgiving.

Angular and stable. As a crushed stone, it locks in place. Unlike round pea gravel, which rolls and shifts (and ends up in your shoes), Tuscan gravel in a 20mm aggregate stays put. I can push a wheelbarrow, move bins, even roll a wheelchair across it with ease.

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What Lies Beneath (and Why I Never Use Barrier Fabrics)

I never use weed mat or root barrier underneath gravel. It might seem like a good idea at first, but it always lifts, tears, and makes hand-weeding near impossible.

Instead, I take the time to scrape back the topsoil—removing any seed bank that might otherwise sit dormant and spring to life. Then I lay a minimum of 75mm (3 inches) of gravel for a generous, workable surface.

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How I Keep It Looking Beautiful—Without Chemicals

Gravel isn’t weed-proof, but it is easy to maintain if you stay on top of things:

• No glyphosate. Ever. It destroys soil biology, poses risks to people and animals, and has no place in a thriving garden.

• Boiling water works beautifully for small patches—especially those with deeper roots. I always empty the urn after workshops onto a few weeds.

• Flame weeding is effective—but risky. I once nearly set the studio alight, so only use on still days and with absolute care.

If short on time, pluck off the flower heads before weeds go to seed. It’s a quick win that stops them spreading while you find time for a proper clear-out.

Gravel is one of those quiet elements that holds everything together. It creates rhythm and structure, allows water to permeate, softens hard lines, and gives plants a subtle stage on which to shine.

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Curious about garden design from the ground up?

Join one of my hands-on seasonal workshops or subscribe to my newsletter for stories, tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into life at Little Cottage on a Hill.

You may want to check out my related content below:

Designing for Expansiveness: Small Space Garden Strategies at Little Cottage on a Hill– Learn how I’ve applied a series of design strategies to maximise space while ensuring a sense of expansiveness and flexibility. 

If you’d like to experience life here and this incredible space first-hand, I’d love to welcome you to one of my upcoming workshops. Come and walk the garden, learn something new, and connect with others creating lives rich in beauty, practicality and purpose.

Explore my workshops:

~  The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan – Learn how to grow abundantly, no matter your space.

~ Garden Design with Natasha Morgan – Craft a garden that balances structure, beauty, and functionality.

~ The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan – Build a self-watering, water-wise garden for effortless growing.

~ Preserving The Seasons with Natasha Morgan – Capture seasonal flavours with time-honoured preserving techniques.

~ Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping with Saffron and Natasha  – Learn how to raise happy, healthy chickens at home.

Thanks for being here for the journey.

Natasha xx

For glimpses into workshops, daily life, and my thoughts from Little Cottage on a Hill, you can find me on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. And if you’d like a more personal update, subscribe to my Newsletter for a monthly note on what’s growing, what’s inspiring me, and what’s next.

Click the links below to stay connected—I’d love to have you along for the journey.

Welcome to My Little Corner of the World

Hello, I’m Natasha Morgan – a landscape architect by profession, but above all, a lifelong gardener and maker. I’ve noticed so many new faces joining my little community recently, so I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself and share a bit about my journey. It’s so lovely to have you here!

The Dream of Oak and Monkey Puzzle

In 2014, after years of working as a Senior Landscape Architect and lecturing in landscape architecture, I made a life-changing decision. My family and I left Melbourne to embrace a long-held dream – a tree change to a 5-acre property in Spargo Creek, just outside Daylesford.

We named the property ‘Oak and Monkey Puzzle’ after its grand old namesake colonial trees, and it was nothing short of transformative. It wasn’t just a garden; it became a hub for growing, gathering, and creating. The property offered a rich canvas to combine my professional expertise with my passions for design, gardening, preserving and community building.

Workshops and events at Oak and Monkey Puzzle brought together artisans, creatives, and like-minded individuals. It was a place where flowers bloomed, vegetables thrived, and friendships flourished alongside the plants. It was also deeply personal – a space where I found a new rhythm, working with the seasons and living more intentionally with the land.

Closing One Chapter, Opening Another

After nine wonderful years, in 2022, it was time to close the chapter on Oak and Monkey Puzzle. Those years taught me invaluable lessons about community, resilience, and the beauty of combining creativity with sustainability.

From Spargo Creek, my family and I downsized to 515m² in Daylesford and began a new adventure: Little Cottage on a Hill.

Little Cottage on a Hill: A New Experiment

Little Cottage on a Hill is proof that you don’t need vast acres to create abundance. On this compact block, I’ve embraced the challenge of designing a garden that is both productive and beautiful. The property includes verge gardens overflowing with seasonal produce, espaliered fruit trees lining the fences, and a small kitchen garden designed with wicking beds for maximum yield with minimal space and water.

This project has become an experiment in sustainable living. It’s about creating multifunctional spaces, working within constraints, and showing what’s possible – even on a small scale.

Sharing My Passion

While the scale of my garden has changed, my passion for teaching, growing, and creating hasn’t. Today, I host workshops, collaborate with other artisans, and share tips to help others design gardens that are productive, sustainable, and uniquely theirs – no matter the size of the space they’re working with.

If you’ve been following me since the Oak and Monkey Puzzle days, thank you for your continued support. If you’re new here, welcome! I’m so glad to have you along for this next chapter.

Living Well with the Land

Whether it’s a sprawling 5 acres or a modest 515m², I’ve come to realise that living well is about finding beauty and abundance in what you have. My journey has been one of discovery – of the land, the seasons, and my own creativity.

I hope to inspire you to explore your connection to the land and create something meaningful in your own corner of the world. Here’s to small spaces, big ideas, and living well with the land.

Rooted in Reflection, Growing with Intention

As the calendar turns to a new year, I always find myself reflecting on this shared moment of pause and possibility. For me, the year feels like it truly begins in spring, as the world awakens and the garden offers its first green shoots of promise. However, this time of year—when the days are long and the air is warm—offers an opportunity to reflect on the months that have passed and to consider the path ahead.

This past spring, I made a commitment to share more of myself—my tips, tricks, expertise, and knowledge gained from years of gardening, design, and living closely with the land. It was a promise rooted in the values that have shaped my work: generosity, community, collaboration, and creativity. What I didn’t anticipate was how deeply this act of sharing would give back to me. The connections we’ve built, the stories you’ve shared, and the inspiration we’ve exchanged have filled my year with a richness I couldn’t have envisaged.

Over the past twelve months, there have been countless moments to cherish. From the small victories in the garden to the conversations, workshops, and collaborations that have inspired me, this year has been about growth—not only in the soil but in the connections we’ve cultivated together.

Rather than setting resolutions or chasing rigid goals, I believe in beginning with intention. It’s about aligning our actions with what truly matters, grounding ourselves in purpose, and allowing the unfolding seasons to guide us. Intention gives us space to grow naturally, just as a garden does, adapting to what each day brings.

As we step into 2025, I am staying rooted in these values. I’m excited to continue sharing my journey with you—offering practical knowledge, insights, and inspiration for creating spaces that are both beautiful and productive. Together, we’ll explore what it means to live well, to design with care, and to build connections with nature, the land, and each other.

As you join me in a collection of snapshots from the past year, I hope you’ll see the stories of shared learning, community, and creativity that have defined this chapter. Whether it’s been through workshops, your visits to Little Cottage on a Hill, or simply a kind word online, I am so grateful for the role you’ve played in this journey.

In the year ahead, I invite you to join me in starting with intention. Let’s nurture what sustains us, embrace the beauty in the unexpected, and continue to create spaces where life flourishes.

Here’s to the seasons yet to come and the small but meaningful steps we take together.

With love,

Natasha xx

Living Well Spotlight: My Bucket List

Living with Purpose: A Bucket List for Balance and Beauty

As I sit here in the garden of Little Cottage on a Hill, thinking about another ‘calendar’ year soon coming to an end, surrounded by the call of cockatoos and the buzz of busy bees, I reflect on what it means to live well—and my ‘bucket list’.

Living well, to me, is about balance. It’s about finding joy in the simple moments—a freshly harvested tomato still warm from the sun, the comforting ritual of making preserves, or the laughter shared around a table. It’s about creating spaces that nurture not only the land but also the people who connect with it, fostering community, and living with purpose and creativity. For me, living well isn’t about grand gestures or perfection—it’s about being present, noticing the beauty in everyday life, and giving back to the world around me.

My bucket list isn’t a list of lofty ambitions but rather a collection of dreams and intentions that align with these values. It’s a way of planting seeds for the future while savouring the process of nurturing them into being. Here are some of the ideas that inspire me as I think about the year ahead and beyond.

1. Create a Community Garden at Little Cottage on a Hill

At the heart of my vision for Little Cottage on a Hill is the dream of transforming it into a vibrant community garden. A space where people from all walks of life can come together to learn, share, and grow, this productive garden would be a celebration of sustainable practices and the joy of collaboration. I imagine neighbours, families, and visitors gathering to cultivate the land, exchanging ideas, skills, and stories.

It would be a place to foster connection—with each other and the landscape we all share. The good news is that this bucket list item is already well on its way to being achieved! Come join me for a workshop!

2. Spotting a Blue-Banded Bee

One dream I’m holding close is to spot a blue-banded bee in my garden. This tiny yet remarkable pollinator would be a wonderful marker of the growing biodiversity that’s been nurtured by creating a verge garden here at Little Cottage on a Hill. The verge garden has been a labour of love—designed to invite native wildlife, support pollinators, and contribute to the ecological health of the area.

As part of this journey, I’ve begun documenting all the new birds and insects I see for the first time in the garden. It’s a mindful practice that helps me notice and appreciate each visitor, from vibrant parrots to delicate native bees. Capturing these moments in photos feels like a visual diary, a quiet celebration of the life that’s flourishing here. Seeing a blue-banded bee in one of these snapshots would feel like a milestone—a sign that the garden is thriving, and that these small, intentional efforts are making a real difference.

A while back I spotted a Cloak and Dagger bee in Lily Langham’s garden and gosh it was something! 

3. Considering Writing My First Book

I’ve been toying with the idea of writing a book for some time now, and it’s becoming something I’m seriously considering. The focus would be on productive gardening, sharing practical advice, design principles, and thoughtful reflections on creating beautiful, sustainable spaces that provide nourishment and joy. It’s still very much in the ideas phase, but I envision it as a guide that inspires others to embrace the concept of living well through their own gardens. For now, I’m letting the idea take root and grow, much like a seed planted in rich soil.

4. Host a Seasonal Preserving Workshop Series

One of the dreams I’m bringing to life is hosting a seasonal preserving workshop series right here at Little Cottage on a Hill. Preserving the seasons is something I’m deeply passionate about—it’s a way of capturing the abundance of the garden and turning it into something beautiful and lasting.

These workshops will celebrate the rhythm of the year, teaching participants how to create their own pantry filled with seasonal preserves. From the bright tang of citrus marmalade in winter to the rich warmth of tomato passata in summer, each session will reflect the unique produce of the season.

It’s more than a workshop—it’s an opportunity to connect with others, share skills, and honour the joy of growing and preserving food. If this sounds like something you’d love to experience, visit Preserving the Seasons with Natasha Morgan for details and bookings. I can’t wait to tick this bucket list item off my list, welcome you to Little Cottage on a Hill, and share this timeless craft with you!

Planting Seeds for the Future

My bucket list is less about achieving and more about intention. It’s about planting seeds—not just in the soil but in the heart. It’s about nurturing these dreams with care, savouring the process of their growth, and embracing the beauty of the everyday along the way.

Here’s to the dreams we hold, the seeds we plant, and the joy we find in living well.

Oak & Monkey Puzzle: A Hub of Creativity, Community, and Connection

In 2014, I embarked on a life-changing journey that brought me to Spargo Creek, a small hamlet nestled within the Central Victorian Highlands. This tree change wasn’t just a move to the country; it was a deeply rooted desire to reconnect with nature and live a life that merged creativity, collaboration, and sustainability. Oak & Monkey Puzzle, the five-acre property we purchased, became the canvas for my vision—a vision that blended my expertise in landscape architecture, horticulture, and my passion for flowers, produce, preserving and creating spaces where people could gather, learn, and be inspired.

The property’s name was inspired by the grand colonial trees that graced the landscape, including towering Oaks and a majestic Monkey Puzzle tree. Their presence was a reminder of the property’s rich Gold Rush era history as the old Spargo Creek Post Office, O’Connells’s General Store, and recreation reserve. This place had long been a hub for community and exchange, and I felt drawn to that legacy. It was here that I could see all my passions—design, nature, productive gardening and teaching—coming together in one place. Oak & Monkey Puzzle became the canvas for a new way of life, a life and business created from a hybrid of passions, deeply connected to the land and a yearning for a simpler yet richer way of living.

Aspirations and Inspirations

Oak & Monkey Puzzle was more than just a property; it was a living, breathing manifestation of my aspirations. I wanted to create a place that would bring people together—a space where artisans, designers, and gardeners could collaborate and share their knowledge. My inspiration for this venture stemmed from years of working on large-scale public projects, most notably The Australian Garden (Stage 2) at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. After spending years in the public realm design world, I longed for a more personal, intimate connection with the land, one that would allow me to explore my creative passions while building a sense of community.

The property’s almost derelict state was no deterrent; I only saw its endless potential. With the Wombat State Forest as a backdrop, the land was rich with opportunity, waiting to be transformed into productive gardens, cut flower terraces, and orchard spaces. I envisioned Oak & Monkey Puzzle as a place where people could come to experience the beauty of nature, the joys of growing their own food, and the fulfilment that comes from creative expression.

The Design and Construction Process

The creation of Oak & Monkey Puzzle was a labour of love and a testament to the power of clever and considered design and a bucketload of drive, elbow grease and passion. My approach was deeply influenced by the landscape architecture design principles I had honed and taught a generation of university students throughout my career. The first step was to experience the space and truly get to know it—to understand its aspect (sunny and shaded spaces and orientation to the sun), climate, geology, topography, soil conditions and more. This was crucial in determining how the garden would take shape, ensuring that every element worked harmoniously with the land and the seasons.

From there, I focused on creating spaces that would evolve with the workshop and bespoke event offerings and natural rhythms of the seasons. The garden became a place of discovery, shaped by multi-functional spaces that expanded and contracted depending on how it was inhabited, offering new experiences throughout the year. Every area was thoughtfully planned, from the productive gardens that provided fresh produce to the outdoor rooms that extended the living space beyond the house. The lawn axis, connecting the gardens to the forest, served as a central feature, grounding the entire property in its natural surroundings.

Building a Community

Oak & Monkey Puzzle wasn’t just about creating a beautiful garden—it was about fostering a deep sense of self, and community. From the very beginning, I envisioned this space as a reflection of my greatest sources of personal joy and contentment, as well as a hub for collaboration, learning, and connection. I hosted workshops on garden design, floristry, styling, drystone walling and more, inviting local artisans and craftspeople to share their skills and life-long passions. These workshops became more than just educational experiences—they were opportunities for people to gather, exchange ideas, and form lasting connections.

The community that grew around Oak & Monkey Puzzle mirrored the values I hold close—creativity, sustainability, and collaboration. It became a place where conversations flowed as naturally as the changing seasons in the garden, and where an ethos of generosity was at the heart of every interaction. The property evolved into a destination for those seeking inspiration, knowledge, and a deeper connection to nature.

A Place of Transformation

Over the years, Oak & Monkey Puzzle transformed from a near-derelict property into a thriving, productive landscape that embodied my vision of ‘living well’. It was a place where we grew our own food, preserved the harvest, and shared the bounty with the local community. The property’s history as a post office and general store added to its charm, and I felt privileged to breathe new life into it. The gardens evolved with the seasons, offering something new with each passing year. It was a space that was constantly in motion, much like the creative process itself.

Legacy and Moving Forward

After nearly a decade at Oak & Monkey Puzzle, my family and I made the decision to move on. The lessons I learned during those years—the importance of living in tune with the land, the power of community, and the beauty of sustainable design—continue to guide me in my new chapter at Little Cottage on a Hill. Oak & Monkey Puzzle will always hold a special place in my heart as the foundation of my journey into sustainable living and community collaboration, as well as creating a life that's aligned with my truest self.

Today, as I keep exploring what it means to live a life that truly makes my heart sing, and as I continue to share my knowledge through workshops and writing (oh and online courses… stay tuned!), the spirit of Oak & Monkey Puzzle lives on. It was a place of transformation, creativity, and connection, and its legacy continues to inspire everything I do.

The Natasha Morgan Story: A Journey Rooted in Nature, Creativity, and Community

The journey to create this crazy hybrid vocation I call Natasha Morgan wasn’t a single moment of inspiration but a lifetime of connection with nature, creativity, and community. It all began when I first dug my hands into the soil, discovering the joy of growing and nurturing. Since then, my path has taken me from designing large urban projects like The Australian Garden (Stage 2) at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, to creating spaces that reflect a simpler, more intentional way of living.

Where It All Began

My relationship with nature and creative expression started at a young age. Growing up in Melbourne, I was fortunate to be surrounded by family friends with a magnificent garden, and it was there that I first experienced the magic of nurturing a space. The smell of the damp earth and the joy of watching something I planted take root left a lasting impression on me.

As I grew older, this passion expanded beyond the garden into a love for design and architecture. I pursued formal education in both fields and eventually worked on significant projects like The Australian Garden (Stage 2). While these projects brought me professional success, I longed for a more personal and meaningful connection to my work—something that could blend creativity, community, and sustainability in a way that aligned with my vision for life.

The Birth of Oak & Monkey Puzzle

In 2014, after years of balancing my career and personal passions, my family and I made the life-changing decision to leave the city behind. We moved to a five-acre (2-hectare) property in Spargo Creek and named it Oak & Monkey Puzzle. The land was in disrepair, but I saw potential. This wasn’t just a home—it was a canvas for creativity, where I could blend my love for landscape architecture, gardening, teaching, and community.

Before: 2014 - Making a garden

2015

After: Oak & Monkey Puzzle - My oasis and creative hub

Oak & Monkey Puzzle quickly became a hub of creativity and collaboration. Hosting workshops on topics like garden design, drystone walling, and floristry, we brought together artisans, gardeners, and creatives to share skills, ideas, and inspiration. It was a space where sustainability and community flourished side by side. The gardens were filled with productive kitchen gardens, a cut flower terrace, and an orchard that nourished both my family and our guests.

This property gave me the opportunity to truly explore the power of design and the connections that can be formed through nature. More than just creating a beautiful space, Oak & Monkey Puzzle became a place where ideas, creativity, and community came together in meaningful ways.

Transitioning to Little Cottage on a Hill

After nearly a decade at Oak & Monkey Puzzle, our journey led us to something smaller and more intimate—Little Cottage on a Hill, a 515-square-metre plot in Daylesford. Despite its size, this space is just as abundant as our previous home, filled with espaliered fruit trees, seasonal vegetables, and flowers blooming year-round.

Little Cottage On A Hill - Western Verge Garden

Little Cottage On A Hill - Northern Verge Garden

Little Cottage on a Hill represents everything I’ve learned about design and sustainability, distilled into a smaller space. It stands as a testament to the fact that you don’t need vast amounts of land to live beautifully or sustainably. This space has reaffirmed my belief in the power of intentional design—no matter the size of the plot, a mindful approach can create a rich, fulfilling environment.

Before: Little Cottage On A Hill

The Values That Shape “Natasha Morgan’

At the heart of this crazy Natasha Morgan business/life/vocation is a commitment to sustainability, creativity, and community. These values are the foundation of everything I do, from the gardens I design to the workshops I host.

• Sustainability: My gardens are designed to support biodiversity, conserve water, and avoid harmful chemicals. Sustainability is not just about following trends but creating spaces that work in harmony with nature and provide long-term benefits for both people and the environment.

• Creativity: Whether designing a garden or developing a workshop, creativity fuels my vision. It’s about creating spaces and experiences that go beyond aesthetics and offer something meaningful and inspiring to those who interact with them.

• Community: From the beginning, my goal has been to build spaces that foster community. Workshops, events, and collaborations bring people together, allowing them to share knowledge, skills, and a love of nature.

A Journey of Transformation

‘Natasha Morgan’ has evolved over the years, much like the gardens I’ve nurtured. What began as a personal project has blossomed into a platform where I can share my knowledge and skills with others. Through my work, I aim to inspire people to live mindfully, connect with nature, and embrace the beauty and simplicity of sustainable living.

This journey has been filled with transformations—both in my life and in the spaces I’ve created. From Oak & Monkey Puzzle to Little Cottage on a Hill, each chapter has taught me valuable lessons about balance, creativity, and the importance of living with intention.

What’s Next?

Looking ahead, Natasha Morgan continues to grow, rooted in the same values that have shaped me from the start. I’m currently focused on developing in-person workshops, online courses, and thoughtfully curated resources that share the wisdom of productive gardening and exploring how small spaces can offer big rewards that will allow me to share my passion and skills with a broader audience, no matter where they are in the world.

I’m also excited to explore the idea of writing a book. I’ve long considered it, and the timing may now be just right. Stay tuned!

Whether you’ve been part of the Natasha Morgan community from the beginning or are just discovering my world now, I invite you to join me on this journey. Together, we can explore what it means to live well, create with intention, and nurture the land and connections that make life meaningful.

Creative Community Spotlight: Christiana Jackson of Mimosa Botanicals

Collaboration is at the heart of everything I do, and it’s been so lovely hosting ‘The Aromatic Garden’ workshop alongside Christiana Jackson, the founder of Mimosa Botanicals, whose beautiful work with botanicals and aromatherapy is rooted in sustainability and mindfulness, in her old-world apothecary studio.

Christiana’s journey began in the Australian bush, where she developed a deep connection with the natural scents around her—a passion that has taken her from Australia to the Grasse Institute of Perfumery in Provence, France. (Read more about her below in a lovely Q&A she generously shared with me)

It’s so lovely to not only be able to share Christiana’s work but also our collaboration for ‘The Aromatic Garden’ workshop, a hands-on experience where participants will delve into the world of aromatic plants, the gardens and aromatic plants of Little Cottage On A Hill,  and learn to make their own luxurious botanical bath and body products for themselves or as special handcrafted gifts. Together, we’ll explore how to bring plants and their incredible aromatics into everyday life.

Here’s what you’ll create in this workshop: 

• 50ml Bath/Body Oil infused with dried botanicals and essential oils
• Oat Milk Bath Bag with botanicals and spices
• 10ml Uplifting Aromatherapy Roller for mood and wellness

Join us for a day of festive self-care, freshly baked morning tea, and botanical creations in the idyllic setting of Little Cottage on a Hill. Spaces are extremely limited, so gather some friends and book your spot today!

Sunday 10 November 2024

10am - 1 pm

Little Cottage On  A Hill, Daylesford

Tickets via https://www.natashamorgan.com.au/shop/the-aromatic-garden

In conversation with Christiana

1. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind Mimosa Botanicals and how your journey into aromatherapy and botanical products began?

I am eternally inspired by plants, their beauty, their scent and their ability to heal, nurture and comfort us on so many levels. I have always found peace being surrounded by nature, even as a young girl growing up in the bush so my path to working with them, particularly in the scent world started many many years ago!

I've been making scented products since I was a teen and dabbled in it as a hobby for such a long time - I qualified as an Aromatherapist in 2010 after years of self study and the need to apply my learnings in a professional manner (I was working in a clinic as a massage therapist at the time).

I started Mimosa Botanicals in 2016 after moving to Castlemaine from Melbourne. My son was only 3 years old and it felt like the right time.

The name Mimosa came to me as a homage to my love of the French traditions in scent and aromatherapy and my love of our native wattle (which also grows in such abundance around Castlemaine!). 

The French name for wattle is Mimosa, and I thought it was a lovely way to honour both loves.

2. What role do aromatic plants play in your creations, and how do you source the botanicals for your blends?

They are at the centre of everything here at Mimosa Botanicals! From the dried botanicals we use in our bath soaks to the extracted scents through steam distillation or solvent extraction that we use in our perfumes, soaps and skin care. Aromatic plants are our star performers!

We source our extracts from Australia and all over the world, depending on where they are grown and distilled. For example, we can source the majority of citrus oils here, as they are a byproduct of the citrus-growing industry! We also use divine sandalwood oil grown in Western Australia alongside some pretty special natives.

We also pick and dehydrate in our apothecary many herbs, flowers, and citruses from our garden, friends' gardens, or wild harvests in the local area, which we use in our bath soaks and infused oils alongside certified organic when we need to source from elsewhere.

3. What makes working with botanicals and natural ingredients so powerful in today’s world?

I think, ultimately, the power comes from the earth, air, and water that give these botanicals life, and we, as humans, are intrinsically connected to that cycle.

Nature is a healer, a grounding force, and an antidote to the modern world. As I get older, I seek time in nature more and more—it feeds my soul.

4. How does your philosophy of sustainability and mindfulness influence your approach to creating your products?

Every product or recipe idea comes from a mindful moment for me, and more often than not, it is when I am out walking in nature, when there is stillness. I say that my perfumes and products are inspired by nature—not only by the scent profile and natural raw materials that I use but also by the moment of creation—a little scent seed is planted in my brain when immersed in the natural world.

There's nothing more sustainable than utilising plants from your own garden or local surroundings. I love to venture out and wild harvest ingredients like rose hips, elderberries, herbs, rose petals, and citrus fruits, or visit local beekeepers for beeswax and honey or local olive groves for EVOO.

Not all ingredients can be sourced locally, though, so I always choose Australian-grown and/or certified organic materials to use in Mimosa Botanicals products.

5. What excites you most about collaborating with Natasha Morgan for the ‘The Aromatic Garden’ workshop? How do you see participants benefiting from this experience?

I get so much joy from working with others; that collaborative energy is so enriching when you spend a lot of your days as a solo worker! 

I'm excited to see Natasha's flourishing spring garden, be inspired by her seasonal plantings, and incorporate those ideas into products on the day and in future recipes.

I hope those participating are just as inspired by getting in the garden, growing and utilising the fruits of their labour to create products for themselves and their loved ones.

I also love bringing a group of like-minded people together to spend time having fun, eating cake (Natasha's baking is YUMMY! I'm Looking forward to that, too!), and feeling enriched by the experience.

Join Natasha and Christiana on Sunday 10th November 2024 for ‘The Aromatic Garden’ workshop

Productive Gardens: Functional, Beautiful, and Sustainable

Creating Productive Gardens: Natasha Morgan’s Approach to Blending Beauty, Function, and Sustainability

In my years as a landscape architect, both large and small-scale projects have taught me that a garden can be so much more than just a space of beauty. It can serve a multitude of purposes, nourishing the body, connecting us with nature, and offering moments of mindfulness. My approach to creating productive gardens reflects this philosophy: a seamless blend of beauty, function, and sustainability that invites participation in the natural rhythms of life.

Little Cottage On A Hill, Daylesford

A Deep Connection with Nature

For me, a productive garden is more than just a source of sustenance; it is an active partnership with the landscape. It embodies a respect for the cycles of nature, encouraging us to grow what is suited to the soil, climate, and season. I believe that by working with nature, rather than imposing upon it, we can create gardens that are both abundant and sustainable.

Little Cottage On A Hill, Daylesford (As featured in Better Homes and Gardens Magazine - May 2024 issue)

Beauty and Function in Harmony

At the core of my garden design philosophy is the belief that beauty and function should never be mutually exclusive. Every element in the garden has a role to play. Whether it’s an espaliered fruit tree that defines the boundary while producing seasonal fruit, or a wicking bed that conserves water while adding sculptural interest to the landscape, I aim to create spaces where every element serves multiple purposes. It’s this careful balance of form and function that makes a garden truly inspiring.

The Wicking Bed Garden at Little Cottage on a Hill, Daylesford, uses repurposed and timber-clad IBCs (industrial-grade containers engineered for the mass handling, transport, and storage of liquids) and reinforcing mesh to create beautiful and water-wise wicking beds that not only nourish my productive crops but also save my back!

Sustainability as a Guiding Principle

Sustainability is integral to my approach. From Oak & Monkey Puzzle’s expensive five acres to the compact Little Cottage on a Hill, I’ve always prioritised environmentally conscious practices. This means using water wisely through techniques like wicking beds, encouraging biodiversity by planting for pollinators, and reusing materials wherever possible. These practices are not only good for the environment but also make the garden more resilient and self-sustaining.

Small Spaces, Big Impact

My latest project, Little Cottage on a Hill, is a testament to how even the smallest spaces can be highly productive and deeply rewarding. With only 515 square metres, I’ve reimagined the concept of a productive garden, demonstrating that with thoughtful design, small spaces can produce an abundance of food while remaining beautiful and inviting. From the verge gardens that provide seasonal vegetables, medicinal plants and herbs to the espaliered fruit trees that define the space, every square metre has been carefully considered to maximise both productivity and aesthetics.

Little Cottage on a Hill’s west-facing verge garden includes flowers and medicinal plants, maximising our wide verges on deep volcanic soils.

A Space to Live Well

A productive garden isn’t just about growing food—it’s about cultivating a space that allows for living well. It’s a space to slow down, observe the seasons, and find joy in the simple act of planting, harvesting, and preserving. For me, this mindfulness is just as important as the garden’s physical yield. It’s about creating a space that nourishes the body and the soul, offering a deeper connection to nature and to ourselves.

Little Cottage on a Hill’s north-facing verge garden includes flowers, herbs and vegetables maximising every horizontal and vertical surface.

Gardens are living, evolving spaces. They are places of beauty, function, and sustainability, where each season brings new challenges and rewards. My approach is always to create spaces that are not only visually pleasing but also deeply functional and environmentally mindful. Whether working on large-scale projects or intimate urban spaces, my goal remains the same: to inspire others to live well through the creation of beautiful, sustainable, and productive gardens.