September garden tasks for Australian climates

September brings the first real lift in the garden. Soil is waking up, buds are moving, and it is time to set a steady spring rhythm.

Images by Amber Gardener

Find your climate

Across Australia, the month’s advice is grouped by climate — temperate, cool and alpine, subtropical, tropical and arid. Each region has its own priorities for what to sow now, and whether to direct sow, sow in trays, or transplant.

Shared tasks for all climates

These are the recurring September jobs I keep as a checklist at the potting bench:

• Mulch garden beds while the soil is moist and gradually warming.

• Last chance to plant bare rooted deciduous trees, shrubs and vines before real heat arrives. Container grown plants can go in through spring.

• Plant evergreen shrubs and trees including citrus. This is also a good window to relocate established evergreens.

• Feed fruit trees if you didn’t in late winter. Clean away spent growth on perennial herbaceous plants.

• Propagate by cuttings or layering. Divide established perennials such as chives.

• Tie in berry canes before the spring surge. Plant passionfruit where suitable.

• Harden off August seedlings for 7 to 10 days before planting out.

Seeds and seedlings by climate

Here are quick, climate-specific highlights for sowing and planting in September.

Temperate

Begin warm season crops under cover, and direct sow cool tolerant staples.
Try: tomatoes, basil, climbing or bush beans, cucumber, zucchini, pumpkin, sweet corn, plus greens like lettuce, rocket and silverbeet. Start frost tender plants in trays if frost risk remains.

Cool and alpine

Frosts and even late snow are still possible in higher areas. Favour trays and protected spots for warmth.
Try: beetroot, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, peas, silverbeet, spring onions and radish. Start warmth lovers such as tomatoes, basil, squash and sweet corn in trays, then transplant once conditions settle.

Subtropical

Conditions are mild to warm with some storm activity along the coast. A wide range is possible.
Try: beans, cucumber, eggplant, capsicum, pumpkin, sweet corn, okra, rockmelon, watermelon, herbs such as basil, dill and coriander, plus sweet potato and taro in suitable sites.

Tropical

Dry season heat builds with rising humidity. Choose crops that relish warmth.
Try: cowpeas, okra, sweet corn, sweet potato, taro, basil and zucchini.

Arid

Days are warming quickly. Work with heat adapted species and keep waterwise practices front of mind.
Try: tomato, eggplant, capsicum, zucchini, pumpkin, rockmelon, watermelon, okra, sweet corn, and herbs such as basil and oregano.

How I work with September

I organise spring sowing in small, frequent batches rather than one big push. It spreads the harvest, reduces risk and keeps the workload more even. If you are in a frost-prone pocket, keep warmth lovers in trays a little longer and plant out once nights are reliably mild.

Quick checklist

• Mulch beds and top up paths.

• Plant or relocate evergreens, and complete any bare root planting.

• Feed fruit trees and tidy perennials.

• Start spring sowing by climate, using trays for warmth lovers where frost is possible.

• Tie berry canes, start passionfruit in suitable areas, and keep pond care light but regular.

Continue your gardening journey with me

If you enjoy this kind of content, my workshops offer more detail and guidance on design, productivity and seasonal care.

If you are building your garden from home right now, my ebooks on Wicking Bed Gardens and Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping offer practical step by step guidance that pairs well with the workshops.

You may want to check out my related content below:

Workshops are back. Gathering again for Spring – Discover the rest of the years workshops — from Garden Design, Productive Gardens, Wicking Beds and Medicinal Gardens.

Rooted in Reflection, Growing with Intention – Explore the intentionality behind creating a garden that serves both purpose and beauty.

Stay connected for more seasonal inspiration:
Instagram | Facebook | Gardenstead | LinkedIn | Pinterest | YouTube | Website | Newsletter

Thanks so much for following along.
Natasha xx

Join Gardenstead for a world first Spring meet up at Stonewalls in Musk

Save the date: Sunday 9 November 2025, 11am

I have been waiting to share this.

We are hosting the first ever Gardenstead spring meet up anywhere in the world. It will be held at Stonewalls in Musk, a place that brings art, landscape and hospitality together in a way that feels both considered and generous.

This gathering is for Gardenstead members only. If you are not yet part of the community, you can join Gardenstead today and come along. I would love to welcome you to our very first global Gardenstead event. 

👉Download the Gardenstead app here

What is Gardenstead

Gardenstead is a new social platform for gardeners. It is a digital home where growers of every level connect, learn and share practical knowledge. It brings together conversations, seasonal tips and community features so that gardeners can grow together, online and in real life.

My role and how I arrived here

I have joined the Gardenstead team as Community Manager. After many years teaching, designing and building community through workshops and events, the chance to help shape a platform designed for gardeners felt natural. My focus is to make sure the experience is generous, practical and real. This meet up is our first invitation to bring that online energy into the physical world.

About Stonewalls in Musk

Stonewalls sits on 25 acres of gardens and mature forest just outside Daylesford. It is the principal studio and gallery of acclaimed Australian artist Andrew O’Brien. The property includes a gallery, a working studio, with boutique accommodation on site. Stonewalls is ordinarily open by appointment only, which makes this gathering a rare opportunity to experience the gardens together.

Andrew is known for luminous colour, large scale works and a practice that draws deeply from the Australian landscape. In fact they even grace the walls of the Danish Royal Family. He and his wife, Georgie Corke, have shaped Stonewalls as a place where art and landscape meet in daily life. We are so grateful to Andrew and Georgie for opening their property to us.

Why this meet up matters

Gardenstead was built to connect people who grow. This gathering is a simple way to stand in the same place, walk a garden together and share what we are learning as the season turns. It is about generosity, sharing seeds and stories, and the quiet momentum that comes when a community meets in person.

Members only save your place

🗓 When: Sunday 9 November 2025, 11am

Numbers are limited and strictly for Gardenstead members only.
Tickets are $10 AUD to cover catering. 

👉 Save your place here
👉 Download the Gardenstead app to join the community

Once you have booked you will receive full location details and a simple run sheet. Please bring a warm layer, and any seeds or plants you would like to swap.

I cannot wait to welcome you.

Continue your gardening journey with me

If you enjoy this kind of community gathering, my workshops offer more detail and guidance on design, productivity and seasonal care.

If you are building your garden from home right now, my ebooks on Wicking Bed Gardens and Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping offer practical step by step guidance that pairs well with the workshops.

You may want to check out my related content below:

The Power of Noticing: How a Garden Wander Led Me to Morels – Explore the quiet magic of noticing the small wonders that grow in your garden.

Rooted in Reflection, Growing with Intention – Explore the intentionality behind creating a garden that serves both purpose and beauty.

Workshops are back. Gathering again for Spring – Discover the rest of the years workshops — from Garden Design, Productive Gardens, Wicking Beds and Medicinal Gardens.

Stay connected for more seasonal inspiration:
Instagram | Facebook | Gardenstead | LinkedIn | Pinterest | YouTube | Website | Newsletter

Thanks so much for following along.
Natasha xx

Workshops are back. Gathering again for Spring.

The garden is waking.

The light stretches. You can feel that small lift in the morning air. After a winter of steady writing and cups of tea at the kitchen table, it feels right to open the gate and welcome you in again. Workshops are back for spring.

I pressed pause in autumn to give the book the focus it needed. It has become a very large work, shaped into three parts. The first two are already with the editor and I am close to finishing the last. It is the biggest undertaking I have made since working on The Australian Garden. Long days, early starts, a rhythm that asked a lot. The garden outside the window kept me honest through all of it. Returning to workshops brings me back into a room with you. Conversation. Companionship. Practice.

What we will explore together

Four workshops, one intention. To help you create a garden that is generous, beautiful and productive at any scale. You step into my working garden, into the way I test ideas in real time. The wins, the missteps, and the simple considerations that make a space sing.

Garden Design with Natasha Morgan

A clear framework for seeing and shaping your garden. We look at site analysis, axis and circulation, microclimates, rhythm and layering, and how to create structure that can carry productivity and beauty. We use tracing paper and fat texta markers, quick sketching, and the confidence that comes from testing ideas on paper before taking them into the garden. The first date has already filled, which is a lovely sign of the season ahead. There’s a few paces left for the second date.

The Productive Garden with Natasha Morgan

Growing abundance at any scale. We focus on the foundations of creating a truly productive garden, spatial thinking for small and larger gardens, vertical growing, soil and worm systems, espaliers, along with the simple seasonal tasks that keep things moving. Discover the inspiration behind my productive gardens, the tools and techniques to make places of beauty and abundance, grounded in sustainable and innovative practises. This is where beauty meets purpose through food, flowers, medicinals and ornamentals.

The Wicking Bed Garden with Natasha Morgan

Water wise design with real world application. I share my approach to building and maintaining wicking beds, including how I use an IBC cube at Little Cottage on a Hill, and how worms and worm tunnels are integrated to keep soil life thriving. I also show how a no dig approach can be held inside a wicking system so the bed keeps improving year after year.

The Medicinal Garden with Caroline Parker & Natasha Morgan

A gentle and inspiring, hands on morning in the garden. Caroline Parker of The Cottage Herbalist joins me at Little Cottage on a Hill to share the healing potential of plants and how to bring them into daily life with ease. Together we learn, observe, gather and make.

We will create three simple preparations to repeat at home with confidence. An immunity boosting botanical syrup. A soothing balm for gardeners. A bright weedy pesto or salsa from foraged botanicals. We will wander the beds to pick and smell, talk about harvesting and handling, then pause at the long table for morning tea. You leave with recipes, a clear method and a sense of how to fold plant medicine into everyday rhythm. It is productivity held with care. Plants that nourish, remedies you can make, and a daily rhythm that is gentle and useful.

How I teach and what you can expect

We begin with context so the garden in front of you makes sense. At Little Cottage on a Hill we walk and notice and talk through how things operate in real time. In Garden Design and The Productive Garden I also draw on my years at Oak and Monkey Puzzle to show how principles translate across scale.

Each workshop has its own rhythm, and the backbone is the same. Clarity, practice, and time together in the garden. Garden Design leans into design thinking and drawing. The Productive Garden keeps design present but light, focussing on soil, systems, structures and seasonal work. The Wicking Bed Garden stays close to practice. I share my tailored method, show how I have adapted it to my needs, and how it sits within the wider design of the garden.

People often tell me they leave feeling welcomed, inspired and confident to begin. Small groups make this generous, rich and rewarding. There is time for questions. We break for tea and cake. We learn together. The energy comes from the room as much as from the garden, and everyone goes home with more than they arrived with.

Spring is the right moment

Spring brings surge and promise. Buds swell. Soil warms. Compost hums. Seeds leap. It is a generous time to set direction. A plan on paper becomes a clear morning in the garden. A bed that is cut back and fed responds. A wicking bed that is topped up and tended holds steady through the first warm spell. The work is simple and rhythmic, and the garden answers back.

A personal note

Thank you for your patience while I have been deep in the book. It has asked a lot and it has given a lot in return. I am looking forward to being with you again. The quiet focus that lands when a group leans over a drawing. The moment in the garden when a simple change makes the whole space feel right.

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Join a workshop

Explore current workshops in the shop.

If you are building your garden from home right now, my ebooks on Wicking Bed Gardens and Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping offer practical step by step guidance that pairs well with the workshops.

You may want to check out my related content below:

The Power of Noticing: How a Garden Wander Led Me to Morels – Explore the quiet magic of noticing the small wonders that grow in your garden.

Rooted in Reflection, Growing with Intention – Explore the intentionality behind creating a garden that serves both purpose and beauty.

If You Could Learn Anything From Me This Year, What Would It Be? – Discover what I’ve been reflecting on the workshops I’ve shared over the years—and dreaming into what might come next.

Stay connected

Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, Gardenstead, LinkedIn, Pinterest and YouTube, visit the website, and subscribe to the newsletter for seasonal updates.

Thanks so much for following along.
Natasha xx

Syrup Gift Pack Winners Announced + A Workshop Update

Recently, I asked for your help: What kind of workshops would you love to learn from me this year?

Across Instagram, blog comments, emails and DMs, I was genuinely moved by the care, thought and creativity you shared in response.

Every message was heartfelt. I read every single one—and you’ve given me so much to dream into as I shape the next season of workshops.

It was impossible to choose just one standout, so…

I’ve decided to send out not one, but three of my Natasha Morgan Seasonal Syrup Gift Packs as a small thank you for the beautiful ideas and encouragement.

Drumroll….. The winners are @bek.bec @dameofdaylesford and Eve

All winners have been contacted personally—but whether you commented on my socials or blog, replied via email, or messaged me directly, please know:

You’ve helped shape what’s to come, and I’m so deeply grateful.

Your presence in this community means everything and more to me.

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Workshop update

All of my autumn workshops are now sold out—except for four spots left this Saturday at the Wicking Bed Garden Workshop.

It’s the last chance to join before I pause workshops until spring, while I focus on finishing the book.

But this certainly isn’t goodbye… not even close⠀

My seasonal newsletter will be blooming through winter, filled with practical tips, behind-the-scenes moments, planting guides, and early access to future workshops.

If you’re not already on the list, now’s the perfect time to subscribe.

http://eepurl.com/iTENo6

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You may want to check out my related content below:

If You Could Learn Anything From Me This Year, What Would It Be? – Discover what I’ve been reflecting on the workshops I’ve shared over the years—and dreaming into what might come next.

Enjoyed this blog?

→ Share this blog with your friends and gardening allies to spread the love and knowledge.

→ Sign up for the newsletter to stay up-to-date on upcoming workshops, garden tips, and exclusive updates from Little Cottage on a Hill.

Thank you again for being here—for your ideas, your encouragement, and the beautiful way you keep showing up.

With love, gratitude, and sticky syrup-stirring hands,

Natasha x

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.

Introducing Our New E-Book: Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping

After the incredible response to our Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping workshop, I’m thrilled to announce that we’ve taken everything we shared and created an e-book—a comprehensive guide designed to help you start and care for your own flock with confidence.

Backyard chickens are more than just a source of fresh eggs. They are part of a thriving, productive ecosystem, enriching the garden, reducing waste, and bringing daily joy. If you’ve ever spent time watching a hen scratch the earth, dust bathe in the afternoon sun, or curiously follow you around the garden, you’ll know just how much personality and heart they bring to a space.

This e-book is a reflection of our journey—of my deep love for growing, making, and sustainable living, and of Saffron’s lifelong passion for chickens. She’s been raising them since she was three years old, and her knowledge, care, and enthusiasm have shaped this guide into a truly invaluable resource.

Inside, you’ll find everything you need to know to confidently welcome chickens into your backyard, including:

~ Choosing the right breeds for your climate and lifestyle

~ Setting up a safe and comfortable coop

~ Understanding chicken behaviour and daily care

~ Natural approaches to health, feeding, and pest control

~ How chickens can support a thriving, productive garden

Whether you’re starting from scratch or looking to deepen your understanding, this guide will give you the tools to build a resilient, happy flock that works with your garden to create a more self-sufficient home.

I love that we can now share this resource with even more people, extending the reach of our workshops and making it possible for anyone, anywhere, to begin their backyard chicken-keeping journey.

Thinking about or ready to start your own flock? You can purchase the Introduction to Backyard Chicken Keeping e-book now.

If you’ve been to one of our workshops, you’ll know how much we believe in hands-on learning and community. This guide is an extension of that—practical, encouraging, and grounded in real experience.

I can’t wait for you to read it. Let me know if you’re bringing chickens into your backyard—I’d love to hear about your plans!

Natasha xx

Explore more:

Follow along for more on sustainable living, gardening, and backyard chickens. 

Gardens, Growth, and Community: My Story

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

A Festive Season Message

As the festive season settles in, I want to take a moment to share a message of gratitude and reflection with you all. This time of year is a wonderful opportunity to pause, take stock of the year that has been, and find joy in the simple pleasures that surround us—our gardens, our communities, and our shared connection to the land.

This year has been one of growth, learning, and creation. Whether you’ve joined me through workshops or social media, blog or newsletters, explored the stories of Oak & Monkey Puzzle or Little Cottage on a Hill, or simply shared a kind word or message, I want you to know how much your support has meant to me. It’s these moments of connection that make this work and way of life so fulfilling.

As the days grow long and warm here in Daylesford, the garden is at its most generous. There’s something deeply grounding about the rhythm of a productive garden in summer—abundant flowers, ripening produce, and the hum of life all around. It’s a beautiful reminder that nature gifts us moments of respite, joy, and purpose when we care for it with intention.

Join me in glimpses of the garden in its full summer glory. It’s a reflection of the love and care that has gone into its making and a symbol of the kind of life I hope to inspire in others—one of creativity, sustainability, and a deep connection to the spaces we inhabit.

As we move into 2025, I am excited for what lies ahead. From new and super exciting projects (more on that very soon!) to more opportunities to share skills and stories with you, there is so much to look forward to. But for now, let’s embrace the festive spirit - whatever that means for you, celebrate the beauty of the every day, and cherish the company of those we hold dear.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. I wish you and your loved ones a festive season filled with warmth, laughter, and a touch of garden-inspired magic.

For those of you in Victoria’s fire-affected areas, take care, stay safe, and I am sending you all the positive energy I can muster. Our emergency services face an incredible challenge, and I cannot thank them enough for all that they do. 

With heartfelt gratitude,

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.

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