Garden Design with Natasha Morgan
Garden Design with Natasha Morgan
Time: various
Dates:
Sunday 14 September 2025 (10am to 1pm)
Sunday 16 November 2025 (10am to 1pm)
Saturday 22 November 2025 (10am to 1pm)
Friday 28 November 2025 (1.30 to 4.30pm)
Location: Daylesford, Victoria
Whether you're starting from scratch or reshaping an existing space, this half-day garden design workshop invites you to see your garden differently. From the structure of the land up, this is not a plant-by-plant session. It is a place to think like a landscape architect and begin shaping your dream garden with clarity and purpose.
Together, we’ll explore the fundamental principles that guide thoughtful garden design. You’ll learn how to observe and respond to the unique conditions of a site, and how to work with what already exists to support the kind of space you want to create. We’ll talk about how to create rhythm, balance and a sense of flow in the garden. Not through formulas, but through a practice of observation, clarity and intention.
Using tracing paper and bold texters, you’ll begin a layered, iterative design process based on Natasha's own garden. A technique that prioritises experience over detail. This isn’t about where your grandma’s rose will go. It is about learning to see the bigger picture, and how to design in a way that brings coherence and life to your space.
You’ll leave with the tools to create your own garden brief, a new approach to site mapping and design thinking grounded in landscape architecture, and a renewed way of seeing and shaping your garden. No matter its size or complexity.
We draw from real projects such as Oak and Monkey Puzzle and Little Cottage on a Hill, and explore how to reimagine constraints as creative opportunities. There is also a guided tour of Little Cottage on a Hill, where we see how theory comes to life in a compact space.
The Garden Design Workshop includes:
A guided site-walk and discussion of foundational garden design principles
A conceptual design exercise using tracing paper and Natasha’s method, based on her own garden
A step-by-step approach to developing your own garden brief
Morning tea sourced from Natasha’s verge and kitchen gardens, with local seasonal produce
A guided tour of Natasha’s current project, Little Cottage on a Hill
Digital insights into the evolution of Oak and Monkey Puzzle, her five-acre design-led property in Spargo Creek (2013 to 2022)
A curated design kit to support your learning and exploration
Time to ask questions and engage in conversation with Natasha in a relaxed and welcoming setting
Who this is for:
This workshop is ideal for anyone rethinking or shaping their garden from the ground up. Whether urban or rural, large or small. No design experience is required, just a desire to see your garden with new eyes and begin the journey toward your own dream garden. Designers and design-curious attendees are warmly welcomed.
What past participants have said:
"I adored attending Natasha's Garden Design workshop. Natasha warmly welcomed us and was so generous from the minute we entered the gate at Little Cottage on the Hill. Every little detail made it such a unique experience as Natasha happily shared so much about her garden and more while we all took it in enjoying a delicious orange cake and copious cups of tea. Loved exploring the garden and learning the concept of garden design with the take-home kits in our goody bags with some of Natasha's gorgeous produce and herbs. I never wanted to leave and look forward to attending more workshops." – Annette
"I attended the Garden Design with Natasha Morgan. The space was absolutely beautiful and we were provided with a pack of materials to use. Natasha was generous with her time and answered all our questions. The workshop gave me permission to play with design and be less fixed on trying to get it 'right' or perfect the first time. Natasha brought the elements of design to life."
"Wow, what can I say. Natasha’s offering is not just inspiring and educational, but practical and such great value. Freshly baked cakes and tastings of her famous syrups upon arrival. Endless cups of tea or coffee, many chances to ask questions, as well as small gifts to take home. Each guest receives a design packet. Combine this with the directions Natasha gives and you can start creating your own new garden at home. You can’t ask for more than this. Would highly recommend to anyone wanting to improve the experience of their outdoor space."
Class size is limited to ensure an intimate and engaging experience.
About Natasha:
Natasha Morgan is an award-winning landscape architect, educator and creative collaborator. She has worked on some of Australia’s most significant public realm projects, including managing the design and construction of The Australian Garden at the Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne. For over 12 years, she has also taught landscape architecture at both RMIT and Melbourne Universities.
In 2014, Natasha made a tree change with a purpose, creating the internationally recognised Oak and Monkey Puzzle in Spargo Creek. Today she continues her design journey at Little Cottage on a Hill. A 515 square metre site in Daylesford where she distils large-scale principles into a smaller, highly considered space that supports growing, gathering and seasonal living.
Natasha shares her work through workshops, public speaking and creative collaborations. She is also currently writing her first book and developing a new online platform to support others in designing and living with the land. Natasha is the Community Manager of Gardenstead. An international platform connecting people who grow, design, tend and live creatively with plants and place.