Why some gardens are designed to challenge rather than soothe
In short: Most people seek a garden that feels like a restful sanctuary, but for Simon Rickard, the goal is different. By sourcing plants from diverse global climates and prioritizing emotional intrigue over traditional romance, he has transformed a blank sub-alpine canvas into a complex horticultural puzzle.
Located in the cool climate of Trentham, Victoria, Simon Rickard’s garden serves as a study in intentional botanical curation. The site sits within the Macedon ranges, an area characterized by extended winters and sub-alpine conditions. To succeed here, Rickard had to move beyond mere aesthetics to functional resilience, selecting species capable of enduring harsh seasonal shifts while maintaining visual impact.
Rickard’s approach is defined by his self-identification as a "plantsman." Rather than following standard landscaping tropes, he seeks out plants from various parts of the world—specifically those from cool Mediterranean climates that mirror the local seasons. A primary example is Gopher Spurge (Euphorbia rigida), native to Turkey and Greece. This plant provides a sharp visual contrast, pairing acid green foliage with vibrant yellow flowers and bronze accents.
The underlying philosophy here is one of intellectual and emotional engagement. Rickard explicitly states that he prefers a garden that challenges him over one that is "restful and romantic." By combining disparate species in ways that evoke specific emotions, the garden becomes an artistic undertaking. This reflects his personal history: from starting an orchid collection at age nine to founding the Orchid Society of Canberra by age 12, his life has been a progression of systematic botanical study.
For the gardener, this represents a shift from passive observation to active curation. It suggests that a garden can function as a living gallery where the primary goal is the exploration of variety and global geography. By selecting for "emotionally interesting" combinations, Rickard treats the landscape as a dynamic narrative rather than a static decoration.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: My Garden Path: Simon Rickard
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/gardening-my-garden-path-simon-rickard.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Gardening · Latest · A–Z · All topics
