Goondiwindi has long been admired for a collection of beautiful homes and gardens on the river.  Ahead of the next open garden day, we caught up with host and garden consultant, Shona McIntosh of SM Gardens for her advice on creating beautiful, sustainable outdoor spaces this summer.

 


SM Gardens is a new venture, can you tell us a little bit about it?
SM Garden Designs is an exciting new venture that combines my passion for gardening honed over the past 20 years with a desire to help others create outdoor spaces. I noticed that many people loved the idea of having a beautiful, inviting garden but often felt overwhelmed by where to start or how to bring their vision to life. I love helping clients transform their outdoor areas into stunning havens—whether that's through designing lush garden beds, crafting entertaining areas perfect for gathering with friends or incorporating pathways that invite exploration. My goal is to provide personalised solutions that cater to each client’s unique tastes and lifestyle, blending creativity with practicality.

When it comes to designing gardens in the country, what style and type of garden plans are you drawn too? 

When it comes to designing gardens in the country, I’m drawn to a blend of formal and informal styles with clean, symmetrical lines to highlight key entrances. I enjoy mixing a variety of plants and repeating them throughout the garden to create a sense of balance and harmony. A combination of shrubs, roses and perennials are my favourite for maintaining year-round interest. I especially love deciduous trees—they have a stark, architectural beauty in winter and a lush, green fullness in summer. My absolute favourite plant is the magnificent Mutabilis Rose. Its impressive size, continuous bloom and captivating beauty make it the perfect choice for a garden that keeps giving all year long. 

 

 

What is one of the biggest lessons you've learned over the years when establishing a garden? 

One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the critical importance of preparation. It’s essential to have a clear vision of what you want to achieve, whether that’s creating a privacy screen, establishing a dust and windbreak or enhancing your lawn with shade trees.  Your water source and the quality and quantity of it and your soil and climate will help you determine the best plant choices. Understanding the parameters of your garden space is vital for success.

      Goondiwindi Garden Club will host the next Open Garden Day at Shona's home on Sunday 10th November from 9.30am. For more information, click here

      For more information or to book a consultation with Shona, discover her Instagram
      @_smgardens

      To shop the look and Shona's outfit, click here

      Madeline Campbell