Megan Griffey
Holmesglen Institute
Challenger Achievable Gardens Award Winner – Gold
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Step inside Megan Griffey’s Achievable Garden Gold-winning design, where calm, texture and thoughtful layering came together to create a beautifully resolved space. In this Q&A, Megan shares the inspiration behind her garden, the challenges she overcame and the meaningful connections that made the experience unforgettable.
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Describe your garden in 5 words
Calm, layered, textural, generous, resolved.
What was the question you were asked most often?
The most common question was about the planting, especially the sedum. It sparked a lot of conversations about how the smaller details work together, and how those quieter elements can really elevate the overall garden.
What piece of feedback will you always remember?
Michael McCoy said that plants need space to breathe, while still creating an interplay of foliage. That really stayed with me, it’s such a simple idea, but it captures the balance between restraint and richness in planting.
What was an obstacle you had to overcome and how did you do it?
Balancing full-time work in hospitality while planning and delivering the garden was the biggest challenge. I took two and a half weeks of annual leave for the show, which meant I actually took on a second job over Christmas to make it possible. It was a huge effort, but completely worth it.
Would you do it again?
Absolutely, I’m completely hooked. It’s such an intense but rewarding experience, and I’ve already found myself thinking about what I could do next. A balcony garden might be on the cards for next year.
The stage is yours – what do you want to say?
I’d love to thank all of my sponsors for their generosity and support, it truly wouldn’t have been possible without them. In particular, Tanya Kathleen from Proven Winners was incredible, not just with sponsorship but with her enthusiasm and encouragement throughout the process. I was also so grateful for the people who showed up to help. Even friends of friends I had never met before gave their time to get the garden built.
With only two men participating, it was a predominantly female cohort, and I’ve come away with some incredible friendships.
Alongside the show, I’ve been working on a garden for YWCA Australia Richmond House, a women’s shelter supporting women and children escaping domestic violence, which has been a deeply meaningful project. We are currently fundraising to help bring that garden to life. Looking ahead, I’m interested in the delivery side of landscape projects – helping ensure great designs are realised properly and with care. This experience has only reinforced how much I value that part of the process. (If you would like to donate to this cause follow this link YWCA Richmond House).