HEART AND SOUL
The biggest project of well-known landscape designer Michael Cooke’s career would have to be the garden at his home at Central Mangrove in the hills behind the NSW Central Coast. When Michael, a nurseryman, and his wife Cathy moved to the 2.5-hectare property 30 years ago, it was predominantly bushland. After clearing some space around the house, Michael soon began planting. “There was certainly no great plan,” he tells me. Over the years, the garden and Michael’s ideas about landscape design have evolved. It turns out he has a great eye for design, not just plants, and his garden reflects this. From a courtyard for entertaining to a tree-covered chook house, the garden is huge yet feels cohesive. It’s also a testing ground. “I’m always considering how different plants evoke different feelings in the garden,” says the 56-year-old, who’s been obsessed with plants all his life. I ask if he’s still as passionate as he was when he began, at the age of 11, working in his local plant nursery. “I still love plants, absolutely.” If he stopped finding plants that excited him “it’d be all over”. His passion is obvious in the care imbued in the creation of his garden, which is a true labour of love. Visit michaelcooke.com.au or follow @michaelcookegardendesign on Instagram.