Jim Fogarty is a landscape designer and gardening, as well as media personality working from Melbourne, Australia. Jim is renowned and well respected within the industry, with over twenty internationally recognised design awards. He has worked extensively at the Chelsea Flower Show in London, ever since 2004 where he designed the ‘Australian Inspiration’ Show Garden, winning a Silver-Gilt medal. Jim also graduated from Burnley Horticultural College in 1992, before developing his career and reputation. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Jim Fogarty.
Image Credit: 1) James Dunlop Textiles 2) Lujo 3) Woodpecker 4) Zanui 5) Eco Outdoor
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
Primarily, I am passionate about developing a unique Australian style of garden design that embraces our own indigenous cultural history, horticulture and is inspired by Australia’s diverse geography.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
I always start with looking at what key plants and trees in an existing garden can be retained. From there I look at developing the design of the structural layout of the garden, and through the whole process I am always considering how plants will form the final layer.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
It is hard to single out individual names. I have complete respect for talented tradesmen and women who can bring a design to life. Ultimately my greatest respect is for those who are individual, ethical, passionate, and compassionate but most importantly don’t take themselves too seriously. As far as gardens go I have utmost respect for designers that really utilise horticulture in design.
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
Most of my inspiration comes from observing nature and also I find travelling very inspirational. I like to look at geography too. Natural materials in the landscape and natural colours of bark, moss and fungi and flower colours can often help with inspiration.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
I am a big believer in technology for design evolution. I use Archicad which is 3D Architectural modelling software. For me it is about efficiency but also 3D design I think makes me a better designer because I can get a better feel for the space. For young designers starting out, the most important thing is hands on experience. You need to do a few years working in the garden, and also building gardens to really get a grasp of how they should be designed.
